9.30.2008

oakland zoo ...

A couple weekends ago, we went to the zoo in Oakland. I know Kylie is only 5 1/2 months, but we were so anxious to do something like that with her that we couldn't wait any longer! We were fortunate that the weather was nice ... how horrible is it being at the zoo on a dry, hot day ... yuck! Anyway, we had a fun time and I am sure Kylie had a good time seeing so many colors and movement. Here are some pictuers from our zoo trip ...




9.29.2008

walks ...

We used to be couch potatoes when we got off work ... especially while I was pregnant. Lately we have been going on nightly walks. Every night. It's to the point where I almost feel guilty if we don't go on one! It feels so nice and refreshing, now that the nights are cooling off, to get out and walk the dog ... well, my husband walks the dog and I push the stroller!

So nice after a long day of taking care of the baby, keeping the dog mellow while baby naps and getting work done ...

9.25.2008

winner ...

We have a winner!!! Are you ready? The winner for the "bloom & flower" necklace is #3 Katie May. She said she loves to paint with her kids to let them use that as a creative outlet and also loves to cover wood letters with scrapbook paper. Such fun ideas and I am a big scrapbooker, so that sounds super fun! E-mail me your address at cristinaashleydesigns@gmail.com. Congratulations ... hope you enjoy the necklace! Everyone else, go and enjoy 10% off this necklace :)

9.17.2008

mid-month design and giveaway ...

This will not be a normal occurance, but to kick off all the new changes taking place, we will be having a very unique middle of the month design and giveaway ... and a short 2 weeks later, having a new design and giveaway ... lucky you! So here's how it works : leave a comment in the "comments" section at the bottom of the post relating to the topic being discussed. One week later I will select, at random, one person who wins the jewelry item and announce them on the blog. They must contact me, via e-mail, with their name and address in order to have the package mailed to them. For all the rest of you commenters who weren't lucky enough to win ... this time ... you still get a perk! You can purchase that design at 10% off for the remainder of the month. Family and friends get the discount too ... it's not just people who left a comment, so pass the word along! Alright, alright, enough talk ... here is the featured design for the remaining 2 weeks of September, but first tell me what your favorite art and craft project is (whether it is a craft for yourself, or a craft to do with the kids) ...

bloom with a hammered flower and white freshwater pearl . $35

organization ...

It has been an organizing kind of week for me! It feels so good to take the time to do the things I have been needing to do for so long ... but have just let other things get in the way.

I know the blog looks so empty now, without any product listings, but look on the sidebar and you will see where you can now purchase jewelry! The blog is now specifically for new featured designs/giveaways, business updates, specials, announcements and ... life.

You may go on my new shop and think, "I can't order personalized necklaces now?" You still can! Either e-mail me or purchase the item you would like in the shop and make a note in the paypal payment section of the changes or additions you would like. If necessary, I can send you a seperate invoice for any "extras". I think this will make things SO much easier for you and I am so excited!

ALSO, there are many other designs on my Etsy shop too ... so check them both out before making a purchase. If things aren't as easy as they used to be, or you have suggestions, give me feedback via e-mail ... I would love to hear your thoughts and suggested improvements to make things easier for my customers.

9.14.2008

northern california coast ...

So here you go ... here are some pictures from our "road trip" from yesterday! We drove over the Golden Gate, then stopped at Stinson Beach, drove through Marin County on back country roads, then ended at Bodega Bay in Sonoma County. It was a beautiful drive and we really enjoyed the time we got to spend together ... even though it was just driving, and boy was it a.l.o.t of driving! Here they are ...







9.12.2008

t g i f ...

I am so happy it's Friday! These past few weekends couldn't have gone by any faster ... I am looking forward to the time I get to spend with my family this weekend. All together. All 3 of us ... and the dog makes 4! Tomorrow we will be heading up the Northern California coastline. We will see how far we make it, with the baby and all. I am eyeing Bodega Bay as our ending point, which doesn't make for much of a road trip ... but with a baby, that's just as good as a road trip in my book! I am hoping the weather will nice and I can get some fun pictures. Last time I was there is was SO windy it make it kind of unejoyable. Pictures to come ...

9.11.2008

5 months ...

My daughter, Kylie, is 5 months old today ... I can't believe it! Time has absolutely flown by. She is the reason I even started this business and I am so thankful for both blessings in my life. It is neat to see things evolve the way they do. Speaking of evolving ... I am so excited about all the changes around here! It's about time. I am looking forward to getting to know more of my customers and having a more interactive blog. That's the fun thing about having a small business ... you can change things every now and again until you find a good balance.

I will leave you with a few pictures of my sweet baby girl ...