Feel Good Sunday: Live, Love, Laugh

Live….laugh…and Love By John McLeod

Live well dear friends In all you do, Tho' paths be old Or paths be new, But to yourself Be ever true,
Live well!
Laugh often friends Tho' passing years Bring, sometimes, smiles And, sometimes, tears, For mirth forever Warms and cheers
Laugh often!
Love much dear friends For love will bring The healing joy And hope of Spring, Where pain and fear may never dwell Nor anguish touch….
And so Live well, Laugh often too, And more, dear friends!

Love Much!

The handstamped "Live,Love, Laugh" necklace is available at Kristen's Custom Creations

Gal to Gal Virtual Walk

Have you joined the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk? You can design your own gal and start walking. Donate as little as $5 to help be a warrior against Breast Cancer. If you want to join a team my team is La Dolce Vita and Friends.

Do something fabulous today donate to the Gal to Gal Virtual walk.

P.S. This isn't my walking gal, this is a gal I designed for my own personal use. I love Design -Her-Gals. Design-Her-Gals has been featured on Martha Stewart and Oprah, be sure to check them out.

Product Junkie Approved

I have a confession, I am a total product junkie! I love trying new products and have a closet full of items I just don't care for. I don't know what it is maybe as women we believe that a new product will create some type of miracle. When I have a product I love I like to share.

I have really paper thin nails and always have until I found Nail Envy. Nail Envy is a nail strengthener that has Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein & Calcium. OPI carries many different versions but I love the original one and when used faithfully it really does work.

Do you have a favorite nail product? Please share! As a Product Junkie I don't want to miss out on anything.

Fashion Friday: Kickin' Fall Boots

Regardless what your fashion style is, one of these booties will surely be a new addition to your wardrobe. You can select a subtle, simplistic pair or a rockin' edgy pair, or something in between.

What is fabulous about booties is that they are truly half shoe and half boot, the perfect combination for the true fashionista. Booties are so versatile, they can be worn with jeans, with a stunning pair of trousers or even a skirt if worn with a matching pair of opaque hosiery.

When wearing a hot pair of booties be sure not to cover them up, they are meant to be shown off.

Kate Spade Lily Boot

Platform Ankle Boot

Stuart Weitzman Elastique

Enzo Lace Up Bootie

BCBGMAXAZIRA Harriet Bootie

Patrole Car Bootie

Jolie Boutique 9

Which pair are you going to fall for?

Kristen of Kristen's Custom Creations

This article was originally posted at Beautiful Fabulous.

Take a peek inside my.....

Well it actually is outside. As the cool weather creeps in it reminded me that our days outdoors are numbered. One of my favorite spots is outside on our deck it is our lil cozy spot! This is our spot where we like to kick back and Will likes to jump and make forts. Our cushy furniture is covered so it gives us some shade and keeps us dry when it rains. When sitting there it feels like we are away on vacation, and that is exactly what we wanted it to be.

Do you have a favorite spot in your house? A spot that just makes all of your worry drift away?

While we are talking about favorite spots I wanted to introduce you to La Dolce Vita and Friends. La Dolce Vita and Friends is my new site that features some of the best inde artists around ,so be sure to go on over and visit. There are many Halloween items available!

Visit La Dolce Vita and Friends

Wordless Wednesday: Warrior & Courage

A portion of proceeds for every "Courage" or "Warrior" hand stamped necklace will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation in honor of my Aunt. Both pieces are available at Kristen's Custom Creations

I am a Good Witch....

If one has to be a Witch I chose to be a Good Witch, and yes I want a broom to fly on. Who doesn't want to have magical powers, be able to make things happen with a twitch of the nose. The one part I wouldn't want is to have to fight off Warlocks, I guess that is just part of the job.

Here are a few of my favorite Witch movies and TV shows:

Bewitched


Witches of Eastwick


Hocus Pocus


Pratical Magic


The Wizard of Oz


Charmed

What is your favorite Witch movie or TV show?

Product Details:

Are you a Good Witch? The "Good Witch" necklace is a 5/8 inch sterling silver disc that has been hand-stamped. The necklace is adorned with w black swarovski crystal and a tiny sterling silver witch charm. All charms hang on a 18 inch sterling silver ball/bead chain.

The "Good Witch" is available here, and in very limited quantities so if you would like one please order soon!

Kristen's Custom Creations welcomes custom orders.

Featured Reader: Let me introduce you to

Before I introduce you to my Featured Reader I wanted to remind everyone that if you haven't sent your answers back please send them to klacustomcreations@comcast.net At the end of this post is a list of upcoming Featured Readers.

Special offer for La Dolce Vita Readers and Friends of Jen: Free Shipping until Friday October 3rd. Please use FreeshipJen After your purchase I will send you a refund for shipping costs. Who doesn't like something free these days! Visit my shop to see my entire hand stamped collection and remember I love custom orders.







I am pleased to introduce Jen of Keep it Classy, Posh Point of View and The Posh Parent Social Network. Jen and I became fast friends right from the beginning and we surely hang out in all of the same cool spots!



Name: Jen Hinton and my blogs are Posh Point of View, Keep It Classy, and the newest addition is our social network The Posh Parent


Family: My DH is Dustin and our lil boy is eight month old Boston!





How did you start blogging? I started blogging after being contacted by a few bloggers about sending in my products for review. Then I thought,"Hey I can do this!" So, I did and it has been a great whirl wind since!

If you are a parent do you have a parenting philosophy? My parenting philosophy is Although we all might me different, we all look at our children the same way. So, cherish the moments! My blogging philosophy Keep It Real, but Keep It Classy!

You will never find me without......eyeliner on!!!!

Day job: I am a WAHM. I run Posh Point of View, Keep It Classy, and my newest venture the social network The Posh Parent(We are new and growing rapidly.We have great member including Kristen herself!) So come join the poshness!I also own www.nolameadows.com and www.lilnola.com. Nola Meadows Studio is classy jewelry for classy women! Lilnola is a fun graphic tees for tots!!!




Favorite Stuff:
Music: I like everything, but I LOVE Journey!
Food: Chips and Salsa
Tv/ Movies: The Notebook
Reading: Right now Tori Spelling's book

If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it what would it be? Keep It Classy(you can get one at www.lilnola.com)

Favorite stores to shop at ? American Eagle, Ann Taylor Loft, The Limited

A special thank you to Jen for the fun interview. I always love getting to know my readers a bit better. And as Jen would say "Always keep it classy"

If you would like to be a featured reader please send me a message to klacustomcreations@comcast.net.

Next weeks featured reader is Ali of Home of the Lazy dog.

Here is a list of some upcoming featured readers, if your name isn't on the list it is because I haven't received your answers back yet.

Robin of Cinnamon and Honey
LeAnn of Tolleson4Him
Angela of Unexpected Art

Make it a great day!

Feel Good Sunday: Imagine

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create. Albert Einstein

Product details:

The "Imagine necklace" is a 3/4 of an inch sterling silver disc that has the word "Imagine" hand stamped. The necklace also includes a dark green swarovski crystal that has been wire wrapped by hand. Both charms hang on a 18 inch sterling silver snake chain. The letters on the discs have been blackened/antiqued to make the letters stand out. The disc will appear to be slightly tarnished but has been given and good polish.

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. Do you have a question please convo me.

Would you like a custom, personalized piece of jewelry? Please just leave me a comment or send me a message at klacustomcreations@comcast.net

To view the entire hand stamped collection please visit Kristen's Custom Creations.

I have been featured at Cinnamon and Honey

Head on over and read my Featured Interview at Cinnamon and Honey and check out Robin's new blog design. If you aren't already a friend of Robins you should be!!!!

Awards, Awards, Awards, I feel loved!

Thank you to Jenni at Jiggety Jigg for the Birthday Bling award

Jen, The Mom from Cheaper Than Therapy thinks I am Brainy, I usually get called a ditzy blonde

LeAnn from Tollesons4him thinks my blog is just plain fun to read!

Fun, Brainy and Bling I love that combination! I would like to pass these awards on to anyone who would like to grab them, I am being lazy it has been a very long week.

Rock Star....

We love music in our house and Will seems to really enjoy it also. Lately he likes to play Rock Band, where we all have to play an instrument and he also still loves to rock out to The Laurie Berkner Band. I have to admit I quite like their band also. If you haven't rocked out with Laurie then check it out. I do hope the neighbors aren't watching because we get really silly and dance like those silly Yo Gabba Gabba freaks (have you seen that guy that wears the unitard?)

Product details:

Show someone that they really rock! The "Rock Star" necklace is a 3/4 inch sterling silver disc that has been handstamped with "Rock Star" The necklace also includes a sterling silver electric guitar and both charms hang on your choice of either a 16 or 18 inch sterling silver chain as pictured. Please indicate in the note to seller your chain choice.

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.

All Designs Copyright of Kristen's Custom Creations 2008. Would you like a custom piece?

Please visit Kristen's Custom Creations for my full collection.

Fashion Friday: Simply Charming

Since I was a little girl I have always had a love for jewelry and charm bracelets have always been one of my favorite accessories. A charm bracelet can tell a story since you can find a charm to symbolize just about anything you can imagine.

Charm bracelets have been worn for decades and will continue to be adorned on many women's wrists. Many decades ago people wore charm bracelets to ward off evil spirits. In Ancient Egypt they were used to bring good luck. Queen Victoria wore them as a fashion statement and they then began being worn by the European noble classes. During World War II soldiers brought home charms as trinkets for their loved ones. In the 50's and 60's teenagers would wear charm bracelets to record events in their life. Even though the charm bracelet has evolved over time they have remained a timeless staple accessory.

If you ask a woman about her charm bracelet she may have a story. The next time you see someone wearing a charm bracelet ask them if the charms have any significance, you may just learn something new about that person.

Take a peek at the above charm bracelets:

Tiffany Lock Charm with Blue Enamel

Juicy Couture Fleur De Lis

Butterfly Chain Bracelet

Lucky Vegas Charm Watch Bracelet

Judith Ripka Key To My Heart Bracelet

Do you have a charm bracelet? Does yours tell a story?

This article was originally posted at Beautiful Fabulous, not a member yet then head on over to join.

What is a Mother to do?

Will has been telling us for a while that he would like to be a Cow for Halloween. I received my current Parents Magazine and saw this picture and thought wouldn't it be fun for the entire family to dress up. Hubby even agreed to be a Farmer and I thought we could have Kane be a piggy and I could be a farm girl, but Will wants me to be a Piggy and he is insisting on it. I really don't want to be a pig even though Miss Piggy was my idol when I was a kid. I am sure many would love to see me dressed as a pig but you tell me what should I dress up as? Should I go with the costume I want or should I be a Piggy? I have two choices for a Piggy see below:

Cute little Piggy Choice #1
My Idol Miss Piggy Choice # 2

Please leave your vote in the comments, I am not guaranteeing that I will dress up as a Piggy but I wanted to take a Poll.

Wordless Wednesday: Peace what does it mean to you?

Hand Stamped Sterling Silver "Peace" necklace as always available at Kristen's Custom Creations

A day at the Cider Mill/Farm

We spent the weekend at the Lake and about 15 minutes away there is a Cider Mill/ Farm and it has a petting farm and a lot of activities for the kids. Will and his Cousin had a blast!

Pumpkins Galore!

And more pumpkins!

In case you were wondering this is Pickles the pot belly pig, well that is what Will named her. Don't even ask what she did that Will decided to announce to everyone.

Check out Pickles belly, it is just too cute!

Will loved Pickles but said she was dirty!

I love going to the Cider Mill it just screams that Fall has arrived. Have you been to the Cider Mill? My favorite thing isn't the cider it is the cinnamon sugar donuts and especially when they are still warm, they just aren't good the next day so you better just eat them all up.

Happy Fall!!!

Be sure to visit tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday and on check back on Thursday so you can vote on what I shoud dress up for Halloween, I will reveal what Will would like me to be.

Let me introduce you to.....

I received such great feedback about my weekly Featured Reader and have to say I am really enjoying it also. I am learning even more about my readers while doing the interviews. If you would like to be one of my Featured Readers please send me a email at klacustomcreations@comcast.net by participating you may just win yourself one of my hand stamped jewelry creations with a retail value of up to $50.

Now through Wednesday September 24th I am offering Free Shipping with all purchases of $35 or higher in my shop. Please just include a note that says Freeship24 and I will credit you for the shipping fee.

I am pleased to introduce you to Jennifer of The Dirty Shirt
Jennifer shares her musings of being a Mom and also does some fabulous reviews. If you have a product that you would like reviewed I suggest you head on over to The Dirty Shirt for more details.


Name: Jennifer from The Dirty Shirt

Your family: I am married to a wonderful man who makes it possible for me to be a SAHM and teacher to our three children. My son is 15, My middle daughter is 9 and then my baby is 13 months. People always ask me why I started all over again.

How did you start blogging? I started blogging as a way to try to keep my extended family in contact and slowly branched out from there. I have now grown in readership and have met many wonderful people in so many communities.

If you are a parent do you have a parenting philosophy? My parenting philosophy is to always stay in control. Now that does not always happen as readers of my blog know, but it is something I strive for especially since I am also my children's teacher.

You will never find me without...... My sense of humor. I am raising 3 kids one is a teen you need that to survive :-)

Day job: Right now my daughter and I are in the process of setting up a business, she likes to create and I am helping her make some things. It is going to be something that I share with her and hope to teach and pass on to my youngest when she is old enough. Stay tuned to my blog for details :-)

Favorite Stuff:

Music: I have a huge array of music likes. Everything from Josh Groban to the other extreme Old School Metallica (grew up having to listen to that and now my son is making me do it all over again lol but I do like some of it) And even though I am old enough to be their mother I really do like the Jonas Brothers music ;-)

Food: A good old fashioned steak and potato is my favorite meal but I love all Mexican and Italian foods.

Tv/ Movies: I am not much of a movies person due to lack of time to watch them. But TV is a whole new ball game lol My favorite shows are Brothers & Sisters, 24, Desperate Housewives, So You Think You Can Dance, Tori & Dean and The Bill Engvall Show

Reading: My favorite authors are Sandra Brown, Dean Koontz and Jackie Collins. Tori Spelling ain't too bad either :-)

If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it what would it be?

You're Alive...So Live

Favorite stores to shop at? Honestly I usually do the majority of my shopping online from places like Amazon, Old Navy, Target. I am actually looking forward to doing some Christmas shopping online this year from some of the awesome shops I have found and been introduced to through blogging, such as your great jewelry shop :-) (I didn't pay Jennifer to give my shop some love, I swear)

Misc stuff:

I do want a take a second and thank those that have helped me out along the way. The very first blog I ever ran across was Lori's blog A Cowboy's Wife and I was very intrigued by what I read and wanted to blog like that too, more than just updating my family's happenings. The great moms I have met and the great advice I have gotten has really touched me. I have been blogging a little over 4 months and have learned so much. And there are good changes for me coming soon with my blog makeover and the craft business opening (my daughter is very excited). And last but not least thank you Kristen for being a blogging buddy and making some awesome jewelry. (2nd plug that I did not pay either:)

A special thank you to Jennifer for participating now this is your opportunity to give Jennifer some love, leave a comment here about why you love Jennifer's Blog as much as I do.

Feel Good Sunday: Love is....

"Love is like a river, never ending as it flows, but gets greater with time!" Author Unknown

For details of this hand stamped sterling silver "Love" necklace please visit Kristen's Custom Creations.

8 things you don't know about me

I have been tagged by Snowberry Creek and will be sharing 8 things that you just may not know about me.

1. I danced for 14 years and love all things related to dancing especially ballet.

2. I spent many years of my career as a head hunter, I placed Accountants/Controllers etc. in accounting positions. When I took the position I didn't know the first thing about Accounting. Numbers basically give me a headache so I think it is ironic. I could actually pass my self as an Accountant now since I learned the lingo!

3. I am the only Granddaughter in the family, now you know why I act like a princess.

4. As a kid my nickname was Kissy, my Dad still likes to call me that. Don't ask why that is my nickname.

5. I can't parallel park or drive a stick and my Dad owns a Driver's Training School. He is a fantastic teacher I just do not have a desire to do either, maybe this goes back to # 3

6. I said I would never be a SAHM, When I was working I thought it would be boring and wouldn't fill my day, now I am a WAHM but trust me my day is filled!!! Let me state in writing I WAS WRONG ABOUT BEING A SAHM (have I apologized yet, I have a very busy almost 3 yr. old as payback)

7. I love Scooby Doo, always have and always will.

8. When I was in college I worked at a beauty salon and was suppose to work the front desk but they had be washing hair, doing perms, waxing eye brows (sorry it will grow back) This was a hard job and I took it just to get the discounts on hair products. If you need your brows waxed I would recommend someone else.

I am Tagging the following:

Jen, Cheaper Than Therapy

LeAnn, Tolleson 4 Him

Ali, The Home of the Lazy Dog

Jennifer, The Dirty Shirt

Jen, Keep It Classy Jen

Jenni, Jiggety Jig

Laurie, Laurie Beth Beggin

Renee, Cutie Bootie Cakes

Fahion Friday: Entrenched in Style

With cooler weather just around the corner, it is the perfect time to add a new trench coat to your wardrobe. Woman have been sporting trench coats for decades and they remain a wardrobe essential that is timeless. They never go out of style and seem to get better each season. It is hard to believe that trench coats were originally created in the 1900's for British and French soldiers to wear during the first World War. A piece of clothing that had an original purpose of keeping soldiers dry and warm has now become a essential staple for women and is even seen on some of the hottest fashion runways.

A trench coat can take you from day to night and is very versatile. It can be worn with jeans, with a business suit and even over a cocktail dress. You can select a simple classic black, double breasted, single breasted, belted, cropped, long or a vibrant color. You can stick with a classic trench or a trendy one, just pair it with a pair of well cut jeans, sunglasses and a warm weather scarf and you will have yourself some celebrity style.

Which is your favorite Trench and what is your favorite way to wear a Trench coat?

Burberry London Belted Trench

Belted Nylon Trench

London Fog Single Breasted Trench

Signature Trench Coat

Ambition Short Trench Coat

Fashions fade, style is eternal.
- Yves Saint Laurent

This article was originally posted at Beautiful Fabulous