Moms on Monday :: Lisa Leonard + Giveaway

For our very first Moms on Monday feature, I would like to introduce Lisa Leonard - of it's the little things blogspot - and Lisa Leonard Designs. Lisa creates beautiful hand-stamped & beaded jewelry. I love, love, love (did I say love?) her designs. I tend to gravitate towards styles of jewelry that can adorn your favorite tee & jeans ensemble or even a simple black dress. Her jewelry fits the mold - and has special meaning, too! I love the idea of keeping your loved ones names' close to your heart. Lisa's blog will be your new favorite spot for custom & one-of-a-kind jewelry. Let's meet her!

iknowamom :: Hi Lisa! We're so happy to have you here. Tell us a little about yourself...

lisa :: I have been making jewelry since high school but decided I wanted to turn it into a business after my first son was born. My goal was to build the business to a place that would enable me to quit my job and stay home. I have never taken any formal classes or received special training in jewelry making. I am kind of the 'jump in and learn as you go' type. Making jewelry is a great creative outlet for me, and I have so much fun!

iknowamom :: What is your biggest challenge balancing work + family life?

lisa :: This is a constant struggle. The boys are my first priority and I keep that at the forefront of my mind. An at-home business can seep into every area of life, so I try to set aside time for work and time to focus on the boys. Sometimes I work into the wee hours of the morning.

iknowamom :: A great tip - setting aside time for work when you won't be distracted. It sounds challenging, but you are doing a great job! How do you stay inspired?

lisa :: I love to be inspired by other artists--painters, scrapbookers, clothing designers and poets. I also love to soak up nature-the sky, the sea, the green hills. I let all these ideas and images swirl around in my mind and then I create.

iknowamom :: On to the good stuff. What are your top five indulgences?

lisa :: 1. pedicure, with extra massage, 2. triple chocolate brownies with a tall glass of milk, 3. sleeping in, 4. a great pair of shoes and 5. watching a jane austen movie.

iknowamom :: Hmmm...triple chocolate brownies - where can I get some? How about your favorite place in the world?

lisa :: Cambria, on a clear day - chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, lots of good coffee and plenty of time to play on the beach.

iknowamom :: What do you think is the best invention of our time?

lisa :: I use my laptop a lot. Of course, I really enjoy hot, running water.

iknowamom :: Yeah - hot, running water - definitely something I would not have thought of and take for granted. You sincerely take time to appreciate the little things. Lastly, and most importantly, do you untie your shoes when you take them off?

lisa :: Most of my shoes are flip-flop or flats, so I just kick them off!

iknowamom :: It was so great to meet you, Lisa - thank you for taking the time to chat!

READERS :: Because Lisa was generous enough to donate two necklaces for our first giveaway, you have two chances to win. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post. Let me know how much you love these necklaces!

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Giveaway Guidelines:

You have until midnight PST on Thursday, February 28th to enter this giveaway.
To enter, you just make a comment ON THIS POST - any comment at all!
Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
One entry per person, please.
The winner will be randomly picked and announced Friday morning (the 29th).

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Winner Update:

the Love Necklace goes to The Haughs

the Silly Necklace goes to MarkSusanSerenaZacCole

Congrats + Enjoy!