Charleston, Through My Eyes

Today I share pictures of a trip taken to Charleston.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I.
Charleston the city of history and dreams...

Hibiscus House: Charleston, How I Love That City

Hibiscus House: Charleston, How I Love That City: Battery Carriage House Inn Chuck and I stayed at this beautiful Inn. I loved it, so s...

Charleston, How I Love That City

Sharing a wonderful time in Charleston, S. C.

Jhesika

Jhesika Thompson Menes

I saw a beautiful child grow into this beautiful woman. Jhesika is just as beautiful inside as she is on the outside.  She grew up and went to school in our small town.  It makes one feel proud to know that people from our town go out into the world and do so many wonderful things.

Here is her story in her own words.

     I remember always mimicking what i saw on Fashion File & 'designing' my own outfits as a kid. I had an affinity for fashion, & as I grew older, more & more people told me I should model. Being the daughter of a 6'5" man & having a fashionable sense of adventure, I took their encouragement into consideration, but never actually went after it. I moved to Dallas Texas for Graphic Design school & unbeknownst to me my boyfriend at the time submitted me for a modeling contest- I won out of something like 1200 entries- so I counted myself lucky & figured I better give it a whirl.
My first big job was for JC Penney. While in TX I also modeled for Foley's, Lens Crafters, Park Cities People magazine, deBoulle, Calvin Klein, Neiman Marcus, Fashion Dallas magazine, Levi's jeans, & Diffa.
      I left college & moved to New York City after signing with Women Model Management, who at the time represented some of fashion's top models, like: Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Chandra North, & Devon Aioki. There I began to do more runway & made a name for myself in the small circle of working American models. In New York, there are so many foreign girls that competition is at an all time high. I found myself working jobs with some of the most beautiful, forever bronzed, thin, exotic & waify women I've ever laid eyes on. For someone with little confidence it is a very hard world to become a part of. I've never really lacked for self confidence, but I admit it was hard to find myself as a normal budding young woman while surrounded by this almost surreal fantasy world. I was very critical of myself. I worked hard to maintain my tiny frame, sat up countless nights homesick & scared wondering if I was wasting time playing a mannequin when I could be doing something that involved using my brain, something that would last me longer than a good 10 or so years if I was lucky. But I eventually grew to love the industry, I craved the hectic schedule, I adored the traveling. In the end it was all worth it. And it has thankfully lasted over 13 years.
In New York & abroad, I've modeled for Seventeen magazine, Zac Posen, Momo Falana, Clairol, Rebecca Minkoff, Saks Fifth Avenue, Akris Punto, Valentino, Donna Karan, Macy's, Italian Amica, Elle magazine, Glamour magazine, Vanity Fair, Etro, Spanx, Nair, Max Factor, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, so forth & so on.
      Now, while I continue to model, I am also Director of New Faces at a local modeling agency in New Orleans. I coach aspiring models in runway walk, industry terminology & skills training. I also went back to school, as I finally discovered my true passion. After getting my culinary degree, I've worked with amazing Chefs & continue to write for a food column. I'm now preparing for a move to Germany in which I will model, cook, & eat my way through Europe. From little quirky girl from South Carolina to model turned Chef... idiosyncratic - yes, but it sure has made for an exciting life!

Thank you Jhesika for sharing your life and so many beautiful photographs with us.

I am sure we all will be seeing more from this young lady for years to come.

She not only is  beautiful but can cook too!

Enjoy your new ventures Jhesika!

SPOTLIGHT: "A Man Named Pearl"

.

Video Tribute to Pearl Fryar

Next I will have a post Pearl's Garden with pictures taken in his garden
Today however we present:    A Video Tribute to Pearl Fryar

ETV Roadshow  Pearl Fryar's Topiary


Trailer to A Man Named Pearl

Start Something That Matters Book Giveaway

Start Something That Matters Book Giveaway

We Have a Winner!

Entries from two Hibiscus House Posts and from Hibiscus House Facebook page
winner is #6
Heidi from White Wolf Summit Farmgirl Blog
and
My Simple Country Living Blog

Congratulations Heidi!


Hibiscus House Blog was started because I have a love for sharing and wanted others to realize that in this life it is the simple things that are the most important.

Blake Mycoskie wrote his book for the simple reasons to share, to inspire, to entertain and challenge you to 
"Start Something That Matters."

Halloween Costume

Look at Catie's feet

Tom's wrap around boots

Only three pairs of the multiple pairs of TOMS Shoes my daughter Catie owns.  She is crafty. She covered the shoes in the third picture. 

  It makes her feel really good to know that each time she buys a pair of these shoes, someone somewhere in the world gets a pair of shoes.

TOMS has given me two books one to read and another to give. 

Does this surprise me?  No. That is what they do, they give!

One quote: Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world—all at the same time.

 It reaffirms the fact that if you can dream it, you can do it!  This book is exciting and does make one want to start something that matters. We can all get something from the book. Whether we are starting a new business or trying to accomplish something on our own that will help others, it is a great guide.  It is a very uplifting, motivational book.

I am pleased and honored to host this giveaway for the book 
Ends:  Friday, January 20th

"With every book purchase, a new children's book will be provided for a child in need. One for one."

Shoes One for one
Eye Wear One for one
Yes TOMS now sells eyewear:

 with every eyewear purchase TOMS will help give sight to a person in need.
Simple yet such grand ideas.

RULES:

Mandatory for entry:  1. Please make a comment that you want to win the book

I, of course, would love for you to follow Hibiscus House, but it is not mandatory. You do not have to have a blog just an email address so that you can be contacted.
You may comment on my Hibiscus House Facebook Page if you wish and be entered also. Thanks.

Not mandatory but for extra entries:

1.  Make a comment as to what you have done lately to help others or something that you think would be a great idea to help others.

2.  Like TOMS on Facebook come back here and leave a comment that you did.

3.  Visit TOMS.COM Pick out a pair of shoes, or eyewear you would like if you were buying. Come back and tell me what you chose.

4.  Like Hibiscus House on Facebook come back here and leave a comment that you did this.

LINKS TO PAST POSTS AND PRE-ENTRIES

To see who entered the contest early hit this link 
 the Start Something That Matters 

Another very informative link that pertains to TOMS
TOMS Blake Mycoskie Pt.

Let's start 2012 off with giving in our hearts.

Let's follow Blake's example

Give