To the end of a great year + the start of a whole NEW-EXCITING one!

Ending this year, I feel like I have really done a lot in 2012. So much so, that I am quite intimidated to even write this post so I think I will just highlight the biggest impacts and projects of this past year. At the beginning of the year, I was a brand new mommy and my husband and I didn't yet know it, but we were going to learn A LOT this year! It is so weird to even think about life before motherhood because what's life without our little Levi now? This was the first year as a parent and let me tell ya,  it's been a crazy, happy, stressed out, fun, and beautiful one! :)

I also left my job to start nursing school this year which lead to really finding a lot out about myself. You can read all about that adventure and the start of a new one right here. Making the decision to leave nursing school was one of the biggest choices of my life. Science was such a HUGE part of my schooling and I studied my BUTT OFF for years to get the grades I did. There was just this other part of my life that kept tugging at my little heart strings. That would be the whole wonderful and PRETTY world of creativity! Since I was a little girl going to craft shows with my grandmother, I have had a fascination with making ideas come to life and making a setting with details that can make the heart flutter and photos dance! This year, I became a stay-at-home wife and mother and made the choice to really dedicate my time to Love Sparkle Pretty. I have LOTS of big plans this coming year which will be revealed below. Before I jump ahead of myself, here are some highlights of this year with Love Sparkle Pretty.

I created pieces for 42+ weddings all around the world this past year (mind you, I was also on a long break for school) and I can't wait to do many more! These pieces included boutonnieres, veils, flower hair pieces, corsages and necklaces. Here are some of my favorites from 2012.

I also created several more accessories for everyday wear such as scarves, rings, necklaces, and different hair pieces as well as accessories for photoshoots. Here are some of my favorite shoots that I was happy to be a part of!

Photography Credit: Vilchis Squared

Photography Credit: Kayla V Photography

Photography Credit: Vilchis Squared  

Photography Credit: Kayla V Photography

Photography Credit: Kayla V Photography

I also had my first magazine feature this year in Pretty Pear Bride Magazine (pg. 65)! I received a surprise email from a writer for the mag. which was definitely exciting!

Other features included some of my items and posts on other blogs that I adore and I collaborated with many to do several giveaways this year as well! Here are some of the items I gave away this year!

Now my top posts of 2012? Here they are! DIY Cupcake Towers
A beautiful french inspired bedroom please?
NEW boutonnieres added to LOVE SPARKLE PRETTY!
New infinity scarf made & added to etsy store soon!
I WON! + new ruffled scarf added to etsy! :D
Pretty Christmas Party! All DIY!   We also celebrated our son's first birthday this year! I can't believe my husband and I have been parents for a whole year already! It's been quite an adventure and we have experienced a completely different kind of love that is unconditional. For Levi's first birthday, we celebrated in vintage-circus style! I had so much fun planning his birthday and it was really great to see friends and family under one roof. We all had some serious laughs together especially when Levi attacked his cake and ate the ENTIRE thing! Photography Credit: Vilchis Squared See the entire post here. ***********
NOW, here's all the great things to come for 2013! I'm really excited about all of this!   *I'm enrolling in a wedding/event planning program (EEEeee!! :D ) *A whole new website is coming soon for Love Sparkle Pretty which will feature new services including event planning *A whole new line for event decor will be added to the shop soon! Here's a sneak peek of a few items.

  *I will also be attending my first blog/handmade business conference *I am enrolled in a floral design class this Spring semester. I can't wait to play with pretty flowers each week! :) *There's lots more styled photoshoots to come--so fun! *Weddings and events in 2013? Much planning and creating to do! *I will be taking my first sewing class on Jan. 11 over at Joanns. I have self-taught myself to sew but this will help me improve and create something new that I haven't tried just yet. We will see where this goes. :)   Can't wait to start a new journey in 2013! Happy New Year everyone!  

SNEAK PEEK of a NEW scarf coming this week + 2 NEW bridal veils added to the shop!

Want to know what will be arriving to the shop SOON (as in, this coming week)? New ruffled bow scarves! These are SUPER comfy and soft! What do you think and what colors would you like to see them in? I personally, adore them already and can't wait to crank out lots more! Until then, I have 2 scarves left as of right now and they are on SALE! Go check them out right here.   This week I added 2 new bridal veils to the shop! Come take a peek!

This piece is a double layered blusher veil made with french veiling, tulle and beautiful detailed lace with beading. I am in love with this look and right now, there are only 2 available!
Want to see more details and purchase this lovely veil? Go see it in the shop here.   This second veil is quite unique and versatile. It is made with tulle and a pretty detailed chain applique with beading and rhinestones. I really love that there are different ways to wear this piece. Some different ways are shown but the possibilities exceed them. For more details and to purchase this veil, go see it in the shop here.   I really love the mini "blusher" veils but I want to make a long veil soon. I haven't taken on that project just yet but if anyone is interested in a long veil, I could take it on much sooner. :wink::wink:: :) OH! Exciting news! A few days ago, I got a surprise email from a writer over at Pretty Pear Bride Magazine telling me that my rustic boutonniere is featured in the magazine on page 65. It's my first magazine feature and you can see it right here! So thankful for all the support I get from you guys and others. It makes it all the more worth-while to continue to do what I love!
  Have a beautiful night everyone. "...For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” -Luke 18:14

Lately.

These past couple weeks have been fun-filled and quite busy! With Christmas orders getting done as well as a bit of holiday shopping and Christmas parties to attend, these past few days have really flown by and to think that Christmas is in just 4 days?!? Where did this entire year go?
Here are some photos from this past week with a few from the week prior.
{enjoy}
That time I went to VS and got free perfume and panties. Thank you VS coupons that still come in my mail! :)   A HILARIOUS game of "Things" at a fun Christmas party.
First time in a long time I was able to curl my hair. Working on more orders late at night with coffee=best way to do it!
That night we went to see Christmas lights and ate at The Hat. Video coffee date with my besties that I've known since 1st grade!   Lots of pretty fabric necklaces were made. Scarves were made and packaged. A small box was decorated with washi tape to package up some rings. Treated myself to a midnight mani.
Let myself laugh...at myself! I believe we should do this more often. :) It's been a great couple weeks! Here's to the holidays ahead! I am greatly looking forward to the upcoming year as well. A new blog post coming soon about what's in store for Love Sparkle Pretty. It's going to be quite EXCITING! :) Have a beautiful night.

That night we went to see Christmas lights and ate at The Hat!

   The other night, the husband and I took the little to see all of the pretty Christmas lights with some friends. We went to a neighborhood known for all of its extreme Christmas decor in Rancho. When we walked the streets of this pretty neighborhood, I couldn't help but wonder, "when these people move into this track of homes, do they sign a contract stating they will decorate their home each year for the holidays?"
   Each house was beautiful, the carolers sang merrily and the kettle corn was delicious! It really brought the atmosphere of the holidays to life! Not to mention, the laughter that came from the stoller races with the guys and the simultainious full bladders! :)
   Afterwards, we went to The Hat for some pastrami, chili and cheese fries. SO YUMMY! Here are some of the photos from the night.
   By the way, my camera died half way on our walk soooo there's lots of pretty lights and cool decor that I wasn't able to capture. :(

{Enjoy}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hat

Have you been?

 

Levi was completely full after we devoured those fries! lol

 

Love these munchkins!

 

It was such a good night!

 

Have you put up Christmas lights and decorated for the holiday? Or are you procrastinating this year? :)