Attention Houstonians:

Don't forget tonight is the official launch party for the much anticipated book Houston. It's Worth It.

Images from the book will be projected on the outside of Lawndale Art Center. DJ Pooks rocks the parking lot. Proceeds from book sales benefit Lawndale Art Center's programs. Starts at 6:30. See you there!

Give a Green Gift

Place a flourishing succulent in this wooden planter from IKEA and you have an inexpensive and lively gift!

Spoiler Alert

I love when Domino posts the Sneak Peek section on their website for the upcoming month. I simply can't stand surprises [well, truth be told I really love them. But if I know I have a surprise coming, I am the brat who will do everything to spoil the surprise because I can't stand not being in-the-know. I bet this flawed character trait of mine really sucks for family and friends. I simply cannot help it.]. I'm loving this and this.

I have a major love affair with sunglasses [and shoes, jewelry, clothing, home interiors, wallpaper, pens....]. A few years ago, Anthropologie had a pair of wooden glasses that I stalked daily hoping they would go on sale, in typical Anthro fashion. Oddly enough, that day never came and they just up and disappeared on me. I still have dreams of their beauty and quirkiness. These iWood ecodesign Tigerwood veneer [sustainably harvested wood] sunglasses make me oh, so happy. And they come with their own recycled leather case, of course. Available through Green With Glamour.


Anyone who knows me fully understands my obsession with rings the size of a small planet. Even J knew I could care less about the size of diamond in my engagement ring, as long as I had a massive band and setting. He's so smart. It's only natural that I was overwhelmed with giddiness at the sight of this Cara Croninger bronze ring at TenThousandThings.

If you also can't stand the anticipation, check out a few more sneak peeks for Domino's December/January issue here.

Nice People Rule!

I had to share this email I received from the VP of Merchandising/Creative Director of Jayson Home & Garden. As if I didn't already love that company enough, I have now been blown away by their manners in response to this post. Many companies have thrown customer service out the window and it's so refreshing and encouraging to know there are still companies who care about their image and reputation. Thank you, Jayson Home & Garden, for being such a standout company. I hope more follow suit.

Hi Courtney,
I just wanted to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about our store on your blog. I am embarassed to say that I am new to following blogs but I have seen the evidence of their power . We had an event here a couple of weeks ago with Grace from Design Sponge. We had about 120 women show up who were starting their own businesses and I was just blown away at what a powerful medium the blogging can be. I just love the idea that something so sterile and anonymous at a computer and the internet can produce a gathering so warm and fuzzy, meaningful and potentially life changing! So I thank you. I have been doing this for a long time and it really means a lot to me when people actually say out loud how they feel about the store...good, bad and ugly!

Oh Deer!

I have this iron stag mounted above my back door. I intended to place it adjacent to my front door to hold purses, coats and keys, but the idea was quickly ixnayed by J. He is not a fan of the "here's a hook to hang everything when you walk in so it doesn't have to be put away" mentality, which is probably why our house looks organized 90% of the time*.

I think the stag would make a wonderful gift and I even love Bell'occhio's suggestion for use - buy a pair to hold a garland in place for an Alpine effect. In person, he looks much more expensive than his $20 asking price!


* Now would fall into the other 10% because at this very moment it looks like Father Christmas exploded in our den, leaving behind bits of wrap, ribbon, tags and tinsel. And LOTS of "stuffing paper" for boxes.

You've Got To Be Kidding

This is INSANE! Leave it to my brother to find Mountain Wingsuit jumping.

Tank Yew Vedy Much

For an Andy Kaufman lover, either of these would make an excellent gift.


Shopsin's General Store always has fun trinkets and treasures. 5 cream colored, heavyweight cards and matching envelopes, hand letterpressed in red ink. These notecards would make a lasting - and humerous - impression.


La Tete au Cube's Tank U bud vase designed by Jerome Fischbach available through A+R Store. The delicate vase is manufactured at the legendary porcelain factories of Limoge in Southern France. Available in four different finishes.

The Fine Print

As we near the end of 2007, I can't help but notice the amount of "RENEW NOW" letters pouring in from my plethora of magazine subscriptions. I happened to get on both Domino and Lucky's websites to check my termination dates. To my surprise, I have already paid for these magazines to be delivered through May of 2009! So, before you shell out another $12 [measly, I know], double check your subscription terms. You may be surprised too!

I love Jordan's post on magazines! She buys all of her subscriptions through eBay because it is cheap and easy, but remember to look at the seller's feedback, as well as shipping fees, to make sure you don't get scammed. It's a great post and Jordan also gives insight to her favorite mags on the market!


[photo courtesy of Flickr member Littopillo]

If I Had All The Money In The World...

I could spend hours daydreaming at Jayson Home & Garden. I actually think the products are worth their asking prices. Just think how much big-box stores like Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel charge for their particle board furniture. And, I promise, your next door neighbor will not have the exact living room vignette.

I had once inquired about a $2,000 French cabinet from Jayson Home & Garden and they only asked $280 in shipping fees! Meanwhile, another site wanted $400 to ship me 2 twin headboards that weighed less than 15 pounds total...and was much closer to me than Chicago. I wish more retailers had fair shipping costs. And right now thru Dec. 16, receive free shipping on all orders over $100! If money were no object, I would order these bits of happiness pronto:

The lacquered grey Vintage Sideboard would be perfect for my china, my great grandmother's china, and my ever-growing collection of vintage glasses. I adore the grasscloth lining and the new grey paint is a fresh change from all the white lacquer we've recently seen. Please money tree, drop off $2,995.00.



My sister inherited our grandmother's Victorian settee. While hers is a bit more floral and curvy than this one, I think it would be breathtaking reupholstered and refinished like this Antique French Settee. The natural burlap fabric and gold frame makes it a truly brilliant piece. $3,295.00



Two of these natural linen Bergere Canopy Chairs for my dining room table. Or if it is comfy enough, I'd take just one for my desk chair and add wheels, s'il vous plait. Very Kelly Wearstler for Bergdorf Goodman-ish. $2,695.00



For anyone in the Chicago area, check out the store located in Lincoln Park at 1885 N Clybourn Avenue.

City Slicker

I want to look like this when it's raining outside. The Sartorialist is without a doubt my most inspiring daily read.

New York Profile: RGPR and Femme Sud

Robin Goetz Chwatko is one of those girls that you want to be best friends with. Smart, pretty, witty, creative, quirky, and did I mention smart? Robin has the Midas touch and an amazing repertoire to prove it.

In 2000, Robin set out to start her own PR firm, RGPR. She has since acquired an impressive list of clients, including Style.com, Mixed Greens, Wishing Fish, Fab Dog, and Mappetite, just to name a few. This girl has a way with words and adds an extra dash of panache to everything she pitches. But what I love most about Robin is that she whole-heartedly believes in the products and brands she represents, and it comes out in her sense of enthusiasm and animation.

In addition to her PR firm, this young entrepreneur joined forces with Joanna Lipman in 2005 to launch Femme Sud, a concise collection of handbags resembling books. Femme Sud creates collectible accessories that mix nostalgia and glamour with humor. Most recently, the girls were inspired by an award ribbon to create a totally fresh shape for handbags. And don’t miss their clever coin purses boasting tongue-in-cheek sayings like Bonus, Inheritance, Trust Fund, Allowance, Nest Egg, Lunch Money, Rainy Day Funds, and Mad Money. Their clients include boutiques across the world and celebrities such as Mena Suvari, Oprah, Beyonce Knowles, Amanda Peet, Pheobe Cates Kline, Paris Hilton, and Bette Midler.


Tell us about your public relations company, RGPR.
I started RGPR in 2000, when I realized I could offer PR and branding services that were affordable to small or startup businesses. At that point, the PR firm I worked for charged upwards of $10,000 a month retainer fees. Most importantly, I wanted the opportunity to tell the world about products, people and businesses that I am passionate about!

When you first take on a new brand as a client, what are the first steps you take before formulating a Marketing and PR strategy?
It is important to create a plan that parallels a business’ overall growth strategy. I try to understand the goals of the company, where they see themselves, and what publications are important to them. I research the competition and try to see how they can be branded differently.

What recommendations would you make to young talent with low budgets that are trying to get their product seen?
PR can be overwhelming, and it is certainly a full-time job. The key is to be very targeted, rather than blanket the world with information about your product or business. Pick the 10 publications that are most important to you, or pick an "easier" place to start-- your local paper rather than Oprah!

When should a brand consider contacting a PR firm, and how should they choose between different agencies?
A lot of it should be instinct. Make sure you like and trust the person and they "get" your business completely. You want to trust that they are representing you well, and understand the ins and outs. If you are hiring a firm, make sure you are told ahead of time WHO will be your contact and who will be working on your account. Sometimes it takes a while to get results from PR, so ask what tangibles you can receive on a regular basis; press releases, a press kit, lists, etc...so even if it doesn’t work out you have these items you can use.

Has your approach toward media changed with the emergence of blogs? Is this something you tap into for newer clients where it may be harder to garner editorial press in respected publications such as Vogue, Town & Country, etc?
First of all, I think that blogs ARE respected publications! I have been putting the same effort and weight into getting press in great blogs these days, as I really feel like this is where media is clearly going (if we are not already there!).

How do you successfully cultivate and maintain relationships with the media?
It is funny-- I have never been the "wine and dine" type of publicist...ESPECIALLY since I have been working by myself. I would rather spend my time with my husband, dogs, and friends! I think I have developed strong relationships by sending press relevant, interesting ideas. A lot of it simply comes from keeping up with who is writing what and where!

In addition to media relations/publicity, what other services do you provide your clients?
Gosh, that is different client to client...I do copywriting, logo and web design and writing, branding, special events...anything that comes up, I will consider!

One of the most interesting things about you is how you have experience on both sides of the industry – as an accessory designer as well as a publicist. Which do you find most difficult, designing and producing a collection or launching a brand?
That is a tough call. I think I find the client management part of PR to be the most stressful and difficult...people put their businesses in my hands, and I can lose a lot of sleep over it. With my handbag business, I am the client (and my hardest client!) but at least I have control over my own business.

What inspired your first handbag design?
My business partner, Joanna, and I used to collect vintage handbags and jewelry and started selling to make room for more! We both are enamored with the detail and whimsy in so many of the old bags...and were getting sick of the "it" bags that all look the same. So, we wanted to really create something that would stand out. Also, we are both bookworms....

You have an entrepreneurial spirit that, no doubt, is evident in all you do. You own two successful and very focused companies, Femme Sud and RGPR. Do you have the desire to continue start-ups or are you satisfied with where you are now?
Although I cannot say what the future holds, I know for certain I will continue an entrepreneurial path. I wouldn't be surprised if I started something else in the future.

What advice do you have for women who are considering their own ventures?
Starting my own business was the best decision I ever made-- for ME. It is NOT for the faint of heart! I would say just do it-- just jump in and get started, if it is something you are passionate about!

What industry/trade/fashion publications are must-reads for you?
I actually pay more attention to consumer oriented publications: InStyle, Oprah-types...you learn a lot about trends overall. I do, of course, read WWD and many blogs.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Nostalgic-chic...a distinct mix of vintage and modern styles and designers.

Whose artistic and creative works do you covet?
Totally obsessed with John Derian. I love Jonathan Adler and Lulu Guinness, too, for having a sense of humor. I just bought this ceramic tree-stump stool I thought about for a year from DFC...they have the most unusual things! I also currently love the new clothing line, Karta.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I am very messy.

Favorite places in New York to shop/eat/etc? I know you are originally from Houston, any hot spots you love [and miss] here?
My husband and I eat regularly at Le Jardin, a French bistro on the Lower East Side. We are regulars there and they know us when we walk in, I love that! As for shopping, I have never been loyal to one store or another-- I like to go everywhere! I do LOVE Blue Tree -- they carry my bags, but I love every single item in that store. There is a hole-in-the-wall Indian place called Darbar that has a beet dish I dream about.
In Houston, no doubt Lupe Tortilla and Pappasito's are must-haves when I am there. I eat so much queso I feel ill when I leave! And, I know it is weird but I love Cleburne Cafeteria!

Favorite aspect of New York?
The seasons. And the fact that you never know what will happen or what you will find just wandering the streets!

For questions or interest in RGPR or Femme Sud, contact Robin at robin@rg-pr.com or visit www.femmesud.com.

Making My List

Not too often do I find more than one thing I'm jonesin' for at Urban Outfitters. Dear Santa, I would like this, this, this and this.

I have the perfect midnight blue high-waisted skirt for this satin blouse. I've never been a bow-around-the-neck-sorta-librarian-type-of-girl before, but maybe that'll change. Really though, I think I'm just in love with the sleeve detail.



This Seeing Stars dress would be worn to death, or at least until it fell apart after 6 cleanings. I would sport it with flat boots, tights, and my snug leather jacket. Although, please note, I would wear a slip under this. No one wants to see what I've got going on under there.



I love everything about this Idrija Lace blouse. I have a number of belts that seem as though they were made with this pretty in mind. This is the perfect top to throw on with jeans and a sweater or fancy up with some jewels to a party. In the Tea Stained color, please.



And this little Diamond Dots Mini number. I sorta think I'm a little old to wear Betsey [read over the age of 19], but I have to say...I still remember this navy and white polka dotted Betsey Johnson jacket a coworker would wear at least three times a week. I loved that jacket. Still do. I'm probably secretly hoping this would fill that void. I think this would be cute with flat boots, too.

Tech-nicolor

I have seriously just died and gone to heaven. For a girl whose wardrobe consists of 99.9% color [meaning no black, gray, white, or variation of] and who loves tech gadgets, I am pleased to introduce to you this beauty of all beauties.

These iMac screen casings are made by a company called Chromac and they are, simply put, rad. Chromac uses the same high quality materials and finishes found in Gulfstream jets and luxury automobiles, like Bentley and Lamborghini. With colors like Liquid Charcoal, Stealth Black Chrome, Flamingo Pink, 24k and Antiqued 24k [weakness in the knees...this color resembles faux bois], this is one face lift I would be willing to invest in!

Dog Days

It's no surprise I'm a dog lover. I even commissioned Megan to do a painting of our beloved Burks for a Christmas gift.

I flipped when I saw J. Crew has come out with Crew Mutts, gifts for dogs. I love the cheeky sayings and heartwarming photography of the pups sporting their preppy goods. I love the idea of giving a dog-obsessed friend something for their precious pet.

Cape Fear

J and I dined at Dharma Cafe a few weeks back. Between the seared pepper crusted ahi tuna steak drizzled with Szechwan vinaigrette and my lobster ravioli [the pasta is hand made!], we left anxiously anticipating our next visit. And to make it even better, they were offering a drink special using cranberries available from the local market. Their own version of a Cape Cod, the Cape Fear.

I've since made the cocktail a number of times for family and friends and with each drink served, I get the same response, "it's so refreshing!" The Cape Fear is just that. Refreshing, light, sparkly and the fresh cranberries are perfect for a spirited holiday libation.

Dharma Cafe's Cape Fear

1 shot of Kettle One or preferred vodka
Sprinkling of fresh cranberries
1 wedge of peeled orange
Splash of Sprite, Ginger Ale, or Club Soda. [Champagne could make this a nice brunch cocktail, too!]

Muddle orange and cranberries in bottom of highball to release fruit flavors.
Fill glass with ice.
Add vodka and choice of soda.
Garnish with slice of lime.
Stir and enjoy while trimming holiday tree.

[photo via Flickr member Plates & Packs.]

World Traveler

Now is the time when traffic gets heavy and vacations are aplenty. If you're traveling abroad, consider a handy - and beautiful - passport cover. Any of these would make an ideal gift for a traveler, but it would also be a nice personal splurge before visiting the family in Prague, Beijing, Vienna or Auckland. Whether you prefer form or function, a passport cover is the quintessential luxury neccessity for the well-traveled!

My favorite pedigree stationer, Smythson of Bond Street, has a slew of luxe covers to choose from. I love the texture and gold hardware on this version. 

Hard to beat the price or the vast array of colors to choose from with these from Vera Bradley. Baekgaard's covers would make finding your passport a cinch! 

For the minimalist that appreciates unexpected details such as metallic leathers or contrast linings, Kate Spade is spot-on. The Jane Street Passport Ticket Holder is constructed from shiny calfskin and boasts a special spot to hold a boarding pass. 

The On The Go Leather Passport Covers feature soft, napa cowhide with a debossed United States of America Passport insignia. Available in either carnation pink or key lime green, each can be stamped with a single, 2 or 3 initial monogram in the lower right hand corner. You can also purchase coordinating luggage tags for the true jet setter.

MoMA has a masculine version designed by Chris Howell. For the man in need of some organization, it has a clear passport window, three credit card slots, two internal pockets, and an external pocket.

These Graphic Print Passport Covers from Shop Intuition will keep the kiddos anxiously awaiting their next trip overseas.

And for the philanthropist, Presents For Purpose has an exclusive passport cover by Luxury Accessories International. 25% of the proceeds will benefit a charity of your choice.

Wait A Minute, Mister Postman

While everyone is busy picking out Christmas cards and rushing to get them in the mail, I love the idea of sending these from Kate Spade. I especially like the blank interior, which means you can customize each card and send a more thoughtful and personal correspondence.

And while you're on the Kate Spade website, be sure to check out their new Volume 5 Mix Tape [thanks for the reminder Ali]. I have purchased all of the mixes in the past and often play them for dinner parties, cocktail hours, and making chores around the house more enjoyable!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Oh my favorite time is here! I look forward to December all year long and get giddy thinking about choosing the perfect tree, wrapping the perfect gifts and everyone in the perfect holiday spirit. Even J turns into Clark Griswold and if I didn't limit his light decorating, I swear this would be our house:

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful to each of you for keeping me inspired and allowing me to devote a portion of each day to being creative. I hope everyone has an outlet for their thoughts and a way to express themselves.

Have a wonderful holiday! I hope yours is filled with many memories and laughs.

To Boot

I have forever been a fan of Frye boots. I purchased my first pair over 3 years ago, and I still have people bombard me in the grocery/mall/streets. Funny thing is, most don't want to know where I bought them or how they can order a pair. Instead they want to reminisce about their own Frye's and the memories they've shared together. My favorite story is a man who ran across 32nd Street in New York City to grab my attention and ask, "are those Frye boots?" With my affirmation, he jumped up and down and was thrilled he could still spot a pair. He had purchased his wife a brown pair over 20 years ago and she still wears them!

I can honestly say my apple green Harness boots look better now than the day I bought them. And hands down, they are my favorite throw-on-and-go shoes. Nothing beats a flat boot, nothing.

I now have my heart set on these. My current Frye's are mid calf and these would be perfect over skinny jeans or with tights and a dress. I know I would wear the heck out of them - and from the stories I've heard, they've proven to be quite the prized inheritance for future generations!


Zappos is an excellent online source for purchasing Frye boots or other brands. Free overnight shipping and returns, so they make finding the right shoe size a breeze!

Preparing for the Feast

This month's Food & Wine magazine featured an excellent write up on celebrity chef Dean Fearing's Thanksgiving feast. This year I am bringing the dressing and I can't wait to try his Tortilla Corn Bread Dressing. While I typically pass on the dressing altogether, how could one turn down something that has been described as a kind of Thanksgiving chilaquiles, combining crispy fried tortilla strips with crumbled corn bread, jalapeño and cilantro.

If you're in Dallas, Fearing recently opened his own restaurant, aptly named Fearing's, in the Ritz-Carlton.

New York Profile: Emily Kate Warren

I had the honor of meeting Emily Kate Warren during my college days at LSU. Most people change drastically from the time between college life and professional salaried employee, but Emily didn't have to. She has always been determined, focused, hardworking, social, and reliable. Emily never failed at anything and she was quite the class favorite. Always laughing and encouraging others, it makes sense that her career choice is to make people look and feel their very best. From the first time I talked to her, I saw her confidence and passion to not settle for anything second best.

Emily has conquered so much since our days at LSU. She has worked for O magazine, Latina, CosmoGIRL! and Art + Commerce. All the while tackling the responsibility and pressure without breaking a sweat.

Emily recently left her editorial positions and followed her entrepreneurial spirit to work as a freelance makeup artist. She has an amazing resume of talent and a fantastic new website. I know this is merely her initial stepping stone because there is so much more for her to share...and conquer.


At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a makeup artist and why?
When I was a little girl [Emily grew up in Houston and attended Cy-Fair High School] I was always begging my friends to let me do their makeup and hair. So I guess you could say that's when I decided, unofficially. However, when I got my first job at O, The Oprah Magazine, I knew it was a good place to learn about all the different kinds of makeup and so I began prepping myself to have a long career as a MUA. That's when I started working toward my goal, but I only officially became a full-time MUA September of this year.

Have you taken any courses or schooling to teach you these skills? Or is it intuitive for you?
Well, I practiced on just about any face that would let me through the years, but I also took MAC Pro classes when I was at Oprah and CosmoGIRL! and a year ago, I took an extra intensive one month long program at the Makeup Designory.


What steps have you taken to break into the industry?
The cool thing is, I'm sort of working backward. Meaning, I never really left the industry. But the way I broke into in the first place as you know, is by completing several internships.

Have a lot of your jobs stemmed from the first relationships you made in the very beginning?
Yes! Definitely. The person who first helped me get an internship really helped change my life. Since then, I've met lots of other people through that first connection. I.E. Working at my first internship, I met the beauty editor at O. Then when I came back after graduation, my mentor at Latina told me about an open position at O. After O, a woman I met there told me about the position at CosmoGIRL!. I definitely believe in networking!

What are the obstacles and challenges that you have faced in your field since you began?
The hardest one for me is when I'm working on someone, and they are so used to a certain thing about themselves and can't try to see it differently. For example, I did a wedding two weeks ago where (if I do say so myself!) the bride looked gorgeous! But she was used to bathing in bronzer and my hand is a lot more natural than that. So, I just did what she asked for, even though I knew in my own mind, she looked a lot prettier before the extra layer of bronzer. Also, working in freelance means your jobs are very unpredictable. I had a client for a TV spot two weeks ago who was very demanding and just dealing with people like that can be a challenge.

Can you outline an idea of what a day is like in your [very pretty] shoes?
I'll use tomorrow for example: I arrive at the Hearst bldg at 6:45 AM where I'm going to do makeup and hair for the editor-in-chief, Susan Schulz, for an awards ceremony. After leaving her, I am doing four eyebrow shapings and then I have to be at Burberry at 10 AM to do makeup on models for a trunk show in store. After that, I am tentatively done. Though I never know when someone is going to ask me to do a last minute job so I'll just have my kit ready in case.

What is your favorite thing about your job?
I am my own boss! That, and I love working on people. No two faces are the same and everyone has something beautiful and unique about them. It's always fun!


Is there anyone that you hope to work with in the future?
I'd love to get to work with Pat McGrath or Charlie Green.

How would you best describe your own personal style?
Casual, kind of boyish and fun. Ironically, I don't wear much makeup! (Just mascara and concealer!)


What trends are you seeing in hair and makeup that you think will be significant in the next few seasons?
Soft waves in the hair, going with your natural texture (praise the Lord!) and big lashes! I recently completed training to do the NovaLash method for eyelash extensions by the girls at the Lash Co (in Houston on W. Alabama!) and people are foaming at the mouth for them! This method really is the best and it lasts the longest.



What is the one thing in life you can't live without?
Makeup related: Mascara! Life related: Jason and my family and friends

Who or what inspires your work?
All women inspire me. I love how most all women love beauty so much!

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I'm obsessed with Forensic Files and Dr. G Medical Examiner :)

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Going off on my own as a freelance MUA.

Favorite places in New York shop, eat, etc?
I love ABC Home and Carpet, Barney's CO-OP in Chelsea (when I can afford it), the kitchen supply store in Chelsea Market and this great Indonesian restaurant called Bali Nusa by my house where everything is bursting with salty, spicy flavor.

Favorite aspect of New York?
The diversity in people, foods and personalities!

Priceless

Spotted this fantastic commercial on Black Eiffel. Am dying to catch it on TV. Doubt it will run between The Bachelor and The Hills...

It Is Worth It.

In 2004, Dave Thompson and Randy Twaddle were casually discussing why they love Houston and why the city has such a bad rap. They coined the phrase “Houston. It’s Worth It.” and since then, the saying has become Houston’s “unofficial slogan.” Their HIWI campaign was executed in stages, beginning with a website where Houstonians could voice their passion for a city that is constantly misunderstood to a book release touting over 250 photos.

Thompson and Twaddle partnered with the Houston Center for Photography to create “Houston. It’s Worth It. – Show Us Why,” an open-call exhibition in which Houstonians were asked to submit their personal photographs relating to life in their city. The pictures have been assembled into a 300+ page art-quality coffee table book.

Don’t miss the much-anticipated launch of HIWI The Book. If you live in Houston, mark your calendars for Thursday, November 29 from
 6:30 - 9:30PM in the Lawndale Art Center parking lot. Proceeds from the book sales will benefit Lawndale Art Center’s programs.