Vivi Reborn

Hello again...

2010-02-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

I know it looks like I've fallen off the wagon in blogland. I actually have. It's been a nice 6 weeks of catching up on the rest of the world. The non-cyberspace world that is.

Like cleaning out closets, consigning, scrapbooking, potty training 2 new puppies (the most adorable creatures in the world if I do say so myself), house projects that you never want to spend time on, nursing my family through the yucky flu, cooking, cleaning, etc...to say the least.

Shannon and I had decided to take a creative hiatus during the month of January for Vivi. December was very full fulfilling orders right until the week of Christmas. We were overwhelmed with all of your support and want to thank you SO MUCH for an incredible launch for Vivi last fall! We are just so humbled and grateful for the chance to have the freedom to create and see how our pieces inspire others. So again, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Since our much needed break, we are already brainstorming with all the new fun pieces that we keep getting in daily, so please keep posted for some new Spring Creations for 2010! So excited!

Hope you are having a wonderful Valentines Day with someone that you love!

xoxo,
Rebekah and Shannon

Newbies

2010-01-01T05:54:00.000-08:00

Each year brings lots of new things. New friends. New memories. New goals. New joys. New tears. New babies. New puppies. *(actually those came for our family on Christmas day).

It also brings a time of reflection. We spent yesterday asking the kids what they were thankful for in 2009, and it began a long talk reviewing some great memories.

Today, we will head with several other families to celebrate our 10th annual New Years Day: lunch, football, eating, kids playing, more eating, kids arguing, adults playing card games, etc... It marks the last decade, as it has tripled in size with all the kids running around. This group has shared some remarkable joys and sorrows.

I'm sure this next decade will look more like ball games, chaperoned dates, and school performances...than diapers, poop and spit up. And even though the teen age years will bring it's own challenges, that's okay with me.

Cheers to you and your family as you celebrate this next decade today!

Wishful Linking...

2009-12-16T06:48:00.000-08:00

I realized recently that I've subconsciously been sending my hubbie "links" for my Christmas wishlist. He likes it spelled out for him, and the ability to purchase with the click of a button. And lets be honest, the more details I give him, the more chances I'm really gonna like it. I'm sure that has much to do with the control freak side of me, but we've learned that it works for us and prevents hours in the return lines!

So, if you happen to see something special in our shop, send your loved one your "wishful link". Tell them if they order by Friday they'll be sure to get it by Christmas. And remind them the more they get the deeper the discount. Even the budget savvy shoppers like that kind of news!

HOLIDAY SALE DETAILS...

* Purchase one item and receive 15% off
* Purchase two items and receive 20% off
* Purchase three items and receive 25% off and FREE SHIPPING

Congrats...

2009-12-07T07:38:00.001-08:00

to Natalie from Atlanta for winning our Midnight in the Garden earrings for November.

and also,

to Courtney from Joy in the Little Things for winning the Tea Strainer necklace.

Special thanks for featuring Vivi Reborn on your blog in November!

xoxo,
Rebekah and Shannon

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2009-12-02T13:55:00.001-08:00

There'll be parties for hosting,
marshmallows for toasting,
and caroling out in the snow.

There'll be jewelry for sharing
that people are wearing from Christmases long long ago...

Please join us for the festivities tomorrow night if you live in Atlanta!

Christmas Traditions

2009-11-28T04:27:00.000-08:00

Today we are taking the kids downtown to Magiannos Little Italy. It's been our Atlanta tradition for the past 10 years to go there for dinner the Saturday after Thanksgiving. First without kids, now with the fun of all three.

It's a Christmas kick-off of sorts...a wonderful break from turkey leftovers, and always decked out with festive decorations! Live music usually leads to the kids "ballroom" dancing together by our table. It's a simple tradition that has brought great memories.

What kind of traditions do you kick off the holiday season with as a family? Share them with us! We love to hear new ideas!

P.S. Don't forget, 3 more days to win our Tea Strainer necklace just by posting about Vivi Reborn on your blog. Great chances of winning! See here for details.

Black Friday / Thanksgiving Sale

2009-11-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

BLACK FRIDAY/THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SALE.
Friday-Sunday.

20% off all current inventory in our shop. Click here to get a jump start on holiday shopping. Discount prices already marked. Our biggest sale yet!

Gobble, Gobble,
Shannon and Rebekah

Pumpkin Cake

2009-11-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

Since Thanksgiving is just 2 days away, I thought you might enjoy a "pumpkin pie alternative". This has been a hit at several fall parties so far this season, so I thought you might enjoy as well. It's dense and moist like a pound cake, with a scrumptious cream cheese frosting.

Of course I've had a jump start on holiday eating with sweets like these! Enjoy!

Cake Ingredients:
4 Eggs
1 2/3 c. Sugar
1 c. Vegetable oil
1 15 oz. Can of pumpkin
2 c. Sifted all purpose flour
2 tsp. Baking powder
2 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking soda

Icing Ingredients:
1 3 oz. Package of cream cheese, softened (the small square one)
½ c. Butter or margarine, softened
2 c. Sifted powdered sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla extract

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth.
• Spread the batter in an ungreased nonstick 13X10 baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
• To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin cake.

Personality Plus

2009-11-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

Last week we were making lots of Vivi Girl bracelets for a local show. Shannon's 4 year old daughter, Morgan, decided to try them out...almost all of them. I'm thinking she may have a future in front of the camera. What do you think?

Hope you are having a great week!

Rome

2009-11-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

Italy has the ability to surpass all that you would expect or imagine. Rome was our first stop. We marveled at the amount of Roman Statues at the Vatican, and then sat and stared at the ceiling of the Michaelangelos work at the Sistine Chapel. It simply took your breath away. This picture is from the ceiling of an atrium before entering.

On Sunday at St. Peters Square, we saw the Pope address over 200,000 people with African Bishops talking about supporting Africa...Speaking in many languages for everyone to hear.

The Spanish Steps descended to the ultimate couture designer shopping district, where I drooled over window displays, and then found the more affordable version of Italian Fashion. My new favorite Italian designer is Nara Camicie. Chic, yet not too pricey. She has stores all over Italy, but only 2 in US. NYC and San Fransisco, but you can also buy online.

As we were walking along a quiet street almost back to our hotel, we saw several papparazi waiting outside a fancy Sushi Restaurant...sure enough, George Clooney walked out and was whisked away in a car with people chasing him on vespas and cars. Only in Rome!

Then next day we went to the Coliseum and heard stories about the killing for sport that went on there for almost 500 years. Can you imagine getting tickets to your nearby arena to watch men fight each other to the death? Every day?

We then walked the historic Roman Forum where Julius Caesar walked. And learned about the 10 virgins, that had to stay virgins for 30 years. If they did they received power and riches. If they didn't, they were buried alive with a loaf of bread and a lantern. Most women received the second fate.

We took a historic night walk that ended at the Trevi Fountain. People were just hanging out there all night taking it in. Breathtaking!

Our last night ended with the best Tirimisu my mouth has ever tasted, seated at a restaurant in front of the Pantheon. So yummy we ordered seconds!

More details on Florence next week!

Heavens to Etsy

2009-11-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while, we are so fortunate to have those behind the scenes in "etsyland" discover one of our new items and feature in on their home page.

Last week while I was in Italy, they chose to feature an item from our Couture Collection, Wrap it Up, resulting in over 900 visits to our little old etsy shop that day.

Oh Etsy...how we love you! xoxo

Giveaway Goodness

2009-11-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

Our first November giveaway is Tea Strainer Time. A $75 value!

Just feature any vivi product on your blog in the month of November to be entered to win. Please leave a comment at this post with the link!

Click here to check out some of our latest creations!

Thanks for all you do to spread some Vivi cheer!

And the winner is...

2009-11-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

Shawna Wagoner!

There were 148 entries for our October giveaway for the La La Lace necklace. Thanks so much to all that participated! We've been so grateful for the response that we are offering 2 giveaways in November. Check out our feature at the top of our blog for details.

Congrats Shawna!

Italy - How I love you!

2009-10-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

I'm posting from Italy tonight. We had a brief moment to connect via internet. So far the hubby and I have covered Rome, Florence and are heading to Venice tomorrow.

I cannot wait to post some pictures and details of favorite sights next week after we get back!

Ciao!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Blanket

2009-10-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

I got a package in the mail on Saturday that made my year. My dear friend and college roomie, Lori, texted me last week simply stating she had found a blanket with my name on it. I assumed it must have been a random quilt with 'Rebekah' embroidered on it. I thought it would be a fun treat!

When Kennedy and I opened the package together, I was overwhelmed! This blanket was made for me by my mother when I was just four years old.

Each letter crafted from different fabrics of dresses she made for me as a toddler. If you peek closer you can see I was sporting the 70's in all its glory.

I started putting the pieces together. I must have left it in my college apartment in Virginia upon graduating 14 years ago. So, of course Lori would have packed it when she left home for Maine a year later, planning on giving it to me. Thankfully, her mom saved it all these years and Lori happened to see it in her old room when traveling from Charlotte and sent it back to me.

The best part is my four year old daughter got the treat of opening it 31 years after my mother made it.

Fabulous Fall

2009-10-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

If you ever get a chance to visit Grosgrain Fabulous, this is a blog that will get you hooked! Kathleen is one of the most creative people I know, and she GIVES EVERYTHING AWAY! This picture is the Queen of Hearts dress she made for her daughter. Of course she made Alice's dress for her younger daughter as well.

And...she was oh so sweet to send us some Vivi love by featuring a $50 giveaway to our shop.

For this week, that cash can go even further, since we are hosting a FALL SALE on our entire shop through this weekend.

Happy early Christmas shopping!

Augustine

2009-10-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." I recently read this quote by Augustine and I just love it.

I'm leaving tomorrow for a reunion in Chicago with girlfriends traveling from as far west as California and as far east as Atlanta. So excited!

Then in 10 days I'm heading to ITALY with my hubbie. We just finalized our in-country plans, complete with watching Rick Steves on a video we checked out at the public library from our bed last night. We are quite the procrastinators when it comes to details, but as a trip gets close, it always seems to come together.

For me, travelling seems to bring things back to center. It offers a perspective we often overlook when we are in the thick of it. From dirty dishes to dirty laundry, to driving the "mom taxi", sometimes we forget to look at life from a birds eye view. A bigger picture.

Have you ever traveled somewhere and came back inspired? If so, let us know your favorite spots.

10,000 Hours

2009-10-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

I was able to hear Malcolm Gladwell speak at an event today. I gobbled up Outliers in January, and it was by far the best book I've read in 09.

I often get excited exploring the why behind the how. My favorite chapter was The 10,000 Hour Rule. He quotes, "the emerging picture from studies is that 10,000 hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world class expert - in anything."

Here's my take on the math. If we spent 20 hours a week in our adult life devoted to something we are really passionate about, it would take us about 10 years to be a world class expert on it.

So, if I can get a shout out from anyone else over 30...I'm guessing it's never too late to start focusing on something you love. I'm just saying...

Drumroll Please...

2009-10-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

After cutting up 135 entries into tiny little pieces and having my middle son, Pierce, pull it out of a jar, the winner of the Scallops Galore bracelet for September is...............

Lisa L. from San Diego, CA

Congrats Lisa! Your bracelet will arrive in a couple of days!

Thanks to all that participated! With such a great response, we decided to do it again in October!

Sweetie Pie

2009-09-29T05:22:00.001-07:00

My hubbie and I took the kids to NYC this summer for 10 days. It was an adventure to say the least. He had meetings, and so Shannon came up at the end of the week so we could do some "R&D" for Vivi. We checked out a few boutiques for product placement for future collections, and spent hours at Mood, buying fabrics for Vivi Girl.

The highlight at the end of the week was everyone going to Sweetie Pie for our last festive meal. The kids colored with crayons lined up in sterling cups and had balloons tied to each chair. We munched on mini fried chicken drumsticks, and topped it off with an assortment of decorated ice cream cones. It was such a treat, next time you are in NYC with your child, head to West Village and be sure to spoil yourself!

Pictures of You - PS 22

2009-09-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

I was making waffles Saturday morning, and my oldest son Cade was playing around on the computer. He has mad skills with finding things online! All of a sudden I heard this beautiful chorus coming from a video and I had to stop and look.

For all you CURE fans out there, this is an amazing version of "Pictures of You". One of my favorite songs in high school. This school is PS 22 in Staten Island, and after looking just a little further, I found out that this is only one of many incredible arrangements this chorus has done. They have had over 10 million views of their songs online with fans ranging from Perez Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, Michael Bloomberg, Tori Amos and many more. You must check out some of their other songs including Coldplay's Vivi la Vida, Journey's Don't Stop Believin', and an INCREDIBLE version of Just Dance by Lada Gaga.

My heart is gladdened that there still teachers out there that have HUGE hopes and dreams for their kids. They truly believe that all children need is someone to give them the opportunity and believe that anything is possible. I hope Mr. B and these kids inspire you today!

Happy Fall!

2009-09-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Fall has finally arrived! And for our household that means two words...Wine Cake. The kids helped me make this yesterday and waited until right at bedtime to scoop up a piece! Its simple to make and even easier to eat! It's so moist it will be gone before you know it!

Wine Cake:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 3oz box of vanilla instant pudding mix
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
4 eggs
1/2 cup white wine (chardonnay)
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup water
Mix and pour into greased/floured bundt pan.
Bake at 325 for 1 hour.

Glaze:
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup white wine
Bring to a boil and pour over cake IN PAN. Remove from pan.

Voila! Enjoy!

Introducing...Vivi Couture

2009-09-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, we unearth something extra special that makes us want to shout it from the rooftops. Those one-of-a-kind finds that you'll never see again.

This is the first necklace of our truly Couture Collection and we couldn't be more pleased. Crafted from a vintage silver rose pin with woven teal silk tatter ribbon. Found at the very end of the tatter is a vintage sterling silver butterfly pin.

Joined by a sterling silver patina circle link chain with vintage enameled button to dangle at bottom. Topping everything off are silk tatter ties at the side of the neck.

This beauty was snatched up the day we listed it on Etsy...but no worries, there's more to come!

Creative Genius

2009-09-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

My son went to a creative party recently. For you moms looking for birthday ideas, this is one for the artistic child in your life! His invite included a bag of items and a call to create before the party.

"Rudolph" was inspired from green clay, a cork, pipe cleaners, a red pom pom, and a wooden cube. Isn't it funny how children remind us to get our creative juices flowing? We just need supplies and imagination.

Yet as adults, we think our time is reserved for the "practical". I often measure my work by whether it produced the right results to get from Point A to Point B. Or the perfectionists in the room think that if it can't be marketed, packaged and sold at Nordstrom, it must not be worth creating.

Maybe today, each of us can make something fun. Something that brings a smile to our face. Something we remember when we pull it out of our keepsake box. An experience we share with someone we love. Something less than perfect.

After all, you probably have some pipe cleaners hanging around your house somewhere.

Renegade Craft Fair

2009-09-15T12:14:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of visiting the Renegade Craft Fair when I was in Chicago this past weekend. I had no idea what to expect, except that there many creative Etsy vendors there. This fair was new to me, but apparently not to Chicago natives. Cars were lined up along nearby streets for miles, and within minutes of checking it out, I could see why.

Aisles of creative vendors stretched endlessly. Artists of all types lined the streets. It was eye candy everywhere you looked. Definite inspiration! Click here to see artists they featured and even shop online.

The fair travels year round as far east as Brooklyn, and as far West as San Francisco, maybe you can put it on the calendar to visit next year!

Julia's Onions

2009-09-11T14:39:00.001-07:00

You know when you get those after midnight thoughts...like if you don't get up and write it, you just might lose it? I guess that's me right now.

I was just thinking about when I saw Julie & Julia last weekend. I didn't feel an urgency to see it when it first came out, but I can hardly believe now what an impression it had on me. The scene that made it crystal clear was the scene with the onions. Julia Child had just finished her first day at cooking school at Le Cordon Bleu and she was put to shame for being so slow at chopping an onion, that she must have bought a hundred onions on her way home and went right to work.

Her husband later comes home to a mountain of chopped onions on the table as she continues to chop furiously, faster and faster. His eyes are watering as he is trying to talk to her because of the onions, and she just can't stop. At this point, I'm laughing so hard at her intensity and insanity, that I start tearing up, and I can't stop.

In that moment I'm struck with the fact that she is trying so hard to prove something. That she CAN indeed learn something new, even in a new country, with no previous training or skills, where she can't speak French and the school administrator thinks she's worthless, she DOESN'T give up. This only pushes her to try harder, because something inside her says she's onto something.

I wonder how often we hear something inside us that says we are onto something? Or if we are only hearing the negative remarks from those that are waiting for failure like the administrator? If I'm honest, I often hear both sides in my head and it's a toss up daily which side will win. In the end, something hopeful keeps pushing us forward, even when we don't know exactly where we are heading. It still all seems worth it. I really think it is.

Sneak Peek - Vivi Girl

2009-09-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

So...the vivi elves have been busy bustling about working on a small vintage inspired winter collection for girls. Here is a little taste of the euro styling that is to come in some super yummy winter fabrics...Keep checking back and we'll keep you posted!

I call this one the "The Kennedy" after my 4 year old...is it any wonder?

Vivi Gives Back

2009-09-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

Together, we can help women who are entrepreneurs, but don't have the same opportunities we do to launch their own shops. Our friend Jessica started a micro finance loan company called Kiva.
Through them, we give 10% of all Vivi Reborn sales as loans to women around the world to launch their own creative design businesses. Every woman deserves the opportunity to pursue something that they are passionate about. With every Vivi purchase, you are helping them too.

Currently supporting:
Helen Mike, Nigeria
Funding Her Jewelry Store

Helen is 33 years old and married with a child. She sells jewelry in front of her house. She has been in this business for the past 3 years. Click here to read more of her story.

I am an...artist?

2009-09-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

These words don't exactly roll off the tongue for me. As a child I thought the coveted title was reserved exclusively for the type that could sketch something you could actually recognize.

But I've come to discover something liberating over the past couple of years. That my history with creativity has always been to imagine something in my head, then construct it with my hands. Please don't ask me to draw it. When most of my 16 year old girlfriends got cars for their birthday, I got my very own Singer sewing machine. No matter how 'uncool' I felt in that moment, I had no idea I would still be using it 19 years later. I wonder if they are still driving their 1990 car models? Maybe.

So in this discovery, my business partner, Shannon Mescher, and I founded Vivi Reborn. Vivi is the root meaning "to breathe life", "to enliven". For us, this takes something old and beautiful, dust if off, and pair it with something new. To recreate. To draw from the beauty of our past, instead of discard it. To look deep into the history of something cherished, recognize there is a story, and celebrate and honor it.

Our desire is for this blog to serve as an account of our journey. The a-ha moments, the dead-ends, and what we learn along the way. And maybe you'll find something that will spark in you. Reminding you that you are also an artist. And you'll start to imagine again, and create.

Our Philosophy

2009-09-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Vivi is a root word that means “to breathe new life”. Our work is a reflection of this, as we carefully discover and recover vintage pieces and style them for today's trends. We trust each vintage piece we restore has a unique story that will continue to be told as it is “breathed” back to life.

A sustainable lifestyle is not only responsible, but essential. Every item we touch is repurposed from selected vintage medals, jewels, and stones that inspire our creativity and femininity. When we recover them, we take special efforts to recreate them for women who possess discriminating taste. An eye that allows them to manage the complex relationship between aged beauty and fashion trend.

Our hope is that the history behind these pieces will keep us grounded in the old, as we experience the new. Through this, we will find ourselves immersed in something deep and true, and we will be reminded that we are all part of a story that continues.