Local Gifts

December 16, 2014 Kristen Hilyard1

My dream came true last week… I was able to marry my relationship with Great Day Houston (their amazing team Erin, Heather, Jennifer and Debra of course) and my passion to facilitate peoples dreams while inspiring others.

I did a segment all about keeping it local. I had the privilege of incorporating brands that I love and those that I have come to love into the segment. SO. MUCH. FUN.

Supporting local is a grass roots effort keeping the entrepreneur spirit and American dream alive. It's a gift that keeps giving by boosting local economy, creating jobs, birthing creativity and speaking to dreams in people's hearts.

Support local makes you a dream maker... What a beautiful thing.

Check out my Local Gifts Great Day Segment by clicking on link below. Don't forget to keep scrolling on blog to find out more about the brands i'm obsessed with and then take advantage of some discount codes during this holiday season.

LOCAL GIFTS GREAT DAY SEGMENT

Without further adieu, here are some of my latest local gift ideas for the holiday season!

Stash Co.

This is a brand that from afar I have been obsessed with that I was introduced to by my dear friend Kelly Garcia along side her super rad equally dear "Bueno" sister Brandi. (They have a stellar website full of goody goodness BUENOSHOP) It wasn't long that I had my face to face encounter with Stashco's fine leather goods, I had to stop myself from making a fool with the drool that was trying to escape my mouth. Each piece is hand sewn with vintage tools bringing class, innovation and that ageless character. Uber Radness at its finest, am I right? This type of quality will last for generations and the best thing is the more you use the better they become.

You can catch them online or at their storefront in West Ave at Upper Kirby. Mention #greatday for 25% off up until Christmas Eve. Get on it! http://stashco.myshopify.com/

Clockwise L-R: The Fyn in Italian Croc; Italian Croc Duffle w/ Black Bison Strap and Handles; Kayak Pack; Colossal Flask in Italian Croc

Marigold Bars

I remember the beginning stages of these delicious meal bars, its incredible how far they have come. A recent finalist in the HEB Quest for Texas Best is just another affirmation that these bars are legit!. Way to go Marianne! Marigold bars are packed full of protein, curbing that unnecessary and daunting hunger feeling that happens in the day, mid day, early evening to late night cravings. The one when you've hit your breaking point and run to taco cabana. Or is that just me? The best is that it's a complete shocker when you realize the ridiculous goodness you are eating is not your favorite candy bar. No my friends it is a gluten free no added sugar protein pack meal bar. GUILT FREE! Is that not a woman's dream come true?!

My Siphon coffee paired perfectly with my favorite bar "Salted Caramel".

Go to http://www.marigoldbars.com/ and kick off your new year right! Yum.

Abbie Preston/ Box Sparrow

I encountered Abby Preston over year ago at an event that I was styling for Lululemon. Her soft gentle way, clothed in humility, by no means masked this fiercely talented woman. She scripted out something for me and within moments I was sucked into an Abby Preston artistic obsession. All of her pieces are unique but her passion behind her work is what makes it special. She desires to have her pieces sitting in the company of greatness; families building memories through laughter, tears and "present" conversations. I believe her work will outlast her life and her pieces will be placed around tables with faces she may never know. Lord willing I hope to have a family of my own that would inherit pieces of this brilliant artist that loved so big, it was evident in everything she touched.

Check out her work at www.abbiepreston.com. For Christmas you can always inquire about commission pieces.

Chiaderm+

Chia seed extract who would have know it could do such wonders to the skin… Wow! It smells organic and feels fantastic! I've been using Chiaderm+ for over a week and my skin feels like it's bring hydrated from a life long battle with drought. Amazing local product thats kicking age's booty and activating my inner youth glow. How can you go wrong with this product?!

Manoosh

In my recent introduction with this beautiful brand Manoosh I instantly fell in love. The scarves are unique to anything you will ever see because its a print of an art piece on 100% Cashmere. Its literally a wearable piece of art. You can wear it or hang it no matter where you put it, its fabulous.Three generations of woman have made this dream come alive. Love that! Support a family support a dream! Find out more about this company HERE.

33PERSPECTIVE

33 perspective is a personal journey on so many different levels, I believe I had something stirring in my heart and I finally birthed it into existence. It could not have happened without a team of amazing friends and family that supported me and helped me launch in September 2013. (You know who you are beautiful friends of mine.) The birth of 33 was one of the most life changing times of my life to which I gained perspective in every single area. Hence, 33Perspective.

If you haven't been to the shop check it out HERE! Also head on over to my passion project "The Penny Series.” Type #Christmasishere in promo code for 15% off your purchase.

Click on photo below to see a quick slideshow of some of my pieces.

So many wonderful things to be thoughtful with, happy shopping and Merry Christmas to all!

A whole lot of love,

Kjoy

Pretty Pretty Pumpkin

December 11, 2014 Kristen Hilyard1

Fall is in the air and with that are the changing of the leaves, sweaters and pumpkins. Today we focus on pumpkins good ole it can make a nice pie or latte... pumpkin.

Check out my latest segment on GREAT DAY HOUSTON to create the perfect holiday photo. Click on link below.

GREAT DAY HOUSTON SEGMENT ON THE PERFECT HOLIDAY VIGNETTE.

Recently I was able to go to an amazing family friendly farm to create beautiful vignettes with all sorts of pumpkins, the variety was endless. I was able to create installations that varies with antiques, quirks and colors.

Blessington Farms is the perfect memory making adventure with your family. All sorts of fun with go carts, slides, berry picking and animals. (we're talking even camels) This thanksgiving season I created some awesome picture taking spaces for families and cutie pies to capture sweet smiles and precious giggles. Here's some tips on how to do it in the comforts of your own home.

How to create the picture perfect fall vignette right in your back yard.

1. Lighting is key to any photo. Find a tree, awning or nook outside that can bring indirect light to the picture. Direct sunlight overhead can blast out faces and cast horrific shadows on your picture. Lighting is the most important step in creating a picture area. Front porches are perfect because you can leave installation out and for others to enjoy and to partake in the season.

2. Gather your props. Old antiques, haystacks, picture frames, wooden pallets and Pumpkins.

3. If putting pumpkin on a grassy area I would advise elevating pumpkins off the grass. You can use palettes, bricks or cinder blocks. This well help prevent them from turning into a mushy mess.

4. I personally like to stick with themes it helps bring continuity to a vignette. You can do so by picking a style of pumpkins; white ones, traditional ones, funky ones and/or props like iron wheels, bicycles, old barn doors ect.

5. Make it full or keep it simple.

You can do one large pumpkin and use a frame.
Grab an old tin pot fill with flowers and pour on the pumpkins the more the merrier.
i like to keep in odd numbers when i style for a effortless look however if you are into a symmetrical style ignore my advice.

6. Creating shapes when styling helps. I form elevated designs using u-shapes, triangular, half-circles and rectangles with props.

7. Place cutie pies (kids) in vignettes have them touch and play with surroundings. Pulling on hay, holding mini pumpkins ect. Anytime a installation has an interactive opportunity photos looks less staged and more organic.

8. Have fun and keep it moving. If sitting on a pumpkin, hay, or prop doesn't work let the model stand, hold or kiss the prop.

9. Say cheese and shoot. Bam. Solid goodness.

So, in the spirit of thanksgiving I am so grateful for you as friends and supporters. I hope this helps in making memories this holiday season.

Oh one last thing....

One thing I am extremely grateful for this year is my boyfriend Eric. He is not only a hard worker, a calculated risk-taker, a friend to all, generous and a loving man but he chooses to invest in me, in us. Its a beautiful thing to be completely secure in someone's love for you. So yeah...I'm way grateful. I thought I'd get all gushy up in here. He was home and got to help me with great day...such a stud.

He was home and got to help me with great day...such a stud.

so much lovin'.

kjoy

Bedroom Facelift

September 1, 2014 Kristen Hilyard1

A lot can happen in a couple months, one of which was my big move back into the city; I am loving it. I have a great space at the Marquee Lofts Downtown Houston, in a fun location with the most beautiful roommate.

Here she is folk one of my best friends and roomie Arianna aka Ari. This girl has wit, talent (if you follow me on Instagram I'm sure you've seen all her serenading videos. Ari has vocal skills for days), smarts, humor, kindness, beauty and so much love. I'm a big fan. Message me for inquiries.

So back on point...in all my moving I get to repurpose and redesign my new space, and seeing I have an amazing roommate she is up for anything.

Which leads me to my latest Great Day Houston segment...My Bedroom Facelift. Click below to watch segment.

>>>CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DAY HOUSTON BEDROOM FACELIFT LINK<<<

I really did have a fun segment...you have to watch and see to believe it.

Golden Headboard

I have had this headboard since 1994. Its a beautiful piece of furniture but didn't have the Kristen flair on it so I decided to add some paint. I went to Home Depot and grabbed one of the Ralph Lauren specialty paints in a bright gold alongside deglosser sander. I wiped the headboard down with deglosser to take away sheen so paint will adhere to the headboard. After it dried I painted two coats of gold paint and it turned out like a dream. Seriously, couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Resin Table Cloth Table

This was as easy as it gets and the finish is like butter really hard butter...smooth and solid.

I had this old side table from my grand parents that had great bone structure, just needed a slight face lift. I spray painted the table gold because in my opinion you can never have too many gold accessories. I picked out a modern piece of material and fitted it to the top of the table. I Mod Podged the fabric to the table and then poured the resin mixture on top of it smoothing it out with my finger. YOU HAVE TO LET THIS DRY COMPLETELY. Most instructions say to give it a good 24 hours, I accidentally tested the drying process with a piece of plastic and it immediately fused to table. I am living proof that the instructions were telling the truth, you're welcome. I now have a interesting square box addition to my side table perfect for jewelry or flowers. yay?

Gold Metal Shelving

This happens to be one of my favorite DIY additions I have done. Found this bookshelf at Ikea, the color was gunmetal but I felt the need to add some golden love. I put the frame of the shelving unit together and while it was standing up spray painted it. I then spray painted each glass panel with a mirror effect spray paint ( there is such a thing check it out HERE, it gets kind of streaky so lightly spray back in forth with a steady light hand for best results. Adding mirrors is great because when you put candles on top of it, it reflects light in such a beautiful way.

I put it in my kitchen for storage and bedroom for statement piece, both look lovely.