ABOUT EMILY
I am a happy person and try to look on the bright side whenever the opportunity presents itself. I fiercely love my family and friends. I've been married to my wonderful husband, Matt, since 1999 and we live in Richardson, Texas with our adorably ridiculous dog, Rambo.
We are "everybody's" Aunt Emily & Uncle Matt. Beyond our 13 immediate nieces and nephews - their spouses and children, our great nieces and nephew, our cousin's and closest friend's children and their children, we have over 60 who turn to us for aunting & uncling, ranging from newborns up to "kids" in their mid 30's. We absolutely LOVE it!
I've been a life-long member of Midway Hills Christian Church (DOC) in Dallas, and am a member of their Vision and Worship Teams. I also currently serve (Mondays - Thursdays) as the Coordinator of Communications and Media for Grace Presbytery.
For fourteen years I was self-employed, supporting congregations, nonprofits, small businesses, and artists across the country with art, website, and communication projects. I still collaborate on independent projects in my spare time.
In my life before self-employment, I worked on the corporate side of the paper crafts industry for various manufacturers as an educator, marketer, and product designer. I was part of teams which created presentations that launched products in Target, Hobby Lobby and on QVC. I was an advocate for crafting & creativity – writing for books and magazines, filming for the DIY network, and teaching around the country and internationally.
READING
COOKING
CRAFTING
UPCYCLING
GARDENING
THRIFTING
PERSONAL SOCIALS
HOBBIES + INTERESTS
READING: I am an avid reader. I typically read from 100 to 150 books a year. I write up book reviews for everything I read and post them on my personal instagram.
GARDENING: I look for unusual vegetables and herbs to grow. Always trying to eat the rainbow.
COOKING: I love cooking. Fun fact, the more my stress level increases, the fancier my cooking gets (until I hit my breaking point and it's pizza palooza). It's a delicious creative escape.
CRAFTING: My grandmother raised me crafting constantly. I started my first business (Em's Gems) in the 4th grade, sewing my own line of Barbie clothes, designing the packaging, and selling them on consignment to a local shop. I also worked in the craft & hobby industry for 8 years. I still craft regularly and host Sunday Crafternoon gatherings in my home.
UPCYCLING: My husband & I turn trash into treasures by reupholstering, repurposing, and reimagining salvaged furniture pieces.
THRIFTING: Matt and I also regularly scout estate sales, thrift shops, and McKinney Trade Days looking for antiques or other funky finds.
ACTIVITIES
These are my main activities when I'm not working, hobby-ing, or spending time with my family and friends. Scroll over or click on the photos to flip the boxes and learn more.
Midway Hills Christian Church
Not only am I an active member of my church, serving on the Vision and Worship committees, I also on retainer for my graphic & web services with them.
The Banned Book Sanctuary Movement
In conjunction with Crossings229 and Midway Hills, I launched and help curate a Banned Book Sanctuary in North Dallas.
Sunday CRAFTernoons
At least six times a year I host small Sunday CRAFTernoon gatherings - luncheons with craft projects for fellowship and fun.
Pop Culture Pop Up
Pop Culture Pop Up is more than a book club. We are a group of friends that meets monthly. We always discuss books, what we're watching, and listening to. We go to dinners, movies, author events, retreats, and road trips.
BOOKS READ IN 2024
