Diva-In-Training Designs Presents a New Line: The Simple Series Scarf

I'm a simple girl (in my head, at least).  Sometimes, I don't want my attire to speak for me - I just want something modest that doesn't introduce itself to you before my mouth gets the chance.  So, with that being said, I've created a new line called "The Simple Series" dedicated to those who admire simple style.  Each item is made from 100% soft acrylic yarn which can be laundered with the rest of your clothes.  No frill or fuss, just handmade necessities that serve their purpose while keeping you stylishly warm.

Here's some samples for you - click on each item to take you directly to my store:

The Simple Canary Scarf

The Simple Black Scarf

The Simple Orchid Scarf

The Simple Gold Scarf

Head over to Diva-In-Training Designs and check out the collection of Simple Series designs in my store. Thanks again for stopping by!

-Shauna

Clearance Sale

Hey folks!

From now until the end of summer, save 50% off all items in the clearance section - just use coupon code SUMMERSAVINGS at checkout!  Go to www.divaintraining.etsy.com today and check out what's there - here are some items that are still available:

The Special Olympics Neckwarmer

Special Olympics Neckwarmer

The Shades of Blue Infinity Scarf

Shades of Blue Infinity Scarf

Burgundy & Beige Cowl

....and so much more!  Stop by today and see what's available!

Singing Sundays - Happy birthday Richard!

It comes as no surprise that my first post for Singing Sundays goes to my friend Richard Turner.   

Richard and I have an interesting "how did you two meet" story.  We lived in the same apartment complex while studying at Temple University but didn't know it for months.  I used to pass him on campus almost every day (personally, I thought he was the most handsome guy at Temple & was looking for an opportunity to get to know him).  One evening, as fate would have it, I realized that we lived in the same building: we struck up a conversation, exchanged contact information, and became friends.

For most of the time that I studied at Temple University, I worked for the office of Development and Alumni Affairs for Temple University's College of Education (I studied classical voice & opera).  About 3-4 times a year, my office hosted an event called Fireside Chats where Dr. Bill Cosby would discuss various facets of urban education to College of Education students.  In time, I learned that Richard was a teacher at a neighborhood school: he had a passion for urban education, so I invited him to attend one of the events as my guest. 

Richard with Bill Cosby

The event was more like a round-table discussion on Urban Education with Dr. Cosby as the mediator.  For about 2 hours, we sat and listed to these surburbanites discuss their methods of reaching children in the classroom - seriously, we both wanted to poke our eyes out with a rusty fork.  I could sense Richard's restlessness, so when the moment came, Richard stood up and proceeded to give a REAL account of what teaching in an urban setting is like.

The moment Bill Cosby fell in love with Richard!

Me in the background - I was so proud of him!

Richard was a hit!  Everyone with some sort of title in the College of Education was interested in getting to know him!  My boss received numerous requests from schools, departments, organizations, etc. about Richard Turner, but he turned down almost all of the opportunities because of his educational responsibilities.  One evening, my boss informed me that Dr. Cosby had invited myself and Richard to a business dinner where we met Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman, superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, her assistant, my boss and her Assistant Director Tiffany Tavarez, and others.  

We left from dinner and had a drink on South St. All in all, we had a great time, not only with each other, but with notable educators in Philadelphia.

So, in the spirit of great memories, I'm dedicating my first "Singing Sundays" blog to my old friend Richard Turner.  As the saying goes, there are people that come into your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime....you, my friend, are a dear that holds an incredibly special and a lifetime place in my heart.  Happy birthday to you and as always, I wish for you success, love, light, and happiness!

Here's something special just for you :-)

Music Mondays - My Band, Soul F/X

Wanted: A 60's wig and a tambourine.

So today, I just finished my rehearsal with my band.  I don't know if I told you, but I recently joined a band with my two friends Kenny Pitt and Zahmu Sankofa.  We're a soul/ funk/ pop cover band with A# Productions out of Huntington Valley.  Today, we decided to have a small rehearsal because we just got word that we have a gig (my first one) on August 27th, which means mama has some work to do.

For the upcoming gig, we're covering songs by Martha & the Vandellas, Alicia Keys, Sylvester, Beyonce', The Four Tops, and other great (soul) artists.  I'm so excited to perform with the guys - we have so much fun at our rehearsals!

Here are a couple of the songs that we're performing:

Above: CeCe Peniston "Finally"

Above: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles "Tracks of My Tears"

Above: The Emotions "Best of My Love"

What do you think?

You like earrings?

Here's a couple of earrings that I've been working on:

Above: Strawberries and Cream Earrings

Above: Purple Coral Seashell Earrings

Above: Key Lime Pie Earrings

What do you think?

My little blog! I haven't forgotten about you!!

So much has happened in the land of Diva-In-Training Designs!  I have 2 new business partners that have taught me SO much about owning a business (thanks Jim and Sandy!)  It feels so good having support from people that believe in my dream to design!

Over the past 2 months, I have designed a line of Urban Furry Leg Covers in an assortment of colors. Most recently, I’m designing jewelry such as earrings and possibly swimsuits in the near future. 

So stay tuned to all my latest designs from Diva-In-Training Designs! 

Handmade Scarf in Rustic Red and Cream

My latest item for sale: Handmade Men's Scarf in Rustic Red & Cream