Give From The Heart

You Only Get to Keep What You Give Away:

It's a universal law:
You have to give before you get.
You must plant your seeds before you reap the harvest.
The more you sow, the more you'll reap.
In giving to others, you'll find yourself blessed.
The law works to give you back more than you have sown.
The giver's harvest is always full.
Those that obtain have little.
Those who scatter have much.
Nature does not give to those who will not spend.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

The "Give From The Heart" is the second piece of my Artisan collection and is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

The History of Mother's Day....

Do you ever wonder where something begins? I think very often we celebrate holidays and don't even know how the tradition started. Here are a few facts on how we came to celebrate Mother's Day.

It is believed that Mother's Day was originally intended to unite women in the fight against war in the 1870's.

Mother's Day is celebrated on different days around the country. In the US we celebrate it on the second Sunday of May.

In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother's Day, as a day for American citizens to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war.

Nine years after the first official Mother's Day, commercialization of the U.S. holiday became so rampant and now is one of the most commercial holidays. According to the National Restaurant Association, is is the most popular day to eat out.

See how things change and evolve through the years. I think we often forget where things begin.

What inspires me....

Very often I am inspired by the many things around my daily happenings. Take a look at my "Bloom" necklace can you see where my inspiration came from?

Many years ago when we moved into our house we planted this Weeping Cherry Tree. The blooms barely last a week, which is always disappointing. For the first time I actually took a picture of the blooms. Every other year I didn't get to it in time. As I look out at my tree right now half of the blooms are already gone. Hope you enjoy it!

The "Bloom" necklace is available in my shop http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

A Boy and his Dog

A Boy and His Dog

By: Edgar Guest

A boy and his dog make a glorious pair:
No better friendship is found anywhere,
For they talk and they walk and they run and they play,
And they have their deep secrets for many a day;
And that boy has a comrade who thinks and who feels,
Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.
He may go where he will and his dog will be there,
May revel in mud and his dog will not care;
Faithful he'll stay for the slightest command
And bark with delight at the touch of his hand;
Oh, he owns a treasure which nobody steals,
Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.
No other can lure him away from his side;
He's proof against riches and station and pride;
Fine dress does not charm him, and flattery's breath
Is lost on the dog, for he's faithful to death;
He sees the great soul which the body conceals--
Oh, it's great to be young with a dog at your heels!

A new piece from the Artisan collection..

It has been a very busy month but I still squeezed in some time to create a few new pieces. The "Love,Faith,Hope" of my Artisan collection is a new piece. What I love about this piece is the cross charm that is in the middle of the disc. The cross charm is hand made and sterling silver. I have very limited quantities so when these sell out they will be gone. Stay tuned for more pieces in my Artisan collection. For more information on this piece please visit http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Artisan jewelry dates back as far as 7000 BC when gold and copper began to be sculpted to adorn the human form and the practice continues today. Artisan jewelry is not machine made and is unique and one of a kind no two pieces will ever be the same.

What is your names hidden meaning?

What Kristen Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Well Loved Mama

Do you feel like you are a "Well Loved Mama"?

I know I do. It is the times when I am sick and Will comes over and hugs me and says "Feel better Mama", the times he says "Hold my hand Mama" or the unexpected times he just walks up and says "I love you Mama" for no reason at all.

This necklace was inspired by my little guy!

Available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

P.S. Check back I have been working on several new designs that are a part of my "Artisan" line.

Simple Ways to Live Green

Happy Earth Day! There are so many simple things we can do to make our Earth a better place here are a few:

1. Inflate your tires properly. You will cut down on carbon dioxide and also save some green.

Only run your dishwasher with a full load. You will again cut down on carbon dioxide and save some more $$$$.

Adjust your thermostat in your home. Turn it down a few degrees in the winter and up a few degrees in the summer.

Plant a tree, trees suck up carbon dioxide.

Turn lights off when not in the room. I feel like I am the light police. I walk around the house turning lights off.

It is the little things that can make such a big difference.

The "Live Green" hand stamped sterling silver necklace is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

There is nothing better than a good glass of wine, what kind of wine are you?

You Are Merlot

Smooth, confident, and popular - you're the type most likely to order wine for the whole group. You seem to breeze through life on your intuition and wit. And no one seems to mind! You're comfortable in any social situation you find yourself in, and you never feel outclassed. And while you live a charmed life, you never let it go to your head. You are truly down to earth and a great friend. Deep down you are: Balanced and mature Your partying style: Surprisingly wild... when you let loose, you really let loose Your company is enjoyed best with: Some greasy pizza

What Kind of Wine Are You?

The Little Black Dress test

What Your Little Black Dress Says About You

You are lively and outgoing. You are naturally friendly. You enjoy meeting new people and making new connections. Your style is whimsical and unique. You're good at putting together interesting outfits. If you were a shoe, you would be: High heeled boots

The Little Black Dress Test

My baby isn't a baby any more :(

Today we checked out a few different preschools.

My baby boy just isn't a baby anymore. I can't believe

he is going to start preschool in the fall. It is really pre-pre-

school. I think I am going to have more separation anxiety

than he will. What am I going to do with myself!!!

Do you have your Mother's Day Gifts yet?

Mother's day is just around the corner. You can purchase these and see more of my collection at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

What kind of mom are you?

I really don't feel like I am 100% but hey if the quiz says I am, what the heck! Take it for yourselfYou are 100%* Mom!

You are SUPER-MOM. You are the envy of every mother. You have perfect kids and balance it all wonderfully. You beleive in a strict schedule with every little detail worked in to a T. Your home runs like a clock and you like it that way.

What kind of Mom are you?
Quizzes for MySpace

Spring 2008 Fashion Trends...

For those sunny days you gotta wear shades.
Buggy sunglasses are so stylish and this pair
even flips up. Purchased at http://www.target.com/

A really cool back pack compliments any outfit.

This pack is embellished with a handsome blue elephant.

Available at http://www.target.com/

For those rainy days style doesn't have to be
compromised. Who doesn't look cute with Froggy
rain boots also available at http://www.target.com/

Introducing my new employee...

Things have been very busy so I decided to hire
an employee to help me out. What do you think?















I didn't even have to put a help wanted ad out!
He will work for cookies and juice!

What is your Desperate Housewives style?

Well they are back! In honor of the show coming back I thought I would share this quiz. Go ahead take it!

I have taken these quizzes a few different times and every time it comes back that I am Bree. Take the quiz and see which one you are!

http://quiz.ivillage.com/beauty/tests/Desperate.htm

Lost and Found ....

I made this necklace a while back, I must have tucked it away and forgotten about it. I found it when I was setting up for a jewelry party and fell in love with it. It is strange how sometimes things seem to disappear and then magically reappear. It drives me crazy when I misplace things. Now that I have a toddler if something is missing usually it is Will that put it in a "good hiding place"

What is the craziest thing you have lost?

This necklace is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Try this it is fun...

I found this at www.foreverdaisies.blogspot.com she comes across some of the best things! Visit her blog and you may find something interesting.

You Are a Colon

You are very orderly and fact driven. You aren't concerned much with theories or dreams... only what's true or untrue. You are brilliant and incredibly learned. Anything you know is well researched. You like to make lists and sort through things step by step. You aren't subject to whim or emotions. Your friends see you as a constant source of knowledge and advice. (But they are a little sick of you being right all of the time!) You excel in: Leadership positions You get along best with: The Semi-Colon

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Captain Underpants to the rescue!

The other day I came in the living room and Will kept saying, "Mama look at me, look at me" Apparently he found some pull ups, too bad he doesn't use them the proper way. I would love it if he could change his own diapers, who wouldn't.

Who knows this may become a hot trend for tots! (doubtful)

Are you a Posh Mama?

Do you want to become a member of Posh Mama? Posh Mama is a hip hang out for haute mamas. To learn more about joining, head on over to http://poshmama.com

I am so excited that the "Posh Mama" herself contacted me to design a necklace for this fabulous group. I am truly honored. Please visit http://www.poshmama.com/profiles/blog/show?id=896743%3ABlogPost%3A91918

To fellow Posh Mama's if you would like to purchase this necklace it is available right here on my site.

xoxo

Kristen

It is going to be here before you know it....

Can you believe Mother's day is just 31 days away! Did you get your Mother's Day gifts yet?

I have to say I am one proud mama! It is the little things that make me proud and here are just a few: I am so proud when Will says please and thank you, when Will shares his toys with his friends, when he whispers in the library(this doesn't happen often but when he listens it makes me proud) I am proud of him when he does something new and is proud of himself!

It is truly amazing the things little people do and say and you just can't help but a little proud!

What makes you a proud mama?

How do I love my......

Don't get me wrong I am a serious coffee drinker but I love tea. I always brew a cup before I make or design jewelry. I don't think an afternoon goes by that I don't have at least a cup or two or three. Why does tea taste better in your favorite mug or a pretty cup?

Here is one of my latest designs. I designed this necklace for myself but have received a lot of compliments so I just listed it in my etsy shop you can have one custom made for yourself at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

Some of my popular pieces.....

I hosted an in home jewelry party on Saturday and met some of the nicest women. I really enjoy hosting in home parties. As a mom making sure you make time to socialize with other adults is very important. It is important to make sure we don't lose a piece of ourselves.

One of the women I met wanted to know what some of my most popular pieces were. I decided to take a look at my sales and here are just a few. My "I am Blessed" and my signature name necklace are my bestsellers. What is interesting is they are the first two necklaces I designed for myself and they are why I launched my business.


Both of these pieces are available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Dreaming of....

What are you dreaming of? Sometimes I think it is fun to dream about crazy things like.... What would I do if I won the lotto? I never play the lotto so this won't become a reality! It is fun to dream about things isn't it! What are your dreams?

This necklace is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Catching some rays...

Kane loves to sunbathe. Since greyhounds have very little body fat when it is really hot out they can't be in the sun for long or they get overheated. During the summer we have to make him come in to prevent overheating. Kane gets really irritated when we disturb his sunbathing.

Today is a perfect day for Kane it is in the mid 50's so he can bask as long as he would like and not worry about getting overheated. I want his life! With a toddler you get to sit for about 2 seconds before they are into something.

New Mother's Day Birthstone Necklace

To My Mother

For all the times you gently picked me up,

When I fell down,

For all the times you tied my shoes

And tucked me into bed,

Or needed something

But put me first instead.

For everything we shared,

The dreams, the laughter,

And the tears,

I love you with a "Special Love"

That deepens every year.

Author Unknown

This necklace is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

The Mom or Mama necklace is a 3/4 of an inch sterling silver disc that you can have either "Mom" or "Mama" hand stamped or one word. If you would like something else stamped please convo me and we will see if it will fit. The necklace includes up to 3 birthstone crystals or a pearl mixed with 2 crystals. The pendant hangs on a 18 inch sterling silver disc. Please indicate in the note to seller which birthstones you would like.

The following birthstones are available:

January: Garnet

February: Amethyst

March: Aquamarine

April: Crystal

May: Emerald

June: Light Amethyst

July: Siam

August: Peridot

September. Light Sapphire

October: Rose

November: Topaz

December: Light Sapphire

Your necklace will come with a beautiful Amy Butler card and a copy of the above poem. This makes a perfect gift for Mom.

Make a wish...

Wishes

by Patricia M Eichler

Immeasurable wishes come

W isdom for better decisions

I nfluencing all for better

S unny brighter days to enjoy

H ealthy life style for yourself

Y ellow flowers with little haze

O range mums to brighten your fall days

U pright and good citizenship

M oments of pleasure to delight

U nderstanding and faithfulness

C heerfulness and true gratefulness

H ear what is truly being said

H ealth, for you continuously

A nniversaries, many ones

P atience, always for others

P iety, true love for the Lord

I nterest, in each other's lives

N imbleness, in body and mind

E nthusiasm, for every day

S tability, in mental attributes

S ecure, economically

Who, What,Wear, Wednesday

Check out this site and join in the fun.

http://boutiqueflair.blogspot.com/2008/04/whowhatwearwednesday.html

Here is my info:

Who: Kristen from www.kristenandrewsonline.blogspot.com and www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

What: I just got back from a play date with my son, he is napping now!

Wear: Black American Eagle sweater, Limited Jeans, and my favorite pink Ugg slippers (they should be retired but they are comfy)

Featured Group for April!!!

The featured organization for April is the Hayes Foundation.

The Hayes Hitzeman Foundation was founded on June 15, 2002 by Kyra Oliver Hitzeman and her husband, Ezra Hitzeman, in honor of their 4½-month-old son, who died of SIDS on June 11, 2002. The Foundation works to award grants for SIDS research, support services and public awareness programs. For more information about the Hayes Hitzeman Foundation visit http://www.hayesfoundation.org/

When I discovered the Hayes Hitzeman Foundation I was really touched by how Kyra and Ezra have turned their tragedy into raising awareness and support for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

10% of the proceeds for any of the "Protect" pieces in my shop http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/will be donated to the Hayes Hitzeman Foundation.


Here are some tips from their website please share these with anyone who may have a young baby.


Following these guidelines may help reduce the risk of SIDS:

Place your baby on the back to sleep at night and naptime
Use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib
Eliminate fluffy, loose bedding from your baby's sleep area
Keep your baby's face clear of coverings
Be careful not to overheat your baby
Breastfeed if possible
Don't allow anyone to smoke around your baby
Consider offering your baby a pacifier at naptime and bed time for the first year (but not for the first month for breastfed babies)
Do not allow your baby to sleep in an adult bed.

Take a look at their website they also pass out onesies that say "This Side Up" to purchase one please visit http://thissideupcampaign.org/products.htm