Treat Yo Self :: OhDierLiving

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{treat you self cake topper, by OhDierLiving, on Etsy}

I saw an image of the above cake topper in my Instagram feed last week and fell in love. Maybe "in love" isn't quite right, but let's certainly say that the innocent little cake topper spoke to me in a very serious way. Not only does it shamelessly demand that one take care of themselves in ways that no one else can {very much inline with my [PBfNM's] motto & mission}, it's also shown in my very favorite color...um, and on cake.

I instantly commented on the IG photo with, "Love this. Want a t-shirt & wall hanging in it too ;)"

William, the cute architect gone woodworker replied with, "we could do that."

I let him know that I'd be in touch on Etsy to talk specifics. OhDierLiving makes a variety of cool typographic wood signs, have a look here, and I've already got a t-shirt that I love from them. The sign wasn't on my list of needs, or wants for that matter, for the month. But, it was a spontaneous splurge that I couldn't bring myself to pass up.

Taking care of Mom has been coming up lots lately in my world. It doesn't so much relate to Mother's Day either. Although, today it came up again. So I find telling you in lieu of Mother's Day weekend appropriate.

I really noticed it about a week and a half ago when I took Elle West to the doctor. It wasn't the first suggestion, but it was the lest subtle of all previous suggestions regarding the topic. We saw Dr. Zemach, one of my favorites at Pediatric Partners of the Southwest in Durango. My guess is that he's in his late 40s or early 50s. He's a nice height, handsome, and has buzzed, lightly speckled gray, but mostly really dark hair. He speaks with a lisp, and is so charming that one might think {between the charm & the lisp} that he might be gay. However, he often times mentions his wife in quick yet attentive conversation.

After Dr. Zemach finished examining Elle, and diagnosed her ear infection, he gave her a job. He said, "Your job today is to take care of Mom, okay."

She said, "Okay."

He continued his instructions to her in sort of a sonnet-esque way by saying, "Because Mom always takes care of us, but who takes care of her?" After that he was pretty much done and out the door.

His words lingered with me a little longer, or a lot, and I began answering his question to myself.

Who takes care of Mom?

Well, the initial and obvious answer for me was/is, Gabe. I stay at home, and he works to support us. Alright, well who else takes care of me? It's sort of easy and complicated at the same time. I instantly thought about Gabe and money, but what about emotional care. Or, money aside, physical care. My friend Emily and I have talked about this before...we draw what we need, as moms, from a variety of sources. There isn't any single person who can satisfy all of our needs. And, what can be so tough is that we don't necessarily get to choose who it's from, or when. We are continuously under demands to attend to the needs of others. Yet, most times the moments in which we need something, there's no one but ourselves to demand it from.

So, who takes care of Mom?

We need a reserve inside us, in which we can draw from, in time of need. What/who feeds our reserve varies from husbands, friends, parents, siblings, our kids, articles/books, exercise, creative expressions, encounters/interactions with complete strangers, and ourselves. Really the list goes on and on. But, the odd thing is, no one really takes care of us but us. That's the answer to the question. Once a mother always a mother, and we are in charge of not only our kids' care from that point forward but, also our own. It's sort of a big deal.

Our care needs range from knowing when to keep quiet, when to talk, when to reach for someone who understands, when to buy new underwear, when & if to buy designer jeans, when to eat, when to sleep, when to get our hair cut and/or colored, when to call our daughters or moms just to talk & cry, when to have sex, when to just stop, when to GO, when to listen {to them, the birds, the wind, ourselves...}, when not to listen, and when to treat ourselves.

If we don't care for ourselves, if we don't set appropriate boundaries, and if we don't treat ourselves when we need to...then there's a pretty decent chance that the need won't be met at the moment in which we need it to be.

Not everyone needs a cake topper or Treat Yo Self sign hanging on their wall, and I'm not suggesting that they do. But, all Moms need a regularity of sources feeding their reserve in which to draw from. And all Moms need to know how to reserve the important bits, get rid of the rest, and how to draw from her reserve & when. We need to take care of ourselves in order to best take care of the ones we love.

I can't say for a second that I've mastered it. But, the Treat Yo Self sign that I've got coming will be a nice and pretty reminder. That's my Mother's Day gift to myself this year. Happiest Mother's Day to you, and a genuine thank you to the many who feed my reserve. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend with the Moms and/or kids they love.

X O X O, JL

*I won't likely post a follow-up once I receive my sign, but WILL share a pic on Instagram. You're welcome to check-in @prettybyjl for a peek! Check out OhDierLiving on IG @OhDier.

Lucy B.'s Apothecary :: fragrance & gloss LOVE

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It all began with the above little roll-on perfume {click on image for details}...The day before I gave birth to Elle West I was granted a lovely evening to myself, and it would be the last of those I'd enjoy for years. My Mom was already in town helping me prepare for Elle's arrival. Gabe was out-of-town; he got home just in time. Anyway, the night before she came, my Mom stayed home with True while I enjoyed a night out on the Durango town. For me, that consisted of a dinner at Carver's Brewery where I enjoyed my pregnant go-to food of choice, their Portobello quesadilla and raspberry iced tea; I went shopping at a darling boutique called Nectar, and I went to a movie. I saw the latest version of Foot Loose and loved every second of it. I also loved every second of being alone, with no need to consider or care for anyone else.

One of the items I picked up during my micro shopping spree at Nectar was Lucy B.'s royal peony rose & mandarin musk roll-on. I'd fondled and tested the sweet little perfume before, but hadn't bought any until then. 

I've always loved fragrance. My obsession with it was right there with my love for my first pair of white Kenny Rogers cowboy boots, and the purse department of any store that carried them. {do purses have their own department? anyway…} The first fragrance I used that I can remember very fondly was Tinkerbell. My Mom would buy it for me at Toys-R-Us. After that, my Grandma kept my supply of Avon's Imari stocked. As I got older I turned to trendy designer fragrances such as Exclamation, Sunflower, all things Elizabeth Arden, CKOne, Obsession, Eternity, a mix of Dior, and a variety of others that could be found on the cosmetics floor of major department stores. Finally, in my twenties, I settled for my tried and true favorites. They took up prime real-estate on my vanity - Opium and Channel No. 5.

Another thing happened in my twenties. I began using fragrance less and less often. It didn't exactly fit into my new Durango lifestyle. I mountain biked five days a week and worked for UPS. I was introduced to Diesel jeans, and cared more about what I wore in the way of clothes, than scent, when I happened not to be wearing a brown uniform. When I did in fact reach for fragrance, I'd dab on one of my old favorites.

Last week I threw my last two bottles of Opium and Channel No. 5 in the trash. They were probably close to ten years old, and I've probably worn them less than ten times in the past seven years. I've also used less lip gloss in the past decade than in the two before, and by close to 75%. And, that infatuation was right there with perfume...beginning with the one and only Lip Smackers. Why the shift this past decade? There are a lot of reasons. My lifestyle has changed and transformed immensley since my early twenties. Most of it I won't get into here, but part of it has been the sensitivity I've developed to artificial fragrance {or, just that I've finally began to notice it}. 

I don't use regular brands of dish soap or laundry detergent anymore. I cannot tolerate the smell of artificially fragranced candles or air fresheners, and I absolutely will not consume artificial sweeteners…taste and smell are connected, right? The less processed and the more natural food is, the better. Well, it's absolutely true of cosmetics as well. Instead of over thinking many of these things, or trying too hard to shop natural & organic, I simply buy what I gravitate toward. I don't buy something that I'm going to turn my nose up to. Even if the surface smell is nice or the taste is good. It's deeper than that, it's how the smell or taste makes me feel. Do you know what I mean? Does it feel healthy and clean and invigorating? Or does it feel yucky?

Since I haven't worn fragrance daily for years, that little peony rose & mandarin musk roll-on lasted me over two. I used it sparingly, and always felt pampered and wonderful about myself when I wore it. Once it ran out, toward the end of last year, I kept the bottle on my dresser. In a few desperate attempts, I rolled the dry roller on my wrist and held the roller to my nose to capture any lingering scent that would escape the bottle. The little shop where I purchased the roll-on, Nectar, has long since been out of business. Finally, a few weeks after Christmas, I Googled Lucy B. Cosmetics...ready to put this odd and unnecessary desperation to an end. 

About a week later, I threw away my empty roller and replaced it with a full size, 1.7 fl. oz., eau de parfum! I also added a Lucy B.'s tinted lip gloss in beatnik…I did NOT even know that they had lip gloss until I visited their website!!! I wanted to go crazy shopping via their site when I saw the variety of goodies that they make! But, I stopped with my parfum, lip gloss, and a gift for a friend.

Above is a close up of the goodies I received! I LOVE pretty and thoughtful packaging. I was already sold on their super pretty bottles and boxes, but I loved receiving their watercolor heart print "with love" note. Oh, and what's that on the far right?!!...I didn't mention purchasing a roll-on perfume. Hmmm…I checked my invoice for some sort of mistake. They sent me a FREE royal green fig & vanilla woods perfume oil roll-on, and it smells FABULOUS! I was/am in HEAVEN with this stuff! The last roll-on lasted me two years, but I have a feeling that this batch {although there is far more perfume} will not. My fragrance obsession is officially back. I feel naked if I don't put this stuff on daily. I won't get into smell descriptions with you because that will only make this post longer. But, let's go back to the whole feeling thing, shall we? Not only does the smell of the perfume and the feel of the gloss not make me feel icky, but it does makes me feel beautiful, confident, and like I want to inhale the fragrance with my whole entire being!!! Sound crazy? Corny?

Well, let's just say I didn't mind being a corn ball in the first place. BUT, after reviewing Lucy B.'s site more thoroughly in preparation for this post, I found out just how good {and up my alley} this company and their products are >>--->

Remember how I said that I didn't try too hard to shop organic? And that I just bought things that I gravitated towards, or that felt good. I didn't know what Lucy B.'s was when I bought that first roll-on. I just liked it. I liked the smell. I liked the bottle…it reminded me of my first love, Tinkerbell {not that that is anywhere NEAR organic!}. 

Well, so here's the inspiration behind Lucy B.'s Cosmetics >>--->

Australian Inspiration
Lucy and Marco spent 12 years living in Australia, falling in love with the natural resources, healing atmosphere, brilliant people and unpolluted lands. They discovered for themselves the amazing emotional, spiritual and physical benefits of the Australian Bush Flowers.

A passion to pass on the ancient knowledge from the land of Australia, combined with their experience working within the high-profile beauty and fashion industries, created the understanding, knowledge, energy and connections behind the exciting, fresh Australian Range, Lucy B.Cosmetics: The Natural Australian Alchemy of Beauty & Healing. 

MmmHm. That certainly is basis for the beginning of a love affair with this company. Let's just go ahead and seal the deal with their vision, sound good?

Our Vision:
is to balance image and style with heart & soul. 

Aahhh…..great BIG inhale and very dreamy exhale. Their vision is speaking to people like me.

There's more amazingness on their site, but I'll stop. I will tell you though, that my obsession is back and this time it's a loyal one. I'm fairly certain that, so long as Lucy B.'s keeps things up in the fashion of which they've started, I'm a customer of theirs for life. Oh. Last thing. Their products are made in the USA.

By the way, this is what you read each time you apply your Lucy B.'s gloss…

I know. I know. Sometimes you just find amazing companies that make amazing products, and also package them perfectly. If you give Lucy B.'s Cosmetics a try, or already have, tell me what you love in the comments!

1} Like Lucy B.'s on Facebook here.

2} See the gloss in action on Instagram here.

3} Shop Lucy B.'s Apothecary here.

4} Try this code at checkout for 25% off 

{let me know in the comments if it still works}

ILOVELUCYB

X O X O, JL

Filbert Fashions :: wool macbook air sleeve

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You are looking at my beautiful new, black and white, tribal print, and wool 13" macbook air sleeve from Filbert Fashions on Etsy. I walked to the post office everyday, the week before last, awaiting its arrival. Once it got here, I couldn't have been more pleased. I absolutely love it, and finally feel like I'm giving my wonderful new computer the care it deserves!

This purchase may wrap up the little bit of the fall fashion bug I've been having lately {for myself anyway}, and what a perfect way to end. Now that I've got my new computer, it easily moves around the house…the one I had before didn't have a battery anymore, so it sat stationary on my desk. This lightweight and slick macbook air usually props up on my bookshelf {just like a book!} when not in use. One day, not so long ago, I opened its beloved lid to find a large particle of dust/lint on the keyboard. I was horrified. I knew I needed a sleeve for it and quick!

The new computer was a gift from my awesome husband this past August. It makes my life easier, more enjoyable, and I utterly adore it. So, I'm obviously inclined to dress it accordingly ;) The sleeve is made from Pendleton wool, and I was able to choose between a button or velcro closure. I chose velcro because I thought it would be easiest and look the best. Inside the sleeve is lined with a super soft black fleece…I kinda want to wear the thing myself. However, this is as close as I'm probably going to get >>--->

<---<< which is okay. I'm content with that. {and yep, the computer is in there!}

Anyway, Filbert Fashions on Etsy is a gem of a shop if you are interested in wool, Native American inspired fabric prints, and accessories + device sleeves. I recommend you browse their shop HERE, and do a little Christmas shopping for yourself while you're at it!!

This week has been birthday overload for me and is still going! Elle West turned two on Tuesday, and True turned five yesterday. Their birthday party is on Sunday. I'm sneaking this little post in to make sure that I get a few minutes of me time this week! We will be traveling over the weekend, so I will be back in touch later next week…and hopefully with a HOLIDAY wish bracelets launch!!!

X O X O, JL

Old Navy + sweatshirts = a slight obsession

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{Old Navy//Women's Crew-Neck Sweatshirt}

I've mentioned recently how dressing for fall can be somewhat of a challenge for me, with my denial regarding summer's departure and all, and I've also mentioned that I tend to fall into an old sweatshirt + jeans rut. Well, I've found the perfect solution...Old Navy sweatshirts. They are soft, light-weight, flattering {not like a bulky team sweatshirt}, inexpensive, and quite importantly >>---> PRETTY!

I looked them up a couple weeks ago desperate for a fall-funk-wardrobe-solution, and after remembering my friend, Emily, in a pretty pale pink one a little while ago. I wasn't sure that they'd still have them available. But, not only did they...they were on sale for $8!! I went berserk and bought four. Okay, I bought two, and two slightly more expensive ones...but not by too much.

Then, once they arrived, I wore one practically every day and started over again. I have that one in Tropical Breeze on again today, and am considering doing laundry {my normal laundry day is Sunday} early so that I can wear the others the rest of the week. 

Since I knew that I'd want to share these joys with you, I took pictures >>--->

Day 1 // Old Navy Women's Crew-Neck Sweatshirt in Tropical Breeze // old Miss Me Jeans // old Sorel Caribous {note: Sorel makes some insanely amazing boots for women now. have a looksie here.} // necklace from Canyon De Chelly {Native made} // Pretty by JL bracelets 1 + 2 ...and yes, I really do wear Sorels when the sun is shining and there isn't a snow cloud in sight...it's my AZ blood in SW Colorado fall/winters! >>--->

Day 2 // Old Navy Women's Crew-Neck Sweatshirt in Coral Integrity // slightly less old Miss Me Jeans // decade old Diesel belt // Minnetonka Feather Mocs // Pretty by JL bracelets 1 + 2 ...and no, my little old house isn't really for sale. >>--->

Day 3 // Old Navy Women's Terry Fleece Crew Neck Tunic // old Husdson skinnies // my new TOMS // Ray Bennett, Carico Lake Turquoise pendant on a Pretty by JL Wrap ...perhaps the most fashion forward sweatshirt outfit yet and a fuzz less country girl {maybe that's also why it is G's least favorite. I love it though!}. >>--->

Day 4 // Old Navy Women's Embellished Raglan Sweatshirt // some more oldish Miss Me Jeans // old J. Crew belt // old Coach sunglasses // Pretty by JL "Chloe" Wrap + my new TOMS ...if you follow along on Instagram you may recognize this sweatshirt from a favorite pic that didn't make the PRETTYblog cut post I made recently. I love the super-hero-esqueness about that first photo...that bling/mirror/shine/sun reflection is REAL!! Just too cool!

Anyway, by now you surely get that I'm a big fan of these sweatshirts. They are perfect for me because they are easy, and snuggy, and make me still feel human. There's somethin' about the frayed Carhartt sweatshirts I own {and the team ones that I don't} that induce depression...or that stay-at-home-mom-stuck-at-home-mom-funk that I am NOT a fan of!

So now the big question is this: Do I do laundry early <<OR>> buy three more so that I have one for each day of the week? Guess what, this style is now on sale for $6.97 + another 20% off {...ends today}! You can shop all the reasonably priced Old Navy sweatshirts here. 

Would I be like Al from Home Improvement, in his always plaid & flannel shirts, if I'm always wearing an Old Navy sweatshirt? Hm. Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead.

I do love them though {xoxo}, JL

*post not sponsored. just my personal opinion & wardrobe.

TOMS :: Black Jacquard Desert Wedge

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Today I'd planned to share with you some pictures from over the weekend, a country-fall-wedding-outfit-gone-right. But...my new shoes came! I'm too excited about these pretty new shoes {or perhaps handsome is a better description}. So, I decided that I had to show them to you NOW!

You are looking at TOMS new Black Jacquard Desert Wedge, and I >>---> l o v e them. I thought it might be too soon to say. But, it's not. Some things are just right.

Being as today is Monday, and since I'm suffering from a bit of fall funk {like mentioned here} I didn't have much get-up-and-go. Getting up and dressed was about the extent of it today. Oh, and just being a mom; a stay at home one that tends to one need after another of others just about all day, everyday...that was it for my get-up-and-go {today}.

Then my shoes came...and I got up on the table to show you >>--->

<---<< Then I went and stood in the street >>--->

{my neighbors would completely understand}

{...although most were at work, so I was free to stand in the street all I wanted incase they wouldn't understand.}

{I totally dressed today hoping they'd come, my shoes not my neighbors. and they did.}

It seems I had a little more get-up-and-go than I thought. But, AMAZING new shoes have a way of helping with that! Just think what's possible tomorrow...when I will have them for the entire day!!

In all seriousness though, I'm a big fan. These gorgeous wedges will afford me a nice alternative to boots, my norm for fall/winter. I love their heel. I love their tribal inspired print. I love that they're a bootie {been wantin' some for years!}. I love that they're TOMS! I love love love that I ordered a size 8 because they are so comfy...my last two pairs of TOMS were 7.5 and were too snug {but, I tend to tough that sort of thing out}. I could probably live in these loves >>--->

Overly productive and every bit as amazing as always {xoxo}, JL

Emily McDowell Fine Art Print :: being good...

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I received the above print as a birthday gift a couple weeks ago. It is Emily McDowell's "Anne of Green Gables" Fashionable Print, 5x7". I had to just inhale deeply upon receiving it for two reasons. 1} because someone knows me so well, and 2} because I'm obviously not the only one who feels this way...both fill me with joy! Ahhh, to be understood!

I am acutely aware that not everyone can relate. But, I had to laugh last weekend when I was showering {I had received the print a few days before} and I was thinking about my day. I had a couple somewhat dull tasks to work on; that I felt would be a strain to keep focused on. As I was shampooing, I resolved that I would dress well...it was a Saturday being spent at home with the family. A sort of day where I'd normally wear my most casual and comfy clothes {Levis and a tee}. But, since I didn't plan on just lounging around because I had stuff to do and not fun stuff, I figured I'd dress stylishly and would wear some of my favorite jewelry...it would help. If I felt "fashionable" it would be "much easier to be good". Ha! That's what I thought! Really...all by myself! I grinned ear to ear and shook my head. Chloe had written in her birthday card to me, which had arrived earlier, that she hadn't found "the perfect gift" yet, and for me to expect something random down the road when she found "the right one". The gift that she ultimately sent couldn't have been more perfect or right!

Here's what I wore >>--->

<---<< Still quite casual because that's how I roll. 

I wore a decade old shimmer & paisley halter purchased in a Durango boutique that's no longer around; an Ella Moss t-back tank from many a seasons ago layered on top; my True Religion Billys; Sam Edelman Greyson sandals; my Teri Greeves beaded cuff {another birthday gift}, and 2 Pretty by JL bracelets {1 :: 2}. I felt "good" and therefore found it "easier to be good".

***That day, and the chosen outfit, feels miles away with the Colorado weather that has ensued since. My heart goes out to everyone on the front range who has suffered any form of flooding devastation. Lucky for us, here in the southwest corner of the state, our grass is thriving and our houses & cars are not currently being washed away. But, tanks and sandals certainly may be a thing of the past this fall!***

As for Emily McDowell's print, I couldn't love it more. I spent some time on her website and started following her on Instagram...I encourage you to take a look at both, too {with a cup of coffee in hand 'cause you'll want to stay awhile}, to see what treasures you can find; to see that you are indeed understood, too ;)

X O X O, JL

Mommy Milk Creations :: breast milk pendant

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{Photo taken by me on Instagram}

For World Breastfeeding Month I want to be sure that I get a p.p.p. in on a breastfeeding related product. Since you know that I love jewelry, is it anything but fitting that I would choose to feature a breast milk pendant?!

The above is the design I chose from MommyMilk Creations on Etsy, and when I cashed in on a gift certificate I received for my birthday last year. I had shared a link to MommyMilk on facebook when I first saw them...thinking that it was the coolest thing ever. I was still breastfeeding Elle West at the time, and I was donating her extra milk to Mothers' Milk Bank in Denver. Donating milk made me extra sentimental about breastfeeding. Chloe picked up on it, and gave me one for my birthday last September.

Elle West weaned a few months later, so I didn't send milk in for my pendant right away. I waited until my final donation shipped and I had only a couple spare ounces of breast milk left in the freezer. Allicia's process takes awhile {owner and designer at Mommy Milk Creations}, and she makes that perfectly clear. So, I wasn't in a hurry to receive my pendant, but was definitely excited when it came! I chose a large pendant with two milk beads {flat hearts}...one to represent me and one to represent Elle West. I chose a silver background and used Elle's name. I received my pendant about ten-twelve weeks after I shipped my milk.

It was a very fun package to open, and True wanted to claim it for himself! He was utterly fascinated with that Elle West's milk was inside! I didn't wear the pendant a ton in the beginning. I think the size felt a little clunky to me, but I seem to have gotten over it! I've worn it a lot this summer...

Above is an ootd I posted on Instagram a few weeks ago. I'm wearing the MommyMilk Creations pendant shown above, a silk & sterling silver Pretty by JL braid bracelet, a wrangler snap shirt, Splendid tank, a Navajo beaded Thunderbird buckle from Toh-Atin in Durango, Miss Me Jeans, and Minnetonka Feather Mocs...in my backyard in Bayfield. The photo gives you an idea of how easy the pendant is to wear regardless of your style. Here's a bit of a closer look though...

Allicia takes pride in her as close to perfect as can be milk beads, and from what I can tell with very good reason. The pendant was so worth the wait and such a super cool keepsake. There are many many many styles available in the MommyMilk Creations Etsy Shop. I LOVE this one {with the tree bead & antique finish}, and the simplicity and class of this one.

Find out more about Allicia and her shop here, check out her blog, and like her shop on facebook! Shop for your own breast milk pendant here!! Getting one for yourself would be a fun way to honor and remember World Breastfeeding Month 2013 ;)

X O X O, JL

Jenny Gummersall :: pretty Fine Art Prints

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From her earliest days in the darkroom, at 3 years old, Jenny Gummersall has "studied" life with a unique eye for the normal being transformed into the unusual.

Born near Chicago, Jenny studied art and photography at Columbia College in Missouri. A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Gummersall's love of the West was inspired by the New Mexico light. Her mentor, the late Reinhold Misselbeck (Curator, Museum Ludwig, Cologne Germany) early on encouraged Jenny to photograph her present surroundings so as to share those expert technical abilities with her passion of "drawing with light".

Jenny Gummersall's art is in numerous corporate and public art collections as well as notable private collections. Tucson Museum of Art, The Museum at Texas Tech, The Residences at The Little Nell, Aspen, Nestles Corporation, Baylor Hospital, First Western Bank, The Omni Hotel at The Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville, to name a few.

      

Articles celebrating Gummersall's art have appeared in magazines and books over the years including Aspen Magazine, Cowboys & Indians, the cover of Southwest Art, Colorado Homes and Lifestyles, Durango Magazine and Canada's Wish Magazine.

__________________________

"Jenny Gummersall’s photography knocks me out. She sees fine art everywhere around her — an egg in a ranch kitchen, a cloud formation over Telluride. Her Horse Dreams series gets me right where I live because it puts me right where I want to be — in a world where it’s just an appaloosa, a landscape, and my imagination ready to jump on and run wild. That these photographs can flip my fantasy switch with a little toy horse and an impromptu tableau tells me that Jenny Gummersall is an artist indeed."

— Dana Joseph, senior editor Cowboys & Indians magazine

{Jenny's Girl With Pink Slippers, a print from her Horse Dreams series}

So, how lucky am I, or are we? I've been SOoo excited about the upcoming Pretty by JL trunk show with special guest Tyller Gummersall...SOoo excited that he's going to perform in MY very own backyard, that I haven't even thought to mention the coolness that are his parents. Well, and that they are going to be here, too! Both of them are also artists, and I strongly encourage that you to take a peek at both Jenny & Greg's work. Grab a cup of coffee and prepare to fall in love as you imagine your dream home decorated in their pieces. Both works are extremely different, but I truly love both styles. 

I was just about to type that someday my home will be filled with work by Jenny & Greg when it dawned on me that this coming Thursday is the day!!! Jenny will be showcasing matted 5x5" and 5x7" limited edition prints, of 24, from some of her series. Each piece retails for $75. For each piece that sells during Thursday's trunk show, Jenny will give half the proceeds to me...because she's amazing and because she believes in our mission. Let me take a sec to remind you why someone would give me money *OR* buy a Pretty by JL product>>--------->       

<---------<<Pretty by JL products are being sold as a way to earn the funds necessary to launch Pretty-Bras for Nursing Moms, llc by JL. Our business is dedicated to accomplishing the mission to help each woman soften the challenges of breastfeeding by celebrating her body and satisfying her spirit of self.

The above piece, Girl With Pink Slippers, is one that Jenny will be showcasing at Thursday's show. Here's another one...

{Jenny's Blue Pin Cushion, a print from her Flowers series}

I can't wait to see what else she brings! Between her gorgeous prints, the two prints I will have displayed of Greg's {featuring Tyller...just wait and see!}, Tangerine Hills {Pretty by JL's fall accessory collection}, and music by Tyller...our senses are going to be in heaven!

Have I mentioned the croissants from Serious Delights, my spiked watermelon limeade, tangerine hills salsa, and the door prizes??! Ahh sheesh. I'm not exactly sure how we are going to pack so much wonderfulness into two hours, but we're gonna!!

This Thursday, August 15th in Bayfield, CO. From 7-9 pm. The number of guests is limited, but we still have room for a few more. Email me: jl@prettybrasfornursingmoms.com to RSVP. 

See you here!

JL

Serious Delights :: the family 5k menu!

{Products, People, Places}

So, it's lookin' like we're in for two p.p.p.s this week {Products, People, Places}! I've got to take a short moment to gush about Serious Delights, the amazingness that is the bakery that is found inside of Nature's Oasis!! This time of year, you can also find them at the Durango Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings, 8 am to noon. 

They have a beautiful new website which can be found by clicking on their logo above, and they've got an active facebook page that you can like here. My personal favorites, since I have a sweet tooth, are their chocolate mousse and {when in season, NOW!} strawberry rhubarb pies! Here is a photo of their strawberry rhubarb mini pie that I shared on facebook last summer...

...I'm not a big fan of sharing my strawberry rhubarb mini pies from Serious Delights, so I enjoyed this one outside at nap time ;)

Anyway, so lucky for us, Robert and Kelly love our family 5k! They've sponsored the event each of the four years it has existed! Robert got the menu to me for this year's event last week, and I just have to share!

Here's what we're gonna have:

The following varieties of freshly baked mini croissants:

Traditional (unfilled)
Smoked Ham & White Cheddar
Roasted Jalapeno & Smoked Bacon
Sauteed Spinach & Feta

Also freshly baked mini Cinnamon Rolls! 

Plus the following gluten-free options:

Mini lemon coconut muffins

Mini pumpkin spice muffins

Mini chocolate dipped macaroons

Umm, does that not alone make the family 5k worth coming to?!!! Durango Joe's is providing coffee, and I'm making my watermelon limeade. That's just the food. Wait 'til you see what else is going on!!

A ginormous Thank YOU to Serious Delights for feeding us well...

See YOU at the family 5k walk run!! Register or print your mail-in registration form HERE.

X O X O, JL

Chloe Marty Custom Invitations :: fob favor set

{Products, People, Places}

{Custom Invitation designed by Chloe Marty :: available for customization in her Etsy Shop} 

The above invitation is one that I commissioned Chloe Marty to design, for my friend Emily's baby shower in June. Planning something like a baby shower is always, at first, a bit overwhelming and intimidating for me. Emily's sister, Anne, and I had taken charge. I do such things {like hosting or organizing baby showers/sprinkles or bachelorette parties} for my close friends despite the work and intimidation, because I want them to get what I want them to get by way of event. I can be a fuzz controlling like that, and in those situations, push the overwhelmance I might feel aside...some things are just worth doing.

In this case, the coming of Emily's twins needed to be celebrated in utmost fashion! She moved throughout her pregnancy with grace, and was a true inspiration as she took care of her three boys like she would any other summer; despite her full-term belly. She is an amazing mom.

After browsing Emily's registry and seeing the paint chips she'd picked for the twins nursery, I knew the first thing I needed to do was contact Chloe for an invite design. Not only is the invitation important to get done asap, but for me it is also a source of event theme inspiration. That may sound backwards to some of you {I tend to do and be a little backwards}. Most people probably have an idea of their event's theme prior to invite design, but I was clueless. This was my way of passing the creative pressure on to Chloe. The only direction I gave Chloe went something like this, "I'm thinking narrow chevron stripes in Em's colors." I'd seen a chevron striped crib sheet in Emily's registry that I loved. That was it. That was all I had.

Luckily, Chloe also happens to know Emily very well. So, she didn't really need lots of direction in this case. As well, she ended up contributing the invites to the shower. But, I wouldn't know that until after the design process. She treated the invite like it was my baby, like she would with any client. After she sent me one design concept, I knew she had it nailed! The theme would be chevron stripes and hearts in Emily's colors, pink & navy.

From there I started shopping for decorations {thrilled to at last have direction; thanks Chloe!}. Anne would be hosting the shower and was taking care of food. Chloe also designed and contributed food placards to coordinate with the invitations and theme. 

I had recently made a key fob favor set for someone who was hosting/organizing a special bachelorette weekend, and that turned out really great {read about it here}...otherwise I'd never have thought of it on my own. So I began toying with the idea of trying to match Emily's shower's theme with Pretty by JL key fobs...to be used as the shower's favors. Here's what I came up with...

I used two of our existing designs to coordinate with the chevron stripe and heart theme: our 2 color arrow & our 2 color heart designs. I special ordered silk in navy blue {since we don't keep that on hand} and used watermelon silk to best match Emily's pink color.

I made five of each design, one for each of our guests...

...what do you think?! I was pretty happy with the end result, and the guests seemed to enjoy them too! You can customize your own fob favor set, and see more details & photos of this set here!

I felt really good about how the shower was coming together, and when the day finally came, none of us were disappointed!

We had a champagne bar complete with chevron striped paper straws {Emily LOVES straws}!

Instead of games, we did a craft...100% planned by Emily. We made headbands for baby girl {above} and...

...onesies with bow ties or applique neckties for baby boy! The day was wonderful and so much fun!! To think it all started with an invitation...well okay, maybe it all started with a precious baby girl & boy! But, thank goodness for babies giving us good reasons to have PRETTY baby showers!

Chloe will often times list custom designs she's done for her clients in her Etsy Shop...for customization. Choosing a design like this is most economical because she isn't designing the card from scratch. She's updating the design with your chosen colors and details. Browse her shop today to see some of the other gorgeous designs that she has available {and for other events!}. If you'd like to customize Emily's shower invite, just click here!

Be in touch with me, through Pretty by JL's Etsy Shop, if you have an event coming up that our key fobs might be the perfect favor for! I'd be happy to try to match your theme. I will also order special silk colors for you, if the perfect ones can't be found on our silk color swatches...the possibilities are truly endless! 

X O X O, JL

Sam Edelman Sandals & Miss Me Jeans :: a reinvention

{Products, People, Places}

{Photo series taken by me on Instagram}

So since it's Friday, and since this post has been a ridiculously long time coming, and since Sam Edelman is doing an Instagram giveaway that ends Monday using the hash tag #ShowUsYourSams, I'm going to share here what I shared months ago on Instagram...

My Sam Edelman Sandals & Miss Me Jeans Reinvention! People loved the pics I shared when I was back in West Texas, so I have no doubt that it is also post worthy.

It all starts with some sandal woes. This is the second of two, which I mentioned in this post...incidentally also about Sam Edelman sandals. What can I say, I love their sandals. So after my Greysons broke, I started wearing my old Gingers. THREE year old Gingers! So, they aren't quite what you are seeing if you click on the link. My Gingers have been great and I absolutely love them. But, they were beginning to look a little worse for wear. I'd washed them a couple times {complete with a toothbrush scrub}, and had done a little mending on some fraying edges of leather. The things had carried me many many a mile on foot, including while pregnant, and while not pregnant but carrying my baby through the streets of Medellin, Colombia...in search of a manufacturer for our maternity/nursing dress {still being developed} ----->

<----- Now I'm more set than ever on just having the dress manufactured here. I've always wanted USA Made products, and since our accessories are being handcrafted here, and since I find the language barrier too stressful for now, I'm looking to produce the dress in the states. But, back to Sam Edelman Sandals & Miss Me Jeans. Excuse the little detour...{though you can catch a glimpse of my Gingers in their second season of use in the photo above}.

I've mentioned before Elle West's little picky fingers. Picky as in, she picks at things. She has amazing grace, dexterity, and precision with her little fingers. It's actually very fun to watch. Except for if she is picking at bead work on my sandals. So was the case. My Gingers had some loose ones, and Elle West darn right picked 'em off! I was SO mad. Sandal woe number two. Now what?!

My new Greysons were broke and my old Gingers were void of a needed bead {not to mention the loose-and-wiry-fishing-looking-line that was now exposed, with no bead!} Sound a little dramatic? Well, maybe it was. But, it was a woe. I went searching for another new pair of sandals to right the down right depressing situation. We were in Odessa, TX at the time where there was not a Nordstrom. They have Dillard's, which does not carry Sam Edelman, and I just couldn't find anything to replace either pair of my sandals.

Earlier that morning, I'd placed my old Gingers in the trash. I immediately took them out and set them on our camper's bathroom counter. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away. Surely I could use the beads for something {or something!}. On our drive home from town, where I had no luck shopping, I decided I was in the mood for a craft.

I was going to reinvent my sandals. The soles were so comfy and everything on them was just fine except for the bead work, surely I could do something. I also had an old pair of Miss Me Jeans that I couldn't bear parting with. They were pre-bling they were so old. I decided I'd turn them into shorts, although G hates cut-offs {I keep trying to convince him to take the glorifying view of today's country music, but he won't. I LOVE cut-offs, always will.}, and use some of their denim on my Gingers. The process looked like this ----->

It might just be one bead and look like nothing to you. But, it was just the beginning.

I LOVE Miss Me Jeans. Bling or no bling, I love them all and have worn them for five years. This was one of my first pair.

See what I mean. I just could not throw those beads away.

I am obsessed with arrows right now. You can check our my arrow obsession board on Pinterest to see more.

Design complete. I washed and dried them to get the edges to fray in true cut-off fashion. Then I just sewed them on my Gingers with a hardy needle & some thread.

Sam Edelman Sandals and Miss Me Jeans may live another season {or more!}.

Described as "Giving Batman a run for his money" on Instagram. 

The best pic I could salvage from the few I had G snap...but, you get the idea ;)

I've worn the sandals and the shorts lots since my summer started in Feb. {thanks to W TX}. It's pretty cool to be on season number three in these shoes. Whenever anyone gives me crap about the amount I may be willing to spend on high quality clothing, shoes, and accessories...I tell them that I don't buy lots, and it lasts a really long time. This summer won't be the last for these Gingers or cut-offs!

A big thanks to Sam Edelman and Miss Me for making such great stuff!

X O X O, JL

Anyone want my leftover beads? I've got lots left...if you want 'em, just shout it out in the comments with some contact info. I'll mail 'em to ya!