From one Designer to Another...

 This past week I got a an order from Little Rock's very own Korto Momolu. If you don't know Korto's story you can read all about her on her website... But, in a nut shell she is one amazing designer and was the runner up and fan favorite on the 5th Season of Project Runway. 

 Honored and excited to say the least! Korto wanted a pendant in the shape of Liberia, her home country. I immediately said yes, not even know if I could do it but I knew one way or the other I would make it happen.

I busted out my jewelers saw and went at it! I am very proud of the end result.   

 This commission made me so badly miss the metal working I used to do. I like to think my busy schedule will one day slow down and I can start working with sheets of metal again... #wishfulthinking

What country would you proudly sport around your neck??

Instagram shout out. :)

Summer Veggie Salad

 

Dressing Recipe:

1/2 c salad oil - I used extra virgin olive oil

6 tsp red wine vinegar - I threw in a little extra because I love vinegar

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp salt

2 tsp Accent - I skipped this b/c it contains MSG 

And, I added 1 1/2 tsp chopped garlic (this wasn't in the original recipe from Matt's gma but it sounded good so I added it).

For the salad I just chopped up a bunch of cucumbers, tomatos, peppers, and onion. My grandfather made a similar salad but added cauliflower and broccoli to it as well.  

Drizzle a decent amount of dressing on the veggies and let sit for a few hours to marinade.
I love to sop up the dressing with a fresh french bread! Viola! So fresh and yummy on a hot summer day!

Do you have a good salad recipe? Please share in the comments!

OMG is it REALLY Summer?!?!

  I am sitting in my yard watching the dog play, listening to Jason Isbell's new album (do yourself a favor and go buy it!) and enjoying this amazing summer morning. I am guessing that the temperature is below 80 degrees and I know the humidity is very low! Maybe it is going to rain... who knows, I'll take this cool weather everyday though!

  This blog post has been a long time coming... I just haven't had time to sit down and focus on all that is going on with Bella Vita.
The move went exceptionally well, considering we moved our 3 bedroom/garage/large yard home into a 450 sq ft house/cellar storage/storage unit/studio. Basically, our shit is everywhere! But it is done and we are happy and that is all that matters. 

  I am currently working out of an office space in the back of a liquor store close to downtown in Little Rock. It is the best situation I could have fallen into and will most likely be here until after the Holidays. My Studio is still very much under construction and I have decided that as long as I am not breaking any contracts I am not moving again until after Holiday sales are over. I can't be out of commission for more than a day or two and unpacking and setting up and then having to pack and unpack again is too much for me to wrap my head around for at lest a few more months... I just don't wanna do it again! Hopefully the landlord approves.
  The whole construction process and a few other things have gotten really frustrating but I know it will all work out in the end and I WILL have that amazing space!

  Life in Little Rock has been incredible so far. The only thing missing is my honey! He had to go back to Norman to fulfill a house sitting commitment that we made a long time ago. He will be back for 2 months next week and then will have to go back to Norman to teach for 2 months. After that he will be back for good... we think...

  Everything has been non stop since I got back. Lots of friends to hang out with, lots of new friends being made, and lots of opportunities popping up.
I worked for my self for about the first two weeks and decided that I work a lot better under pressure so I picked up a day at Argenta Bead Company (my old job) and I am also doing some very very part time work at UAMS.
  Matt and I have also started a "side business" (in all our free time!) selling antiques and vintage items at the local South Main Vintage Market at the Bernice Garden. We're planning to start an Etsy shop too - sometime down the road, when the markets are over. I actually did the first market by myself back in July and had the best time!
Bella Vita is keeping me very busy too. Lots of new stores and fun projects. I will be posting about all of that stuff soon. 
I hope all of you blog readers are having a fantastic summer!!!

Designing a necklace for the Fayetteville Roots Festival!!!

New Letter Stamps! In the font we used for my re-branding...

Lots of Hog jewelry is going out!

I turned 31!!!

Earring Happy Hour Party at Paper, Scissors, Little Rock! Such a successful event. Can't wait to collaborate again!

Bella Vita Vintage - at the South Main Vintage Market in July. Come see me in August! I still have this fabulous dress :)

Updated my website - finally! Beautiful pictures by Aura Stuemky and modeling by Chenoa Copeland.

Got featured on Luckymag.com! WOo! Still blushing. I think it might even be in the Sept. issue. We will have to keep our eyes peeled.