Ruffles are lovely

I am just loving this wrap from Anthropologie.  So pretty!  It is on my wishlist and when I get the chance to get to the nearest Anthropologie store, it will be mine.  :)

Oooooh pink!

I just posted new bracelet at my Etsy shop and I think it's just so precious.  The listing is for a soft baby pink "be my valentine" bracelet.  This color is so pretty and girly.  I just love it. 

You can purchase it HERE.

Butter London

I give myself a manicure at home twice a week.  And if you like nail polish as much as I do, you'll just love this brand, Butter London.  They have the most gorgeous colors and most importantly they are non-toxic.  Here's a blurb from their site. 

"London’s leading manicurist & nail trend spotter, Nonie Creme, joined butter LONDON as its Founding Creative Director to help create a complete range of hand and nail care products without those chemical nasties. 3 Free is what we do and it means No Formaldehyde, No toluene, and No DBP (Phthales). Ever."

Most nail polishes have formaldehyde... FORMALDEHYDE.  Do you know what they use that for?  I'll save you the gore, but you catch my drift.  I want pretty nails but not at the expense of my health. 

You can purchase this color, Chancer, HERE.

Hello Sunshine Part Two

I just sent my sister, Myra Callan of Twigs & Honey, these yummy little yellow bracelets.  She was kind enough to send me some photos.  I think sometimes it's good for a girl to have dainty things.  We can't be so tough all the time.  These are really fun and simple.  They're the perfect little something for the girl in you.

You can purchase them HERE.

Who knew needles felt so good...

I've recently started acupunture.  I've been to two sessions and I'm so excited to share my experience with you.  My reason for going was for a few health issues and also overall wellbeing.  My acupunturist interviewed me for about 45 minutes and asked me more questions than any doctor I've ever met.  After gathering all the information she could, she addressed my issues and started a plan.  She asked me if my core temperature seemed to be more cold or hot.  I said cold.  I also said that my hands and feet seem to always be cold as well.  She said that I have "stagnant energy and blood".  She placed the needles into my feet, legs, hands, abdomen, and forehead.  The purpose of them was to help circulate my blood flow and try to balance my temperature and energy.  The forehead ones were for stress.  They didn't hurt, but I could feel the poke.  It really wasn't that bad.  It's a strange sensation knowing you have all these needles all over your body.  But it always feels good knowing I'm doing something good for myself.  She also gave me herbal granules that I'm suppose to mix with hot water and drink twice a day.  She requests particular herbs for particular issues.  Mine are "warming herbs".  The acunpunture is accumulative, so I won't feel the full results for some time.  But so far, I feel more relaxed and I sleep so much better.  My hands and feet still get cold but I can actually walk around the house without socks on and for January here that's pretty good.

If you've ever contemplated going, try it out.  Some insurance plans cover "complentary care", which makes the visits very affordable.  As for me, our insurance plan does not cover it, but my acupunturist gives me a great deal and charges a small fee.  Please contact me if you'd like a referral.  She's located in downtown Portland. 

Cotton Candy!

Here are some new bracelets I've listed at my Etsy shop.  They're so cute!  They come in sets of three.  Two are simple and to the point.  The third is adorned with a small round moon & sun charm.  They are so easily stackable and great alone or mixed together. 

You can purchase them HERE.

Charms are charming

I've just listed a new item on Etsy.  It's a set of two sweet little bracelets great for stacking.  They're fun everyday bracelets when you want to add a little but not too much.  They're great alone or together or even mixed with my other bracelets.  I love making these.  They're exactly what I've been looking for but could never find in retail stores.  Plus, they come in a wide range of colors so you can always be coordinated with your outfit.  I'm always trying to think of new designs, so check back often to see what's new. 

You can purchase them HERE.

And here they are in purple... plums.

Summatime... I wish

Isn't this the sweetest dress?  It's on my wishlist.  So summery.  So innocent.  So perfect for summer.

You can purchase it HERE online at Delia's.  Oh how I wish it were summer.  I long for the sun and the warmth on my face.  I think we need a trip to Hawaii.  Who's in?  :)   

My little secret revealed...

I've just listed new items at my Etsy shop.  Take a look...

The listing is for two lemon yellow silk cord bracelets with shimmery silver beads.  They are very sweet and simple.  A perfect way to add a little color to your outfit.  I think these would be cute with a deep purple sweater.  I'm loving that combo lately.  You can custom order them in a multitude of colors ranging from jewel-tones to pastels.  You can also request gold-toned clasps instead of silver.  Order multiple sets so you can mix-and-match, or wear alone. 

You can purchase them HERE.

Creme de la MER!!!

I've been using Creme de la Mer for a few days now and I already feel a huge improvement with the texture of my skin.  It's so amazingly soft.  I can't stop touching it!  I've known for years that this creme was something that worked wonders, but I was never able to bring myself to spend that kind of dough for a facial creme.  But after many discussions with my sister, I finally justified the means.  The container, according to my sister, lasts at least 6 months-1 year.  My normal day moisturizer by Bliss and my night creme by Philosophy together cost me about $80 every 2 months.  So in 6 months, I've already spent $240.  So right there I've saved money.  Plus, it's just worth it.  I haven't noticed a change in my complexion yet, meaning my little pimple on my cheek is still there.  But I'm sure with a few more weeks of regular use, I'll notice a vast improvement in that area as well.  It takes some getting used to in regards to application though.  It comes with a small spatula and you scoop a pea-sized amount in the palm of one hand and then with your other fingers you rub it around.  It warms the creme and emulsifies it making it easier to spread around your face.  If you don't do this, you'll just require more creme.  Also, if you register through them, they will send you a code for a free gift and you also receive two samples and free shipping.  Great deal.  If you've been debating, try it out. 

GOLD!

I just posted a new item at my Etsy shop.  It's a golden yellow pencil skirt with pink and gold tone silk rosettes and gold braided trim.  I just adore it.  It's so pretty and would be perfect for work or a day out with the girls.  It's sweet and lovely.  My gorgeous sister has so graciously modeled it for me. 

You can purchase it HERE.

Purchase it HERE.

New Item

Be on the look out for a new item at my Etsy shop before the end of the week.  The suspense!!!

Great tip of the day

Always let your cake cool completely before frosting.  No matter how anxious you are to frost and eat.  Because you may end up with a cake like this...

My husband's poor little birthday cake.  Oh the sadness.  As long as it tastes good though right? 

And as a side note: I really enjoy technology and I put everything into my Blackberry, but when I'm at home I still use paper calendars and planners.  I like it.  I'm old school I guess.  Anyway, I found a cute set at Target yesterday for $9.99.  It came with both desk calendar and matching planner.  I love being organized.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my husband!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my loving husband, Sean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I love you with all my heart.  I hope you have an amazing day.  I have a big night planned for us.  ;)

Yay for today!

Before I begin I must pay tribute to my younger, very talented sister Myra of Twigs and Honey by saying...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!! 
Loving you forever and always, Big Sis.

Now onto the big yay for today.  I just got a shipment of 30 Huggable Hangers from The Container Store.  You can find them HERE.  If you haven't already heard of them, here's the scoop.  So, do you hate how you hang your pretty sweaters on your plastic hangers and after a while the shoulders have bumps on them?  And don't you hate how your delicate camisoles and summer tanks just slide right off?  Well I can't stand it!  These hangers are coated in velvet with rounded ends, so NO MORE BUMPS or slippage!  Plus, they're ultra thin so you get way more closet space, which I'm sure we all need.  Am I right?  Here's my before...

And here's my after...

This is 29 hangers in a row (the 30th one is on the other side).  Look how little space they take up!

So I only ordered 30 this time and I obviously need more, but what a great start!!  Looks like I need to buy more clothes now.  *Wink.

Productive yet lazy weekend

I was very productive on Saturday and I finished my 2nd item.  I will be posting it on my Etsy Shop very shortly.  I really love it.  It turned out very sweet, elegant, and simple.  It's so exciting to think someday it'll be a happy addition to someone's lovely wardrobe. 

Today though I was a bit lazy and didn't do anything creative.  My husband and I played Yahtzee.  For some reason, we're completely addicted to it right now and can't stop playing.  Does anyone else have this problem? 

I wanted to let all of you know that I will be opening up to taking custom orders.  Which means that if you have something you love, let's say that tank top that fits so perfectly, but maybe you never wear it.  Maybe it's just missing that something special.  Send it my way and I will add some life to it.  Just convo me at my shop. 

And since I know everybody can appreciate the pretty things in life, here's an insanely pretty quilt.  It is definitely on my wish list.  It's called the Rosette Quilt by Anthropologie and you can find it HERE.  Isn't it lovely?

Photo credit: Anthropologie

Sneakpeek...

Here's a sneakpeek at my next project.  The materials I will be using are silk, cotton, and lace.  I just adore the golden yellow with the different shades of pink and gold accents.  It will be just as girly as it is sophisticated. 

Hopefully, I will have it in my Etsy shop by early next week.  Keep an eye out for it. 

*Personal note: Today my husband and I are meeting up with some friends from Seattle for lunch.  Tonight we're planning on watching supercross on TV with some good friends.  What a great life.  Good family and good friends.  What more could a person ask for?  By the way, my hubby races dirt bikes so expect several blog posts about that.  I'll post photos of our fun day tomorrow.

My First!!!

Hi everybody.  Welcome to my first post on blogger.  What an eventful day.  This afternoon I just opened my Etsy shop Junghwa by Amy Stewart.  My incredibly gracious and talented sister of Twigs and Honey by Myra Callan inspired and helped launch my creative endeavor.  I have lots of new ideas and can't wait to share them with you.  We also have a joint project in the works.  We're hoping to have it up and running in the next few months.  Be sure to check back often for updates and new items in my shop. 

Here's my first item...
A very sweet and soft buttercream sweater with a hand-made blue/gray lace adornment.  My first attempt at transforming something bland into something oh so pretty. 

Photo credit: Myra Callan of Twigs and Honey