Project 52: Week 1

Happy New Year! I hope you had a safe and happy holiday season. I definitely did and I'll admit, I was a little sad to see it pass by us. But now, as we are 11 days deep into 2013, I find that I'm okay with the closure of 2012 and I am so looking forward to the many, many wonderful things that the year ahead will hold.

When this time comes around next year, and we are writing the final chapter of 2013, I don't want to find myself looking back and forgetting all the crazy, quiet, happy, sad or meaningful moments the year brought me. This is why I am beginning a new project for my blog. Called "Project 52", this new venture will encourage me to share one moment from my week here, with you all. I'm certainly not the first to do this- there are so many interesting Project 52's out there. I'm excited to contribute my year's story to this larger photographic conversation.

This first shot is of our dear Heidi catching a bit of rest on a lazy Sunday morning. <3 br="">
*i apologize if any of the formatting is out of whack- attempting mobile blogging!

Holiday Giveaway Winner!

One of my most favorite photos of my two loves: Dan and Heidi at the Christmas Tree Farm last weekend. 

We have a winner!  Congratulations to Autumn Elizabeth!  Autumn's favorite thing to make are German pancakes with homemade syrup each Christmas.  That sounds lovely. :)  

I loved reading over all of your responses and I am happy to say that I got many new ideas for holiday treats.  Also, welcome to my new blog readers.  I hope you'll enjoy yourselves here!

One of my favorite things to make are snickerdoodles- mostly because they are simple and delicious, but also because it is the only treat that Dan really craves.  He's a no dessert kinda guy, unfortunately.  

Once I wrap up this post, I'll be popping these in the oven and starting on another batch of these snickerdoodles for a holiday party tonight.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Holiday Giveaway - Minaret Earrings

I'm so happy to announce that it is time for Sew, Mama, Sew!'s Giveaway Day!  (It actually began on December 3rd, but I'm a little late in the game.)  However, it's not to late for you to participate.  If you are new to my blog, welcome and thanks for visiting!

I'm giving away one pair of my Minaret Earrings in your choice of either Green Czech glass beads OR Red Czech glass beads!

How to enter:

*Participation is quite simple- all you need to do is leave me a comment telling me:

 "What is your favorite dish and/or baked treat to make especially for the holidays?"

In the comment, please also include your email address if one is not connected to your account and whether you prefer the Minaret Earrings in Green or Red (or a mixture of both!).

*To get a second bonus entry let me know that you are a follower of my blog, or become one and let me know. : )

Hand wrapped Minaret Earrings feature hammered brass teardrop hoops with either your choice of green Czech glass beads or red Czech glass beads.  They will be made by me especially for you!

The giveaway closes at 5pm PST on Friday, December 7th.  A winner will be chosen at random no later than Sunday, December 9th.  The earrings will be shipped no later than December 14th.

And finally, this giveaway is open to international participants as well!

To enter more giveaways, be sure to stop by Sew, Mama, Sew!.

-This Giveaway is Now Closed-

Thank you to all who entered!

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend and a Sale

I wanted to wish you all a wonderful (and belated) Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.  I hope you all had a safe and happy holiday surrounded by loved ones and friends!

I also wanted to tell you about a sale that I am running in my Etsy shop now through Monday, November 26.  From today until Monday night at midnight all orders will receive 15% off with the coupon code Holiday15!

In addition, all orders of $65 (after coupon code and before shipping) and up will receive a free pair of Resin Dahlia earrings in your color choice!

I've been busy getting lots of new listings up in the shop and plan on continuing to add more throughout the weekend so keep checking back!

Here are a few of my favorite pieces right now:

Kilim Earrings - Geometric Carnelian and Emerald Tassel Earrings

Rosa Earrings - Rose Quartz, Geometric Relief Brass and Aquamarine Earrings

Minaret Earrings in Smokey Quartz

Handmade in PA post- Ryann Thompson's Photo Jewelry Keepsakes

Good morning, friends!  Be sure to hop on over to Handmade in PA for my most recent write up on the very talented Ryann Thomspon of Designs by Ryann.  I've featured her handmade Photo Jewelry which is really worth checking out.

Here are a few examples of her work with Photo Jewelry:

An assortment of Ryann's handmade photo pendants and bracelets.

Unique keepsakes featuring a loved one's handwriting or special message.

Photo Ornaments to trim the tree with this season!!

Warby Parker! Decisions, decisions!

Dear readers,

Your opinions are greatly needed!  I received my Warby Parker home try on selections earlier this week and I am completely stumped as to which frame to choose or if perhaps they just aren't right for me?  I really love the Sinclair and the Marshall frames, but I worry they don't suit my face.  I'd greatly love to hear your opinions.  

I might just select another few for another round of home try-ons or perhaps I'll pop into their showroom in Philly to confuse myself even more! :)

Do any of you wear Warby Parker?  If so, which frame(s)? 

Thanks so much and have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!!

Oh Happy Day!  Warby Parker Home Try On Selection!

And here I am, posing in all of the frames (in black and white to cut down on the lens glare):

UPDATE! 11.15.12: Thank you to everyone who offered their opinions either on my blog, on twitter or in person.  It seems that Sinclair and Marshall are the obvious winners! (They also happened to be my top choices, as well.) :)  I'll be purchasing the Marshall frame in the near future since they seem to be a great everyday frame.  My old pair (~5 Years old. yikes!)- which are purple and lime green Anne et Valentin frames- are a bit on the funky side and I am in the market for a more neutral frame.  Marshall fits the bill!  I plan to purchase the Sinclair down the road, since I love them so much, also!  Thanks again!  Also- the Warby Parker Home Try On was such a great experience.  I highly recommend it if you are in the makert for some new frames or sunglasses.

The first of November.

Hello all.  I realize that this space has been quiet for quite sometime now.  I apologize for this.  Life just got a little too crazy, I suppose.  Expect more posts on here from me in the coming weeks because I've got lots to share (including all of the recipes I made with our home garden produce).  I've also got a big, big announcement to share!  But first, I wanted to let you know that my time on the interwebs has not been completely stagnant these past few months.

Doe Run Farm makes some outstanding artisan cheese.

I'm a new contributor for Handmade in PA- a blog from the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen!  It's an exciting new venture for me since I love sharing handmade adventures and stories with anyone who will listen.  

Autumn Splendor at Terrain at Styers.

Today's post is about an autumn visit to Terrain in Glen Mills, PA.  We visited a few weeks back for Terrain's annual Autumn Bounty Festival.  We got to taste some really delicious cheese and take in all of the delights of the season.  And since today is the first of November, I thought it might be a nice post to share with you all.  Click here if you'd care to read it.