www.ideclarecharms.com

Keychains!

2010-11-03T23:08:00.001-07:00

We have a new product up on our site now. Just in time for the holidays! The perfect gift for the "non jewelry" person in your life. :)

Click here to take a look!

Know someone that might like this?

Grace Anne Allen

2010-11-02T23:38:00.000-07:00

Baby Gracie is here!
We are thrilled that she is finally here.

She arrived on our hopeful due date of 10.10.10

We are hoping to catch up on all of our orders that we need to get out. Be patient with us-- we still aren't getting any sleep yet. :)

Summer was fabulous

2010-09-17T21:08:00.001-07:00

Summer was fabulous.

I can't believe it is over (almost).

I know most kids have gone back to school and the official schedules of life have resumed in most households.

But here we still have a preschooler (5 yr old) and an aspiring ballerina (3 yr old) and we are not yet ruled by the academic calendar.

And since it's still 80+ degrees, we are wearing shorts, eating popsicles, having playdates at the park, blowing bubbles and laughing so hard as we chase them.

We are going to squeeze every last drop out of this summer.

Keep on Running!

2010-09-02T16:52:00.002-07:00

So this morning I read in USA Today that in 2009, women outnumbered men among U.S. finishers in road races.

We beat the boys by a score of 5.4 million to 4.9 million. Nice work ladies!

Of course we have more motivation to finish than the men--

i declare!'s customized running jewelry.

Isn't it high time you treated yourself to a runner's brag bracelet?

To celebrate beating the boys, runner's brag bracelets are 20% off this week.

Just use code GIRLS20.
(*Offer good until 11:59 PST 9.07.10)

And keep running girls. Let's keep the title in 2010!

$50 Giveaway

2010-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today was a red letter day for i declare!

Our custom jewelry was featured on one of my favorite blogs--www.theidearoom.net If you have not visited this blog, go check it out. I'm sure it will become one of your favorites.

They are hosting a $50 gift card giveaway from i declare!

What could you do with $50 at i declare!?

Inspiration

2010-08-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

Guest post from Mr. Sub 3 Hour Marathon (as he likes to be called):

15 miles at marathon pace. Not my favorite workout. I headed to the track like a dead man walking to the gallow's pole. The idea of running 60 laps seemed like anything but fun.

I laced up and starting clicking off the miles. After I had 10 miles in the bank my solitude was dashed as at least 15 families, complete with uncontrolled kids and pets, decended on the track. Soon I was forced into lanes 7 and 8 as kids chased balls and dogs chased kids. More than once I had to detour through the long jump pit. Even as a parent I was more than a little annoyed.

Then on my 13th mile I began to notice two dads working to lay out and then hold taunt a 100 meter section of rope. I couldn't figure out what they were up to. Then I realized all this work was so a blind little boy, probably eight years old, could run a 100 meter dash on his own.

As luck would have it he started his dash right as I came around the corner for my 57th lap. We ran side by side. I wish you could have seen his face, his smile. I'll never forget it. I yelled out, "You are looking great!". His reply was, "You are looking great too!".

I got a lump in my throat. I felt shame for cursing my lot--having to run 15 miles. I felt a tremendous gratitude for the ability to run and I vowed to always run with that young boy's look on my face. The look we all had when we burst through the school doors on the last day of class. I promised to run like I did as a first grader during recess.

I challenge you to bring the same zest for life, for movement.

People say you don't have to look to far to find someone who has it worse off than you. I say, you don't have to look very far to find inspiration.

Princess Party

2010-08-01T22:10:00.001-07:00

A party fit for a princess

Looking for a great way to entertain a bunch of 3 yr olds at a birthday party?

Mix a plastic crown, some dress up high heals, a princess cape, a good game of the princess and the pea, hunting for the missing slipper, and lots of bubbles and pink lip gloss and you will definately have a good time.

I can't believe my 2 yr old is now 3! Where did the time go?...

Brand New Font (and a SALE!)

2010-07-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

We've got a brand new font!

I am calling it "typewriter font" since it reminds me of an old fashion typewriter. It is a bit larger than our other fonts, so we can't fit as many letters on each charm-- but it is fun to have a new option around.

We have taken it to some of our expos this summer and have sold out of whatever charms we do in this style.
It is really cute!

To celebrate we are offering a sale!
20% off all orders for 4 days

starting tomorrow (July 21, 2010).

To get your coupon code make sure you have signed up on our email list.

You can find it on the front page of our website

www.ideclarecharms.com

Happy Independence Day!!

2010-07-06T08:53:00.001-07:00

Happy Independence Day!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Growing up my mom always made a wonderful celebration of the 4th of July.

So I tried to imitate that a bit this year.

Here is a little treat that I whipped up.
My 4 yr old calls them "Pledge of Allegiance Cookies".

It is basically a mini fruit pizza.

A sugar cookie base, a little cream cheese frosting, and some cut up blueberries and strawberries.

Swag Bags are out!

2010-06-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

I should have taken a picture!
The mound of gift bags was ENORMOUS!

But we finally got all 1500 gift bags stuffed with an i declare! charms gift card, and they were on their way.

Tonight they were given out at the Daytime Emmys.

How fun for little old i declare!

Daytime Emmy Swag Bags!

2010-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

We are super excited!

We have been asked to include some i declare! sterling silver jewelry in this years Daytime Emmy Swag bags! We will be in 1500 bags to all those attending the Daytime Emmys this year.

What should be put in them??
What is your favorite item we have?

A necklace?
A charm?
Add the pearl?
Which font?
A bracelet?

We need some help!

(Anyone want to come stuff 1500 bags with us??) :)

It's A Girl!

2010-04-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

We got some great news yesterday!

We had our doctor keep it a secret from us and put it in an envelope. Then we took the kids to dinner and found out all together.

Claire was excited.

Lincoln's first words were, "Aw man."

But look at that smile. I think he'll come around. :)

So now the name battle begins. We are rather fond of the name Claire (obviously) and want something that is a beautiful and classic for this next little girl.

We are tossing around:

Grace

Kate

Jane

Bella

Chloe (to rhymey with Claire?)

or ....????

We need some good suggestions!!

Expo Specials

2010-03-26T12:00:00.001-07:00

Expo Specials are coming!

You know, I could just kick myself for not taking a picture-

but we had the CUTEST expo special at the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon expo.

We brought along a special necklace just for that event.

And it sold like crazy!
We were sold out the first day!
So we took orders, came home and whipped up some more, and shipped them out.

It was such a success, and what a fun keepsake/momento of running your race!, that we decided we will make an exclusive EXPO ONLY necklace for each race.

For the Disney Expo we brought along a fun little crown charm, added a pink birthstone for some bling, and made a "princess 13.1" charm to hang with it.

Come see us at our next race and see what we will create just for your special race!
p.s. If you have a picture of your Disney Princess expo necklace special- send it my way and I will post it here!

Here There and Everywhere

2010-03-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

What a month this has been!

We went back to back to back to expos around the country.
We hit New Orleans for

then we were home for 3 days and then hit Orlando for

then we were home for 3 days and then headed off to Dallas for

We're a little tired.

But it was great fun to again meet so many of you!
We LOVE it when you come by and show us your keepsake running jewelry that you got from i declare charms at another running expo.
Here are some of our friends that stopped by to show us their jewelry:

And this is my mom. My sanity this month is because of her. I have been feeling so sick with this pregnancy that she flew out to Orlando to meet me at the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon expo and then went to Dallas to help as well, and then came home with me for another week to make and ship all 4 million orders we got (almost!). Plus she took care of my kids, did my laundry, cooked dinner and helped me stand up straight.

Let's hear it for Mom's!!!!!!!!!!

Big News Little Person

2010-03-21T17:24:00.002-07:00

Due Oct. 15, 16, or 17

(depending on who you ask)

Big news around here. #3 is on the way.

Weird how you can be so happy and so sick and so tired and so happy and so miserable.

And feel so blessed.

I am really looking forward to meeting this one.

I hope he/she has a nice mix of tender-heartedness from Lincoln.

And some spunk from Claire.

And some humor from Dad.

And some good looks from me.

Well... there goes the triathlon training.

On to even harder

And better.

Customized Sterling Silver Running Charms

2010-02-05T15:12:00.001-07:00

Here are some custom orders I did this week that turned out really great. These were the customers own ideas. I love it when you all get creative!
Just remember-- we can custom make almost any charm you would like.

For the runner, for the mom, for the friend, for the daughter, for whoever!

For this one the customer asked that we drill a hole through the Hollow Circle Charm so we could hang another charm in the middle. I had never done that before... but I think it turned out quite nice.

Runner's World

2010-01-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

I must start by saying I was very happy to get this large order. Ecstatic in fact.

But then I had to actually make it and get it shipped.

I had NO IDEA how long it would take to put together 450 keychains in those teeny tiny bags with my sticker on them.

And then put them in those beautiful blue organza bags with my card in them.

And then tie the Runner's World card on them. (They are gifts for race directors from Runner's World at a convention this weekend).

And then find a box big enough to ship them.

And then pay an arm and a leg to overnight a 40lb box.

I was so exhausted as I stayed up all night getting them done to ship today.

I was tempted to leave them out in hopes that Rumplestiltskin would stop by, but decided better of it.

(P.S. These very cool key chains will be available on our site very soon for you to personalize!)

Sneaky Chef

2010-01-26T08:12:00.007-07:00

One of my goals for 2010 is to eat healthier. That means me and my family. For Jeff (who prefers to be called Mr. Sub 3:00) and I, that just means making some better choices. Eating out less, at home more.

But for the 4 yr old and the 2 yr old, this requires some serious sneaky work.

I grew up eating whole wheat bread, home-made every thing, and no sugary treats or soda. Except for the occasional "big deal". How then, did I morph into the mom that feeds my kids dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets, hot dogs on a stick (corn-dog), and fruit snacks?

Because it's easy.

But those days are gooooonnnnnnnne.

I found this awesome book called "Deceptively Delicious". Heard of it? Very sneaky I must say.

It's by Jessica Seinfeild (Yep, Jerry's wife). I would of thought she had a personal chef and a nanny. But apparently she is making food for her family, the in-laws, and the neighborhood kids. And all of it has vegetables hidden inside.

The basic gist of it is this:

All vegetables are steamed or baked, and then pureed so that you can sneak them into recipes and no one will be any wiser.

The trick is to prepare them ahead of time. So that is what I worked on today.

Soon to be future mac and cheese, quesadillas, pancakes, brownies and more!

Mmmm. Zucchinis steaming away.

hmmm.... good thing this butter nut squash tastes good. Because it doesn't look that way.

And here we are! Ready to eat healthy no matter what!

So the 4 yr old comes up to me in the middle of my baking, steaming, pureeing, pouring process, and says, "What are you making?"

"Vegetables."

"EEEWWWW. I HATE VEGETABLES!!"

ahahaha.... thank you 4 yr old for validating my day's work.

A give Away!

2010-01-25T12:15:00.003-07:00

Monday! What better way to start off the week than with a give-away?

Exactly.

But...it's not on our blog.
We know of a fabulous blog called My Dear Trash and our give-away is over there.
You will love it.

She has such a way of seeing the treasure in life, in "junk", and in everything around her. I love reading her entries. She will really pull you in with her witt and humor!
Click here for a link to the give-away.

And here is what you could win:

... personalized with what ever you would like on it!

Good luck

and Happy Monday.

Phoenix Rock N Roll Marathon Charms

2010-01-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Rock N Roll Marathon charms on sale now! Only a few left-- we sold almost all of them at the expo, but here are a few we have left in case you missed us there!

PF Chang Rock N Roll Marathon Expo

2010-01-21T19:25:00.011-07:00

Last weekend we were at the PF Chang Rock N Roll Marathon in Phoenix, AZ.

It was so great to feel 70 degrees in January! We had a good laugh when we landed that night and were on our way to find our rental car. An airport employee was outside directing people to the shuttles and had on a coat and hood and was sitting next to a space heater!!

The expo was BUSY, CROWDED, and so much FUN! We got to meet even more of you awesome runners than we ever have before. I am pretty sure this one was a record for us! (Even though we almost didn't get to go since the expo was sold out, and then at the absolute last minute they found us a booth waaaaaaay in the back corner.)

Here was our home for 2 days. We are glad that so many of you were able to find us. I think it may have been by accident looking for the bathroom....but we were happy you showed up none the less! :)

We were so thrilled to have some of you come back and tell us how much you love your i declare jewelry, that we decided to add a spot just for you on our blog. From now on, we have a camera at our booth. If you are a previous customer (aka FRIEND), then come on by, say hello, and we will add you to the wall of fame...right here. :)

And lookey here...
just see who we spied at the expo!
My sister in law was as excited as if George Clooney himself was sitting there. She ran right over and snagged this picture. Thanks Brooke!
(if you don't know who is in this picture, you must not be a big fan of The Biggest Loser, and that's okay.)

For a Friend

2010-01-21T15:00:00.003-07:00

Today I made a necklace for a friend of my husband's who just adopted a new baby girl, Macy. They had 4 children already, so I had to get creative to fit all those names on one necklace! There is always room for one more right?! :) I am so happy for this family! And that Macy is one lucky girl to get to join such an awesome family! I wish them all the happiness that children bring.

Pearl Charms!

2010-01-06T12:57:00.003-07:00

New item! We now have the "Pearl Charm". It comes with whatever word or name you would like around the bottom and a small pearl attached on top. Isn't it cute? Kind of a fun way to dress up a simple, classic charm.

They are all done and on their way!

2010-01-02T23:18:00.004-07:00

Ahhh.... I finally got all the Christmas orders out. All the Rush Orders out. All the expo orders out. And now I just don't know what to do with myself.

Guess I get to go play in the snow with my kids. :)

And how is this for the funniest way to start the New Year?

We came home late on New Year's Eve (Early New Year's Day!) to find an 8', 200lb snowman blocking our driveway. A nice big "Welcome Home" and "Happy New Year" from our neighbors. I laughed so hard I had tears. I pulled my sleeping kids out of the car so they could appreciate it. Which they didn't.
Thanks to the Neighbor on the Right and the Neighbor on the Left for starting my year off with a nice big laugh!

New Fonts Debut!

2009-12-23T16:48:00.007-07:00

Finally.....

I have been working on getting new fonts since July. It has taken me awhile to find just the right thing, but it has been well worth the wait! I love them, and that it think will work great for i declare! charms. Leave a little note and tell me what you think!

These will be available on the website after the new year!

Monogrammed font

Handwriting font

Here is a cute order I got a few weeks ago. I love the simple style bracelet because you can anything to it without it becoming over bearing.

Uhm, it's COLD

2009-12-10T14:42:00.004-07:00

I do love making these lovely personalized sterling silver charms. I love helping others give great gifts. I love hearing how much someone loves their charm or their necklace or their bracelet. I love making them by hand and seeing something turn from nothing to fabulous.

I do not, however, like being out in my garage when it is 11 degrees outside. (This is where I work the magic...it is a VERY messy process).

I have my trusty Mr. Heater out there with me. But I find that I am practically standing on it trying to get warm, and then I have one scorched leg and the other has frostbite.

So... trying as I am to get all these Christmas orders out on time, if yours isn't delivered by Santa, just know it is because I am still standing upright frozen solid in my garage waiting for Spring to thaw...

Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon

2009-12-07T21:04:00.004-07:00

We just got back from the Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon expo event. It was so much fun. It was the busiest expo we have been to yet (and that's saying something since we have been to Boston too!). With 2 days of nothing more than a quick bathroom break, we are exhausted, but thrilled to have met so many more new runners/friends/i declare! charms customers!

The booth next to ours was the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon folks. Look what they had on display. Is that clever or what? Who knew Cinderella was a runner? Oh, I guess it is in the story. Something about midnight...

It always makes me a little bummed that I am not running too. The buzz and excitement of all those people picking up their packets, getting ready for the big day. Everyone likes to chat about their story, and we love to hear it while we are standing there in the middle of it all. Some people are seasoned and experienced. This is another notch in the belt. Some are newbies, and are so scared they can barely sleep. I can relate to both groups! One way or the other the gun goes off and the runners are on their way!

There is just no way that I could run 26.2 miles after standing on my feet for 10 hours x 2 days, but I still feel a bit left out. Yesterday, our flight left only minutes after the starting gun, and as we flew out over the strip we could see the pack of runners on their way. I was cheering you on from 10,ooo feet. Especially those first timers. What a thrill!

Cyber Monday

2009-11-30T11:28:00.004-07:00

We have a 1 DAY SALE today for Cyber Monday! It is our BRAND NEW (premiering today!) necklace. It is called the Year Round Necklace. It has 8 charms included with the sterling silver ball chain. There are:

February- (Valentine's Day) "loved"
March- (St. Patrick's Day) "lucky"
April- (Spring) "a flower"
May- (Mother's Day) "blessed"
July- (4th of July) "USA"
October- (Halloween) "boo"
November- (Thanksgiving) "thankful"
December- (Christmas) "ho ho ho"

This is a great gift that will "keep on giving" all year long!

Click here to order yours today. Regular price is $140, but TODAY ONLY it is $100!!

Free Charms Again!

2009-11-28T10:00:00.002-07:00

Time for another FREE CHARM giveaway found only here on our blog!

Since our blog is new, we are trying to get more people aware it and have some followers!

So, until 12.31.09, we are offering 1 FREE CHARM for any of our new followers! Hop on board, and come back often to see what i declare! charms has in store next. Only here will you get to see new products first, find out what expos we are attending (so you can pick up your charms with no shipping costs!) and get discount codes for sales on all of our products!

Remember, a FREE CHARM, customized with anything you would like it to say, just for being a follower of i declare! charms.

Once you have become a follower, be sure to send an email to info@ideclarecharms telling us that you have become a follower, what you would like on your charm, and a shipping address!

Thanks for following!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-11-27T22:17:00.003-07:00

Yeah! It's Black Friday! The Holiday season has officially begun. Since I do love a good shop-off myself, I have to say I love today. I was so excited to kick off the holidays (with a belly full of turkey and pie), that I forced the entire family (in-laws included) to go attend the Festival of Trees. I don't know how much fun everyone else had, but it was a perfect way for me to get into the Christmas spirit. All the music, the lights, the plethora of trees and decorations! It was fantastic. Don't you just love the buzz in the air and the thrill of it all? And for the first year, my 4 year old was not afraid of Santa and begged to get his picture taken on his lap. Of course, I obliged. My 2 year old was NOT game, so their adorable 5 yr old cousin marched right up there with him. As we headed home with 2 sticky-from-candy-cane kids, I was quite happy with it all.

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Sale!

2009-11-25T15:44:00.005-07:00

Yeah! It is finally the holidays! Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and we are already playing Christmas music on the ipod.

In celebration of this most wonderful time of the year, we are pulling out another annual Holiday Sale! Use coupon code HOLo9 at check out to get 20% off your whole order!

So take a walk through i declare! and see if you can't find the perfect gift for someone in your life-- and all at 20% off!

Happy Holidays!

The Running Event

2009-11-17T19:48:00.008-07:00

We just got back from Austin, TX where we attended The Running Event- The Premiere Conference and Expo for Running Specialty Stores. It was such a great time! We met with owners and employees from running stores all over the country. We are hoping that we can spread the i declare! jewelry line from coast to coast.

Do you have a great running store near you? We would love to know about it! (Plus! You can purchase your running necklaces at their store for less than you can get online!)

Here is a picture of my lovely assistant and dear friend-- who also shares the name Annette. This is before the first morning of the expo. We are all set up and ready to talk shop!

And here is a Sneak Peak!!
We premiered a new product to i declare! at The Running Event. It is the pebble magnet. They are chuck full of great running phrases-- with many, many more to come! They will soon be available to you online (and they make great stocking stuffers!)

A New Twist on a Classic!

2009-10-27T20:51:00.004-07:00

We finally did it! We have had some new ideas floating around for awhile now. We have been testing them out at the expos we go to, and they have been loved by so many~ we decided to now make them available online.
Click on the title to check out all of our NEW PRODUCTS in one spot!

A Sale!

2009-09-29T20:47:00.003-07:00

Yeah! Who doesn't love a good sale? We have one going on right now for Mother-In-Law's Day!

What? You didn't know about Mother-In-Law's Day? (It's October 25th). Chances are-- she doesn't know about it either!

Surprise her and grab a sentimental, handmade gift, and score some major points. With her-- and your spouse.

Enjoy 20% off on your entire order until October 11, 2009.

Use coupon code MIL20 at checkout.

Thanks for shopping!!

We want to hear from you!

2009-09-06T19:10:00.004-07:00

Many of you order charms to celebrate a special occasion, to motivate yourself with a meaningful word or phrase, or to remember something important. Often, as we are making the charms, we wonder what they might mean, who they are going to, or what is the special meaning behind this one? Sometimes you share the meaning with us, and we love being apart of that significant moment in your life!

We would love to hear more of your stories. We would love to hear who you gave them to, why you chose what you did, or what was the moment you were remembering.

This month we are giving away a necklace with one charm to a customer who shares their story with us. We will post them here for you all to read~ and be inspired. Since there is never a "best" one, we will have a drawing at the end of the month, and pick a winner that way.

Thank you for sharing with us!
Email your story to info@ideclarecharms.com

Want a FREE charm?

2009-07-31T16:08:00.002-07:00

Would you like to get a FREE charm? Do you have a blog? Send us an email with a link to your blog showing us where you have blogged about us- and we will send you a FREE sterling silver charm personalized with whatever you would like on it! Compliments of www.ideclarecharms.com!

(This offer is only good through 8.30.09 so hurry and blog-- and don't forget to send us the link!)

email- info@ideclarecharms.com

Next month:
We love to hear your "charming stories". Share with us a special charm story- a special someone you gave a charm to, a race you ran, a special motivational phrase you have on your charm, anything!-- and you could win a FREE sterling silver necklace.

Come See Us in Person!

2009-07-30T00:56:00.007-07:00

Each month we will be featuring a retailer that we love~ and that is carrying i declare! charms.
This month we want to tell you about Little Cherry Blossoms.

Nestled among award-winning Ume clothing boutique and the ever-popular Needle Point Joint on Ogden’s more-charming-than-ever Historic 25th Street, Little Cherry Blossoms is giving moms (and many baby shower attendees) something to shout about. A haven for baby shopping, this boutique is known for scouting out the lastest and greatest in the kiddo community.
Let your registry get more sophisticated than the Babies ‘R Us route, and give this shop a try. Your shower guests will get all the hand-holding they need, plus they have the really cute ‘n necessary stuff you really want like lightweight Aiden & Anais blankets, Trumpette socks and the softest pima cotton convertible gowns from Kissy Kissy.
What’s that you say? You don’t live in Weber or even Davis County and you’re not much for driving? Then hop over to Little Cherry Blossoms online, where you’ll find the same cute stuff, and be taken care of just as nicely.

If you are in Ogden, UT or close by, stop by to check out their adorable selection of children's clothing. They are located at
184 Historic 25th Steet
Ogden, UT 84401
or check them out at www.littlecherryblossoms.com- and be sure to tell them we said hello!

Your own Personalized Necklace

2009-07-29T13:53:00.016-07:00

This is our classic name necklace. A perfect birthday, baby shower, or any day gift! Younger girls love to wear their own names, and moms love to show off their kids names.

Who do you know that could use a little pick me up gift? How about a fun name necklace?

Our new lower case font has been very popular and we think turns out quite cute! Of course, all charms and chains are 0.925 sterling silver! Add a Swarovski birthstone crystal to jazz up your necklace and personalize it even more. Click here to order yours!

Coming soon- our "handwriting" font! Watch here for photos before they are available on www.ideclarecharms.com

A New Beginning

2009-05-13T13:22:00.009-07:00

Welcome! We are just starting our new blog! Here we will keep you up to date on our latest charms, styles, fonts and ideas for you. This is also where we will keep our Race Calendar up to date so you can see what expos we are headed to.

Each month we will also feature one of our retailers where you can find our charms first hand!

Enjoy! And thanks for following i declare! charms.