Camping with Family at Birch Bay

Recently my family decided it was time to escape to the outdoors.  We left the noisy traffic and busy life behind,  packed up our gear and hit the road.

TIME FOR A FAMILY CAMPING TRIP!

We pointed the truck north and made our way to Birch Bay State Park in Washington.

Birch Bay is known for it's amazing tide pools!

You and your children will lose yourself for hours exploring the beach and discovering the marine life!

Here my son got to encounter the excitement of dueling crabs!

Besides playing by the tide pools we also explored the trail at the camp ground which was approximately 1/2 mile (great flat trail for little ones).

I would recommend bringing your bikes along as you can peddle along the side of the road to the quaint town where you can stop off for some yummy ice cream and sweets!

I would recommend inviting friends and family to camp with you.  This is a great RV/Camper spot  as the sites back up onto one another.  The camper spots are in the open which is great for the children to run around..you will be able to see them at all times....

Here is the link to the Washington State Parks Reservation site in case you want to try a fun weekend of exploring the tide pools...

Live in Joy - Lisa

Where there is love there is life - Sterling and Leather Bracelet

"Something is missing...I'm not sure what it is."

I have spoken these words and I have heard them echoed among loved ones and strangers.

Too many people are experiencing the feeling that: "something is missing from my life."

Are we journeying through life without thought or awareness?
Do we just play the roles that have been placed upon us?
Did we agree to these roles or did we settle for them because facing our feelings 
makes us feel too vulnerable?
Sometimes we say "this is just the stage of life I am in at in this moment."

Maybe this feeling that "something is missing" is our soul trying to wake us up to what we are missing?

Something is missing and here is what I believe it is:  a lack of love giving to ourselves.

We move about life providing love to our spouse, children and friends but somehow giving love to ourselves seems to slip our minds.
We feel selfish
We don't have enough time in the day
          This list is endless............................................

So now I know the meaning behind Gandhi's quote, "Where there is love there is life."

We cannot live our lives if we cannot give love to ourselves.

• Can you honor the beautiful creation you are....love yourself and give yourself life?.....

          Ponder this question.............

Gandhi's quote was the inspiration behind my newest design.

To find this inspirational sterling silver and leather bracelet, click the link below this picture.

Sterling and Leather Gandhi Quote Braclet

Live in Joy  - Lisa

Beach Inspirations - Beach Glass Earrings

“The sea! the sea! the open sea!, 
The blue, the fresh, the ever free!” 

                         – Bryan W. Procter

This past weekend my family ventured to the waters for a weekend camping trip with friends.  I don't know about you but being next to water seems to calm my soul.

I've decided it is the perfect escape from everyday responsibilities...lose your feet into the sandy beach, listen to the waves, feel the breeze on your face and watch children play...

The child in me actually sneaks out as I find myself surveying the sand for beach glass or shells... Something about this space rejuvenates and inspires the soul!

Here is a little beach themed inspiration of mine:

I decided to pull out these beach glass lamp-work beads I had sitting around my studio for the last 6 month....and created these beach themed earrings which can be found in my Etsy Shop Lisa Michele Creations....

What inspires you when you are at the beach...the waves, the sound of the sea gulls...?

I would love to know your favorite beach spot...mine is Tillamook Head in Oregon.

What ever the inspiration and where ever the location..I hope that is lifts your spirit and creates a space of joy in your heart..:) 

Live in Joy - 

Lisa

Bronze Earring Sale

I've decided to have a bronze earring sale to determine if there is a demand for my bronze designs.  I usually create in sterling silver or pewter but recently thought I'd give the beautiful soft hue of bronze a go.

I started designing in bronze as I felt the designs were just as beautiful as sterling silver and bronze is much less expensive!

Sale starts today and designs are limited...

Hurry and pick up your earrings by heading to my shop:

Lisa Michele Creations

Also, I would love to hear if what you think of bronze jewelry.

Do you prefer sterling silver, gold-filled or bronze?

Do you wear Bronze?

Live in Joy - Lisa

Be Brave Bracelet and Taxes

I am working on my taxes today..well I should say I am doing everything in my power to be distracted from my taxes like posting this to my blog...lol 

There are many things in life we wish to avoid for one reason or the another but we cannot hide from "it" as "it" becomes a heavy burden that lingers waiting behind every corner...

We need to pull on our brave boots or in this case "put on your "Be Brave" bracelet.

The inspiration behind this design is that we have the strength within to face any situation when we embrace the concept of being needing to brave and owning our brave moment.

The main charm is lead-free pewter accented with oxidized chain, silver clasp and turquoise colored Swarovski crystals.  

We can achieve anything with a slight change in our perception..perhaps a new pair of glasses to change the shades we see...could help..right..:) 

So..here I go...off to complete my taxes..so I can create again!

Thumbs up to all those whom have completed your taxes...

Do you do yours early or procrastinate to the very last days? Tax tips are always welcomed..:) 

Live in Joy - Lisa

For your personal inspiration...this bracelet can be found here: Be Brave Charm Bracelet

Zen - Lotus Jewelry for Everyday Wear

This year my son has moved into first grade and I have found myself in a new stage of life..
I have found myself with a LOT of extra time which is allowing me to devote more energy to designing and self examination..:) 

I have found myself drawn to the lotus flower and used it as my inspiration for these newest designs.....What do you think? :) 

The lotus is symbolic of rising above the murk (the flower grows in muddy waters) to achieve enlightenment or rebirth.

This is a continuous journey for me, to be able to see situations and myself clearly, to acknowledge and gracefully accept myself, my feelings, thoughts...all of me for who I am...without judgement...:) 

These designs are about simplicity, grace, and awareness!

Both pieces are meant to be simple enough to wear on a daily basis...

For a closer look:

Sterling Lotus Necklace

Long Sterling Dangle Lotus Earrings

Live in JOY - Lisa

Spiritual Healing - Connection with Self, Family, and Nature

Recently my family took a camping trip to the beach.  

Getting outside into nature seems to nurture our souls!

We found ourselves playing in the sand (touching the earth), running through the freezing ocean waves (awareness of our environment) and sitting still taking in the beauty surrounding us. 

When we are in nature we laugh, talk, and listen to each other

 (we are connecting with one another)...

We fill our senses!

We fill our souls!

I came back from that weekend renewed, I felt calm, happy and in balance.

Nature nurtures my families soul, do you know what nurtures yours?

  Have you taken time recently to think of all the things that bring you and those you love joy, closeness to one another and helps connect you to your happy soul?  

I would love for you to share what you do to connect with self, family and nature..:) 

Here is an article I read from  Experience Life Nature Quest discussing how time spent in nature is an investment in your well being..:) 

Life in Joy - Lisa

Stepping into the SoulBook Project - by the Brave Girls Club

I'm so excited to share the latest  art and soul project I've just begun.  

This whimsical "SoulBook" is from the Brave Girls Club!  

Designing your SoulBook is supposed to take approximately 6 hours but I see myself getting lost in this project for much longer!! 

This is how the Brave Girls Club describes their book: "Your Soul Book will be something to look at on days that you forget who you are, what you want out of life, and what you are about. This will be a very fun and personal art journal that will be a sort of guidebook for your soul…to use when you are feeling lost…ya know?"

I stumbled upon the "Brave Girls Club" web site about two weeks ago! 

 It's a creative girls dream...beautiful to look and inspiring to read!

I read about the SoulBook under 'online classes" and instantly jumped in..it's only $25!

I try to live a conscious life, I feel it brings me more joy, hence my tagline "Products inspiring joy through conscious living." :) 

 I'm one of those girls who enjoys doing some soul searching, trying to figure out why I may feel a little unbalanced or irritated...what lifts my spirit, writing in my gratitude journal and sitting in silence.

Some days we all need a little encouragement.

Why not create a rave book about yourself, one that you've put your energy, self-worth, 

and creativity into?? 

Seriously...lol

This book will remind you how unique, wonderful and special you are!!!!

I'm all for that..!! lol

I plan to reach for my SoulBook first thing in the morning and then again at bedtime.  

I will share my book with you when it's complete...!

If you want to create something special for yourself or try your hand at other classes,  be sure to check out The Brave Girls Club! 

Live in Joy - Lisa

Anyone Else Feeling Uncertain or Insecure or is it Just ME?

So here it is..right there above this sentence..the image I'm using..

I finally did it, I created a Facebook Ad!  I am feeling insecure and anxious..it's really quite ridiculous as it's a flipping ad.

I have been tossing this idea around for over a year and today took the leap.

Now I have all the self-talk going on...

"What if you don't get any likes?"

"What if your creations are really a waste of time?"

"Are you doing the right thing?"

I am trying to hush this voice.. and maintain some sense of confidence and trust!

I decided after working in Corporate America for fourteen years that I wanted to tap into what brings me joy in my life...creating endless design ideas and being inspired...I decided to stay home with my son and slowly gain design and business knowledge over the past 6 years.    Now that my little man is getting ready to head to first grade, I'm spreading my wings and risking showing off my creative designs to more people.  

So there it is..Vulnerability....got to love it ..it makes us stronger right?

Any how...I will just wait and see what happens with this ad..and continue to learn and grow!

Would love to hear I'm not alone...am I ..lol 

Releasing the Unattainable

Today I am releasing the unattainable expectations I place upon myself.

• the spotless and organized house
• the healthy home cooked meals 
• exercising 5 x a week
• meditation
• being the perfect daughter, wife, mother and friend
• creating the most amazing piece of jewelry

.......the list goes on...

I declare that I am releasing the burdens I place upon myself with the side order of guilt and negative self-talk.

Today I will ask myself what I need?

Today I will listen to my heart; I will nurture and honor myself.

I am about to give myself permission to sit quietly with my mango, peach, raspberry smoothie and enjoy "Puss in Boots" with my boys!

Here's the recipe for my smoothie treat (serves 2) - Enjoy!

1/2 cup frozen organic mango

1/2 cup frozen organic raspberries

1/2 cup frozen organic peaches

3/4 cups apple juice

1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt

     (sometimes I add less raspberries and more mango)  yummy!

I hope you do something special for yourself this weekend and everyday...Release those unattainable expectations, give yourself grace and nurture your sweet vulnerable soul! 

Live in Joy - Lisa

I love this statement, "LIVE BOLDLY!"

My version of living boldly is about embracing who YOU ARE and to finally STOP concerning yourself about  what others maybe thinking about you!  

(Hint - we are all thinking about ourselves..)

Let's all let out a big loud sigh of relief! 

Let that heavy weight GOOOO..fly away and let someone else tend to it!

I recently had a conversation with a wise woman who asked me, "How would it feel to acknowledge and accept that not everyone likes you?" 

What blink ...blink..lol (kidding)

 I was surprised at my response......"It would be freeing!!!" 

Freedom comes from accepting yourself just as you are!

It means acknowledging that pleasing every single person you interact with is an impossible feat!  

 It means having self-worth and respect!

Freedom happens when we honor and love our Unique selves!

I hope you share my humble idea with someone you care about...

Liberate them..

Remind them to LIVE BOLDLY embracing the beautiful unique YOU!

Live in Joy - Lisa

The Bead Soup Earring Winner IS!!!

I apologize for being a day late announcing the winner!

My 6 year old son was having abdominal  pains yesterday so we ended up at Urgent Care to discover I need to start feeding him buckets of fiber...poor little man!..

If anyone has suggestions of yummy high fiber foods to feed a six year old I would love your feedback!

Any how - Congrats to Snazzy Doodle Designs..

You are the WINNER!

Please email me (lisa@lisamichelecreations.com) your mailing address and I will

 ship your earrings!

Truly would appreciate your high fiber food feedback!

Live in Joy - Lisa

5th Bead Soup Blog Party - Let's Hop!

I'm so excited to be a part of Lori Anderson's 5th Bead Soup Blog PARTY!

In January my bead soup partner Helen Kemp mailed my INGREDIENTS! 

YAAA..I LOVE receiving beautiful beads in the mail!

The ingredients consisted of 2 clasps - sterling/base metal and 25 glass beads which she made herself!

You can view and purchase Helen's beautiful beads click HERE!

Finally I came up with the perfect creative recipe to compliment the ingredients sent by Helen !

Aside from the above necklace I was able to create 2 pair of earrings!

By leaving a comment regarding this post, you will be entered to win the brown set.  One winner will be randomly picked on March 7 TH and the winner will be announced by 6 PM PST on this blog!

I have really enjoyed this experience, it has encouraged me to design with new materials and think outside of my design box..:)   I'm excited to see what the other participates have created and to gain inspiration from their designs. 

I hope you will join me for this hop and view the below participants amazing designs!

Hostess, Lori Anderson


Special Book Sneak Peeks, Cindy Wimmer

1.  Adlinah Kamsir (Singapore) and Hajer Waheed (Kingdom of Bahrain)

2. Adrienn Lukacs (Hungary) and Agata Grygiel (Poland)

3.  Agi Kiss (Hungary) and Carolien Muller-Genger (the Netherlands)

4.  Agnes Asztalos (Hungary) and B.R. Kuhlman

5.  Alesha Conklin and Becki Mendivil

6.  Alice Peterson and Carol Dillman

7.  Alicia Marinache (Canada) and Dita Basu

8.  Amanda Dittloff and Brandy Thomason McNair

9.  Amanda Tibbetts and Andrea Trank

10.  Amy Freeland and Kay Mallery 

11.  Andra Weber and Christine Murrow

12.  Ann Sherwood and Diane Welte

13.  Barbara Bechtel and Kerry Bogert

14.  Barbara Lewis and Cat Pruitt

15.  Bonnie Coursolle (Canada) and Fay Wolfenden (Canada)

16.  Carmel McGinley (Australia) and Tracy Stillman (Australia)

17.  Cassie Donlen and Deryn Mentock

18.  Cathie Carroll and Janel Dudley

19.  Cece Cormier and Morwyn Mullins

20.  Charlene Jacka and Christina Hickman

21.  Cheryl Brown (Canada) and Diana Ptaszynski

22.  Christina Stofmeel (the Netherlands) and Eva Kovacs (Hungary)

23.  Christine Damm and Deb Brooks

24.  Cilla Watkins (Canada) and Elaine Robitaille (Canada)

25.  Sabrina Straub (Switzerland) and Kathy Combs

26.  Cindy Cima Edwards and Eleanor Burian-Mohr

27.  Cory Celaya and Rhea Freitieg

28.  Courtney Breul and Dana Hickey

29.  Cynthia Abner and Jennifer Boreck

30.  Cynthia Tucker and Jean Peter

31.  Debbie Goering and Heidi Post

32.  Dee Elgie (UK) and Joanne Lockwood (UK)

33.  Dian Hierschel (Germany) and Eniko Fabian (Austria)

34.  Diane Cook and Lyn Foley

35.  Donna Bohler and Lisa Lodge

36.  Donna Millard and Kiersten Giles

37.  Doris Stumpf (Germany) and Eszter Czibulyas (Hungary)

38.  Elisabeth Auld and Eva Sherman

39.  Elke Leonhardt-Rath (Germany) and Marjolein Trewavas (UK)

40.  Ema Kilroy and Laurie Keefe-Cecere

41.  Erika Nooteboom (the Netherlands) and Giorgia Rossini (Italy)

42.  Erin Grant and Jean Wells

43.  Evelyn Duberry (Canada) and Gaea Cannaday

44.  Genea Crivello-Knable and Heather Powers

45.  Ginger Bishop (military, Okinawa) and Martina Nagele (Germany)

46.  Heidi Kingman and Lori Greenberg

47.  Helen Kemp and Lisa Michele

48.  Helene Goldberg (Australia) and Karen Vincent

49.  Jamie Hogsett and Jeannie Dukic

50.  Jeanette Ryan and Jelveh Jaferian

51.  Jennifer Cameron and Tania Spivey

52.  Jennifer Justman and Kari Carrigan

53.  Jennifer Tough and Lorelei Eurto

54.  Joanna Matuszczyk (Poland) and Julianna Kis (Hungary)

55.  Joanne Tinley (UK) and Michaela Pabeschitz (Austria)

56.  Julie Anne Leggett and Kelley Fogle

57.  Karen Hess and Linda Landig

58.  Karyn Bonfiglio and Kathleen Lange Klik

59.  Kashmira Patel and Kat White

60.  Kat Barron Miller and Kelly Morgan

61.  Kathy Lindemer and Rose Binoya

62.  Krafty Max and Sandra Miller

63.  Kristen Latimer and Pam Ferrari

64.  Kristie Roeder and Lea Avroch

65.  Kristina Johansson (Sweden) and Penny Neville (Canada)

66.  Krisztina Erlaki-Toth (Hungary) and Nicole Keller (Germany)

67.  Lara Lutrick and Lisa Suver

68.  Laura DeMoya and Lisa Hanna

69.  Libby Leuchtman and Melanie Brooks

70.  Linda Koch and Rosemarie Cowit

71.  Lisa Chapman and Menka Gupta

 72.  Lisa Liddy and Marion Simmons

73.  Lori Anderson and Marcie Abney

74.  Lori Bowring-Michaud and Mary Govaars

75.  Lori Dorrington and Maria Rosa Sharrow

76.  Lori Finney (Canada) and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp (Canada)

77.  Lynn Bennett and Mandi Ainsworth

78.  Marta Kaczerowska (Poland) and Milla Starchik (Canada)

79.  Mary Harding and Shannon LeVart

80.  Mary Jane Dodd and Stacey Curry

81.  Melinda Orr and Molly Alexander

82.  Melissa Meman and Michelle Escano-Caballaro

83.  Michelle Jensen and Sandra Young (Canada)

84.  Nan Emmett and Nicole Valentine-Rimmer (Canada)

85.  Nancy Boylan and Suzette Bentley

86.  Natasha Lutes and Patti Vanderbloemen

87.  Pam Hurst and Rebekah Payne

88.  Patty Miller and Sara Rhoades

89.  Rebecca Anderson (UK) and Lori Anderson

90.  Rebecca Sirevaag and Sharon Driscoll

91.  Rochelle Brisson and Shannon Chomanczuk

92.  Rosa Maria Cuevas (Mexico) and Tejae Floyde

93.  Sabine Dittrich (Germany) and Sally Russick

94.  Sandi Volpe and Sarah/Saturday Sequins

95.  Shanti Johnson and Tracy Mok (Canada)

96.  Skylar Brez and Theresa Buchle

97.  Sonya Stille and Traci Zeller (Canada)

98.  Stefanie Teufel (Germany) and Tania Hagen (New Zealand)

99.  Stephanie LaRosa and Vonna Maslanka

100.  Terri Wlaschin and Wendy Blum

Sneak Peek - 5th Bead Soup Blog Hop Party - March 3

Yaa...the time is coming!  Tomorrow is the big 5th Bead Soup Blog Hop Party!

Just wanted to give you a little preview of what I designed!

Live in Joy - Lisa

I designed these sterling silver sea fan earrings with white freshwater pearl to move freely much like the sea waters which flow past this beautiful animal daily. 

The Sea Fan is a nocturnal sea animal which resembles sea plants such as coral. This beautiful animal anchors itself into deep mud or sand and lives off of plankton brought it's way by strong sea currents. This animal is revered for it's vibrant colors and intricate branching.

These earrings are meant to evoke the feeling of peace often experienced while sitting on a beach watching and listening to the ocean waves crashing in.  

From this animal we can learn the importance of anchoring ourselves and finding our balance as life continuously moves and changes around us.

This earrings are also a beautiful way to add a water element into your life.

What inspirations from nature bring your soul peace and balance in this changing world? 

I would love to hear from you!

These earrings can be found here in my Etsy store Lisa Michele Creations. :) 

Live in JOY - Lisa

Take Courage - Allow Change to Happen

The butterfly is an inspiration to me. 

Like us, the butterfly goes through many transformations and phases in it's life time.

Unlike us, the butterfly knows this is a natural process and doesn't fight or fear it.

The butterfly understands that change is a part of life; change is constant in life.

Perhaps we can learn from this beautiful creature, maybe if we allow change to happen without fear - we too will unfold into a beautiful masterpiece.

Live in Joy - Lisa

Breaking Through the Creative Block - A Carved Flower Pendant Freshwater Pearl Sterling Necklace

I think the winter grays had been affecting my spirit leaving me creatively blocked.

I have been losing myself in books like, "Feng Shui Your Life" and "Landscape as Spirit" in hopes of getting my spirit and energy excited, inspired and moving again!  

Finally...something shifted within me and I found myself inspired to design last night!

Here is what spoke to my soul!

This piece is inspired by femininity ...innocence, strength, and beauty....

found within all women!! 

We are beautiful flowers slowly unfolding our vulnerability to the world...finally we bloom and with courage smile upon the skies above.

The woman who wears this piece embraces her style and sense of self! 

She understands the importance and beauty of being genuine to herself! 

If this woman is you, you can find this one-of-a-kind necklace here:

Lisa Michele Creations - Etsy

For so long we try to be like everyone else or who others perceive us to be....Finally our arms stretch out like the wings of a bird ready to soar and we glide through life - smiling and free to be ourselves!

Live in Joy - Lisa

Be True to You - Acts of Kindness

Learning to be true to ourselves comes when we learn to value ourselves and our worth.

Each of us adds something special  to another person's life on a daily basis.

Often we are unaware of the positive impact we have had.....

What positive impact did someone have on your life that gave you the courage to see your value... worth  and  "insist on yourself?"

I would love to read your stories!

I thank Jerri for ignoring the 'other' girls in 6 th grade and telling me, "I'm your friend no matter what the other girls say."  This small act of kindness reminded an insecure and vulnerable child that she was special!

Sterling Heart Necklace Inscribed with "Love" - A Chance to Win!

Sterling Silver 16" Love/Heart Pendant Necklace

"She discovered that SHE was

the ONE 

she'd been waiting for."  

- by Kobi Yamada (from one of my favorite books - She...)

With Valentine's Day approaching I thought it would be fun to spread some LOVE!

Love starts with us- 

Let's start our day out by first giving ourselves some well deserved love..THEN spread the joy of love to those around us.  

For a chance to win the necklace shown above, complete both of the following requirements:

• Leave a comment about ways you spread love in the world 

(i.e.,  I spread love by smiling at a stranger.....)

•    Like my Facebook Page - Lisa Michele Creations and leave a quick comment about this contest!

I will randomly select a winner on Feb. 14th based on a minimum of 10 entries... so encourage your friends to enter.  I will announce the winner on my Facebook Page by 6PM PST Feb. 14th.

If you must have the necklace now, you can purchase it from my Etsy site Lisa Michele Creations.

Good luck and remember - 

One person's actions do make a difference!

Live in Joy - Lisa