Aniroc design

Welcome May and a New Me!

2008-05-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I know...it's been a long time. I've made some more pieces that will be posted to the website later next week. Just a few....

Here are some pictures of the Family Circle necklace you have heard me mention in the past. Silver with a heart charm and 4 stones. Starts at $90. And $10 for each additional stone. Gold-fill Starts at $100 for 4 stones, less the heart (sorry I just can find a suitable charm)

So the new designs are cute, some simple. I think you will like them. In fact I'm wearing a pair now. Teeny tiny little silver hoops with an 8mm silver ball accented by Bali beads. Another perfect everyday and may I add: a sporty earring.

Which leads me to what has been going on in my world - aside from designing jewelry and managing my kids. I've been exercising! To be more specific, aerobic activity - ZUMBA! Oh my, how I just LOVE IT! It is so much freakin' fun! I can honestly say that I'm addicted! Crazy, I know! I really hate missing a class. Anyway, exercise was one of my new years resolution (as it has been every year since I was probably 19) Check out this UTube clip....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf0q6qtThF4

So, on April 1st I started to be more conscience of what I put in my body and also added running and weight lifting to my program. It has been exactly 1 month or 30 days and I have lost 12 lbs! WooHoo!!! I'm so excited because I know I can do it on my own with out any gimmicks. Yesterday, I signed on for the Body For Life Challenge. It is a 12 week program that basically includes a low fat healthy eating along with cardio and weights - it is a lifestyle change. And I welcome that with open arms! Al that I have been doing goes along with the program. It's really basic: calories in versus calories out. Easy. I swear I am so determined to be fit again. I have my before photo (which I am NOT going to share!) But, if in 12 weeks I can be transformed - then MAYBE. That's a really BIG maybe. I'll share only if I look inspiring at the end of my 12 weeks. So for me, my biggest motivator is my 20 year high school reunion. It's this October! I haven't seen most of my classmates since then. It is so frightening!

Well that is it for now. Moving forward. :-)

In loving Memory of Eddie

2008-03-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

I write tonight with much sadness. I sit here sobbing for my dog is dying. Two weeks shy of his 14th birthday, we think he has suffered a stroke. We knew that this day would come. But like many thing in life - we are just not ready. I love this dog. His name is Eddie. Our 1st true responsibility, our kid. I remember the day we got him ... $50 bucks ... a rottie lab mix. He is an awesome, awesome dog. He was there the day my husband proposed to me in the snow. He traveled with us on our vacations. He moved around with us from our rental to the first house we bought. He was there when we brought home our first, second and third child from the hospital. Curious of the little being who has yet again taken our attention away from him. I'm crying and don't know what to say. I am just so, so incredibly sad. he is at the Vet now. And I sit here telling you all of this as I wait to hear his fate........

The day brought him home. Eddie at just 8 weeks old.

With just these few passing moments....

I just heard. I can breath!

I didn't get to say good-bye!!!

What am I going to tell my kids?

How I will always remember you Eddie...

Eddie "Spaghetti" Tonda

April 11th 1994- March 27th, 2008

Winter 2008

2008-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

So here's the deal, one of my New Years resolutions is to spend less time on the computer. It consumes me very easily! For crying out loud there's whole wide world out there to explore via the web!

I'll make this quick, I have added a few new items on the website and I assure there are a few more to come. Custom orders have really taken over my business. I'm not complaining, really, it's awesome! But because I'm so busy with that...I have less time creating for the sake of the website. I make 'em and then they're gone! Sorry. So if you wish I still had "Misty" or "Linda" earrings just email me directly. Or like most of my recent orders, if you want a 'style' of one my earring but in a different color stone... just email me! I'll do my best to oblige ya!

In the meantime here are some photos of the happenings in our world.....

My little snow baby.
Number 1 and 2's 1st skii lesson. A little weekend getaway at Squaw.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

Whoaaaa! It's crazy around here!

OK, First off ... place your orders by the 20th for guaranteed Christmas delivery! Just a couple of days left!!!

So we're hosting Christmas day dinner here at our home for the first time and lets just say - I'm FREAKING' OUT!!! The house is a mess, I've got chairs to rent, furniture to rearrange, food to buy, teachers gifts to wrap, more gifts to buy, the kids Christmas programs to attend, orders to make and ship... UGH! Somebody stop the madness!!! It's all good though.

From Me (Corina - Aniroc design) and my family,

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

May everyone's holidays be beautiful and wonderful!

May your New Years Eve be safe,

and 2008 a prosperous and healthy one!

Reading other Blogs

2007-11-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

I want to share a couple of personal blogs that I'm reading that touch be deeply. As you know I have a friend battling a war with cancer. Since I found out I have carried it with me everyday. I'm so so puzzled and very saddened to why this happens. I want to do so much to help but feel like nothing I do will help. It has changed my life. I pray everyday that she will be cured.

http://thewrightspot.blogspot.com/ The other is of a man who met Heidi's mother-in-law http://vivoalive.blogspot.com/

I plan to bring her some goodies to brighten her up. I think a hat, a plant, slippers, some cute hand towels (she needs her own) a can of Lysol and more... I only wish I could have given her this gift sooner. But as luck would have it the kids and I have been battling colds the last few weeks. And we don't want to spread that! Also, if you have seen me trompin' around town... Yes. I broke my foot to top it off!

So, I don't mean to damage any one's day. But If you think your having a bad one maybe this will help you rethink that.

Welcome Fall

2007-11-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

Well another month has come and gone. The weather was so nice the whole month of October with temperatures averaging 78. Our #1 turned 6 with a Secret Agent/Spy party and then finished his first trimester with straight "A"s (well "S"s)! He really makes us so proud.

What a fun filled month it was! We made a trip to Apple Hill and picked apples and visited a petting farm along with all the arts and crafts booths there were to see. It felt like fall. One vendor (S. Todd Smith) crafted old wine barrels into pieces of art, I had to have one! I purchased a votive holder and I just love it! We even managed to do a little wine tasting at The Lava Cap winery. May I suggest the 2004 Granite Hill Reserve Petite Sirah. De-lish!

Here's #2 trekking through the vineyard.

We bought our pumpkins from Davis Ranch were they had a great corn maze, that was fun.

#3 enjoying all the pumpkins to chose from.

We also visited Fog Willow Pumpkin patch with #1's Kinder class. That was his 1st bus ride! Of course that was the highlight of the trip for him.

As #1 went off track, we managed to fit in one last camping trip before the Holidays. We went to Bodega Bay and met up with our close friends, it was so nice! We collected sand dollars one morning during low tide. I found some tiny ones that I plan on making a mold from to recreate into PMC (precious metal clay) jewelry pieces. We returned the day before Halloween with lots of cleaning to do from the trip.

Halloween we carved lots of pumpkins and trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. I couldn't believe how many people were out this year! It made so much more fun. People were pleasant and neighborly. I think that extending daylight saving time was good. So #1 was a Zombie, #2 a Black Cat and #3 Princess Aurora. Too cute!

So, Christmas is just around the corner and I have been swamped with local orders! All custom pieces, most from a good friend's trunk show. Others for fall birthdays, I guess. Either way I'm enjoying it. I have another trunk show this week. Can I tell ya ... the bookmarks are flying off the shelves - sort to speak. I have to thank my great friend Lisa Lane for that. It was her initial request for one and it has just snowballed from there. Thank you Lisa!

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away and Christmas is in the air of all stores! Sheeesh! Poor Thanksgiving as Lisa would say. We go from Halloween straight to Christmas.

Appreciating family

2007-10-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it takes me forever to blog. Well, a few weeks ago, when I was ready to take on the holiday shopping season ... a friend was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She is 30 and has 4 young children. It has been just over a week since her surgery and next week she starts her chemo and radiation therapy. She was told that she has at least 10 nodes positive. My heart aches for her and her family. I just can't imagine. Every time I think about it and it gets me upset(like now). My husband works in oncology, he deciphers the disease facts to me. I'm not sure if that's a good thing???

Since this info came to me I am realizing the importance of my life. I am not ill, but I want to absorb every moment with my kids and family instead of just letting them pass me by as it has been. I enjoy what I do and that's good. But sometimes I get stressed with deadlines and promises, loads of laundry and a constant messy house. I don't need to 'work' but this is my creative outlet and that I do need. So I'm taking things in stride and new items are coming but a bit more slowly. I hate that it takes something so terrible to see clearly.

Busy as ever

2007-09-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

Another month has gone by with just one post. Sheeesh! I guess I'll update you with one long post.

We just got back from our annual trip to Yosemite. It was so relaxing this time around. Maybe because the kids are getting older. Everyone was self entertained. It was great!

If you don't get my newsletter, I have added some new items to the site that I just love! I have sooo many gemstones that I have acquired through the years and I'm finally using them! It's always been hard for me to create with what I have. I buy because I like and want, I get attached and don't want to give them up! And some of the time I don't know where to start! I did come up with new styles and these are my current faves ... earrings as always. I never leave the house without 'em!

Here's an update. Our furniture came! I just love it! The dark Blue really helps anchor the room. They're so comfy and cozy! They are from from LayZBoy and were priced just right. I'm working on drapery panels now and on the hunt for accent tables. I'm looking for a round, glass top, metal, satin silver color (like brushed nickel) coffee table with coordinating side tables. They have to be substantial. Like a 36" high side table and a minimum diameter of 38" for the coffee table. If you know of one by all means let me know! I always try to be frugal. Kids, need I say more?

I probably should have picked up before the picture. Oh well, a messy house is the story of my life.....

Pic #1 - The plan is to put 3 drapery panels (non- functioning) between the windows. Replace the current table and lamp. Eventually get rid of the corner speakers and then get surround sound. I don't care for the blinds but we need then to help insulate during the summer. We're southern exposure so we get temps of 105+ in the month of July and this room can get HOT if the blinds aren't shut.

Pic #2 - I love this chair! You can kick your feet up and sink into the chair. The wall behind needs some touch up paint, again! We touched up once and the color was off. Now we need to paint the baseboards and the wall. I picked up this tree at Home goods for cheap! It's nice and tall - like 9', our ceilings are 10'. Anyway, I digress ... For the wall, I bought 3 - 4' Black crown moulding ledges from Pottery Barn. Initially, I was going to put them up staggered taking up the whole wall. But now, I'm thinking one right on top of the other. It's the tree. I like it there and I just don't want o put anything behind it. So I'll put the shelves to the left and keep the look clean and simple.

We survived the 1st day of Kindergarten! My #1 was so great and so excited to go! I was also happy for him to go, he needs the stimulation. Plus, I think he has been ready for a while. By the 2nd week of school I realized the kid could read! Holy Cow, I didn't even know! I am so proud of him, my little handsome.

I addition to the business of life... I am helping out my father with his art collection. He has reached a point in his life that his thought is to purge the collection. So look for a future post of what I am selling for him in the coming days. All the pieces will be listed on EBAY. Heck, maybe some of who read this will be interested in purchasing a Picasso, Dali, Miro, Chagall etc... The list goes on and on - seriously! So stay tuned!

Um, Where have I been?

2007-08-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe that it been a month since I've blogged! Sheesh, my plate runnith over with LIFE! We had 2 weeks of swimming lessons, a week of soccer camp, then last week we started the soccer season, add on ballet, and now my youngest (2) started a non-parent participation "class" (sniffle).

My #1 also lost a his first tooth! The tooth fairy came and even left pixie dust! That was a hit! Oops I mean a surprise and so special ;)

Everyone is growing so fast and I see no signs of slowing down! And it pains me, it really does...

This past week I added a few new items. It's work to get thing online in a timely manner (I wonder why?!) I really hope to get more things on before September. I can already feel the Holiday shopping season approaching. Can you believe I already have orders for Christmas?! I can't! But I am also that typical last minute shopper, frantic and freaked buying just days before the Holiday.

So, tomorrow is an "easy day", we only have soccer practice in the evening. I've given my self a task, just one. And that is to get my house in order! I need to organize and clean my house! My oldest starts kindergarten next week (sigh) and my #2 is off to pre-school. Unbelievability, I only get 1 hour to my-self the days they in school. All I can say is Yahoo! Pedicure here I come!

I can't stop decorating

2007-07-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

OK, I can't get out of this decorating mode.

We decided to buy new sofas (2) for our family room.
It's probably a little premature like our hardwood floors with our youngest just 2 and our oldest at 5 ... oh well. So here are the sofas and chair we selected. The most shocking part is that I didn't go w/my favorite color of moss green or play it safe by going neutral w/ a tan. I went for the blue! OMG, I still can't believe I did it. Honestly tho, I'm so freaking excited about it! The blue is a smokey blue micro fiber w/a checkered pattern (it's soft and fluffy!) The club chair and ottoman are a chocolaty brown w/a tan diamond pattern w/blue dots at the intersections. I love this chair! The brown is also the fabric for the throw pillows on the sofas, ya know to tie them together.

Anyway, this all started earlier in the year when I painted our master bedroom and found a comforter set to boot. The walls are Restoration Hardware's Sea Green (kind of a bluish green).With the accent color of Ralph Lauren's Silver. Yep, Silver. We have a round entry to our bedroom too (smaller than that of the foyer) where I had travertine laid mirroring the round soffit. The whole rotund is silver w/ the ceiling in the sea green. Love it! The master bath ideally will be "opposite of the bedroom in tan and silver w/ accents of the sea green. I went with the sea green 1) because I like it and 2) it played well w/ the colors in the medallion. The green in that is Forest Green. Which is typically chosen for the has veining of blood red. You heard right, red. I purposely selected stones w/very little if any of the red. I searched for forever to get the light and dark greens with minimal red. The other project around the house is to replace our counter tops in the kitchen. Hopefully to granite. Color? Dunno. I do know that I want tiny glass and stone Mosaic for a full back splash. Something that I will design, I'm sure. My plan is have the house to flow and harmonize - does that make sense? Everything takes for ever and costs so darn much! I still just can't wait - its been 4 years already!

So, now I'm on the hunt for fabrics for drapes and valances for the master bedroom, family room and kitchen. I found these cute chenille floor mats at Pier 1 that go perfectly (this will go at the patio door and by the kitchen sink) I need some coordinating accessories too. I forgot how much fun it is to design homes and decorate! Hope you don't mind me expressing so ... :)

I'll post pictures once the room is done. But that won't be for weeks!!! :0

BTW, I Welcome Comments! ;)

Reading IS Glamorous!

2007-07-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Aloha all! Back from a much needed vacation and ready to rock and roll! Check out my vacation pics on Myspace!

I finally will have some "Other Good Stuff" to add to the Aniroc site, Bookmarks! I had a request from a good friend and it has just taken off from there! I have been and will continue to make these in Swarovski Crystal in most "birthstone" colors. The bookmark itself is a base metal (NOT Sterling Silver) But available in Silver or Gold color. Retailing at $20 each. So go on, Glam up those bedside tables with these beauties - you know you want to!

On Vacaction 6/23-7/4

2007-06-20T00:44:00.000-07:00

*ON VACATION*

All orders will be processed once I return after the 4th of July.

Mahalo!

I'm off to Hawaii!!! Yahoo......no kids to boot! This is our 1st vacation "alone" in nearly 7 years! I'm so excited I could spit! *-) I'll be sure to post photos of our trip once I return.......ALOHA!

Introducing Somethigs Shiney and New!

2007-05-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

OK, here is a little sampling of what I have been doing .... I love color and gold! It's warm and it's cool. It's just right for highlighting sun kissed skin! Doesn't it puts you in the right mood for the hot days ahead?!

The 1st and 2nd pictures are the same necklace made of 14 kt. gold-fill wire and chain, Green Amethyst, Peruvian Opal and Garnet. It can be worn in 2 or more ways. These just happen to be my favorite ways to wear it. The 3rd picture is a large Citrine drop mega wrapped in silver with a hammered oval that carries a Pink Tourmaline and Apatite. I probably won't get these on the website until I return from vacation - sorry.

As some most know, though I have never openly stated, ALL of my pieces are Limited Editions and/or One-of-a-kinds. Typically I will only create 5 of one item. When it's gone... well, it's gone. I feel that it gives my work appeal and something to be desired. My ideas, techniques and styles are constantly evolving. I strongly suggest joining my newsletter so that you can be informed of Aniroc's on going evolution. Plus, as a subscriber you are entitled to subscriber only specials and discounts!

Sum, Sum, Summertime

2007-05-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

The temps are rising and cool style is too. I'm motivated by the season for sure! I just hope that I can get my new stuff online before Fall trends arise! Times are busy right now with the recent Mother's day rush and now with the school year coming to end. Grad gift are in high demand. I know that it is also wedding season......will I be ready? Let's hope so! *-)

As you can see to the right of the page, I have decided to post my photo. I do this for those who feel that they need to make a connection with the person creating their product. So, that'ts me as of last Saturday.

Aside from designing jewelry, I work on designing special features for my home. So to expand on the "designer" behind Aniroc I'm sharing just a few photos of what I have done.

Our foyer/entry way. A medallion I designed and had custom made out of Marble and Travertine. It measures 4' across and is centered in an 8' rotunda. My inspiration for this was driven by our home. It is Mediterranean/Spanish in feel but is new and now.

Our front gate (designed by me too) and medallion are Mediterranean in feel. Fleur de lis and Corinthian leaves. I chose to go this route to keep the home neutral, classy and timeless. In addition to retaining it's property value in the long run.
So here is the entry walkway. This space divides the formal dining and living rooms. Both rooms have a soft radius soffit to elude to the rooms designation. To exaggerate this feature and define it, I had the rooms carpeting (which will be replaced soon) bordered in the travertine. Then warming up the area with wide planks of Hickory that continues through our home.

There is so much more that has been done and still needs to be done. But as the old saying goes.....all in due time.

So enough about that!

I'll be posting real soon about jewels!

Mom's Day

2007-05-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Mother's day is just around the corner and I have had an overwhelming amount of request for the day. Some custom so not. None the less we LOVE our Moms. I am appreciative to be able to assist in the gift giving process. I believe that all moms are unique in their own rite and giving a gift of the same stature, well, is priceless.

To celebrate those of you whom may be a mommy or for those who want to celebrate your Mom .... here is an exceptional video by Lynn Collwell to view and share.

WARNING: you will need tissue!

Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TWgzLxbMdo

Happy Mother's Day!

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

2007-05-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.stylebakery.com/stylerecipes/spring07/ontherise/ontheriseawards.html

For a good cause.

2007-04-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have been asked by several establishments for help with their fundraising for some great charities. I had no problem following through with this as I am a firm believer of "what comes around goes around". I am certainly curious to see the result of my donations......

Here some of the pieces I donated. Custom,

one-of-kinds, I will be happy to reproduce by request.

Blurbs here, there, everywhere! (one day-I hope)

2007-04-17T09:13:00.001-07:00

Just recently prior to my website going live, I was informed that some of my earrings and site were blogged on Products of the day! I was absolutely thrilled with that news it made my weekend! Here are the earrings:

Coincidentally I am currently working with coral once again. I think that the organic nature of coral is what I find so appealing. Plus it reminds me of the tropics or what some consider paradise. So stay tuned to see what I come up with.

Also, I want to mention to take a look at Wickedly Chic on Sunday April 22nd. They will be featuring one of Aniroc's items in their Daily Ditties!
My Sincerest Thanks to them both! :)

A web site is born...

2007-04-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

It's up! It's up! It's really up! I am so excited to announce that my website is up and running! I have to give many, many, many thanks to my younger brother Julio (a.k.a. Mackey). He is amazing! He's also so very tolerant of me to say the least. I don't know how to thank him, but one day I will. If your reading this Mac, THANKS! I undoubtedly owe you!

I also need to say thanks to my "sisters" at The Switchboards. They are always so open, helpful and encouraging!

And now a new adventure begins.........

The devil made me do it!

2007-04-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well we are back from the Bay Area and Spring is in full swing. My 1st gem show was overwhelming to say the least! My eyes were bigger than my wallet! The Holiday itself was very low-key and relaxing. After Fridays afternoon of gem shopping, I certainly needed that. Though I'm still recovering from my shoppers remorse. For I went way over my planned budget.

Mothers day is quickly on it's way and it's time for me to get in gear. Get those creative juices flowing and use my new collection of gems! My website should be done here in just a few more days!!! Wahoo!!! That in itself is reason to celebrate!

Here is a picture of my most prized purchase. I heard the price and I just about fainted! My mind kept saying "no" but my mouth just said "yes" UGH! I hate when that happens! Translucent Peruvian Opals, minimal inclusions with dazzling checkered board facets. Seagreen-blue and softly vibrant. These babies are fantastic!

Spring is in the air.

2007-04-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well It's April and Spring Break. We took the kids to Reno's Circus Circus for one night. They weren't too thrilled with it. The later half of the week we'll spend at my parents for the Holiday.

I'm looking forward to my 1st wholesale gemshow in the Bay area this weekend! I know that I will be just like a kid in a candy store! In the mean time here are some earrings I created yesterday. I can't wait to start making more like these with all I plan on getting at the show!

Love these! Gold-fill and gold vermail lemon quartz and aquamarine

Hi, I'm new!

2007-03-31T15:35:00.001-07:00

Well, this is my very 1st blog post. Hmmm, what do I write about??? Jewelry..... My site should be up a running here in just a few days. It has been a long time waiting for sure! In the mean time here are some items I've been working on this last month. I've had these tiny little tourquoise gems for some time and have used them here and there and am lovin them now in these earrings. Their bright and fun perfect for sping and summer. I especially like them w/black, white or brown.

I guess my "thing" right now is wire. I really like manipulating it any which way can. I primarily work with sterling silver, but am now starting to dable with gold-fill. It's just so pretty!

Tiny Tanzanite and Aquamarine

Tiny Watermelon and Pink Tourmaline.