My version of a heart for valentine's day... the first strawberry to grow in our garden. I was thrilled to see something had actually grown and it took me a moment to decide to pick it since it was there all by it's lonesome. But I did and I'll wait anxiously to see more pop up. Every time I long for living in the city again- the subways, the crowds, the buildings- things like this remind me that the grass might not be as green on the other side as I think. (literally)

On a more disturbing note, the only other gardening success I'd had was a large bunch of fresh romaine lettuce that I'd watch grow into what would make a great salad for 4 or 5. However, only moments after picking my prize strawberry did I notice my lettuce was missing. Someone somewhere is enjoying a nice, large, fresh salad (or maybe that someone is in the background of this picture... Lucca does look quite satisfied there.)

So no matter how you feel this valentines day- triumphant like the strawberry or defeated like the lettuce- simply spend it with whatever it is you love- your loved one, your dog, your garden- whatever!

P.S. We know you'll need a post valentines gift- esp for all you who forgot one in the first place. Check out the "Luv" Necklace which is 18inches and comes in Goldfill or Sterling Silver. Email for info and to order.

Happy Valentines Day from mimi&lu!

I've added two fantastic colors to the crystal collection which can be used in all your favorites from the Toby Rings, to the Eva Bracelets to the Melissa cuffs. The richness of the Red Magma will stand out but still has an earthy undertone. On the other hand (possibly literally!) is the Silver shade- This subtle color has a metallic feel that is great for everyday wear. While any crystal can be combined with either silver or gold, my personal preference is the red magma on gold and the silver shade on sterling silver. However you mix it up you are sure to love it! If you are one of those who collects the Eva Crystal Bangles Bracelets, you can now add these colors to your collection. The new colors may not be listed on the website yet but are currently available by special request. I love the new colors and can't wait to build them into the new pieces-- which are coming soon! Check back often for updates...

j'adore

J'adore. That's one of the only phrases I remember from 6th grade french class, but I am glad I do. Yesterday, a good friend brought me these amazing plates and bowls back from his trip to Paris- and I LOVE them. They are beautiful and odd at the same time. It's art on dinnerware which makes you contemplate whether you really want to be eating off them. After some investigation I found the artist's site- http://www.concettagallo.com/ - and have found an artist whose work I am now a fan of. It's colorful, whimsical, and includes a lot of interesting juxtaposition. Not only that, it reminds me as a designer and an artist to think outside of the box. (Thanks Chris!)

a break in the storm...

The sun peaked through briefly today so despite
my sore throat & fighting a fever hang ups I thought

Lucca might need a walk around the block and I could
probably use the fresh air too. I took a pic of these super tall and skinny palm trees that line a street nearby against the brief blue sky. The aftermath of the storms left Lucca feeling like he was a kid in a candy shop- all the palm tree parts that blew to the ground were like heaven to him. There he is sniffing out his favorite. I tried to take a pic of him carrying his prize but maneuvering the camera and trying to walk a dog carrying an 8 foot palm proved to be too difficult. Or so I thought- till I got home and looked at the pics and saw the inadvertent shot of his shadow -- sometimes creations are far better when you don't try so hard. Back to designing...

Sometimes when Im designing I feel like Im in this rut and nothing is really coming together or clicking like it should. Sometimes it pans out and sometimes it doesn't and in my current design process, I think I've turned a corner which is a BIG relief. Im excited about the new pieces and in particular these little drops that Im using on everything from rings to necklaces. By handwrapping these filigree pieces around colorful CZ drops, it's adding something that feels special and different. I can't wait to get this stuff out there! Keep your eyes peeled....

Today, Lucca and I went to Fiesta Island...and while it's not exactly an island of parties- to a dog, it comes close. I've watched the ground go from brown dusty dirt last summer to this awesome mix of greens and Lucca's loving running right through it. I love how it's a mix of all sorts of green- almost yellows to the dark deeper green... maybe my crazy artist mind taking over, but it doesn't help that Im also in the middle of designing a new collection. I love monochromatic anything and while Im not sure it's going to fit into the work this time around, I know it will at some point. Im always a fan.

ALSO- join mimi&lu on TWITTER...! (Lucca LOVES birds..) Here goes my attempt to maintain the social media aspect of mimi&lu..... difficult for someone whose better off with a few pliers and a mess of wire... but I'm determined to try. So follow us and you'll be kept in the loop of new collections, website updates, sales and specials..not to mention LU(CA)'s daily happenings!

Check back here for more information and updates.

It's been an (unexpectedly) trying process but mimi&lu is just about ready -- Thinking about the 'brand' and where I wanted mimi&lu to go was surprisingly difficult. I learned to let go of some of my preconceived ideas of what I wanted and ended up loving things I never thought I would. For example, my color palette.. pinks and peaches and violets and browns- who knew! I always imagined myself as a blues and greens girl. But when it came down to it, (thanks to some amazing help from a designer who worked on the color branding) I was able to take myself out of that box and come away with something soft and beautiful.

I thought I'd share some of my pics I used in my virtual scrapbook that helped guide the process. Right now my problem is focusing on creating a new collection since I have so many exciting ideas on where I want to go with mimi&lu!
More to come!