SHINElife

Always Remember I love you no matter what. I believe in you. Trust your gut. Follow your heart. 

Dainty and delicate, our Always Remember necklace is meant to remind a special girl how much they are truly loved. 

Petite 6mm x 5mm sterling silver tiny heart with brilliant crystals on an 18" shimmering sterling silver cable chain.

This piece has my heart all over it. The depth of meaning is woven into my life, my business, my relationships, my everyday when I have a hard time holding the tears in. 

If you’ve read the SHINElife story, you’ll know that I lost my sweet mama not too long ago to early onset dementia. The gripping pain of this event has given me plenty of reasons to live life in anger and bitterness. But with that loss and the years of grieving and healing that has followed, God has given me plenty of reasons to keep going ~  plenty of reminders of His hope, His grace, His security when my world was rocked.

The bright white sparkle of our Amazing Grace necklace was created to remind you {and me} that our agony, our shame, our hopelessness, our darkness, is all washed white as snow by God’s grace ~ Jesus’ blood. Our blindness, our ashes, our want, are all met and overcome with absolute beauty.

The morning my mom passed away, it began snowing {an extremely rare occasion for our then-home, Wilmington, NC}. As I made my way to Hospice to meet the inevitable, the first snowflakes hit my windshield and Chris Tomlin’s Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) began playing on the radio. It was God, speaking to me, meeting me at the lowest place I could imagine, and gently lifting my head, showing me that my mom’s chains were gone and He was holding her in His everlasting arms. That she was set free, made new, and forever His. When I arrived to Hospice just a few moments later, that song still in my heart, she had entered her forever home. What a beautiful, caring God we have to love and comfort us as we walk into - and through - these unthinkable moments.

God saves, He restores, He creates new life from brokenness. Please believe these words, friend. I pray that this piece will serve as a reminder of His goodness and His power to save in your most difficult seasons of life, and in your everyday. xoxo Hilary

Sparkling white genuine druzy and sterling silver bar measures 21mm x 6mm x 4mm and includes a sterling silver 16-18" adjustable chain.

Subtle with a side of sparkle. Our Halo Birthstone Necklace serves as a sweet reminder of a birthday to remember or the birthday you can’t possibly forget. 

Choose the birthstone of your angel and wear their sparkling halo close to your heart. The halo is suspended from a gorgeous 18" sparkling cable chain. Made with stainless steel so your necklace will never tarnish; perfect for those with metal allergies too. 

What if your blessings come through rain drops? What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near? What if trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights, are His mercies in disguise?

New design inspired by one of my favorite Christian artists, Laura Story. A petite iridescent glass raindrop dangles from a shimmering sterling silver cable necklace to bring encouragement during life's storms; a reminder that God remains faithful even when things don’t turn out the way we expect them to.

The raindrop appears transparent at first glance - but with Light, the rainbow inside is revealed. Let this little rainbow smugglin' raindrop serve as your reminder of His mercies in disguise.

A portion of proceeds go to Laura Story’s label to support and encourage her beautiful ministry. {International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission.}

Another NEW DESIGN for you inspired by our journey of love and loss and hurt and hope. I pray it encourages your heart! 

A tiny horizontal tag necklace, in sterling or 14k, designed to encourage anyone facing a diagnosis, a “no” when they prayed for a “yes”, or any news that leaves us feeling hopeless - a piece that will motivate us to hang tight because our story doesn't end in defeat. “But God” is the promise of continuation in our journey, carrying us from brokenness to beauty; the promise that He works EVERY thing together for good.

Over the past few years, I’ve said “We miscarried, but God...,” “The doctors said this, but God...,” “We lost my sweet mom, but God...,” “We’re still waiting on this and that, and gosh that hurt, but God...” and so many more - each time with amazing and miraculous and beautiful outcomes that I couldn’t even dream of. I pray that, when you face defeat or heartache, that this necklace will remind you to say with confidence “But God isn’t done with this yet.” And for those of you that have experienced a “But God” in your life, I pray that this necklace allows you to share that story - that hope - with all of those that He puts in your path.

Tiny sterling silver But God tag measures approx 0.75" wide by 0.5" tall. | Includes an adjustable 16" - 18" shimmering sterling silver cable chain.

With this piece, I share my heart with you. My story is much like yours, I’m sure ~ it is full of loss, hope, pain, mercy, and love but most of all, it’s full of God.  This little cardinal was one of the most difficult designs I’ve worked on because, gosh, it’s hard to create a piece when the emotion it evokes is so real and so raw. If I’m honest, it’s hard to share this bittersweet story. It makes my heart feel like it’s going to burst and makes my eyes well with tears until there’s just no stopping the river. But, the tears that were once filled with sadness have evolved into wonder and awe of the beauty the story holds.

Bear with me. I must share because, what is the meaning of pain and loss, unless we can share the hope of the miracles that go with them? Unless we help someone else through their darkest valley, to show them the beauty and light that follows? So here goes and it is my prayer that this sweet little bird and this story is just what someone out there is needing to feel God’s love and to feel the spirit of their loved one(s).

When my mom was sick and in her final days, we sat by her side in Hospice around the clock. A male cardinal sat in the tree outside her window and sang its little heart out. So loud and for so many hours each day that we couldn’t help but chat about him. We said, lightheartedly, that the male cardinal was mom’s dad who she has lost a few years prior - she never fully recovered from his passing, as they were extremely close. We said - seeking comfort at the time - that maybe he was there, saying to her through his singing that it was ok for her to let go, and he could take her to their forever home. The last day that she was with us, a female cardinal came and perched next to the male, and they both sang as snow began to fall. When they both flew away, mom entered her eternal home.

I fully believe that God sent those little birdies to symbolize my angel grandfather and my soon-to-be angel mom. Ever since her passing, He sends cardinals when I need her most. At my daughter’s kindergarten graduation just a few months later, I broke down in tears because I so wanted my mom there to celebrate the big day with me... instead, on the way to the ceremony, two sweet cardinals flew past my windshield and I knew that she was, indeed, with us. To this day, I see cardinals at my most special moments, and those times where a girl - no matter how old we are - just misses her mama {those come often}. I know those sightings of these sweet cardinals are God winks that my mom is healed, happy, and with me always. Of course, my mom’s lifelong favorite color was bright red... God knew that when he chose a cardinal to send me her heavenly hugs. 

I’ve heard many, many sweet cardinal stories from friends and customers and I just LOVE that we all share a love for these colorful little whispers from heaven!

Sweet sterling silver cardinal holds a heart in her chest, measures 5mm x 13mm, and rests on a sterling silver 6-18" adjustable chain

Dragonflies are one of God’s unmatched creations, gracing us in warmer months with their dancing wings and their unique colors that shimmer in the sunlight. Many love these little beauties as symbols of transformation and illumination, wisdom and maturity, change, clarity, power and, most commonly, symbols that their angels are near. One of my favorite sayings is the one we chose to feature for this sweet and sparkly design, because who doesn’t love to dream about chatting with our beloved angels above?

Did you know that if you whisper “I love you” to a dragonfly, it will fly to Heaven and deliver your message 😉? 

A sweet little dragonfly charm {8mm x 15mm} is daintily strung on a sterling silver 16-18” adjustable chain. The perfect size to remind you of your loved ones in Heaven and add a touch of shine to any outfit.

The journey through infertility that my husband and I have been on has defined our faith, tested our strength and molded our relationship, our lives and our ministry.  The prayers that we prayed for our babies filled our hearts and souls, rose like incense to God’s throne and echo in eternity. The desire of our hearts was to be parents, God heard us and in His immeasurable Grace, He allowed us to bring 4 sweet girls earthside.  Although the path to parenthood was filled with loss and grief, we know that there is purpose in the pain. Our testimony, I pray, will encourage others who are exactly where we have been; to share the hope we have found in seeing prayers answered and miracles fulfilled.  “Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers. God isn’t offended by your biggest dreams or boldest prayers. He is offended by anything less.” ~Mark Batterson

Sweet sterling silver heart pendant with a sweet impression of brand new baby feet, strung on an adjustable 16-18” sterling silver chain. If a longer length is desired, sterling chain extenders are available.

God gave me you for the ups and downs

God gave me you for the days of doubt

For when I think I've lost my way

There are no words here left to say, it's true

God gave me you

💞

From the beginning, God made us to be in relationship with Him and He created the first human relationship between Adam and Eve. How much God loves us ~ that He created such a source of joy that is in our DNA ~ the need to laugh, love and be loved, serve others and to ultimately circle back around to a yearning for relationship with Him.

Just as God gave Eve to Adam, we all have that person in our lives who is there through the good and the tough, through faith and lack of faith, through storm and calm. These relationships should be celebrated, uplifted and preserved. Let that love, kiddo, or bestie in your life know that you truly believe that God gave them, specifically and uniquely, to you: for the ups and downs and days of doubt, for when you think you’ve lost your way and when there are no words left to say. Tell them, it’s true: “God gave me you”.

10mm x 20mm sterling silver pendant on a sterling silver 16-18" adjustable chain.

How amazing it is and comforting to know that God’s very angels are all around us, protecting us and going before us in life’s daily battles.  When life is scary and feels out of your control, this sweet feather will remind you that you are under His protection.

.925 sterling silver feather covered in tiny crystals for that perfect amount of SHINE| 16-18” sterling silver cable chain included

“For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.” Psalm 91:11

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1  This verse was memorized, prayed, cried and spoken aloud by my husband and I continually throughout our years that we struggled with infertility.  Whether you are just beginning your journey with infertility or you’re a veteran, you know that hope is the only thing that keeps you moving forward, against all logic.  When everyone around you may tell you to let it go, the doctors give you bad report after bad report and that little voice in your head whispers “just give up”, a glimmer of hope tells you that God has something in store for you that is bigger than anything you could ever imagine.  And many times, God’s plans are completely different than yours... but please know without a doubt that those plans are always, always better than you could ever imagine.

Hope is claiming God’s promises in the middle of life’s biggest struggles.  Trusting God, even when His answer is “wait”, “not yet” or even “no”. Without the waiting, without pain, without disappointment, we could never truly understand and experience the goodness of an answered prayer, the joy of an unmistakable miracle, the power of blind faith, the healing that comes with giving your brokenness to a God who makes all things new.  

Looking back over the years of enduring loss after loss, our hearts being broken and our faith being tested, I know that God intends to use our story to encourage others.  I wanted to create a piece for anyone who is waiting for an answer from God through an infertility journey or any other hardship that requires a daily reminder that hope springs eternal.  The pearl was the first symbol that came to mind for this purpose… a treasure that literally comes from a wound as an oyster heals itself. Beauty born from pain. I pray that this necklace blesses you on your journey as God unfolds His perfect plan for you.

Dainty 5mm pearl strung on an adjustable 16-18" sterling silver chain.

New simply sweet and I Love You necklace adds classic beauty and precious meaning to every day. Itty bitty in design, our handcrafted sterling silver heart necklace is perfect as a light and subtle everyday necklace, and an equally fun addition to your layered look. 

Two tiny 7mm x 5mm hearts are intertwined on a sparkling 16-18" adjustable sterling silver cable chain. 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

An elegant spin on a classic, beautiful symbol, our Jeremiah 29:11 necklace will be one you won’t want to take off. 

Designed around the sweet words “For I know the plans I have for you..” from the verse in Jeremiah, this design comes out of a tough season for me.  

While my mom was sick I prayed these words over her, only to lose my mom not soon afterwards. Now I find myself repeating the words of this verse over and over again to remind myself that just because my plans were not His, He still has great plans and He is still trustworthy with my story. 

The pieces at SHINElife are sometimes a reflection of the things we remember well and sometimes they are a reflection of the things we need to remember and repeat daily. 

We can’t wait to see how this piece becomes part of your story. 

Dainty 6mm x 7mm sterling silver cross with crystal on an 18" shimmering sterling silver cable chain.

For your BFF, your mama, mentor, sister, your entire girl tribe. Show them just how much you adore and appreciate their friendship and their direction through this incredible journey that we call life! 

Tiny steel disc measures 12.5mm | Sterling silver cable chain included. 

About Simply Shine designs: Why so itty bitty? Because we all have days where we crave discreet comfort. Believe it or not, beneath the glitter and the giggles, I have days like that too. Where just a whisper of shine -- the littlest hint of love -- speaks volumes to the heart. This is for those days.

A simply sweet design that speaks to the love that we hold for our pets. A sweet piece for anyone that has dogs or cats or squirrels (you get the idea - any animal with paws) in their life! 

Teeny tiny heart with paw charm measures approx 8mm x 13mm | Necklace includes a simply sweet adjustable 16" + 2" sterling silver cable chain.

Bars? She raises them.

Lives? She changes them.

Our Raise the Bar necklace was specifically designed with our favorite teachers and caregivers in mind - dainty enough to wear on the daily for a sweet reminder of her impact on our precious loved ones; understated inspiration to keep pushing even on the toughest days. Perfectly packaged, ready to gift in a jewelry box with a simply sweet notecard that reads, "Thank you for raising the bar."

Sterling silver & cz bar on 16-18” adjustable sterling silver chain 

Our newest give-back design! 

Just like the pink ribbon symbolizes breast cancer awareness or the red dress symbolizes heart health, the sunflower is a perfect fit to symbolize ALS Awareness. “The sunflower stands tall and strong, ever hopeful and ever reaching higher. Sunflowers grow in clusters and support each other as they grow, just as family, friends and community offer support to those who live with ALS, explains Shirley (Hoffman) Schmelzle, a voice that has been all-but silenced by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), but who still manages to have her message of ALS awareness heard. 🌻

Support those affected by ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease with this sweet (and so very sparkly) sunflower necklace with an encouraging note for those difficult days – an inspiration to “be like a sunflower” and find the sunlight.

14k vermeil & cz charm on 16-18” adjustable sterling silver chain

We think about you always

We talk about you still

You have never been forgotten, and you never will. 

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain

To walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again.

Dainty 10mm x 10mm sterling silver open heart with crystals on an 18" shimmering sterling silver cable chain.

Don't let anyone EVER dull your sparkle. Your sparkle is the one thing that makes you uniquely you, so never let someone take it away from you.

Snag this stunning vintage-inspired sterling silver and cubic zirconia braided round pendant necklace and get. your. sparkle. on.

Includes 16" chain with a 2" extension.

Powerful message, dainty design. Perfect gift for those in need of a reminder to trust in their faith for guidance; to walk by faith when they cannot see. Also a powerful and meaningful {while also stylish} gift for birthdays and graduations, any milestone or simply a just-because gift - a reminder to follow your own path, to be brave, and to look forward not back.

Sterling silver & cz charm on 16-18” adjustable sterling silver chain

A portion of proceeds go to Christian Music artist Jeremy Camp's label to support and encourage his beautiful ministry. {International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission.}  

The future can be cloudy and scary.  With our best laid {human} plans, plenty of preparation and allllllll the attempts to stay in our comfort zone, tomorrow can go in a totally different direction and have us frazzled and flailing.  But our God? Never frazzled. Never caught off guard. Giving our trust, our plans, our lives to God is the only way to know 100% that tomorrow is taken care of, we are protected and our security lies in eternity.  Walking with God and spending time in His Word will align you with His good and perfect will for your life, never taking you where His Grace will not protect you. Trust this truth and run toward the goal. He will never fail you.

Sterling silver and 14k vermeil shield strung on an adjustable 16-18” sterling silver chain. If a longer length is desired, sterling chain extenders are available.