Showing posts with label recently. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recently. Show all posts

Forget Me Nots {A Recently, Not-So-Recently Post}

I try to post regular "Recently Posts" to remind myself of all of the shenanigans that has happened lately. Unfortunately, I haven't taken the time to document these memories as well as I should have. So, this is a "Forget Me Not Post"-a compilation of several blessings, events and moments from the past month or so.

The husband and I had a date night, in. My father in law watched our son for us as we whipped up another recipe from our cook book we bought recently (remember the first recipe?). We listened to some Frank Sinatra and put our own spin on the ingredients since we didn't have "ziti" pasta, enough arugula and apparently the wrong ricotta cheese was purchased for this dish. As much fun as we had cooking this dinner, I'd love to say that this recipe turned out super delicious but because of our inaccuracy of ingredients, it definitely could have been better (we know for next time).

Nothing beats the time we spent together that night and I'd do it all over again...ingredient mishaps and all.


Mornings in the sunshine with my love bug have been a part of my favorite moments.

I have had the opportunity to have my work featured in my first print magazine. Per request, I shipped a whimsical floral crown from my shop to Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine. "The #1 monthly mag for chic moms-to-be and hot new mamas." I can't wait to see the April issue! Floral crowns are PERFECT for maternity shoots!

I have also had the absolutely amazing opportunity to work with Casey Wiegand. I have been following her blog for quite some time now. She has been such a great inspiration and beautiful role model as a mother and Godly woman. She is just beautiful inside and out!

I sent out a few floral crowns from the new line to her and her precious daughters and she blew me away with her kind words when she first opened her package, "I just had to say THANK YOU!!!!! Oh my heavens, I literally GASPED when I opened your gorgeous box today- AHH! WOW! Seriously WOW! We will get pics asap!...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!! **squeals**"
See more of this post here. Casey's crown-Leigh. Apple's crown-Apple.

Such sweet moments of motherhood!
See more of this post here. Ainsleigh's crown-Ainsleigh. Apple's crown- Apple.

After my friend Tara and I attended Creative Tea Time a few weeks ago, we did something spontaneous on our way home. As we drove on the freeway, we looked to our left and saw a beautifully lit Ferris Wheel and without much hesitation, we got off the next exit (totally unaware of our location) and drove until we saw our destination. We got to see the city lights that night at the top of a giant wheel and it is a memory that will not soon be forgotten.

I was sent a couple handmade bow ties from As Darling Does and I fell in LOVE!! I am so excited to finally have some little boy accessories because they seem hard to come across. Our little man looks so handsome in his spiffy new pieces! I will be featuring this adorable shop with a giveaway so check back VERY soon.

I received some photos from another amazing and happy customer. I love seeing photos of special moments captured with handmade pieces from my craft studio. Thank you so much Hoi! I wish you the very best and a lifetime of happiness in your marriage. <3

Get the lace blusher veil in the shop here.

We went on a late night family trip to one of my favorite burger places-Tommy's! The nearest drive thru is now about 20 minutes away and with a sudden urge for a chili slathered cheeseburger, the husband didn't mind driving. It was a craving worth giving into and on the way back, we belched some good tunes as love bug danced his little heart out in the back seat.

The husband and I snuck out for a little double date night to go bowling with the in laws. I won half of a game and I will take that! ;)

A couple nights ago, I hosted a Valentine-themed girl's night with yummy food, singing in the kitchen (a game of love songs), mimosas, intimate topics and lots of chuckles. 
Thank you Dee Dee Motique for the darling wooden topper!!

The other morning, we woke up as a family and headed to the park for some fresh air. I didn't take any photos because I had put my phone away in attempt to be more "present." I feel like social media and the phone in general can be such a huge distraction throughout your day in this beautiful life given to us. I find myself turning off my phone ringer a lot more now and actually hiding it at times to diminish those unwanted disturbances. I want to make this more of a habit. It can be really hard for me because this is a huge part of work-responding to emails, updating and renewing sold listings, keeping up on social media, etc. but I want to enjoy even the smallest of moments throughout my day. I am making a conscious effort and that's where it starts. 

What do you think about the craze of social media and keeping up on notifications and emails? 

What have you been doing recently my friends?

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Loving Lately (A Fox Inspired Styled Shoot, Dream Catchers & A Heart Warming Cause)

What I am loving this beautiful Monday morning.

This fox-inspired bridal shoot by Tara Shiloh Photography.
Tara contacted me a few months ago asking if I'd create some unique pieces for this shoot that she had in mind in the snow fallen woods. So fascinated by her amazing concept, I created a headpiece made with black tulle as a blusher veil and fox ears. I also made some last minute wrist cuffs with left over tulle and pretty vintage-inspired buttons. These are pieces I will forever treasure from the styled shoots that I've been a part of!
I was SO excited to see this creative process come to life in the couple of 'sneak peeks' she just recently posted!! I want to see more!

Cooking.
I never thought I'd say it but I have really enjoyed being in the kitchen and making something delicious from our own home! My husband and I just bought a couples cookbook and have made a few yummy recipes so far (except for the one where a "pinch" of red pepper flakes turned into half of the container because the lid came off)! Ha! Spending this time together has been a lot of fun. Not to mention, the SCRUMPTIOUS food we get to eat that we made

I think I will make some fruity pancakes this morning with eggs and greens...

Being Productive.
Ok, so maybe getting ready for taxes isn't something that I'm "loving" but I can say that I love the feeling of getting things done and marking things off a list. Lately, I've been waking up around 5:30 am to start my day. It certainly has not been easy (especially because of my hypothyroid) but after doing it for a few weeks, I feel SO much better throughout the day and I feel more energetic to be productive. It's been really nice to wake up before baby love, drink my coffee, do my devotion and head to the craft room or start house chores and breakfast before the sun comes up.

If you aren't a morning person (like so many of us) and feel like you have less energy than your daily tasks require, I strongly suggest getting up earlier than your normal wake up time. After doing this for about a week (even a day), you will notice a major difference and it will become a healthy habit!

Dream Catchers.
There's just something so whimsical and inspiring about these beauties!
I have been creating dream catchers made with laces, feathers, beads and now sweet little inspirational quotes hand sewn to them. I have been debating whether or not I should add them to the shop because I'm not sure if they are cohesive with my pieces already available. Until I make up my mind, I've been taking custom orders (lovesparklepretty@aol.com)! See more of my designs on Instagram.

Speaking of dreams...
Heart Warming Causes-especially those that help sweet baby loves.
Operation Smile has been such a beautiful cause since 1982. They have performed over 200,000 free cleft surgeries world wide that have saved countless lives of children. What a wonderful gift those medical professionals are sharing!

A few years ago when I was getting ready for Nursing School, I came across Campus Book Rentals who actually give back to this charity with every rented book. Not only do you get your college books at a discounted price (40%-90% cheaper than bookstore prices) with FREE shipping both ways, but you also help save children's lives by giving to Operation Smile

Campus Book Rentals also has a new program called Rent Back where instead of selling your books, you can rent them to other students and make more money! It's the better alternative than reselling your books at the end of the semester/quarter.

What are you loving today??


**A portion of this post his been sponsored with compensation but all of the opinions and statements are my own.**

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Recently (Thanksgiving, Christmas, a birthday party & everything in between)

It's the end of another year...ummm since when?? I feel like 2013 went by so quickly and when I wake up tomorrow, it will be January 1, 2014!!
These past couple months have been a bit hectic but have been the start of new beginnings. We moved into our new home together, hosted Thanksgiving, hosted Levi's 2nd bday party, hosted Christmas breakfast, I reopened my shop after a 2 1/2 week break and in 2 more days, I have a laproscopic surgery. Needless to say, the blog has been going untouched for days...even weeks at time.
I haven't blogged a "recently" post in a while to I figured the last day of 2013 would be a good time. Here's a little photo montage from the past couple months.

Moving into the new craft studio. I am in love with my gold polka dots from Polka Dot Wall Stickers!

Our first Thanksgiving in our new home.

Levi's 2nd birthday party (blog post here).

Friend time! My sisters since 1st grade! 

Back to work. The night I re-opened shop.

Got to be a part of this beautiful shoot by Cortnie Dee! This gold and ivory floral crown has made its debut. Get this piece in the shop!

Received some happy mail from a Christmas Swap. Thank you Colleen! By the way, I am LOVING the book, The Happiness Project! So inspiring!!

I also sent some happy mail...

I started my 'pieces of my heart' map where I began to pin the different countries that I've shipped hand made items to. I realized 2 things, I need a separate (and much larger) map of the U.S. and I need many more pins...I ran out. I may not be able to travel the world like I'd want to but I certainly have little pieces of my heart scattered throughout the world and that is enough to make me smile. :) Thank you to all who have helped turn my passion into so much more!

Some local packages were sent out of the craft room...

Our Christmas. Hosted breakfast at our house, had lunch at my MIL's then had dinner at my FIL's. It was SUCH a great family day!!

Christmas afternoon.

Levi got his first car!

Home. Our Christmas night.

Working on new designs for the new line of floral crowns debuting in January. See a sneak peek of these pretty pieces on Instagram.

Last but not least, a good reminder when you are jotting down you New Year resolutions...

Have a beautiful New Year my friends! I pray it brings many blessings and opportunities for you and your families. :) 
I am starting mine out with surgery, 3 photo shoots, a new line, Creative Tea Time and a trip to New York in April...sounds about right.

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Recently {A Mommy Mission, A Photo Shoot, New PRETTIES & Pocahontas}

Recently....

As you may have noticed, I have been blogging less to spend more time with the family and really "being" with my son more rather than just "present." As a stay at home mom, I have the power to really instill qualities and teachings in my son if I just give my time. He needs my time more than anything else and I am learning this.

I am so used to having a long "to-do" list (I still have one but it has been shortened) and being so busy to get things done. I want to breathe and I feel like I'm being renewed as I go through the Mission of Motherhood study with the women's bible study Thursday mornings. The first time I came to this study, I was so overwhelmed and had an emotional down because of (what I thought) was my son's overbearing behavior while we were there. (If you have a strong-willed child, you may know exactly what I mean!) What I have come to realize was it wasn't my son, but my patience and my attitude that needed to change.

If you are a momma, this book is an AMAZING read and will help with the struggles, the teachings, the grace, finding so much to be thankful for and the soul-shifts that may need to take place within ourselves.


If I'm not with the family, I'm been cranking out several pretty custom orders including these garter sets for brides-to-be. You can get a custom garter set created just for you right here in my shop!

I also had the privilege once again to collaborate with Beyond the Wanderlust (as well as Jenni Bost from A Well Crafted Party) on a bridal-inspired photo shoot. I created 2 veil pieces including a long finger-tip veil which will be available in the shop soon! Here's just a sneak peek of the amazing shoot styled by Jenni Bost.
Photography credit: Suzanne Du Bose Veil: Love Sparkle Pretty
Photography credit: Suzanne Du Bose Veil: Love Sparkle Pretty

Photography credit: Hurtienne Photography Veil: Love Sparkle Pretty
Photography credit: Hurtienne Photography Veil: Love Sparkle Pretty

Speaking of veils, I also created this custom birdcage veil with the prettiest rhinestone detail. I may have to add this one to the shop too!

I created this dream catcher as a reminder of the big dreams I often think of and the abundant blessings that have been graced upon my family and I. These blessings certainly include the beautiful home we just opened escrow on TODAY!!!!!!! I'm SO excited! 

I also created some recent hoop art during Levi's nap time. I adore this new craft I have started. It's so relaxing!

I gifted this anchor hoop to one of my dearest of friends, Megan.

These woodland inspired hoops currently sit on my mantel. Love. Love. Love them!

I was Pocahontas for the day at Disneyland as a sweet birthday gift from Megan. We had such a great "mommy trip" and was able to ride every single ride we wanted to! Not to mention we also left with 2 full bags of candy EACH from the trick or treating we did there. Some serious kids at heart.

Homemade pretzels were also created in our household recently and I will leave you with these tasty treats. If you haven't had homemade pretzels, you should. Not only are they delish, but it's a great workout for your arms. Hence, the pretzel bites because my arms got too sore! 

Have a beautiful weekend!
Follow along on Instagram to see all the recents first.

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