wanna get away?

According to urban dictionary...

A babymoon is the period before the baby is born - like a honeymoon. Because after the baby is born the mother will not get to do the same things due to the responsibility of having a baby.  

So many laughable parts to that definition but you know what... I'll take it. Whoever made up the word babymoon gave us enough justification to go on a vacay. Thus, Ryan and I decided to go to San Diego for a long weekend and it was awesome. I could totally move to Cali in a heartbeat. Here's a couple of highlights.

NYC on business

I had intended this post for Monday/Tuesday but with my Gpa's passing on Thursday the El Fenix post seemed more appropriate. Thank you to all of you who took the time to read his story. What a wonderful blessing that you would take the time to celebrate his life/metamorphosis with me. *big hugs* 

Most of last week I was in NYC on biznesss honey with two other jewelry designer friends (Kristin with Sensibly Selfish Jewelry and April with Ferocity Jewelry Designs). Sounds glamorous right? 

rocky mountain high

 

Hi friends, how I've missed you! I seemed to skip over last week because we had a little family vacay to Summit County, CO. I lugged my computer all the way up there intending to plug in but fresh snow, mountain scenery, and Elk steaks pulled me away... plus a marathon of Duck Dynasty of course {I believe my in-laws are hooked}.

weekend highlights - carmel/san fran

After a whirlwind of activities over a long weekend, I'm safely back on Texas soil (many thanks to the US Airways team that fixed the oil leak on one of the engines or I might have been a crispy critter).

*side note alert* - I am baffled why people complain about delays due to airplane maintenance. I know some planes are super beat up and should probably be retired but don't complain about the time it takes to make a repair that could save your life. I'm like... take alllll the time you need my friends (as I watched The Hunger Games for the first time on my iPad while sitting on the tar). Plus, I don't think I would have enough survival skills as Matthew Fox and company on Lost. The typewriter smoke monster thing and I would not be besties.

Some of you might have seen some highlights from my trip on my Instagram (follow MerrickJewels) but here's a little bit of everything in high res.

everything grows in Cali, succulents the size of my face - wish my backyard looked like this

wearing a new Merrick Jewels mixed chain/rock crystal necklace and reflective sunnies as seen in this post... this was right around the corner from where we had lunch at La Bicyclette (think fresh French bistro with lavender creme brulee as the finale)

pattern play on the streets of Carmel

enjoyed a morning jog along this beach

Merrick Jewels burgundy statement necklace for the art show preview

stopped at a produce stand on the side of the road and had the best strawberries I've ever had

solo bike ride to the Golden Gate bridge

Love me some California!

hotel california

via Pinterest

I am uber excited about the upcoming long weekend that I will be spending with mi madre in Cali-for-nia (said all Arnold-like). This will be the third trip I will take as the official "artist's assistant/moral support/travel planner/stylist/diet coke retriever". The last two trips have been to the Coors Stock Show and Rodeo art preview in Denver, CO which is always a good ole time. Now for a change of pace we are adding Carmel/San Francisco to our repertoire. Not too shabby. What's interesting is the last time I visited the city by the sea was 20 years and one month ago when I was in second grade.

#throwbackthursday

Evidence...

Monterey, CA - old fisherman's warf

San Fran via trolly - no I will not be packing the visor

Dad and I in San Fran

I checked the weather and we're talking mid 50's to low 70's everyday with sunshine. Perfection. I might not come back. I'm excited about wearing some new pieces that I have picked up for fall including these black boots and new jewelry pieces that I have been posting on my Instagram {MerrickJewels}.  With some loot in tow I hope to visit some stores in the area to see about spreading some Merrick Jewels to the west coast. 

Finish this sentence...

If you're going to San Francisco ____________

olympics - let the games begin!

 

I love me some Olympics. I was telling some friends the other day about how much the Olympics influenced me when I was in middle school. After watching the events all day and with the theme song trumpeting in my ear (via discman or tape player... oh man), I would run around our tennis court as fast as I could to train for some undecided track and field event. If I started training at 13 maybe I could make it to the games?? Oh, impressionable youth. :) Clearly I am no Olympian but sports have been a reckoning force in my life since then. Even while coaching field hockey and soccer now I can't keep myself out of a scrimmage. I just have to play.

After seeing this commercial first on Sheridan French's blog, The Southern Eclectic, and then on TV a couple times I had to re-share it. It's just TOO good not to share. And although I am not a mother yet I can feel the goosebumps down my arms and tears well up in my eyes. It's amazing to see how far athletes can push themselves mentally and physically but we cannot forget all the monumental support they have behind the scenes - that parent that drove them to swim class or soccer lessons. I know my mom made it a point to make it to my games. I could hear her from the sidelines. It meant the world to me. In my opinion, sports are not about the individual but a whole. Dreams achieved not just for one runner or swimmer but a family, supporters, and a country. How powerful.

Tear jerker, right??

So, I am pumped for the opening ceremony tonight! Over the next 17 days I will be glued to the TV  watching FIELD HOCKEY (Kate Middleton played, mmhmm that's right), gymnastics, track and field, swimming, and everything else. Oh and here's me...

U-S-A!
U-S-A!

take me back where nutella is a suitable breakfast

Napoleon's Apartments in the Louvre - Paris


Wouldn't be right without pictures of some crown jewels!


Literally checked off every room we viewed in the Louvre. Exhausted.


Heeyyy

Recently, I've had several people ask me advice on traveling to Europe and while discussing I'm instantly flooded with the memories of R and I's trip to London, Prague, and Paris last month. Last month?!?! Seems like years ago. Must be time for another trip! I already have my eyes on Spain or maybe Greece?? Ah daydreaming... anywhere you guys are dying to go? Do share and take me with you.

i am busy

Image via Pinterest

Merrick Jewels coral/turquoise Vacation earrings - $162

While browsing Pinterest (I have 2,000+ pins on my profile does that mean I'm officially obsessed? Follow me HERE), I came across this image and it made me laugh. I might need this. After doing market last weekend this picture sums up what I will hopefully be doing this weekend. In reality I know I will find something to fill my time... us creative/DIY types can't sit still. But it's the thought that counts right? This picture also reminds me of the Vacation earrings which take me on a trip somewhere whenever I wear them. Coral and turquoise? Perfect for an exotic destination like Bora Bora (sigh)...

Image via Pinterest

Or sitting in your backyard with your feet in a blow up pool looking fabulous. Looks like I will doing the latter. Happy weekend!

Image via Pinterest

on top of the world

Prague - Merrick Jewels neon yellow vacation earrings, custom yellow crystal and rhinestone necklace, gold druzy and vintage rhinestone pendant necklace (F/W 2012 pieces - will be available at May FIG Market), Spotted wrap dress from BEE HIVE

Versailles - Merrick Jewels coral vacation earrings - similar coral earrings available HERE, my favorite monogram necklace

Versailles

Oh my goodness! Ryan and I just got back from our two week vacation to Europe. What a blasty. I'm pretty confident in saying that I ate my way through three countries - England, Czech Republic, and France. Fish and chips, Indian food, goulash, dumplings, Pilsner Urquelle - Czech beer, best falafel of my life in Paris (the size of a Chipotle burrito), crepes (let's not forget those), NUTELLA on anything, any cheese from the fromagerie, and of course tons of street food. You name it, I probably inhaled it.

Having visited London and Paris before I had a mild idea of what to expect but I think the hub's brain was about to spontaneously combust. Tons of history, paintings, monuments, culture. We spent two days at the Louvre and I felt like I had overdosed on Delacroix. BTW if you haven't gone to Europe, GO. Have yourself a glass of vino and purchase those tickets. You can even press the purchase button with your eyes closed like I did. Makes it much more dramatic.

Needless to say, I am BACK and ready to conquer. Nothing like a two week hiatus to bring you back to life in your business. I'm participating in my first market at the end of this month in Dallas (May 31 - June 2nd to be exact) and I am so PUMPED/have NO idea what I just got myself into. Gulp. The FIG market looked like a great place to get my product in front of the eyes of some new stores and buyers. I'll be in my studio churning out product till the cows come home. My travels have definitely helped with the designing process and encouraged me to stop over thinking designs. There are so many types of styles out there!! Every piece does not have to be so calculated. So expect a lot of daring pieces with wood, neons, mixed metals, and layers of different materials. I'm excited what the future WILL hold in my business, travels, and everyday life. Thanks for reading. Au revior!