It never ends.....

This week, my hubby, my inspiration and never ending object of my affection and I will be celebrating our 4 year wedding anniversary. I still wake up thinking "how could I be so lucky?' every morning.

We had a simple but perfect wedding by the ocean under a great big oak tree on the coast of Maine. The oak tree has since been cut down but I cherish the memory of every branch in my mind. If you ever have a chance to visit Two Light Park outside Cape Elizabeth in Maine, I guarantee you it will take your breath away. My husband's grandfather was the one that wed us and my late father with my bonus mom and my mother came over from Sweden. Darling little sister and goofy brother almost-in-law came over from France and it was the most perfect day anyone could dream of.

....9 months later out daughter was born:-)

I just want to tell my hubby he is the one and only and always will be. Love you Nathan!

Spider

Meet my new pet! He will follow your mouse around so go ahead, do the tango with little long leg.

Traveling in my mind

When you can't go on your dream vacation just yet, simply go on one in your mind. I do it all the time. I thought I'd share with you one of my top ten dream spots. For some reason Belize has always been on my brain, although I have never been to Central or South America. A few years back I came across a website about Francis Ford Coppola. Yes, the amazing director of the Godfather movies, Apocalypse now and so many other classics. Can't say I know him personally but he sure appears to be a warm and wonderful person. Not only did he turn a run down vineyard into a flourishing business, creating some of the most tasteful wines to ever come out of California, but the man also opened three retreats in Belize.

Two of them are by the ocean, close to what is the second largest barrier reef on the planet. The third, my favorite, is in the jungle not so far away from Mayan ruins and horseback riding trails. It is called Blancaneaux Lodge. The accommodations are built up high on stilts for obvious reasons. This is after all in the middle of the jungle, venomous cuddly pets included. Usually, I am not big on luxury when I travel. All I usually care about is the experience. This is where I would make an exception, as difficult as that would be. The suites and villas are earthy and warm, full of woodcarvings and local treasures. No it's not the Waldorf Astoria, but rather the ultimate in rustic relaxation.
The restaurant prepares it's dishes with organic produce from the resort's own garden and Mr Coppola's wine is a staple. Massage, hot pools and other treatments are offered in the resort spa. Guided hikes, horseback riding as well as bike rides are offered to all the historic and scenic sites in the area. Not hooked yet? Just go to Mr Coppola's resort website where you can read more about this and the other two resorts. Before you know it, you will be stashing money in your mattress for a ticket to paradise.

All photographs are courtesy of the Blancenaux Lodge.

Faves for the dumplings

With so many choices out there that are handmade and toxic free, there is really no reason to buy anything mass manufactured for our little ones. Sure, it may be more convenient to pick something up at the mall and you may think that handmade equals a higher price tag. Yes and no. The work involved in a handmade item and the fact that they are made by someone who is trying to make at least the minimum salary usually means a slightly higher price tag. However, handmade items tend to last much longer and can be passed from child to child. They have a personality and a child can tell. I have been making my own kids' clothes, blankets and stuffed animals since my little girl was born and my son loves those toys too.

Give a child a beeping flashing plastic truck and he may play with it for a few weeks until it either breaks or until he is bored with the lights. Give him a wooden train or car set and you will see his imagination soar. The same goes for clothing. There are wonderful screen printed shirts and dresses with fun pattern and color combinations that are made in small quantities where the maker actually takes the time to thoroughly check the quality. Better yet, you'd be hard pressed to find toxins in handmade items. Those who make them usually have kids themselves and would never give toxins to their own kids.

Etsy is full of fun items for kids made by talented artisans, who in my opinion don't make nearly what they should for the work and love they put into their work. Here are a few of my own favorites.

Ramblings and a sweet deal

It's been a very busy month. Not only in terms of making jewelry but my mom made the jump over the big Atlantic puddle to visit us for three weeks. She left Monday morning to go back to life in Sweden, teaching Swedish to refugees. My hubby and I have been back broken for the entire three weeks sleeping on an air mattress. Those things simply aren't that comfortable but having my face next to our snoring dog all night was a wonderful treat. Actually, I didn't mind that part at all. Any time at all around my adorable Boxer is time well spent.

I have made a lot of new jewelry that will be posted in my etsy shop in the coming week. Here are a few I would love to share with you. I have many more key necklaces that will soon be in my shop too.
So you're probably wondering "what's the sweet deal?". Well, here it is. You my dear blog readers will receive a 15% refund on all purchases through the month of August. All you have to do is type "blog reader" in the message field during checkout and the money will be refunded to your PayPal account the same day. Shipping is always free and your jewelry will arrive ready for gift giving. What are you waiting for?!