Friday, December 14, 2012

Become INSPIRED on a "not-so-inspiring" day!!

I have noticed that blogging and using your creativity is sort of like a roller coaster. Some days, you want to share so much and you are just flowing with inspiration. Other days, you draw a blank and really don't want to do anything.
In order to post, one must get their inspiration from somewhere or at least have an idea what to write about. Sometimes though, it doesn't come so easy and I don't really like to post or even read others posts unless you can tell there is some sort of care/inspiration/idea/thought put into it. Of course we have our days but I am going to share a little list I came up with for those days of "I don't know what to write/create/post/photograph" or even those days were you just feel "blah!"

These are my top favorites:

Watch the movie Julie & Julia

Although, I don't really cook, this movie totally inspires me to do what I love to do! It's SUCH a great movie and makes me smile. :)

Go to Starbucks with your laptop or even a good book

There is something about that overly-priced coffee shop that just gets the creative juices flowing! Their ambience makes you feel quite sophisticated as well I might add.

Take a trip to Joanns, Michaels or Hobby Lobby

Take a stroll through their aisles and browse the different colors and textures of the fabrics, shapes and sparkle of their buttons, content and ideas from their book and magazines. You may leave spending more money than you planned so it may be a good idea to leave the credit/debt cards at home. :)
I actually banned myself from Hobby Lobby though. Not because I spent too much money but because I went in for JUST cupcake liners and 2 1/2 hours later, FINALLY left! Ha!

Go thrifting and/or antique shopping

There are countless times when finding new treasures really inspire me to create new pieces or give me ideas for different styled photoshoots. These are my favorite days!
Read about one of those days right here.

Pinterest
Enough said.

Put on some heels
Ok, this may sound crazy (at least for those mommies who gave up the heels for comfortable flats-like myself) BUT it works! There's a feeling of confidence that comes with a great pair heels! When you feel good, things happen.
Amazing things!

Take a walk

Slow down and look around. Examine your surroundings closely and pay attention to the detail that we ever so often pass by in our crazy hectic lives.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26
 
If all else fails-REST!
Your mind needs a break once in a while to recollect. You can't expect to constantly be creating something new or thinking about a bunch of ideas to bring to life
every. single. day.
 
What are your remedies for becoming inspired?

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Ring SALE + Scarf SALE + Stocking Stuffers!!

There is a SALE in my shop on all rings!
These make great stocking stuffers and starting at only $3.50, these handmade little beauties are perfect for giving this season!
{If you order by tomorrow 12 noon PST, these will arrive by Christmas on all USA orders}
Go to my shop right here to see all of the rings on SALE!
 
Also, the SCARF SALE still applies and if you order by TODAY (3pm PST) they will arrive by Christmas on all USA orders. Go see all of the scarves right here in my shop!
 
Want more ideas for stocking stuffers?
Here are some more items from the shop ready to ship!
Pretty Deer Necklace
Small Bow Hair Clip available in 3 colors
Leopard Chiffon Flower Headband
Aqua Blooming Headband
 
Want to see more?
Head on over to Love Sparkle Pretty on Etsy!
 
Merry Christmas

Monday, December 10, 2012

SCARF SALE from the shop!!

I have a scarf sale going on over in my shop! Get the scarves for $15 right now (mustard one for $17)! This is a very limited sale so please hurry! If you purchase by tomorrow, you will get it in time for Chirstmas on all USA orders!
These scarves are all handmade with lots of love!!
Go see all of the scarves right here in my shop!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

New Vintage Inspired Bridal Pieces from Love Sparkle Pretty

I have a few new bridal pieces coming to the shop! One just posted this morning! I have created these new little treasures a few weeks back and have just got around to getting them ready for a bride's special day. The beautiful one of a kind hair piece that arrived to the shop this morning was created with vintage buttons, ivory chiffon, ivory satin, and antique-inspired lace.

I absolutely love this one!
For more of the details and to purchase it from my shop, go here

Others that will be added very soon (one more will be added by the end of the day) include this pretty flower piece that is created with ivory chiffon, ivory rose petals, skeleton leaves, pieces of antique lace doilies that were handcut and shaped into petals, and a crystal button for the center. 

This veil is a GORGEOUS double layered birdcage veil made with french veiling, tulle, and stunning lace and pearl beaded detail! 

The last is a very versatile piece that can be worn a few different ways in the hair. It is made with tulle and beautiful silver and ivory beaded detail. 
 
 
For more bridal pieces that are already available please go to my
All Things BRIDAL section in my shop


Want a unique piece for your wedding day?
Contact me at kaylanicole0317[at]gmail.com and we can work together to create a custom treasure for your special day!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

A little secret to find beautiful clothes at a great price!

I wanted to share a little secret I found to get pretty clothes at a great price! Once I found this out, I was up until 4am (SERIOUSLY!) browsing clothes, accessories, boots, etc. and I was hooked! Some of you may already know about this because it's pretty much a part of the blogging world but when I finally discovered this, it was like a whole new world opened up for me! Haha

It's called Shop My Closet.

There are several bloggers who participate in this exciting endeavor and it benefits not only them (extra cash) but those who purchase (that would be me). It's sort of like thrifting but you can do it from your own home and I seem to find a lot more pretty items from my couch rather than driving from store to store in hopes of finding great pieces! For example, my first Shop My Closet purchase was this pretty little floral dress that is from Korea. I bought this from a fellow blogger who has some pretty great style and when I saw this chiffon dress, I couldn't pass it up (& for only $8)!

If you google "Shop My Closet," you can find various bloggers who sell their gently used clothes (a lot of designer clothing as well) and with a Paypal account, you can shop your little heart away.

Have you already discovered this?
If so, what was your favorite find?
Dress: Welcome to the gOOd life
Necklace: Wet Seal
Belt: Forever 21
Flates: Target

Friday, December 7, 2012

An Ornament Swap {My gift} + A Cake Topper

A few weeks back, I joined an ornament swap over at Candidly Clyde. I love swaps because you get to meet new people and it's so fun to receive pretty packages in the mail especially when there is so much thought and love into your gift. 

{Last year, I joined the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts swap. You can see my post about that one here.} 

For this ornament swap, I was paired with Tiffany from California Grown. It was so nice to meet her and get to talking with her. She is getting married too! So exciting! :) She sent me this super adorable gold Christmas tree with silver detail that I absolutely love and I can't wait to add it to our tree! 

I even used it as decor on our women's bible study table yesterday! 
Can you see it on top of the cake? :) 

The table was decorated by Aurora from Vilchis Squared and I. 
The little tree fit perfectly within the decor with it's gold and silver detail. :) 
Thank you so much Tiffany! I'm happy we have met and I wish you all the best and a very Merry Christmas! :)

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Vintage Circus Themed First Birthday!! Levi Turns ONE!!

I am so excited to share my son's 1st birthday party!
I still can't believe that our little Levi is already a whole year old! He has grown up so fast and has learned so much within this short amount of time. Being his momma, I have learned a much greater love than I could ever imagine. He is the greatest blessing and I am forever THANKFUL for his happy little heart.

I have been seriously working on his party since I was pregnant (is that weird?)! I thought about having a vintage circus theme party for my sweet little man when my husband and I found out we were having a baby boy and when he turned 5 months, stocking up on decor was in the works! That's because I found most of the basic decor needs at Michaels one random night and since it was exactly what I was hoping for, I couldn't pass it up! I bought the invitations, thank you cards, favor bags, cupcake liners, animal masks and matching stamps all at once and the best part? They were all in the dollar (well, dollar-fifty) bin! SCORE!
After that, I collected various toy circus animals, made a ticket booth, created a light-up ONE, made some banners and lots of other various details. I was determined NOT to procrastinate and I did pretty good at keeping that goal.

We ordered the cake and cupcakes from Simply Cake (who also made my baby shower cake). We got their signature recipe for the cupcakes which is called "Hummingbird Cake" (think similar to carrot cake but with banana and pecans) and let me tell you, those cupcakes were soooo yummy and moist! Big hit!
My friend Aurora from Vilchis Squared also stopped by for a bit and snapped these photos of the event which I am ever so grateful for! She has so much talent! Love her!

I'm really happy with the way everything turned out once we got it all set up. We all had so much fun and it was amazing to have so much love under one roof for the birthday boy! :)

Enjoy!
"Take me to the Circus"
"Favors for the little Ladies."
"Favors for the little Gents."
Remember this light-up ONE here?

I took this one on my phone of Levi reaching for the paper lanterns. Reach high little one!
 I took these photos on my phone of Levi chowing down on his cake. He seriously ate the WHOLE cake and even tried eating the cardboard cake plate! It was the funniest thing! :D

I love my little family!
Thank you to all of our family and friends who came and shared this special occasion with us! We love you all and so does Levi! A special thanks to our friends Ian and Megan who let us use their house to fill with lots of decor and our crazy family! We {heart} you guys!
 
Photography Credit: Vilchis Squared
Cake + Cupcakes: Simply Cake
Animal Masks, Invites + Favor Bags: Michaels
Decor + Setup: Love Sparkle Pretty
 
This party was featured over at Sweet Little Peanut