Reflecting on Motherhood

"Children do not accidentally become mature adults of strong character, great faith, gracious relational skills, effective leadership qualities and sharp intellects. God's design includes the presence of a hands-on gardener, a mother, to tend and cultivate their hearts, souls, minds and relationships. As a garden cannot flourish without a gardener, neither can a child reach his or her potential without someone committed to careful cultivation." 

-The Mission of Motherhood

{Another Milestone} First Feature in a PRINT Magazine

The other night, I opened  some of the best kind of happy mail. Love Sparkle Pretty has made its first feature in a PRINT magazine! This is the April issue of Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine-#1 monthly mag for new moms and moms-to-be. 

Getting featured in a print magazine was one of my "2014 business goals" and when Shea of P&N Mag contacted me back January about using one of my crowns from the shop, I was eccstatic! It totally made sense too because I've created several floral pieces for maternity shoots. They just add a bit of ethereal beauty to an already gorgeous glowing mother.

I'm so incredibly thankful and blessed for the opportunities I've been given and this one is definitely no exception!

You can purchase this issue very soon at Target, Barnes & Noble, Babies "R" Us, Borders, online and select grocery stores.

Sneak Preview of NEW Designs Coming Late Spring/Early Summer

If you are a subscriber to Love Sparkle Pretty's monthly newsletter, you read that I am coming out with completely new bridal designs this late Spring/early Summer. These will be pieces never created for the shop nor created by me (hint: these won't be worn in the hair).

They will be very intricate, full of detail and will take quite a bit of time and diligent work.

I will be starting these stunning and very unique pieces while on my 3 week shop vacation next month (exact vacay dates will be announced soon).

Here's just a teeny tiny preview. Note: There are several more stones and beadwork not pictured.

What do you think these new bridal designs will be?

St. Patty's-An ordinary day + some green

Happy St. Patrick's Day my friends!

I don't really celebrate this holiday too much other than remembering to wear green so I don't get pinched out in public-would people really do that to a stranger though? Just in case, I'm covered.

This morning, I went and visited my dear friend Tara of Laila's Charming Pieces to talk shop and the latest mommy ventures while our toddlers teased and instigated one another around the house. I cherish our friendship.

While chatting, we shared our experiences with trying to grow and cultivate a business which is something I fell in love with and enjoy learning from each day. Once you find your passion, possibilities are seemingly endless if your heart is in the right place. It's nice to share a similar excitement and experiences with someone else.

Afterwards, I stopped by a couple supply stores and came home to carry a sleeping baby love to his bed for a nap. Meanwhile, I started on my custom floral crown orders-of which, I have several. Hello wedding season!

Chores will be started soon and I'm thinking chicken fajitas for dinner once the husband comes home from work.

It's just another ordinary sunny day (with some added wind advisories)...
Nothin' fancy.

Ring from Paint The Town Me

What are you up to on this fine "green" day?

Recently {Sunshine, Sunsets and Fresh Air}

It's been a warm winter here in So Cal which means lots of sunshine, new blossoms, ice-cream eating, beach going and duck feeding. Spoiled much?

Picking weeds flowers.

Outside has been my favorite place to be. 

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt. Handmade Bracelets by Unbound Jewelry.

We spontaniously decided to bring Small Group to the beach after church. 

Sand between my toes? Yes, please!

The most beautiful beach sunset. He's my best friend, the most amazing husband and wonderful father.<3

Little Bug. I love you baby, to the moon and back. <3

We took a trip to Arrowhead for some breakfast, fresh air and to feed the little quackers.

Peaceful mornings with homemade fruit parfaits.

We took a trip to IKEA and this little man fell in love with the circus tent there sooo it came home with us. Needless to say, he's a happy "camper".

Side story from IKEA- When I got up to the checkout to pay, my purse was missing from the bottom of the stroller. I freaked! After talking to employees, one of them had found it in the store somewhere. I was SO thankful! I really don't know how it left the spot I put it but nothing was missing! Reminder, there really are decent people out there but next time, I will keep my purse on my shoulder.

Celebrating my momma's birthday. This is what happens when you take a 2 year old out to a nice dinner...at least he doesn't waste his food right?

A peaceful trip with 4 generations to one of my favorite places, The Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. I could stay here forever.

What have you been up to recently?

Branding Changes + Winners

Ideas have been swarming in my head like bees around honey. It started a few days ago when I noticed that I'm just about out of buisness cards again. I need to order more but I'm to the point where I crave a new design-which in turn, had me thinking about branding.

I've been working on a few sketches for new logos, shop headlines, fonts and even a new name (which I can't seem to commit to just yet). It's making me a little loopy at times since I can't seem to make a decision. I can't stand the feeling of uncertainty and indecisiveness when it comes to such things but it's a work in progress just like everything else I'm learning as a small biz owner.

With my ideas though, I plan to launch the new look of Love Sparkle Pretty in May. That's my goal.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, I'd love to hear them! Also, if you can recommend graphic designers and/or print companies, it would be greatly appreciated.

As a side note, a winner has been chosen from the As Darling Does Giveaway! Was it you? Click here to find out! Also, if you didn't necessarily win the shop credit, count yourself a WINNER too because until Monday, use the code "Sparkle20" for 20% off your order over at As Darling Does! It's the cutest handmade shop for your littles with bow ties, headbands, blankets and bibs! Get your shop on!

Have a beautiful Thursday my friends. Looking forward to seeing all the #tbt!

Hello March {New Line, Succulent Rings & A Look Book}

Hair Bow: Artsy Anthro Succulent Ring: Love Sparkle Pretty Glasses: Firmoo Jacket: Rue 21

It's March which means spring is right around the corner. I must say though, I'm going to miss the winter. Maybe it's because it didn't visit So Cal very often these past few months. *sigh*

With March also comes some exciting news, starting with ANOTHER new line-Victorian English Inspired Floral Crowns. If you follow along on Instagram (@lovesparklepretty), you may have seen a little sneak peek from the awe-inspiring shoot taken place at United in Santa Barbara. So EXCITED to debut these pieces!

Also in a couple weeks, comes a new monthly newsletter from Love Sparkle Pretty. If you haven't signed up yet, you will want to now because see that cute little succulent ring I'm wearing today? I'll be giving several of these away this month to those with VIP codes (codes you will recieve in the March newsletter). Fun right? Sign up now for March! 

I'm looking forward to new projects getting done this month such as the look book of all of the pieces in the shop and gearing up for wedding season.

I am also happily anticipating some down time with coffee dates, play dates and date nights to take my mind off the craft room antics when I need it most.

It's going to be a crazy exciting next few weeks. Bring it!

What are you looking forward to this month?

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Use the code "SPARKLE20" for 20% off at As Darling Does-a sweet handmade shop of accessories for your little ones! Click Here to see the cutest bow ties, headbands and baby blankets!