Friday, May 21, 2010

The Meaning of Life



What is life all about? Is the life we are living the life that God wants us to live?

Most of us care less to ask ourselves these questions when all is good and everything is going our way. We are preoccupied in enjoying ourselves with that we have and we never bother to really meditate about life’s meaning. A lot can distract us from asking the big question in life, like “What is my life all about?”

All of us have experienced hardship and trials in our lives. If you haven’t, then you must be dead. Only then, can you rest in peace. Trails can help us to find our meaning in life. If we let them.

I believe God sends us trials for our own sake. Sometimes God uses trials to get us back on track. Maybe to grab our attention. Don’t run away from them. Many of us try to escape our trials of life, only to catch up with us at the end. We all need a reality check once in a while.

If a person thinks that life is all about wealth, and he loses his wealth, he is forced to think about life in a different way. The real way. Sometimes losing his riches is the best remedy for him.

For a man in addiction to be sober he must be cut off from his drugs. We are the same. We also need to be cut off from the distractions that poison our soul and prevent us from finding our meaning in life. In other words to achieve sobriety.

Even though sometimes we don’t understand why God permits bad things to happen to us, we have to put our trust in Him.

Trust Him! Keep your eyes on Him! He will pull you through.

We need to let God show us our meaning in life. For as we trust Him in our trials God can use the difficult trial to mold us, to mature us.

Lets not waste the trials we are given. Let us use them as an opportunity to really grow in Christ. Only then will we find our meaning. Our days are numbered, lets not waste anymore.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kind, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” - James 1:2-4

Thursday, May 20, 2010

You Are Not Alone

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain. As I laid in bed watching the rain stream down my window, I began to call out to my Father. Why am I feeling so hopeless, afraid and alone? “ My mind was full of confusion and uncertainty. I felt frail. “Speak to me Lord, I’m listening”….

As my heart filled with tears it began to overflow. “ Are you hearing me God? I’m here!! Where are You? “ My cry was muffled by the pounding rain. As I lifted my head and turned around, I saw my sweet little girls snuggled together with their arms wrapped around each other. I began to bawl. God revealed Himself to me! Trying to catch my breath, I slowly drifted off the bed onto the floor wiping my tears off my face.

I remained silent to accept His sweet love. I closed my eyes and put my head on my knees. Just as I was tearing up again, I felt His warm arms snuggle me. He was letting me know He was right there next to me. I didn’t have to worry anymore. In an instant He took my worries away and gave me strength.

Why is it that when a child wakes up from a nightmare in the middle of the night he runs to his parents? Because he feels afraid and unsafe. He knows once mommy or daddy wraps their arms around him, everything will be okay.

This morning I needed to feel safe. I found security in my Father’s arms.


“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10




Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Details, details, details...


After months of bleak weather and a few recent days of the sun teasing me this spring, I am reminded that wedding season is right around the corner. Growing up in a Russian community, spring and summer weekends were always packed with weddings to enjoy and get inspiration from. Thinking back on my wedding 5 years ago, I knew that I had done everything that I wanted but now I wish that I had put more thought into the details of the day. Seeing current weddings and blogs on the web have inspired me to focus more on the little things of this memorable day. This inspiration has led me to create Bumble Bridal, a line of wedding accessories that focus on the details to accentuate the details of a bride’s day. I have started by creating some hair pieces and veils for brides, but am beginning to expand the collection to include flower girl and bridesmaid accessories, boutonnieres, bow ties and neck ties for ring bearers, and much more. Here are a few pictures to share:



Virginia is a good friend of mine with a flawless face and gorgeous hair who I thought would be perfect to showcase my new bridal line. She worked the camera like a pro!



One of the things I lacked at my wedding was a stunning hairpiece. That was a very difficult thing for me to find at overpriced and tacky bridal shops so it ended up being a detail that I overlooked. I want to give future brides the opportunity to embrace their hair and find an accessory to accentuate their beautiful features and dress to help tie everything together. If you are one of those brides who finds themselves clueless when it comes to hair accessories (like I did), I would love to create a one-of-a-kind piece just for you.


Check out my full Bumble Bridal line on facebook



~Maria

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Sweet Smell of Spring




Living in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve humbled myself knowing we only get one “true” season: Summer (if even that).The rest of the year combines into one long rainy season. With summer just around the corner, I can't help but realize that the most breathtaking season is about to begin for most of the nation. Of all four seasons year round, my favorite by far is the beautiful spring (that unfortunately we don’t see much of here). When I think of spring, I think of green grass, flowers blooming, cherry blossoms, tulips, pastel colors and sun. However, the Northwestusually brings us clouds, rain, rain and more rain. Our springs aren’t as bright as I wish they were. The sweet smell of spring is muffled by the grey clouds and the wet feeling of rain. So for this approaching season, I have created some Bumble Alley pieces that will stand out and brighten up the dullest days. I'm going to make the most of this season and bring a little cheer to our wardrobes.






Spring Fashion 2010 is all about bold colors and oversized, attention grabbing hair bows and accessories. I've been working on many new ideas and products for the Spring line and I am excited to share some of my new creations with you.


Be well and happy spring,
Maria

Monday, February 15, 2010

More Than Just Planning




Growing up, I never really cared for planners or To-Do lists. In the mornings, my brain used to be able to remember the last thing I was thinking about before I went to bed. I always used to be able to know what I came downstairs for. But now, I'm retracing my steps to remind myself: "I'm here to get a pen." Oh boy. Is this what comes with age?


I’ve finally taken it upon myself to go and buy myself a planner. I will be learning how to effectively plan my week so that I get the most out of my weekdays. Hopefully I'll be able to plan when to get my work done in one sitting rather than taking a million breaks to attend my children and husband. In which case I'll be able to spend more time with my family rather than running upstairs to finish a project I accidentally forgot to finish. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve had to cut dinner short or have my husband feed my girls because I was running behind schedule. For most, this is a practical tool that has worked for many years. Lets hope it works for me.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Organized Thoughts


It’s Friday again! Ahhh…Friday. I have really been looking forward to seeing you again. It's usually my favorite day of the week, but thisweek...not so much. Because I know what's just around the corner. I have finally gotten my home and sleep schedule back in order after my girls have been sick this past week. It always amazes me how being out of it for just three days really throws my sleep patterns and my home out of whack. When my kids aren’t feeling good, the last thing on my mind is cleaning. And after this short weekend, I'm preparing to face my biggest project yet: organizing my office/work area. One may wonder: how messy can a 120 sq. ft. room get? With fabrics, thread, toys, books, furniture, etc. in every square inch of the room, it can get pretty darn messy.


First, I have to get my thoughts in order and decide what I really want this space to look like. I want to be able to work easily and smoothly and feel comfortable in my chair. That reminds me: I have to get a comfy chair. I also want to feel like I'm not cramped among so much stuff because my work room is so small. One thing I'm going to keep in mind this weekend as I am shopping for storage bins and shelves are these pictures that I came across surfing the web one day. Motivation is key during this process. And once I accomplish my goal, I'll have one less room to de-clutter this spring:) Any ideas for how to make my messy work room more manageable?
This is what I need!! A wall of shelves....

So fresh and so clean...ooh yeah!


I own a ribbon rack, but the ribbons tend to find their way to the ground by the end of the day. I need something like this.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Bumble Alley Cover Models

Bumble Alley Boutique Photoshoot January 2010

Our first Bumble Alley Cover Model Photoshoot was a success! Olga Kruz, mother of our girl winner Erika hosted the photoshoot in her home, and it was so much fun! Aiden and Erika were definitely troopers. They did a great job! Our photographer Dina Chmut did a fantastic job capturing the smiles and poses of our little models. Thank you to all who helped make this photoshoot come together so smoothly. Now I can’t wait for our upcoming summer photoshoot! Don’t forget to check out our new creations modeled by the contest winners in our new Glamour line of Bumble Alley Couture.



Their little smiles and giggles didn't come that easily towards the end of the shoot. We bribed them with lolly pops and cheese puffs. It worked!






For a complete look at our photoshoot, check out our facebook page

Shine,
Maria

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Love is in the Air


Have I ever mentioned that I love Valentine’s Day? It's the day we celebrate and show our loved ones how much we really care about them. Of course, showing our kids, husbands and friends how much we love them should happen on a regular basis, but on February 14th, we have a chance to go all out! With all the balloons, cards and roses at stores, there are many ways to show you care about someone. However, showing your love should go beyond a box of chocolates. Maybe surprise him by wearing his favorite dress, wear your hair the way he likes it, or give him a longer than usual foot massage. Do something that you know the two of you will enjoy.

With Valentine’s Day approaching fast, I'm curious how many of you will be wearing red? I never really dressed up for the occasion (well, if you don’t count grade school when we layered Valentine’s Day colors on ourselves). This year, I want to go all out! I purposely went to Target and bought red outfits for my girls and I. When February 14th approaches, we’ll probably look like Santa Claus on Valentine’s Day. But hey, it hits only once a year!

What better way to spend the Day of Love than with the people you love most? For my family, the day will start with breakfast in bed for daddy, going to church dressed in red, grandma and grandpa's house for lunch, and then coming home and watching romantic movies with my husband. Later that evening, we’ll drop our kids off at the babysitters and it’ll be our time. I’ll be wearing a little black dress and a red headband, red lips and red nails. And I'll probably throw a red tie on my husband, just so it looks like he tried. What will you be wearing on Valentine’s Day?





Our new Valentine’s Day creations were inspired by nothing but LOVE! I put all of my favorite materials together to create accessories that will stay in season beyond Feb. 14th. These stunning crimson shades are a total trend for spring/summer 2010. So lets get RED-dy for Valentine’s Day!

For a complete look at our Valentine's Day creations, visit our Facebook page Click here

With Love,

Maria

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New Year Cover Model Contest

After much thought and deliberation, a winner for the Bumble Alley Cover Model Contest has been chosen! All of the adorable entries made the decision much more difficult, which caused us to choose 2 winners (a boy and girl), and 2 runners-up.

Boy runner-up: Aiden Chmut








Girl runner-up: Isabella Grace Rouss








Boy WINNER: Aiden Paul Bondarev








Girl WINNER: Erika Summer Kruz












Winners were chosen based on many criteria, including personality projection, facial beauty, overall appeal, location, and wearability of Bumble Alley items. The runners-up will receive a goodie bag from Bumble Alley and the winners will receive a photo shoot to model various Bumble Alley items and will get to take home many one-of-a-kind creations in their goodie bags.

We'd like to thank all of you who took the time to enter your beautiful children. Stay tuned for pictures of these cover models in the coming months on our blog and facebook site. We will be conducting another cover model contest in the summer, so keep snapping pictures of your cuties!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Aqua Brights



As I was organizing my work area recently, I stumbled upon my honeymoon pictures. Its hard to believe that it's been five years since that wonderful cruise. I hope one day we'll go back to the French Polynesia. Our cruise took us to several different islands, but my favorite island by far was Bora Bora.

The colors were absolutely breath taking! The aquas, teals, greens and blues played beautifully together. Although its been five years, I'm confident it looks the same.

My inspiration for my new line was my honeymoon. I tend to think about the tropics most often when seasons change. When it's cold and gloomy outside, wearing something bright and bold makes me feel just that much warmer inside.

I named my new creations according to the most popular French Polynesia names:

Maria Headband~Amanaki Headband ~Faipa Headband ~Kaimi Headband

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Holiday Giveaway

Congrats to our Bumble Alley Holiday Giveaway winner Natalie Hisaw! For her purchase in the month of December, she will receive a goodie bag filled with some of these Bumble Alley creations:

Phoebe headband:
Anneliese headband:

Various clips and bobby pins were also included. For more pictures, find them on our Bumble Alley Boutique facebook fan page.

Stay tuned for our next drawing coming soon in which the winner will receive new creations from the upcoming spring line. These giveaways are a way for Bumble Alley to thank all of the fans for their continual support.

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