As we prepare for E’s 5th birthday bash this weekend, I get nostalgic thinking about her birthdays past. Mike thinks I am crazy, as birthdays were never a big deal in his family. If it were up to him we would have a pinata and a 6 foot sub. Never going to happen. I live for parties. Here are some shots of soirees # 1-4. Unfortunately, I was always so busy preparing for the parties, I never really took good pictures. This year will be different. My friend James Woo will be there to capture all of the details. Stay tuned!
Author Archives: Krista Salmon
09.13.10
Kiki’s List Giveaway: Lettergirl.
As you all know by now, I love stationary. I love notecards, I love gift tags and I LOVE these stamps from Lettergirl. I bought a stamp from Gina’s Etsy Shop last year, and I can’t tell you how many people have asked me where I got it. These stamps are so unique, and the best thing about them is that they last forever (or until you move.)
So, my Kiki’s List friends, Lettergirl is giving a free red rubber stamp to one lucky Kiki’s List Follower. Here are the details of the giveaway:
1.) You must be a Follower of Kiki’s List.
2.) To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post between today, Monday, September 13, 2010 and Friday, September 17 telling me what is the best handwritten note that you have received. A winner will be selected at random and will be announced next Monday, September 20.
3.) To receive an additional entry, you can link to this post on your own blog (include the url to your blog post in your comment). It is up to you to return to this post to enter your second entry after blogging about the giveaway.
4.)Post about this giveaway on Facebook for an additional entry. You must enter the link to this post in you status update. It is up to you to return to this post to enter your second entry after FB’ing about the giveaway.
09.12.10
Field Trip: Wings of Fancy.
Yesterday, my two favorite girls and I headed to the Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit. What a beautiful day we had. The weather was perfect and the butterflies were flying footloose and fancy free. Below are some of the highlights.
E loved touching the specimens.
This little guy made himself right at home on my baby’s head.
My girls.
They insisted on wearing their butterfly dresses in honor of the butterflies.
09.10.10
The Pamplemousse Martini.
Here’s to the weekend. This drink is sure to knock your socks off. It’s my absolute favorite. I was introduced to this drink by my best friend Danielle’s Mom (B) who made it for Dan’s engagement party a few years ago. It takes a little bit of time and energy to make… but it’s well worth it! Nice work B!
Pamplemousse is the French word for grapefruit, which is one of the main ingredients in this vodka drink.
(From Bon Appétit, January 2007. Makes 6 drinks.)
INGREDIENTS
7 tablespoons water
5 tablespoons Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons honey
1 1/2 cups vodka (I use Grey Goose.)
3/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
18 fresh mint leaves, plus 6 sprigs for garnish
ice cubes
PREPARATION
1. Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cool. This step can be done one day ahead, covered, and refrigerated.
2. Combine pomegranate mixture, vodka, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and mint leaves together in a large pitcher. Fill pitcher with ice cubes and stir vigorously. Strain drink into martini glasses. Garnish each glass with mint sprig and serve.
09.09.10
A Peek Into Her World: Coralia Leets
Remember these beautiful dazzlers from my Mayastar post a few weeks ago?
Well…. I would like to introduce you to the woman behind the designs. Kiki’s List fans, meet Coralia Leets.
As you already know, I am a HUGE fan of her designs. Below are the items that I already own, and next on my list are the turquoise double-gem drop earrings that you see above.
Coralia is an Orlando-based designer who travels the world for inspiration. She started designing jewelry after a 20 year career in retail merchandising. Her designs have been featured in InStyle Magazine an were seen on several celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Coralia was gracious enough to chat with me and let us take a Peek Into Her World.
1. What inspired you to start designing jewelry?
My inspiration came from my personal creations that I would make for myself since the market was mostly limited at that time. Also seeing certain pieces that would benefit from a more personal touch and dash of unique style each piece carries.
2. What do you love most about it? What is the most challenging part of your job?
The part of my job that I love the most is every season comes a new take on creating new trends. Mixing stones and materials not expected and the rewards that my clientele will identify my collection from afar. Either at a department store gallery or something worn by my friends & customers.
The most challenging part is the detailed work behind every season which a new collection is created. All the details each piece carries is unique down to the very stone being used to complete a successful and beautiful piece.
3. Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration mostly from traveling all around the world , mostly because of my job. When I travel to different places each country and the people there leave me with a lasting impression on fashion, trends, ideas and an overall feeling of that part of the world.
4. Who are some of your other favorite jewelry designers?
I have several , one of my favorite is a personal friend of my mine from London named Fiona Paxton. She is an incredible designer with a totally different style than mine and that’s something I can appreciate. Also a classic designer that’s very elegant and timeless is Verdura.
5. Favorite gemstone?
Bright color quartz and chalcedony double faceted.
6. Favorite destination?
Prague – Amazing city. Very vibrant and great energy.
7. What is your favorite piece that you have designed?
I have several , but to pick only one, I would say my elastic nuggets bracelet with semi-precious stones. I wear several at a time and it’s a look that I love.
8. What’s the biggest mistake you have ever made on the job?
My biggest mistake(s) would be not always taking all the risk that I should be taking. Not any one time occurrence.
9. How would you describe your personal style?
I like simplicity that makes a statement.
10. When did you know that your business was going to be a success ?
Upon opening my doors for business back in 2000. I knew opening the store was the right move for the amount of attention my pieces were getting from a small clientele back then. Those same designs have allowed me to grow my business into what it has become today.
Thanks Coralia for letting us take a Peek Into Your World, and for creating such beautiful pieces. I look forward to adding to my CL collection!
09.08.10
Brown Bag Special.
Last week I was helping the husband of one special Kiki’s List fan on a new fall bag for his little lady. I was happy that I sold him on brown. I am really into the look of a relaxed brown leather tote this season. She is a stay at home momma with two tots, so as you can imagine we were looking for a practical bag with a lot of real estate. He decided on #12, but she wanted to wait for this post until she occupied it, just in case she changes her mind. Check out the picks that made it onto Kiki’s List:
09.07.10
There Goes My Life.
Ugh.. How can this be? My baby girl packed up her Princess backpack this morning and headed off to Kindergarten. Of course, Lou wanted to be “just like Sissy” so she packed up her Dora backpack full of her Yo Gabba Gabba Dolls and off we went. As I am typing this I am listening to There Goes My Life, by Kenny Chesney. Cry much?
