Gift Ideas: Inspirational Decorative Signs and Frames from Danielson Designs

Profound words, thoughtful words and sometimes hilarious words for every occasion, a Danielson Designs frame or sign is always a heart-warming gift. Each Danielson Design frame and sign is masterfully distressed by hand, giving a truly unique and aesthetically designed product that would make a beautiful gift and addition to any home. All signs and frames are made in the US from recycled wood and water based finishes. Some examples of these fun signs are “If you are lucky enough to live at the beach, you are lucky enough” or “Home is where your story begins” and ‘May you always have a shell in your pocket and sand in your shoes” or "It’s the cat’s house we just pay the mortgage".   

Vance Kitira Timber Candles

Vance Kitira Timber candles are available for fall 

and the upcoming holidays in rich seasonal colors.

Meet and Greet Artists/Art Show at Bliss 101

Meet Spencer Reynolds of Oregon 

and Jordan & Deb Hetrick of Encinitas 

Friday, October 7th 

6 pm 

at Bliss 101 

Spencer Reynolds lives and paints full time in a small southern Oregon

town called Brookings. His parents encouraged him to paint and surf in the Pacific Northwest from a very young age. His original oil paintings are on 95% recycled wood. When you see Spencer Reynolds' paintings you can tell immediately that he is an avid surfer. Spencer said he predominately uses very bright colors in all of his paintings since Oregon has a more rugged terrain, it often rains and the water and air temperatures are colder. 

Come view the refreshing slices of paradise and colorful fine art tropical photography by Deb and Jordan Hetrick of Encinitas. Their beginnings started at the water’s edge in Australia and Hawaii. To give their nature photographs a life-like quality they shoot many of their photographs in the water and then print them on metallic paper with an acrylic overlay. Original prints and photography, giclees and unframed prints will be on hand. Live music and appetizers by St. Germans Café will be provided.

Encinitas Lifestyles Fashion Show at Bliss 101, Saturday August 27th

Join us, and many others, 

for a fun community fashion show!

The best word to describe the Encinitas Lifestyles Fashion Show is eclectic. 

Pairing art and fashion with music and dance, the show highlights the many different styles and attitudes represented in Downtown Encinitas. 

Whether you live in your yoga clothes, gravitate towards the surfer style, or like to get all gussied up for a night on the town, the Encinitas Lifestyles Fashion Show represents it all.

The fashion show is a great way to come out and support the MainStreet program.  Proceeds go to  the DEMA High School Scholarship Fund, supporting civic-minded seniors who have volunteered to make our community the best it can be.

Saturday, August 27, 2011,  from 6pm-9pm

At Bliss 101,  687 S. Coast Hwy 101 in Downtown Encinitas.

Doors open at 6pmusic, art, trunk shows, food and drinks from 6-7:30pm. 

Show starts at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $20 over 21 / $10 under 21  (includes appetizers and two drinks)       

Tickets will be held in the DEMA office for pickup or at the show. 

Buy tickets here.

Happiness Boot Camp!

Happiness Boot Camp!

 

We know how important it is to exercise our bodies 

- but did you know you can exercise your brain to increase happiness??

"Neuroplasticity proves that with certain practices, the brain can change. 

Enter Happiness Boot Camp -- a new way to train your brain. 

Every person possesses parts of the brain that act as happiness centers. 

With consistent specific exercise, these grow larger and more dependable, 

even in tough situations. 

If you've ever wanted to be in charge of your own emotions 

instead of them running the show, 

here's the Happiness Boot Camp Challenge." 

-- Randy Taran, Project Happiness.

Tonight, June 30th, STACIE SOMERS 

WILL SHOW US HOW!  

SHE WILL TEACH US EXCITING EXERCISES 

TO CHANGE OUR MINDS ABOUT OUR OWN HAPPINESS!  

(as usual, snacks, drink and good company provided, free!)

image credits: airstream, girl with smiley face cookie.

Objects of Desire

We love your happy faces! 

We love hearing your comments! Keep them coming!

We love that so many of you are visiting us 

time and time again 

and many of you happily tell us 

that you have brought along a friend 

to share Bliss 101!  

Thank you!

We love community! We love Eco! 

It's our philosophy of living here at Bliss 101. 

We are inspired by the cultures of the world. 

We carry art from a group of like-minded, coastal-loving artists 

as well as hand-crafted, 

local jewelry to compliment our eco-chic clothing. 

At Bliss 101, we pride ourselves on carrying inspired home decor 

including  hand-crafted surfboard lamps, 

hand-carved wall art, colorful throw rugs, 

nature-inspired table decor made from hand-gathered river stones, 

serene Buddhas, furnishings made from recycled and renewable resources 

and reclaimed, painted wood pieces, each one one-of-a-kind, and all

designed to instantly 

create a mood of romance and blissful serenity. 

With an aromatic collection of luxury body and fragrance products,

exotic, cool glass terrariums, kid's books, toys and dress-up, 

and other unique gifts and objects of desire, we make sure that

there is something for everyone...

so come on in, bring a friend, bring your dog, your neighbor, your parents,

stay for awhile, we love getting to know you!

Whether you are coming in for the first time

or the umpteenth time! 

Welcome to Bliss 101!

We Want YOU!

Our Grand Opening was a huge success!

Word's out...we're having a blast and WE want YOU to join us!

To keep up to date on the latest news 

about Bliss 101 events and community happenings

become a fan!

photos by stephanie dana.

Coastal Casual Chic

The perfect, coastal-casual-chic, date night outfit.

Sexy Halter Maxi Dress

Vintage Corsage Sandals

Linen Clutch

Kai Fragrance

Feminine Jewelry

Grand Opening Celebration! Saturday, May 7th!

Here on Highway 101, we love and respect the ocean and our natural world. At

Bliss 101 we strive to leave a positive impact on our local and global communities by

supporting artists, craftspeople, and fair-trade collectives while focusing on reclaimed,

recycled, and sustainable materials. We invite you to bring some Bliss into your life at

our grand opening celebration Saturday, May 7th from 5-10 pm.

Like all of our gatherings, Bliss 101 brings like-minded people together to celebrate art,

meet local artists, enjoy live music, and give back. For our grand opening, we have

decided that there is no better deserving recipient of the night’s proceeds than Shelter

Box, a non-profit dedicated to helping the people of Japan rebuild their lives after the

recent devastating earthquakes and tsunamis. You can help 3 ways: by purchasing any

of our eco-minded gifts (a percent of which will be donated to Shelter Box), bidding on

artworks and gift packs in the silent auction, or making a cash donation.

The evening will begin with a wine and cheese reception and live painting demo by one

of Bliss 101’s local artists. The Red Fox Tails will then take the stage to entertain you for

the rest of the evening. Come celebrate with Bliss 101!

Bliss 101 is a gallery and gift shop that supports local artists, handcrafters and non-

profits through fair trade, good times and giving back. Bliss 101 carries art by both

world-renowned and undiscovered artists, unique furniture made from recycled and

renewable resources, hand-made jewelry, books, music, clothing, kid’s treasures, home

decor, bath and body, and eco-friendly gifts. Bliss 101’s “art openings” are not run of

the mill – there’s the usual wine, cheese and live music, but at Bliss you will also be

able to create art yourself, get your kids’ face painted and give back while having a

good time. Each event highlights and benefits a specific group that positively impacts

the community- locally and globally. Together, you and Bliss will build schools for girls

in Afghanistan, plant trees in a depleted rainforest in South America and help local at-

risk youth turn their lives around through art. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to find

out what’s happening this month. Bliss 101 is proud to be part of Pacific Station and

promises to be a good neighbor and friend in downtown Encinitas. We look forward to

seeing you soon! www.bliss101.com

Envision Your Bliss with Bliss 101

Join us Thursday, April 14th at 6:00 pm 

to Envision your bliss 

by creating a Vision Board.

Making a vision board is 

fun, empowering, 

and always surprising! 

Vision boards illustrate what someone wants in life. It's a personal collection of individual goals created by pasting images and words on a poster board. The images can be magazine photos, personal photos or hand-drawn pictures and sketches. There really are no restrictions -- the words can be cut from media formats or be handwritten.

You may find your bliss lays somewhere totally different than you expected! 

Go on a treasure hunt for greater happiness with Bliss 101's owner,

Helen Zeldes, 

who has always taken the road less traveled and followed her bliss. 

(FREE - JUST COME DOWN AND HAVE FUN!)

We will provide the materials, 

but please feel free to bring your own magazines, notes, 

images, scripture, quotes, etc. if you'd like.

all images via google 'vision board' search.

Introducing Amber Antonelli of Escape Artist

Bliss 101 is now carrying Escape Artist, 

a jewelry line by Amber Antonelli.

Amber Antonelli grew up in a family of jewelers and has been making jewelry

since she learned to walk. As a career, however, she chose another path and

became a professional chef working in high-end restaurants for the next 14

years. Amber always made jewelry on the side, and finally, she decided to put her

culinary career and hectic lifestyle on hold and created a business that would

allow her to travel and live abroad. Escape Artist was born in October 2009.

Amber and her partner Anthony, then escaped to Thailand, where they spent the

next year and half growing their business, collecting materials and living on a

tropical island. They have recently returned to The States and are currently living in

Phoenix where Amber continues to blend her modern style with a global esthetic.

Stop by and take a look!

At Bliss 101 We Want You to Smell Good!

At Bliss 101, it's no secret...we not only want you to come on in and feel the bliss,

we want you to smell good!

introducing lush bath and body products perfect 

for gift giving, or as a treat for yourself, 

Attention guys: 

great for a super special gift for your wife 

{she'll love the decadent scents and luxurious textures and you will, too!}, 

wonderful as a thank you or birthday present for that 'always there for you' friend...

so without further ado...we'd like you to meet:

Imagine.

In Love.

Calm.

 and from Love & Toast, a few favorites.

Paraben free, Phthalate free, Never animal tested, 

No animal ingredients, No artificial colors, 

Packing paper sources come from 100% annually renewed resources.

and last, but not least, the irresistible fragrance of the tropics, 

meet Kai.

So come on in. 

Spritz and spray. 

Feel the bliss.

Choose a new favorite fragrance 

{trust us, it won't be easy!}

and walk away not only looking beautiful, 

but smelling good!

We know you want to!

Hanging orbs coming soon to Bliss 101!

Originator of the hanging orb terrarium, 

Britton Neubacher began Tend out of her love for all things mini, modern and green. 

Whether showcasing the inherent artistry in nature or just bringing life to the spaces we inhabit, 

Tend’s exploration of living art helps reinvent the way we see plants 

while empowering us to be their happy caretakers. 

She is thrilled to contribute to the bliss at Bliss 101!

Bliss 101 Featured on Encinitas Patch Today!

We were proudly featured on Encinitas Patch today!

Note: This is the first in an occasional series profiling members of Encinitas' business community.

Pacific Station may be as urban and modern as it gets in Encinitas, but inside it harbors a tropical paradise.  

The new Bliss 101 is a carefully curated gallery and gift shop that owner Helen Zeldes has instilled with a peaceful tranquility.

“People love to hang out here,” says Zeldes, a longtime Encinitas resident who has owned a similar shop, Global Creations and Interiors, on Oahu for 22 years. “In Hawaii, we say ‘talking story’—they come in and talk, catch up on what’s going on.”

It’s easy to while away the day inside Bliss 101, as it seems like there’s a new discovery waiting to be made every time you turn around. 

Zeldes is a proponent of helping the community, both globally and locally. That means she carries work from regional artists and jewelry designers, for instance, as well as fair trade, sustainable items from such far-flung locales as Tahiti and Samoa. The end result is a visually enticing space where David Lloyd surf art, Polynesian jewelry, coconut wood goblets and furniture made from repurposed Balinese fishing boats all happily coexist to create what Zeldes calls a “stylish, fun, and funky” aesthetic.

Zeldes’ community outreach manifests itself in other ways. A big grand opening party is planned for March 19, with many more events to follow, including fundraisers for local organizations as well as international initiatives such as building schools for girls in Afghanistan. (Zeldes says she has an open call for artists interested in displaying their work at Bliss 101 and for nonprofits who want to partner on benefit events.)

For an inside look at Bliss 101, check out the photo gallery.

Bliss 101 is located at 687 S. Coast Highway 101, #151.  For more information, call 760-487-1900, e-mail info@bliss101.com, or visit bliss101.com.

Photographer Clark Little

 Clark Little was born in Napa, California...A move to the North Shore of Oahu dramatically changed his future. As a boy, he entered amateur surf contests. As a young adult he made his name as the pioneer of surfing at the Waimea Bay shorebreak. Clark had a unique talent for taking off on hopeless closeouts. Clark returned to various North Shore shorebreaks, with his camera, to capture the beauty and power of these monstrous waves from the inside out. He has produced images never seen by those who reside on land. His shots include crushing pits, crystal waves that resemble hand-blown glass and picturesque island moments that reflect the awe-inspiring splendor of the Hawaiian Islands,the power of the Hawaiian ocean, and depict a world that few, if any, have had the chance to experience. for taking off on hopeless closeouts. Clark returned to various North Shore shorebreaks, with his camera, to capture the beauty and power of these monstrous waves from the inside out. He has produced images never seen by those who reside on land. His shots include crushing pits, crystal waves that resemble hand-blown glass and picturesque island moments that reflect the awe-inspiring splendor of the Hawaiian Islands,the power of the Hawaiian ocean, and depict a world that few, if any, have had the chance to experience.

Handmade Jewelry by Autumn Rain

Deseree of Autumn Rain shares her story.

Years ago while making the journey home from Napa Valley to Southern

California, I was struck by the color palette along the California Coast.  The

colors stirred me as I realized how closely the mixture of my Asian & American

heritage flow and dance in harmony just as the colors of nature balance the

Earth.

Mesmerized by the way the surf constantly reincarnates itself from the softest

aquamarine to the darkest of teal, hues to cleanse and cool the body.  The way

the sunset could turn the entire sky an amazing color of mandarin -Relax- to the

most romantic shade of pink   -Unwind-, then to royal purple before it fades to

black -Sleep-. Yellow sunrise, everything is glistening. The sun captured in a

dewdrop lying on a leaf -Refresh-.

My designs are carefully balanced pieces in rhythm with earth. Meta-physical and

Chakra properties are always considered to calm, soothe, and heal. My hope is

that your purchase will capture your heart, for everything I make is made with

an abundance of love and gratitude. Regardless of your spiritual belief, I believe

that each and every being has the potential for enlightenment and many of my

designs reflect that.

Please keep in mind that each piece is meticulously handmade and each

piece may have slight variances.  Organics and Recycled materials are used in

abundance.  We also recycle much of our silver into new findings.  What is not

recycled is Certified Fair Trade from Indonesia and Bali.

What does it mean to have a sustainable business? For us to call our

business "sustainable", we believe it is of absolute importance to power our

hearts with kindness. We believe that it is the right choice to handcraft our

products in California. Sustainability- purchasing materials from local artisans

in turn supporting local economies. We recycle all our sterling scraps and have

them made into new findings. Certified Fair Trade sterling silver from Indonesia

and Bali also adorn many designs. Sustainability is the responsibility of how

we conducting business on this planet. We certainly aren't perfect and we don't

claim to be a "green" business but if you learn about our efforts, you'll see that

our values and our actions are in line and we take steps everyday to make our

business more environmentally and socially sustainable. All our packaging is

made from 100% recycled plastic, even our tissue papers is from 100% recycled

paper.

 Relax, Unwind, Sleep, Refresh-everyday

Namaste