Too Cool For The Pool

So I recently came across a local artisan that creates the cutest little things.  While working on the Living Beyond Breast Cancer fundraising, I met a woman who introduced me to her daughter-in-law.  Nikki, of Nikki in Stitches sews so many things.  From headbands, to crocheted bracelet kits, to beach hats; you will surely find something that you will fall in love with and must have. 
I just ordered a beach hat, which I will use mostly at the pool this summer.  I got to pick the fabric and Nikki did the rest.  She sent me a photo and I can't wait to receive the finished product tomorrow!

If you happen to be on Facebook, be sure to "like" her page. 

Yoga on the Steps Philadelphia

Well, Yoga on the Steps is done for another year!  Amazing, inspiring, spiritual are just a few words to describe the event.  This year,  unlike last year, there were breast cancer survivors who shared with the 1,100 registered yogis what the Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization means to them and what it means to be a hero.  This was very emotional and instead of doing the pose, I had to just sit down and meditate and focus on what they were speaking about.  At one point I just looked back at the crowd and was so in awe of the beauty of all these people doing the same pose for the same cause.  And the beauty of the Philadelphia Art Museum in the background was the cherry on the top.

I am so utterly proud of team Tri-County for a Cure.  This was our first official year as a group and we had 26 members, we were recognized as getting the most community involvement (we created an amazing video around Pottstown with business owner that can be viewed here http://youtu.be/dEGcpoAI488), we raised over $4000 as a team, we grew as individuals and as a group, and I know that we have cultivated friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.  I am truly blessed to be part of this yoga community...they are some of the most caring, giving, and compassionate people you will ever meet!  My mind is already racing with ideas for next year's event.

Namaste'

Happy Mother's Day....

 

I try to come up with something cute for my mother and mother-in-law for Mother's Day.  They are both amazing woman who I cherish having in my life.  They are always there to help out with the kids or lend an ear.  I am so blessed to have wonderful relationships with them both.  It's rare to find such warmth and caring in people!


In honor of them, I created this really cute "photo tin" to give as presents.  I had some photos of my boys done awhile back.  Melia from Priceless Moments by Melia did an amazing job capturing my boys.  I took a gift card tin purchased at Michaels and added some scrapbook paper, some stickers, and some rick-rack to it and decorated the front. Then I folded a white piece of paper, accordion-style for the inside of the box.  I took more scrapbook paper to embellish the pages and then I added wallet size photos to the flaps.  And voila, a really adorable gift that the Mom's can carry with them and show off their grandchildren.  

I hope that my Mom's have a wonderful Mother's Day and know that they are so very loved by this family!


Happy Mother's Day to you ALL!

Mother's Day Bracelet Giveaway

In honor of Mother’s Week and all of the hard work you do for your families, All Things for Mom has teamed up with Hammi Jammi Jewelry  to offer this fantastic giveaway just for you, our favorite moms.  One lucky reader will be chosen to win this gorgeous, handcrafted bracelet.  Keep reading for your chance to win!

The bracelet measures 7.25 inches and includes an extender to make it as large as 7.75 inches.  The hand-stamped brass 'Mom' charm is accentuated by the handcrafted, earth-tone ceramic beads (created by an artist in California).  Fire polished glass beads and brass artistic wire finished off with a gold-plated lobster claw clasp highlight the ceramic to add an elegant and serene touch to any outfit.  To see more of Carrie’s jewelry or to speak with her about creating a customized and affordable piece just right for your special occasion, take a look at her etsy or big cartel shoppes, or contact her at carriegrab419@hotmail.com.

Who wouldn’t want to own this gorgeous work of art?!  Okay, here are the rules for your chance to win.  You’ll receive an entry (up to four) for doing each of the following:

1. Leave a comment here telling us all about your favorite Mother’s Day EVER!
2. Head over to Hammi Jammi Jewelry’s Facebook Fan Page and “like” her.  Be sure to leave a comment on her page letting her know that All Things for Mom sent you.
3. If you haven’t done it already, “like” the All Things for Mom Facebook Fan Page and let us know that you did.
4. If you have a blog or a Facebook Page, link up to this giveaway and let us know that you did.

The winner will be chosen at random using Random.org and we will announce her name on the website and ATFM Facebook page on Monday, May 9th.  Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day!!

Tri County For a Cure Video Debut

Help fight breast cancer and bring awareness to an amazing organization that supports woman beyond their breast cancer diagnosis.  My team for Yoga on the Steps created this video with local business owners as a way to help fundraise and help with the Pottstown revitalization efforts.


To donate to our team, go to www.pricelessmomentsbymelia.com and then there is a breast cancer symbol on the left of this page.  It will link directly to our team website.


Thanks again for taking a look at this powerful, labor of love.

Happy Birthday to ME!!! Pay It Forward....

Earring Sampling

I really love doing things for others.  I suppose I am a nurturer by nature.  In honor of my birthday, I wanted to do something special for my readers.  But there is a itty bitty, small catch.  I will send you a pair of sterling silver earring in your favorite color.  However, you must send a Facebook request to "like" Hammi Jammi Jewelry to 10 of your friends....especially to those people who like fun, everyday jewelry.  Feel free to send the suggestion to more than ten.  If you don't have 10 people who you think would like Hammi Jammi, then please send the request to as many as you can.

That's not too hard now is it????
Just send me an email at carriegrab419@hotmail.com and let me know your name and mailing address and your favorite color.  This is only a one day event.  Don't delay; participate today!


Thanks for participating in my Birthday celebration!

Renewal of OLD!

I love vintage and antique pieces of jewelry.  I can appreciate the craftsmanship and the history behind old pieces.  I was lucky enough to acquire several pieces of old jewelry that belonged to a great aunt of mine.  One of the necklaces was made out of crystal nuggets of various shapes and sizes.  I'm not sure how old these crystals are but I would estimate around 75-80 years old.  I thought this piece, in particular, would be perfect to deconstruct and create something "new."  The deconstructed pieces have been sitting in a jar on my workbench just waiting to be changed into something more current.  I was waiting and waiting and then an opportunity came to me.

Since I am an Artbeads Design Partner, I get periodic emails about getting products to create with in exchange for blogging.  There current blogging challenge theme is "What's Old is New Again."  Now was my opportunity to use my great aunt's crystals.

I chose some great products from Artbeads.  Typically I stick with using silver-toned merchandise in my creations.  So, I thought I would step outside my comfort zone and use some brass in my vintage-inspired jewelry.  I wound up using some brass artistic wire and also a brass toggle clasp.  I also chose some really beautiful lamp work glass beads.

Without further ado, here are my "What's Old is New Again" creations.  The lariat-style necklace also contains Swarovski crystals, in addition to my vintage crystal nuggets, some Druk beads in a yellow/tan hue.  The earrings are made with gold-plated earring hooks.

Disclosure: I participate in Blogging for Beaders with Artbeads.com and have received the products free of charge from them. I am honestly reviewing the products and have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.