Timeless love

Bandana Bib.15. Scalloped Necklace(s).18.

Headband.20. Skirt.26. Shoe clips.20.

More items from this collection that are ready to be shipped out.

Today there are girls who shop at Anthropology, they look for timeless pieces as well as one of a kind looks. They want to express their personality through the clothes that they wear and the accessories that they put on. They are open to today but also embrace the traditional, they expect to be treated nothing less then the ladies they are. Doors that are opened, seats that are offered, and dates that are paid for. Because she wants a boy with a pure intent, one that will become a man with character.

Him, on the other hand, is a guy that moves forward. He has no purpose in looking back but always being a part of. Because he wants to innovate, he wants to improve, and he wants to be there for all that is coming. He is a boy that is intrigued by the modern world and all of the innovations for a life that is easier. Even though he knows that moving ahead doesn't mean you need to lose out to who you were raised to be. This is a boy that was raised to open doors, offer seats, and always pay for dates. He is the one who believes in the traditional ways but takes on all the modern adventures as well.

And so, these two meet. And even though he is a little short for her, he had her at "McQueen".

Come take a walk on Bumble alley, a place where Vintage girls meet Modern boys.

*Please remember that each piece is one of a kind and the items we offer to our first customers. We will not be making any new orders from these collections so please contact us for availability on each item that interests you.

Yellow Daffodils

More items from this collection that are ready to be shipped out.

A simple daffodil inspired my heart. The clear water in the vintage vase brought a smile to my face each time I stole a glance. I could almost see the vase standing on a kitchen counter years ago by another house wife. With children running in the yard, laundry dancing in the breeze, and a women sitting by her sewing machine.

The more I looked upon the flowers, the more I related to this idea. The simple joy of making beautiful, one of a kind pieces for children was important to me. I felt that as I sat there and imagined her life, the more I believed that she and I were similar.

If she were like me, she would take her time with each piece. She would think about the child wearing it and then imagine the places that they would wear them to. She would smile, and remember that each child was as beautiful, as precious, and as unique as the very moment that they lived in.

So, she would sew. She would pray a prayer for each and then ever so carefully place each item on each child. And ever so gracefully, bless them and their sweet little hearts. Because see, she believed that every thing she made, she had the opportunity to bless the very work of her hand. She had the unique ability to pour prayers into the very fabric of their lives.

Words of love, innocence, truth, and laughter. Words that will stand up to the world around them and be more powerful then all the bitterness and hate. The jealousy and pride. The hurt and the lies. Prayers to a God that cares more about children then she ever could. Just knowing that, takes my breath away.

Now you have a chance to be part of a life on Bumble Alley.

Head band. 20. Shoe clips. 20.Cardigan.58. Girl's Belt. 20.Boy's Tie. 25. Suspenders. 25.

Please remember that each piece is one of a kind and the items we offer are first come first serve. We will not be making any new orders from these collections. Please contact us for availability on each item that interests you.

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

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

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

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

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.