I've made a few changes to the sale going on in my shop this weekend!

For Black Friday and Cyber Monday...

I'm offering 20% OFF everything
FREE DOMESTIC shipping (USPS FIRST CLASS)
1 DOLLAR shipping to Canada
and reduced international shipping
in my shop.


I've marked everything down, so no revised invoices will be needed unless you have a coupon from me to use, which you are welcome to do in conjunction with the sale!

This sale is running from today (Thursday) until Tuesday 8am (central time).

So if there is something you've been eyeing, now is the time! :)

And by the end of next week, I'll be putting up some new items and offering some special christmas deals.
Hooray!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

Counting my blessings

I am blessed and so thankful for all that I've been given.  I moan and groan and whine at times about tiny details that don't matter in the grand scheme of things. 

But, honestly, I really do know and understand that I have it pretty darn good.

A list of what I'm thankful for and blessed by.

 {because I just really love list making}

• My husband. forgiving, incredibly patient, loving, best friend.
  
• My daughter. beautiful,  happy, hilarious, and studious little bundle of dancing joy.
  
• My family. sister, mom, daddy, I am who I am because of these people. I love them dearly.
  
• My Friends.  there are many. and many whom have stuck by me for more years than I can count on one hand...some for more years than I can count on both hands. My friends are the best a girl could have. 
  
• My dogs. drive me nuts sometimes, but they were my first babies, and show me unconditional love.
  
• My church. I found God through the people I met there and the opportunities I had at the church.
  
• My freedom to worship where I choose and whom I choose.
  
• My freedom and ability to pray.
  
• My home. I have a roof over my head. It may not be my ideal situation, but it's safe, beautiful, and has enough space for my little family and our belongings. 
  
• My filled fridge and pantry. I do not have to worry about how to feed my little girl, my dogs or ourselves. 
  
• My jewelry line. the blessing of being able to do something I love and stay home with the little girl I love.  

Thanksgiving will be spent in a little town with 50+ of my husband's relatives for a family reunion and birthday party for his Grandma. David's finishing up the cake he's baking right now. Yes, my husband cooks and bakes. It's lovely.

{addition to list above.}

• My husband's cooking/baking abilities.  He does an amazing job preparing meals and baking special things for our family and friends. It really is a blessing...cause I don't cook or bake.  Oh I try. I'm just not very good at it.
  

I sent out my Spotted Box pieces today and my Modish Giveaway piece a few days ago. 

It feels good to get things done and sent out.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday:

For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I'm offering 15% off everything in my shop. And if you've already received a coupon from me, you are free to use that as well.  Tomorrow night I'll mark everything down, so no revised invoices will be needed unless you have a coupon to use.  And it will run from Thursday 10pm until Tuesday 8am (central time).  So if there is something you've been eyeing, now is the time. 

And by the end of next week, I'll be putting up some new items and offering some special christmas deals. Hooray!

Monday Giveaway-Love, September

Give Thanks for another Giveaway!!!

Bethany of Vermillion Rules  and owner of Love,September is having a giveaway!

And you get to pick from three Fantastic items if you win! 

(a reversible christmas skirt, little birdie onesie/tshirt, or vw bus onesie/tshirt)

My choice, if I should be so lucky is the Reversible christmas skirt:

Photo is property of Bethany at Vermillion Rules.

A few favorites from her shop:

all photos property of Bethany of Vermillion Rules and Love, September

So go HERE and enter to win!  

(make sure to read the contest rules, and leave a way she can contact you if you win!!)

Possibilities...

I was approached this week about doing a Holiday Market.  It's going to take place in Fort Worth at this wonderful Art Gallery, and it's for a fantastic cause.  They will be donating a portion of the fees collected [from those who will be selling items] to the boys and girls club, as well as asking each guest who comes to the market to bring a toy to donate.  I would love to be a part of this event, but am trying to decide if this is the best thing for me right now.  I REALLY want to be involved, help out with donating to this cause, and show my jewelry.  But there's a lot to prepare in such a short amount of time.  So what I've decided to do is work a little more diligently on creating new pieces and see where I'm at by the deadline to turn in my form for the event.  

So, with that being said....

The pieces I've done so far today:

And the Winners are:

I want to thank my lovely friends for humoring me by entering my giveaway. 

I'd like to also thank them for supporting me in my blog, my jewelry making, and in life.

So to the both of you, You WIN!  Hooray!

I'll send messages to you, telling you both how to go about using your discount and free shipping!

Thanks girls!

The bracelets I'm in the process of finishing for The Spotted Box:

There will be others that have butterflies with the word dream or believe accompanying them.

I was trying to include video of miss Kenzie babbling and doing a little grooving.  But, it's not letting me load it on here...so I'll try again later.

Yes! Another Giveaway!

This giveaway (and all the giveaways done over at Modish)
will always put my giveaways to shame.

So here it is!

The second half of the November November giveaway over at Modish!

You can win all of this and more (over $800 worth)! :

Just head on over HERE and read about how to enter!

And don't forget about
the special discount and free shipping giveaway I'm doing!

Just leave a comment on this post or the previous one about the giveaway
...and you'll be entered to win!

*Special Note* You're discount and free shipping offer, if you win, will not expire for a full year! This means you can wait for upcoming sales use your coupon in conjunction with those! Hooray!

Big thanks! to Julie over at Joy'sHope, because I received my first 'actual' purchase in the store (sold something that wasn't a custom piece for a bid request). The customer found me through Julie's blog, yay!
She also requested gift wrap, so I'm going to show off my wrapping job:
(not a great picture, but it will do).

I love the holidays!

...and I like the cold, but don't like the change in the weather that brings on all the coughing, sniffling, sore throats and achey bodies. YUCK.

Kenzie got a cold as well, and we purchased a humidifier yesterday, seeing as though there's not much for a 10 month old in the medication area. It seems to have helped a lot, she's not as miserable as she was yesterday and the night that preceded that.

I'm really looking forward to bundling up, grabbing some hot chocolate and heading out to the HOLIDAY TREELIGHTING AND FIREWORKS CELEBRATION this weekend.

Oh you didn't think that was it for giveaways, did you?!!

The very talented owner of Kennedy and Friends Co blog and etsy shop, Natalie is having a giveaway as well. Seriously, even if I don't ever win a thing, I really enjoy spreading the word about all these talented women and their gorgeous handmade goodies! I am constantly in awe and inspired by the women behind the blogs I read.

Take a look at this little clutch purse. To die for!
If I could only want for one 'materialistic' thing this christmas, I think this would have to be it.

Image is by Natalie of Kennedy&Friends Co.

Giveaway!

It's time for another giveaway!

                     

                       This one will be for :

                    

     30% off your entire purchase 

      + free shipping in the shop!

                       

                       Hooray! Hooray!

Just leave a comment about anything at all, and you'll be entered to win!  Contest runs through Friday, I'll announce the winner Saturday morning!  

(And a special Turkey Day giveaway for one of my pieces will be in the works for next week!)

And I've managed to complete another piece. 

I'll have it listed in the shop tomorrow!

Asparagus, Vows & Jewelry

  We don't live far from either side of our families and still attend the same church that we both grew up in (David from the time he was born, and me from the age of 4).  So every Sunday after church my parents treat us to lunch, which is somewhat of a tradition in the family.  When my parents first got married, my grandparents used to treat them to a meal once a week as well. 

 This week a new resturaunt opened up, Houlihans. They make most everything from scratch and our meals were delicious.  Kenzie enjoyed tasting their soup and asparagus.  And I had to resist, the entire time she chomped down on it, from saying "ewwww..gross!"  I want her to try things, and decide for herself what she likes and doesn't like. Wouldn't want my 'ewww..grossing'

at something to keep her from something that she might love.

The only thing she really doesn't care for her some of the beef mixed baby jar goop.  I love that she doesn't generally find anything that she doesn't like. 

Does anyone else watch Jon & Kate plus 8?  I adore that family and their show.  This past summer my sister and I watched and re-watched countless episodes.  

I do have to say, when I first began watching the show I wasn't very thrilled with the concept, and it angered me that they were being given a show and countless opportunities that many others deserved as well.  This was all felt in ignorance though.  As I continued to watch and learn more about them and understand their situation better, I felt sad, and a little ashamed for feeling the way I did.  They had endured struggles, and heartache, and had made the decisions that were best and right for them.  I was impressed with their firm decision to not reduce when they were presented with how many babies they were going to have.  And am constantly impressed with the way Jon&Kate bring up their family (regardless of the bickering and yelling that often happens...if you had 8 kids you'd probably do the same).  

And as I watched the past couple of Monday's episodes, I shed several tears over their many beautiful moments. And the new promotional commercial for Monday nights on TLC, isn't it lovely?  This is reality television at its best.

I've decided on what I'll be doing for The Spotted Box, and hope to show a finished piece here soon.  But until then, here's one more new piece to be added to the shop: 

Another new one.

A new pair.
'Rose Garden' for the Hollywood Glam collection.
Available in the shop soon!



Yesterday, Oma came by and babysat McKenzie for a bit, while we attended our complex's Fall Party. There was food, drinks, black jack and prizes. Very fun. We really wanted to win the free rent..who wouldn't?! But at least we won something...a 'pizza party' as they called it. Three gift certificates for 1 large pizza from dominoes... we'll take it. Thanks :)

Fun news! McKenzie says Dog and daddy. Sometimes confuses the two and Kylie becomes daddy, but daddy is never 'dog'. So that's good at least. And other times it's a broken record of "da-dy, da-dy, da-dy, da-dy..." for absolutely everything. It's so fun watching her grow and learn.
I couldn't have ever imagined that this is how it would be.
That it would be THIS rewarding and THIS much fun.
I love being her mommy.....now if I could just get her to call me that...

More handmade fun and giveaways!

New piece added to the shop:

Vintage Charm:

I've been sick for the last few days, so my progress on new pieces has been a little slow.  But hopefully by the weekend I'll be over the crud, and able to crank out a few more pieces. 

   

Plus, I've got a couple of promotional things I'm doing, which means not only do I need new pieces to list in the shop, but 20 new pieces to place in TheSpottedBox, and one other piece to include in the Modish December Giveaway!

Check out The Spotted Box and all it's participants 

Here .      

       

   

And go on over to Modish for this month's double giveaway and check back in December for the giveaway that will include a jewelry piece from Stella Jade. 

Go Here to enter the November November giveaway. Enter and you could win all this pictured here ( worth $778!!) :

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Kathleen is back with another fantastic giveaway!! And it's a two in one bonus, you get a bo peep and a sheep costume. I say it every single time I see a new creation from her...I am AMAZED by her talent! So go on over to Grosgrain and link to her giveaway for your chance to win!

My Etsy Treasury

After impatiently waiting for some other very lovely lists to expire at a normal hour of the day. I finally got my chance! :

 Check out my list and the talented folks that crafted these beautiful items, HERE. 

Rainy Days

This rainy day has brought the sweetest moments...

When I first found out I was having a little girl, I loaded up with lots of pink and tons of clothes. And well, we're now into the cold months and the little girl with a closet full of clothes has nothing to wear...well nothing that fits anyway (due to her string bean stature).
So, after church and lunch with Oma (my mom), we did a little shopping at Old Navy. (yes, shame on me for not having Oma or Grandma K. make a few things for her..since I do still have some fabric laying around that hasn't been made into the adorable dresses I've been dreaming of).
We proceeded to pick out a plethera of adorable items I'd die to wear if they had it available in my size....a little petticoat/tutu type skirt, a blazer, tights and fuzzy boots to wear to my husband's family reunion and lunch with my extended family on Thanksgiving, several other items and some adorable footless pjs seen here...
At our newest favorite hangout (and I especially love this spot on a day like today) :






She has this incredible way of making even something like just sitting at the window pointing out the everyday things going on outside seem uber extra special.

I've completed pink canary, but am debating redoing it some ...



...we'll see.

Plus. I've come across some delightful vintage beads and other assorted items that have excited me to no end. Pictures to come, as well as some news about where you'll be able to find some of my items in December!

Joy's Hope: Say goodbye to ouchy giveaway.

Joy's Hope: Say goodbye to ouchy giveaway.

Giveaways are so much fun, and Julie is hosting another fabulous giveaway for this talented lady! Go look around at Shey's shop and then stop in and tell Julie which one your favorite is. And Viola! You're entered!
Super easy. Super fun.
And you could win one of her adorable camera strap slipcovers.
Hooray!

My favorite:
The Birdie camera strap slipcover

Photo from Shealynn.etsy.com.

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!



ThisEXTREMELY talented mom and blogger is offering yet another AWESOME giveaway!! Just check out her Marie Antoinette inspired dress for more proof of how deep her talent runs. I'm in awe of everything she makes!

Go on over for your chance to win and to see more pictures of her self-designed Tree Frog costume!

The Results:

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who joined in my giveaway hosted by the lovely Julie. It was such a tough choice, but she'll be announcing the winner later on today!! So be sure to check back to find out! I was so excited about the number of people who participated, and thrilled about all the choices of names, and am planning to do more giveaways and such in the near future.

I finished up the second custom piece and have it all packaged for mailing today. These earrings were made for a bride to wear for her wedding. And I'm hoping to get a bridal collection started in my shop very soon!! Because if you didn't already know, I adore all things Wedding related!



I am also working up a few more pieces right now and hope to have a couple more, plus the necklace and bracelet with their new name up in the shop by tomorrow.

One unfinished piece to be called Pink Canary:



Lil' Miss has been quite the little Monkey lately. Climbing up her papasan onto AnnaBelle's dog crate (learned I have to keep the papasan clear of any climbable objects). She also likes to stand at the pile of dvds (we're still not fully unpacked and arranged from our move) and throw each one off the stack, and then climb up the boxes stacked nearby.

And proof of her new favorite spot:



McKenzie, you bring such laughter and great fun into our little family!

Kennedy & Friends Co Giveaway!

Recently I was clicking around etsy to see what lovely things people are making that I could buy for Lil' Miss and stumbled across this talented girl, Natalie of Kennedy & Friends Co, she makes my absolute favorite thing in the world, TUTUS! (you can find one of my favorite ones listed on the side bar under "Things I adore") I love to hear the story behind the store front and clicked on the link to her blog. And not only does she make amazing tutus, she takes beautiful photographs and can make these adorable dolls. Oh how I hope McKenzie and I will be the winner of a new dolly!



And, not only is she giving away the adorable doll, but a tutu as well ! A dolly and a tutu for Lil Miss. It's all too much for words. I'm crossing my fingers that I win, and you too should enter...and cross your fingers for you, and your toes for me!

Fantastic Giveaway Here!!
and check out her shop here.

***
...and don't forget to head over to Julie's Blog and enter to win my giveaway as well, cause you can never have too many giveaways!!

Contest!!

The Marie Antoinette Contest is now underway!!
Please visit Julie at joyshope.blogspot.com to enter for your chance to win this necklace (and make sure we have a way of contacting you, such as email or a blog address, thanks!) :



Contest is through Thursday!
I am so thrilled to see what everyone comes up with, once the winner is chosen both the necklace and coordinating bracelet will be up in the shop. New items are there now and more to be added throughout the week!

I've also just wrapped up my first custom order!





(I'm still in the process of ordering everything I need and will eventually have Kraft jewelry boxes instead of the white ones. )

First Halloween

I had quite a dilemma when deciding what Miss Kenzie was going to be for Halloween this year. I struggled because there were many things I REALLY wanted her to be but deep down felt it would be better suited for her a few years from now. I am also the BIGGEST lover of tutus. I can not get enough of them! I wore one for my 25th birthday, have already bought one for Kenzie to wear for Christmas and have another one planned for her first birthday in January. This being said, I felt that this might be tutu over kill if I went with a tutu in part of her costume. There was a plethora of talented women on www.etsy.com making THE most adorable costumes with tutus incorporated into the idea.

In the end, she turned out to be a most adorable little Pebbles, if I do say so myself.

The costume was made by mother-in-law, because I have not yet mastered the task of sewing and she's super quick. And, we used some hair gel to get all the little wisps of hair that we could to stand up and got the clip to stay for a short bit, while we enjoyed the Fall Festival at our church on Halloween night.

From our mini photo shoot after going to a pumpkin patch and picking out the perfect little pumpkins for our little one, made just for her little hands.

Remember My Giveaway on Monday!!

The lovely Julie over at joyshope.blogspot.com is being kind enough to feature my giveaway in her blog on Monday. Be sure to check out her little space where she shares about life with her 2 beautiful little girls (and another on the way!), her amazing handmade goodies, tutorials, and giveaways!