Summer...summer..summer time

HOLA SWEET CHEEKS!

Have you been enjoying the summer break?

These last few months have just flown by and now it's getting really warm. The little ones have kept me on my toes...you can imagine what they look like. Santa Maria! I need a pedi STAT!

So, I've been busy with custom orders this summer! I thought I'd show you a few=0)

I have a collection of sea glass that I've been collecting for years and I thought it would be fun to use a few pieces.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77878085/hand-stamped-sterling-silver-necklace

This hermosa(beautiful)sterling silver necklace just reminds me of the ocean side. Sterling silver hand stamped with texture work on edges, it just looks gorgeous in person. The whole pendant measures 1.5" x 1". A piece of sea glass that is wrapped behind name plate brings this unique piece to life! Plus three pearls add a little more color.

This one was a custom order.

This next one is for a blushing bride! I loved making this for her=0) She is getting married on the beach. I scribbled up a quick sketch for her and she loved my design. I just can't wait until she shows me a photo of her big day!

I've been working on a lot of custom rings too! These stacks are a lot of fun. Or maybe I just love using my hammer a little too much. I make these all by hand and polish them so they sparkle. I've gotten lots of positive feedback on these. I just sent out a set to Australia...can't wait for her to receive them!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73125531/custom-fine-silver-hammered-ring.

I finally got my studio together!!!! Yes...SAY WHAT???!!!! I've been working in the kitchen all this time. Yep. Coo cooo for coco puffs! I finally got my creative space together. And boy do I need A LOT of lights up in here. I was out of my head trying to get everything figured out. FINALLY!

My space. YEP...door and lock required=0) A big comfy couch too for my knitting. I really don't need to leave...ever. OH yeah, people have got to eat around here. Guess I still gotta fix the meals and wash the dishes. LOL!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Sorry for the bad photo quality=0( My husband used his phone to take this and I just had to show you. His MAD EYE MOODY face just makes me laugh out loud. I promise he was excited when he left the house. Here he is with his teacher=0)

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS TIME AGAIN!

Super Mario family party was a hit. Pheeeewww.

I made these mustaches for the kids, but they were over it in 2.5 seconds. I was really enjoying this look and totally respect the CHP for rockin' this look. I was just sweating bullets wearing my Luigi 'stache. However...couldn't take it off.

Even my parents wore them, LOL! X isn't too sure about all this, but the kids got a good laugh watching us=0)

Pinata Time!

Yes, I got to work the rope this year!!

GO X!!

Candy...cake...school tomorrow...it was a bit much=0)

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

XOXO,

My other job.......

X-Today is my birthday!!!

Me-Yes, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

X-Did you prepare everything?

Me-Yes, but I won't decorate until you are at school.

X-Did you prepare a birthday breakfast?

Me-Yes, get dressed and brush your teeth!

X-A perfect birthday breakfast should be in bed.

Me-Ummmmmm. I guess I didn't plan everything.

X-I just wish you could do a better job Mama.

Things are looking brighter!

Summer is almost here!

I just had my last class with my little first graders=0) I think they learned a few thing, but hopefully they just had fun. It's interesting that some children by this age already worry about what their drawing looks like. I honestly thought that none of them would be nervous about starting a sketch, but I quickly learned that we needed to drop kick the erasers, lol. The nine months just flew by and now I can potty train J!!!!! AY YAY YAY...don't get me started;o)

So, of course I've still been knitting and I came up with this hat! Wanted to make something mushy and large. Kind of like a deflated chefs hat, lol. VOILA!

Here comes the sun...but the heat....NOT so much. We went to the beach to play in the sand this weekend and brrrrrrrr. People around us were TRYING to pretend it was 85*, but WHOOO LORD it was C O L D. Putting a positive spin on it, it was gorgeous and sunny.

Castles are always fun to make, but J is going to get that great big green ball back there.

LETS SCREAM...IT'S GOOD THERAPY=0)

I'm freezing and I have three layers on, LOL.

OKAY, now they're just taking pictures to show how wimpy I am, lol. It's the icy breeze. SERIOUSLY.

OH, back to some warm talk! I was working on some hammered rings and had an order for another toe ring. It just happened to fit my toe. KEEP IT...SELL IT...KEEP IT....SELL IT? Yep, it's in the mail=0(

I got some of that crackling nail polish on. I don't know how well you can see it, but I thought I'd mention that it's a lot of fun watching it transform. I recommend you use a darker base polish(OPI makes it).

So, besides the potty training business....I need to start a new painting. Not really sure what I want to paint. Maybe I'll go back and revisit some photos of Europe?

I'll let you know=0) Feel free to make some suggestions!

Have a lovely week!!!

XOXO

My other job......

X-Are you really my Mama?

Me-Yesssss.

X-I still think Nana and Pop pop are my parents.

Me-Okay.

X-You know all my brothers believe me. EVEN Nana and Pop pop!

Me-Yes, but why were you in my tummy then?

X-I LOVE THAT YOU ARE MY NANNY. You are really good at that(giggle...giggle...giggle).

Me-You are sweet.

Spring is in the air

It's May!

I can't believe it!

We have been planting, planting, planting in the garden. Tomatoes(CHECK), lavender(CHECK), hydrangeas(CHECK). Now if I could keep all the snails and slugs away...that would be very helpful. I've also been busy with special orders. Mother's Day is almost here! Only about 7wks until school ends...amazing. I'm not really sure what big plans we have, but X sure does=0)

Here is a stack of fine silver rings for Mother's Day. These are a lot of fun to make=0)

She is going to love these.

Add fine silver to any necklace. I can hand stamp these too.

Fun Spring hat.

My personal assistant wanted to be in the shot=0)

This is one of my favorites for little girls. Perfect for Spring and Summer fun=0)

I've been wanting to make this hat for myself for a while. I made it in a toddler size first and then adults wanted it! I was happy that I wasn't the only one that liked this style, lol. I've been looking for something casual that would cover all my gray hair! It always turns out that my hair needs to be re done and I have an appointment somewhere and I just can wear a bandana, LOL. So here it is and I make it a little loose, so you don't get hat head. There are also lots of holes, so your head can breathe=0) Can you tell that I've given this project a lot of thought? LOL.

Here's a 1920's hat that I just love. I have a hat like this and every time I wear it I get asked about it=0) I'm so glad I finally found a hat that works for me. I always felt very awkward wearing a hat, but I guess 2011 is the year of the hat for me, lol.

Hope that you all are having a wonderful Spring. Everyone start using your thigh masters because summer is right around the corner!

Have a lovely day,

xoxo,

My other job.......

Me-It's almost summer!

X-I know and I've been thinking about going to France.

Me-That would be nice, but it's a LONG plane ride.

X-I know, but I really want to see C and O.

Me-Maybe you should talk to Daddy about that.

X-Okay...okay...okay...I guess I need to see what else we could do.

March MADNESS

SWEET CHEEKS! It's been too long, but what a month it's been. Just when I thought everyone was healthy...NOPE! Lets do it again for the love of the game! So can you believe one had croup...then another bronchitis...and then back to the croup with the other...AND THEN I GOT THE FLU~! OY, come on! Does it sound like I'm complaining? OH SORRy...I'm so blessed, LOL!!! We made it and I'm so thankful for that. I honestly thought we'd just keep going round and round and my husband escaped it all! WOW. Thank GOD he found a job, so he's back at work and out of the house=0) LOL!

So, I have a lot to show you. I've still been busy creating all sorts of things and working with my 55 little 1st graders. Hope you enjoy the photos I've been saving up=0)

First up....MARLEY. This is my girlfriends dog. He's SO SUPER CUTE and I just had to paint a watercolor of him for J's room. She LOVES animals and loved a photo she saw of him.

Next up is a crochet project. I usually have J model, but she won't do it anymore...boo. Luckily, her teddy bear doesn't fight with me.

The fingerless gloves. It's still chilly out there and I'm in California! I'm not complaining...just letting you know=0) These are a lace pattern that shifts to the left. I really like these. I originally made a pair for myself, but I ended up giving them to my mama. She has arthritis really badly and her hands have really...changed. She can't wear gloves...they WILL NOT fit her. So she uses these all the time and even gardens with them. I'm so happy they have helped her and she can garden even when it's chilly in the morning.

7"length.

100% acrylic.

Machine wash and dry.

Spring lace scarfs.

HOW CUTE IS THIS?

I love this little crochet apple cozy. Just perfect for THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE;o)

We finally ALL left the house together for the first time this month!

My little X flying a kite. He's wearing my hat...well it was mine for 2.5 seconds, lol.

Here is J flying a kite for the first time! This is just before she let go and guess who almost broke their leg stopping it and then climbing up a hill to get it out of a tree?! OY, we left after that. They were not our kites!!!!! There were these other kids that were sweet enough to share, but just about burst out screaming while I was running up hill with my bag and the kids lunch box. MARCH MADNESS, LOL!

My little artists have been working hard....here is the mixed media project.

Pastel oil on black paper.

My little J is growing(sniff..sniff..sniff). New sandals STAT! She insisted on playing outside with these=0)

Now for the baby blankets for Luke and Princess Leah(YES TWINS!).

NOT MINE.

My sister in law and we really don't know the sex of the sweet rolls. My little X has named them that=0)

SUPER comfy circular baby blankets. These are ridiculously puffy and comfy...really. I want to make myself some p.j.s like this. I don't know if I'll ever wake up, lol.

So, that's it sweet cheeks. I'm thrilled everyone is healthy *fingers crossed* that we are done for now. Looks like everyone has been busy..busy...busy.

Wishing you a happy week and kiss your peeps,

XOXO,

Carol

My other job......

X-I REALLY want to get a video game machine for the t.v.

Me-Well, they cost a lot of money and you have to pay more money for each game that you buy.

X-How much money?

Me-I think they are about $300.00

X-$300.00!

Me-Yes, that seems kinda crazy town to me.

X-........................(very sweet voice)Do you have $300.00?

Me-I do, but I need it for food and gas and to pay the house.

X-I think you need to sell MORE of the things you make. Do you think that is possible.

Me-I'll try my best.

Boom boom POW

It's been a BIG month!

I've been so busy with my family and a week break and sickness and my birthday!

WHA' ??????!!!!!!!!!

It's true and it was a big one this year.

Okay, I'll fill you in on everything=0)

First of all...my blogging time is still super short since I've been volunteering as the art teacher. It's been super busy with both classes, but the kids are having fun!

Here we are at school doing a JUMP a Thon!

My little X is still learning to jump rope, so this was JUST before the tears of frustration.

I started working on some new styles for Spring!

Who doesn't like hydrangeas?

It's always so tough to get great photos. I've got to do it right before I pick up X from school and my little five finger bandit LOOOOVVESSS to grab and run. So, it's been VERY rushed and I honestly can't help but crack up. What can I possibly do with a 2yr old as a personal photography assistant. LOL!

FAMILY FIRST PEOPLE!

These are mad times and I think we all need to be reminded of what's most important=0)

Six watercolor bracelet is back!

I originally made these when I started Cielo Azul Jewelry in 2009. I sold about eight and I was ready to move on, LOL! I thought I'd bring it back 2011 style, lol. It's got what every gardener loves and everything is still alive...in case you have a brown thumb;o)

NOW...FOR THE BIRTHDAY PART!

I turned 40 this year. Yep, so I got a hair cut! I had someone come up to me and ask if I had hair extensions, LOLLLLLLLLL! So I didn't get a chance to get a hair cut last year. OMG, isn't that SO crazy? OKAY, so I had a very small party this year. I originally planned on having about 25-30 people, but my husband lost his job and so the budget had to be cut WAY back. I had been planning this parTAY for a while, so I still wanted it to be super fun. So, this was what I had to do. First of all I wanted to have a party that was all about what I like and how I've changed/not changed over the last 40 years. I love to dance! And I think I can make it on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, LOL. Yep, I so can not make it...but I can dream. I started the party with my girls and DANCE!!!! We had a private class with THEeeee KJ Gonzales. I can not confirm NOR deny that this isn't me in the video, lol. I can not confirm NOR deny that my crew and I didn't learn this EXACT routine, LOL. Some way...some how nobody took photos. I personally think he was impressed with our hip hop moves=0) After our class our dates met us for cocktails and a lovely dinner.

I just want to say one thing....I have not had so much fun in I don't know how long. I'm SO thankful to have such great friends.

THE CREW

CHEERS to a lovely week,

xoxo,

Carol

My other job......

X-I can't believe you are turning 40 years old.

Me-Yep...it's true.

X-When you turn 50 I'm going to drive the whole family to a restaurant for dinner.

Me-GULP!!!!!!!

I Love a Parade!

Buenos dias!

I'm hoping you are all doing well today. February 1st! I can't believe it...can you?

I have a few fun pictures to share with you all. Every year since 1890 they have a lovely Rose Parade in Los Angeles. Yes, THE Rose Parade! It has been a wonderful tradition for our family to watch it in person. My husbands family has been going to this parade for SO many years. I remember the first time I went as their guest...when we were dating. It seems like that was 30 yrs ago, LOL!!!!! I was just so thrilled to go and the whole experience was so wonderful. The floats in person are just...well GORGEOUS. To see them in person is something I think everyone should see at least once in your life. To read more about the history of The Rose Parade...it's pretty interesting to read the history of this big event.

Here is just a glimpse of the parade.

These horses are SO larger than life. They are absolutely gorgeous.

Look at this guy!

Pac Man fever!

X was thrilled to see this band. I love seeing all these bands that have worked so hard to make it to this event. They all have these great stories of ALL the things they had to over come to make it here. You can also see how thrilled they are to be here...FINALLY.

Here is Pac Man just before he popped up for everyone. Can you believe that this whole float is covered in flowers and seed?! It's incredible to imagine how many hours it took. There are people that volunteer EVERY year to do this. For some families it's a tradition to do this!

The best part is that it's a family tradition and look who is just amazed. We started taking X when he was 3yrs old. We were SO worried that he would want to leave after two minutes, lol. Once you get in your seat, it's difficult to get out quickly. So, when you have little ones it can be challenging. The first year...he was in a state of awe. The WHOLE two hours he did not move at ALL! We were so shocked and thrilled. He just knows that January 1st...we PARADE. Visit with family and this year he went to the Rose Bowl Game. I haven't been since I had J, but I think 2012 will be the first year for her. I REALLY MISS GOING, but I'm so happy that my boys have been going.

Thank you all for reading and leaving comments!

I really love them=0)

The winner of my one year anniversary giveaway is.......

Kristen!

Thank you all for entering.

XOXO,

My other job.....

X-Why do I have to go to school again?

Me-It's the law.

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