Homeschool Deal

I have been homeschooling for 7 years and there is one item I use every single day in my homeschool. Pencils. 

I am pretty picky when it comes to which Pencils I buy. Some don’t write dark enough. Some don’t sharpen correctly. Some the erasers smear and fall out. 

I absolutely love these Ticonderoga pencils. 

Amazon has them on sale right now 96 for $4.97 but I am not sure how long the sale will last so go get some pencils. 

(The link below is an affiliate link and I do get a small commission when you shop with my link.)

My Weight Loss Journey, The Struggle

It was Valentine's Day 2017, which was actually the 13th in my house, when I walked into Weight Watcher's with my 3 and 7 year old daughters in tow. I was sick of being overweight and I honestly thought if Weight Watcher's couldn't help me I was doomed to be fat for the rest of my life.

I have not shared this story online before so why am I sharing it now?  Because I am gaining weight like crazy. Yep, I am am actually gaining weight. I am already 7 pounds above my lowest weight.

I am sharing because weight loss is a lifelong struggle. You don't just get to goal weight and are magically a skinny person. You don't just stop thinking about it and go on forever able to eat whatever the heck you want. You have to keep tracking, you have to keep your why in mind.

These last 2 weeks I have lost sight of my why and I have stopped tracking and stopped keeping my food journal. Why?! I am going to chalk it up to stress. But in all honesty I got stressed, lazy, and I got tired of having to do these things. I was pissed that the last 10 pounds have been so difficult to take off. I was being a spoiled baby and thinking I wish I could just eat like everyone else. Well 7 pounds later I know I cannot stop tracking.

I have to recommit and I am doing that right now. I have already lost 99 pounds, 79 pounds with Weight Watcher's, and I am committing to restarting today. I am not waiting till Monday, or next year or when my clothes get tight, I am starting right now.

I promise will share more about my weight loss journey in the future but for now please know that the struggle is real and if you are struggling too, I am with you, I hear you. Recommit today!

Xo,

Shannon

Why you should choose a word of the year for 2016

Having a word for the year will help you to align your goals for the year ahead.

These goals are going to be bigger than how much money you want to make or how much weight you want to loose.

Choosing a word to guide you for the year is something that will help create an overarching theme for the year ahead. 

Your word for the year will help you to answer these questions:
-is this in alignment with my goals for my life, family, and business?
-is this going to drain my energy or fill me up?
-do I need or want more of this in my life?

Two of my past words have been open and enjoy.

The year that my word was open I tried to remain open to new possibilities. Open to changes, which for someone with anxiety was super scary. I tried very hard not to place my thoughts or opinions on things but to be open to receiving the gifts others had for me.

The year I chose enjoy was a tough one for us. We had suffered much loss the year before and I was building a brand new business with a toddler and a baby on my hip. I had lost so much of who I was that year and the joy for creating was gone. I made a screen saver for my phone to remind me to enjoy the process and when I struggled for air I would look at those words.

My word for 2016 is give. 
It has not been easy being a homeschooling mom with two businesses. I feel pulled in many directions on a daily basis. When I am working I feel like I should be with my family and when I am with family I am worried I am not doing enough for my business. 

Already my word has helped me be more giving. 
When I am with my salon clients I ask myself how can I give of my time, knowledge, and be most helpful to this person right now.  I know my family needs me to be giving of love, energy, and attention.
For my brand, Emily and Eden, finding my why was a struggle so I had a 1:1 meeting with a coach. During our conversation she helped me uncover that my reason for making jewelry was to share love and she could not have been more correct. Giving love, time, attention, knowledge, support, kindness, self.  I could not think of a more perfect word for myself as we head in to 2016.

Have you chosen your word for 2016? 

My mailing list was the first to hear about how to pick your word of the year and this brand new necklace. Sign up here http://bit.ly/2016WOTY   and I will send you awesome stuff too!

To keep your goals top of mind and close to your heart, I have created a customizable word of the year necklace.  Check it out here.

Handmade from recycled sterling silver this necklace will be a constant reminder to follow your path and to answer the question:
-is this in alignment with my goals for my life, family, and business?

Cupcake Magazine Winter Issue

I am so excited that my Semicolon morse code necklace is featured in the winter issue of Cupcake magazine.

This necklace has been a customer favorite since I released it and I have enjoyed making every single one of them.

Check out page 81 with my necklace on it or go to www.cupcakeMag.com to read the whole issue.

Xo,

Shannon

The perfect gift for mom, sister, friends.

While searching pinterest I found the pattern for the most beautiful cowl.

It works up very quickly so you can make on for everyone on your shopping list. I made one in bernat baby yarn and it is so beautiful and soft.

The pattern can be found at Dabbles and Baubles blog. Click here to go directly to the pattern.

Add in one of our new limited edition Butterfly Friendship Bracelets and I think you have the perfect gift for your mom, sister, or friend. These delicate bracelets are made with tiny glass farfalle beads and sterling silver chain. Dainty and delicate with a pop of color, the perfect piece to layer together or with pieces you already have.

The name farfalle is derived from the Italian word farfalla (butterfly). The "e" at the end of the word is the Italian feminine plural ending, making the meaning of the word "butterflies"

Do you crochet? Are you going to attempt to make this cowl? Let me know in the comments below I would love to hear from you.

XO,
Shannon

Day 8 Circle, Oval, Circle Earrings

Circle + oval + circle = fun, fun, fun

These earrings are fun because they have a lot of movement. They are hand forged which gives them a subtle sparkle. They are 100% handmade in NY from recycled sterling silver. 

Make sure you subscribe to the mailing list to be the first to know when these limited edition earrings hit the shop!

Day 7 Small Double Circle Earrings

A customer favorite, these are entirely made by hand from recycled sterling silver wire. They are very lightweight and have a beautifu, subtle sparkle.

Available in the shop now. 

 

Day 6 Textured Curved Bar Earrings

The texture on these earrings is so interesting. It looks like tree bark. Each earring is made individually by hand so each one is unique, like a fingerprint.

These minimalist post earrings are available in the shop now, click here to purchase.

Day 5 Teardrop and Spiral Earrings

Day 5

Teardrop and spiral earrings. Featured in Cupcake Magazine Summer 2015 issue. Handmade from 100% recycled sterling silver. 

Bold, lightweight and fun. 

Day 4 Double curve post earrings

I almost never wear post earrings but these are so awesome I might be changing my tune. 

They are feather light, eco-friendly bits of awesome. 

Day 4 of 175. Follow allong on instagram @XoEmilyandEden

 

Day 3 of the 175 Pair Project

Day 3 

Flirty and fun swing earrings 

The curved bars are made from heavy recycled sterling silver and are given a slight hammered texture. 

Day 2 of the 175 Pair Project

Day two of the 175 pairs of earrings project. 

These large recycled sterling silver double circle earrings are a customer favorite. 

Bold but lightweight they make a statement without hurting your ears. 

 Shown with faceted emeralds these are available in the shop in several other gemestone options. Go to the shop now to order your favorite!!

Day 1 of the 175 Pair Project

July 10th

There are 175 days left of 2015.

The 175 pairs of earrings project is a challenge I created for myself. I plan to make and share a pair of earrings a day for the next 175 days. 

I hope you will follow me on instagram @XoEmilyandEden to follow my progress. 

Use the hashtag #175pairsofearrings to see them all. 

Day 1

Tiny recycled sterling silver earrings. These are a personal favorite. Lightweight, with just a touch of sparkle. 

Xo,

Shannon

Pretty Packages

Pretty jewelry is only half the fun of opening an Emily and Eden priority mail box. 

I strive to make every package pretty and special. I found these quote cards and am happily adding one to each box.

This particular package was pretty special because I got to customize the card on the inside of the jewelry box. I can't tell you what it said or I will ruin the surprise. 

So if you would like me to make you a custom card to go along with your purchase head over to the shop now and leave me a note or comment when you pay and I will be happy to customize a card just for you!

Also, stay tuned for some super exciting new items coming soon. 

Why not sign up for the mailing list while you are here? 

XO,

Shannon

Maker Monday with RubyClaire Boutique

Today is Maker Monday and I am thrilled to introduce you to an awesome mom entrepreneur. 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Julie from RubyClaire Boutique and asking her a few questions about being a mom entrepreneur.

1. What is your name and the name of your business?

We are a family business run by our parents: Norm & Kim, and four sisters: Julie, Kristin, Anna, and Lauren. (who are all married with children)

2. How many children do you have?

Between the four sisters we have 11 children between the ages of 11 years and 3 months!

3. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

RubyClaire Boutique - we sell trendy clothing items for the everyday woman! We offer everything from business attire, date night, to a casual night in clothing!

4. How long have you been in business and how did you get started?

We started November 2013 as the parents were transitioning out of a women’s western wear company. The sisters and our mom stayed out late over dinner one night on a girls trip to Park City and started hashing out details of what we wanted to be, and how we wanted to look. Before we knew it, our ideas started to take shape and we were in business!

5. What would you say are the biggest challenges of being a mom entrepreneur and how have you overcome them?

By far the biggest challenge is time management. Our families are our number one priorities, and we want to make sure they feel like they are! It is so easy to get sucked into running a business, especially when it is open all hours, and you run it from home where you can never leave it. I feel like it is so important to create a schedule and make sure your business time and family time are separate - as hard as that seems sometimes!

6. What are the three things you need to be a successful mom entrepreneur?

1. A schedule

2. Flexibility

3. A good iPhone with lots of memory so you can work on the go!

7. What does a typical day look like for you?

It is different for each one of us since we are in different stages of life with our children. For me, I am up at 6:00 am to exercise. I try never to miss that - it is my sanity saver! Then I get my kids off to school, my preschooler off, and my baby down for her morning nap. At that point I sit at the computer and work hard for 2 hours until my preschooler comes home. Midday is spent with my little kids, and once they are both down for afternoon naps I am pounding the keyboard again for another 2 hours until the older ones come home. After school and evenings are busy with homework, chores, dinner prep, and activities. Once the kids are in bed, I’m usually back at it on the computer, but I try to leave some evenings to spend with my hubby!

8. If you could share one piece of advice with other mom entrepreneurs what would it be?

As hard as you try, you can’t do it all! And it’s okay! Tomorrow is another day, and there will always be more to do! Pace yourself, and keep your priorities straight!

9. When you are not working what do you like to do?

I love running, hiking, gardening, and spending time with my family.

10. Here at Emily & Eden we have a saying, Celebrate the Everyday! We believe that simple, everyday moments should be celebrated because they are the things that make life awesome.

Thinking about your family and business, what are three things your are celebrating today?

1. I am celebrating our good health and good fortune!

2. I am celebrating our beautiful country, and the warm weather!

3. I am celebrating 4 beautiful children, and a wonderful hubby to spend my life with!

You can read more about the whole family behind RubyClaire Boutique here.

The most exciting part of this fabulous interview is this coupon code that RubyClaire Boutique is sharing with you!  20% off using code EEBLOG20 find them at http://www.rubyclaireboutique.com

Spring Bracelets

I dream of jewelry designs. 

I do. 

It starts with the beads. 

I found these beautiful frosty seed beads in a drawer, neatly tucked away. I dreamt of adding pearls and sterling to them. I thought the pop of color would be perfect. 

I added the Swarovski crystal pearls in the perfect shade of cream and a sterling silver disc. 

I am planning on stamping a letter on the disc to personalize these little bracelets. How beautiful a gift will these make?

I am making a green one for myself because I am an August baby. Now should I stamp an S for Shannon, an E for my girls, or a C for my last name?

~Shannon

Featured on The Baby Burp

Thank you to The Baby Burp for featuring our Elise earrings in Pink Amethyst as a Momma Must-Have for Spring.

Check out  The Baby Burp.

What to Wear With Jeans

Casual by emily-and-eden featuring blue jeans

DKNYC top
lordandtaylor.com

 

H&M blue jeans
$44 - hm.com

 

Birkenstock silver shoes
athleta.gap.com

 

Emerald earrings
emilyandeden.com

 

Casual Saturday

This necklace is one you must have in your collection.

Throw it on with a t-shirt and it works because it is small and delicate.

Layered it with other necklaces.

Wear it with a suit to add a touch of sparkle but nothing too flashy.

Casual by emily-and-eden featuring a long open front cardigan

MANGO long open front cardigan
$30 - johnlewis.com

 

Enza Costa striped tee
otteny.com

 

Rag & bone cut off shorts
shoplesnouvelles.com

 

Tan sandals
modcloth.com

 

Circle necklace
emilyandeden.com

 

Hello!

Welcome to Emily and Eden!

Don't freak out. We know, change can be a hard. 

If you were familiar with For My Sweet Daughter and Shannon Chomanczuk Designs, you may have noticed that the style of our work has changed quite a bit over the past year, and we felt a growing disconnect between the old names and the direction that our work has taken. This line has grown and changed so much since it started over 10 years ago, and we're ready for a name that feels a bit more congruent with the path that we're on, and will allow for continued growth and evolution in the coming years.

We're so excited to share this new brand and our latest work with all of you! 

Thanks for joining us on this new adventure. We're happy to be here, and hope you are too.