Did you get any magical flurries your way darlings?
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5
Showing posts with label charlotte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charlotte. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Snow Day
Did you get any magical flurries your way darlings?
Monday, September 6, 2010
Happy Labor Day & Giveaway Winner
My darlings, I hope you are soaking up the warm Vitamin D while you can. It has been quite a Summer and I have loved every bit of the warm weather, but I must say, Autumn is my favorite season, and I am very excited for colorful leaves, adorable layers, and pumpkin flavored coffee!
But while we still have the warmth and a day off from our working lives, grab your loved one's hand and head to the lake mes cheries. Grill out with friends and family, pull up a chair and fill your plate with hot dogs and slaw.
And while we're celebrating, its time to announce the winner of the Celeste Lauren Designs Jewelry Giveaway! Someone's Labor Day is about to be doubly awesome!
And the winner is...
Congratulations girl!
You can officially snag your first new Fall accessory,
these rain drop earrings by Celeste Lauren Designs! Enjoy them!
Happy Labor Day to you all darlings!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Drop into Fall Giveaway
Lovelies, something I can't get enough of in Autumn are the mille feuille rich jewel toned colors in my wardrobe complemented by gorgeous gold statement accessories. Celeste Lauren is a local Charlotte artisan that really brings her A Game to her Etsy shop, Celeste Lauren Designs,packed with items you could easily wear to work or to spice things up for a night on the town. Enjoy a little handmade goodness and get your game face on for Fall Fashion darlings...the big guns of NY, Paris and the likes are about to hit you in the face with another dreamy Fashion Week soon.
{Harper's Bazaar}
What got you started in jewelry? Ive always been a creative, artsy person that liked to paint, draw, create etc. but hadn't done anything in years with it. So one day I decided that I wanted to make a necklace and went to a local bead store and it all went from there...I became addicted to beads and gemstones. Ive taught myself everything with a lot of trial and error and its been so much fun. I always get so excited to buy new supplies and gemstones are like candy to me, so sparkly and gorgeous!
What inspires you the most? I'd say what inspires me most is current fashion and trends. I try to make jewelry that most people would want to wear on a daily basis whether its at the office or out for the night. If I don't like something and wouldn't personally wear it, I wont put it up for sale in my shop. I never really know what I will create ahead of time, it all depends on my mood that day so I end up with a great assortment of jewelry.
What are you hoping for the future of Celeste Lauren Designs? Ideally I'd hope that I can create jewelry full-time. There is something that is so fulfilling about creating something with your own hands and have others enjoy it as much as you do.
If you had a super power what would it be? Remember the Jetsons where they could just zap themselves wherever they wanted in a flash...well I wish I had a little zapper button I could push and be magically transported to the place of my choice. I could relax on the beach, explore in the mountains all at the press of a button.
Contest ends Thursday, September 2nd Midnight NYC time
*US Residents Only*
Enter by:
1. Tell me your fav piece from Celeste Lauren Designs
(comment your fav piece below)
Optional Extra Chances:
2. Tweet/Facebook Contest
(comment URL below)
3. Be a fan of Embellished on Facebook
(comment below)
4. Be a follower of The Embellished Life
(comment below)
Good luck darlings!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Find Your Muse Giveaway
The Embellished Life has taken quite a break lately with giveaways since I have been traveling around Europe and relocating my life back to the States. Now that things have settled down, and I am back in my hometown of Charlotte, I am pleased to announce that I will be hosting a little Hometown Pride coming up! And just in time with school starting right around the corner! or maybe Fall is your favorite like me and you need that perfect accessory to kick it off right?
Introducing Shannon the creative genius behind Musette, an adorably vintage inspired jewelry line that has me craving too many things to count!
1. So Shannon, what got you started in jewelry?
I got started making jewelry when I happened across a bead store and wandered in. I was captivated by all the little colorful beads and tools and the owner was super nice. She taught me a few basics and that was that! I have been addicted ever since and that was over 12 years ago!
2. What pushed you to turn your hobby into a business?
I have always been an artist - primarily a painter - and always dreamed of being able to support myself doing something creative. When people started buying the jewelry I was making I realized that it could actually happen if I put in the time and effort. I have been selling for many years in many different ways but once I found Etsy that was it! My business has moved to a new level and I started to be able to support myself with it. I recently started to focus on it full time and am looking forward to it growing even more!
3. What inspires you?
I am so inspired by other artists in all mediums - witnessing other creative people working on their own vision is really inspiring to me. I also get really excited about my supplies! Buying new beads and supplies, finding unique things to work with - always inspires me!
4. If you could have a super power what would it be?
I think it would be really cool to be able to teleport myself to wherever I wanted to go! :)
You 5 days mes cheries
to try and make these Bollywood earrings yours!
To enter:
1. Go to Musette and comment below about your favorite item
2. Tweet/Facebook this giveaway
and comment below with the URL (optional bonus point)
3. Become a fan of Embellished on Facebook
and comment below (optional bonus point)
4. Be a follower of The Embellished Life Blog
and comment below (optional bonus point)
All readers are applicable, but hurry doors close
Monday, August 23rd at Midnight NYC time!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Au Revoir France
Well I have made it, and I can't believe it has been a year. Living abroad has been the craziest roller coaster of emotions and experiences I have ever packed into one time period. I have stretched my soul past boundaries of comfort and learned to be an ever present outsider.
Living only in your home country, you take for granted the ability to express yourself and feel intelligent. You don't even realize the comfort you have that no matter where in your country you travel you have an immediate sense of community; an eternal sense of camaraderie. As you throw yourself into a different nation you suddenly don't get the jokes, you don't understand the culture's mentality, and in my case can barely speak the language. But let me tell you how rewarding it feels to complete a personal goal of this magnitude. I can speak French and its incredible and it still makes me smile thinking about it. I love being able to carry on conversations with strangers and switch between English and French with no thought. This year has been without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever done, but I am stronger now that I have reached the other side.
France is a special place. I have loved it and hated it here, and pushed myself to be a more open minded, courageous person. The ability to travel at the drop of a hat is a dream come true and I have seen 6 new countries this year because of it. Trying to understand a culture that feels so alien to me has been very hard. I have expanded my palette to an array of new cuisine, some indescribably good, and some that still ties my stomach in knots. I will miss the smell of fresh bread from the millions of bakeries that rest in every town. And although I hate to admit it, I will kind of miss the laid back feeling of this nation. My internal clock is very New York, so its nice to live in a culture where being late is normal and it forces you to slow down and enjoy life.
Today I am flying home and there is a torn, bittersweet feeling lying at the pit of my stomach. I have missed my family, friends, food, and wonderful nation, but France has left an imprint on my soul. But, I know this will not be the last time I cross these borders and that makes me hopeful for the future.
Farewell France and thank you for the memories.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Canniversary Reflections & Giveaway Winner
Well darlings it was one year ago this week that I was canned due to a corporate lay off at my marketing job. I had been working at the company for 4 years and had just recently graduated college and felt like I could finally begin my career, my life, everything. Suddenly, after just moving into my new place in the city for only 2 months, I was searching for employment. To make the situation even better, I found out that I could not receive unemployment because my company was a non-profit...awesome.
*photo compliments of We Heart It via Polarnna on Flickr*
Well, I went home that day picked up my latest Vogue Magazine and sent a resume and cover letter to EVERY company visible from cover to cover. The next day I went to the fabric store and bought the materials to begin making the designs I had in my head, and after that weekend Embellished was born. Little did I know that neither a job, or signs of my shop taking off, would show up for still a few months. Being unemployed is very hard, especially when you are used to being in control of things and very independent. It certainly humbled me and I learned just how unbelievably amazing my friends and family are. I mean, it can literally bring me tears when I think how blessed I am for the people in my life who supported me through such a hard time. Whether it was my parents helping out with a meal or filling my gas tank, or my friends treating me to a Girls' Night Out, I was just constantly amazed.
When nothing was opening up, and then this opportunity to go study French in FRANCE fell in my lap, I really felt in my heart like now was the only time I would ever have to seize such a great opportunity...and I was right. After college and before serious boyfriends and a serious career, this year was literally my only shot to live my dream. And you know what? It has been really hard, and from time to time I still can't believe I am over here, but I am SO glad I did it. I have grown so much as a person, and am even more confidant in who I am, and of course my French is becoming better each day and that is really exciting to see.
*photo compliments of We Heart It via Emma Cherry on Flickr*
This further solidifies my steadfast belief that life is so fleeting and you really have to fully enjoy every period you are in, while you are in it. Sure I wouldn't want to go back to high school, but I had a fantastic time when I was there, was involved in too many groups to count and made some really great friends, some of whom I am still able to keep in touch with now and then. College of course is amazing; finally spreading your wings and being taken seriously, Greek Life, and the joys of many late nights of cram sessions and parties and not having a class until 2pm! Of course it is irresponsible to lose yourself and any direction, but is as just as insulting to always dwell on the past or only focus on the uncontrollable future when you are missing the best moments right in front of you.
*photo compliments of Set the World on Fire Photography*
We are never promised tomorrow so grasp today and squeeze everything you can out of it, living in fear will only keep you in a shell, letting yourself go is not only easier to breathe but when you look back you will be overwhelmed at the amazing things you have been blessed with experiencing in your life.
How have you been blessed mes cheries?
And speakings of blessings lets announce the winner of the wonderful Emelia Jane Photography Giveaway...
Congrats Pin of Sensorimotor I hope you enjoy Embellishing your home with your favorite stunning print!
Be sure to keep checking Emelia Jane Photography, there are beautiful things for everyone!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Day of Love Embellishers! I hope that no matter what your dating status may be you can find a way to appreciate a day dedicated to such a wonderful sentiment. I myself am normally single on Valentine's and this year is no exception, but that has never stopped me from loving this holiday. Blame it on the eternal optimist inside me or maybe my persistence to be girly and love anything that celebrates with pink, red, hearts, and ruffles....and chocolate, champagne, flowers...you get the point.
I thought I would reserve today to introduce you to a very amazing photographer from my hometown, Charlotte, NC, whose work never ceases to amaze me. Cheyenne Schultz is a wedding photographer in Charlotte, and I only hope I am fortunate enough to one day have her and her husband Geoff work their talent at my own wedding. I learned of Cheyenne last year, as her husband works on staff at Elevation Church, my church, and have regularly visited her blog ever since. So, without further ado I introduce The Schultzes.
*All photos compliments of Cheyenne Schultz Photography*
Be sure to put your gawking into words below for a comment,
I know they'd love the love darlings!
ENGAGEMENT
BRIDAL
PREP
CEREMONY
BRIDE & GROOM
RINGS
PHOTOBOOTH
RECEPTION
AND NOW...
My All Time Favorites
Maybe I'll see you're beautiful faces on there one day darlings.
Hopefully some day you will see mine!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)