I love when a product actually works!

I love when a product works! 

Ok - I know this is going to seem a little unusual to some of you, I thought it was to - at first. Wrapping the body to loose inches?  I definitely was unsure what it was all about. But as always, once we educate ourselves on something, we are able to make an informed decision. 

Little back story to get us started...

I've always been one to take care of my body and when my sister-in-law shared the It Works daily "greens" drink with me, it made sense. I've been taking it for the past 6 months and loving it. Knowing that I'm getting more than my daily share of fruits and vegetables is awesome. 

After looking further into the It Works company and their "super natural products" I decided to become a loyal customer to take advantage of the discount on the products I already use. 

I recently took it one step further and became a distributer, as many of the people around me could really benefit from products and the business opportunity. 

And… today I "wrapped" my first client with the body applicator and WOW!!! is all I have to say. 

It was so much fun to read through everything and wrap her, and 45 minutes later  - she lost an inch and a half off her belly. We re-measured and re-measured and couldn't believe it. 

So in two days I'm wrapping her again!  I love when a product works and It Works "works."

If you'd like to take a look at the greens, multi vitamin, body applicators go to my website and take a look!  https://didiayersnyder.myitworks.com/ContactMe

Answering Your Design Questions!

Answering Your Questions

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POWER TOOL?

There are so may power tools I like and use because they assist you in getting a job done a lot faster than using hand tools at times.  However, I would have to say the “Jigsaw”.  I enjoy having the freedom of gliding through projects creating interesting pieces that have cut outs and unique features.  That’s definitely on of my signatures in design.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?

Growing up I always answered this question by saying blue - any shade of blue.  However, today my favorite color depends on the style of the room I am designing as well as the season of the year.  For example, in summer and spring I am drawn to bold colors like orange, lime, and canary yellow.  In the winter and fall, warm tones such as Tibetan red, chocolate browns, and creams. 

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR PERSONAL DESIGN STYLE?

Like the changing of seasons - so do my personal design style play.  Today, as I look around my home I would say it is a collection of naturals and electric pieces.  Most of which are old items that I revitalized and gave some character to.  Within my home the over all style is simple, clutterfree functional living.  However, outside my yard is dedicated to organic landscaping and following Xeriscaping design - reducing irrigation and working with the Southern Califorina desert landscape.  My backyard is a great explain of working with the environment.  I started off by eliminating the idea of a grassed lawn and transformed it by adding a colorful collection of native and draught resistant trees and plants.  I also compost and have two 8”x4” open air composts that nourish the backyard.  Pathways using bark and stone in areas which lead you around the yard and bird feeders handing in trees add interest and welcome nature to the property.  I enjoy gardening very much and love the fact that I save money by growing my own fruits and vegetables.  My tomatoes are to die for! 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM TO DESIGN?

I enjoy designing children’s rooms.  No other room transforms as often as a kid’s room.  It can change color, appearance, and style as fey as they grow.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ROOM TO DESIGN?

As a carpenter and interior designer I personally believe every room is a exciting challenge - that’s why it is called design.  Challenging yourself to come up with distinctive and creative flows throughout a home takes skill.  Renovating a eon is a challenge physically and creatively.  Removing walls to open up a living space for example unbolts the challenge to greater heights because you have to take codes, wiring, and support beams into account. 

Ideas for a Greener Interior Design

So you recycle your paper and plastics, take cloth bags to the grocery store, and started a compost in the backyard. Now you are wondering what else you can do to be green. How about going green indoors? When it comes to interior design I personally am always looking for ways to incorporate recycled items, energy efficient appliances and alternative products into a space. First, you should know that you don't have to be a design guru or spend a ton of money to make green changes. Simply making wise investments that will be healthier for you and family is key. Plus, you will create long term savings all the while taking steps toward helping our precious environment. When considering going green indoors keep in mind the following. 1. Paint  One of the most impactful ways to change up a space in your home is paint. However, most traditional paints are heavy in VOC's (volatile organic compounds). This is a class of chemicals that may cause health problems ranging from dizziness to nerve damage. So be sure to choose paints that are nontoxic natural paints. I recommend AFM Safecoat paint, which has zero VOC's. www.afmsafecoat.com 2. Flooring The next time you smell that "new carpet smell" - don't smile. In fact you should be frowning. Why? Well, what your smelling are chemicals. Most traditional carpets are notorious for harboring toxins and allergens. If you have an opportunity to replace your carpets with sustainable hard wood flooring such as reclaimed wood, renewable bamboo, or responsible harvest woods - make the investment. The maintenance for hard wood flooring is a lot easier to maintain and is healthier than carpet. You can always finish off the look with an all natural area rug made from wool, organic cotton or hemp. I recommend Green Building Supply Flooring. www.greenbuildingsupply.com/All-Products/Flooring 3. Energy Star Appliances, Faucets and Toilets Did you know the average household of 4 uses around 400 gallons of water per day! To save money and preserve our precious environment, I highly suggest replacing your leaky or water-wasting faucets with water efficient products produced by the company American Standard. Likewise, replacing your old toilet with a FloWise Dual Flush Right Height Elongated Toilet by American Standard will also help the environment and stop you from flushing money down the drain. American Standard truly have set the standard in design. Their quality of products is making it easier for all of us to do our part in living a more conscious and greener lifestyle. For further information visit www.americanstandard.com.  4. Energy Efficient Curtains Light plays an integral part in design and having the sun pour into a space can be heavenly. However, depending on what time of year it is a room can sometimes feel too hot or cold. To save money on heating and cooling cost - add energy efficient curtains. Simply by installing energy efficient curtains in your home you can substantially save on your electricity bill each year. So consider using energy efficient curtains to change the look of your window treatments. Here is a video to tell you more - courtesy for HOME MADE SIMPLE www.homemadesimple.com http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BzxKQHZ8zhg 5. Live Plants Plants not only liven up a room - some are actually air cleaners. According to a study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, some plants such as the bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, English ivy, gerbera daisy, chrysanthemum, and the peace lily effectively remove toxic formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. All reasons to go out this weekend and start your indoor green design makeover.

Making Over a Room Can be Affordable

Making Over a Room Can be Affordable

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a room look fabulous. There are many inexpensive ways to create the look you want for less. Start by evaluating the “four foundations” of a room - the walls, flooring, windows, and lighting. Are the walls in need of some paint? What condition are the floors in? Does the room have enough natural light or do you need to add some extra lighting? By making simple changes to the four main components to a room you will have a better canvas to work with when implementing the over all theme. Here are some inexpensive idea’s to consider when tackling a makeover on a budget.

1. Color is a great place to start and the first step to revitalizing a room. Before painting a room all one color, consider painting an accent wall. Start off by deciding which all is going to be the focal point, tape off the area and paint. Walk in and out of the room a few times and you will see that one painted wall can really make a statement.


I designed this room on Clean House for the Style Network.


2. Flooring - A dear friend of mine rents a fully carpeted apartment. Every-time people come over she always finds herself apologizing for the visible stains her kids have made over the years. Every six months or so she gets the carpets cleaned and wishes her landlord was willing to rip then up for dreamy hardwood floors. But since that isn’t an option, I suggested she look into - light weight washable area rugs. They are inexpensive; come in many colors, and can liven up any dull-carpeted floor. If you cannot replace worn carpet in your home consider purchasing some oversized area rugs. It is an easier and less expensive solution then replacing your entire flooring.


Here's an example of rugs on carpet. I designed this music room for Clean House on the Style Network.


3. Window treatments can be as understand as a Roman shade, which simply frames a window, or lavished with long curtains and tiebacks to make a grand statement. The first thing to do is to remove any existing window treatments from the window area and clean the glass well. Allow the natural light to reflect around the space for a day before making a decision on how you would like to control the light in the room.

I designed this Modern Hollywood Regency look on Clean House for the Style Network.


4. Lighting - When it comes to restoring there’s nothing a good can of spray-paint can’t do - especially to the base of an old lamp. Before tossing your out, take a trip to your local hardwired store and look at the range of colors and finishes spray-paint companies are offering today. You’d be surprised how inexpensive spray paints are and how easily they can transform old pieces of furniture to look brand-new. For the base of a lamp choose a color that will make a statement and top it off with a new neutral shade.


I designed this room on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

SAVING IS SEXY…and it all starts with letting go of household baggage!

SAVING IS SEXY…and it all starts with letting go of household baggage!

I can remember when splurging on a new household item was exciting and the very smell of “new” made me feel like I was queen of the house, inspiring me to organize the rest of my home to create a sense of security.  

An addiction to making certain I had the perfect nest to come home to drove the illusion that “more” meant “better.”  What a mistake!   I eventually realized that what more actually translated into was more credit card debt, shrunken savings, and less satisfaction.  That new smell inevitably faded away, leaving a life filled with things I just didn’t need - material possessions with no bearing at all on who I am as a woman.

I have learned over the years that the greatest splurge we can invest in is “self-design” and that exercising the power to hunt for a great bargain not only saves money but also is very sexy.  That’s when I made the life changing decision to start over.

The first step was purging all my household baggage.  I started off by dedicating a filing cabinet to organize all of my paper work and set up a computer program to track my income, expense, and extra spending.  I immediately gained more usable space by shredding unnecessary papers, which I then recycled.  

Cleaning the house came easy as I love to clean; however, this time there was an addition focus.  As I worked my way through my home, I purged - finding bits and pieces in the kitchen, office area, and storage shed was an eye-opening experience, revealing all the clutter I had accumulated.  I gave myself a single guideline: anything that was no longer functional, had no importance, or hadn’t been used in the past six months was given away.

It felt amazingly good to let go - and inside I felt like I was letting go of the old me.  I transformed my home into a simple, well-organized functional space.  I felt like my house could breathe for the first time and every room appeared to be more open.  Every remaining item had a place to be and a reason for it being there. I felt a new sense of power, and with it came the realization that I had created a clean canvas to work with - a space where I realized I could be the designer.

This experience has not only helped me save money, it also helped me redefine my own design style and taught me that I can achieve fashionable rooms for less - mush less.  Every time I would say to my husband, “I did it for under $100,” we both smiled and realized again that we found more value in our friendship than the weekend makeover I had achieved.

My first household purge back in 1998, began my mission to live a life of organic fulfillment which inspired me to share my new-found insight with others.  Whether you are looking to enhance your life or reaching out to discover who you are, it is never too late to make new discoveries and change your surroundings…and your outlook - no matter your age or circumstances.

Creating a home that reflects your means and taste is key to ensuring a happy home.  Join me and start today.  Commit to getting rid of household baggage - simplify and slim down.  We each have the power to design a life full of meaningful quality.

PURGE

Take it one day - and one room - at a time.  Purge old, unused, and duplicate items.

DONATE

If you don’t need it - someone else will.  Consider donating old and unused clothing, cookware, and books to local humanitarian organizations.  You’ll find the amazing value of giving.

SELL

Hosting a garage or yard sale is a great way to let go of items you no longer need.  With that extra cash - you can pay a little off that credit card you have or invest into items that you’d like for your new design.

REUSE

Before tossing out something, challenge yourself to repurpose old items to fit into your newly designed living ideas.

Once you have purged - you are ready to explore the art of designing and saving.

Didiayer Snyder's Repurposed Items For Design

Silverware Tray & Jewelry A silverware tray is a great way to organize jewelry. It is great to use a wooden silverware tray because you can paint it any color. Plastic works too. The best part is you can make this glam enough to leave out in the open but it also fits easily into any drawer without your jewelry getting lost or tangled. Muffin Tins And Rings/Earrings Muffin tins are a great way to store rings and earrings. They easily slide in drawers and can be spray painted to any color. Picture Frame, Chicken Wire, Hammer And Nails This frame is easy to create. Just nail chicken wire into a picture frame. You can paint the frame in any color you would like. You can hang earrings and necklaces on the wire and display them in a creative way! Rake, Wine Glasses & Big Kitchen Utensils An old rake can be used to hold many different items. You can simply hang it on the wall and use it to hold wine glasses or large kitchen utensils. Books, Brackets, Ruler, Pencil And Drill Find leather or cloth books that will look great on the wall. Buy two sets of brackets, using one set for below the books and a single bracket for above. Measure the thickness of each book and start drilling. Slide each book between the top and bottom brackets before placing light-weight objects on it. Trophy, Wine Cork, Drill, Super Glue Use a drill to make a 1/8-inch-wide hole halfway down into a new cork. Next, twist off the top of a vintage trophy Apply superglue to the underside of the trophy top's base and the screw that extends from it. Insert the screw into the cork and twist the pieces together until flush and a tight bond forms. Allow one hour of drying time before using. Cleaned Spaghetti Jar, Spray Paint, Knob And Super Glue You can make an apothecary jar with an old spaghetti jar. Simply clean it out, spray paint the lid, and super glue a knob to the top. This is great to store candy! By MarieOsmond.com

Mommy Chic with Didiayer Snyder

Looking for great products to make your home Mommy Chic?  Check out these products I shared on the Marie Osmond Show. FLOR http://www.flor.com   Flor is an innovative system of carpet square that you assemble to create custom rugs, runners, or wall to wall designs of any shape. If a piece gets stained you can replace it with a new carpet square for very little money.   CRYPTON FABRIC http://www.cryptonathome.com   CryptonHome Fabrics offer soft, easy-to-clean fabrics that you, the kids and your four-legged family can’t wait to snuggle up on. Forget stains, smudges and smears, CryptonHome has your back. Tough enough to stand up to life’s messes and beautiful enough to display confidently in your home; grimy hands, dirty paws and other surface messes can be easily cleaned and never wears away.  BIRILLO LAMP www.lampsplus.com This lamp is impossible to knock over so great for children. The head is adjustable for controlled lighting.   TRIPP TRAPP CHAIR www.stokke.com   This trendy hi-chair matches your design and is adjustable so kids can use it from the time they are a baby to an adult. LAY-N-GO www.layngo.com   Lay-N-Go is an activity mat, cleanup, storage and carryall solution in one.  Two sizes (5' and 18") offer kids and parents a great way to easily manage their toy collections at home or wherever your travels may take you! By the Marie Osmond Show http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/marie/product/mommychic

Spring Cleaning Time

It's that time of year when the sun begins to warm our souls and nature begins to bud is beauty.  It's also the time for us to take a look at what we may be holding on to that is cluttering our homes.

Here are 4 simple steps to take to get the job done happily!

PURGE

Take it one day - and one room - at a time.  Purge old, unused, and duplicate items.

DONATE

If you don’t need it - someone else will.  Consider donating old and unused clothing, cookware, and books to local humanitarian organizations.  You’ll find the amazing value of giving.

SELL

Hosting a garage or yard sale is a great way to let go of items you no longer need.  With that extra cash - you can pay a little off that credit card you have or invest into items that you’d like for your new design.

REUSE

Before tossing out something, challenge yourself to repurpose old items to fit into your newly designed living ideas.

Once you have purged - you are ready to explore the art of designing and saving!  

It's been worth the wait...

It has been a very long time since I have written and all for good reasons.

I have had my heart and hands full for the past year and a half growing as a new mother. My husband and I had our first child back in June of 2011. She is the love of our lives, and our whole world happily changed when she came into the world.

During 2011 I was working on two television shows while pregnant. I'm so grateful that everyone was happy to work with me as I slowly grew. I was filming MlifeTV for MGM Resorts International and Clean House for the Style Network. In fact, the week I started Clean House was when I found out that I was pregnant. So my little one journeyed along with me as I designed and encouraged families to de-clutter and get organized. It was a life changing year - one that I am so grateful for.

2012 started off encouraging and I began the art of balancing motherhood and work. I discovered my passion for natural birth work and became a birth doula - something that I trained for and now am honored to do. www.devoteddoula.com

I also, started a new television program Home Made Simple on the OWN Network - www.homemadesimple.com

I would have to say of all the shows I have worked on, I truly found this one very rewarding. Don't get me wrong, working on shows like Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Amazing Vacation Homes, and Clean House were all bountiful experiences. There was just something very special about Home Made Simple. I think it was how simple and creative we were encouraged to be. I love DIY projects. Especially ones that others can pick up easily.

2012 ended with a family RV trip across America. It was an incredible experience and further bonded our love, passion, and commitment as a family. We set goals and knew 2013 would be a year for planting seeds in many business and philanthropic adventures. I'm blessed to say I have a wonderful life partner, husband and friend to journey through this life.

We have been enjoying 2013 and keeping busy as always. Counting all our blessing and appreciating every hour of every day - no matter if there highs or changeling times.

On a business level, I recently joined Twitter @DidiayerSnyder. Oh the world of social media and how it really has become a part of how we do business these days. It has fully encouraged me to become a blogger. To really take some time out and do something that I love - write and share my life experiences with others, in hopes that it will encourage and empower you. So be sure to stay tuned - I'm about to get blog happy and post DIY projects, videos, insights to my shows and of course words of wisdom.

You know how to find me - and I'm so grateful for all your support. Much Love Didiayer~

Start 2011 in Prayer

There is much prayer needed around the world. Today, please take a moment of silence and pray for the millions of people who are still struggling in Haiti, the families and victims of the shooting in Arizona, and the thousands of families who have lost their homes due to flooding in Australia. My family is okay - but my home town is flooded and many families have evacuated.

It's so easy to get caught up in our own lives, that we forget to stop and think of those who may be suffering from loneliness, stress, hunger, homelessness, and disease. So stop today and help someone, give a smile, and take a moment to thank God for life - it's so precious, make the most of every day.

So, this is it - the last day of 2010!

So, this is it - the last day of 2010!

It has been a busy year with many joy’s and much hard work, but through it all I can honestly say I am so grateful for everything the Lord has done in my life this year.

My year started off with much uncertainty, but packed with hope. As many of you know, for the last three season’s I was one of the designers on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Looking back on that experience, I would have to say the best memories were working with the builders, families, and volunteers. It was a painful departure, but I knew in my heart that there was much more for me to do.

Between shooting a campaign for the “My Expressions of Kindness Campaign” early in the year, where I got to work with Bad Pitts non-profit - Make It Right, to traveling the country as a motivational speaker, volunteering across the nation for Habitat For Humanity, shooting a new television show - MlifeTV, which is a travelers inside look on all the wonders of MGM Resorts International (air's January 1st 2011 - go to www.mlife.com to view) and taking a trip to Haiti in April - that literally changed my life, I can say its truly been a blessed year.

Traveling to Haiti, as I said - changed my life. That trip put the year in full focus for me and paved way for what was really important in life. When I stepped foot onto Haitian soil - I immediately felt the sadness of the people. They had just suffered a catastrophic earthquake.  Every person I met had a gripping story to share about what happened. Today, almost a year later - it is still a daily struggle for people to find clean drinking water and food. Hundreds of families are still living in make shift tents. What I saw was not only heart braking but showed me the root of what grave need is. Let me share with you what I mean. Grave need, is when families are literally starving to death and have no choice but to mix dirt with dirty water to make "clay cakes", which they dry in the sun and eat. They do this because they’re so hungry and it helps ward off hunger pains for a short time. Children as young as 6 years old prostituting themselves in order to get some money to eat, and children sold as "restaveks" - which is a child slave, so a family can have one mouth less to feed - or sadly, a child's parents have died and they are left on the streets, stolen and then sold into slavery. I could go on.

I’ve spent many years volunteering for organizations such as Habitat For Humanity, The Teen Project, and feeding the homeless, but I have NEVER seen suffering like this. The reason I am so passionate about this state of pain, is because when I visited Haiti with my husband Christopher - we saw ALL this with our own eyes. I personally felt helpless, angered, saddened, but through God’s grace - empowered to share our stories and motivate people around the world to get involved and make a difference.  That trip is what inspired us to start Christian Housing Ministry International (C.H.M.I).  www.chmiusa.org

Our current fund raising efforts are focused toward an undeveloped school in the outskirts of Hinche, which is located in the Central Plateau of Haiti. Our goal is to support the eight teachers that have dedicated their lives to their community by paying them a small wage and providing higher education. To build classrooms - as they are currently all sitting outside in the elements. Provide electricity - something that is completely foreign to them (we are working on solar powered energy) and clean water - something the whole community does not have. Everyone must walk miles to a river which is unsafe to drink, but they drink it out of need. We would also like to build toilets - again something they don't have. This is just the basic's - we have much more we would like to do and will in time. We’re just getting off the ground and this last week of 2010 we had our first campaign via Facebook. I was moved by how many people stepped up and donated. This is one project you will definitely hear more about in 2011.

Well, let’s change the pace a little, as most of you who read my blog and follow me on Facebook are always keeping up to date with my television career. Once I knew I wasn’t returning to Extreme Makeover Home Edition, I was looking for a project that would allow me to continue my love for television hosting, as well as, a show that I could continue sharing my design skills on. If you know me well, I prayed about it - I just never thought God would flood me with it all at once! Not only did I book a “kick ass” travel show, I also booked an amazing show where I can continue to design. The only catch is... I still can’t tell you what it is. Even though the contracts have been signed - “moms” the word for a few more months. I’ve never had to hold out on sharing good news for so long. :) But, it’s worth the wait, as everyone on my new show is super amazing and I’m so excited to be working with a group of people who love what they do and want to do it together. I will also be working with Nate Berkus and Orpah this coming year on a project that will really touch your heart. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on all the air dates. I will also be doing some motivational speeches in 2011, however; it’s going to be a full year - filming two television shows, working with Nate Berkus, raising money for Haiti, and of course taking care of my family. God sure does have a good sense of humor!

With all the high’s there were some low’s in 2010. My beloved dog Kayla past away. She was a loving dog and good companion. We miss her dearly.

Most recently, and the greatest loss besides my father dying when I was 13 years old, was the death of a woman who was a role model and mentor to me. The talented Executive Producer - Denise Cramsey. Denise was my EP on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. When she left the show - we all felt a great lost. Her death ripped my heart and sent ripples throughout the television community. However, there was so much good, honesty, joy, and sheer genius about Denise, that this coming year I plan to always think, “What would Denise do?” I’ll carry her loving memory with me into 2011 and pray that we all can do a little of the good she did when she was with us.

I think the most important lesson I learned in 2010 is to “let go.” You see, sometimes we all get so caught up in what were doing that we forget that at the end of the day that were not in control, only God is. When I learned this lesson AGAIN this year, life opened up and all the things I worried about and hoped for just fell into place. It comes back to the theory of - what we put out into the world is what we are and what we will receive. “Letting go” and letting God know your hearts desires, I have found, is the best way to live life.

So my friends, I leave you with this - put aside your religious beliefs, your thoughts on nationalities and see that we are all apart of the HUMAN race. No matter what your income level, where you were born, where you live - we all struggle in life. Some days we accomplish our goals, other days we couldn’t feel more alone. So take the time to slow down, to say hello to the person that passes you on the street, pick up the phone and tell a family member you love them, and most of all... GIVE - give to those in need and God will bless and enrich your life.

Peace be with you, and may 2011 bring you much joy.

Life and Death

Someone once asked, “Why do we have to die?” The response given was - “so that we would realize how precious life is today”. It’s interesting, because sometimes it takes for us to be confronted with death to remind us to slow down, to listen more, or to change our ways.

The first impacted of this line of thinking came into my life at the age of thirteen. Sadly, I watched my robust father become a man I didn’t recognize.

Lung cancer took him too soon.

I’ll never forget walking into the hospital to view his body. As I leaned over to kiss him one last time a tear dropped from my wet eyes and landed on his. I imaged that the tear that rolled down his check was one that he cried for us all. That moment impacted my life greatly. I remember thinking as I pulled away - to never take life for granted and to live each day as if it was my last. I can recall countless times growing up when I would reflect on my fathers death, especially in times of difficulty. His death inspired me to live - and pushed me to work through adversity and rise above. No matter what is going on in my life, even today - it always comes back to life and its importance.

As most of you know, I recently lost my beloved dog Kayla. She was a kind, loyal, and a loving dog - and is greatly missed. Before she died, I was able to sit and comfort her. I took her on a few short walks, and was there when she passed away. Burying her was a mixer of life’s emotions. It was difficult, yet healing.



These are two pivotal moments, past and resent, that have helped shape me into the woman I am today. I would say my father past on his bravery, and Kayla gave me structure. Simply -they gave me life.

You don’t have to loose a loved one or a “best-friend” to gain a deeper reasoning of life for yourself. As morbid as it may sound, death is all around us. It is not to be feared - but understood. It is after all the one thing we all have in common. Take a moment and think about the hundreds of people who died on 9/11 or the lives lost in the earth quake in Haiti earlier this year. It is heart braking. We all stopped, even if it is for a brief moment, and breathed deeply and quietly. Do you remember what you thought? How you felt?

For those of us who are here today - we have the power to make a difference not only in our own lives but for those all around us. From a loved one to a stranger on the street, it is our duty to make a positive impact and truly leave the world a better place.

I encourage you today to “be the change you want to see in the world”. Be brave to take a stand in your own life and be compassionate to those who are in greater need than yourself.

Life, as we know it - “is a blink of the eye.”

35- and 10 weeks

It has been a couple of months since I have written. For that I apologize. Don't get me wrong, there is much to share - but where to start is what has held me back.

If you have been following me via face-book you would know that I travel a lot for work. From New York City to Boston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Haiti. One airport after another seems to all blend after a while, and a bag of peanuts, well that's become a rare yet desirable item on any flight. Most recently I've been traveling to promote the "My Expressions of Kindness Campaign", as well as giving motivational speeches, selling my book, modeling, and most recently I traveled to Haiti.

Oh Haiti, how you have opened my eyes to what I need to share.

When I think back to the last few years of my life, I have been so blessed. I have had a full filling career as a fashion model, motivational speaker, television host and designer on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I can remember the first time I ever saw EMHE on television. I had just completed a mural for a little girls room. The homeowner seemed pleased, and as I was leaving she said I should be on one of those HGTV programs and makeover people's rooms. I laughed. I had started painting murals part time between modeling jobs, and was thinking about opening a design business of some sort. At the time, I had been modeling for fifteen years and was wondering how I could expand my career. That night I went home and prayed about it. I love design, but more than anything I really enjoy helping people. I wondered what type of television show would allow me to share my gifts and talents. I turned on the television and there it was - Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I knew in a heart beat that was the show I wanted to be on. I spent the next three years working towards that goal.

First, I went back to school for interior design. I did a one year carpentry course, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, became a home inspector and professional organizer, as well as, about thirty free makeovers to build my portfolio. To build my hosting reel, I filmed much of my work and landed a great show on the Travel Channel - Amazing Vacation Homes. I learned so much from the architects I met on that program. It really was "amazing." Then one day in 2007 I got the call I had been waiting for. EMHE were starting season five and were looking for a couple of new designers. The first audition went really well and I got a call back to fly out to Billings Montana. Besides the day I met my husband, it was the best day of my life. Everything about it was perfect. Why, you may ask? Because I wasn't alone. On the morning of the audition I knelt in front of my hotel window and prayed. God knew how much work I had put into this moment, and now I knew it was in his hands. Once I got to the location and met with the executive producer she turned to me and said, "are you ready?" I said, "I've been ready for a while." What happen next - will never leave my mind. As we began to walk down the hill toward the house she explained what she was looking for and I felt an overwhelming presence of God. It was like God and His angels were all around me. Then, there I was, in front of a camera sharing who I was and what I could bring to the table. As I said, it was an unforgettable experience, and the rest...well say they say, the rest is history.

We recently wrapped season seven, and in a few months the crew will hit the road again and travel the nation and help many more families in need. My experience on this show has inspired me. It has led me to question - what more can I do?

So today I share one of my biggest building challenges ever - a non-profit to serve those in critical need. Christian Housing Ministry International (CHMI) will help families in impoverished nations build toward sustainability - beginning with Haiti. I am focusing on a five point program system - education, employment, housing, clean drinking water and child sponsorship.

I believe this is what God has been preparing me for all these years.

I am blown away by his teachings. The way he has guided me, even when I've felt lost. His provision, even when I showed worry. And his never ending love, even when I have forgotten to love myself.

I share this news with you today because I need your support to remind me always what's really important in life.

Please feel free to view some of my pictures at the CHMI face-book page. I WILL continue to share my thoughts, and hope that they may inspire you to see what is important in your life.

I leave you with my pledge.

I Didiayer Snyder pledge to serve those in need. To motivate and bring like minds together to serve and spread God's word because I am called.

Yes, the next chapter of my life is calling.

Giving Back through Design

When it comes to giving back my heart is an open door especially when it comes to children and inspiring people.

I recently had the honor of designing a room for a young girl who “aged out of the foster care system.”  With no where to go her life was turned around by a remarkable woman - Lauren Burns. For more information on Lauren and her life saving organization to to www.theteenproject.com and to read the article about my involvement go to 

Foster teens have a new home

http://www.ocregister.com/news/garcia-242066-home-foster.html?pic=2

The Teen Projects Mission Statement

“To provide teens aging out of the foster care system with all of the resources and support of an intact family. To allow the greatest opportunity for a successful transition to adulthood.”

“The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a difficult transition, even with an intact family structure.  Recent studies have shown that the average young person must rely on parental support during this transitional period, and do not actually become self-sufficient until age 26.  By contrast, youth exiting the foster care systems do not have this option; they are cut off from their sole support system at age 18.

Where most teens are entering this time of their life with a sense of awe and opportunity, foster kids are left in a state of desperation.  Without a home to return to, they often sleep on couches, in cars or turn themselves in to the local homeless shelter.  For these kids the future is bleak.” 

From The Teen Project.

I want to thank Astek Inc. Wallpaper for donating this killer Down Town LA pray paint style wallpaper. 

For more information about Astek Inc. wallpapering go to

www.astekwallcovering.com

The big reveal!

The reaction! 

The best part of my job as a designer - the impact and positive changes it makes in peoples lives. 

35 - and three weeks

It is late. My body and my mind are calling me to bed.

It was another incredible week of my life.

I will share detail very soon.

35 and two weeks.

This weeks blog comes to you from New York City!

Today was a very exciting and surreal moment for me. In many ways its been one of those moments in life "we think about, but wonder when it will happen." For those of you who are getting to know me and my many works, first and foremost, I am a woman who believes in helping those in need. Always questioning, "how my education can serve others before myself."

Over the last few years my passion for helping others has grown tremendulously from working along side Habitat for Humanity partners to families on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

Today, I am proud to announce another step in my journey - I am the ambassador for the "My Expressions of Kindness Campaign." To learn more visit www.expresskindnesscampaign.com. It truly is an honor to be the ambassador of something that I am deeply passionate about - and that is spreading the message of kindness.

It is my first time to the "big apple", and today at the launch, I had the pleasure of meeting many men and woman who share my belief in empowering others to live a life of kindness. This truly is a simple and beautiful message. My hope is that you will take the time to go to the website mentioned above and join me in helping raise $250,000.00 for three deserving charities. The best thing about it is it won't cost you a cent - only the joy of knowing that you will be helping someone else in need.

The next steps in my journey of life are unfolding...

I leave you with a quote of mine - "don't give because it makes you feel good. Give because others deserve your kindness."

May this inspire you today to reach out and bless someone in need.

35 - and one week!

The first week of my 35th birthday has taught me that I must learn the art of pacing myself. I must confess - I rush a lot. I’m always hurrying up to do this and hurrying up to do that. Early on in my career I became a pro at the art of multi tasking and meeting deadlines. My actions always reflected a schedule. A schedule I had to meet.

However today, my husbands gentle persistence paid off. I learned that meeting a goal wasn’t necessarily as important as understanding the journey of getting there.

I know this. I teach this. How could I so easily forget that it is the journey in life that is important - not the destination. Nevertheless, today I did forget - because I was rushing.

What should have been an exciting experience of opening a new bank account and depositing a healthy check, turned into a lesson of lack of preparation. I considered our deposit - just one of the many things “I” wanted to “check of the list.” What I failed to acknowledge was that it was something “we” planned to experience together. I forfeited turning to my husband and sharing “our” ideas – all because I was anxious to “get it done.”

I quickly realized that I took the joy of discovery out of learning and sharing with my husband.

My husband is a patient man. At times, I am not. My lack of preparation proved that I didn’t do my homework. For starters, I was unsure of what bank to go to. What type of account we needed to open, and what we needed in order to make it a successful transaction. I didn’t slow down and turn to my husband so that “we” could make the best banking decision for our future.

It took only one sweet look from my loving husband to remind me that he is my friend, my partner, and my biggest supporter. His display of patience and kind words reminded me that it is the experiences that we share in our journey that count – not how fast we can check things off our “to-do” list.

We didn’t get to deposit our money into a new bank account today. However, something greater happened. I learned to slow down and pace myself.

Corporate banking here I come.