DonorsChoose.org: BLOGGER CHALLENGE 2008

 

Last year I was introduced to the wonderful organization DonorsChoose.org by fellow bloggers.  DonorsChoose is a charity with a fresh and innovative concept.  All around the United States, individual classrooms sign up with DonorsChoose.  The teacher of the classroom then makes a request for donations for  a specific item or program the classroom needs help funding.  The donor then chooses the classroom he wants to give to.  The students are the ones who benefit. 

 

 

 

The schools that participate in DonorsChoose are mostly located in areas of extreme to moderate poverty.  Some of the requests from teachers seem small such as creative writing supplies, or puppets for first graders - and some are quite large such as an overhead projector or a computer - all are certainly worthy.  The idea behind  DonorsChoose is quite simple:  you, the donor, choose exactly who you want to donate to from a list.  You can pick a needy classroom from your hometown or you may choose from a specific category such as "special needs."   Each project lists the exact dollar amount the classroom needs, but you may donate any you amount you wish - from as little as a $1 to the entire amount.  The neatest thing of all:  for your gift, you will receive a personal thank you note from the children you are gifting!   It's a very tangible way to donate - you see the results of your generosity and you know exactly where your donation is going. 

 

 

This year Cote de Texas was asked to compete in the "Blogger Competition 2008" for DonorsChoose.org and I agreed to do so with great pride and responsibility.  I have chosen the classroom to donate to from the list of schools in Houston.  The individual project I chose to donate to is a kindergarten located in an area of "extreme poverty."  Ninety percent of the students at this school are from Hispanic families with such small incomes that most are on either the free or reduced lunch program at the school.  I thought this classroom made up of Hispanic students would be an appropriate one for Cote de Texas:    the citizens of Houston rely  heavily on the sweat and toil of our Hispanic neighbors, many of whom work outside in our blazing hot sun building our roads and our homes.  Texas has benefited tremendously from its Hispanic population and  I felt that this would be one way, albeit a very tiny way, to give something back in thanks.

 

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The classroom I chose  is located at Love Elementary School.  Each year Love allocates only $50 per classroom for art  supplies - a paltry sum that forces Love's teachers to dip into their own pockets to buy necessary supplies for their classrooms.  Most school monies are concentrated on the higher TAKS grades - leaving the younger children to do without.   The teacher of this specific classroom believes that working with and learning from a variety of art medias is necessary to help a child be successful in later life. 

 

 

The teacher's request from the  DonorsChoose organization is this:   her kindergarten students need 39 different art media supplies such as paint, construction paper, stamps, etc.  The total cost of the proposal is $1,077.  Without our help, these kindergarten children will go without any art supplies this year.  I chose this project specifically because I felt that the readers of Cote de Texas might be more sensitive to the importance of art and artistic expression.   And further, I felt that this request for art supplies ties in with a design blog. 

 

 

So, why am I telling you all this?    I am asking my Cote de Texas readers to participate with me in the "Blogger Challenge 2008" if they so desire.   You may donate whatever sum you want over $1.00 and to be sure, every dollar helps.  To further motivate everyone who is interested in participating - Cote de Texas will be matching all donations made under its blog.  Being involved in the "Blogger Challenge 2008" is just a fun way to compete amongst bloggers to heighten awareness of  DonorsChoose.    So, come on everyone!  Let's make Cote de Texas the most successful blog in the "Blogger  Challenge 2008!!!!"  

 

 

 

It's very easy to donate - there are two ways.  First,  look on the left side of my blog, right under my picture, there is a widget from DonorsChoose.org.    Click on the underlined words "Cote de Texas DonorsChoose.org "- this will take you directly to my donor page where you can make your gift.  Otherwise, click right here to go directly to my donor page.   If you do not wish to participate with  Cote de Texas in this challenge, but still want to donate, go  to www.donorschallenge.org and choose your own project!  It is  truly a wonderful cause. 

 

        

 

I realize that the current economic issues of this day are scary for everyone.  The future suddenly isn't as bright as it seemed just a few weeks ago and I understand that many families, mine included,  are very worried about what lies ahead.  While most of us are very fortunate in our lives, there are many around us who aren't.   This is a good chance to turn the spotlight off ourselves for a moment and onto those  who have the least in our society.  We all have so much to give thanks for in our lives and sharing in our good fortune is very noble.   If you do choose to make this donation with Cote de Texas - please know that I am most grateful!

 

 

OK COTE DE TEXAS READERS - CLICK THAT WIDGET OR CLICK HERE AND HELP MAKE COTE DE TEXAS THE #1 BLOG IN THE DONORSCHOOSE "BLOGGER CHALLENGE 2008!!!!!!!!"

 

 

 

Please read here to see what the teacher from Love Elementary has to say about her request:

"I need to provide my students with the tools they need to expand their experiences and brain capacities, for example using beads to create a pattern necklace or bracelet. Creating art using various media such as paint, dot art, or tissue paper will create more choices to express themselves visually. Molding and constructing with clay and foam will also promote dexterity and promote muscles needed to begin writing. Doing art projects with construction paper can also become a listening and comprehension activity( First fold your paper in half, etc...). Science is also investigated using materials such as 3D stampers in play dough to create casts and molds. Having worked with kids of this age for 5 years I also know the importance of having a set routine, and materials ready and easily accessible to my students, therefore a art work station would just be awesome!"

 

 

And more from the teacher :   "You will help create and foster young minds by giving them the opportunity that many others have so easily. Help empower our young ones and provide the necessary appropriate materials they need to be successful! Please keep in mind these children want to be proud of their finished projects and expand their horizons. Art supplies will give my students experiences they might not get at home, and who knows in years pursue a career in architecture or art! I help mold the future but you can help me do this as well, any donation is guaranteed to change a student's life."

 

Blog Awards and Other Musings

The Miles Redd skirted table that started the debate: skirts vs. no skirts.

This week I was pleasantly surprised to receive news that Cote de Texas had been awarded the "Best Blog of the Day Award" by the Blog of the Day Awards group. Lana, who writes the newly launched Topsy Turvy blog, nominated me for my "Skirted Tables" entry. Who ever knew that a story about a piece of fabric atop particle board would be worthy of any mention, much less an award? Thankfully the judges behind the Blog of the Day Awards did. The spirited and sometimes raucous debate between my readers and Decorno's readers caught the judges' eyes. Regardless of the merits of such a materialistic discussion, I'm thrilled to have won! Thank you!

And while I'm patting myself on the back, I just learned that Claudia from the Ferret and Hound blog has named Cote de Texas' entry on - what else - skirted tables, to her Top 5 Posts - January. She also cites my "Meeting of the blogs" about my trip to Dallas with blogger Patricia Gray, as a favorite too. Thanks Claudia - I feel so honored to be named twice!!! And just when I could start to get a bit of a big head from all this adulation, I only have to go check my stats at Technorati who rank my blog at a measly and embarrassingly low #73,982!!! Not exactly numbers to gloat about. Ah, well, you can't win them all.

Picture of my family room, shot for Houston House and Home magazine.

All this exciting news has made me stop and think about how much Cote de Texas has affected my life. When I started this blog around nine months ago, it was purely on a lark, something to do to amuse myself and maybe a few friends. I barely even knew what a blog was. Those very first comments I received remain the most thrilling ones of all. I certainly had no clue that Cote de Texas would directly change my life - and for the better. Its effects have been phenomenal, and all the more so because I had no expectation of change, and certainly, no motivation drove me to create the blog. Cote de Texas was borne out of a desire to share my love of design, pure and simple. My family and friends have been very supportive, yet skeptically surprised that I am able to write in an informative and somewhat entertaining manner - something I am not so sure of myself! But, it has been the support from the nameless and faceless readers that has been the most surprising and fulfilling. At this point, I realize I no longer write this blog for just myself, I continue it for the reader and I hadn't anticipated having this feeling of loyalty.

And there are more tangible ways my life has been enriched from the blog: I've heard from editors of favorite magazines who state they actually enjoy reading me. Imagine. My home was published in a local magazine after its editor read my blog. And recently, two national magazines have expressed interest in publishing my home, and, more importantly, my clients' homes. I've reconnected with friends I had lost touch with, and was even reacquainted with a former sister-in-law. I've received gifts from readers, unsolicited and unexpected. I've had art work commissioned for me from friendly bloggers. I've gotten new clients both in Houston and from the far reaches of the globe who seek my advice for their home via emails. I've made so many new friends through the blog - my inbox overflows. It's been rewarding to talk with people who share my love of design. And the most fun has been taking these cyberspace relationships further, meeting other bloggers in person and making lifelong friends in the process. So now, as I look back over the past nine months, what I do know is that through the power of the written word and the magic of the digital camera, what I've gotten back from you, the reader, has been so much more than what I have given. And for that, I am most grateful and thankful.

Cote de Texas meets up with Patricia Gray, Inc. at the Dallas World Market this January.

Giveaway on The Skirted Roundtable!

The French Rolling Basket from The French Basketeer company – Cote de Texas’ last giveaway.

 

On this week’s Skirted Roundtable, we talk blog giveaways – how to set up a giveaway, the pros and cons of hosting a giveaway, and we discuss how easy it is to win something fabulous on a blog, like, for instance, a $350 French Rolling Basket, which was my last giveaway!    Traditionally,  it is the magazines that run most contests – when you enter a magazine contest, you are competing with tens and hundreds of thousands of other competitors making the chance of winning very, very small.   Why even bother?  But, in the blogosphere – it seems there is a different giveaway each day.    The smaller the blog readership – the greater your chances of winning.  Sometimes only 20 people may enter a giveaway contest and 1 in 20 odds is pretty fabulous.  Even with large readership blogs, you might be competing with only 300 or 400 people, again, very small odds indeed, especially when compared with magazine contests.  

 

Plantes Sans Fleurs:  A French teaching poster.   This item is the Skirted Roundtable’s giveaway – be sure to enter the contest to win!

 

To go along with this week’s discussion on giveaways – we are hosting our own, thanks to Jill Mitchell.  Jill is an American living in Provence (poor thing!) who hosts antique and vintage shopping weekends in her adopted homeland.     Her company, Le Trip, conducts various types of tours in France, some of which specialize in “women only” shopping trips  - no pesky husbands allowed!   While conducting her tours, Jill does quite a bit of buying herself and has an EBay and Etsy shop to sell her goods.    We are thrilled to offer one of her items as a giveaway – “Plantes Sans Fleurs” - a vintage French school poster.   The print measures 29.5 x 35, so it is quite large.   Linda, Megan and I are so thankful to Jill for such a generous giveaway.

To enter the contest, all you need to do is visit ONE of Jill’s sites:  her web site HERE, her blog HERE, her EBay store HERE, OR her Etsy shop HERE.  Come back and leave a short comment about whatever catches your eye and we will select a winner from one of the entries.   Hurry though, the contest will be closing on Thursday, February 18th!

VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE:   DO NOT ENTER THE CONTEST ON THE COTE DE TEXAS BLOG!!!   TO ENTER THE SKIRTED ROUNDTABLE CONTEST YOU MUST LEAVE THE COMMENT ON THE SKIRTED ROUNDTABLE BLOG!!!!   ENTRANTS ON THE COTE DE TEXAS BLOG WILL NOT BE COUNTED!!!!!   PLEASE BE SURE TO ENTER THE CONTEST ON THE SKIRTED ROUNDTABLE BLOG HERE.

 

Photograph from Jill Mitchell’s blog, Le Trip.Org HERE.

 

This coming week, the Skirted Roundtable will be interviewing author, interior and fabric designer Jackie Von Tobel.   Jackie is a powerhouse, a true entrepreneur, and the interview promises to be informative and entertaining.   The following week we have photographer Michael Lee, who will explain how to take good interior shots, how to get published, and everything else about photography.

Be sure to listen to this week’s roundtable on giveaways – and enter the contest today!!!!  As always, we appreciate your continued support!

To listen and sign up for the contest, visit the Skirted Roundtable,  HERE.

VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE:   DO NOT ENTER THE CONTEST ON THE COTE DE TEXAS BLOG!!!   TO ENTER THE SKIRTED ROUNDTABLE CONTEST YOU MUST LEAVE THE COMMENT ON THE SKIRTED ROUNDTABLE BLOG!!!!   ENTRANTS ON THE COTE DE TEXAS BLOG WILL NOT BE COUNTED!!!!!   PLEASE BE SURE TO ENTER ON THE SKIRTED ROUNDTABLE BLOG HERE.

A Little Blog Lovin’

 

Trish’s backyard – showing her lavender garden.  Isn’t this the most beautiful photograph?

 

I’ve mentioned before that one of my favorite blogs is Trouvais.   The first time I stumbled upon it – I stayed there for an entire night just salivating over all of Trish’s photographs.   This photo, above,  of her lavender garden just killed me!   OMG!!!  So unbelievable that someone lives with a backyard like this.   I immediately emailed Trish, asking her how to grow lavender.    Trish is a die hard romantic and her blog reflects this.   It is not only pure eye candy, but, also educational.   She is interested in the most beautiful and intriguing things, like old uniforms, clothing and shoes from the 18th century, manuscripts written in French, grisaille – anything!    Story after story on Trouvais is a visual treat.

So,  you can imagine,  how humbled and honored I was when Trish wrote a story about Cote de Texas.   What’s so funny about this, is the first time I was on Trouvais, I almost gave up writing Cote de Texas altogether.   Trouvais is the blog I wished I wrote.  It has a consistent aesthetic quality to it that I greatly admire and aspire to.   Please visit Trouvais HERE to read her story about Cote de Texas.   It was interesting reading the article myself – I didn’t remember writing half the stories she chose to highlight!

Below are a few of my favorite images that Trish has posted on Trouvais – these were all taken by her, at her home.  Notice that she is great photostylist. 

 

 

This photograph shows a dinner table Trish set up in her back yard.

 

 

Besides lavender, Trish grows gorgeous peonies and roses.

 

 

The old debate between books you read and books you buy to display!

 

 

 

Trish’s entry hall.  This looks like a photograph from Cote de Sud magazine.

 

 

  When I first saw this photograph, I was so jealous of Trish’s fireplace!

 

 

 I love this image of Trish’s collection of zinc finials

 

 

A vignette from Trish’s kitchen.

 

 

   A view to the outside at Trish’s house.    So beautiful. 

 

 

Another photograph of Trish’s lavender garden. No, this is not in Provence!

 

Thank you again, Trish, so much!  You are so sweet!   To read the article about Cote de Texas on Trouvais, go HERE.

Help Celebrate Cote de Texas’ Second Birthday With A Giveaway!

 

 

Yep – that’s her!    That’s the chic and oh-so-very cool Cote de Texas grabbing her Tinkerbell bath products gift at her 4th birthday – Nov. 20, 1958!  Forgive the 4th birthday – there are no pictures from my second birthday party.     Now just look at me.   That’s true excitement in that face!   Not much has changed either.  I still get that excited over gifts and bath products – except Tinkerbell has lost some of its charm through the years.   OK – for any one who doesn’t believe me when I say my nicknames growing up were Frizzball, Bozo, Zulu, et al – here’s proof!   Guests shown at my party are my late, sweet Aunt Mary helping with the gifts and her daughter, my beautiful cousin Josette, sitting right next to me, all prim and proper in her party dress with her red hair in a pony tail.   She looks a little jealous of my Tinkerbell gift though, doesn’t she?   Her older sister Sandy, in a striped shirt,  is behind her with something that looks like a pompadour – not sure WHAT is going on with HER hair!   Next to Josette is the girl whom I owe my present day legally-blind status to.  Lisa.  She truly was near-sighted and wore thick glasses which I badly envied – so much so, that I am convinced I faked my first eye examination just to get some glasses.  I do remember pretending I couldn’t see the blackboard in school and walking right up to it to peer at it (my first acting job) – just so I could get those beautiful horned rims.   Remember, this was eons before designer glasses.    There’s someone in front of me wearing a Go Texan hat.  Why?  I have no idea.  It’s probably my little cousin Joey.  

 

I know that look well.  Impatiently waiting to get through the cake ceremony so I can open my gifts.  That hair!!!!!   You’d think someone would have brushed that brillo pad on my birthday!    My poor Aunt Mary was really working it hard that day.

 

We were known as the Three J’s – Josette, Joni, and Joey – all named after our grandfather Joseph.  We used to really think “The Three Js” was a big deal and even today, we still proudly refer to ourselves as that.   Brainwash a child long enough and they start to believe you.     I remember this birthday party –  and I truly remember that gift!   Obviously it’s because there’s this photograph of it:  I surely don’t remember another single gift from that party.    I do vividly remember that dress I was wearing – probably because I wore it for all fancy occasions and there are a lot of pictures of me in it.   My party was at Kiddie Playland – on Westheimer, right past where the Galleria stands today, for all you baby boomers from Houston.  Remember that little roller coaster?   And the helicopter ride?   Uh, you really don’t care about any of this – you just want to know about the giveaway!  Admit it!    Just hang on, ok?    I’m going to drag this out a little.   It wouldn’t be Cote de Texas if it was short and sweet, now would it?

 

  Aw, happiness!  Another great “girly” gift!   Finally – my mother, her arm at least, on the left.  And Josette is behind me trying to maneuver her way in to see the latest present.  

 

 

May 28 was really Cote de Texas’ second birthday –  I’m a little late by a month with this celebration.  I had all good intentions of doing a give away on the proper date, but, I got bogged down by other stories – like “Battle of the Sexes” – that very important tale of Ben’s new fan.   So when the nice people at  CSN Lighting approached me about a giveaway – I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate the day my life changed forever when I wrote my fabulous – I mean fabulous -  first post, which I repeat here now, for you to read.  Now, brace yourself if you have never read my first post.  It’s a killer.  Truly - Terry Sapienza from The Washington Post really missed out when she didn’t nominate my first post for the “Best Blog of the Week.”  OK – are you ready to be blown away by pure genius?  Maybe you should sit down.  You are about to read such words of wisdom, that people immediately flocked to Cote de Texas for more!  More!  They cried – give us MORE!   ok, ready?  

 

 

 

Where are the grammar police when you REALLY need them?  God, that was awful.  And I love how proudly I state my mission, yet I haven’t lived up to it at all!   France, France, France.  That really went by the wayside quickly.     And notice too how I’m begging for comments on my first post  – how arrogant!  It actually took a full 7 months to get my first comment on it.  And look how my sweet friend, Things That Inspire, was obviously looking for a good laugh a few months ago when she read my first post.  Hopefully, like fine wine, or a French antique, Cote de Texas has gotten better with age.  It certainly couldn’t get any worse.   What a stinker!

OK, OK.  On to the giveaway!      As  a HUGE thank you to all the readers who have supported me the past two years – CSN Lighting is offering my readers a fabulous giveaway.   You just go to their web site and pick ANYTHING you want that is $100 and under, then come back here and tell me what you picked in a comment.   If you win, it’s yours!    AND, I’ve got a second place prize too – from Kenneth Turner.    You have until Wednesday, so get busy.  The link to the web site is at the bottom of this post.  

But first – let me show you are few things that I picked out from the web site that I would want myself, if I won, that is.   CSN Lighting has thousands, I mean thousands of items and I spent hours picking out these things.  They also have a wonderful search engine – you can put in a specific item you want AND then on the left side – choose the price you want to spend – it makes it a little easier to navigate through their immense inventory.   But, I do encourage you to take a look around at all price points.  If you are in the market for a light fixture or a home decor item – this is the place to find it.  There are a lot of items on sale too.  

Below are the things that caught my eye.    And truthfully, I couldn’t look at every item, after about five hours, I had to stop and write the story!!!!! 

 

 

Laurie Smith designed a lighting line for Quoizell – this sconce comes from in at $99!   I think it is really great looking to use down a hallway – or as a pair over a console.  The price is phenomenal.   It comes in three finishes too.  Love, love, love this!  CSN also carries Martha Stewart’s FABULOUS line  – be sure to search under her name too.  Some of her items come awfully close to $100.

 

 

Kichler makes a great outdoor line – but I would use this inside, in a kitchen or a laundry room - I love this fixture!  Search under Kichler Outdoors to see the entire line.

 

 

I really think this set of mirrors is great – you could hang them flanking an armoire or a breakfront or on both sides of a bed behind the nightstands!  I also think they would look great hanging from bookcases on either side of a fireplace.  #PPI2733

 

 

 I really like this vanity mirror – how pretty would this be in a powder room, or in a master bedroom on a desk!  Love this!!!! #0fn1248

 

 

 

I thought the shade was so pretty with this aquamarine lamp – what a perfect accent lamp for an entry console, or between two chairs.   Doesn’t it look much more than what it costs?  #JCO-X3353

 

 

So cute!  There are hundreds of storage units under $100 – I just liked this particular one a lot.   #WN1243

 

 

There are many different hanging shelves for the bathroom or a laundry room or a kitchen.   #EHF1137

 

 

Perfect for a million reasons – one being that it’s so cute!   Load it with rolled up white towels for the bathroom or powder room.  #BAM1097

 

 

This one reminded me of Layla from The Lettered Cottage for some reason!  #HF2572

 

 

I would put this in a living room between two French bergeres.   #OFN1246

 

Oh wait – I already did!!!

 

I’ve been dying for a clock like this!   #UH1397

 

Or this!   #UH1335

 

 

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Or this one – love the pendulum.    #HW1118

 

There’s more art work than you can even imagine!  I’m a sucker for a vase of pink roses.  Or peonies. Or hydrangeas!   #WRV1085

 

 

   Pretty turquoise lamp, great detailing and great shade!   #CBK1648

 

 

A couple of these candlesticks would be so nice on a coffee table or console – 26” tall!    They come in white too.   ASH1047

 

 

This model reminds me of Brooke from Velvet and Linen.   #AMD1241

 

 

This looks like an antique oxblood vase to me – beautiful!   #FG1063

 

 

Think you can’t afford Wedgewood?  Think again – there are many Wedgewood pieces at CSN for great prices!   I particularly liked this one.  I think Wedgewood blue looks so beautiful massed together in a breakfront.  #WED2164.

 

 

 It is really a pot rack – but I would get rid of my upper cabinets and store my dishes on this!   #O21042

 

 And I’d put my pots, here!   #RR1026

 

   Brushed nickel!   #PG7064

 

 

Lots of rugs – all sizes, shapes and styles.  This black and white striped one would look cute in a kitchen or in front of a sofa.  #CV1849

 

This pendant light comes in different colors – I am drawn to the red for some reason.  I would use this over a kitchen sink, or put a couple over an island.  Darling!   #GX2616.

 

Lanterns – they have lanterns, for indoors and out!   #GX2309.

 

 

Great pendant!   Wouldn’t these be wonderful over a bathroom vanity?   #PG3105.

 

 

  Sweetness personified.  Love, love, love!   #MXL2438

 

Yes, this IS under $100 – as is everything that I have shown!!!!  #GX2292

 

I just love these industrial type of pendants.   So much better than the art glass pendants you see all over the place!  #IT2688

 

 

This floor lamp would be great between two cozy armchairs.    #GCH1164

 

 

And, saving the best for last, these buffet lamps are two for under $100.  Yes, you heard that right!  Two!   The shades are adorable!   Search under “lamp sets” to see all the pairs.   #LO3086

 

Now that I’ve shown you what I would get if I won – it’s your turn to pick out what you would want.  After you find something you like with a value of $100 or less on the CSN website, leave me a comment telling me what you’ve chosen.  And don’t fret- if you win and you change your mind about what you want, it’s fine, ok?  We’ll let you do that.   And, don’t forget – you get two chances to win - there will be a second place winner, too.    One winner for each birthdays year!

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for all the support, friendship and LOVE you’ve shown me these past two years!    I am in constant awe of your generosity of spirit and know in my heart that if it weren’t for you – I’m not even sure there would still be a Cote de Texas.   Just knowing you are out there reading the blog gives me a reason each day to sit down at the computer and try to write something that will interest you and entertain you.  Without your loyalty, it wouldn’t be nearly as meaningful or fun.     And I want to give a special thanks to ALL the Cote de Texas “stalkers” out there – you know who you are.   You really went that extra mile and I’ll never forget that. 

 

***To enter the contest, go to the CSN Lighting web site, by clicking here:  CEILING LIGHTS.   GOOD LUCK!!!!!!