Everyone knows that Mom and I love to go shopping!!  Even though the art of going into a store and looking at all they have to offer is awesome, we also have some favorite online shops as well.  We want to share one of our favorites with you today…Dear Mushka!

But before I dive in on all things Dear Mushka, let me fill you in on the backstory of how we came to know about this wonderful online shop.  Growing up, I would watch documentaries about adoption stories (yes, I loved documentaries even as a child…very weird, I know!) and I was always fascinated by the entire journey people went on to find their child.  Ever since Austin and I started dating way back in high school, adoption had always been a topic that kept coming up.  We both were very interested in adoption for our future family.

Over the next several years, I kept feeling pulled that our adoptive child was going to have Down Syndrome.  I have worked with special education students in the past and I really think this is what confirmed to me that we are meant to be parents of a child with Down Syndrome.  Being able to be around these special children on a daily basis really opens your eyes to how much they can positively change your life and leave a huge heart print on you!! <3  I brought up how I was feeling to Austin one evening, not really knowing how he would take it.  After that, everything was history!  He was totally on board and we now are looking forward to meeting our adoptive child, even though it is way off in the future.

Now that we have been married for a year and a half, the topic of starting a family gets brought up pretty often.  Little ones are brought up by the two of us and then, of course, Mom and my mother-in-law, Julie.  😉  They must think we forget about giving them a grandbaby.  🙂

So, this past Christmas, Austin’s parents got me the neatest gift ever!!  It was the Together Necklace from Dear Mushka’s shop.  I was in love!  Julie knew that it was a necklace for adoption, but she wasn’t quite sure where the meaning came from in the design of the necklace.  Each side of the triangle represents a different person/people.  One side is for the birth parents, one side is for the adoptive parents and the last side is for the child.  So all sides are forever linked together.  🙂  And then the heart dangling in the middle is the love that connects the whole group.

Dear Mushka is owned by Katie.  The online shop started as a blog love letter to Katie’s future children.   Once they decided to adopt, she created an Etsy shop to help with the financial aspects of adoption.  Katie has always wanted to be a work-at-home momma, so when Dear Mushka’s Etsy shop took off, she was so pleased.

Katie still remembers the first necklace she sold…it was a simple heart necklace.  One of her dear friends purchased it just minutes after her shop opened.  It meant so much to her that she had support behind Dear Mushka.

She shared with me that their top sellers are the timeless and easy-to-wear designs.  The Eclipsed Necklace (large), the Carried Bracelet (pictured below) and the Essential Necklace (small) are her top three sellers.   People are attracted to the simplistic pieces and they also love that these designs are so easy to gift!

I asked her if she had a favorite piece, but she said there was no way to choose just one.  🙂  She did say that there are a few designs that she wears quite a lot though!  The Salt Necklace, the Daughter Studs and the Thankful Tee can all be found on her often.

The Together Necklace is the only item I have from Dear Mushka right now, but I do have a few pictures of other pieces she sells.  Each one has a specific meaning tied to it, just like mine does.

This is the Staff Necklace.  It is a clasp-less necklace that slides over your head.

This beauty is the Essential Necklace (large).  According to Dear Mushka’s website, “Essential” seeks to simplify and beautify.  Perfect for anyone who needs a little simplification!

This unique design is the Gentleness Necklace (long).  This is the beautiful description about it on her website:  “A sweet dusty blush tassel hangs long, kindly offering the wearer a reminder to add a dose of gentleness to whatever her day may bring. Raising children? With gentleness. Discussing matters with a spouse? With gentleness.  Loving a hard friend? With gentleness.”  How perfect is this necklace?!  I know I could use a reminder like that daily…and what better reminder than a pretty one that is super versatile and goes with so many of your outfits!

The Path Necklace is a very pretty design.  And again, it has a beautiful description and meaning written on her website:  “When decisions are confusing and wisdom is lacking, “path” seeks to turn your heart towards the best map full of real direction and solid guidance.
Look up, sweet sister, and then put one foot in front of the other as you walk your road.
A perfect on-trend necklace for anyone in need of a little help, a little sparkle, a little love.”

Dear Mushka doesn’t just offer necklaces; they also offer bracelets and earrings.  The Carried Bracelet is absolutely breathtaking!  Their website has another beautiful description: “Carried” was designed with the vision of strong hands gathering children and holding them tight as it wraps around your wrist.  Meant to bring safety and comfort to those sitting in the hard, in the fear, in the weary.  Especially lovely for mothers with young; you are held and gently lead, dear sister. Rest easy.”

Along with jewelry, Dear Mushka also offers art, t-shirts and miscellaneous items.  Please visit her website: Dear Mushka.  Browse a bit and find the perfect design made for you!  I know I have my eye on a couple designs.  🙂  I have also found a couple gifts that I know would be perfect for a few of my family and friends!  So keep gift giving in mind too!

Make sure you guys sign up for Dear Mushka’s newsletter!  It gets sent out every Thursday.  Sales are found inside too!  Sign me up!

Well, that’s all I have for you guys today!  Please comment below which Dear Mushka design you love the most!  🙂