One Life Reaches Many Others in a Profound Way; Real Stories, Real People {A Series by Meadowbelle Market}

Immediately stirred by the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti, we created a 'Loved' necklace to support both the brave survivors and the volunteers from all over the world, ready to lend their assistance, rescue, and relief to a devastated nation. From citizens in the US to nations far and wide collecting food and water, to doctors and rescue workers worldwide, never did we imagine how the tragedy of a nation would coincide with the tragedy of a family's loss.

Among everyone who showed their support to the Haiti relief fund by purchasing a 'Loved' necklace from our store ($15 from each purchase is donated on behalf of Haiti relief efforts), the friend of one family touched us the most. Inspired by love, dedication, and generosity, we have been moved to create a series in which we would like to share the first 'real story' of 'real people' with you.

Often one may wonder what our own life has meant or what it will be once we are gone.  The impact one life can have on many became evident when Paula lost her 23 year old daughter Alexis to cancer.  Clare (Alexis' obstetrician), who delivered both the joy of Alexis' infant son Caelen, and the devestating news of her advanced cancer, was determined that the honor of a young life well lived, but gone all too soon would not only be remembered, but continue to serve a further purpose.

After purchasing a 'Loved' necklace from our shop, we received the following message from

Clare:

"Dear Erin and Aundrea, I received your LOVED necklace and card so beautifully wrapped that I was almost in tears. It moved me so much I decided to give it to Alexis.  Paula put the necklace on Alexis before she was buried.  Many thanks. I think it was a great idea for Haiti, and Alexis would thoroughly approve of that."

Clare followed up by making sure that each close friend and family member would recieve a necklace as a symbol of the impact Alexis' life had held, not only on herself but others as well.  Now Alexis' young son Caelen who was just four months old when his mother passed away, Caelen's father Peter, her sister Karla, brother Sean, Mum Paula, aunt Karen, and best friend Nicola will carry with them a small daily reminder of the beautiful soul that lived, and was surely and undoubtedly 'Loved'.

Organization, Take 2! : The Office

{By Aundrea}

Since I figure I can strech this organization theme from "New Year's Resolution" to "Spring Cleaning", I've decided to tackle the dreaded 'office'. While organization might not seem very wedding related, quite often the unsuspecting new Bride-to-Be realizes that wedding planning can be much like a 2nd job. In addition, sorting through items to combine households and receiveing new wedding gifts gives you a renewed sense of 'nesting' for the life ahead. Suddenly you realize that if you haven't honed these skills yet, you'd better start, because something's going to have to get you through what can sometimes be the chaos of wedding planning.

Why can the office be a constant source of tension? I think it is because we're expected to work there, and let's face it, work can create mess...so how do you achieve a workable area that stays tidy?
I've approached the office delima much like I do my work and designs--like a puzzle with pieces waiting to be assebled in the correct place. A little planning ahead, thinking through both workflow and problem areas will get this done. Some questions you might ask are: Where do I begin the day? What areas can be dedicated to different tasks? What items or tools do I need nearby for each task? It helped me to literally draw a map of my office and then dedicate areas to specific jobs.
Here are the photos of my office ( I don't have any 'before' photos, so just imagine the worst--because it was!):

* (LEFT): Placed in the closet, I love this desk because of how the space is utilized (found at Nebraska Furniture Mart, clearance section): On the left of the desk, the top narrow drawer pulls out to hide my laptop when not in use.

The area directly underneath which would normally be empty space (on most desks), provides more shelves and a bottom pull-out tray where I can keep my desk space clear by storing a caddy with most-often-used items within reach but out of the way.
Last, I added storage containers (at Wal-Mart, $6 ea.) to keep shelves tidy looking and items accessible. Two cloth shoe holders placed on the right hold fabric. Above, balloon curtains (Target, clearance) hide shelves with photography equipment.








*(ABOVE, RIGHT): Shelves painted white unify the look, outfitted with small cup hooks that hold metal baskets. (I love this part--I feel like I'm in a gardening shop--and who doesn't love to be reminded of the outdoors while working?). A word of inspiration to remind you to "dream" never hurts.



*(LEFT): Same white shelf, with holes drilled on the top provide a perfect resting place for clear glass cone shaped holders (found at the dollar store, $1 ea.). Cup hooks underneath add more storage options.

Opposite the closet desk, a book shelf holds the printer, books, and storage storage baskets.

* A bench doubles as storage for what would otherwise be 'empty' space. (I found this bench at Target, and immediately thought of using it under this small desk--which used to be a sewing table that I painted white. I went home and took measurements of the empty space under the desk, and it COULD NOT BE a more PERFECT fit!!!! Thrilling, when this sort of thing happens. It also matches the walls quite well. My lucky day :)

A large vintage armoire was cut down to just the drawers, painted white, label pulls added. On top rests a paper/ribbon/all-purpose storage holder (made by my loving husband). Underneath a nearby window, bouquet flowers are displayed flower box style in another shelf that has been drilled with holes and painted white.

*(Below, right): Inovices and shipping receipts for the year are filled by month, and remain close at hand in a vintage metal holder (yes, painted white).

*(Below, middle & Right): A metal bar with clips (designed with the help of my husband again) holds printed orders ready to be made so that I can see order details and make notes.

Getting Organization Out of the Gray Area

For days the sky has been gray. The kind of enveloping gray that leaves the hour non-descript, uncertain if it is late morning or afternoon. Along with the resolute gray and much like the last thawing piles of Christmas snow, memories of the holidays are melting into a murky pool of bygone memories. However, the new year is young, and the resolutions are fresh, so despite the dreariness of the late days of January I've decided to make the most of this mid-winter lull.



My decree for the new year? Organization. Not very original, I know. But with the unyielding weather outside, I've decided to clear the fog of disorganization. The theory is this: I will spend x amount of time getting organized, then all remaining time will be spent in a flurry of absolute productivity. Ambitious, yes--but it's worth a try.

Similarly, many a generally well-organized individual gets engaged and suddenly turns into a perplexed bride wondering where to begin planning. Often times a wedding also means a move to a new location, or learning to co-habitate. Enhancing your organizational skills can improve the efficiency of your wedding day decisions and help you merge a household full of two individuals belongings, plus the addition of wedding gifts.

The Plan: Since everything is all about the details (for me), and nothing gets done without a list, I will break down my organization into tasks by identifying the "problem areas". You can adapt by making your own list. For example, tangled electronic cords are wearisome in our house. They can be found clustered anywhere--and yet they remain unused and unidentified.

My first simple goal began with organizing the notorious pile of cords into a manageable spot. I started with a through search to pull all (unattached) electrical cords from various drawers, cabinets, and closets. Once I had a satisfying cluster of cords sitting in front of me, I untangled and labeled.

{BRIDES}: (If you are a new bride, choose an important task, such as "catering" and make a list of your ideals--such as menu, number of guest, price, etc.).

The Materials: I picked up an array of labels in various sizes and styles to have at hand, plus markers for labeling, of course. You may choose one color (I used black) or pick a punchy color that you love, just be sure it's easy to read.

{BRIDES}: (This is the part where you start compiling a list of caterers contact info.--or whatever category you have chosen for this task. Start by asking for references, then do some research online. Always check reviews.)

Storage: Once you have everything sorted and labeled (be sure to toss /donate any cords for discarded appliances or electronics), choose a bin and a spot to store your newly organized stash. If the cords are used often, you might choose to place them in a silverware tray with dividers and store them in a drawer in your office or main living area. If the majority of cords are "extras" for your current electronics, a basket stored on a closet shelf will work fine.

{BRIDES}: (Start calling the vendor for your chosen task. Make appointments to meet with your top vendors, then choose "the one"!).

Congratulations! You're on your way to a more clutter free New Year!

REMEBER - {STORE LIST}:

* markers, pens

* sticky labels, various sizes

* bins, basket, or drawer organizer

Commited to Recyling in Style: New Life for Old Containers

Fresh fruit and fabric flowers. What do they have in common? A plastic container, it seems:

It has been a while since the announcement of Meadowbelle {Market} on Etsy. Along with an engagement--(congrats, Erin!)--our store has seen it's share of changes. One of the most recent developments has included wedding related items to our {Market} shop, courtesy of Erin's now "anything wedding" obsession. Among the additions, fabric flower fascinators have been quite liked--and due to their sometimes delicate nature, we have also been forced to become quite creative in packaging to be sure they arrive at their destination looking just the same as when they left our little workshop.

The solution to our delima has also been our contribution to recycling, which has found it's way in unlikely, empty fruit containers. Washed and dried, a plastic container that would have otherwise gone straight into the trash becomes the perfect traveling companion to a lovely and delicate fabric flower. Add a sweet little label, and you've got something that looks good enough to--well, reuse.

Now our challenge to you is: How many ways can you reuse this re purposed recycled fruit to flower container?

We've thought of a few, to get you started:

1. Wrap a friend's gift (include tissue paper and a pretty ribbon)
2. Organize a drawer
3. Hold make-up or jewelry
4. Protect your favorite pair of wool gloves or a scarf (add some cedar to repel moths)
5. Save delicate items from snags in your drawer
6. Put a few sachets inside or line with tissue paper & add some herbs to scent any space
We're sure you've got a few good ideas, too. So please, feel free to share with us!

Washed, wrapped, and packed with flowers -ready to ship to you.

{P.S.} We recycle our shipping packages, too!

Bluebirds Beat the Blues and add Silver Lining

Although it means relief from the traditionally scorching days of August and infamously sticky, humid air that spells out summer in Kansas City, I'm not sure if I'm quite ready for fall just yet. We've suddenly had a week straight of downright cold, rainy days. Now I'm sorry (just a little) for all the complaining and moaning about the crushing heat of summer. My obsession with hanging on to the last of long sunsets, warm night breezes and symphonies of cicadas is manifest in my latest phase of jewelry creations that have trended towards more traditionally spring themes with flowers and bright colors. www.meadowbellemarket.etsy.com

I also found a lovely little funky-fun etsy store, pinkynoodles, that's helped recreate those fresh spring days in my latest work. Check out the results of perusing her store for oodles of fun accents to my sterling silver wearable art (above). I added these sweet cellulose kissing doves. Find pinkynoodle's supplies at http://www.pinkynoodles.etsy.com/.

A Project in Motion: Vintage for You and Your Home

While together both Meadowbelle Market and Vintage each finds it's own on Etsy, we are busy behind the scenes planning--and since photos can sometimes say more than words, we are offering you a sneak peak of preview pics. for some of our favorite upcoming projects and finds in store. Coming soon to Meadowbelle Vintage :

Travel in style.

Well defined options.

Model line up.

An upcyled lighting obsession.

Meadowbelle Market Has Begun!

This summer Erin and I are finally combining our talents and interests to let the world enjoy right along with us!

On July 28th, 2008 our store was launched on Etsy. Artists from the very begining (the day we were born, that is), we have made jewelry, drawings, sketches, painted, and utilized countless media.

Now our latest creation, Meadowbelle Market: www.MeadowbelleMarket.etsy.com combines Erin's jewelry and my photography into an online store. As an encore to Meadowbelle MARKET we launched Meadowbelle VINTAGE: www.MeadowbelleVintage.etsy.com as an outlet for our vintage and retro finds. We believe good design just never goes out of style!

In addition, we are currently in the works combining Aundrea's love of lighting (photographer--see the connection?) into a project in conjunction with our vintage finds. Enough said for now, you'll just have to wait and see! (Look for the project's appearance in Meadowbelle Vintage soon.) Check back here for more updates!