Cheetah cuff bracelet review

Safari Cheetah Cuff Bracelet by Celeste M. Designs

FILED IN: FASHION DESIGNER REVIEWS, FASHION DESIGNERS, FASHION DESIGNERS - JEWELRY


As a child of a former model, Celeste M. Tober was exposed to fashion at a young age. While other girls were playing, she was crocheting, beading, and turning dolls into fashionistas.

This early show of creativity lead her to take classes at The Cleveland Institute of Art, and eventually pursued the art of floral design at one of the largest couture salons in North East Ohio. After several publications of her work at fashion shoots and the use of her floral designs at runway shows, she launched her own bridal/floral business.

Her priorities changed with the birth of her children, as she decided to focus and stay at home with her family. But this didn’t extinguish her passion to create and didn’t dampen her intuitive sense of style.

While her little ones napped, she started seeking outlets that would allow her creative juices to flow, and at the same time, allow her to continue to stay at home with her boys.

She began to create jewelry by sculpting pieces of sterling, gold filled and 14k gold wire and adding unique gems, stones, and beads from her travels. When boutique owners started inquiring about her jewelry, she knew she had something special with what she started at a jeweler’s bench in her closet.

Today, Celeste has a studio boutique where all pieces are handmade by her, where most are one of a kind, and where custom design is available upon request. That and more is Celeste M. Designs.

Celeste custom-made a bracelet for us. It is the safari cheetah cuff with handblown square cut cheetah and zebra stones, baby cheetah blown glass, bali wood beads and Swarovski crystals with 14k gold filled wire. It retails for $250.

First, let us say that in all the products we’ve reviewed, this is the first time that one was custom-made especially for us. It just goes to show the amount of pride Celeste takes in her work. How lucky for me to be one reviewing it.

Second, when the package was given to me, it was in a beautiful white box secured by a swirly sticker on top. Immediately, I thought, what a wonderful gift this makes (Mother’s Day is just around the corner). Inside the box is a hand painted wooden purse with a bamboo handle that is washed in blue and adorned with a dainty ribbon of blue, white, green, and brown. Inside the purse is the bracelet cradled in marabou feathers and clusters of dried leaves. I felt like a celebrity, with a designer creating a one-of-kind bracelet for me, and delivering it wrapped as a gift at my door.

This bracelet is more than a piece of jewelry, it is truly a piece of art. I stared at it for a long while for I have never worn such an intricate piece of art. The craftsmanship is absolutely superb in the intricate web created by the twists and turns of the wires, and the painstaking effort it must have taken to place the stones, glass, beads and crystals within it.

It makes anything you wear look expensive. I’ve worn mine with everything just because I love wearing it. Nobody else has it and that makes me feel special, and even though the design is on trend with the use of gold and animal print, it’s not trendy. It’s stylish but classic, one that will last through endless seasons.

For an uber chic look, wear the cuff on one wrist and in the other, slip on this Black Patent Textured Lamb Wristlet by Moe Bags. Then, put on your sexiest little black dress, like this Cap Sleeve Matte Jersey Sheath Dress by Nicole Miller. Add a dash of red by slipping on a pair of shoes like the Amanda Peep Toe Slingback by Jessica Simpson. With the cuff bracelet making you feel like a celebrity, you might as well dress like one!

Celestem.com

Weezies.com

You cannot scoop water with your fist

My mom always said you can't get water from a running stream with your fists closed tight and you can't get water with your fingers wide open. But you can with a gentle scoop of both your hands. That's parenting to me:)
It is hard for parents to let go these days, and who would blame us, with all the stories of what happens to our kids when we aren't looking. It can be and should be done, though. We do our children and the world a great disservice when we smother and baby our children. I always say that I'm OK with my kids not liking me for a bit as long as it puts them in a place where others like them. I want my kids to go and know I love them, that I miss them, but I certainly don't dwell on it. When our kids think we are in pain when they aren't with us, they feel bad leaving and they have anxiety about leaving. Sometimes parent will do this on purpose (some don't realize it) because when the kids feel bad leaving it makes the parents feel more needed, wanted and better about their insecurities and fears. I believe that's called projection. This is damaging to kids. Even if you are in fetal position when they go, YOU MUST make them feel good, smile and say, "I will miss you, but I know you will have fun and I can't wait to hear all about it." This is healthy and doesn't put your kids under stress.
I have fears just like other moms, but I know that letting go is part of life and we make them capable by doing so. How awful to be the one kid at a party who can't cut his own food because his mom babies him and thinks that by doing everything for him that is showing love. How sad is a child that can't have fun at a sleepover because he keeps hearing his mom say how sad she will be that he is not with her. If that child calls his mom and needs to be picked up, the mom feels good because he needs her ... this is not good for the child. Children need to build their confidence so they are well adjusted. Love is showing kids how to be independent and capable so they have confidence! Let them struggle at home in a safe place to cut up their food and guide them through instead of setting them up to be crying in front of peers who will make fun of them because they weren't taught. Let them feel good about time away from you so they don't grow up needing constant attention and validation from others.
My kids aren't perfect, and I am not either, but they do their share and we all are happier for it. They know how to strip and make a bed, do a load of laundry and are expected to help with meals, clean up and wash dishes as well as take out the garbage. It makes them better people. They are only 8 and 12, but someday they will be in a relationship and they will have to be a team to make it work. If I do everything for them, they will expect their roommate, partner or coworkers to do the same. This sets them up for failure in life. Self sufficiency is what I strive for. You don't know how? Ask. You think you can't? Try.
They are happier when they help. I am happier when they help. Win win!
As for independence, my 12-year-old has accused me of being overprotective at times. And I tell him this, "If you are going to be mad at me for being a good mom then I'm ok with that." There will always be the "Michael's mom lets him do it." I explain to them that all parents don't make good choices all the time, and just because one choice works for some other child doesn't mean it works for us. That's the long version of "life is not fair!" He doesn't have a cell phone and I will milk that for as long as I can. He is usually with a friend who does and he has not been able to convince me he has to have one yet. Or that he is motivated to pay for part of it. He rides his bike around town or goes for a run and takes a walkie-talkie with him. If he goes up to the local shopping area a mile away I ask him to check in via the Apple Store. Thanks, Apple! He calls, then hopefully always remembers to delete my number from that phone. It's my cutting-edge pay phone deal. He doesn't roam the neighborhood like I used to at 7 or 8 years old. Those were the days when we had to be home before dark and we played hours of made-up games and re-enacted drama from the Dukes of Hazzard and the Bionic Woman (yes, I had the coolest Bionic Woman jump-suit and thought I was all that!)
Sharing your kids with other family and friends is another way to give them independence and confidence. It also gives them other interests to share with you.
I would love to hear ways that you give your kids their wings:)
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

Driftwood hearts on fire shadow box

$39.00 one of a kind driftwood heart had painted, then photographed. Hand distressed white shadow box. Celestemarie25@yahoo.com to order.

Celestem.com jewelry

Celeste m. designs jewelry and inspiration!

Sometimes you have to still eat cake...

So we have been eating pretty healthy. Maybe its time for a treat!
About ten years ago my Mom made this cake. She is now and always will be one of my biggest inspirations. But even the best fall down sometimes, or so we thought ... When she made this we were all a bit confused. The cake was wet, sitting in a pool of milky liquid and smelled like a sweet bowl of frosted flakes that was down to it's last spoonful and soggy.
We all ate it while looking at each other and wondering to ourselves if she had made a little mistake in the baking process. To our delight she did not. This was one of the best cakes she had ever made. To this day I will search it out and never turn down a Luxurious piece ever!
So for the first time I tried my hand at making it. The baking level is difficult. But I did it and I am no rocket scientist in the kitchen. So I say GO FOR IT! I'm sure glad I did:)
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste


Tres Leches (Three Milks Cake), Latin America

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2002
Show: Emeril LiveEpisode: Latin Flavors

Tres leche cake

Ingredients
Cake:
6 large eggs, separated
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream topping:
1 14-ounce can evaporated milk
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
Icing:
3 tablespoons water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg whites
1 ripe mango, peeled, seed removed, and thinly sliced
1 ripe papaya, peeled, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
Directions
To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In the bowl of a mixer, beat the egg whites on low speed until soft peaks form. Add the sugar gradually with the mixer running and peak to stiff peaks. Add the egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after the addition of each.
Sift together the flour and baking powder and add to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. (Do this quickly so the batter does not lose volume.) Add the vanilla. Bake until golden, 25 minutes.
To make the cream topping: In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream and blend on high speed.
Remove the cake from the oven and while still warm, poke holes with a fork all over the top and pour the cream mixture over it. Let sit and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
To make the icing: Once the cake is completely chilled, in a saucepan combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and stir to dissolve the sugar. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, 235 to 240 degrees F. Remove from the heat. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. While beating, add the hot syrup in a stream. Beat until all the syrup has been added, the mixture cools, and a glossy icing forms.
To assemble: Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread the icing evenly across the top. Arrange the mango and papaya slices over the top and serve.
Rated 5 stars out of 5

Total Time:
2 hr 4 min
Prep
1 hr 0 min
Inactive
4 min
Cook
1 hr 0 min
Yield:
1 cake, about 10 serving

For your Valentine ...

Celeste m. designs
"Tears of joy" necklace $39.00
Email Celeste@celestem.com to order

Kindness ...

Kindness by Ryan Adams
http://soundcloud.com/ryanadams/kindness 

So you ate cookies and cake for a month ... we all did it ...

It is hard enough to stay on track with being healthy the rest of the year let alone during the holidays when food is a for-front and sweet temptation is at every turn. Don't beat yourself up, think of it as a small chuck hole in the road, fill it with asphalt and steam roll over it!
Getting back on track is all about choices and little changes that make a huge impact on your health. We call them little victories:)
Let's say you are the half-n-half-and-sugar-with-just-a-hint-of-coffee type of coffee drinker ... not mentioning any names, like mine. OK, it was me. Up until about a year ago my morning cup of Joe was packed with fat, calories and sugar. Than I decided to do a little detox.

I came to realize that everything is about little steps and doing something until you get used to it. I am now the cup of Joe with skim milk and no sugar girl. Who knew I could do it. Even if you just do it for a week, I promise you, you will be able to do it for another week, and so on.
A year later, week by week, I added cinnamon, clove, vanilla and even cardamom in my coffee to excite the taste without adding any sugar or fat. Not to mention the health benefit of those spices to boot:)

Here are a few other ideas that are worth sharing.

Would you rather eat bread or cake? Skip the bread basket at all costs. If you know you are going to be dining out and let's say you are hungry before you even venture out the door, eat an apple or a handful of almonds to keep your blood sugar from crashing and you from diving into the bread basket head first. Almonds and apples hang out in your tummy and curb that feeling of hunger until you can eat good food.

Dont skip breakfast ... I am guilty of this one. A cup of coffee is what I crave in the morning, but I find that if I can at least get protein, like eggs, even if you are on the go, grab a yogurt, oatmeal, fruit or a hard-boiled egg to jump-start your metabolism. When you don't feed your body it panics and holds on to fat because it's afraid you aren't going to fuel the furnace.

Always carry water, nuts, fruit, quick snack bars like Luna bars and good food with you. Pack a cooler or throw a few things in your bag. It never fails that I am hungry in line to pick up the boys or when running from one sport to another. If you don't plan ahead you will find yourself eating things you would rather not.

When ordering your food, have it your way ... you are paying for it, so if you want dressing on the side or broiled instead of fried, ask for it. Dont let your others be in control over what you eat. Ask questions, servers are usually very helpful at making your meal heathier.

Find a good protein shake ... they are great when you need some fuel but don't have time for a meal. I like Jarrow french vanilla whey protein shake. I add a scoup of peanut butter, a banana or a handful of nuts sometimes to keep it exciting. You can also add chocolate syrup for a treat. I have tried them all. This one my kids love and will drink with crushed ice as a "milk shake."

Eat on a smaller plate.

Take one scoup or small portion of food and know you can come back for more if you really want. Nine out of ten times I am good with the first scoup.

Fill your dish in the kitchen and then go to the table. You are less likely to get up and refill but more likely to hang out around the table and talk. Make a point to eat as a family.

Read portion sizes and put them in a small cup. If you take the whole bag and sit infront of the TV you have no idea how much you have eaten. Don't deny yourself, just control the amount you have.

Set a reminder to drink more water:) A water meeting. Everyone has a alarm on their phone ... use it!

Exercise. Even a ten-minute walk to start or a mile run is better than not doing it.

I hope these tips will help you feel happier about how you care for yourself. It's all about little victories! Treat yourself well:)

Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste
celeste m. designs
celeste m. photography
www.celestem.com

Great foods that naturally clean your body inside and make you shine outside!

Fresh Fruits:

Kiwi (2), watermelon (1 cup), papaya (1 cup), grapefruit (one half), and dates. Thoroughly wash all produce.

Amount: Eat up to two fruit servings and two Medjool dates per day. Any more than that and you could get gassy.

Vegetables:

Artichokes, fennel, beets, greens (especially dandelion), hot peppers, cucumbers, bean or broccoli sprouts, broccoli, garlic, and leeks.

Amount: Unlimited.

Grains:

Black rice (has anti-inflammatory properties) and red quinoa.

Amount: Eat one half cup of either choice per day.

Fats:

Avocado (one half), coconut milk (1/2 cup), or walnuts (8). Remember, we’re trying to give our digestive system a rest from working so hard, so don’t go overboard on the nuts, even though they’re small and delicious.

Amount: Eat one serving of one choice per day.

Protein:

Wild salmon (serving size of toilet paper roll without paper), omega-3 eggs (2), or Nutiva hemp protein (2 Tbsp). Blend Nutiva with fruit (above) and one of the beverages (below), or just with avocado and fruit.

Amount: Eat one serving of one choice per day.

Oils:

Extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil for cooking; avocado oil or walnut oil for salads.

Amount: 2 Tbsp per day for cooking; same for salads.

Condiments:

Apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger, fresh herbs (especially parsley), limited amounts of raw honey or maple syrup (1 tsp per day).

Beverages:

Water, dandelion leaf tea, fennel tea, detox tea, green tea, or white tea.

Amount: At least two cups dandelion or detox tea per day. At least eight full glasses of water per day.

Exciting Extras:

1 Tbsp E3Live with 1 cup water before eating in the morning. Natural Calm in the evening. E3Live is an algae that’s loaded with B vitamins and is great for energy. Natural Calm is a powdered magnesium for the stressed-out that calms you down at the end of the day.

What to Avoid:

Sugar and artificial sweeteners, dairy products, wheat, caffeinated beverages (except green tea), alcohol, food additives, and preservatives.

From Nutritionist Lauren Slayton

Picking the perfect rose ...

Picking the perfect rose...

Fresh roses photo by celeste m. photography

“The splendor of the rose and the whitness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness".
Therese

Picking a perfect rose or bunch of roses may seem easy, but even the most beautiful things in life are not without imperfections.

This is the time of year I see so many buying roses for those they love and one thing comes to mind, do they know how to tell if they are fresh? Will they wake in the morning to wilted, droopy roses? Years in the floral biz gave me some insight ... Of course at first glance they may look fresh and beautiful but really, how do you know? I was in Costco and their flowers were amazing but every one of the bunches were old.

This bunch of roses above are so pretty, I have never seen this kind before, but you can see a dent in the bottom of the center rose where I pinched and it caved in ... old roses:/

What you do is pinch the bulb between your fingers right where the stem and flower meet. If it is solid, then it is fresh, if it gives or is mushy, move on. It is so disappointing to get or give beautiful flowers only to have them wilt the next day so I hope this helps to make your flower shopping a better experience!

Also if you are on a budget and roses are not fitting into it try alstroemeria, they come in many colors and if you buy them still closed or just opening they last a long time! Trader joe's always has a good selection.

And if flowers are not her thing than jewelry is always a good choice:)
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste
celeste m.designs
www.celestem.com
celeste m. photography

Through the eyes of a child ...

Children are so perceptive. I am so lucky to have very verbal boys, we talk about everything. They know that no matter what they can come to me.

When I was little my aunt Nancy came to visit. When she got to our house she didn't run in the house and chat with my parents, she came over to me as I played with my friends and said "Let's go for a walk". I was floored ... Looked behind me to see who she was talking to, it was me. So we walked, hand in hand and talked. To this day that little walk stays with me. She took time out for me, just me, she was interested in me. A small little thing but a huge impact on a seven year old. She made me feel special.
Our children are watching and doing as we do, not as we say...
Teach them the best of what you know:)


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favourite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

photo by Ryan Dawson

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

Valentine's day gift idea ...

Drift wood home decor

Just another day at the beach...

A rough, windy, but beautiful morning on the lake with the skyline in the distance.

So I have had this stick ... Not just any old stick, but one that broke off a tree at some point and found it way into our glorious lake, I'm pretty sure it has a story to tell about the journey it took to end up on the beach all worn and bleached. I found it on a walk with my boys. I have had it propped up in a corner for years, always knowing it was meant for greatness. Well, today was that day. After bobbing along in the lake until it was smooth and worn, then sitting in a corner for years, then hanging on my wall waiting to be turned into something good, it has become a wonderful piece of art. I love that because the stick is not straight the pictures hang a bit off, I find there is perfection in the imperfect:) I hope you are inspired to make a little something with things you find and they make you happier! This does it for me!

Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste
Celeste m. Photography
Www.celestem.com

Nothing to beach about...

Happy new year!

Cheers to fresh starts and new beginnings:)

This time of year always has me taking a much needed deep breath.

Just coming off of two holiday jewelry shows and the big week at Crocker park will do that. They all were a huge success thanks to my staff (Traci, Justine and Scott), our kids and Ryan's support. Of course my idea of a deep breath would include cleaning the heck out of the house and getting organized for a jump into what I think will be the best year for CMD jewelry and design. As we gear up for our Valentine's open house I have to put on the breaks, backtrack and share some of my favorite things:) I have had these pictures and have been wanting to post them. For me, even in the midst of snow, my mind always heads to the beach. Maybe that is why this is one of my favorite places in my casa. It is my beachy bathroom. So here are some ways to bring the beach home until you can get there!

Yes, my bust of David is wearing pearls ... he usually has crystals on too! I think Michaelangelo would have approved ... he represented civil liberties, right? Left is a shell-encrusted box I made on a trip...this one sold but we will make more! Right is a framed CMD photo I made for Ryan with sticks in the snow. It gets a beachy feel by changing the color to a soft aqua. And front and center is a Celestite gifted to me by my friend KK. It represents the angels in heaven and is known to expand creativity, decrease negetivity and accelerates goodness and purity. No wonder it makes me happier!

Epic sunset gets a fun display with a few handfuls of sand and some shells from our trip. Hot glue added to the frame around the glass will prevent the sand from pouring out:)

This antique mirror is a shadow box, I have had it since I was little. It holds one of many heart-shaped rock from our local beach and I found this cool beachy wreath and added pearls.

This vintage frame got a coat of white paint and was left empty to appreciate the detail, a shadow box with a picture of my baby on our favorite beach and last a box with a carved heart. I carved this for my boys to show them how to use a pocket knife on our camping trip.

Store-bought frames got a sanding to give a weathered feel and little white nails were used to hang sweet star fish. Frames could be made with a bit of paint and some stamps. Now to pick the perfect beach photo ...

This is an old ladder I found in a local antique store. I cleaned and painted it in a wash of white, blue and green. It makes the perfect magazine rack for my bathroom. It would also be so great to hang your towels over!

This is an old metal trough that I sewed a soft pail green velour liner for and it makes the perfect spot to store extra towels and floor mats for our guests. In front is a square glass vase that I filled with sand, shells and a candle.

I hope this will inspire you to bring the beach home until you can get there! Enjoy this glorious day!

Celeste