October - so far...

Life has once again gotten filled up with so many things that I have not had a chance to sit down and blog in a while.  So in a few pictures, here is our month so far!

~a talking toddler with an increasing affinity for the camera~

he managed to get himself into these positions himself...it makes for a lot of laughs in our house. =)

~a weekend in San Diego at the historic Hotel Del Coronado~

(I did not edit this photo at all - it really was that pretty)

~a super smiley baby girl~

you can tell that Southern California cannot make up its mind about whether to be warm or cold =)

~and kind of most importantly, a new Etsy shop and jewelry line!~

www.aimejewelry.com

After much thought, prayer, and counsel, I have opened a new Etsy shop with a different focus than my current one.  I was finding myself trying to be like a lot of other designers who were/are successful and was losing my vision and personality in that desire to imitate the good practices I saw other people doing.  Sense and Sensibility is not closing, I will still be blogging here, but I will be focusing my designing energy on this new endeavor.  And check back here for new products, holiday specials, and other deals that will be coming up as we launch this new shop!

Have a beautiful day!

I like making jewelry!!!

A few weeks ago, I was approached to make a set of jewelry for a friend of mine who is a bridesmaid this coming weekend.  I said of course and we began discussing what she wanted the look and feel of the jewelry to be.  My friend got her order in the mail earlier this week and said she was in love with everything so I thought I would share a few quick pics with you all here (the pictures are from my phone so they are a little fuzzy sometimes but I had to share because I had so much fun making it all).

The wedding colors are purple, black, and pearl.  The bridesmaids are wearing black gowns (its an evening wedding) so we ended up with designs that focused on the lighter colors for some accent pop.

For more info on custom orders or to check out my ready made designs, visit my Etsy shop at snsnsnsibility.etsy.com or click on the the shop link on the right!  Or send me an email (snsandsnsibility{at}gmail.com)!

Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!

Some of the things on my wishlist...

A friend on Facebook commented this week that she kept adding to her wishlist as she was shopping for other people.  So these are some of the things I am adding to my list as I am doing my shopping for everyone else.  =)

1) Baking supplies:  I realized as I was trying to do some baking recently that I don't have some essentials.  Things like pastry brushes, a pastry cutter, or even a second cookie sheet (do you know how hard it is to bake cookies with only one cookie sheet?!).  

Pastry Brushes @ Sur La Table

2) New baby bag to accommodate two kiddos:  I was on a coffee date with some moms from church and their little ones and saw this in a shop and kind of loved the bag.

Wistful Weekender by Petunia Pickle Bottoms

3) Cute stuff for the house: I think house decorating must be a live long task because I feel like I am still working on it all.  But you know what, that's ok because I keep finding cute stuff that I want.  =)

For my office by dearmoonbeams via Etsy (if you are still shopping for Christmas gifts too, check out her shop.  Megan is a good friend who makes adorable things!)

Air plants for our bedroom by PetitBeast

What is on your wishlist?  Any other ideas for me or did I help you think about your list?!

Have a beautiful day!

kah-ray-zee week!!! (in pictures!)

I have come across different points in my life when I look at my calendar and things that I have to do and think to myself, "Man, you can not say no, can you?"  But then I give myself a minute and think, "But you were Super Woman in your dream last night.  Get your rear in gear!"  =P  So this is some of what I did this week.

I was getting crazy creative.  So here is a snapshot of what I made.  Some of these things may end up in the shop pretty quick so visit snsnsnsibility.etsy.com to see some of it pretty soon!

And then I was rearranging furniture to get my little reading nook.  So excited to look for some art work for that empty wall! (In case you hadn't heard, my father-in-law, brother-in-law and hubby spent last weekend putting laminate floors in my living room.  It was amazing.)

before and right before

the finished result - totally LOVE!

And then Sunday was Father's Day so we got some pool time with the hubby and the baby.

And my new favorite flowers...peonies make me smile.  =D  See?  I smile - even in blog posts.  =P

Linking up with:

 

Have a beautiful day!

A Jane Austen post :: Pride and Prejudice

Alright folks.  It was bound to happen.  I am going to start talking very openly about my Jane Austen addiction.  And I think I would have to call it an addiction.  I religiously watch one of my movies pretty much once a month...sometimes more often...And one or another of her novels pretty much live on my night stand or is first up on my Kindle (yes, I do both books and e-readers, another conversation for another time).

ANYWAY!  The point is - I heart Jane Austen.  Anything Jane Austen.  And I am in the throes of another one of my monthly...periods (and no, it does not coincide with my other period although my husband might argue that it is just the same).  :)

So today?  I was scouring Etsy looking for Pride and Prejudice-y things to decorate my little office area with.  (I'm rearranging my work space.  Pictures will be forth coming.)  And I found some things that I am dying to have.

P.S.  This "A Jane Austen post" is likely to become a series.  Check back for more of my obsessions with this amazing author and my interactions with her still relevant and excellent books.

The best print ever!  via: FlourishCafe

Simple but perfect print as only Jane Austen could say it!

And for a little bit of whimsy - heart garlands!

There were so many other pretty things that I would love to get but somehow I think my husband might draw the line at having a house entirely decorated and filled with all things Jane Austen. =)

Have a beautiful day!

9th & 8th Deals til Christmas 2011!!!

Can you believe that Christmas is one week away?!?!  AGH!!!  I am really pretty ready...mostly...more or less.  =P  I have presents picked out for pretty nearly everyone.  And most of them are in the house or being shipped.  Now I just have to get my rear in gear and actually wrap them.  =P  I'm getting there!  For now, here is your next Deal til Christmas!

9th & 8th Deals til Christmas!!!

You get 20% off your entire purchase!  Use coupon code "sensiblesale20" at checkout to get your discount!  Are there any items in the shop that you have been liking?  This holiday season might be the time to pick something up!  

Have a beautiful day!

10th Deal til Christmas 2011!!!

I'll make this one short and sweet, people.  I know you want to get to the good stuff anyway.  =)

10th Deal til Christmas!!!

Anyone who buys an item in the shop today, will receive a surprise coupon code to use after January 1st!  Any item, any amount will get you this exclusive code!  (And I'm not pulling your leg here - it is a good one!)

So come visit the Etsy shop and I will see you soon!

Have a beautiful day!

14th & 13th Deals til Christmas 2011!

Man!  Christmas is coming soooo fast!  Is everyone else done with their Christmas shopping or are you still working on it?  Like I said, I have most everything done but still finishing up a few things.  But in case you are still shopping, here is another deal for the next two days.  Happy almost Christmas!

14th & 13th Deals til Christmas


For the next two days, you get a free pair of earrings with any other earring purchase of equal or lesser value!  When you decide which pair of earrings you are interested in, leave me a note in the message to seller box letting me know which other pair of earrings you would like to have as your freebie!  Just remember it needs to be of equal or lesser value.  

Have a beautiful day everyone!

25th Deal til Christmas 2011!

Here we go everyone!  Buckle your seatbelts, it is going to be a crazy ride!  =)  But an absolutely wonderful one too.

So just like last year, there will be a different deal for everyday from December 1st (today, duh) to December 25th.  Hopefully, you will find a great deal on gifts for family, friends, and even maybe a little treat for yourself.  Prices will be adjusted on specific items or a coupon code will be included in the daily blog post.  These posts are also going to include some of my gift ideas/purchases for family and friends as I attempt to do all my Christmas shopping (once again) on Etsy to support other small business/handmade artists who are amazing and creative people!

Hope you enjoy!!!

-------------------------------------------

To get this party started, Sense and Sensibility Designs is offering you 25% off your entire purchase!  Use coupon code "sensiblesale25" at checkout to get in on the first day of this party!

city lights bracelets ($15) 

pearl drop necklace ($25) 

pearl drop earrings ($15)

Happy shopping, everyone!  Have a beautiful day!

Cyber Monday special!

Hello everyone!  I hope you all had fantastic Thanksgiving celebrations (I'll post some of my pictures later on today)!  I am definitely doing some Christmas shopping today from some of my favorite Etsy shops!  I would tell you what I'm buying (like I did last year) but I found out that several of my family members read my blog now.  =)  Which is great (love you guys!) but I will be much less specific than I have been in the past.

So in the spirit of Cyber Monday, here is my holiday specials calendar again!  And let me know if you find any amazing deals out there!

November 25 - 28

Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend sale!

Visit snsnsnsibility.etsy.com Friday through Monday to get 20% off your entire purchase to get this season started!!!  Use coupon code "turkeytechdeals" at checkout.  

Visit the shop today (11/28) and use coupon code "cybermonday" for 30% off your entire purchase!  And make sure you look around because starting today through Christmas, there is a sale section with several one of a kind items! (and the coupon works on top of those discounted prices!)

November 29

Handmade Holidays with Cotton Lane

A good friend of mine, Caroline, is hosting a big holiday shindig over at her blog with giveaways and sales from myself and several other amazing handmade artists!

December 1-25

25 Deals til Christmas!

Every day from December 1st to December 25th will have a different deal to help you check people off your shopping list and maybe give other people ideas for you too!

Have a beautiful day and happy shopping!

happy birthdays and a happy friday!

It is already November!!!  Yikes!  How did we get here sooooo fast?!  It seems like I just found out I was pregnant and now I have a seven week old baby!  It seems like I was just dealing with last winter and here it is starting to rain and get cold again in Cali!  (Dear God, I will try my best not to complain about the heat next summer.)  =)  It seems like I was just doing this last year and here we are, another twelve months have passed!

And that being said, I am giving a birthday shout out to two of my favoritest bloggers and dear friends that I have come to know through the blogosphere.  There are an abundance of wonderful people out there but I think these ladies are two of the greatest!  Sandy has a great blog full of fashion, food, and she is expecting her first baby soon!!  (so excited for you, Sandy!)  Ms. Megan has an adorable blog with movie reviews, her fav books, and she has two Etsy shops for beautiful cards and adorable little embroidered hoops!

Her birthday was on the first so this is a little bit of a belated shout out!  Happy belated birthday, Sandy!!!

Megan's birthday is tomorrow so swing by her blog and leave some love!

And then my family has kindly reminded me that my birthday is coming up on Sunday.  And I thought this is a great time to have a little sale in the Etsy shop.  

So check it out and get 15% off your entire order with coupon code "happybdayeveryone" from today through Sunday (11/6)!  I added several new items this past week and will probably be adding more this weekend so check it out and pass on the word!  

Have a beautiful day and weekend!

cold hands, warm hearts, and holidays around the corner!!!

Happy Thursday, folks!

I hope you are having a happy Thursday.  Or at least a productive one with the weekend in sight!  I just wanted to share a quick post of a few different things going on.

First, it was cold in Cali this morning!!!  So I made myself my (decaf) coffee and decided that a hot hard boiled egg sounded good.  Don't ask me why...I guess my cravings are back with a vengenance now that I'm not pregnant anymore.  (I actually had less cravings while I was pregnant than I did before...or after)  =P

Second,  it's time for the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Swap again!!!  Two of my favorite bloggers (who actually inspired me to keep working on my blog and keep inspiring me with yummy recipes, D.I.Y ideas, and fantastic outfit posts) are hosting this wonderful swap again!  You really do need to check it out and get to meet a new friend and get an early Christmas present!!!  I had a wonderful time talking to my partner, getting to know her, reading about everyone else's experiences, and generally sharing the experience that I am very excited to do it again! (I already signed up.  You should too!!!)

Thirdly,  Sense and Sensibility Designs is slowly getting her holiday act together and there are new items in the store!  You should check it out and keep coming back because the fun (and new products) will be coming over the next few days!  I hope you like them!  (**Teaser alert! Keep coming back to the blog too because there are going to be some deals and special products for the holidays that you won't want to miss!**)

Have a beautiful day, everyone!

Angela & Jordan - Custom Wedding Jewelry & Accessories

I love weddings.  =)  I love seeing two people promise to love and honor one another for the rest of their lives, being faithful to each other and the new family they are forming.  It is so exciting!!!

One of my favorite favorite things though, is doing custom jewelry for brides who are celebrating the day of their dreams!  So I thought I'd share some of my work that I have done and show you the pictures and share some of my design process with you!

I hope you enjoy!

Angela & Jordan's Wedding

I have known Jordan since I was about 6 years old and got to know Angela in high school.  No, they have not been dating that long but they definitely had a wedding that looked spectacular!  The happy couple chose red, white/ivory, and black as their colors and the rest was easy!  They were married in beautiful Hawaii and so there are elements of the islands in the jewelry and accessories as well.  Enough talk - here are the pictures!

the bridesmaid necklaces

the bride's and bridesmaids' hair pieces

via: flickr.com/jpdezignz 

via: flickr.com/jpdezignz

If you or anyone you know needs jewelry for their special occasion, email me at snsandsnsibility{at}gmail.com!  I'd be happy to design something for them!  


Have a beautiful day!

Perfect joy in the little things...

I decided to link up with Lindsay from Aisle to Aloha for her "it's the little things Friday" link up party to make my big announcement!

1) Our first baby was born on Friday, Sept. 16th! 

That's right.  This lady has been missing in action on her blog this week because of a little bundle of joy that is definitely a little thing that is a huge thing now in my life.  But words cannot describe how lovely it is to have this little person...and to feel so rich and love on this little guy.  So our little Hitoshi is making life interesting and joyful all at the same time!  But God has been so gracious to our growing family and it truly is perfect joy just to hold him...

2) Adorable baby clothes and being able to buy things like this now!

A friend of mine opened a very sweet Etsy shop a little while back but I had not bought anything because we were not finding out if we were expecting a boy or girl (this momma wanted it to be a surprise).  And now that our son has come, I can't decide which outfit I like best!  What do you think?! (I might have to get them both if you don't help me!...)

loving the polka dots on the giraffe, right?!

but the plaid bear is soooo cute!

I'll see you at the link up party!  Have a beautiful day and great weekend!

getting ready for baby, part 1

As most of you know, I'm pregnant.  =)  I had an ultrasound recently and it is AMAZING to see what God has created swimming around inside of me.  Seeing as how this is also hubby's and my first kiddo, it has been a little trippy adjusting to the idea of another little human being living inside of me for 9 months.  But this child is "fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are Your works, this my soul knows very well." (Psalm 139.14)

But there are a lot of practical things that I'm working on getting ready for - like baby clothes, diapers, clearing out room for baby furniture to go, etc.  One thing I have mentally made up in my mind to do is not carry a separate purse with my baby/diaper bag but rather look for little accessories to put inside of it and pull out when I need just that.  So you, my dear readers, get to help me shop for clutches and pouches and wristlets that will fit in my baby bag.  =)

In case you hadn't noticed, I have a thing for peacock feathers...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60958751/cascading-peacock-clutch-purse-in-apple

Really loving this color scheme!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75216893/original-ruffle-paisley-fabric-clutch

Love the lace!!!

http://www.shoplemode.com/item_340/Lacey-Escapades-Clutch.htm

So now I wait to hear from all of you.  If you have any other suggestions, please send them my way!  I would love to see more styles!

Have a beautiful day!

I LOVE Dress Up!!!

I know this is a little belated but did anyone else watch the Grammy's this year?  I'll be honest, I tuned in for the red carpet part because I wanted to see what everyone was wearing and then I left the room to take care of other business.  But I was somewhat disappointed by what I saw this year.  There were a lot of dresses that had lots of sparkle but little class.  Now, I'm not at all the fashion police but being a fashion designer was always one of my little girl fantasies and I like to think that I have cultivated a little bit of awareness when it comes to these things...with a slightly more classic taste.  =)

So to make sure that I knew I wasn't going crazy with my fashion sense, I turned to my trusty Etsy.  Someone out there is hand making something that will blow those red carpet fashions out of the water.  And here's my top three picks.  What do you think of them?

Dress #1

There were a lot of ladies rocking shorter dresses at the Grammy's this year (like J. Lo's pick here) but I thought a lot of them were just ridiculously short.  This Etsy find was a little more moderate and in my taste.  =)

Dress #2

Usually, I'm not the biggest fan of deep V cuts in the front of gowns but since at least one person insists on doing it at every award show and I really like this dress, I had to include it.  =)

Dress #3

This is probably my favorite pick.  I am loving romantic, whimsy, ruffly dresses.  And this Etsian custom colors each gown she makes so if you wanted a different color, you completely have that choice!

I have my own house but...

As I mentioned in my last post, the hubby and I have moved into our own little home just a couple of weeks ago.  And I have to own up to two things here.  One: this is the first year in a long time that I have not made up my New Year's resolutions.  And the sad reason why is that I was too busy at home spending time with dear family and friends.  =) Secondly, due to said lack of "resolution", I have been procrastinating a great deal on my unpacking and settling in.  My excuse is that we still haven't gotten all of our furniture (including some big pieces like the piano that is being moved in on Saturday) so it would seem somewhat pointless to put a ton of energy into the house just to have to rearrange everything.

But the lack of order in my living room and kitchen areas has not stopped me from fantasizing over what I would really love to have it all look like when I'm done.  And there are more than a few things that I would like to slowly but surely add to my newest endeavor which is my house.  =)  If I can ever decide which room will be decorated in what style or what color or all of those other details I have yet to deal with...

So let's start this wishlist. 

Beach Themed Fine Art Prints

http://www.etsy.com/listing/25959463/watermarked-8x12-fine-art-print-shell

I found these beautiful prints in my jaunt around Etsy looking for things that I will drool over in my house.  And I feel in love with how feminine these beachy fine art prints look.  I can totally see a set of three or so of these in a sequence on my side of the bedroom with a more masculine set of prints on the hubby's side.  Pretty cute, huh?

Bench

 I don't know how else to describe what I think of this bench but I LOVE it.  The color, the simple beach style...yeah.  Would LOVE this in my entry way.  Maybe...

Rug

It's so colorful!!!  I love it!  Most of the house is carpeted (which I still would put an area rug over) but with a nice soft cottony area rug like this, it might just be what my kitchen sink space needs.  Something to get my cold tootsies off of the cold tile.  =)

Those are just a few of my household wishlist items.  And I'm really excited to start slowly shopping around! 

Have a beautiful day!