Pick Your Favorite Modern Sugarluxe Art Print | Holiday Gift Giveaways

Have you heard the news?  It’s our LAST day of the Pick Your Favorite Art Print Holiday Giveaway! 

If you follow Sugarluxe on Facebook or Twitter, you’ve likely seen that all December long, we’ve been giving away great gifts.  It’s just my way of saying THANK YOU for all the years of support and friendship.

For me, nothing feels better than playing Santa.  It warms my heart to be able to reach out, give FREE goodies and show you how much I appreciate your business.

The drawing of the WINNING name will take place right before midnight tonight – December, 18th, 2011.  So, if you have yet to participate, you still have just a bit of time left.

Entering is super easy, too.

Simply comment, like, share, RETWEET, place on Pinterest, blog about it, or do what you can to spread the word. 

In the face of so many businesses who have not survived, all of the overseas outsourcing, and the competition posed by big box stores, your help in talking about Sugarluxe with your friends and family goes a long way in supporting a business with manufacturing in the USA, a female owned and operated company, further job creation, and our economy.

I just can’t say it enough, it means everything to hear your feedback, make your orders, and read your comments.  It helps me grow, both as an artist and business woman, and for that, I try very hard to exceed your expectations at every turn.

So let’s get to it:

PICK YOUR PRINT -

I want someone to win a SIGNED SUGARLUXE ART PRINT right before Christmas!  The best part is – you get to choose your favorite!

Head on over to the Sugarluxe Archival Art Print Gallery to make your selection.

Vacation’s All I Ever Wanted…Well, That, AND to Meet Oprah

BEACH HEAVEN  

Summer is almost over. But I never stop day dreaming about tropical vacations.  Sunshine and swaying palm trees provide me peace of mind.  

But beneath the vibrant surface in this latest piece, lies something so sorrowful.  It was made with ten million tears.  

Coming into creation at a point that I now, only half jokingly, refer to as my Blue Period; this beautiful bikini clad girl sips an ice cold martini along side her favorite one-legged pink flamingo…incredibly saddened by the fact that she’s even ALLOWED to drink that martini.  

Sure, she can still rock a grass skirt as well as girls half her age…but she’d much rather be round in the belly, craving more pickles, avoiding alcohol like the plague, and waiting impatiently to welcome her very first baby.  

But she is not.  

That baby is in beach heaven right now looking down on his mama and waiting excitedly for the day they get to build big sandcastles together in the sky.  

PARADISE LOST  

Despite working like a maniac (my coping mechanism) – I had to take a break from this blog.   

It’s so personal and even still, a bit gut wrenching to actually talk about my miscarriage.  But I’ve worked my way through it.   

As an added bonus, I took my first (albeit mini) vacation since my honeymoon 7 years ago.  With the help of so many wonderful friends and fans (literally from around the world) – I came out of this situation filled with hope and ready to try again.  I am so grateful for you.  For all those who took the time to pray for me, write to me, share your stories, lend an ear, and let me cry – THANK YOU!   

True.  Time helps to heal wounds.  But getting to say THANK YOU to those who helped you through tough times also gives a sense of closure.  I always say that gratitude is the very cornerstone of leading a blessed life. 

The way I see it…it’s not that anyone is free from bad things happening or that some people’s lives are more charmed, it’s really in how we view our lives.  How fortunate we feel for what we have.  How much we make out of what we have left, not how much we’ve had taken away.  

Yet, I still have an old gaping wound.  Plenty of time has passed.  But I never got the chance to show my appreciation to the person who helped me survive another tragic moment in my life.  

And since I had my mini vacay this month, it gave me some time to think.  Think about this person I need to thank.  A man I’ve never met before.   

STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT  

Remember when I told you about that time years ago, when I was struck by that hit and run driver?  Well…most people don’t know that in addition to being thrown over a hundred yards into oncoming traffic in the middle of a busy downtown intersection, the driver who hit me also ripped my leg apart.  Have I said ripped apart before?  What I mean by saying ripped APART…is ripped OFF.   

Pulled my leg off of my body.  Not a clean cut, mind you;  torn the way some people tear the wings off a piping hot, roasted chicken.  

And I laid in the street, dying.  Bleeding to death.  Losing so much blood, I can only vaguely remember looking into the driver’s eyes, before he climbed back into his white pick up truck and drove away.  

“STOP!”  I screamed.  Or did I?  Was it only in my head?  Could anyone hear me?   

So much noise and confusion.  I didn’t know what was happening.  The painful burning sensation was exacerbated by this man kneeling over top of me.  He yelled, “We’re losing her!” Who was he?  What was he doing to my leg?   

Later, much later, I learned he was a Capital Metro Bus Driver.  He stopped his city bus.  Rushed to my side, and without a moment of hesitation, took off his tie to use as a tourniquet to stop the blood loss.   

Of course, I didn’t realize any of this until the doctors shared it with me as they were wheeling me into the OR.  The plastic surgeon mentioned in passing that the folks on the scene were also smart and quick enough to find and put my foot on ice.  FOOT – ON – ICE.    

The surgeon was a specialist - called in to reattach my foot to the hundreds of dangling ligaments, nerve endings, and tendons.   

Stunned, I had no idea. But certainly the pain was the most excruciating thing I’ve ever experienced.  If you’ve never had a limb severed, let me save you the trouble.  It sucks.  Don’t do it.

I had two transfusions that evening.  But if it weren’t for the nimble, selfless act of that AMAZING bus driver…I would not be here today.  He saved my life!  

And- I am so thankful for it.  So thankful for him.  Who was he?  What was his name?  

O, LET THIS BE THE YEAR  

It’s no secret that meeting Oprah is a DREAM of mine.  

Whether you’ve known me 15+ years or only just met me…you’ve likely heard me talk about my shero, Oprah.  Yeah, yeah – I mingle with celebrities, young and old, dated a few, and worked with many.  

  

Gratuitous pic, I know…but it’s still one of my favs (and surprisingly nowhere on this blog, so there!)  

But none of these experiences will compare to the day I get to meet my girl, O.  (wonder if she hates me calling her O?)  

Plus, you know I’m a positive thinker…so who knows…maybe 2010 won’t be such a bust after all.  

Because here’s the deal:  

I’ve gone completely mad.  Today, I wrote to Oprah.  Like millions have done before me, it may not sound like a big deal.  But for me, it’s huge.   

For years, I’ve had well-meaning friends say I should be on the Oprah show, that I should share my story (I’ve always thought in my head - um, who cares about my story?).   

And then when Sugarluxe arrived on the scene, customers would write me saying that Oprah should feature my work (I’ve always thought in my head - um, why would Oprah care about my work?).    

Then when I went to Washington D.C. and fought to get a bill passed, and as one of three people testifying before the Senate in order to impact millions of people suffering exclusion from appropriate health care coverage, lobbyists on Capitol Hill said I should spread the word on Oprah (and I’ve always been like – um, okay, could you have please have the Senator make a call to Oprah and get me on the show?)  

But the point is, I’ve never proactively made a move to get on the Oprah Show.  When it comes to being in the spotlight, I feel conspicuously nervous.  I’m not a spotlight kind of girl.  

So, when a friend of mine sent me a link this morning telling me that the Oprah Show is looking for people with incredible life saving stories, I suddenly felt a rush of hope, excitement, delight and determination.  

What I realized is this:  

I’ve always imagined meeting Oprah at a shindig, not being a guest on her show.  But when the opportunity presented itself to talk about how my life was SAVED and forever changed because of the selfless act of another human being – our mystery bus driver – I finally knew this was the time to reach out.  I’m the fortunate recipient of the most incredible kind of kindness and that is something I’m VERY comfortable being vocal about.  

So, I wrote in.  Immediately.  

Plus, the contact form is limited to 2000 characters, so I was quick and to the point.  Can you believe it?  Me?  Quick and to the point?   

I have always very much wanted to find this man.  I want to know who he is, I’d love to meet him.  Hug him.  And most importantly THANK HIM for saving my life.  I cry just thinking about it.  I’ve dreamt of that moment my entire adult life.  I need this more than anything.  Well, that.  And a baby.  But that’s not a job for Oprah.  Or is it?  Hmmmm?  

No.  Anyway…  

I must, I tell you, absolutely MUST try to share this story on Oprah and give this man the attention, adulation, and appreciation he so whole-heartedly deserves.  I think the producers could find him, how could they not?  I’ve had no luck, but surely The O Team can do it?!  

And that, my friends, is where you come in.  

LET’S BAND TOGETHER  

I know you’re busy.  You have lives, kids (lucky) or 584 other things happening at once.  Do you really have time to help me out?  Probably not.  But I’m going to ask anyway.  

More importantly, I want to make it worth your while because it will be hard to do it without you.   

Here’s what I think could help:  

Write in and briefly TELL Oprah why you’d like to see this story on her show.  

Maybe my work has inspired you?  Have we been lifelong friends?  Did I give you your first job?  Have I ever made a difference in your life (hopefully)? Do you think my situation is worthy of being shared on national TV?  Whatever the reason, I am reaching out to all my creative, smart friends to ask for your help by writing to Oprah’s producers.  

For this exact casting call, you write here.   

To reach the producers direct, you could write here.  

If we band together, anything is possible.

Are you in?  Will you do it?  What do ya say?

LIFE is FABULOUS (and so are Moms)!

Last week, I received great news with this subject line:  FABULOUS Sugarluxe Art is in LIFE Magazine.  As usual, I couldn’t wait to call my mom.  It was an exclusive feature on Miley Cyrus.  I mean, I may never land in LIFE Magazine myself, but it still felt pretty good to see my art in the spread. 

Anyway, the only trouble is, by the time I come here onto the blog and talk about an experience, all of the effort that went into making those moments possible get lost in the mix.  People who are just starting their careers or those looking for hope amidst the economic chaos can mistakenly believe that this kind of stuff happens overnight.  How are you supposed to get inspired if it all seems like it just comes down to some twist of fate?

My mom taught me that you have to make your own luck.

Great Expectations

First, there’s obviously more to making Fabulous Art than meets the eye.  

I oversee the behind the scenes manufacturing, day to day operations, design and direction of the Sugarluxe brand.  I’m fielding a mounting number of private commissions, juggling the exchange rate with seven countries who carry the line, and trying to ensure that we continue to deliver the top notch customer service that helped to get Sugarluxe to this point in the first place. 

Plus, I’m under contract to complete my next art series by the end of August and cannot show anyone until November 1st (ugh!), and talking to a handful of gorgeous Fine Art Galleries to discuss where I might like to showcase a few of my original paintings.

Also (telling self to breathe), I’ve been spending any spare moment possible working to help pass a bill in Congress.  In fact, a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to deliver Congressional testimony in hopes of persuading the Senate to sign this bill into law.  Last week, the bill was passed at the state level.  YAY!!! 

If , well I prefer to think – when – we get the federal bill passed, too, it will literally and positively impact millions of lives.  

It’s simple really. I believe you have to expect great things to happen.  In my first year of business, one of my friends warned me that I expected too much. 

She advised, “Expect less, so when bad situations occur, you won’t face such disappointment.  And, when good things happen, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Coming off of a tremendously hard blow, I could see her reasoning.  But I respectfully disagreed. 

What’s LIFE, if it’s not to wish for great things for yourself and those you love?  Lowering expectations in an effort to avoid disappointment is defeatist at best, or worse, completely without hope.

I’ve survived my share of losses.  Sacrifices have been significant.  Conversely, I’ve been greatly rewarded too.  

My mom encouraged me to focus on the blessings in LIFE and she raised me with the belief that to whom much is given, much is expected.  She smartly added, that when much is expected, much is given, too.

I don’t mean self-entitlement.  Please don’t misconstrue my message.  Fundamentally, it’s about hope and faith.  When the bad stuff happens, and it does, it will, it’s the only guarantee, you’ll find peace of mind in knowing that something good is meant to come from it.

 Possibility Through Purpose

1. Yes, the odds are stacked against us. 
2. Yes, times are tough. 
3. Yes, we are in the midst of an economic recession. 
4. AND yes, running a business is a lot less glamorous than it seems on the surface. 

However, when you have clarity of purpose, anything is possible.  

After the hit and run accident that nearly claimed my life, my mom presented my options.   She warned me that it would be easy to use this trauma as my excuse for everything. After all, the damage was extensive and permanent.  Or I could try to make sense of it and find my purpose for living.  She said,  “It may take years of hard work before your efforts pay off , but they will.  I promise”.

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.  - Marion C. Garretty

P.S. - To My Mom, Happy Mother’s Day!

You are so loving, so generous, so beautiful and I’m so happy that you’re my mom.  You’ve provided guidance and discipline in just the right doses…while still allowing me to discover my own sense of self.

You instilled in me a confidence that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to and that’s been one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given.  You’ve never doubted my abilities, you continue to believe in me and you pray for me every day. 

Most importantly, you make me laugh all the time.  Proving to me that it was of utmost importance to be a great role model first and then later, my most FABULOUS friend. 

You have taught me so much…I love you, and I thank you.

What About Your Mom?

Please take a moment to share something FABULOUS about her.  I’d love to hear about a lesson your Mother has taught you that has positively affected your outlook on LIFE.

Sugarluxe in Home of Pop Star Celebrity Miley Cyrus | InStyle Magazine

You have 269 new messages:

Message 1: Karen Scott

“Is Fabulous in the dressing room of Miley Cyrus? It’s in her house. Have you seen InStyle Magazine? Why don’t you tell me this stuff? I had to find out from someone who came and asked me. I’m your best friend – I’m supposed to know these things. Call me back.  Nevermind, you won’t even get this message…”

Thank God Karen and I have been best friends for 10+ years and she forgives me for my failure to give her information first before it becomes public knowledge.

Not to mention, I rarely listen to voicemail messages (that’s just one of those things my friends, business colleagues, interns, other artists and my own family) have come to accept about me. I NO likey the phone.

But here’s the truth about magazine and celebrity stuff…

Sure, I usually know about magazine coverage, with big national publications like InStyle, they typically put an issue to bed many months before it hits the stands. But check this out — the ONE time I talked about Sugarluxe being in a certain magazine…it didn’t happen. The ONE freakin’ time.

So, my rule of thumb since that incident is this — mum’s the word.

What works about this approach is:

• I love to surprise others.
• There’s so much fun in your friends and fans discovering it for themselves and messaging you to let you know all about it.
• Little doers are better than big talkers.

Here’s my other guideline:

Celebrities do not make Sugarluxe, however, Sugarluxe does make art for celebrities.

What do I mean?

Let’s take Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Tom Cruise for starters. If you’ve completely associated your brand or business with a certain celebrity and they turn out to be a complete nutbag (which seems to be a matter of when and not if) what does that do to what you’ve created? Where do you go from there?

I’m not really into tying my name to somebody else who I can’t control.

Unless:

I really like them and they’ve been a good friend to me (John Corbett)

They are sexy, dirty hot (Tommy Lee)

I think they’re the sweetest mega-rich couple I’ve ever met (Gregg & Jeff Foxworthy)

Or, I meet Oprah. Which I haven’t. But I will. Soon.

So – yes, it’s super cool to see my work hanging in the spot Miley Cyrus calls “one of her favorite rooms in the house”. And, I have four nieces under the age of 11 – so I admit that I’ve watched my share of Hannah Montana episodes (and really liked them).

But to me, I get far more pumped about someone who writes me a special note saying that they love my work, or they send me a picture of a Sugarluxe piece that they bought, or they tell me that I’ve inspired them in some way.

It may not seem like much compared to all the fancy famous stuff, but that’s what means the most to me!

If you’d like to order an Artist’s Proof piece just like this original painting, you can find it here – Sugarluxe Fabulous Art.

Famous Longhorns – University of Texas Alumni | Alcalde Magazine

Chandra, it was wonderful to interview you – I really appreciate your candor and warmth. The whole time we were talking, I thought, I need to make this powerhouse of an entrepreneur my mentor. Cora Bullock – Editor – Alcalde Magazine

If you only knew what this interview meant to me. First, it was for my alma mater.

HOOK ‘EM HORNS!

Second, this magazine has a subscriber base that is HUGE (if you don’t already know this – the University of Texas has been one of the biggest schools in the country for decades, so it has produced a crapload of college grads since I graduated…uh, years ago.

The university has more than 450,000 living alumni – holy cow!

So, as you might imagine, Alcalde Magazine has plenty of amazing people they can profile. Clearly, with almost half a million people to choose from, I can’t get over that they wanted to do a feature story on me!

Let’s see, here’s another Longhorn Alum…

Okay, well everyone knows about his love for the Longhorns and anyone who lives within a 50 mile radius of Austin probably has a Matthew McConaughey story. But mine is really good…

So, Bob Michaels, back in the day, was in a band that used to bring out every former frat guy in town. That included Matt.

Like any local rock star girlfriend, you gain instant access to everything. Plus, let’s not forget, I was in all the movies made here at that time, so my popularity on the $45 day player circuit was hard to deny. True enough – there are a handful of shows that you can see me in for maybe .0126 seconds, a few, I even say a word or two. STARDOM can be such a rush.

Anyway, with my bit part movie career taking off and a kick ass guitar player by my side, we RULED.

It was my birthday – Summer of ’96. We were celebrating at Shakespeare’s Pub with all the boys in the band when Matt comes in. He slides up next to me and I welcome him home. I ask him how he’s doing out in Hollywood and he mentions that he just wrapped on a new movie. He said that he was “stoked” about it – it was based on a John Grisham novel and he got to work with Ashley Judd (who is one of my all-time most favorite celebs ever). He tells me a bit about A Time to Kill…it premiers in a few days – and all I could think was…”Oh my GOD!!! You are about to become absolutely mega-famous!”

Pulling my friends in close, I’m like…”seriously, you guys…listen, his life is about to change!” My friend Mark Chandler says…”let’s get drinks and toast to that.” And Matt yells, “I’m buying!”

“Bartender – Shirley Temples for everyone!”

Applause, applause, clink, clink! Hurray! And then a really drunk guy comes up and slurs, “Dude – aren’t you the dude from Dazed and Confused?” I looked at Matt and said, “See? It’s just the beginning…”

Right now, if you are thinking…Oh hurl! She’s just calling him Matt to try and show she’s so freakin’ cool. And then I think, if that’s how you really feel, then wait until you read about my good friend, John. John Corbett. You know, Aidan from Sex in the City. Yeah, that’s right!

I guess a lot can happen in a decade…

I, obviously, chose another path. Acting, although I feel it in me bones (yes, I’m Irish), could not have been a viable career unless I made the full-on move to California. Alas, I decided to make pretty pictures for a living.

Racking my brain to give you an example of another Hollywood Longhorn, I can’t think of anyone else right now but Renee Zellweger. I don’t have a fun Renee story, so never mind her.

I decide to Google for famous longhorn alumni from the University of Texas.

And check this out!

Look what comes up FIRST – number 1 out of 7,390 results – Chandra Michaels! Chandra Michaels and Sugarluxe…No way – take that Renee!

Well, I’ve never won an Oscar and I’m far less squinty, but I am still gracing the pages of the same magazine that touts such all-star alum and that makes me really happy!

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