This year, I’m hoping to add new design themes to the Original Me collection. One is argyle. I love the argyle pattern and hope to translate that love into some fun Tshirt designs.

The second is bodyboarding. During Christmas vacation, my family went to Kalahari Indoor Waterpark in Sandusky, OH. I rode the Flowrider, and was able to (barely) complete a bodyboarding flip! But, I had a wardrobe malfunction with my tankini!

So I’ve decided when I try it again, I need to be wearing more appropriate bodyboarding clothing. When I started looking into it, I was inspired to try some Hawaiian and beach themes for all you beach, ocean, surfing, bodyboarding lovers out there.

Stay tuned!

I found this Betsey Johnson handbag for just $20. So I just had to snatch it up. It will go great with the Cherry Tshirts.

I love cherries, and there’s a reason.

I’ve been a student of improvisational acting for a while and in the summer of 2005, I took a workshop from Karen Herr, who was 1/2 of the improv duo Cherry Bomb. (The other half is Adrian Frost, who has been featured as one of the comedians on clip show Best Week Ever on VH1.) Karen’s workshop focused on using film genres in improv. One of the genres was Film Noir, and though I was already a fan of classic film, this workshop helped me become a true aficionado.

Later that night I watched Cherry Bomb perform and they were wearing necklaces with two cherry fruits hanging from their stems, which were attached at the top. So cute.

Ever since, I’ve loved cherries.

And that’s why I have a Cherry Tees section in the store.

This purse, from one of my favorite designers, will go fantastic with the shirts!

It’s fun to be fashionable, but clothes aren’t the only thing we wear.
Today is a Bloggers Unite day, and the focus is acts of kindness. Join me in adding compassion to our wardrobe this season!

Here’s a runway of model charities that I’ve donated to or volunteered with today or in the past. Try on one of these charities to see if it fits in with your personal wardrobe. Then make a donation and adapt it to your compassion couture!

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - When kids have cancer or other serious diseases, treating them is very different than treating adults. You don’t simply cut doses in half. Childhood diseases manifest themselves in entirely different ways. Some diseases are specific to childhood. Help St. Jude as they research and treat kids - so that kids can just be - well - KIDS!

Make It Right - This is Brad Pitt’s organization to help rebuild the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans, Louisiana. These houses come with solar panels for efficient energy and are also built with safety in mind as well. Brad Pitt has had a strong interest in architecture for many years, so this organization is a nice fit with his natural personality. Join Brad in giving people homes in 2008!

Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (ThyCa) - I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in February of 2003. For the first few months, I felt dazed and confused. But when I joined a support group and started learning about my disease, I was able to make good choices about doctors and treatments. I am so grateful for the genuine support I received from the people I met through ThyCa.

Salvation Army - The Salvation Army serves a variety of needs. From homelessness to addiction to natural disasters, the Savlation Army is dedicated to being there for people in their utmost moment of need.

American Leprosy Mission - Whenever I talk to people about leprosy, I almost always hear, “Leprosy still exists?” Yes, it does and there is a cure! And the cure is so affordable that Warren Buffett or Bill Gates could wipe the disease from the planet if they so choose. Until then, it depends on the rest of us.

ICDI - Integrated Community Development International - ICDI works in the Central African Republic (CAR) taking care of orphans, conducting AIDS prevention programs, helping people start their own businesses and drilling wells so that villages have water.

Donating to charities are the garments in a compassion wardrobe. Now it’s time to accessorize. Let these baubles and bangles fab up your charitable garb.

• Let the other person have the good parking spot.
• When someone drops something, pick it up for them.
• Let others go first.
• Give out compliments generously and sincerely.
• If someone needs help with a heavy item or something out of their reach, lend them a hand.

Compassion and kindness are two things that look great on everybody. Become a trendsetter and wear them everywhere you go!

I like to connect through differentiation. If that sounds like an oxymoron, let me explain.

I grew up and currently live in North Carolina, but I spent a couple of years in DC. When I was in DC, I often talked about NC. Now that I’m back in NC, I often talk about DC.

In my attempt to connect with people, I like to talk about the things that set me apart. I think I’m trying to be memorable. or trying to stand out in some way.

It’s the kind of paradox that comes through with a Tshirt shop named “Original Me.”  People come to buy shirts to express their individuality, and yet many people will buy the same shirt.

Still, even though you and another bloke might buy the same shirt about say, blogging, you’re still uniquely you. Only you have the set of hobbies and interests and clothing in your wardrobe. But Original Me Tees can at least help the world understand you a little better.