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.
Things have been so crazy busy and I am in the home stretch of my Mother's Day orders. I can't believe it is almost here. I am so tired as I type this. We took a break at our usual spot Starbucks, and are both in love with their Shaken Lemonade Ice tea, we take ours sweetened with black tea. Have you tried one? If not you must, pure heaven and a fantastic summer drink.
So tell me what is your favorite warm weather drink? Mine is a Arnold Palmer.
Happy Thursday! To view more Thousand Words Thursday please visit the love Jen of Cheaper Than Therapy.
Will loves to dress up Kane and maybe that explains why Kane sometimes chews up Will's toys and steels his food. I have to say Kane is very tolerant. What do you think of his shoes?
My dear bloggy friend Robin of Cinnamon and Honey is celebrating her 200th post and look what she is giving away my limited edition Follow Your Heart hand stamped necklace. Be sure to visit Robin's site HERE for all the details for your chance to win! If you would like to purchase this piece for yourself please click HERE.
P.S. It is crunch time for Mother's Day orders so I haven't been able to visit my favorite bloggy friends but I will be back after May 10th! Please leave me some comment love to help me through this crazy week!
Happy Monday friends! I hope everyone had a great weekend, we had a very warm weekend, in the high 80's. It was so nice I actually took some of my work outside on the deck and just may have to do that more often. Mother's Day is just 13 days away and I can hardly believe it, the rest of this week will be very busy!
Do you know what I love about the blogosphere? The friends you meet! I had the pleasure of being introduced to Anne of Liberteas and also had the great opportunity to try a few of her teas and now I am hooked. I love tea and have to say it is a daily afternoon treat that I look forward to. Anne is a busy WAHM who stays very busy blending her teas, running two blogs and being a Mama to her two children. Without further ado please grab a cup of (in Anne's honor) and get to know my friend Anne.
Name:
Anne Downen.My blog name is Liberteas, the same as my company
name.I also blog under the name EccentricPastiche, which is what I call my art, as well as the title of my ‘zine.
Your family
I am married, with 2 beautiful daughters (ages 16 and 7).
How did you start blogging?
I started blogging a few years ago as a way of journaling my journey with tea… a way for me to communicate with my customers about the flavors I was blending, and also about other things connected with tea.As time went on, I began to incorporate my art into the blog posts, and so I decided to branch out and have two separate blogs, one for art, and one for tea.
If you are a parent do you have a parenting philosophy? If not a parent what is your blogging philosophy?
Hmmm… my parenting philosophy is balance.It’s difficult to juggle everything that we get involved in, but that doesn’t mean that the children should suffer through our choices.Find time to be a parent to your children, to play with them, and to love them, they only get 1 childhood, and there’s no turn
ing back the clock.
You will never find me without......a mug of tea in hand!
Day job:
I’m a stay-at-home mom, and in the midst of that, I flavor and blend my unique
Music:Hard Rock.It doesn’t get any better than Guns N’Roses
Food:TEA & Chocolate.
Tv/ Movies:I love (and miss!) Project Runway.I also love:Hell’s Kitchen, Big Bang Theory, Fringe, Heroes, 24 & Lost.My favorite movies are the Harry Potter Series & Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Reading:Harry Potter Series
If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it what would it be?
Life is too short to not drink tea!
Favorite stores to shop at:
I love to just browse through Artfire and Etsy shops… I can always find something unique, interesting, and inspiring there… every time I browse!
Other good stuff from Anne:
Buy my tea and help support my tea habit:http://www.liber-teas.comIf you mention this article at the time you make your purchase, I’ll give you a 15% discount (offer valid one time per customer only, please). Also, if you’re in to handmade…If you’re an artisan … or just a consumer of handmade goods, visit http://www.byhand.me
Please be sure to leave Anne some comment love. If you would like to be a featured reader please send me a email with a link to your blog at klacustomcreations@comcast.net
Now that it is finally warm in Michigan it is time to start working on the tan. The days of baking in the sun with baby oil are long gone, what was I thinking? I like a bit of a glow with out damaging my skin and like to use self tanners. There are many that I like but the L'OrealSublime Bronze Self Tanner gives you a nice glow with out a streaky mess, since it is tinted you can see where you a putting it.
Here are a few tips for applying self tanner.
1. Before applying exfoliate your skin and dry your skin thoroughly before applying your tanner. 2. I like to apply some moisturizer before applying the self tanner 3. Go really light on your knees and elbows and the tops of your feet and careful around your ankles. 4. Let it dry before putting your clothes back on a robe works great. 5. WASH YOUR HANDS REALLY WELL! NO TAN HANDS ALLOWED! 6. If you don't like he smell of self tanner apply before going to bed or after application and once dry apply a moisturizer that smells really nice.
I don't like using self tanners on my face and usually just use bronzers.
I am a Midwest gal and the minute it is warm enough to wear flip flops, the toes get painted and my flip flops come out. I wear them until my toes turn purple from the cold.
There are so many varieties in flip flops from studded, animal print, trendy and even one's that claim to give you a work out??? If my legs will look like the above models then I am getting a pair of Fit Flops!
Do you heart flip flops? If so which are your favorite brand? Favorite pair above?
You can read my entire article on flip flops at TwitterMomswhere I am a weekly featured contributor.
These are just a few of my Top Sellers for Mother's Day! I am busy hammering and trying to get the orders out as quickly as possible! Now is the perfect time to drop a hint to the hubby, they never know what to get do they?
The next several weeks I am going to be paying tribute to Mom's in honor of Mother's Day quickly approaching. This week I would like to pay special tribute to all Mom's who have had to experience infertility and miscarriage(s). I feel so lucky to be a Mom and for some including myself it has been a long road joining the land of motherhood. There were many times I thought I would never become a Mom and every single day I count my blessings and feel very lucky to be a Mom. I often think of all of those who are still enduring infertility and or miscarriages. So today I pay special tribute to all of those who have endured infertility and or miscarriage and to those who still are.
Until Midnight tonight I am offering FREE SHIPPING in my SHOP, please just use code "Tuesday Tribute" and you will receive a refund for your shipping.
Have you entered my contest for a free hand stamped necklace that you design, enter HERE.
Hello Friends and Happy Monday! We had a very busy weekend filled will a lot of work(for me) and some fun breaks that included going to the park, the movies and getting ice cream! I am very busy with Mother's Day orders so if I don't visit your site much this week you will know what I am doing...... hammering out orders, literally! If you do need something for Mother's Day please let me know as time is running out. I have a few contests running on my site the first is a chance to win your very own Mother's Day necklace HERE and the second is a set of Ecotools makeup brushes HERE.
I always love Monday's since I have the pleasure of introducing you to one of my amazing readers. I am very excited to introduce you to Melissa of Proud Mommy's Daily Drama and Great Deals Melissa is one of my long time followers that I so appreciate, she is also a fellow Michigander and what I love about her site is the variety and fabulous pictures, she really captures those perfect moments and does some amazing things will effects on the pictures. Please be sure to visit Melissa you will not be disappointed.
I am married to my high school sweetheart. We have been together for 19 years and married for 12. We have one son Jake who is 7 and one daughter, Jaise who is 2 and one loved dog named Mater.....like Ta-mater without the ta. Yes, Jake named our dog!!!
How did you start blogging?
I stumbled upon blogging last summer when I got very involved in coupon clipping and saving money. We were just looking for more ways to shave the budget and I found a lot of useful blogs. Then I found so many other fun blogs that mine has really turned into a variety blog instead of just great deals.
Tell us about your parenting philosophy:
My parenting philosophy is to give my children unconditional love and the tools to make good choices throughout their lives. I want them to have morals and values and it is our job to teach them that.
You will never find me without......my lip product supply (gloss, lip protectant, etc.) and my glass of ice water.
Day job:
I am first and foremost a mom. On the side however, I enjoy taking photographs and editing photos in photoshop and I also sell Mary Kay (mainly because I LOVE the product and don't want to pay full price!!!! :o) )
Favorite Stuff:
Music: a huge variety of music; lately I enjoy anything with a fast pace to it so I can listen to it while I am working out.
Food: Unfortunately I enjoy way too many foods (hence working out more is needed) I have to have my coffee with creamer every day. I also enjoy pizza, anything italian really, chocolate.....man, I could go on and on.
Tv/movies: I am a huge reality show junkie.....Real Housewives of OC, American Idol, Biggest Loser, etc.
Reading: I am not a huge reader just b/c I don't seem to have the time but I do enjoy Danielle Steel's books
If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying what would it say?
Lately, my t-shirt would say: It's 5 o'clock somewhere!!!
Favorite spots to shop?
I love to shop at Target and Old Navy. I love to shop period....but those are my favorite stores.
Please leave Melissa some comment love and visit her fab site!
If you would like to be a featured reader at La Dolce Vita please send me a email with a link to your blog at klacustomcreations@comcast.net, participants have a chance to win one of my custom necklaces.
It is so nice to have a super hero in the house! Right now I wish I had super powers and could just say SHAZAM and make magical things happen, wouldn't that be nice! Will loves super heroes just a little bit right now, I will share more pictures later in the week.
Happy Sunday, make it a great day! Today just BREATHE, that is what I need to do since I don't have superpowers!
Contest Closed the winner is Krissy of Sometimes I Think. Congrats! I don't know about you but I love makeup tools and if the tools I use don't harm Mother Earth that is simply fabulous! Guess what you can love your tools and do good for the Earth at the same time with ECOTOOLS!
I was lucky to receive two brushes, the ECOTOOLSPowder Brush and Foundation Brush. These brushes are made entirely from natural and recycled materials, they work really well and are affordable.
In honor of Earth Day which is April 22nd I have a set up for grabs!
First some product information:
The Powder Brush,$7.99, is ideal for applying powder and setting makeup.
• Soft, cruelty-free bristles
This earth-friendly powder brush provides a smooth, soft finish and sets your makeup. And, it shows respect for the planet:
• Bamboo handle has a low impact on the earth’s resources as it is a highly sustainable plant.
• Synthetic taklon bristles are 100% cruelty free.
• Sleek ferrule is made from recycled aluminum.
The Foundation Brush,$5.99, is also made of natural and recycled products and applies cream or liquid foundation with a flawless finish.
You can purchase ECCOTOOLS products at Walgreen, Kmart and Ulta.
Would you like to win a set of ECOTOOLS brushes? If you win you will receive one powder brush and one foundation brush!
First Entry: Leave a comment that you would like to win, that is it that simple!
Extra entries: (Leave a comment for each entry)
****Follow my blog ****Twitter about this contest **** Stumble this post ****Add my blog button to your site (code in upper left corner) ****Add my Etsy Shop button to your site (code in upper let corner)
Contest is open to US residents only and will close on April 25th Midnight. Good Luck!
Have you also entered my contest for a handstamped necklace from my shop, enter HERE.
Do you love cupcakes as much as I do? What is perfect about this necklace is that it is guilt free!
The "I Heart Cupcakes" necklace is a 5/8 inch 925 sterling silver disc that has been hand stamped with the word "cupcake" it also includes a yummy sterling silver cupcake charm and both charms hang on a 18 inch sterling silver bead/ball chain.
The "I Heart Cupcakes" necklace is available at Kristen's Custom Creations for $34.90
Even though Will doesn't like the Easter Bunny he did want a picture!
"I told you I DO NOT LIKE THE EASTER BUNNY, but will take his candy!"
Hiding under the table when the Easter Bunny made his rounds.
Look who joined us for brunch!
The dessert table had it's own room, delicious!
Even though Will spent most of the brunch under the table it was very nice! Maybe by the time he is 10 he will no longer be afraid of the Easter Bunny. The night before Easter he said that the Easter Bunny could come to his house and leave candy but had to leave the candy outside for him, since he is big and scary!
Was/Is your kiddo afraid of the Easter Bunny??
Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a custom necklace from my shop HERE and for more Thousand Words Thursday please visit Jen The Mom.
Contest has closed. Please visit Kristen's Custom Creations to view the entire collection of custom, personalized, hand stamped jewelry. Today kicks off a tribute to all Mother's and with that a very special giveaway!
Mother's Day is just around the corner! How about letting that special Mom in your life know you love her with a custom necklace you helped create? Or why not design one for yourself, you deserve a special necklace! Kristen's CustomCreations in conjunction with The Mom Jen are hosting a very special contest!! The winner will have a custom piece of jewelry created to their specifications! See below for details:
Who: All US bloggers may enter.
What: Win your very own custom Mommy necklace!
How: To enter, think about a special necklace, much like all of items in my shop, and design one for Mother's Day that you would purchase for yourself or someone in your life. What would it say? Would you add a name charm? Picture charm? Special crystal? Once you have your idea leave a comment in this post and also HERE. This is your main entry in the contest, a must.
When: The contest starts today, April 14, 2009, and the winner will be selected on April 28, 2009.
Winner will be selected by a panel of blogger-judges based on creativity and uniqueness. Final decision will be made by me. The winning design will be created and will be your prize!
So, leave your design idea in the comments below, copy it and leave it at Jen's post here and while you are at Jen's site you can also enter for extra entires!!!! See below for a few pieces for inspiration!!!
Good luck!
You can join in for more Tuesday Tribute's with Jay at Halftime Lessons.
