Always There Designs~Review~

www.AlwaysThereDesigns.etsy.com

Interview with Ann, from Always There Designs

"As an engaged bride-to-be, I understand what it is like to try to find beautiful items for myself and my wedding without spending a fortune.  I create all of my jewelry to be affordable so everyone can enjoy it."

• Favorite type of jewelry to make:  Stamped jewelry.  It is so cathartic to be able to come home after a long day and be able to sit down with a hammer and make something beautiful.  There is something special about being able to put so much of myself into a piece of jewelry.  I literally start with a piece of metal and, by the time I'm done stamping, oxidizing, and polishing, I have made that piece of metal into a work of art.  And each piece is different.  There will never be two that are exactly the same.
• Getting started:  I have always been a creative person.  My mom is a professional photographer so I guess it runs in the family.  I've tried every type of craft out there, from sewing to scrap booking to pottery.  I always really enjoyed making jewelry.  I officially started doing stamped jewelry about a year ago when went to buy a piece myself and all I could find was sterling silver.  I knew that if I didn't want to pay that much, other people didn't want to as well.  So I set out to start making affordable versions myself and fell in love with it.  I played with several metals until I came upon aluminum and I've never looked back.  I prefer it over sterling any day and it really makes it affordable so everyone can enjoy stamped jewelry.
• College:  I actually haven't graduated yet!  I will be finishing up the last of my pre-med/human biology degree next year.  I had planned on going directly to PA (physician assistant) school after graduation but now I'm holding off indefinitely on that so I can continue with my jewelry.  I have found something I really enjoy doing with the jewelry and I can see myself doing it for years to come.

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When I received my necklace I was so excited that it was a pearl - I love pearls!  Ann was so nice to talk to and discuss options, which is important to many brides or brides-to-be! One reason I instantly was drawn to her shop was the prices.  As she stated in her interview, she knows what money is like when you are planning a wedding and trying to actually "save" some for when life really begins. Yes that is me in my cute necklace!  Love it!  She "hammer stamped" Bride and added a cute Swarovski pearl to it.  Lovely! She makes ones that say 'Engaged', but 'Bride' does last longer ;)

Ann may give you something extra special at  Always There Designs if you mention that SAHM&TW(2b) sent you! 

Country Bobs - Yum!

Country Bobs 

All Purpose Sauce

We use this sauce in everything, well almost!  

We use it in our hamburgers, steak marinade, chicken marinade, noodle sauce, and whatever else you can dream up! 

We will let you in on our secret to making yummy hamburgers and chicken marinade that make you look like a star!  Be warned that we were both taught to "Eyeball" the measurements and not to actually use the measuring spoons.

Bobgers

1 lb. of hamburger meat 

Country Bobs

Steak Seasoning - can be similar to Montreal

Onion flakes - dried

**Put it all together in a bowl, make your patties, and grill the babies!  

Guest Book!

Hello again!

Check out this really cute guest book that an amazing lady on Etsy made! I love it! I think I may make a frame (have my future father in law do it) and paint it a rustic brown/gold color.  My wedding colors are Blue/Pinks/Gold!  Having a picture is a great idea, but I wanted a more unique idea that reflected Sean and I. 

I wanted something that I could keep hanging in a living room forever and act as a special display for all that dare to enter.  The moment I saw this I knew it was for me, well us ;)  

The guests sign each leaf of the tree.  More can be added if needed depending on your guest number and the colors allow for total customization to match your wedding.  The specific color I chose from Amy was Royal Blue and it is pretty! Notice the bottom of the Guest Tree.  I chose to have the verse "I have found the one whom my soul loves. Song of Solomon 3.4 "   It is absolutely true!      

My favorite reason to get a Guest Tree instead of the typical ideas for a sign-in is what it represents.  The Guest Tree reminds me everyday that we have so many people who would love and support us, from the tips of the leaves down to the roots.  It includes everyone who loves and wants to share in our happiness and joy.  Each signature of a person on my family tree, either related or just by friendship, holds a special place in our hearts and home. 

If you would like to talk to Amy about her Guest Trees and customization's, just visit her shop or contact her on FB!  Having something truly unique as this will forever last on your wall and in your heart!

BearPong!

I found the best game ever for summer  :)

It is called BearPong and is a giant version of Beer Pong.   If anyone knows us, well you realize one of us is awesome at it and one is not - you decide.  Ok, I did try to win some random machine at the Food Festival in Cleveland and failed, twice.  I didn't even get a sticker :( 

Housewarming Gift

I keep trying to think of a present that would be personal and also go with a new house.  I hate getting people gifts that they will not use, unless I can use them of course :)

I saw this cute saying and decided to do this.  This gift can be used for many occasions. How wonderful!

Bread so you'll never go hungry. 

Candles so you'll always have light through the darkest times.

 Honey so you'll always enjoy the sweetness of life. 

Olive Oil so you will be blessed with health and well-being. 

Salt so there will always be flavor and spice in your life. 

Wine so you will always have joy and never go thirsty.

Include some of my favorite things (send it my way please!) - Italian bread, Yankee Candle, Organic Honey, Italian Olive Oil, Sea Salt, and Barefoot Moscato wine!  Put it into a big basket with a hand towel that will be used in the kitchen.  Everything will be used one way or another!

Wedding To-Do List!

Wow!  It is so hard to believe it has been a little over a year (since Dec. 15th) that I've been planning a wedding.  SO many things are on the checklist that  brides/grooms need to get done within a certain time frame because slots fill up - caterer, photographer, reception site, church, etc.  Well this little bride to be has things crossed off left and right!

1. Wedding location (church)
2. Reception site
3. Caterer
4. Photographer
5. Bridal Party
6. Wedding Gown
7. Bridesmaid's Gowns
8. Groom's suit
9. Groomsmen suits
10. Alcohol
11. Bartenders
12. Decorator - Wall/Ceiling Draping
13. Bridal Shoes
14. Work out ...er... stay the same weight/measurements
15. Get dress altered
16. Register for gifts
17. Save the dates
18. Bachelorette Party
19. Bachelor Party
20. Hair/Make-up
21. Guest List
22. Centerpieces
23. Candy/Smores/Cookie Bar
24. Transportation
25. Hotel rooms
26. Invitations
27. OMG who knows what else.... geesh...

Christmas Photos

Let me tell you a little story....

When I was a little kid I would never open Christmas presents in front of people.  I would literally go in the back room and 'approve' them while unwrapping before I would bring them back out.  When I was in kindergarten I had my Nana (Grandma) as my teacher.  I opened a present from name exchange and it was a Barbie! Ah!  I hated Barbies because people would always say we were so much alike with our hair - long and super blonde.  Well I had a magical present switch halfway through opening and received the Beauty and the Beast sticker set instead.  Problem Solved!

As an adult I need to make it clear that I make a list and presents are always bought from it, well almost always.  You can't go wrong getting me shoes, wine stuff, or fun things.   Instead of screeing my presents I now make 'Amazed Faces' when I open the gifts.  Check them out below. 

Merry Christmas ya' hooligans!