Links Gallerie

Yay!! Another episode of Links Gallerie.

This has been a short week, post-wise, and as I've been doing a lot of resting since Sunday, I haven't been doing much surfing these past few days.

However, in the time that I have spent online, I've found some rather cool sites to drift through, so here they are.

• The Makeover-O-Matic, from iVillage. The basic version is free, and the process of adding your own photo is kind of tedious, but it's fun to see yourself with celebrity haircuts. Even if the proportions are funky, and you can't really do much about it.
• The Four-Hour Workweek Blog. Just reading the blog made me take a look at some of the things that I'm doing - like stressing out and going into false labor. I think I'm going to take more time out for me.
• UPumpItUp.com. This is something like a social network, created by Mandy Moore and the "Wellness Team." As a part of this community, you take on challenges to help you improve different aspects of your life. I've taken on about eight of them, which I'll be starting next week. New season, new start, I always [not really] say.

Well, that's all that I've got for you this week. I should be nice and fresh Monday morning, so we'll give it a go then. Until then, Happy Easter and have a great [rest of the] weekend.

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One of Those Head-Scratching Moments...

I'm browsing through the blog of Tim Ferriss [The 4-Hour Work Week author] when I come across a link to one of his posts within his post. [If you haven't noticed, I've somewhat modeled my blog after his - or tried to, anyway. I have no idea how that's working out for me, but it's something to do.]

While I was simply expecting to read about his take on extreme outsourcing [I haven't even read the post yet], I find a video embedded into the post. I could tell that it was a news story from the caption - but I didn't pay attention to the network that it came from.

"Many U.S. Parents Outsourcing Child Care Overseas"

Talk about a shocker. And I was drinking a Coke at that particular moment, so you can imagine the possible mess that would have made. Thank you, Gas Chamber. [It's an Army training thing - you can calm down now.]

Of course, this is a news story from The Onion, so I just laughed through the entire thing. It amazes me that these "newscasters" can keep a straight face when reading these stories.

And of course, when I go to the website to check my link, what do I find?

"Black Guy Asks Nation For Change"

It's an article about Barack Obama, but you can't help but see the humor in it. Even though it's a little on the racist side. We'll let that slide for humor's sake.

P.S. I mentioned Tim Ferriss in a press release that I wrote today for the Houston Business Journal. We'll see if it gets picked up. Cross your fingers for me.

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The Space City Appeal and The "Help Me Out" Sweepstakes

As I said I would, here is more information on my latest project - and I think this will be a winner.

[Not that DJC and Signature won't be winners. Speaking of which, I've added a new product to the Signature line, so be sure to sign up for our mailing list.]

The new project is called The Space City Appeal. It's a free e-mail newsletter that gives you all the inside scoops that the Houston metropolis has to offer.

Essentially, it's a localized version of a certain newsletter that I subscribe to. Plus, it's a paper-free way to get the news that you want sent straight to your inbox.

The first editions of The Space City Appeal [The SCA for short] will be delivered on May 1, 2008, and a subscription form has been supplied here. It'll be a real treat, and I'm looking forward to working with Houston businesses [and writers - let me know if you're interested] to create a better sense of community in the area.

Furthermore, to promote The SCA [and DJC], I've decided to start a contest. It's the "Help Me Out" Sweepstakes, and everyone that enters gets a chance to win three months of personal concierge service for FREE. All you have to do is sign up for a subscription to The SCA.

This promotion will end April 20th, 2008, so be sure to sign up today! And tell all your friends, family, and colleagues - I'm sure they'll appreciate the information.
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Oh, the Irony... Or Something Like That

Today is St. Patrick's Day, I'm in stuck in the house on roommate-imposed bedrest.

Something is definitely wrong with that.

I had another contraction scare yesterday while at the Library, and the nurse there gave me two doses of the "I'll relax your uterus but jumpstart your heart" medicine and 10 milligrams of Ambien. I'm still not back to normal yet and that was almost twenty-four hours ago.

In fact, I went to see my doctor today, and I was high. How embarrassing. Although I did decided that I want a baby shower and chocolate cookies with baby blue MM's baked inside.

And in the midst of drug-induced sleep sessions, I decided to start another project. [I think three may be the magic number, but we'll see.] I'm still a little groggy, so I'll tell you a little about it later.

And this situation may not be ironic at all, but I still don't like it.

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Links Gallerie

Welcome to another edition of Links Gallerie.

This week has been pretty mellow, so the links won't be too shocking. In fact, that's pretty much all the introduction that I'm going to give.

Here are my links for the week.

• Kaboodle.com. If you haven't been to this site yet, I'd suggest you make it a priority. If you like making lists and meeting random people, that is. In fact, you can add me as a friend.
• Style.com. This is the online home of the CandyCast - and Vogue magazine. If you get the chance, go listen to her rant about trunks, or whatever she's talking about now.
• Lifehack.org. This is one of new favorite blogs. Not that it's new - it's been around since 2005. It's full of great tips and advice on productivity and other stuff that may prove useful.
• TeamSugar.com. This is the online hub for all the [blank]Sugar websites. The format of this community is really cool, and all the cool things that you can read about could really take up a lot of time - if you're into that sort of thing.
• Zoomstart.com. This is another blog that I like. It's more focused on creating "zoom" for your business. With a lot of great articles on marketing, book reviews, and lists of software and websites that can really give you a leg up, this blog has made it to my favorites list. Go check it out if you're starting a business, or even working with one that you wish would improve.

So, how was your week?

P.S. You have no idea how excited I am about my first comment. It was from the Self Made Chick herself! I think I almost jumped out of my chair when I read that. Thanks again for all the encouraging words, Christine.

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Get Ready To Rokk!!

I'm am proud to say that I went to my first real concert last night. And I saw a really cool band called Freezepop. Yay for having quirking roommates!!

It was a lot of fun. Despite the fact that I was the only pregnant person there, and most of the kids looked like they were thirteen. I tried not to worry about it.

I even got to be in the front row [of the standing crowd] and touch the Other Sean T. Drinkwater's hand!

If you've never heard of this band, you're not really alone. I'd never heard of them either until I played Guitar Hero with my roommate. Then after that, she turned me on to their music [by listening to it everyday - non-stop]. It's really catchy, even thouugh some of the song are too funny to take seriously. But I think that's the mystique of Freezepop.

The band is from Boston, but they decided [or so I heard] to stop in Houston after playing in the South By Southwest [SXSW] shindig that everyone's been talking about. How they found the JavaJazz Coffeehouse, though, will probably be forever beyond me.

For my first concert [I've never been a big fan of the concert scene], it was a lot of fun. I kind of felt bad because I wasn't all bouncy and in the front row. Plus, I only really know a few of their songs. But I did get to hear my two favorites [the title of this post is one of them].

So, with that being said, if you ever get a chance, go see Freezepop. Do it. Do it now.


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NYLO Hotel - Where I Would Love To Be

I wanted to write another post when I woke up today, but I accidentally pulled another all-nighter last night [I have got to stop doing that], so I am just waking up. Horrible, I know.

I was checking my email yesterday [technically, it was this morning] and I got to reading my Daily Candy. As I was going over the articles, I stopped at the one for Dallas because I saw a name that I remembered from Project Runway - Daniel Vosovic.

[I love Jeffrey and Chloe, but Daniel was my favorite from that season.]

Turns out , Daniel has designed the uniforms for a new hotel in Plano, The Nylo Hotels. From looking at the picture of the housekeeping model, I'd say the uniforms are going to be pretty spiffy. And apparently there are commercial versions of the design on sale at the hotel itself.

So, when I clicked the link to get to the hotel's online hub, I was quickly taken aback - in a good way.

This place looks amazing! The lofts [their hotel rooms] are to die for. And seeing that one of my goals is to move into my own loft, I would know. In fact, I'm starting to consider moving to Plano. I wonder how my business would go over there?

Plus, the place isn't that expensive at all! They have great weekend specials - even a BOGO promotion [a shopping girl's best friend]. And their common area is awesome. From what I can tell by gawking at the pictures, anyway.

I could go on and on, but I'm still a tad bit sleepy and the fetal bomb is kicking me in the ribs for not letting him rest. Suffice it to say that the Nylo is awesome. If I ever get the chance, I'll take a weekend and go lounge there for no reason. I don't know when that will be, but it's on my to-do list now.

One of my many to-do lists, anyway.

So, what great finds have you come across? Share the wealth with your musings.

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Don't Let the Accessories Scare You

My roommate and I were on our way to my personal library to learn and grow and enjoy our favorite Starbucks goodies [grande hot chocolate - Godiva, if they still have it- with a shot of hazelnut, and a sugar cookie, please], when she told me the funniest thing.

"You look like you're going to beat the crap out of somebody."

Of course, it caught me completely off-guard until I looked at myself in the mirror.

Despite the fact that I'm about eight months pregnant or so, I still fit into all of my old clothes. So, I was wearing my favorite jeans, a black thermal shirt, a black jacket, and black and white running shoes. [Don't ask me why I wear running shoes. I haven't run a foot since my training days in the Army.]

The real reason that she made that comment was apparently in the accessories I was wearing: black hoop earrings, reflective aviator sunglasses [it was still bright outside], and a metal belt with a huge skull-shaped buckle.

I laughed. But I get her point. Especially when people have always either stared at me
[they tend to do that even more when you're pregnant, for some reason. Geez - find some manners and use them, people!] or avoided making eye contact as if doing so would bring on the Plague. Apparently I tend to have a "mean" look on my face all the time, too, so I generally give off an all-around "Don't f**k with me" vibe.

What can I say? It's how I was raised.

But I will say this: it's not that I'm genuinely mean or violent. It just takes me a while to let people in. But, as many of my horoscope and tarot readings tell me, once you're in, you're in for life.

But don't let the things that I wear give you a certain impression about who I am or what I stand for. I just really like skulls and aviators. It's a personal preference, not a scare tactic.

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More Candy That I'll Be Enjoying

While I was surfing the internet this weekend, and I found a few things that peaked my interest.

[Yes, I surf the internet a lot. I'm pregnant and looking for ways to grow my business. What do you expect?]

The first one was The Daily Candy. The site itself is okay, I guess. I'm more interested in what they do.

When you sign up, you'll receive daily newsletters about fashion, travel, and even great deals and sales. They don't have an option for Houston, but I chose 'Everywhere,' 'Dallas,' 'London,' and 'New York' as my places to learn about.

So now, I can look forward to adding my Daily Candy to my morning ritual. [Checking my inbox for news newsletters is one of the first things I do everyday. Right after blogs and prenatal vitamins.]

The other piece of Candy that I'm looking forward to is the CandyCast on Vogue magazine's online home. This is an animated podcast by Candy Pratts Price, where she sits on the edge of her desk with her crazy hair and talks about random stuff.

[This is my first impression of it, so I could be wrong. And no, I don't know who Candy Pratts Price is, but I'll be sure to look into it.]

While watching this strange new CandyCast, I caught a glimpse of advertisement for the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, and decided to find out more. Apparently some liguor producer gives grants to six designers every year so they can produce a show during Fashion Week.

Though I'm not an avid drinker, I do love Fashion Week. If I ever get the chance, I'll be sure to start keeping up with it, instead of just watching it from Project Runway's point of view.

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My It List

I was checking out the Vanity Fair website this weekend, and I came across one of their new features - The It List, in the Vanity Fair Insider section.

It's a nifty little section to play around with. I found some things that look rather interesting, and some things that I can definitely do without.

Here's my It List so far.

1. Jantzen Vamp Maillot. I've always loved the one-piece bathing suits from the old Hollywood era, and this one is insanely cute. I'll be picking that one up at the Gallerie as soon as I'm back to swimsuit condition.
   
   


2. Johnson's Softlotion Melt Away Stress. I love Johnson's body products. I won't lie - I use baby lotion and oil on my own skin, so I'll probably be running out of the stuff at an abnormally fast pace.
   
   


3. Fiji Water Home Delivery. I didn't know that Fiji had a home delivery service, but now that I do, I think I'll be giving it a shot - as well as suggesting it to my clients. Not only does it give you an incentive to drink more water [which I hate], but it helps give clean water to deprived children in other countries. Warms my heart...
   
   


4. The Lipari Gown by Diane von Furstenberg. I love this dress. Especially now that I'm really starting to show. It's a great color, too - teal looks rather nice on me, if I do say so myself.
   
   


5. The Berkeley Damier Azur from Louis Vuitton. I absolutely, positively have to have this bag. It may take me a while to get it, but I have to have it. It's gorgeous. And so gorgeous. Wait, I said that already, didn't I?
   
   

So, what's on your It List? Check out the Vanity Fair Insider section, and tell me all about your favorite picks in the comments section.

P.S. I just joined Technorati, Digg, and Del.icio.us this weekend, so look for me there. Also, feel free to bookmark this blog and share it with someone you know.

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Links Gallerie

Welcome to the very first installment of Links Gallerie. [And yes, I know I spelled 'gallery' wrong. It's an ode to Z Gallerie, one of my favorite furniture stores, and it's staying that way.]

I know, another list. What can I say?

In this series of lists, I'm going to be listing a bunch of cool sites that I've been to during the week, whether they're for stores and restaurants, or online blogs and shops. I hope you'll go check some of them out if you get a chance.

So, without further ado, here we go.

• ReadyMadeMag.com. The online home of ReadyMade magazine. I love digging through the archives for new projects. I used to do construction with my dad when I was a little tomboy - now I'm just a tomboy in heels - so getting my hands dirty is rather fun for me.


• CreativeProOffice.com. Creative Pro Office is a great tool for keeping track of my time and services, and it even allows clients to log in and see their accounts as well. It's the online program that I'll be using when I start working with clients.


• BN.com. I like to think of Barnes and Noble as my personal library. I can go there whenever I want, read all the new and useful books that I want, take notes [which I do - a lot], and drink Starbucks hot chocolate while I learn about new things. What could be better than that?


• Men.Style.com. This is the online home of GQ and Details magazines. Yes, I do read mens' magazines from time to time. It's where I go to learn about all the cool gadgets and gizmos, not just the frilly ones that women are apparently supposed to be interested in.


• PoshTots.com. This is a very cool little shop. Not that I can afford anything from it, but it gives me something to look forward to. Plus, I get to look through all the sections and mentally design the fetal bomb's nursery. It's how I'm able to be girly in a justifiable way.

And there you have it. Those are the links of the week. See you next Saturday for more useful sites to see.

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If I Ever Had a Week and $8,000 To Spend

I was re-reading one of my favorite blog, Self Made Chick, and I've decided to take yet another one of Christine O'Kelly's posts to heart.

[Christine's blog is one of the things that gave me the extra push that I needed to start my own business, and I attribute a lot of my new knowledge to her postings. Thank you, Christine, for showing me the way.]

In this post, Christine talks about using the power of the mind to create the wealth that you want from your business. She talks about how thinking as if you are a millionaire will help you reach your goals by changing the way you think and act on your thoughts.

So, in light of this post, I've decided to take this approach with my business. And I think that the first thing that I would do as a millionaire [besides shopping for about eight hours straight] is go to a spa.

As my first step in creating my very own millionaire mindset, I went to SpaFinder.com to look for the perfect place to go. Since I'm pregnant, and I'm a workaholic, I decided that I'd like to go somewhere that will allow me to stay in the States and simply relax. After clicking about, I found the perfect place.

The Golden Door Resort.

Even the website is relaxing [the great handiwork of some designer who was probably paid handsomely]. As I looked through the pictures and read through the web pages, I was sold. The other locations look great, but I chose the original spa in Escondido because I love the Asian essence of it. I'm a huge fan of Japanese architecture and culture, so this place does it for me.

If I ever get a week off [I'm speaking from my new mindset now - enjoy the switch], I'll definitely give a great amount of thought in going there for their Inner Focus program. I would love to spend seven days doing tai chi and sen archery. In fact, now that I've seen this, I think I may look a little further into the art of meditation. I love the practice - I just never have enough time to really do some good with it. Maybe a week off would help.

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On a More Personal Note

I got my first ultrasound images today!

This is the side of his head and spine.

Usually you'd get them soon in the pregnancy, but for some reason, my little bomb is a shy one [I have no idea why]. So, my doctor was finally able to get a good shot of him - yes, it's a boy.

I have about six more weeks to go before the big day, and I'm starting to get really nervous. I'm putting the finishing touches on the nursery in my spare time, but I still can't seem to stop worrying - what if I don't have this, who's going to remember to bring that?

But, I guess that's a mother's job. It's just a little strange to start thinking of myself as a mother just yet.

That's his foot [the little white dot is an arrow pointing to his big toe].

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Rihanna - An Up-and-Coming Diva

One of today's It-Girls that I'm really looking forward to seeing more about is Rihanna. The young singer may have some good songs, but I love her new sense of style even more.

Some of my friends and family members say that I resemble her, but I just don't see it. Though I wouldn't complain if I did - the girl is gorgeous. But I digress.

I've seen this girl everywhere - on magazine covers, tv shows, and in her music videos. I must say, I love what's she's done with herself.

I especially love her hair and makeup. And while I'm not ready to cut my hair again just yet, I would love to steal her hairstyle. Maybe I'll find a good stylist that can give me a similar feel without sacrificing the length.

P.S. Be sure to check out my Kaboodle lists. I love this site.

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Heaven's Six - Designers

Welcome to the first installment of Heaven's Six.

[This is an idea I cooked up when trying to decide which designer I was going to talk about today. I'm a huge fan of making lists, so this seemed to be a great idea. We'll see how it goes.]

Heaven's Six will be a list of six somethings - whether it's movies, albums, or today's topic, designer. These seven things are the best and greatest to me, and I'll be sharing my reasons why in future Heaven's Six episodes. [As if this is a tv show...]

As I've already mentioned, todays' topic is designers. While I'm not a big fan of paying crazy prices for someone's name myself, some designers really stick to me. If I ever had the opportunity, I would probably purchase at least one item from the following people.

1. Jean Paul Gaultier. Ever since I saw his work in The Fifth Element [one of my favorite movies], I've been in love with this man's work. The colors, the cuts, the fabrics, the eccentric nature - it all speaks to me. [Forgive me for sounding so dramatic.]


2. Isaac Mizrahi. Who doesn't love Isaac Mizrahi? Great style, great personality, and he has a line at Target. What more can you say?


3. Manolo Blahnik. I love heels. Stilhettos and wedges, peeptoes and pumps. And this guy does heels the way I like them - the higher, the better. And it doesn't hurt that he's a staple in on of my favorite television series of all times - Sex and the City.


4. Louis Vuitton. French designer, American staple. No explanation needed.


5. Gwen Stefani. Say what you will, but I like Gwen's house of style. It's quirky, edgy, and sexy all at the same time. Forgive me, but I admire someone who can pull that off and still look as glamorous as she does.


6. Betsey Johnson. The lady is a weirdo [you know she is], and some of her designs are a little too crazy for me. But, I admit - every time I go to the Galleria, I make it a priority to walk into her store just to see what's there.

So there you have it. Heaven's Six Designers, from my point of view. [And no, these aren't in any distinct order. I'd be here all day if I had to figure that out.]

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The Cinematic Adventure I'm Dying to See

This is probably extremely obvious just from the title of this blogging expedition, but I'll say it anyway.

I am a huge fan of Sex and the City.

I've only recently started watching the show [I got hooked my senior year of high school, watching it on TBS], but ever since my first encounter with the girls, I've been a true devotee. I've made three different boyfriends watch it, and while those guys are long gone, you'll still catch me comparing something to a certain event from one of the episodes.

Plus, I like to think of myself as all four girls rolled into one. I have Carrie's love for fashion and romance, and strutting down sidewalks. Samantha is one of my personal heroes when it comes to being a sexy, powerful, and successful woman in a "man's world." Miranda is inspiring me to still pursue my dreams and goals, even with a bomb in the oven [as I affectionately call my unborn child]. And Charlotte - well, I don't really see that much of myself in Charlotte, other than the fact that she's really reserved, yet can lose it in a heartbeat. But i still love her nonetheless.

So, with all that being said, you can see why I'm so excited about the movie. Yes, the movie!! I'll [hopefully] be in line on May 30th, with as many friends in tow as I can force to come with me. And I'll probably be ranting and raving all about it here, so stay tuned for that.





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Why I Want to Be a Personal Concierge

I've been looking to start my own business for some time now. I want to be independent and self-sufficient, and I want to do it on my own terms.

I've had plenty of jobs in the past, and I'm really tired of having to live up to expectations that are lower than my own.

Plus, seeing that I'm about seven months pregnant, no one in corporate America is willing to even give me a chance. But that's okay - I forgive you. In fact, I want to help you.

Helping people is what I do. Whether it's with kind words [though I'll never admit to it later on], new ideas, or running errands and taking care of sick friends - I actually like to help people. And it's not to say that you owe me later on. I really could care less.

Half the time I don't even realize that I'm helping people - I just tend to do it. [Maybe that's why everyone thinks I'll be a good mother. I can't really tell yet.]

So, in looking for the perfect business to start, I scoured the internet, reading through countless articles from Entrepreneur.com and Inc.com and even Visa.com. After giving a few business ideas a try, I came to the conclusion that being a personal concierge is the best thing that I can do.

Not only will I be able to help people who need it, but I'll be getting paid to do it. Also, I can set my own prices, my own hours, and my own standards and expectations. No more showing up for a paycheck - this is my business, and I get to run it as I see fit.

Being a personal concierge is about helping people create the lifestyle that they've always wanted. Whether I'm helping stay-at-home moms or corporate executives, I'm giving them a little more of the one thing that no one can ever get back: time. And being able to say that about myself is really special to me.

Plus, being a personal concierge allows me to do all the things that I love to do anyway. I'll be shopping, keeping things organized, working with multiple projects at once, and staying on top of the latest trends, sins, and events.

God, I'm so excited about this. [Wouldn't you be?]

Welcome!

Welcome to the very first post of Fabulous in the City! My name is Dayna Jones, and I'll be your hostess throughout this blogging adventure.

Fabulous in the City, or "FabCity" as I call it in my head, is [or will be] full of all the random thoughts, musings, and findings that pass through my head as I embark on the awe-inspiring journey of becoming a personal concierge with The Dayna Jones Company, or simply DJC.

As a side project, I'm also looking to start an online stationery and gift shop, where I'll offer my creations and ideas for public consumption. I'm really excited about FabCity as well as the new endeavors that I'm starting in this new year.

With that being said, I hope that you'll come back often and check up on me - leave me lots of comments and suggestions, and even subscribe [no pressure] to this blog if you really like what you see.

Sincerely,






Dayna Jones