Discover This: "Photo Fabulous!" ~ Constellation Photography

I couldn't wait to feature this next etysian in the Discover This series: photographer Amanda Graham. Mandy has been actively persuing photography for about 5 years now and though technically considered a professional, she still loves to think of it as a hobby because, as she says, "it never seems like work." Over the past 2 years, Mandy says she's been "highly driven to create better than average photos" and boy, does it show. Located in the American Northwest, the rural area surrounding Mandy's home makes a lovely subject for many of her photos. Tending to lean more toward photographing nature, Mandy explains how she loves "to focus on the beauty" of her surroundings and that "what may just be an abandoned bridge or just another sunset, is priceless beauty when taken to another level with the angle or perspective through the lens. It becomes something more than what we see every day." I, for one, definitely see something more than abandoned bridges or typical sunsets in her photos. I see nature in all its splendor...lush, rolling hills, awe-inspiring sunsets, rushing waters, even a simple tree swing takes on new meaning when viewed through Mandy's lens.

Raspberry Sunset

Oneida

Yesterdays

Mandy also loves to photograph children, and finds "great joy in capturing the natural innocense of children in their natural surroundings." Her "Boxcar Children" photograph (below) makes me long for the simple days of childhood, where a casual stroll along the tracks takes you to some new and exciting destination. The simplicity of youth is captured perfectly in this photo.

The Boxcar Children

Mention Mandy's feature here on the JMO blog and receive 10% off any of the photos currently listed in her etsy shop through January 31, 2009. www.constellationphoto.etsy.com. All photos are professionally printed, signed, and dated on the back with an archival acid free pen. Most photos are available in a variety of sizes.

Special thanks to Mandy for allowing me to feature her beautiful photographs here on my blog. Also check out her blog at www.wheretimestandsstill.blogspot.com for details on how to win one of her photos!

Where It's All At: Mom Fuse

So one day I'm tweeting away on www.twitter.com and happen upon a tweet from the owner/creator of www.momfuse.com looking for someone to review their site. Having only quickly scanned the site in the past, I decided it looked interesting enough to take on the task of writing a review. After "researching" the site for a few weeks, a/k/a perusing all its helpful, informative features, I must say that this is one of the best sites for Moms that I have seen on the web. Their tagline is "for moms. by moms." and they couldn't have described their site any better. Moms everywhere will find useful information on everything from recipes to crafting to beauty tips. I will opine briefly on some of my favorite categories the site has to offer, but this list is in no way meant to be exhaustive as this site offers ALOT! And I do mean ALOT!

1. "Fab Finds." The title says it all! The site's 'mommy' reviewers search out some of the best deals out there on the hottest fashions, nursery decor and gifts, and electronics, just to name a few. I think it's safe to say that if it's fab, they'll find it!

2. "Recalls." This feature lists recently recalled items due to safety concerns. Contact information for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and, in some instances details on a specific store, are also listed. Check out this page before purchasing that toy your little one's been asking for.

3. "Featured Recipes." As a mom, I'm always on the lookout for new recipes that hold my kids' interest at mealtime. Here you will find everything from quick-fix suppers to decadent desserts to holiday-specific treats. At the time of this post, Easy Mochaccino Cupcakes adorn the home page and were looking so yummy I was almost tempted to lick my monitor. Almost. :)

4. "Reviews." I don't know how they did it, but Mom Fuse found some of the best mommy reviewers around. These incredible ladies review a vast array of products such as books, clothing, toys, and video games. I found the reviews to be helpful and informative....these mommies definitely know what they're talking about!

5. "Just For Kids." This is a really fun feature for the little ones. There's crafts and recipes that will turn any youngster into a budding artist or chef. I even found a great article on this page on organic food choices for baby and toddler from Plum Organics.

6. "Pregnancy." OK, I have no intention of getting pregnant again ever, but if I did, this is one page I'd put at the top of my bookmarked list. Geared toward pampering the mom-to-be, this feature's only writer (as far as I can tell), Nicole Ibarrando, offers up some innovative finds. My favorite: Utterly Yours Pregnancy Pillow. If only I had known about this pillow when I was pregnant!

7. "Beauty." I'm sure any Mom would agree, it's a little hard to feel even remotely beautiful when there's a glob of baby spit-up in your hair or a toddler's chocolate handprint on your cheek. The writers at Mom Fuse found some lovely little products to help keep you looking and feeling beautiful while enduring the messes that go along with having little ones.

I have only touched on the many wonderful features this site has to offer Moms. There's also contests and tips on money and parenting. There's even a spot for mompreneuers to promote their business, and Mom Fuse has advertising opportunities which are an inexpensive way to get your business seen by a vast audience (the site receives 600-1000 visitors per day and averages 6000+ unique visitors per month).

You really need to see for yourself why this is the only site you'll ever need when looking for mom-related resources. I could sing the praises of Mom Fuse all day long for a week straight. Seriously, the site is that good.

Discover This: "Beautifully Wrapped" ~ Cecile's Chenilles

The next featured artist in the Discover This series is Cecilia Brown of Cecile's Chenilles. Cecilia spent twenty years making props and working the "Art Department" of the film business. Unable to keep her hands still after retiring, she went back to painting and crafts. Fortunately for us, those busy hands have created some of the most beautiful shawls around!

One of her (and my) favorite products are these silk/cotton/blend shawls which Cecilia makes by hand, and it's apparent she has plenty of fun choosing just the right fabrics and colors. You won't be disappointed with the workmanship, or the prices, either. If you're looking for that really outstanding gift or need a wedding or special occasion wrap, then look no further than Cecile's Chenilles. These 70"-80" long shawls are gorgeous and finely sewn. Each features silky or glass bead fringe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This beauty offers deliciously creamy chiffon checks on one side and crisp white cotton on the other. Great for a wedding, formal event, or prom, this shawl would beautifully compliment an outfit of pure white, cream, or pale pastel. Each end has intricate machine made crochet with long fringe. The fabrics are cotton, polyester, silk and cotton crochet.

White and Cream Chiffon with Crochet and Lace Shawl

The olive green paisley side of this 80" shawl is 100% silk. The other is a combination of fine cotton with a rayon leaf print insert. Gorgeous 6" silky trim in black. Cecilia says this shawl is "great for redheads and anybody else who loves those warm earthy greens." Measures about 18" wide.

Olive Green and Black Silk/Rayon Shawl

Last, but by no means least, is this stunning shawl featuring an overall red tiny-flowered pattern on front and back in vintage chiffon. This shawl is quite wide. It can be folded in half lengthwise (as can any of Cecilia's shawls) to make a narrow wrap across the back, then drape and let it open out at the hems. Bright red and silky fringe completes this wrap. Cecilia says this shawl is "more fun than elegant."

Red Millefleur Chiffon Shawl with Red Fringe

For more information, including pricing, on these and all of Cecilia's beautifully handcrafted shawls, please visit her online shop at http://silverstuff182.etsy.com.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Cecilia for allowing me to showcase her luxurious shawls.

Get Stoned! First in the "Discover This" Series

I am very proud to present "Discover This," a special series here on the JMO blog where I will be showcasing undiscovered artists that can be found on http://www.etsy.com/ as well as other places on the web.

First up is Marni, a very talented Midwestern artist who describes herself as a "self-taught mixed-media craftsperson. " Says Marni: "I have always loved creating things, from crafts to cooking. I take inspiration from many places, especially nature, to come up with my creations. I'm lucky enough to have a husband that enjoys the same things I do and supports me in all my endeavors." And JMO feels very lucky to have discovered her! Her designs are eye-catching and functional.

Take these Salt and Pepper Shakers with Purple Glass Gems for instance. Standing approximately 4" tall, they are embellished with violet glass gems, wire, and violet glass beads and would make an elegant addition to any table. They are sturdy enough to be used outside for a picnic or backyard bar-b-que, or inside for that fun dinner party. Marni can also make them in your choice of colors!

Or this Red Stained Glass Candleholder with polished Stone Cabachon. Marni created this asymmetrical candleholder using beautiful red stained glass and a polished agate cabachon. The stained glass sits atop a removeable metal stand that holds a tea light candle. Imagine the candlelight playing off the red glass, creating a captivating visual display! The glass piece itself is approximately 4 inches at it's widest point by 5 1/2 inches tall. Sitting on the stand, it is 6 1/4 inches tall.

And this Stained Glass Planter Charm/Suncatcher with polished Jasper Cabachon is a true work of art! Marni created this unique piece for use in potted flowers, houseplants or small container gardens. It can also hang in a window or from your vehicle's rear view mirror. She took a piece of stained glass, foiled and soldered the edges, and attached decorative wire, glass beads and/or charms. A beautiful polished Jasper Cabachon has also been attached to the glass. Use this piece outside in warmer weather, then during cooler months bring inside to add beauty and charm to the home. The charm is approximately 8” long (including beaded hanger & tassel) and 1 ½” wide. A hand-made wire shepherd’s hook is also available upon request.

For more information, including pricing, on these and all of Marni's beautiful creations, please visit her online shop at http://www.madebymarni.etsy.com/. All of her designs would make wonderful and unique gifts for yourself, your friends, or your loved ones.

A special thank you to Marni for allowing me to feature her gorgeous works of art here on my blog.