Saturday, May 31, 2008

Be my 100th and win a free gift


Kristen's Custom Creations has sold 99 items on Etsy. My 100th customer on Etsy will receive a free gift. So hurry on over to my shop maybe you will be my 1ooth! http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com
A special thank you to all of my customers for their support.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Lunch at the Estate

Every year my parents take me out for lunch for my Birthday and we typically go to the Henry Ford Estate. This year the gardens were just beautiful. The Lilacs were full in bloom and walking down the walk way smelled amazing. Will ran up and down and just loved the gardens. It is so nice to have Will join us for our yearly tradition!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Lost Season Finale is tonight!


I am a huge Lost fan and have to say it is always the first show I watch in my "Now Playing List" in Tivo.
Will we finally get some answers and what cliffhangers will they leave us with this season.
When the Oceanic Six are landing why does Jack say "If there's a question you can't answer,don't say anything. Everyone will think we are in shock" Why are they not being honest?
What will happen to Ben and Locke? Ben is so bold he just walks right into trouble and acts so calm about it. He is such a great actor. Do you think he really is a "good guy" as he has been saying all along.
Why did Claire walk off and why in the world is Jack's dad in the cabin with her? At least Jack now knows Claire is his half sister.
What has driven Jack to drinking and what did Kate do for Sawyer that time she was gone for hours.
Can they really move the island?
I could go on and on with questions. I love trying piece things together and want the answers but just want this show to keep going on forever.
Can't wait to see Lost tonight!
.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Etsy :: Gift Guides :: Father's Day




















You might be asking why is she posting this again?

The "My Dad" key chain has been hand picked by Etsy in their Father's Day guide. I am so excited that they have picked this as a part of their gift guide. Please check out their full guide for some great Father's Day gift ideas.

Thank you Etsy!!

Etsy :: Gift Guides :: Father's Day

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

For Dad....

Oh my goodness Father's Day is less than 2.5 weeks away. What do you get for the Dad that has everything???



The "My Dad" key chain is the perfect way to show Dad how you feel.

Available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com The key chain is a 1 inch sterling silver disc and has the words "Wise,Kind,Strong, and Fair" handstamped around the outer edge and in the center "Dad" is hand stamped. The disc is attached to a split ring. Artist note: The letters on this disc have been hand stamped one at a time. I do not use machines. The letters will not line up perfectly and are not meant to this is part of the charm that makes your piece one of a kind. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same. The charm has been slightly brushed and the letters have been oxidized/antiqued to make them stand out it will appear to be aged or slightly tarnished but has been given a good polish.

All Designs Copyright of Kristen's Custom Creations 2008

Monday, May 26, 2008

Happy Memorial Day!!






















Today is a day to remember our veterans and show thanks for all that they have sacrificed for our us.
I wanted to share something that started right here in Michigan.

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (UDM Law) has launched a nationwide tour of its Mobile Law Office (MLO) which will provide free assistance and/or representation to thousands of low-income veterans on federal benefits issues throughout the United States. The tour kicked off in Detroit. So far this year they have assisted over 800 veterans.
To learn more please visit http://www.law.udmercy.edu/

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Let me introduce you to Cinnamon and Honey


Robin Wilens is the owner and designer of http://cinnamonandhoney.etsy.com/Robin hand creates cards that are one of a kind and made with great care! I love things that are hand made and one of a kind. Robin's cards are also very affordable. Have you priced the mass produced cards at your local store, they are twice the price and not hand made. I love the "Bloom" card it is so sweet and simple.
Also check out her blog http://cinnamonandhoney.blogspot.com/ Robin is also a very talented freelance writer for TV Guide which is my favorite source for my TV Scoop.

Friday, May 23, 2008

I Love You More....




















Will and I have a game we play where we go back and forth saying, "I love you" and one of us usually says "I love you more" and if I say it back he gets really serious and says, "No Mama I love you more". I know it is silly but every time we do it I think to myself that this is a moment I would like to keep forever. I have been asked where I find my inspiration for new designs well it is the little moments with Will that inspire me. I designed the "I Love You More" necklace as my reminder. I wanted this piece to be very unique so you will see that it has a new chain that I just love. The "I Love You More" necklace is available in my shop and was made with love! http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com





















The "I Love You More" necklace is a 1 inch sterling silver disc with the words "I Love You More" hand stamped around the outer edge of the disc. The sterling disc hangs on a beautiful chunky sterling silver 18 inch chain and includes an artisan crafted sterling silver heart. Artist note: The letters on this disc have been hand stamped one at a time. I do not use machines. The letters will not line up perfectly and are not meant to this is part of the charm that makes your piece one of a kind. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same. The charm has been slightly brushed and the letters have been oxidized/antiqued to make them stand out it will appear to be aged or slightly tarnished but has been given a good polish. Thank you for visiting Kristen's Custom Creations.All Designs COPYRIGHT Of Kristen's Custom Creations 2008.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Ugly Betty Season Finale

**Update***This will be a spoiler if you haven't watched Ugly Betty yet! Ok so it was a cliffhanger for sure. Betty is leaving with her suitcases but we will have to wait all summer to see if she went to Rome w/ Gio or is going to marry Henry. I am crossing my fingers and toes it will be Gio. Marrying Henry is just all wrong. What is Daniel going to do now that he isn't editor? Did you like Amanda and Marcs cheer? Marc's socks were hilarious! Well I guess we will all have to wait until next summer to get answers ****



Have you seen the previews? I can't wait to see the season finale of Ugly Betty. It looks like there will be some real cliff hangers. I really have a love/hate relationship with cliff hangers. I love the suspense but can't stand waiting until next season to see what happens. Will Betty accept Henry's proposal or go to Rome with Gio? I am crossing my fingers she will pick Gio. Lindsay Lohan is making a cameo appearance tonight and poor Betty, Lindsay's character calls her a human shield! Daniel has a son??? What will Amanda and Marc be up to tonight? Don't you just love their one liners. They are so mean and since it is TV it is ok to laugh. What will Thursday nights be like with out Ugly Betty!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

For the Rock Star Daddy or Grad


I designed this necklace for my husband he loves music so I thought the guitar pick was just perfect. This would make a great gift for Father's Day or for the male graduate. The Initial Guitar Pick is simple yet masculine.
The Initial Guitar Pick is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

The Initial Guitar Pick is a 1 inch sterling silver charm that you can have up to three initials stamped. The guitar pick hangs on either a 24 inch or 30 inch stainless steel ball chain. Please note in the message to seller the initials you would like stamped and the chain length. You can chose to have all the letters the same size also. Please also indicate the order you would like the initials, i.e. first name,middle,last or first name,last (larger letter) middle name. Artist Note: The letters on this necklace have been hand stamped one at a time, I do not use machines. The letters will not line up perfectly and this should not be considered a flaw but part of the charm. The letters have been blackened/antiqued and slightly brushed to make the letters stand out. This piece has an aged appearance and will appear slightly tarnished but rest assured it has been given a good polish and all by hand.Thank you for visiting my shop. Please convo me if you have any questions or would like a custom piece designed.
All Designs COPYRIGHT OF Kristen's Custom Creations 2008.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Which David will it be?


So which David is it going to be? Cook or Archululeta? I think they both are very talented. I personally would like to see a rocker win it for once. Every season I keep hoping that a rocker will win. Regardless who wins they both will surely have great careers ahead of them.
Who do you like better?

Monday, May 19, 2008

What would you like a Grande Single,Double,or Triple?




I just love these new initial charm necklaces. They are so fun and I love the really large letters.

My new favorite necklace is my Grande Triple Initial necklace with my initial, my husbands, and of course Will's.

It seems that every time I flip through a magazine you see a celebrity with an initial necklace of either their own initials or their families initials. I have always liked anything monogrammed or personalized but like the simplicity of these brand spanking new initial charms. What will you have a Single,Double or Triple?

To purchase please visit http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/




Sunday, May 18, 2008

Plant a tree we did!


Will and Daddy planted a tree. We want to do our part in living green and there is nothing better than planting a new tree. I know you can't see it but it is there and it now has a few little blooms on it. Will waters it almost everyday and wants to check and see if it has grown yet.
You have to check out http://theq.typepad.com/fashionevolution/ Fashion Evolved is a blog for the eco-snob. You will find some fabulous goodies here!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Oprah's Favorite Summer Picks


Whenever I see previews for Oprah's favorite things I make sure my Tivo is set. I love seeing what she picks and have even purchased a few things. I never thought I would wear Uggs but when she had them on a while back I thought I would see what all the hype was, and I have to say they are very comfortable.

Oprah had this rolling duffel on her show yesterday and I think it is just so cool. I love most things that have pink and green. What I like about this duffel is all of the compartments and also that it would stand out if you had to check your luggage. It wouldn't get mixed up with all of the other luggage that looks the same.
Doesn't she always pick some of the most fab items. You can purchase this bag here http://www.tossdesigns.com/
Last year she had the Lands End Tote http://www.landsend.com/
and I purchased one for myself and one for Will to take our stuff to the lake. It is not only a great price but great quality. The bag is so big Will crawls in it to play.
Wouldn't you just love to be an audience member during her giveaways! I have heard that it is really hard to get tickets to her show and when she does the giveaways it is a complete surprise the audience members think they are there for something else.

Friday, May 16, 2008

To Teach is to Inspire...



Throughout our lives there are many people that will greatly impact our lives but it is the great teachers that you will remember for the rest of your lives. It is funny how you never forget their names and they don't even know how much they made an impact on your life. I have always thought that teachers have a thankless job and they surely aren't paid enough.

I created the "Inspire" necklace since I believe a teacher inspires you to learn new things and do things you think aren't possible. They impact the lives of our young and truly shape the future.

Here are some teacher quotes:

I touch the future. I teach. ~ Christa McAuliffe


It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. ~ Albert Einstein


All practical teachers know that education is a patient process of mastery of details, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. ~ Alfred North Whitehead

A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence. ~ Bruce Lee (This is my favorite one!)

The "Inspire" necklace is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Gifts for the Graduate




















I designed one of these necklaces for my niece since she is graduating this year. I can't believe she is already graduating it seems like just yesterday that she was just a little girl, and just yesterday that she was a flower girl in our wedding! Where does the time go???

Both necklaces are available in my shop http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

I will leave you with some graduation quotes that I like:

Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed. ~Erma Bombeck

The tassel's worth the hassle! ~Author Unknown

Your families are
extremely proud of you. You can't imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money. ~Gary Bolding


Hitch your wagon to a star. ~Ralph Waldo EmersonWherever you go, go with all your heart. ~Confucius







Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Big Sis....


Isn't this necklace sweet! My dear friend just had her second little girl . I was so excited to pick out some items for her baby girl but had to also make something very special for her big sis. I think it is important to always remember the other siblings so they don't feel left out. It is so easy to ooh and ahh over a new baby and the other kiddos just don't understand since they use to receive all the ooh's and ahh's. I hope she likes it she is a very special little girl! Being a Big Sis is very special!
You can find this necklace at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com
The Big Sis necklace is a 16mm sterling silver heart that has the words "Big Sis" hand stamped. The heart hangs on a 16 inch sterling silver snake chain and includes a sweet pink swarovski crystal that has been hand wire wrapped. Artist Note: The letters on this necklace have been hand stamped one at a time, I do not use machines. The letters will not line up perfectly and this should not be considered a flaw but part of the charm. The letters on this piece have been oxidized/antiqued to make them stand out and give it a aged/slightly tarnished appearance. The piece has been finished with a good polish.

Let me introduce you to Krista Peck and Boutique Flair


So you ask what is Boutique Flair? If you haven't visited yet http://www.boutiqueflair.com/ please stop by and say hi to Krista and you may find some fabulous finds.
Boutique Flair is your stylish place to window-shop for your next posh purchase. Since opening its doors in 2007, BoutiqueFlair.com has served as a stylish online storefront for some of the best businesses on the web. Through advertisements, editorial reviews, and giveaways, Boutique Flair offers its fashion savvy visitors information on the most unique and beautifully made products available on the web. BoutiqueFlair.com is a chic, modern place to find the latest must-have items!
Krista's Masters in Counseling & Psychology, and love of research, writing, fashion and web design have proven to be a fabulous mix for Boutique Flair! In addition to owning and operating Boutique Flair and Lily Cait, Krista is a weekly Beauty & Style contributor at PoshMama.com's online magazine & social network for women. Today, Krista wears the hats of mother and businesswoman...stylishly of course!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Which character are you most like from Sex and the City?



Anyone who has read my blog knows that I love taking quizzes so here is one you may like. Which "Sex and the City" character are you most like? I am most like Charlotte but Carrie was a close second. Have fun!

http://quizfarm.com/quiz_repository/Sex/2434/

Can't wait to see the movie it is being released at the end of the month.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Season Finale of Desperate Housewives is next week already!











Wow what an episode! So let's first talk about Edie trying to blackmail Bree once she found Bree is really a Grandma. Good for Bree for coming clean with her friends and not letting Edie have any power over her, you go girl. I love that Susan,Gaby, and Lynette all banded together to confront Edie that is what true friendship is. I love the scene where they are walking away with their backs to Edie and she is begging to be forgiven. I have read some spoilers that say the season is going to end up with a bang and that Edie is going to do something just horrible. So you think Edie is gone for good? She has run out of husbands and boyfriends to go after!


Ok now over to Katherine clearly her daughter isn't her daughter since she doesn't have any scars and doesn't remember anything from her childhood. Several episodes past there was a seen where she was crying in the upstairs bedroom and also at a tombstone did she accidentally kill her daughter? Who's child did she kidnap? And remember her husband said he couldn't forgive her once he learned the "Truth" about a murder well she didn't murder her Ex.


How are Gaby and Carlos going to handle having a drug dealer in their house and pretending to be her friend, you know Gaby will admit she is working with the police even though it will compromise the agreement Carlos has with them.


Susan and Mike had a boy he was clearly wrapped in a blue blanket but what will his name be? I think it will be really funny watching Susan mother a newborn since she gets frazzled so easily this should be really funny. I just saw a preview where Susan said the babies name is Maynard, that has to be a joke right???


I had to finish talking about Lynette's step daughter she is just pure evil and a smart little cookie and oh so manipulative accusing Lynette of abuse and manipulating the boys to burn down a restaurant. I just really felt for Lynette when everyone was telling her it was her. It would be so hard to deal with a child like that looks like Lynette is getting arrested in the previews. My goodness wasn't fighting cancer enough for her this season.


I love watching Desperate housewives for the humor and piecing it all together the writers are very clever and always have an answer for everything. I also love seeing all the clothes and jewelry they wear. I can't believe the season is already ending!

Let's keep the celebration going....

Stop on by to http://www.mommyfest.com/ for a party! You will have an opportunity to meet some new friends and win some cool prizes! I always meet some of the nicest people!

Have fun!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

How did Birthday Cakes come about?


Well it isn't Will's Birthday but he thinks it is. Today it is my Birthday (don't even ask how hold I am)
Today my husband told Will it was my birthday and he said I should get a Lightning Mcqueen cake that they are the best, and I should blow out my candles. I have been so busy that my birthday really snuck up on me this year. Uggh another year older:(
To learn more about the history of Birthday cakes go here http://ezinearticles.com/?Birthday-Cake-History&id=586874

Friday, May 9, 2008

History of Birthstones...


Birthstone jewelry is hot,hot,hot especially for Mom's and teens. I do remember being a young girl and loving the cheap costume birthstone jewelry they sold in the girls section of department stores. My Mom use to let me pick out what I thought was such gorgeous jewelry and was always pleased when they had my stone, the Emerald.

I had no idea how popular birthstone jewelry was but after shipping off my last batch of Mother's Day orders today (yes some of my customers waited until the last minute but we won't name names!) I thought about how many little birthstones I hand wire wrapped this month, let just say it was a lot.

I of course had to do some research about the history of birthstones so here is what I discovered.

A birthstone coordinates with the month a person is born. There have been many different sets of birthstones used throughout history and in different cultures. In 1912, in an effort to standardize them, the American national association of jewelers, Jewelers of America, officially adopted the following list; it is currently the most widely used list in the United States and many other locations, including Australia and Thailand. Some alternates have been adopted to be a less expensive substitute for a cut stone.

Traditional Birthstones:

January:Garnet
February:Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April:Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl,moonstone,alexandrite
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September:Sapphire
October: Tourmaline,pearl
November: Topaz,Citrine
December: Turquoise

I think jewelry history is just fascinating!

Visit my shop to see my collection: http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Free Giveaway at Heart of the Matter


Do you need a daily dose of inspiration? If you do then head on over to http://www.heartofthematter.com
This online magazine and blog is a website where all homeschooling parents, seasoned or new, can find resources, reviews, giveaways, projects, ideas, forums, unit studies, printables, and support from other home school parents like themselves.
Check out Sallie's article and find out more details about the giveaway for my "I Am Blessed" necklace.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Don't miss out on these local Gilda's Club events...


Gilda's Club of Detroit has several upcoming events. Take a look at the schedule to see if you can make it to one of the events. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/events.aspx
Just a reminder that I will be donating a portion of proceeds to Gilda's Club of Detroit for any of my "Live,Love,Laugh" pieces.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Made you laugh didn't I


Poor Kane! Will was laughing so hard after he put his hat on Kane's head. Will had to have this hat at the dollar store and he thinks everyone should have a turn wearing it. Kane is such a good sport he kept it on for a while!

Monday, May 5, 2008

Day out with Thomas the Tank




















Over the weekend we spent A Day out with Thomas. Will had so much fun and was so into riding on Thomas. He was grinning from ear to ear almost the entire time. Will never has liked wearing hats but wouldn't take off his Thomas hat and if anyone tried moving it he would immediately fix it.

If you would like to take your kiddos to see Thomas check here for their schedule http://www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/parents/dowt.html

Hope you enjoy our pics!










































Sunday, May 4, 2008

What do you call your Mother or Grandmother?


With Mother's Day just days away I thought it would be interesting to share the many different names my customers have for their Mom's and Grandma's. First I would like to share some information.
Did you know in the US the most common names used for Mother are Mom or Mommy. In the UK Mum or Mummy is most common. Mama is common in many countries but is considered "Mother" in Spanish. In South Asian cultures and the Middle East Amma or Oma are variations of Mother.
Here are a few different names for Mother and Grandma that my customers use:
GMA, Mimi, Namaw, Chi Chi, Didi, Grammy, and Nana just to name a few!
What do you call your Mom or Grandma?
This necklace is available for sale at http://klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Hand Picked for Etsy's Mother's Day Gift Guide


I am so excited Etsy selected my "Proud Mama" Bracelet as one of their hand picked items for their Mother's Day Guide.

Featured Charity for May: Gildas Club




















The Featured Charity for the Month of May is Gildas Club http://www.gildasclub.org/ For each "Live,Love,Laugh" piece that is sold in my shop for the month of May I will donate a portion of proceeds to Gilda's Club.


Gilda's Club was founded by Joanna Bull. Joanna Bull started Gilda's Club after working as a cancer psychotherapist during Radner's illness. Gilda's Club provides meeting places where men,women and children living with cancer can join others to build a personal network of social and emotional support. Gilda's Club offers free support,networking groups, seminars,workshops,specialized children's programs and social events. They are a non profit group that seeks funding from private individuals, corporations and foundations.


Now a bit about Gilda Radner. Radner was originally from the Detroit area and her Father owned Detroit's Seville Hotel, where many nightclub performers and actors stayed while performing in the Detroit area. You have to think that her exposure at the hotel lead to her love for comedy. Radner was a featured player on the National Lampoon Radio Hour and worked with John Belushi,Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray. She caught a major break when she joined Saturady Night Live as their first cast member, I think many of us remember how hilarious she was playing the character of Roseanne Roseannadanna. Radner won an Emmy Award in 1978 for her work on SNL. Radner also did some broadway work and had several films including Hanky Panky and Haunted Honeymoon. In 1986 after many misdiagnoses Radner discovered she had ovarian cancer and at some point the cancer went into remission. In May of 1989 the cancer came back after a very painful struggle with her chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment she died on May 20th 1989.


After Radner's death the awareness for ovarian cancer improved greatly as she was very open about her personal struggle with cancer.


In 1991, Gilda's Club was created and now has many clubhouses operating across the country. I will leave you with a quote from Radner, "Having cancer gave me a membership in a elite club I'd rather not belong to."


Head on over to my shop to show your support for Gilda's Club http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/