Introducing Our 3rd Annual 31 Days Blog Series!

Well folks, 2013 is coming to a close. There were ups, there were downs, but for me there was one pretty significant highlight:

I GOT ENGAGED!

Not only did I get engaged, though, I got engaged to my high school sweetheart.

Yup, that's us. Fall 1994, I was 13 (a freshman) and he was 17 (a senior), and this was my first/our first real date. We dated for about 4 years until I went to college, then we parted ways (romantically speaking, that is). We remained friends, and over the years we would go out from time to time. We always kept in touch, but it never seemed to be the right time for us.

Fast forward to summer 2013. I had been in a relationship for about 8 years that had ended in December of 2011 and Erik had just become single again after about a year and a half. So, there we were, both single at the same time for the first time since the late '90s. 

Well, as they say, the rest is history. We were engaged on November 30, and now we are joyously beginning to make plans for our wedding in the spring of 2015!

That's where you come in: I need help! 

We are both wedding newbies (yes, that still happens these days) and we want to have a dream wedding. Unique, fun, memorable..and affordable. Over the next 31 days, I will be asking you to weigh in on everything from dress options to cake choices.

Please be gentle: it's my first time!

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: January 30: Books

Ever since I decoded my first word, I have been a reader. I LOVE books. 

If I had to name an all-time favorite, it would have to be The Lonely Doll. I was mesmerized by the graphics...real photographs that were set up with the doll and the bear in intricate scenarios (although I'm not sure if I knew they weren't real!)

 

When I was in my 'tween years, my favorites were Sweet Valley Twins.

I think I had every book in the series. To this day, when I come across these books at thrift shops or other junk treasuries, I struggle to not buy them. 

Believe me, if I had more space, they'd be mine again. I'm not ruling anything out for the future.

As an adult, a speech-language pathologist, a teacher, an artist, and a human being, I can now intelligently reflect upon my love of books and give the proper credit for my language and vocabulary development. One of my most treasured compliments is when someone tells me that I am well-spoken; mastery of language is indeed the key to mastery of life.

I didn't spend hours at a time in front of the television; rather, the words on the page came alive in my mind and my imagination. Would you believe that now we actually have to TEACH children imaginary play? Yeah, looks like all of those e-readers (hint: your kids play games on them. I know...they come to school and tell us all about it!) can never quite fill the shoes of a good old fashioned paperback.

Today, friends, I am thankful for books. New, old, big, small, fiction, non-fiction...I love it all.

What is your all-time favorite book?

"The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read." -Abraham Lincoln

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: January 10: Jewelry

Jewelry. Seems like a no-brainer, right? For me, at least, jewelry is central to my existence (as it stands right now). I have managed to build a lovely little business all around jewelry: old jewelry, new jewelry, upcycled jewelry, and so on.

Some custom bridal bracelets I made...vintage earrings reborn for a beautiful bride's big day.

I am, admittedly, a girly girl. I wear rhinestones with yoga pants on a regular basis. My "private collection" requires a separate piece of furniture that rivals must bureaus. I love, love, love jewelry.

My own personal treasure chest

I have been fortunate enough to have inherited some really amazing pieces from my grandmother, which have become the most cherished pieces of my whole collection. Whenever I want to feel close to her (or when I just want to be especially stylish), I reach into my stash and inevitably find the perfect bauble.

A sneak peek at my "private collection" of goodies!

I hold many beautiful treasures: the first ring my first boyfriend ever gave me, my high school and college rings, a gorgeous antique silver heart charm bracelet, a few strands of perfect (real) pearls...these beauties definitely make me happy when skies are gray.

I would love to hear about your treasures bits and baubles! A cherished ring? Invaluable cameo earrings? The perfect tiny silver necklace? We'd like to find out!

"At a flea market I always head for the junk jewelry table first." -Ethel Merman

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: Day 8: Brainstorms

I am writing this post after a 2+ hour brainstorming session, and I am flush with excitement. Looking at my calendar for the year, planning out what exciting things are coming up...it's a thrilling rush, and it sparks my creativity like nothing else.

The word "brainstorm" itself is kind of exciting. It evokes images of cracking lightning, thunderous clouds rolling over the folds and crevices of our dura mater (see...graduate school DID pay off!), and sparkling clearings of brilliant ideas. Thoughts that have never been thunk. Strokes of genius.

I happen to be in the very fortunate position of being a acquainted with MANY people who are creative, interesting, and intelligent, which has led me to experience some truly inspirational brainstorming sessions.

To be able to trust another with your ideas, to combine them into one and watch it grow exponentially: this is the joy of a great brainstorm.

"It is easier to tone down a wild idea than to think up a new one."- Alex Osborn

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful : January 7: Humor

Oh, there are just so many things to say about this. Humor is one of the pinnacles of my existence. To put it simply: I love to laugh. A lot. All the time. I think this is one of the reasons I love my job (my "real" job as a speech language pathologist) so much: no one is funnier than an elementary school student.

My sense of humor is simple, silly, and sometimes (ok...a lot of times) inappropriate. Yes folks, I am a 32 year old professional woman and I will fall out of my seat laughing at a fart joke. Playing pranks? Count me in. Hilarious photo opportunities? Call me Annie Leibovitz. As a matter of fact, I have a few videos that, to this day, bring me to my knees with tears of hysterical laughter.

Just one example of something that makes me laugh out loud

Humor is such a wonderful part of life. It gets us through good times as well as bad. In times of extreme sorrow, I think the heart and mind instinctively search for memories of happy times: we as humans WANT to laugh.

Someone asked me what traits were important to me in a mate, and immediately my response was, "he has to be silly." If I don't get a chance to laugh every day, then hit the road, Jack. The same goes for my friends...so all of you Debbie Downers can consider this a warning.

"Humor is mankind's greatest blessing."  -Mark Twain

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful! January 2: Home

Home Sweet Home. There's no place like it, so someone once said. For me, nothing could ring truer.

For the past 7 years, I have been the proud owner of roughly 750 square feet of cozy, eclectic, inviting happiness.  I purchased this (my first) home, a one bedroom condo, back in 2006 when I was in graduate school. I had rented many apartments up until that point, and the one day it hit me: I can OWN a place for less than I am paying in rent! Not long after that little breakthrough, I was the proud owner of my very first home at the tender young age of 25.

Since that time, my home has truly been where my heart is. Over the past 7 years, my little corner of the world has seen infinite beads, thousands of pieces of jewelry, hundreds of meals and drinks on the patio, several new coats of paint, a couple of "roommates", and one brand new kitchen. My friends and I have spent countless hours lounging and laughing at our pool, and the list of jokes and funny secrets could go on forever.

Each spring, I wait with bated breath for the arrival of my beloved irises: gorgeous blooms of violet and saffron so full and healthy that some reach all the way to my waist!

I began my business here, and with the help of friends and family I've seen it grow exponentially since it's humble beginnings in the summer of 2010. My work space is warm, colorful, and organized. In the spring of 2011, my living room was filled with fabric, laughter, and love when 4 of my closest (male!) friends spent the evening with me to prepare 1,000 of my signature flower pins to ship out to L.A. for the 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. It's one of many defining moments that has taken place here in the comfort of my space.

I invite you to share your sentiments of home here, for there is truth in the old adage, "Home is where the heart is!"

Weddings!

Summer is the season of love, and bel monili is a friend to the brides! This summer, I had the distinct honor of creating goodies for 5 beautiful brides and their respective bridal parties. This is truly a favorite for me; I LOVE the idea that one of my creations will have a place in someone's family history.

A bridal sash, custom created with satin ribbon, lace from a vintage bridal gown, and antique rhinestones and pearls

As you know, bel monili items are created using vintage materials, meaning that these beautiful bridal pieces are created using materials rich in history. Perhaps it was a brooch from the mother of a bride in the 1920s, the earrings of a blushing bride in the 1950s, or the necklace of a bridesmaid in any of these magical times.

Custom collage style necklaces featuring antique rhinestone components

bel monili bridal can make your dreams come true. I hand-craft items that are uniquely designed for each bride's specific needs, meaning that each special day is truly one of a kind right down to the last detail.

bel monili signature vintage component cluster bracelets, designed to compliment a wedding's theme colors

Gifts for bridesmaids will be cherished (and actually worn!) for years to come, giving the recipient of the special piece a reminder of that special day, and her friendship with the bride. Custom designs for the bride offer a unique compliment to her gorgeous gown, and each piece lives on as an heirloom quality work of art.

signature collage style necklace featuring antique rhinestone pieces

Brides, bridesmaids, mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers...take notice and get your thinking caps on. bel monili will work with you to custom design the bridal accessories and gifts that will add the perfect touch of sentiment to your special day.