Happy Birthday Chloe!!!

3 years ago today at 3:11 p.m., I gave birth to 7 lb. 4 oz. Chloe Ann Harvey. It's been an eye-opening experience, one that I wouldn't trade for the world. Despite the tantrums, crying over "spilled milk" and repeating myself constantly, I can't imagine my life without her. Chloe is a very emotional and strong-willed child, which I'm sure will be good later in life, but she is also caring, sweet, loving, curious and extrememly intelligent. I answer more questions in a day now than I ever did as a manager in my previous job. I've learned so many things over the last 3 years. I've found patience I never knew existed! I've found love I never knew I would have. I've learned what she does and doesn't like, for the most part. I have learned what it means to be totally responsible for someone else and to do what I can for her, even if I may not feel like it. I have learned what it is to be totally selfless. I know what it is to be a mother.

Happy Birthday my sweet little girl!

Weekend Getaway

For the first time in a while, my husband and I had a little getaway this weekend. I knew I needed a little time away from the little one before our family vacation in a few weeks. I have always loved Philadelphia, so we decided to visit again. I myself am a city girl. I love that there is something to do on every street. Shops, restaurants, parks, book stores, bars (yes, bars)! I wish I had more to do where I live besides the one mall and few playgrounds to take Chloe to. I would love to be able to take a stroll around the neighborhood or park each day instead of driving every where. Alas, that isn't the case. So I really enjoyed my trip to the "City of Brotherly Love".

While Chloe was happily off with my parents, we had a relaxing, albeit scorching, time in the city! We visited a lovely little cafe for lunch, explored some little shops, visited a cigar bar for the hubby, and just walked! I was drenched by the middle of the day from sweat, and my feet were throbbing, but after a short nap, I was ready to go again! We had a nice pre-dinner drink (or two) and had the most fabulous dinner I can remember. I must say it was wonderful to not have to fight with someone to eat, sit still, or not be so noisy, and actually enjoy what I was eating! We ate at an asian restaurant where we had incredible dumplings, crab fried rice, and miso glazed cod. A rare treat! After some more walking around, and a trip to our favorite pub, I was ready to retire! We started the next day with a lovely breakfast and a trip to the enourmous Reading Terminal Market. If you are familiar with the city, I'm sure you know this is one of the largest markets around. They have everything! I would love to buy fresh food every day for dinner here. We spent some more time walking, had a famous Philly cheesesteak, and headed for home. Unexpectedly, I had a call from my mom that she wanted to keep Chloe overnight again. I was really missing her and looking forward to seeing her, but we decided to let her stay. I knew she must have been having fun or my mom wouldn't have asked! After a long weekend, it was good to be home and in my own bed. Back to "work" today and I do miss my time away. It will be a while until another one of those weekends! For now, I look forward to enjoying Chloe's birthday this week, the big 3! I can't believe it!! Time really does go fast, whether we like it or not.

2 For the Price of 1

Each week I try to post about a different artist that I've "met" through my Blog-Ring group at Skwiggazine. Last week I was remiss in talking about Stacy of Busy Mommy Product Review, so I will do so now. Not only does Stacy design gorgeous tutus for the little ones, but she reviews products that will help any busy mommy in her daily life. Pay her a visit and see what she's up to today!

The next artist I will be telling you about is Lily from Tulip's Treasure Box. Not only does Lily have a great blog that talks about her experiences and her pension for fishing, but she designs amazing beadwoven jewelry. I don't know how she does it, but the pendants that she does are amazing!! Check out her designs and you'll be in awe!

Will These Days Ever End???

Now please don't get me wrong. I love my daughter more than anything else in the world. I would do anything for her. But I have to say this "terrible two" stage that has gone on for what seems like her whole life is getting extremely tiring. If I'm not constantly telling her not to hit the dog, to please not yell, to stop telling ME not to tell her no or to please go potty, I'm asking her to sit to eat, say "please" and "thank you" if you want something and you receive it or to stop throwing herself around the room. I know I am not the first mother to go through this, and I certainly won't be the last, but sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy! That feeling of frustration, exhaustion, depression, anxiety, and loneliness tends to get to you!

I'm sure in another couple years I will wish I had this stage in her life back, but right now, I hope for anything else. If I could leave the room for more than a few seconds without her screaming "Mommy" it would be a miracle, even if someone else is with her. If I could get her to not whine about everything under the sun, it would be a godsend. If I could get some work done while she was awake, I would be eternally grateful. Unfortunately, I do things early in the morning, at naptime, or at night after she's finally resting peacefully.

I have done a lot of reading once I found out I was going to have a baby, and I still read as much as I can. I look for advice anywhere I can. However, not much seems to work with my child. I have found a book about Spirited Children and absolutely believe I am a parent to one. I will talk about this a little more in depth when I have some sanity, but a Spirited Child is more energetic, more emotional, more perceptive, and more intense than other children. My husband doesn't seem to buy into it, but spending every day with her for nearly 3 years, tells me this is the case. So for now I am grabbing a few moments while she is watching a movie with my grandma before I burst! I need to get out my feelings, so I figured my blog was the perfect place. I have realized I need more time to myself. I have focused solely on my daughter, and my business for the last 3 years. I can count the number of times on two hands that I have left her overnight with someone. It just doesn't feel right to me. But, as things are becoming more of a handful, I know I have to let others help me when they can. So with that I will return upstairs feeling a little more able to handle things again. It's soon bedtime:)

Fresh and Chic

I am always so thrilled when someone features Michabella Creations and our jewelry on their blog or site. This week Liz from Wickedly Chic named us Fresh and Chic and featured our Cafe au Lait necklace! Liz had some very nice things to say about our jewelry and she loved our prices! If you haven't yet visited Wickedly Chic, it is a site devoted to "Independant Shopping for the Wickedly Fashionable". Go check it out!!

Weddings and Such

Wedding season is upon us! I myself was married 6 years ago on June 1. It took us 7 years to tie the knot. I'm sure you're asking yourself "Why so long"? Well, I was only 18 when we got engaged and was entering my first semester of college. I wanted to finish school and get my career underway before I settled into marriage. My mom re-married almost 17 years ago on July 20, which is also her birthday.

Cindy just finished designing jewelry for a bride and her entire bridal party. I haven't gotten to post the new design on our site, but I'm giving you a sneak peek here! It's pretty and just what the bride wanted! Her bridesmaids had the set with pink Swarovski crystals instead of the clear. I hope she sends us some pictures! I was reading one of the blogs in my weekly Blog-Ring group, and Stacy is getting married! She and her fiance have a 9 month old little girl and I'm sure they have their hands full! Her little one is going to be so adorable in the dress she chose! I hope they have a special day! Good luck to all of them!