Are you a top commenter?

A special thank you to my Top 5 commenter's! Anyone who blogs loves comments! Here are my top 5 commenter's!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to leave me a note and for the bloggy friendship! Why not stop by and give my bloggy friends some comment love! Would you like to see if you made it in my top 10? Please scroll down, it is on the right hand side.

1. Tolleson4him
2. Home of the Lazy Dog
3. Cheaper than thearpy Jen
4. My Cup 2 Yours
5. LaurieBethBeggin

To add the Top Commenter feature to your blog please visit: Blog Buster Have fun!

Wordless Wednesday....

Will has been sick all week, please send him some well wishes!

Fierce!!!!

Are you Fierce? You see being "Fierce" is a very good thing these days! I know I am fierce when it comes to my kiddo. I think all moms can be firece when we want to protect our little cubs!

During Season 4 of Project Runway the winner, Christian Siriano would always say, "That's fierce" and it was meant as a compliment!

What does the word Fierce mean to you?

The "Fierce" necklace is of course available in my shop

The "Fierce" necklace is a sterling silver 16mm hand stamped disc with the word "Fierce" hand stamped. The charm hangs on a 18 inch sterling silver chain and includes two swarovski crystals as shown or you pick your birthstone months.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 disc has been 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 materials used are of the highest quality and each piece has been made w/ loving care.

Army Wives 7/27/08 **Spoiler alert***

This weeks episode was jam packed! If you haven't watched it yet, then you better stop reading, Spoiler Alert ahead!!!

Can you believe this much happened in less than 1 hour:

Roland was accused of inappropriate behavior with a student (it wasn't true of course)

Joan and Roland asked Claudia Joy and Michael to be the God Parents of their baby to be!

Pamela is furious at Chase for not telling her that he was a part of a sting operation. Some of his team members were smuggling artifacts from Iraq and selling them. Maybe he isn't telling the truth and really was involved???

Claudia Joy had a pregnancy scare, she isn't and doesn't want to be. Michael would like another child. I think they are opening up the door for this in later episodes, you never know. What do you think, should they have another child?

Roxy catches her new waitress (Anna Ortiz) hitting on Trevor, she quickly fires her. Anna's character tries suing Roxy for wrongful termination. Don't worry the lawsuit won't be going anywere, she has a history of doing this elsewhere. I was disappointed that Anna had such a brief appearance on the show, it would have been nice to have her around for a few episodes.

Denise kisses the young, hunky doctor. She does stop herself. In the previews for next week doc ends up in some type of accident. Maybe they will shut the door on this and not allow her to have a choice. We shall see what happens!

Can't wait until next weeks episode! I hear that the show does an excellent job depicting what Army life is really like. I love the show!

The "Proud Army Mom" hand stamped necklace is available in my shop.

A day at the zoo....

Admission to the Zoo for the family $74.00
Throwing pennies in the fountain 5cents.

Seeing a beautiful Zebra included in admission! (thank goodness)

Souvenir Slurpee and elephant straw $10.00

Falling asleep in the car......PRICELESS!

Have you been to the Zoo lately?

Let me introduce you to Cheaper Than Thearpy Jen and a GIVEAWAY

Jen and I became fast friends when we met online at Mom Bloggers Club. Jen is just a sweetheart and you can tell that by reading her blog. I am so excited that she is hosting a giveaway for one of my necklaces.

Would you like a chance to win? All you need to do is leave a comment here as to what piece of jewelry is your favorite out of my ETSY SHOP (OK don't cheat at least take a peek!) and then head on over to Jen's site and leave a comment there also. See it is really simple! The contest runs for a week so make sure you don't miss out!

I hope you win!

Kristen :)

P.S. If you get hooked on Jen's blog, make sure you thank me!

Life is a gift......

There is no gift greater than the gift of life. Anyone that knows me knows that I am inspired by many different things. I designed this necklace a while back and just never posted it. We had great difficulties in having Will, and I wanted this to be a reminder of what a gift he truly is. Even on the days of tantrums and bad moods he is a gift from God!

Tell me how you honor the gift of life?

The "Life is a gift" necklace is a 16mm sterling silver disc with the words "Life is a gift" hand stamped. The charm includes a blue topaz that has been hand wire wrapped. The charms hang on a 16 or 18 inch sterling silver snake chain.

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, to make the letters stand out. This piece has been slightly brushed and has an aged appearance and will appear slightly tarnished but rest assured it has been given a good polish and all by hand.

Please visit my shop Kristen's Custom Creations to see my full collection.

1,2,3,4...

I heart Feist and especially love her song "1,2,3,4"

A friend sent me this link of Feist singing on Sesame Street.

Click here to listen

Thanks Jennifer! I love it, Will enjoyed it also!

Happy Friday to all my blog friends!

One day you are in, one day you are out!

SPOILERS... LOOK NO FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE JULY 23RD EPISODE of Project Runway!

I watch very few reality shows, Project Runway is one I just can't miss! I love watching the designers use their creativity and imagination to make such interesting pieces. Some pieces are really ugly but some are just amazing. I love the chatter that takes place when they are creating! Even though Suede in my opinion made an amazing dress he needs to drop talking about himself in the third person. It is a huge pet peeve of mine!

Here are some show highlights:

• The challenge: Models got to pick the fabrics and tell their designers what they wanted their cocktail dress to look like. Some didn't do a very good job!

• The fabrics must be Green or organic. Everyone seemed to pick brown silk.

• The winner of this contest will have their dress sold on Bluefly.com

• Natalie Portman was a guest judge, she is just too adorable. Natalie really liked Suede's dress and said she would wear it.

• Heidi said she would wear Suede's dress if she was 10 years younger.

So the Winner is: Suede! Even though he is annoying he made an amazing dress! You have to appreciate the detail and creativity.

Who is out? Wesley, sorry Wesley but your dress was pretty bad! I always feel sorry for the loser.... Who likes to be kicked off of anything??

If you aren't watching Project Runway you really need to start!

Wordless Wednesday....

Some like it hot!

Did you know that more babies are born in the summer months in the US. The months of July, August and September typically have more births than any other time of the year.

So tell me do you have a summertime baby? I have a November baby and can tell you a summertime arrival would have been preferred, but we waited so long and were grateful for any month!

Just listed in my shop the the "Sterling Silver Signature Disc Mommy Necklace With Birthstone crystals". This piece isn't new but for a limited time I am offering it at a special price in honor of all of those summertime babies! The price listed is $5 off regular retail. Head on over to my shop Kristen's Custom Creations to take a peek.

Silver Signature Disc Sterling Mommy Necklace:

Wear this necklace as a reminder of those that you truly cherish or pick a special word. This is a classic simple piece that can be worn every day. This necklace is my most popular design and makes a great gift for a new mom,grandma,aunt,sister, teacher etc. This listing is for a custom necklace that includes two Sterling Silver discs/round charms, each charm/disc is 13mm up to 5 letters will fit on the charm.(If you have larger names please just convo me and we can discuss your options I have other sizes available) If you do have 6 letters you can purchase this listing and I will use my 14mm disc at no extra charge. The necklace also includes two birthstone crystals of your choice. Please just include your birthmonths in the note to seller. The letters on the discs have been blackened/antiqued to make the letters stand out. The charms hang on a 18 inch sterling silver sturdy snake chain. 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.

Thanks for visiting!

Army Wives 7-20-08***Spoiler if you haven't seen it!

I didn't talk about last weeks episode since nothing really wowed me. This weeks episode was packed with a lot, if you haven't watched this episode then this will be a spoiler.

The "Hump Bar" opened back up. The former "Hump Bar" has been renamed "Betty's Bar and Grill" Was that the fastest rebuild you have ever seen. What didn't make sense is the building was done in "TV time" but Joan's pregnancy has seemed to slow down a bit. I always wonder if the writers realize that viewers do notice these things. What do you think, should the bar have reopened or should it be a memorial for those that lost their lives in the bombing? I have really mixed feelings. For me personally I don't think I would ever enjoy myself at a place knowing that others lost their lives there. Roxy was spunky as ever and I loved her line, " I feel like I am pulling a double-wide with a scooter!"

Pamela attends a BBQ at one of her husbands coworkers and she suspects something fishy is going on, since they seem to have a lot of money and she doesn't think they could afford it on his Army salary. She starts asking a lot of questions. So what do you think the angle will be? Is the wife a drug dealer, maybe the husband.... he did look strung out on something when he walked into the room. More to come on this, in upcoming episodes I am sure.

Roland and Joan are having a GIRL! Joan was really hoping for a boy sine she didn't have a great relationship with her mother. Roland gives out some of his excellent psych advice to help Joan deal with the man filling in for her while on her maternity leave. Joan's replacement is playing some games with her, and really trying to intimidate her. I love that she turned the tables on him and gave him a box of work that will force him to pull an all nighter! Go Joan!

Denise, Denise, Denise she better not go down the affair road. I love her character and this just can't happen.

Let's finish with Claudia Joy, since she is my favorite character. I am glad they are revisiting her grief over the loss of her daughter. I don't think they really addressed that enough. Claudia Joy goes to talk to a father who lost his 18 year old son in Iraq and of course she was exquisite with her word choice and helped him with his pain and hers at the same time. I love the depth her character. I would so want to be in her company.

Next week Ana Ortiz, who plays Hilda on Ugly Betty will make an appearance on Army Wives. It looks like she is making some moves on Roxy's Trevor. Can't wait to see how this unfolds. I love Ana Ortiz!

If you haven't started watching Army Wives, it really is a must see show!

What is this?

We were driving the other day and saw this? I have no idea exactly what it is. We were near the University of Michigan though. Does anyone know exactly what it is? Maybe an electric car?

Friday Funny....

Have you seen this picture of Jim Carey and Jenny McCarthy? This just made me laugh. Who doesn't need some laughter in their day? Thanks for the laugh! What is your fav Jim Carey movie?

Do you like everything that is Beautiful and Fabulous?

If you love everything that is beautiful and fabulous then please come join me at Beautiful! Fabulous! Beautiful! Fabulous is a online community which encompasses all that is beautiful and fabulous. You will receive up to date information on family, fashion, fitness, entertainment, relationships and much more! I am excited to announce that I am a weekly contributor on fashion so please head on over to read my article titled "I took the handmade pledge"

You will feel right at home the minute you join. The community is comprised of women supporting women, who want to have some fun at the same time.

Hope to see you over at Beautiful! Fabulous!

P.S. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!

Wordless Wednesday

I know it is Wordless Wednesday but an added note: Will is making boat noises and he is the CAPTAIN!

Live in the moment...

You hear people always say "Live in the moment!" But what does that really mean?

To me it means to take a breath, slow down and soak in those little moments with friends and family. I find it very hard to slow down and when I am trying to slow down I am just thinking of all of the things I need to do. I created this necklace as a reminder to myself that I need to slow down, take a breath and live in the here and now!

What do you do to ensure that you are living in the moment?

The "Live in the moment" necklace is available at my shop

The "Live In The Moment" necklace is teardrop that is 1 inch long by 3/4 of an inch at it's widest point. The charm has been hand stamped with "Live In The Moment" and hangs on a 18 inch sterling silver bead/ball chain and includes a freshwater pearl that has been hand wire wrapped. Artist note: The letters on this pendant 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. Copyright Kristen's Custom Creations 2008.

A confession....

I am in LOVE with the big brown truck! Anyone that knows me knows that I love to shop. It is a passionate hobby of mine. I know it isn't for everyone but I love it. Since I had Will I find it very stressful to go to the mall with him ,so my new love is finding deals online from my favorite stores. I also have most of my jewelry supplies sent via UPS so it excites me when I know some new supplies have arrived and that means new designs.

So you see the Big Brown Truck has become a dear friend. My UPS guy honks his horn a few times when he arrives (maybe he does this for you but just give me my moment and let me feel special)

Will calls it the "PPS" truck, and I don't have the heart to correct him. One day I was out with a friend and he said, "Look Mommy your PPS truck is over there" my friend said Kristen I think you have a problem.

What is your favoirte hobby or secret love or crush?

Melt my heart....

What I love about kids is that they are so honest about their feelings. Even at a very young age they surely know who they like and what they want.

Will and Grace are the best of friends and when even just a week passes without seeing each other they are always so excited to see each other. It is sometimes those little moments where they say the most precious things. Here is their most recent conversation:

Grace: Hey Will I LOVE you buddy!

Will: Grace, I LOVE you!!!!

Grace: Hey Mom, Will is my best friend.

This all took place while they were sharing a great big bear hug!!! Gosh these two melt my heart!

Please share something precious your kiddo has said or done.

AAAH the life.....

Some days don't you wish you could just do this all day long???

I can't remember the last time I took a nap!

Posh Point of View Feature.....

Jen over at Posh Point of View was so kind to feature a few of my pieces and is offering a GIVEAWAY!! So head on over to Posh Point of View for your chance to enter.

Make sure you enter right away!!!!!

What flower are you?

I am a Snapdragon What Flower Are You?

Wordless Wednesday

Mind, Body Soul

Are you nurturing your Mind, Body and Soul? Why is it as Mom's we find it so hard sometimes to take care of ourselves? We always put others first, especially our kids. I keep telling myself I will take time to do "Me" stuff and I just don't. Here are a few things I would like to start doing again:

• Pilates- I love Pilates, it makes you feel good all over. You focus on your breathing and clear your mind. I have a hard time quieting my mind and find Pilates helps me get closer to a clear mind.
• Bubble Baths- A nice lavender bubble bath and a nice glass of wine would be oh so nice.
• Get a pedicure- Pedicures to me are so relaxing, it is one full hour of pure pampering.

What are some things you would like to do for yourself that you have been putting off?

The Mind, Body, Soul necklace is available here

A low key Army Wives 7-6-08 ***Spoiler if you haven't watched it yet***

This weeks episode "The Hero Returns" was a low key, feel good episode. Sometimes don't you just need "feel good" television. I just love the Trevor LeBlanc character. He has that wholesome school boy appearance and says all the right things. He comes back a hero and feels guilty that he left his fellow soldiers still fighting, this is just so Trevor LeBlanc. I always learn something new when I watch Army Wives. I didn't really realize that there are still people that search for our MIA men from many years and many wars ago. At the end of the episode Trevor talks about how they are the real heroes , that is the men and women who are searching for our lost and missing soldiers.

I don't know why but I am always taken back by how formal the Army is when they address and approach each other. That is just something we don't really see very often these days.

So once again what should Denise do w/ her bike? Do you think she is changing and drifting from her husband, as he fears?

I guess we are going to have to wait until another episode for Trevor's ptsd to come out.

Thank you Lifetime Television for another great episode!

Have you been bitten by Army Wives yet?

4th of July at the lake....

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July weekend. Will couldn't decide if he wanted to be in or out all weekend. We would get all slathered up w/ sunscreen and go outside and then he would say he wanted to go in. It was still a fun weekend with unbelievable weather. Will tried so hard to stay awake for the fire works but was fast asleep by the finale. How did you celebrate the holiday?

Relax, Reflect and enjoy

Relax, Reflect and enjoy your holiday weekend. What do you do to unwind? I like to get one of my favorite summer drinks lemonade/ice tea, a great magazine and just soak up some sun at the lake. (Wait this was before I had a kiddo now I am lucky to relax for 2 minutes!)

What does the word Freedom mean to you?

What does the word Freedom mean to you? The true definition is "the idea of being free". I think the word Freedom has many different meanings to different people. Sometimes I think we take for granted the many freedoms we have being Americans. I know there are times I take our freedoms for granted. Here are a few things that I am so grateful for:

Freedom of Speech. We may not always like what others have to say but it is our right to say how we feel and that is something some countries simply do not allow. If everyone said and thought the same things the world would be a very boring place to exist in.

The right to vote for all Americans. It is crazy that not that long ago women didn't have the right to vote.

The right to practice your religion of choice. As Americans it is our right to worship whomever and whatever religion we chose.

So as you celebrate the 4th of July stop and think about what freedoms you are grateful for.

What does the word Freedom mean to you?

Wordless Wednesday.... I want his life!

July Featured Organization

The featured organization for July is http://www.alexslemonade.org/. Several years ago I saw a special on television on what little Alex did at a very young age. At a young age Alex was diagnosed with cancer and she wanted to do something to raise money for research on childhood cancer. Alex decided with the help of her old brother to hold a lemonade stand and raise money to help her doctors find a cure. The next four years while battling her cancer she continued to hold annual lemonade stands to raise more money. At the age of 8 Alex died peacefully and at that time the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation had raised over 1 million dollars for cancer research. In Alex's honor her family and friends have continued to raise over 19 million dollars for further cancer research.

You can do your part in a few different ways. Visit their site at http://alexslemonade.org/You can make a donation directly, hold your very own lemonade stand (this is a great way to get the kiddos involved) or purchase my "Turn Lemons into Lemonade" hand stamped necklace. A portion of proceed sfor each "Turn Lemons into Lemonade" necklace will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand foundation in honor of Alex.

The necklace can be purchase at http://www.klacustomcreatins.etsy.com/




Fighting Childhood Cancer one cup at a time!