It all started in Paris. She had her camera in tow throughout all of Europe and--not surprisingly--has it along for the ride still today. Though we were mere college students studying abroad in the City of Lights, it was clear from the start that she'd go on to great things, taking pictures all the way, and now our dear amie Jacqueline Schlossman lives out her passion for photography, MFA (and camera) in hand, teaching photography and digital design classes all while creating and producing her own work professionally. 

 

Emily Zoba Maynard, in Elva Fields...in a living room she designed this year.

[photo by Manolo Langis]

Though we're told sharing was not one of our strong suits growing up, we've come a long way...and couldn't be happier about sharing a name with sister-in-law Emily Maynard!  Founder and principal of George Interior Design based in California, Emily has incredible style, determined work ethic, a gracious presence, and handles most everything along the way with ease and cheer.  We asked her a few questions recently and hope you'll enjoy our family banter and fun insight into another Emily Maynard's business and design! 

[photo by April Saas]

We've been long (i.e. two years and change) overdue for a little getaway sans kiddos, so I made an executive decision to combine a buying trip with a weekend vacation, since multitasking seems to be our modus operandi these days.  (Sippy cup-filling and burp cloth-searching and e-mailing triple-threat, anyone?)  After condensing the buying extravaganza that is on the calendar the same spring weekend every year into one shop-a-rific day, the vacation began. 

Even just saying, "We're on vacation," was relaxing...we could have been anywhere...but it was certainly nice to be where we were.  (And though I seriously hesitated to tell anyone about this place, for fear it will be completely booked the next time we try make a reservation, I loved it so much I have to let you know about it.)

Fire Mountain Inn in North Carolina was our much-needed respite from the daily whirlwind and craziness of it all, and as soon as we drove up the gravel path toward its mountaintop perch, I knew we were in for a calm, relaxing, comfortable weekend.  Between the long-range views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the blooming rhododendron, and the quiet still of the woods, everything feels peaceful on Fire Mountain.

 

And though each detail is attended to and the spot beautiful, it is simple and unpretentious, and incredibly welcoming.  (With a bon fire prepared for guests on Saturday nights to enjoy...loved taking in the evening from the red chair on the lawn.)

  

And a fireplace in the library for cooler evenings...book-borrowing and game nights encouraged.

  

If you are a guest of the inn or one of their treehouses, breakfast is served in the dining room, which overlooks the beautiful mountain ranges of Western North Carolina and North Georgia.   My favorite meal of the day (if I had to choose...not that I would omit any of them...food is my second-favorite thing after jewelry, I think) is breakfast, and those served at Fire Mountain were delicious and gourmet, but--in keeping with the simple, natural surroundings of the Inn--tastefully un-fussy.  Such a great way to start the day--especially before a long hike. 

Fire Mountain gave us some fantastic recommendations for fun nearby hikes, one to a beautiful, not-so-well-known waterfall that could be enjoyed without too many other hikers crowding the trail.  Hoping that was the kick-start to my post-pregnancy fitness reclamation.  (Physical activity not involving chasing after a toddler or a dog has just not been in the cards the last few months.  So the hike, along with the vacation, was much needed and much enjoyed.)

After the hike, we tried some fly fishing--well, one of us concentrated efforts on fishing, the other cracked open the first "reading-for-pleasure" book since last summer and was satisfied with one catch-and-release accomplishment.  Born and raised in the South, I am clearly a little late to the party, but started Gone With the Wind while enjoying a true southern delicacy--boiled peanuts.  And beer.  Both from the nearest town and both earned on the hike, I contend. 

A few rounds of cards and glasses of wine in our sitting area, and a sunset to close out the getaway.  Already scheming the next one...so leave some room for us at Fire Mountain if we can manage to hit the road again.  (Hopefully before another two years fly by!)

A special note:  We'd love to offer a giant thank-you to grandparents for making this weekend possible.  We loved having some time away and know the girls (both human and canine) loved being with you all, too.  Hope you're up for the challenge again one day...after some recovery time, of course.

What?  

Our limited-edition, handmade earrings will be offered at special (read: unbelievably fantastic) sale prices during flash sales on our site!

When?

We'll host Daily Deals for 24 hours each, typically one per week.

Where? 

Come on by our website--the same one you know and love--to enjoy our Daily Deals…www.elvafields.com.  (And if you sign up for our special Daily Deals updates, you can find us right in your in-box every time!)

How?  

Though you'll find our Daily Deals listed on the site, we'd love to let you know about Elva Fields Daily Deals as they happen for the best chance at scoring some fun jewels before they sell out, so sign up for our Daily Deals newsletter.  We'll send you an update before each sale begins, generally once a week.

Who?  

You!  We cordially invite you to join our e-mail list  so you'll be in-the-know about these fun flash sales!  

Anything else?

Yes, so glad you asked!  We've saved the best for last…as of today, we're thrilled to offer…

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS! 

(Yay!  Every order, every time, will automatically receive free standard shipping on our website.  Including our standard gift packaging, too!  How great is that?  Expedited and Overnight Shipping upgrades available at additional costs.)

Hope to see you shopping soon…our first sale starts today!

Royce in one of her favorite Elva Fields necklaces.

In the spotlight this week for our fun, new series on a few of our favorite gals (and guys...eventually) behind the lens is one of our dearest customers (and now friends) Royce Winnick.  Camera in hand, Royce captures the most unique and priceless expressions and moments of children and families in the New York City area--customizing each shoot to the subject's personality and preferences.  Be it a local park, home, or another special spot, she photographs in their environment--and her work truly shows how fun, happy, and meaningful those people and places are.  Soon to be a mama herself, she works with all sorts of children--from newborn itty-bitties to older teens.  

 

And though kiddos are clearly her forte, we persuaded her to make an exception in the name of jewelry, and she enlisted the help of a beautiful friend to model a pair of earrings from our Spring Collection.  (A note: Though the exact pair of vintage blue glass earrings seen in the pics has sold out--thanks to a very kind feature in Traditional Home magazine--we do have another style available in the same beautiful blue hue...check them out here.  Admittedly, these gorgeous shots leave a very tough act to follow...we are tempted to fly to Manhattan just to have Royce help us look this good.)