 A week ago I decided that I wanted to go down to the river to snap some photos of the amazing sunsets we have been having lately without my neighbors house in my way. I told my brother and his girl friend and they suggested going to the electric towers instead. I have never been there but its about a 5-10 drive from where I live up in the heights. I'm always down to go to a new place. Every night we've been having cotton candy skies happening. The night we went to the towers it wasn't as epic as the previous nights but it was still beautiful. I took mostly shots of the scenery but Marisa snapped some photos of me wearing my JOTD. It was the perfect time to learn how to use my cameras settings for night time. This was a cool spot, I'm glad they brought me here! My bro headed back to California a few days afterwards. He's the only one who likes to go on adventures with me so I'll surely miss him. Until next time!               
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 <> <<>> <<<>>> <<<<<>>>>> My friend Christine introduced me to the most wonderful place. Simmon's Farms in McMurray PA. It's about a 45 minute drive from where we live. We opted for the Pick your Own Flowers but they have lots of produce to choose from. The day we went they had Sweet Corn available for picking. When we got there, we were handed a sand bucket and a pair of scissors. We then drove to the flower fields where there are many rows of flowers. Its easy to get carried away. I cut every flower that I thought was the most beautiful in sight. It took me some time to realize how many bumble bees there were swarming around me. Everywhere I looked, there they were. It was so cool to be in there element and not even care. The buzzing sounds were almost calming. Another beautiful creature that was all around were butterflies. So many of them just fluttering around and dancing with one another. It was quite lovely and of course being there made me wish I had a magical flower garden of my own. For a cost of $8.00 you get to fill the bucket with as many flowers as you can stuff in it. I came home with my large bouquet of Flowers and arranged them in 6 floral vases and put them all over my house. They lasted for awhile, up to two weeks with little maintenance. I still have some of them dried up and dead but full of bright color. Such a gem this place! Hit it up if your in the Pittsburgh area. You will not be disappointed! Some of the photos below were taken by my awesome photographer friend Christine Grago. Big shout out to her for introducing me to my new favorite place!! If you haven't already checked her out here is her site Fleeting Glimpse Photography Xo!  Photo By Chrstine Grago    Photo By Chrstine Grago         Photo By Christine Grago         Photo By Christine Grago      Photo By Christine Grago    Photo By Christine Grago   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hello friends! I am so excited to share this collaboration with you all. Photographer of Fleeting Glimpse Photography, Christine Grago and myself have teamed up for this beautiful {Flower Power} Shoot. Christine asked me awhile back if she could use some of my jewels for this shoot she had in mind. Originally it was suppose to happen in the spring time. Bad weather happened and the shoot got delayed until July. Still, in mid July, the farm hasn't fully sprouted yet because of all the rain. Somehow she ended up scoring {basically} the only nice and sunny day we've had all summer. The day before the shoot Christine contacted me about my jewels and said if I'd like to tag along I could. She was so kind to snap a few shots of myself wearing myself!! lol I needed some close ups that I couldn't for the life of me capture myself with my self timer, for my {Spanish Caravan} shoot. I wore basically the same outfit and everything. But I decided to keep the photos captured by Christine on this post instead of adding them to my previous blog post. But her main focus photographing at Pisarcik Greenhouses & Flower Farm was capturing one of our best friends little sister, Molly. Preparing her for her Senior photos coming up soon. And I must say they both did a wonderful job on their 'trial run'. I could not be any more happier with how they captured my jewelry together. Seriously though, the blue contrast against Molly's Skin tone and eye color are absolutely stunning!! I'll be adding some of these photos to my home page for sure, very soon. <<<>>> The Farm made this beautiful Floral Crown for Christine to capture. It smelt soo lovely! The woman who greeted us with the crown was so kind and informative about what they do there. She also said that August is the best time of the year at the farm and invited Christine to come back then to shoot more photos. <<<<<>>>>> Be sure to check out Christine's website: www.christinegrago.com and find and follow her journey on Instagram: here You can find model, Molly Kolar on Instagram: here And my latest Collection is available in my Etsy Shop <<>> Xo!                           <<<<>>>> Summer is here and I have finally gotten around to finishing my collection. I have been busy with custom orders lately and had to delay my release date by weeks. I remember a year ago wishing I was an artist busy with customs and now here I am. All it really takes is a little persistence, dedication, and a shit ton of passion and the next thing you know your collections are selling out and your busy designing orders with customers. I can't scream out loud enough how much I love my job. This summer I have taken back on one of my nannying jobs with the tweens in my life, whom I love deeply and am very happy I get to spend my days with. But, it has made creating harder to do. When I get home, I don't have much time to make jewelry before its already time for bed. So I've been trying to get as much work done during the weekends as possible. I'm am so excited to FINALLY introduce to you all my Summer Collection: {Spanish Caravan} <<<>>> Yet again another collection named after a Doors song. It wasn't my intention but after photographing this shoot, I honestly couldn't think of any other name that would be any more perfect. <<<<<>>>>> <<<<<>>>>> It's funny because I've been dreaming lately about living in basically a caravan traveling the states and calling no particular place my home. One of the main reasons I'm opening up a second hand shop on my website by the end of summer/ beginning of fall is so I can save up enough money to live this kind of life. Me, my pup and the open road. I've been meditating about this for almost a year now, so its to that point that not only can I see this happening, but I can feel it. Anyway, more information about the second hand shop will be Coming Soon. In the meanwhile, you can shop << The Spanish Caravan Collection >> in my Etsy Shop. <<>> Xo! "Carry me caravan, take me away                    <> <<>> <<<>>> <<>> <> I am having so much fun designing jewelry with these Peruvian hand painted cabochons that I have. The possiblilties are endless! All of the creations photographed are custom orders & trades. I'm glad I had the chance to photograph them all together before shipping them off. The two matching rings on my pointer fingers, above, were my first design creating with these cabs. Those ones are replicas of my original. After making those, I have officially decided that its time to make one for me. To me they scream GODDESS, Peruvian Goddess that is. <<>> <<<<>>>> <<>> Last photo shown features available Peruvian Cabochons for Customs. They are different than the previous ones I've had for they are flat topped instead of rounded but still equally as awesome. If you see one you like, shoot me an email Theturquoiseforest@gmail.com or MSG me through Etsy. They are guaranteed to disappear quickly so act fast! <<<Wearing>>> Romper: Angie Hat: Seven Seas Jewelry: The Turquoise Forest Boots: Etsy {Vintage} Bandana: Ten Thousand Villages Clutch: Call it Spring Sunglasses: Thrift Shop            
      {^Cabs available for customs^}
<<>> <<<<>>>> <<>> <>  <<<>>> The Turquoise Forest has teamed up with photographer <<Zola Donohue>> & model <<Kaitlyn Hitsman>> for a waterfall shoot in Oahu, Hawaii. Kaitlyn is wearing all jewels handmade by me! I could not be any happier with how lovely this shoot came out.. Be sure to stop over to Zola's website, and find & follow her on Instagram: @zoladonohue She does amazing work. Also, be sure to check out the beautiful Kaitlyn on Instagram: @kealohakait <<<<<>>>>> The Yellow Howlite necklace Kaitlyn is modeling was one of the first pieces I made for my shop over 3 years ago now. Easily one of my all time favorite beaded creations. That necklace is OOAK. She is also wearing a pair of leather & turquoise earrings which can be made to order. Contact me if interested. You can find the Turquoise Ring { here } and the Silver Aztec Ring { here } Both are Made to Order in my shop. The Jade & Pink Coral Necklace is also OOAK Feel free to contact me if you are interested in similar style necklaces. <<<>>> Model is Wearing: Black Suit: Coycoy Swimwear Jewelry: The Turquoise Forest                 
 <<<< www.zoladonohue.com >>>>
 <<<<<<>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hello everyone! Today I have released a small collection in my shop entitled: {Spirit Of The Sky} This collection started by initially wanting to make a pair of over sized funky thunder bird earrings. I made one and realized when everything was soldered and the stone was ready to be set, that it was way too heavy for my ears. So, I turned that piece into a pendant. I ordered a much thinner gauge of sheet because the earrings still needed to be done! In the process of making them, I had a custom order for a tiny thunder bird toe ring that I decided would be great as a MTO in my shop. Also while working on the earrings, I decided to go ahead and make a ring! The only thing I didn't make for this collection, which I will be making in the future, is a cuff. Next time.. I also took a couple photos modeling the jewels for ya'll for size reference. It's unbelievable how light the earrings are. I'm happy with how they came out. All of these pieces can be made over again with turquoise stones varying. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the Spirit Of The Sky collection. <<>> Xo! <<>>  {Thunderbird Earrings Featuring Lone Mountain Turquoise}  {Necklace featuring Kingman}
 
“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.” ~Victor Hugo  Thunderbird Ring features Kingman Turquoise. Toe/Midi Ring features Sleeping Beauty   Necklace pictured ^ is from My Wild Love Collection  
         Wearing:
Top: Nasty Gal Skirt: Thrift Store Kimono: Urban Bird Botique Belt: Mod Cloth Jewelry: The Turquoise Forest I've been meaning to post photos of my recent giveaway but I have been a little busy celebrating. On Thursday I turned 28 years old and on that day I announced the winner of my giveaway. I made a fun cluster ring featuring a vintage Peruvian ceramic cabochon & 5 sleeping beauty cabochons. I use a number generator to pick my winner and the number landed on Amber! {@femma_default} I was so happy that I could brighten up her day. She told me she danced for 20 mins before she could even respond lol. I am very excited for her and can't wait to ship this baby out! <<<>>> <<>> <<<>>>  
   {I had to get a shot with the Sheriff's Badge Ring}   ^I love this back and am planning on making it as its own ring^
 <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>  <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>
I gifted myself this awesome turquoise butterfly open necklace. Last summer I made a similar necklace that is featured in The Turquoise Sea Collection. It was a American Turquoise open necklace with carved turquoise leaves. I think it was the prettiest piece of jewelry I ever made. It sold right away to a friend of mine, so I get to see it every once in awhile. But ever since then I knew I needed to find similar cabs so I could make it again for me. I never did find carved leaves that were as pretty. But, I did find these natural turquoise butterfly cabs that were mined at the Old Tunnel Mine Cananea, in Sonora, Mexico. They are absolutely gorgeous! I could not be any happier with how this necklace turned out. I had the best time putting together this giveaway and am certainly looking forward to the next! <<<>>> Xo! <<>>
“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.” <<<<<>>>>> Spring has snuck up on us again and usually it's around this time of the year in which I wish I didn't act as if I were a hibernating grizzly bear throughout the winter. This year especially since I've been working from home and during this period my diet has consisted mostly of carbs. I swear there was no good reason to leave my house at all! Except mailing out packages of course . <<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>> Anyway, this is the time where women, myself included, are really not that into themselves. I try not to take myself that seriously, especially when it comes to body image. When I was a little girl, I hated myself. I literally hated everything about me. I think I wasted way too many years as a child feeling bad about myself. And now that I am an adult, I have decide not to give my energy to negative thinking about my body. I just don't have the time for all that. I am running a business after all & put forth everything towards it.. But, I do know that summer is right around the corner. And I also know that just because I put all of me into my business, it doesn't mean I can't take care of myself. I mean, a girl can do it all, right? <<<<<<<>>>>>>> Although I'm not 100% happy with how I look, I am comfortable in my skin. Yesterday I did a photo shoot in more of an intimate setting. Wearing nothing but undergarments, a kimono & a hat. I think that it is okay to feel vulnerable. Step outside your comfort zone, bare all & to put yourself out there. Be courageous. Don't forget to {Love} yourself along the journey. <<>> To me, the photos I took yesterday speak confidence & self Love. Your probably wondering why there are so many of basically the same picture of me. The truth is I just could not pick favorites! But, If I'd have to choose, I think I like the last photo the best. I like it because my face is light and it reminds me that we're all pretty much beings of light anyways. What you look like, doesn't matter at all. What matters is how you feel about yourself. I can finally say that as a almost 28 year woman, that I am OKAY with who I am. I also know that I can do, be, feel, & look however I want. All I have to do is put in the work all the while thinking and feeling positive. That to me is a comforting thought. You want something? You do it, you go after it, you put in the work and it's yours. In the meanwhile, until your willing to make the changes in your life that you feel that you need to.... Love Thyself anyway... <<>> Xo Wearing: Hat: Target Hat Band Seven Seas Tribal Kimono: Urban Bird Boutique Jewels: The Turquoise Forest <<<>>> “When she transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her to change back into what she always had been. But she had wings.” 
       
           "May your life be like a wildflower growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day."
Native American Proverb So excited to release my Spring 2015 *Among The Wildflowers* Collection with you all. I had a lot of fun putting this collection together.. Enjoy! <<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<>>>>>> <<<>>> <<>> <> Spring Collection now available in my Etsy Shop. Xo! |
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