Merry Christmas x 3

After all the jewelry has been made and shipped, my Christmas begins. It's been going pretty much the same way for some time and it comes in three parts. I'll go backwards. 

3. Christmas Day- Always at my grandparents and most likely a lot of eating. This year, at 96 and 97, my grandparents were still up socializing when we left, exhausted. Since Lucca came along, my grandpa's favorite past time seems to be sneaking salami, crackers and cheese to the dog.

 Lucca's favorite person in the house.

2. Christmas Eve Day- For the past few years we have been hosting a brunch or lunch at our place for my immediate family. We ate, exchanged gifts, and went for a walk to S.D. Harbor and through Little Italy. (Then, we were hungry again so we ended up at Sushi Diner (YUM!)- Have you been?!?)

Lucca rests on our walk.

1. TAMOUSH PARTY- This has been a tradition since before I was born. Usually the weekend before Christmas, all of the Tamoushes get together under one roof. It's chaotic, noisy and possibly quite shocking to a newcomer (i.e. new spouse).  And despite the fact that you usually run the risk of being 'booed' or thoroughly embarrassed at some point during the party, every Tamoush looks forward to this day every year.

Keep your eye on the Don't Worry Be Happy t-shirts- Click here for info and more to come on the blog soon!

Hope your Christmas was Merry too! (or three...)

Holiday Wish List

A. Kai Lotion $34, Cecilia Boutique B. Element Eden Penny Handbag $49.50, Mimi and Red Boutique C. Alex Drawer Unit $119.00, Ikea D. Michael Kors Women's Gold Blair Watch $240, Amazon  E. Magnetic Kitchen Timer $12, Anthropologie F. Alexander Wang flared wool leg warmers $185 (SOLD OUT!), Shopbop  G. Cashmere Poncho $400, Nicole Miller H. Large Sunflower Pillar Holder $19.95 (sale) Anthropologie I. Hobo Wallet, Rachel Vintage $128, Hobo International J. Printers Letter Stand $19.95 (sale), Anthropologie

Naughty or Nice?

Petco just posted this on their twitter feed: This year my pet has been naughty/nice (pick one)
I figured Id let these pictures from the past year talk for themselves:

Don't forget to follow Mimi & Lu on Twitter for jewelry (AND Lucca) updates!

See you there!

What's on the Web...

Lately, we've seen Mimi & Lu popping up on blogs and websites from San Diego to Canada! Here are a few of the mentions you can check out!


 
Pretty Shiny Sparkly- Fashion Blogger's "What's in my purse?" episode. (Perhaps some Mimi & Lu?) See the video here or in the previous mm&l blog post.


Mental Detritus- I'm pretty flattered that this Canadian blogger considers her Mimi & Lu necklace her favorite. Thank you, that makes my day.

Resonate.Local- This local San Diego blogger reviews the This local San Diego blogger reviews the Vocabulary Boutique holiday event Mimi and Lu was a part of. It was a great evening and I enjoyed getting to know her too. (PS. check out her beautiful pics of the evening!)

See you around the web!

What's in this fashion blogger's purse? (Perhaps a little Mimi & Lu??)

Sample Sale!!

It's here!! Our annual Sample Sale is on. Don't miss out on these incredible deals, up to 50% off. These pieces are either extra inventory, had been used as a sample or one of a kind pieces. They are going fast so snag your favorite NOW! Let the shopping begin.

Rainy Day Projects

This weekend we woke up to cloudy skies, rain and what San Diegans would consider 'chilly' weather. (our Bostonian friends are rolling their eyes...) And while I loved that it gave me a chance to put on my boots and hat, it also gave me permission to spend Saturday morning in my pjs with a hot glue gun, loads of ribbon and a giant cup of coffee. (Holiday box for Keurig of course!).

Two years ago, a couple days after my wedding, my good friend (from ReadySetWife- check it out!) and I were lounging on Coronado Beach- the same beach my husband had proposed on. While dipping our toes in the water, we each found a full sand dollar. We were thrilled! Then we suddenly found another. Wow, what are the chances!? Wait, then another and another.... I think you know where this is going. It was like we stumbled upon a sand dollar graveyard. You had to look carefully as the tide rolled out for 'bumps' in the sand that caused a ripple in the water and then jump on it.  Here I was, with a friend who I rarely see, who lives 3000 miles away and we weren't even talking.  We became so fixated on these sand dollars- collecting them and then bringing them back to our blanket, methodically lying them out- that I'm very sure we became 'those crazy ladies' to others at the beach.

It left me with a very happy memory of my wedding week and the friends who flew across the country to spend the occasion with us- AND- a bucket full of sand dollars sitting in a cupboard. Until now. Twenty of them (a fraction of what I have) would become dangling ornaments- painted  gold and adhered to festive ribbon.  Deciding it needed a bit more, I hand stamped muslin bags and this became the packaging.  It was nice to take a tiny departure from jewelry to enjoy a rainy Saturday morning project.  The rain has since lifted and it's back to jewelry- with of course one thing remaining the same- that giant cup of coffee.
(PS. What's YOUR Rainy day project?)

Join us for Sweets, Styling & Shopping!

Mark your calendars! December 4th at 3pm I will be at Dreamer's Salon in Poway participating in their holiday open house. Now, I realize the holidays are a crazy time and somehow it seems that the they zip right by us before we get a moment to stop and ENJOY it.  I hope you can utilize this event to do just that. 

There will be FREE hair and make up touch ups (Hair by Chandra, Pink Chique), samples of some of the most delicious desserts by The Cookie Chew (Hello, Truffle Stuffed Cookies!!) and Jenn's Cake Couture (mini cupcakes, yum!), shopping with Tres Chic Boutique and ourselves- Mimi & Lu (15% off jewelry at the event!), plus meet other local businesses such as That's so Inviting. Oh and did I mention FREE New York Style Pizza to munch on? So stop in and take part in whatever it is YOU enjoy-- shopping, sweets, mingling or just a little pampering. Click the invite below and let us know you're coming! (Friends welcome too!)

See you there.

Drama Queen (or King)

My dog, Lucca, is dramatic. Actually, dramatic doesn't really say it well. Over-dramatic? Melodramatic? Ridiculous, is what I'd call it. Let's start with his yawn. This comes to mind because this morning he dragged himself off the couch, waltzed into our bedroom and in his downward dog yoga position let out the loudest, most over the top yawn I've ever heard. It's starts with low rumbling and sorta crescendos to the end - which is topped off with the highest pitch screeching squeal you can imagine. He's basically saying, HELLO EVERYBODY-I'M UP AND I'M TIRED AND I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW IT.

His dramatic nature doesn't end there. It's everything. If he is excited to see you- he's on 10- usually on his tippy toes he lets out a low howl. With his lips together it's almost like a low grumbling "Im trying to talk" sound. If he is tired but can't get comfortable you can bet he will let out a HUGE sigh- expanding his chest up as far as it will go and then letting it deflate.  If he is scared? Well today, he jumped 5 feet & knocked me over all because he saw this terribly "frightening" statue on our walk. (see flower pic- part of the Urban Tree project at the Port of San Diego)

Is your dog this dramatic?? Or should I just go ahead and ship this dog to Hollywood for acting classes...

So excited to be included in EKORA's Fall/Holiday 2010 catalog as a Featured Designer. This catalog mixes such a great variety of pieces I guarentee you'll find something you love. 

I'm loving the Owl Necklaces (page 6; $14) and the gorgeous Green Amethyst Ring (page 27;  $855) 

Take a peek! 

All you need is LOVE

Thrilled to be part of San Diego Magazine/Exquisite Weddings Bride Suite Blog last week.  Labeled a "fabulous find", Mimi & Lu's LoveScript necklace can be found at Vocabulary Boutique in Little Italy (a fabulous find in itself, if you've never been there!) or of course on our website. 

Love all the LOVE inspired products they featured....

Candles, keychains, cakes...what's not to LOVE?!

Ice Cream and SNL got me through it.

Thank god for ice cream and SNL.  Lately, my Saturday nights have consisted of hours in front of the computer, working on the website unil my eyes glaze over- and there's nothing like some sweets and laughs to keep you going.  It's finally updated and  NEW DESIGNS are available online. I'm also thrilled that the new Keepsake collection has launched.  Perfect for gifts and many pieces are under $50!!

Take a peek and let me know what you think!!

Photo fun

 I was so thrilled when I received these photos that I couldn't wait to share them with you! Thanks to Megan Guerrero Photography and our wonderful model, Joanna, the pics are amazing.  It was a fun shoot in Mission Hills, Pioneer Park and I can't wait to do it again. Here are just a few shots I love... some of brand new pieces and others of old favorites. Enjoy!

Sophie Ring

Luxe Earrings

Eva Bangles

Eternity Ring

Eternity Necklace

Mariah Cuff

Bella Cuffs

 To order any of the pieces pictured, visit our website at www.mimiandlu.com . If you can't find the piece you are interested in, it's probably brand new and you can email us to order now!!

Moving Clips

I'm no stranger to moving- I moved 8 times before 8th grade. I moved across the country on a 'whim' at 22 and have moved into 4 different houses since being back on the west coast. Moving is a pain, yes, but there is always this exciting side of exploring your new space and creatively making that space your own. Some of my favorite snapshots of our new place (Although my ultimate favorite is the view of the city, the harbor and the planes landing.... those pics to come soon!)

Shake it off

I've been absent lately and haven't had a new post in some time. It's been a chaotic couple months and life got crazy (whose isn't?). After the dog bite incident (which is ongoing), we had to move (on short notice) & got hit by a car (please stop texting and driving, people!) I'm finally playing catch up and in between designing the new collection, working on updating the website and settling into our new home I'll suddenly think, "Did I brush my hair?" "What about my teeth?" "What's this stain on my shirt?" Sometimes I feel like this slobbery mess of a photo looks and ultimately, in the end, we just have to shake it off.

Um, Yum.

Sophie Ring- $42

I'm so in love with these little faceted glass charms that I want to EAT them! (ok, not really, but they ARE irresistable)

These precious charm rings are from the Sophie collection. Watch for the Sophie Necklace and Bracelet to debut in the near future. Working frantically to get these pieces posted on the website VERY SOON!!!

(Can't wait? Email me, and Ill set up a custom listing just for you.)
Um, did I mention their equally irresistable price??
$42!!

Love at the Jersey Shore

Well, I didn't run into Snooki or see the Situation (I'm not even totally sure who that is) but I did get a taste of the Jersey Shore. So, what did I love the most? What's not to love?  Tanning on the beach (sorry guys, no gym or laundry...); bobbing in the waves of the (very warm) ocean; playing Uno & making s'mores at the relaxing beach house ; and of course a little mini-golf! (Apparently a Jersey Shore must do.) I also fell in love..... with this adorable dog named Sophie. She made herself at home in this little convenience store by the Barnegat Lighthouse. Im pretty sure she loved me back.

I didnt remove my LoveScript Necklace the entire trip (look closely, its on!). I love it! Soon you can have one of your own. It will be available on the website in the coming months. Email me if you'd like me to let you know when it's listed!!

Christmas in July

I'm already excited for the holiday collection. I've got most of it semi planned out in my head and I couldn't resist doing some designing now. Of course, everyone else in the fashion world has already completed their holiday collection but most of my orders are immediates so I don't put the collection together until mid August or so...

These pictures don't do these earrings justice (in fact the pictures make them look a little like we've got 2 pairs of eyeballs spying on us) but in person, they feel solid and sparkly- perfect for that holiday party you are already planning your outfit for. Okay, maybe not quite yet, but I can just about hear the Jingle Bells and smell the cinnamon pine cones already...

The Kindness of Strangers

Dear Stranger,

I want to say thank you.  Last weekend while out of town & at the beach, my husband was bitten severely on the hand by a dog that was trying to attack our dog, Lucca. As soon as it happened, our world went into chaos mode. As much as I tried to keep it together and figure out a way to get my injured, pale husband, confused dog and beach gear to the car in record time, I felt like I was falling apart.

We had made it across the beach and up the stairs to the road and not one person- despite all the stares- stepped into help. And then, out of nowhere, you stepped in. You saw me frantically sitting my husband down at the top of the beach stairs, arms overflowing with towels, beach bags and blankets with a 135lb dog in tow, dropped all of your things and said, 'let me help you'. You held my dog and sat with my husband as I ran to pull around the car.

I never got your name and I don't remember a face but your calm and reassuring nature stuck out to me so much so that I actually made note of it in my head amoungst the thousands of thoughts racing through my brain. You gently suggested I give my husband some water and reminded me to type the hospital into my GPS before pulling away. Im pretty sure you smiled and said 'Ok now, have a good day' or 'everything will be fine' as we pulled away.

Sometimes it's the kindness of strangers that gets us through an experience like that and so we'd like to thank you for being our kind stranger.

Sincerely,
Mimi and Lu

Pretty Shiny Sparkly - The Emma Ring

Sometimes we compromise comfort or practicality for fashion and design.  We love a design so much that while it might not be the most practical piece, we can't part with the design.  But who says you can't have the best of both worlds?

The Saffron Ring is a great piece with a look all it's own, however, for some gals with 'on the go' lives, free hanging charm rings just aren't practical for all day wear. Insert Pretty Shiny Sparkly. Style blogger, Kristina Medhus loved the Saffron Ring, but presented me with a vision on making a more wearable version. With her vision in mind, I went back to the design process and began to rework the style. After a week of collaboration, we emerged with brand new style- the Emma Ring.  Featured on her outfit post, "Pretty in Pink Pleats', the Emma Ring is wearable and durable yet still carries that delicate and intricate essence of the Saffron Ring.  
I love that custom work and collaborations get me as a designer to think about a piece in a new way or in a way I hadn't previously considered. The Emma Ring (co-designed with Pretty Shiny Sparkly and named after Kristina's adorable cat!) is a limited edition piece currently available on our website.  Take a peek- I think you will find it as special as we do.