Hello welcome to La Dolce Vita. I am a busy WAHM of a three year old who really keeps me on my toes. I blog about my Sweet Life (that is what Dolce Vita) means. I share many of my custom hand stamped jewelry pieces, as they are inspired by my every day life. I hope you enjoy fashion as I talk a lot about fashion and I am a total Product Junkie. Step into my world and please come back again soon. If I am not around I am off making some keepsake mommy jewelry for my customers.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!!!
Fashion Friday: It's a wrap
It's a Wrap by klacustomcreations
The cool, crisp days of fall call for some extra warmth. I think one of my favorite things about Fall is being able to pull out some of my favorite sweaters. What could make these cooler days even more perfect is a cozy wrap sweater. Wrap sweaters offer you the ability to layer and dress with a bit of ease. Throw a wrap sweater over a T Shirt, put on your favorite jeans and you are ready for just about anything.
Today's wrap sweaters are no longer just for casual wear, they can also be worn in the office, worn on business casual days, perfect for a day at the pumpkin patch with the family or perfect for some time outside curling up with your favorite book. Wrap sweaters offer the comfort of your favorite sweatshirt but the versatility to take you from day to night wear, if you chose the right one.
Just take your pick of the selected items and one of these sweaters will be sure to wrap you up with a bit of style.
Shopping tip: If you shop at the same mall often get to know your sales staff. The sales staff where I shop know I like high quality items for the best value. I often ask the sales clerks if there are any coupons that may have been sent in the mail. I find if you ask sometimes they will offer up a coupon, which means extra savings for you. You never know what you may get if you just ask.
Marled Wrap Cardigan
Hooded Wrap Sweater
Long Belted Cardigan
Waist Sweater Tie Coat
Tie Waist Sweater Coat
Article written by Kristen of Kristen's Custom Creations and originally printed at Beautiful Fabulous.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Hand Stamped Hammered Mommy Necklace... Just listed
What would I do without you Mr Tivo?
My Fall Tivo Line-up (for now)
Deleted:
Fringe (too hard to follow, I tried)
Grey' Anatomy (off the list, deleted, is it me or is it just so boring I think all of the good writing is being put into Private Practice
All CSI'S (deleted, will get caught up over the summer when the re-runs are on, still like you but just don't have the time right now)
Pushing Daisies (sorry just not into you this season)
I am having a really hard time keeping up with my shows, some other shows will just have to go also.
And the Award goes to.......Me!!!!
Whenever I receive an award I feel like it is an Academy award, it means someone actually gets some enjoyment out of my blog, which is my goal. I received the "My Favorite Blog" from a new bloggy friend Suzana of the Firefly-Shop I always have such a hard time selecting winners of awards so I am going to share it with all of my readers. Please grab this beauty for your award page and check out Susana's site it is amazing!
I know that is a huge list and I am barely keeping up. Please leave me some comments about your favorite shows, I love to talk TV!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Halloween Update
Monday, October 27, 2008
Featured Reader: Let me introduce you to.....
Your family: I have been married since 2003 to a wonderful former army man. We have two children: Veronica, 4 and Isaac, 3.
How did you start blogging? I wanted to have an online journal, so I started investigating programs online in January 2007. I knew about blogging in a general sense. But I started Unexpected Art, which evolved into a platform to be more positive. Craft Life satisfied my need to talk about my crafting hobbies and Link Princess is a blog about what I do for a living. A Month of Stuff evolved out of a single post that I had on Unexpected Art in an effort to highlight other great blogs online.
If you are a parent do you have a parenting philosophy? If not a parent what is your blogging philosophy?Our parenting styles change almost monthly. While the core thoughts never change (teach good manners, be respectful, cultivate a healthy self-image) we are always trying ways to reach our kids. The biggest thing we believe in is that both of our kids are very different from each other and they need different things in life. We try and give them what they need to grow into healthy adults.
You will never find me without......My cell phone. I now have a BlackBerry for my job, but my personal cell phone is my connection to my good friends. I feel lost without it. You'll also hardly ever see me without my laptop close by.
Day job: I work for a company called Intrapromote, an SEO firm. I am the Director of Link Development for them. As part of SEO, links from other sites are incredibly important when trying to get Google to rank a site highly for specific keywords. At a very basic level, I get other sites to link to my clients' web sites.
Favorite Stuff:
Music: Techno, alternative
Food: Sweets (total downfall), soups, Italian
Tv/ Movies: LOST, Heroes; An American President, Glory, Rudy
Reading: I read everything from business books to nonfiction, fiction to spiritual. I tend to read 2 - 3 books at a time.
If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it what would it be?"I checked - smiling is not against the rules."
Favorite stores to shop at? I love antique stores and random knick-knack shops. I'm also a Target kind of girl.
Extra Stuff: I love to craft, read, play with my kids, go to concerts and plays, write, and in general enjoy life. I am also an avid Notre Dame fan and a Civil War history buff (I just like to learn about it all; I'm definitely not an expert).
A special thank you to Angela for her interview. If you would like to be a featured reader please send me a email at klacustomcreations@comcast.net
P.S. If you would like to see my new burberry inspired headband please visit La Dolce Vita and Friends and while you are there check out some of the amazing hand made items available from my fellow artists.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Feel Good Sunday: Tweet Tweet
Blue birds,
Cute birds.
A bird in a tree
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Product Junkie Approved and Let's talk about hair....I am hair obsessed
Why is it that we always want what we don't have? I have poker straight hair and I have always dreamed of having hair like SJP or Sarah Jessica Parker. I know when I say this to gals that have curly hair they tell me they dream of straight hair. I am dead serious I would just love to have naturally curly hair. I would wear it like SJP and embrace the curl every single day. I would never put a straight iron to it. I even asked my stylist about a perm (yes I did) and she said that it just wouldn't be the same and that it wouldn't work well with my highlights. So in my next life please God give me Curly hair.
Do you have straight or curly hair? Which Celebrity has your dream hair? Do you have a favorite hair product to share?
Friday, October 24, 2008
Fashion Friday: Mad About Plaid
Are you mad about plaid? I have always been a fan of plaid since I was a little girl and love that it can be found everywhere this season. I don't know what it is about plaid, maybe it is the collegiate feel it gives you, maybe it screams fall has arrived or maybe it is just that it is classic and timeless. I say it is a trend but plaid is always in style and is a timeless item you can incorporate into your wardrobe. What is even better about plaid is that it will still be in style next year and many years to come. I never mind buying items that I get a lot of bang for my buck.
These select items allow you to incorporate some plaid into your fall wardrobe. You can add a bit of plaid or a lot of plaid to make a bold statement for your love of plaid. You may even be able to go shopping in your closet and pull out some plaid.
Are you mad about plaid also or is this just not for you?
Shopping tip: Being a fashionista doesn't have to cost a lot and it really shouldn't. The next time you make a online purchase be sure to do a quick search for coupon codes and visit sites like www.ableshopper.com for coupon codes. I always check for a coupon code and very often find free shipping and discount codes.
For a closer look just click below:
3/4 Sleeve Ruffle Front Blouse
Kensie Patent-Trim Babydoll Coat
Plaid Stretch Headband
Tommy Hilfiger Women's Plaid Strap Watch
BP Edie Ballet Flat
Kamik Rain Boot
This Article was originally published at Beautiful Fabulous
Kristen of Kristen's Custom Creations
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Featured, Awards And Other Good Things
I am very excited that 5minutes4mom featured my article Going Pink Has Never Been More Fashionable . Please take a peek at 5minutes4mom it is a great resource for Moms.
I also received two lovely awards, everyone knows how much I love awards!!
The Kreative Blogger award was given by Jennifer of TheDirtyShirt
Uber Amazing Blog award was given by Snowberry Creek
I am passing these awards on to the following bloggy friends:
Robin of Cinnamon and Honey
Ali of Home of the Lazy Dog
LeAnn of Tolleson4him
Jenni of Jiggety Jig
Carole of Hippostoes
Firefly Shop
Some Good Things:
I have always loved Tupperware, even as a little girl I had a play set. So the love goes way back. I just recently received a new fab set to add to my collection. I love this set it is the fall 10 piece set and right now it is 55% off, yes you heard it right. The sizes are perfect for left overs, big salads and even kid size popcorn bowls. We have been using various pieces from this collection since we received it. If you would like a set or anything else from Tupperware please visit Tupperware Claire and she can help you out!
Happy Thursday to everyone!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Free Jewelry......
Monday, October 20, 2008
Featured Reader: Let me introduce you to......
I am pleased to introduce you to LeAnn of Tolleson4him. LeAnn has been one of my loyal readers for a very long time, in bloggy world that is a BFF in my book! I always look forward to taking a peek into LeAnn's daily happenings. LeAnn not only works full time but also has two beautiful girls and via her blog shares their family journey.
Name: LeAnn of Tollesons4him
Family: I have been married to my college sweetheart for 12 1/2 years we have been together for 15 years total. We have two beautiful daughters Er who is 10 and Em is 7. And we have one spoiled dog Cassie
How did you start blogging? I had heard about blogging for a while and had some friends who blogged that tried for a very long time to get me to start. With both our families living in other states I decided this would be a great way for our friends and family back home and all over to stay and keep in touch with us....that's how Tollesons4him was created.
If you are a parent do you have a parenting philosophy? Yes, I am a parent and my philosophy is love them unconditionally, discipline them with love not anger and always be open with them. Talk to them so they will always come to you about anything and not be scared to talk about it.
You will never find me without......my cellphone, I can not be with out it.
Day job:I am a Full time mom a full time wife and a full time ministry assistant at the church we attend.
Favorite Stuff:
Music: 80's music and really anything I like all kinds
Food: Mexican and CHOCOLATE
Tv/ Movies: Grey's Anatomy, the Office, American Idol oh the Bachelor/Bachelorette. Grease, the Breakfast club, Comedies and Romance by far my fav
Reading: I love to read anything by Karen Kingsbury and Emily Giffin
If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it what would it be? You better believe it
Favorite stores to shop at: Target, Kohls, Bath and Body Works.
A special thank you to LeAnn for participating in my weekly reader. Please be sure to give LeAnn some comment love here and also at her blog .
Please be sure to come back next week to meet Angela of Unexpected Art. If you would like to be a featured reader please email me at klacustomcreations@comcast.net. Being a featured reader you also have a chance to win one of my custom handstamped pieces with a retail value up to $50. Next week I will share the piece that I created for Jennifer of The Dirty Shirt. Jennifer was the winner of my first giveaway.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
My One Month
My bloggy friend Genny at MyCup2Yours has something really fabulous going on over at her site. Genny is spending the entire month sharing different readers posts on what they would do if they had just one month to live.
I think I have been putting off writing this post because I think sometimes it is must easier to just keep doing the same things and allowing our tasks to control us. I find I get caught up in trying to tackle the never ending to do list. But you have to ask yourself what if you only had one month what would you do? At first I started writing all of these detailed lists and decided to keep it simple and allow my favorite phrases to say it all! I hope you enjoy some of my favorite phrases!
The tide will turn.
Walk by Faith.
Would you like to join in? Head on over to Genny's Site.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Product Junkie Approved
Steal
Maybelline Define-A-Lash
$7 Available at Drugstore.com
I have to say I use to only use Lancome Mascara, which I love but the $24 a tube can get a little pricey. I started using the Maybelline Define-A-Lash and have been hooked ever since. I love finding a great product that is also a great deal. Both mascara's have been featured at Allure Magazine many times!
What is your favorite mascara?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fashion Friday: Ruffles, Ruffles and more Ruffles
Fashion designers have introduced ruffles to us in past seasons but this season they are hotter and larger than ever. I like to be fashionable without being a slave to the current trends because to me you have to be comfortable in what you are wearing and it has to make you feel good. You can make a statement with some oversized ruffles or go the safer more simple route. Whichever you chose they add a feminine look to any outfit. With mens-wear being a big trend this season also a touch of ruffle will soften the look and you will remain looking feminine.
Ruffles can be worn for all occasions whether for work, business casual, running errands or for a cocktail party. You can wear a ruffled blouse under a jacket, you can select a jacket with ruffles, a cardigan sweater with a touch of ruffle, pair a ruffled blouse w/ a vest for a trendy mens-wear look or wear a ruffled halter with an A line skirt for your evening look.
We should never be slaves to the trends and fashion should allow us comfort, style and verstality.
Are you a ruffle gal? If you are which is your favorite?
Hypothesis Cardigan
Inc International Concepts Ruffled Blouse With Attached Vest
Lace and Ruffles Halter Top
Short Sleeved Ruffled Cardigan
Inc International Ruffle Long Sleeve Blouse
Hinge Ruffle Front Top
Kristen of Kristen's Custom Creations
This article was originally posted at Beautiful Fabulous
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Dog With Nine Lives
About a week ago he ate an entire box of raisins, and it wasn't a small box. We came home from dinner and discovered he ate raisins and I remembered that my Aunt sent me a email about how toxic they are for dogs. I picked up the phone and called the emergency vet and they said it can be deadly. Raisins are toxic to pets. We had to induce vomiting, if we didn't it could have been fatal. Thankfully he is just fine. Sometimes it really pays off to read those mass emails you receive. Please tell anyone that has a pet Do not feed them Raisins or Grapes! I just hope we can keep him out of trouble and keep him safe, we adore Kane even though he terrorizes our house when we are gone.
P.S. You don't even want to know how to induce vomiting in a dog!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Charms,Charms,Charms, Awards and WE HAVE A WINNER
I have been very busy creating some custom pieces for customers. I am also working on a very large wholesale order, just in case anyone was wondering what I have been up to. Above is a pic of just a few of the pieces. I will share a gallery of some of the custom pieces in another post, they are really fun and very unique. Have I mentioned I LOVE custom orders! I think what I love about custom orders is helping a customer create a piece that holds special meaning for them.
Ready for the Winner of the Featured Reader Contest???????
Jennifer of The Dirty Shirt!!!! Jennifer can pick a piece out of my shop or a custom piece up to a $50 value.
I also received two lovely awards:
A special thank you to Scargosun for this awesome award!
A special thank you to a new bloggy friend Fire Fly Shop for the I Love your blog
Be sure to come back tomorrow for my Wordless Wednesday, it will be sure to make you laugh.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Featured Reader: Let me introduce you to......
I am pleased to introduce you to Robin of Cinnamon and Honey. Robin contacted me to create a very unique, custom necklace for her a while ago. It is funny how you can really hit it off with a customer and get really involved in the creation of their custom piece. Robin and I became fast friends and it all started with her custom necklace order. Robin is also a Co-Contributor at Beautiful Fabulous and she writes about entertainment. Robin is not only a very talented writer but also a gifted crafter who makes beautiful cards. Be sure to read her interview as her writing will speak to you.
Name: My name is Robin Honig Willens and my blog is Cinnamon and Honey.
If you are a parent do you have a parenting philosophy? If not a parent what is your blogging philosophy?I'm not a parent just yet but I love to write all about my nieces and nephews and post lots of adorable pictures. They bring such joy to my life! As for my bloggi ng philosophy? Just have fun.
You will never find me without...... My iPod! Spend five seconds on my blog and you'll notice I don't shut up about what I'm listening to. I'm a music freak so I'm in love with this little thing. I'm listening to it at the mall, on the subway, the coffee shop... Plugged in and totally oblivious.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Feel Good Sunday: Namaste and Om
This piece was inspired by my love for Yoga. Lately I haven't been able to do it as much as I would like but I think today is the perfect day, and it will make my Sunday feel oh so good.
Every time you put on this pendant, you can remind yourself of why, exactly, it speaks to you. The Sanskrit symbol for ''Om,'' the universal sound that connects us all while bestowing peace and tranquility. The word "Namaste" means "I bow to you" I bow to all of my friends today.
Product Details:
The "Namaste" necklace is a 5/8 inch 925 sterling silver disc that has been handstamped with the word "Namaste" and includes a second disc that has the "Om" symbol hand stamped. Both discs hang on a 18 inch sterling silver snake chain. Artist note: The letters on the discs 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. I use a Eco-friendly method to oxidize my sterling and never use a Sharpie marker to darken my letters. All materials used are of the highest quality and each piece has been made w/ loving care.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Product Junkie Approved
Oh how I love my Mac Plum Dandy Lipstick! I think I love it because it goes with just about everything, it is a plum color that is frosted with bronze. What I love about Mac is the knowledge that their Make-up artists have. They spend the time to help you pick out the perfect colors. I have tried many different shades of lipstick but always return to my Plum Dandy. I love a lot of Mac products but the lipsticks are at the top of my list and they surely are Product Junkie approved.
What is your favorite lipstick brand and color?
Friday, October 10, 2008
Going Pink Has Never Been More Fashionable
If you like the color pink then October is your month. Who knew supporting a good cause could be so fashionable? October as most are aware is Breast Cancer Awareness month. There are so many companies that have banned together as warriors against Breast Cancer, and with the purchase of their items a portion of their proceeds and in some cases all proceeds will be donated to support Breast Cancer related organizations. It always makes you feel good when a portion of your proceeds will go to a good cause. What is also fabulous is that with many of these items you can show your support and hope for a cure when wearing the item.
Here are a few ways that you can show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness:
1. Make a purchase from a retailer that gives a portion of proceeds to Breast Cancer Awareness
2. Join the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk, and create your very own fashion plate to join the walk.
3. Host a Jean day in your office and ask for each participant to pay $5 and donate the money.
4. Visit pinkforoctober.org which is free and post one of their awareness buttons at your site and also list your blog to show your support.
Awareness and early detection are key. My Aunt is a Breast Cancer Survivor and we owe that to her self examination. Join me in being a warrior against Breast Cancer. Be Aware and Go Pink for October!!!
Take a closer look at the selected items:
Coach Breast Cancer Awareness Key Chain
Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Slim Tee
Privo Puffer
2008 Ford Warriors Scarf
Warrior T-Shirt
Talk about it T-Shirt
Shopping tip: Very often if you sign up for a retailers e-mail list you will receive valuable discounts. A few that send out coupons on a regular basis include Express Fashion, Gap, Old Navy, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, American Eagle, and many more.
This article was originally published at Beautiful Fabulous.
Have you made a purchase that benefits Breast Cancer Research?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Collegiate Pride and the battle of State Vs. Michigan
Now that we are deep into football season I thought it was time to reveal a few necklaces I just created for a customer. In Michigan you are either a fan of Michigan State or The University of Michigan. The battle has gone on forever and if your friends or family were ever to find out you were rooting for the other team you better prepare for a beating. I thought it would be fun to keep track of which is the better seller, since a true fan will be sure to purchase either the "Sparty" or "Go Blue" necklace. I really think both are great for different reasons and am not just saying that since I created both necklaces.
I can also create these for really any College team. If you would like your favorite team stamped please just contact me.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
6 Secrets about me and 6 things you may not know about me
I have been tagged by three bloggy and twitter friends:
by Laurie from Through the Looking Glass
Renee from Cutie Booty Cakes
Baby Friendly LA
I need to share 6 secrets or 6 things you may not know about me.
1. I make way too much jewelry for myself. So when someone makes a purchase they are supporting my habit. Here is my latest creation.
2. I am a master at getting stains out of clothes and actually find it a good challenge. Give me a stain and it will be gone.
3. I love those teenage TV shows like Gossip Girl, Privileged (this one is new and love it) and didn't miss an episode of The OC
4. I could spend hours people watching, I just find it fascinating.
5. A co-worker and I won a month long Fuse Ball championship at my past job. I was the Branch Manager and wanted to encourage some fun in the office so we decided to have a tournament. We use to play during lunch, so picture me in my suit and heels spinning away. I kept hearing "I can't believe Kristen beat us!" I am a little competitive, so there is another secret.
6. I am also very good at laser tag and video games, I play to win.
I am tagging the following Twitter and Bloggy friends: (more than 6 because I was tagged 3x)
Robin of Cinnamon and Honey
Pamela of PMKU
Carole of Hippotoes
Jen of Cheaper than therapy
Jenni of Jiggety Jig
Clare of Diapers to Designs
Linda of Short and Pumppy
LeAnn of Tolleson4Him
Ali of Home of the Lazy Dog
Snowberry Creek
Scargosun
Jennifer of the Dirty Shirt
Here are the rules:
Now, if you’ve been tagged with the meme game from twitter, you must post 6 things no one knows about you on your BLOG. Then you have to tag 6 more people. (don’t forget to let them know they’ve been tagged.) Leave me a message letting me know that you’ve accepted the tag. Let me know when you’ve posted your list and make sure there’s a link back to my BLOG. Have fun!!!
P.S. If you aren't following me yet please be sure to do so! You follow me and I will follow you back.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Featured Reader: Let me introduce you to....
Name: My name is Allison but my husband and blog friends call me Ali.
Family: WD and I have been married 11 years and have 2 boys. Big pup is 6 and Little pup is We also have 2 Siberian Huskies.
How did you start blogging? I was reading several blogs at the time and one day I thought, "Hey, I can do that!" So I did. I just celebrated my 1 year blogiversary and hopefully I can keep it up for many more years! You can read my blog at Home of the Lazy Dog
What is your parenting philosophy?: Good question! I don't know if I have a tried and true philosophy but I do try to pick my own battles. If my kids want to wear sandals in winter, no big deal, I just keep a pair of socks handy. And the ER number on speed dial.
You will never find me without...: my cell phone. I'm a little paranoid and anxious without it. If I accidently leave it behind while heading to school or the grocery store, I just know that that day I'll have a flat tire or something will go wrong.
Day job: SAHM. Or as I sometimes call it, a household manager.
Favorite music: A little bit of everything.
Favorite food: Anything but seafood!
Favorite TV show: I love The Office. And I'm a big time Lostie even though I don't understand it!
Favorite Books: I like fiction. For some odd reason I'm drawn to Asian American novels.
If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it, what would it be?: "What happened?!" This isn't my favorite saying but with 2 kids, I say it a lot!
Favorite stores to shop at: I mostly shop at JCPenney's. They're always having a sale and they always have something I like.
A special thank you to Ali for her fabulous interview. Please leave Ali some comment love.
Please come back next read to meet Robin of Cinnamon and Honey.
This is week four of the Featured Readers so the drawing for the free Kristen's Custom Creations necklace with be next Tuesday.
If you would like to be a featured reader please send me a message at klacustomcreations@comcast.net