Seeing the Forest...

Sometimes, I just can't see the forest for the trees.

See, one of my most popular items is the Initial Charm Necklace. Simple and straight forward, a single initial on a small disc. But, I have a confession: I have always felt a little luke-warm about this piece, as it is not one of my most original designs. In fact I have seen similar necklaces before, and this was my version of a classic, originally made by request for my sister-in-law.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when a customer requested an initial charm necklace with a twist. She had seen some of my wire writing pieces, and wanted her kids' initials done that same way. Here's the part where I whacked my forehead with the heel of my palm. doh!

The idea was right in front of me all along—my best selling necklace, only made with a touch that was mine all mine—the wire writing. (Of course, ALL credit here goes to this particular customer, who made me see the obvious. Thanks, Laurie!)

Did I just recently say that custom orders made me nervous? I might be reconsidering that sentiment, as I begin to recognize all the ways in which clients contribute to my body of work.

Wire Writing Initial Charm Necklace now in the shop.

Why I Won't Look At The Calendar

I'm still here, and all is well. Just haven't been here.

The momentum of summer has taken over, and I find myself in places far away from the computer. It's refreshing.

In my absence:

We found a rainbow

I made a whole lotta circles

The girls set up an outdoor living room, complete with a couch (see it at the top of the picture?)

We took an evening trip to the beach (this was taken at 7pm, and it was still 95 degrees)

And I've enjoyed some lounging around

Lately, I have an ever-increasing sense of dread, as these days tick by and I face the reality of my baby entering first grade--full day school for the first time. Come September, both my girls will be spending their days away from home, leaving this mama to fend for herself. Now, I have plans--big ones--to make good use of that time and grow my business, but this change is just so symbolic. This is the way it will be for the rest of their childhood. I know that's life, and that I'm being dramatic, but it's what I'm feeling at the moment.

What's a mother to do, but make the best of the time we have right now? To linger at the beach, play long card tournaments, and let them stay up late to watch Wipe Out, so we can laugh together--these are the current priorities. And when school comes around again, I'll kiss both girls goodbye with a pat on the bum, and rush home to make hay while the sun shines, reveling in this new phase of parenthood.

Until then , you can find me here a little less than usual. I'll be doing everything under the sun with my girls (except looking at the calendar).

20 Must-Eat Summer Recipes

Aimee, of Artsyville, recently wrote about the weekly creative prompt called weekword. This week's word is FLAVOR, so I thought now is the perfect time for me to jump in.

The flavors of summer can't be beat and, luckily, many of them can be prepared with little or no stove usage.

Celebrate the Season:
Pesto (FuoriBorgo)
A Campfire Breakfast (Simple Bites)
Strawberry Jam (Mandy Gerth)
No Need For a Stove salads ( Indie Fixx)

Veggies:
The Perfect Summer Salad (The Baker's Daughter)
Chinese Cabbage, Fennel, and Daylily Salad (So Wabi Sabi)
Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad (Smitten Kitchen)

On The Grill:
Spicy Mango-Pineapple Hot Dogs (Coconut & Lime)
Grilled Pizza There's nothing like it! (Serious Eats)
Strawberry Salsa & Burgers (Everybody Likes Sandwiches)

Refreshing Sips:
Raspberry Rosemary Cooler (Maya Made)
Strawberry Lemon Mint Daiquiris (A Foothill Home Companion)
Green Smoothie Cocktails (Shivaya Naturals)
The Porch Swing (Smitten Kitchen)

Sweets and Treats:
Variety of Tarts (Angry Chicken)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls (Joy the Baker)
50 Homemade Popsicle Recipes Includes great popsicle-making tips (Growing a Green Family)
Ice Cream Sandwich Pops (Living Locurto)

Misc Summer Eats:
Giant Black Bean Salad (101 Cookbooks via Soulemama)
Lots of Noodles Each of these recipes can be eaten cold—perfect! (Which Name?)


Oh! And I can't write a food post without mentioning my new fav cook e-book:
Healthy Snacks To Go. Highly recommended!

Bringing the Oustide In

Come out for a tour of the girls' bedroom,

where butterflies alight,

and doves fly.

A place where roses unfurl no matter the season,

daffodils bloom all year,

and the sun shines every day.

It's a dreamy place to sleep and play