In the new year...

In the new year, this is something I have said many times over the many last New Years. I am going to do something different, something new, something extreme, or give something up. So to keep with my theme of all previous years...

In the new year,

1.  I will exercise more
2. Eat less
3. Eat better
4. Only buy things I need
5. Donate more
6. Clean better
7. Work less, play more
8. Enjoy life


What will you do?

Space......

When my dad passed away almost 5 years ago, I became overly protective of those around me. He died so suddenly that I became fearful of losing anyone else. Consequently, within the year I had 2 friends die, my mother decide she didn't want to be in my life, and my husband at that time decided to look elsewhere for companionship. Not only had my dad, my best friend and biggest supporter passed, but those in my life really showed their true colors.

So here I am today, in this whole new space. It's light, pleasant, warm, and I embrace it. I am thankful for it. But at that same time, I have those fears of loss with me. But with my little one, I am truly being challenged.  What I tell my friends all the time about their kids is, if your kids are self sufficient, on their own, or just happy you have down a good job. You should be thrilled that your child is independent. S, for 7+ months my little boy has been sleeping right next to me. For so many reasons. Not in the bed, but in his bassinet. So today is the day, I am giving him his space. Into his own room, where he can stretch out, he can sleep in peace, and he will be just a little more independent.

Nothing more a parent wants for their child, happiness, independence, and joy. That's what my dad wanted for me.

Shows of the Season

One of the great parts about designing and making jewelry is doing shows.  I don't often do shows that are local, but I did one last night and will do one this weekend.

The thing that I like the most is meeting customers and hearing from them, what they like, what they want, and actually getting to know a lot of them on a personal level.  It makes making pieces for them fun!!!  Not that it wasn't before, but it adds a whole other level to it. 

Thanks to ALLLLL the ladies at Harney Lane Winery last night for your time, energy and sharing!!!

November shows, festivities and what just happened?

If it isn't the holidays. How do I know, well the halls of the malls are already decorated, Christmas music is a blaring, and people are already saying Happy Holidays, weeks before they start. Oh and people start showing up during the holidays, friend, family, you have heard nothing from, usually decide its a great time to "pop" in.

Now I am all for keeping relationships, sharing in life's pleasures and disappointments together, regularly, but not just once a year. Not when I could be with people who were there when my cat died (yes 17 years old, my first baby) or when I had my surgery, or for when my little one blessed my world. Those are the people I want around.

So do I sound like Scrooge? Is there no room for these fly by holidayers? Well for now, I say no. Will I change in the future, maybe, I change daily, and today I say no, happy holidays!!

Jewelry on a rainy day

There is nothing like sitting in you studio on a rainy day creating and mixing things up. Spending time playing with metals, textures, dimensions, designs, stones and ideas.  It is such a blessing to do this and then to see the final products. Those of which will be In my spring line. Just 2 months from now!

CONTEST!!! I am doing a contest

Want to win one of these:

 

Then visit my facebook page and follow the directions...

https://www.facebook.com/rosegilleydesigns?ref=hl

Will I ever.....

Be in shape again?  Seriously, will it happen. I think I have mentioned that I am a runner, well prebaby I was, now I am a jogger/tired person. I did the Nike half marathon this last weekend and honestly 5 months post baby I didn't do bad, 9:04 minute mile. But what was I before? 7:56, 7:59, 8:01 and so forth and so forth.

So you probably wonder what am I complaining about. It's not the run, it's the loss of self after a baby. It's all the changes you go through and no one could have prepared you for it. It is the grieving that you must do because you and your life as you know it are so different that 180 doesn't explain it.

But, I wouldn't change a thing. When I look into his little eyes, I know my life without him would have meant nothing in the end. I am so blessed.

Old is new again....

Depending on the person, you can wear my jewelry for years and everything is fine.  However, some people are a little harder on jewelry and as you can see, my pieces are delicate.  Neither person is right or wrong, but those that are a little harder on my pieces have a tendency to break them over time.  Most often I will hear things like, oh it's my favorite necklace, but it's broken can you fix it.  This is often years later, and I always say yes.

Now the fun part of this is getting to see pieces that I made years ago and have long since been forgotten, for a lack of a better word.   They are archived if you will.

Recently I got back a necklace that is just so much fun, and it reminded me of some of the pieces I used to make and how great they were....why don't I still make pieces like that?  Who knows what happened, as all things do, the tide has turns.

But it is a good reminder of something else.  So sometimes old really is new. 

My favorite thing to do in......

My studio....

Well it's funny, I always look at others who tinker and I think, I don't do that. Wow, it must be nice to have tinker time. Well guess what, that's what I do, or at least it's my favorite thing to do in my studio, tinker.

I don't often get time for it, but when I do I like to see what new thing I can come up with, or play with ideas that I have had and just see how they come out. I would say 9 times out of 10 my "tinkering" goes no where, but I think it eventually is what leads to me a product, likely a week later, but I will take it!

Do you tinker?

Late night doings.....

I have a girlfriend who always texts me at 12 or 1 am. In all the years I have known her I can never get a response during the day but trust me come nighttime I would receive dissertations from her. And then of course the next morning when I would rise, I would read her dissertation, respond and then wait till night again.

Then it happened to me. I have found that night time is the right time to actually get anything done. Anything at all. Cleaning. Grocery shopping. Gardening. Reading a magazine. Eating. And yes blogging.

It all came to a head for me and I completely get her now. Children. That's what happened to her and every other friend I have out there. Mom's are amazing, and they do it all 24 hours a day.

I am a runner....

But that also means that I have some pain. Not much. I am lucky that way. I have run many half marathons and I enjoy it and feel accomplished when I am done. However, I also see a chiropractor for maintenance purposes. He keeps me aligned and on top of my game.

Recently he said that I should read the book Chi Running. That I would enjoy learning how to run correctly. I thought, what I dont run correctly? Why would that ever cross someone's mind. Well because turns out I don't run correctly.

So I began to read the book. Wow, move my body in the same direction? That's an idea. Breathe as if I am in yoga, another idea. Lean forward, center my body, tuck my pelvis, all great ideas!

So I did them and lo and behold it works. Now it requires a lot of thought but it works. As I am running I see a man I often see while I am running, and I envy him. He is fluid, almost like he is floating and I realize...ahhh Chi Running!

What's New....here comes Fall

Fall is right around the corner, what does that mean for a small business owner...let me tell you...

1.  Holiday shows - Which ones to do, which ones not to do?

2.  Gift buying - People start thinking about what to buy for family and friends for the holidays

3.  Special requests - Special orders of items and variations of what I design

4.  Media - Media outlets want samples, they want an understanding of what you do, and why you do it that way

5. Shows - Wholesale shows, do I do San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Portland, Philadelphia, or do I not?  Maybe one or two?  Maybe all?

It is a fun, frazzling time.  And all along I need to be creative, think of new designs, new variations and I need to make samples for shows.  I love it, but some days a girl needs a little help...lol...definitely not a bad problem to have.

September Magazine Issue...

It's my favorite, I am not afraid to say it.  I love September magazine time....they are thick and full of great finds, new materials, new designs and beautiful items.

You will find the great features on new designers, the best colors for fall, how to wear the clothing, what to wear it with, who is new in the fashion world, and who is out.

You get inspired to do something different in your own world of fashion, small or big, try a new color, a new design, a new designer, or find that same fashion look for less (that's always a fun challenge). 

Oh how I love the September issues.....now if I can just sit down and read them before October.

Holidays....

Ok I said it.  Holidays. They are right around the corner and before you know it people are going to be lined up outside store doors to buy the "thing" they can't live without.

It happens every year. I noticed this many years ago, that there was always that "thing" for each person. But often 6 months after Christmas you ask a person what they got and they can't remember.

So here are some alternatives to that "thing".

1.  Christmas day end the day with a family outing to the movies. This is a good tradition and may be the perfect quiet time after a long holiday.

2.  Thanksgiving do a run to feed the hungry, or donate time to a shelter.  This is a great alternative and a good way to teach kids something about humankind.

3.  Halloween consider handing out a healthy alternative or maybe well wishes in the shape of origami. Being different is a great gift.

I could continue but I won't. Food for thought.

5 things to do before summer is over

1.  Go out for an evening stroll before all the light is gone

2.  Visit the closest body of water with a picnic basket and relax

3.  Spend one afternoon visiting your favorite shops to find those on sale items

4.  Clean out your closet and get organized for fall

5.  Take a final weekend trip to a cute town just far away enough from home

Over the Moon....

I love making pieces of jewelry that are simple but make a small statement.  For instance, most recently, I just made a simple half moon.  In sterling, copper, and gold filled.  That's it.  And it is amazing the response I get from people. 

It reminds you that sometimes the simplest things make the biggest statements!

I love recommendations from people

I have been so fortunate to go into stores over the years and random people tell me things they like or what they desire and I then search them out and try them.  So here are a couple things that have stuck with me over the years:

1.  Anthropologie candles, I love them!! Can't live without them, why?  The smell is fantabulous!!

2.  Viva 1/2 paper towels, yes sounds crazy but why do we need a full size towel for anything...lol

3.  Smokehouse Almonds, someone bought them for me once, kind of an accident, an accident that I am in love with!!! Eat them constantly..........

4.  Store I love....Zara.  When I was 21 I went to Spain with some friends, I went into Zara there ( we didn't have them here, this was about 17 years ago) and I found the most wonderful sweater, total splurge ($35), of course a friend borrowed it and I never got it back.  But then I was in Vegas one time and there it was...in the Fashion Mall...Zara, and I go to it every time I am there, and of course in San Francisco, or any other place that has a Zara

5.  Now for my recommendation.  I highly recommend that every woman takes at least one vacation alone.  And this can be a day vacay or a week, but a vacation where you do what you want, when you want, how you want.  It sounds selfish, and splurgey, but I have to say, I have done it for years.  I have sworn to a good friend that it is the best thing you can do, and she has doubted me.  Well she did it, and she said she had no idea...but she is hooked, someway, some how, she will make it happen again....now that's a recommendation that I highly encourage you take. 

Inspiring Words....

So two nights of sleeping more than 6 hours in a row, might I say, and wow what a difference those hours can make after 9 weeks of 3 hours here, 2 hours there.

My friend text me last night asking me to make her daughter an inspirational necklace.  She gave me the words, strength and honor.  I, of course, said yes.  But it got me thinking, here is her high school daughter who she plans to give this necklace to, with two simple words.  And those words mean so much to her daughter because of what they stand for. 

They are the words that her high school team uses to stay focused, to bring inspiration, and to give them hope.  Two words that make such a difference in a teenagers life.  It is pretty amazing.

Made me wonder about what 2 words I could be saying, or others in my life could be saying that would help people stay focused, bring inspiration to others, or give them hope.  I am not perfect by all means, and I do have bad days, but for the most part I try to do good.  But there is always room to bring more to the table.

What will your words be?

New Pieces...Just in time to start thinking about gifts for the upcoming months

I haven't been "busy" but I have been busy.  Check out some new designs:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/157027898/womens-long-layered-necklace-of-14kt?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/156395879/womens-layered-silver-and-gold-necklace?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/156298973/womens-layered-fine-silver-and-iolite?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/156189651/womens-stackable-bangle-bracelet-of-fine?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/155905539/395-womens-fine-silver-bangle-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active

Rose Gilley Designs on Shopbevel.....Need your help to win!!

I'm thrilled to share my design that I've recently submitted to Shopbevel. It's a community where jewelry designers can submit their pieces and have the community vote on them in hopes that they'll get produced for a limited collection and sold on Shopbevel.com. Please join me on this adventure and take a moment to vote for my piece here: http://www.shopbevel.com/vote/style-a-celebrity/3035-stardust-necklace/ Thanks a lot! I need lots of votes!!!

Things to try....

Things I would like to try some time in 2013.....

1.  A cleanse (know a good one?)

2.  Cross Fit ( right now all I do is run)

3.  Painting and decorating my kitchen (something new and fresh)

4.  Taking a new jewelry class (a different medium)

5.  A new self tanner!!  Now this is high on my list!

What is going on in the studio now?

I finally made it to my studio for an extended period of time this week.  With a 7 week old, it isn't so easy to get away, plus the wonderful metals, etc. are not the best things to be around, but a girl needs a break, whatever or however long it is.  So I got a little bit of time and grabbed it.  What did I do first?

1.  Went for my staples, my hammered fine silver circles, can't go wrong and lots to make with them...example: https://www.facebook.com/rosegilleydesigns?ref=hl

2.  Then I made some coin size discs, sterling and 14kt gold filled, they are simple but everyone loves that necklace that you can wear all the time, anywhere with anything

3.  Went to my favorites: bangles....yes bangles, I love bracelets, the more the merrier from anywhere works for me: https://www.etsy.com/listing/155905539/395-womens-fine-silver-bangle-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active

4.  Then I made my stackable rings, why you ask.....because they aren't expensive, you can have any stone on them, and they are way fun for yourself or gifts, I love wearing them on my thumb or stacking them in between other rings: https://www.etsy.com/listing/86494021/stellar-stackable-rings?ref=shop_home_active

5.  Last I made some pieces with a bit bigger stones, still the long and flowy, but definitely not exactly the same!!!

So, yes I accomplished a bit, however, could I do more?  I could always do more!!!

Things to do Fourth of July....

1.  Hang out with friends and family

2.  Huddle inside and stay cool

3.  Take a drive to a lake or river (don't forget the picnic basket)

4.  Catch up on the last 7 seasons of Dexter

5.  Garden

6.  Play board games inside with your kids

7.  Learn about designers on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseGilleyDesigns?ref=seller_info_count

8.  Take in a new movie

9.  Invite friends over for an indoor picnic party

10.  Put in a blow up pool in the yard

11.  Read a book/magazine/blog that you have wanted to for a long time.....

What's New....

My plan this week, get into my studio and make something, anything.  It could be a paper plane for all that matters, but do something. 

As my time, most recently, has become consumed with a little one, I find myself thinking of all these really great things I want to make, but not finding time to get to the studio.  Being at home with my little one is great, I love spending time with him, watching him grow, eat constantly and sleep.  He smiles and is just so precious. 

But my creative side says get out there and do something...soon!!  So that is my goal this week, I will let you know next week how that goes. 

Visit my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseGilleyDesigns?ref=si_shop

Not going anywhere....

What do you do when you aren't able to stray too far from home?  Do you go crazy, quite possibly.  Or you can try ( I say try) to find something to do within your home.  So here is my current list of things to do while I am not able to really "go out".

1.  Clean out my drawers to get rid of stuff I have been holding on to for forever, for who knows why

2.  Clean out my closet, there is so much I don't wear, don't need, could donate, do it now!!

3.  Tend to my yard, which needs a lot of tending, I created a cottage type yard with lots of flowers and although I love, it far exceeds the amount of time I have to offer it

4.  Catch up on daytime tv, not number 1 on my list, but it is interesting how many reruns they put on tv during the day (I am referring to cable stations of course)

5.  Catch up on magazines, if you are anything like me, my intentions to read each one as it is delivered are great, and when I see my InStyle or Marie Claire, I get giddy inside, but then life calls and it goes the bottom of my pile

6.  Figure out how to fix the little things around the house, the planter box, the door knob, the squeak in the door, you get the idea

7.  Plan on all the things that I want to do when I do get out of the house....

Turns out I need a calendar

So for those of you who read my post last Sunday you probably wondering why I was saying Happy Father's Day, turns out I need a calendar!!!  I didn't know till Monday that Sunday wasn't Father's Day, which was quite funny!!  However, the sentiment still applies.

I am a sucker for anything vintage, or should I say rugged and worn.  I love going to antique fairs, looking at pieces online, especially on Etsy.  So here are a couple of rugged and worn Etsy sites for you to consider:

Summer Road:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/SummerRoad?ref=seller_info_count

Dendro Co: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DendroCo?ref=af_circ_favshop&atr_uid=22762066

Clay Garden Pottery: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayGardenPottery?ref=seller_info_count

Hammer and Hand Imports: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hammerandhandimports?ref=seller_info_count

And as always you can visit Rose Gilley Designs on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseGilleyDesigns?ref=si_shop

Happy Shopping!!

Happy Father's Day!!

Not everyone gets to have a great dad, but I did!!!  And as I have written before, he past away a couple of years ago.  Without goodbye, my bestfriend was gone.

Today is bittersweet.  I am blessed to have someone in my life who is a great father, but I am personally missing my own father.  Although I have so much to celebrate, I sometimes think about what I have lost.

But regardless, life is where it is today because he was here and he is gone.  I miss you dad, and love you dearly, Happy Father's Day to the best!!!

Love forever, your daughter Shannon

The only way to explain sleep is with a four letter word....

I love sleep, and as I mentioned in my last blog I haven't got much of it lately.  So aside from lacking in sleep and beginning to think I am losing it, I am lacking in other necessities in my life, working out!!

I love the gym as a matter of fact the day before I had my little bambino, I switched to this wonderful new gym just down the street, haven't used it yet, but it is on my list.

So you may wonder what if she is feeling this way about those things, what is she going to do about making jewelry?  Good question!!  I don't know.  I tried to sneak away yesterday and got about 5 minutes in and then said "to heck with it" and just gave up.  We will see, as everyone says, everything happens for a reason, so maybe some great stroke of genius is coming and I need just to sit back and wait!!

Firsts in Life...

It may seem amazing, but I just had my first baby 3 weeks ago, yes 3 weeks ago.  He is a delight, adorable, cute, and very well behaved.  I waited so long and then when I finally did decide to have a child, I had to have surgery to get pregnant.  The surgery went well, obviously, I was pregnant almost immediately. And wa-la, baby Abran is here!!!

Now for all the things I tried to prepare for, there are just some that I know now, it isn't possible to prepare for...like the lack of sleep.  Oh boy, the lack of sleep and he sleeps like 3 hours at a time, last night it was 4 1/2 hours at once, most new moms would kill for that.  But this is coming from a woman who got a religious 8 hours plus a night, and you couldn't drag me from me sleep.  Now I am walking around in a haze.  Well worth it though.

You couldn't also prepare me for the number of dirty diapers, or the projectile poop that would spring from his sweet, adorable little body.  LOL, I have to laugh....what else can you do.

But the one thing you couldn't prepare me for, was how much I love this little boy.  I never in a million years could have been prepared for the fact that I will protect him to the end, that I will love him more than anything in the world and that I will do everything in my power to provide him with a happy life.

I love you, yes I do, I love you from here to the moon.
I love you, yes I do, I love you more than the stars above.

My song for him.  Makes me cry, tears of joy of course.

Memorial Day Etsy Finds...

So with Memorial Day right around the corner, you may want to buy yourself something a little different, bring in the spring/summer months.  Etsy is a great place to shop for just those things, not things from the department store, but unique pieces, you will hold on to forever.

So I went through and picked out a couple of sites that I thought you might find of interest:

1. https://www.etsy.com/shop/thestellabluegallery?ref=seller_info_count  Different jewelry and a variety with a percentage off for the Memorial Day holiday

2. https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabyTrendzz?ref=seller_info_count  Baby clothes and of course all the rage, what parent/grandparent/Aunt/Uncle doesn't want to do something for the baby in their life.

3.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/AWomansWishList?ref=seller_info_count# Some cute items that will last long past the Memorial Day holiday....bags, scarves, umbrellas all personalized

4.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/GiddyGumdrops?ref=seller_info_count Something a little different, but fun to decorate for in the backyard this coming summer

5.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/Miabeanie?ref=seller_info_count Check out this cute site of bracelets, offering 10% off for Memorial Day

Happy Shopping!!!

Rose Gilley Designs can be found on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseGilleyDesigns

Not sure what to do this Spring....

So you have some great jewelry but aren't sure what to wear it with....

1.  Consider only wearing one piece of jewelry to accentuate that designs

2.  Look to colors that are YOUR colors, consider going to Macy's or Nordstroms to get your colors done

3.  When you are ready to purchase something, make sure it is something you can't live without, not just on sale

4.  Try black and white with one pop of color

5.  Take all your bracelets and I mean all of them and stack them on your wrist, just that, with your favorite outfit

6.  And continue to layer, layers are great and can be taken off as the weather gets better

For more jewelry ideas visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseGilleyDesigns?ref=si_shop

5 Great Reasons to Shop Etsy....

Why would you shop Etsy?  Let me tell you...

1.  Original and unique one of a kind pieces that have great value because they are handmade
2.  Support a small business, a mother working from home, a father working from home
3.  Because many times the products are green, organic, or just more durable than anything else
4.  Because we are a community, Etsy people sell online but also try to help each other out
5.  We want the buyer to be happy, if you aren't, you can most often return your item without any hassle (I can't speak for all Etsy stores, but the ones I have seen)

So next time you think about that gift you want to get for someone, or the need for something new for your baby/child, think Etsy, you will likely get something that you will treasure for a lifetime.

What's New....

One of the benefits of being my own boss is picking what I am doing, and with my lack of being able to keep from producing the same thing, there is always something new going on.  Most recently I have been making cute copper and sterling tags with different sayings on them.  For instance, the ones I am working on right now include:

Cute/Cuddly
Sweet/Sassy
Sexy/Sassy

And the list continues.  Do you have any two words that you would like to see on tags?  Let me know!!

New Pieces on Etsy....

I have been trying some different more personalized pieces to post on Etsy.  I love taking a piece of flat metal and turning into something someone loves to wear daily.  Most often for personalized pieces I use copper and a little sterling, and then hang the pieces on sterling silver chain.  Simple but great for oneself or gifts. 

The one that I have linked you to hear is "love", yes I said it "love" simple and to the point.  Now do you have to have someone in your life that you are "in love" with to wear this, of course not.  All you need is love and it will wear perfectly!!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/99782537/wooden-carved-buddha-wall-art-digital?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=buddha&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=buddha

Pinterest Obsessed....

I have to say that there was a day a friend came to me and said, have you been on Pinterest?  I of course said "no, I am not into that" and she said, I beg to differ.  And so a few weeks later I thought, well let's see, and low and behold, obsession.

Why?  Because it is a book of creations on a constant feed.  I get inspired, I see things I want to create, and I am not referring to jewelry.  If anything I don't see jewelry at all, I see household objects, decorating tips, clothing designs, garden designs, tips for potting, planting, building, and just about everything I love to do.

It is so fun!!  Now I just need more time!!

Pressure to Post

So I have been at this "game" of posting and upkeep of all the different social media for years now.  And recently I have come to terms with the fact that I suck at it!!!  As much as I think oh I should blog today, I should list new pieces online, I should update the website, I should contact editors, etc. I don't find the time or the desire to want to follow up on that part of the business.

So for all of you out there doing businesses you know what I mean, it begins to get in the way of what you are trying to do, or started out doing, or thought you were doing.  Creating something meaningful.  So now if I don't do all those things then well I just get lost.

So a while ago I hired a PR firm, I decided I do need help, but I have found that I am the one doing the following up to get them to follow up, or I am emailing, have you heard anything, or I am the one waiting for some type of response, then when I get the responses it is, oh a sample here, pictures there, a write up here, or sometimes its just, they will put you on their list to watch.

Who knows what it all means, but I do know that someone is making money off me, but I am pretty sure it isn't me.  Now would I say today is an easier day for small businesses, yes and no.  But the reality is that it will never go back to simpler times.  We are where we are and if anything there will be more to come, more sites to update, follow up with, ways to be heard, and there will be lots of people all trying for the same thing.  To build their business because what they are doing is unique, special, and one of a kind.

So I guess in the end, I need to get on the wagon, or social media, whichever you choose!!

The Rachel Zoe Project...or maybe my project

I am a maniac for anything fashion, yes jewelry, obviously, but trends, colors, textures, design of a studio, design of a showroom, design of a living room.  I can't help myself.  I love to refurbish anything, yes furniture, clothing, and who knows anything I can get my hands on.  Sometimes I just shop to find something to refurbish.....I need a large large workroom.  My workroom right now is perfect for jewelry, but I need a lab to metalsmith, blacksmith, woodsmith, texturesmith, and fabricsmith.

Some of those may not be real words but who cares....so why the above title, when the Rachel Zoe Project show came back on the air, I was so excited!!  Her clothing, her ideas, her business strategy or lack of (which I love), her being a mother now, the way she dresses, I find it all inspirational.  But not just her show....if I find an inspiring woman of any sorts I am just impressed and taken to another level of inspiration. 

I continually talk with other women about what they are reading, who inspires them, and then of course checking out their style, their techniques in business, or there strengths in life.

Happy Easter to all those strong, inspirational women out there!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

And just like the color of the old St. Patty's Day, Emerald is the color for Spring.  What's so great about Emerald anyways?

1. Green is for luck
2. Green is soothing
3. Green is healing
4. Green is the color of harmony
5. Green is the color of balance
6. Green symbolizes hope

So think about your green a little differently this Patty's Day, think about the Saint who the day is for and think about all the reasons you through a little green on, any day.

Time Goes By....

It's always amazing to me how time flies, and not necessarily while you are having fun.  It just goes by.  In one part of your life you are wondering how will I get through this, in the next you are thinking, I don't want this to end.  It is bittersweet more often than not, from my perspective.

That's why I love this time of year, regardless of where you are at, this "new" time brings such great things, even on your worst day.  Can't help by seeing the new blossoms, the fresh leaves, hear the birds chirping, and the know that so much newness is in the air.

I try to base my designs on that feeling that I get every spring.  Sometimes it is a great success, sometimes I fall short, but regardless, I enjoy what the new season brings!! Excitement and a fresh start to a new year!!

Spring.....

Ever find the desire just to make it simple.  Everything simple.  For instance, your clothing, simple but tasteful of course, and yes on a budget.  Or what about your home, just the pieces you admire, you need and the rest is unnecessary.  Well that is how I go about creating my pieces of jewelry, I want them to be pieces that you can wear daily, you can wear with anything and you can layer with everything.

Just a little tip for Spring....simplify.

Some days....

Some days are so different from others in so many ways. For instance today it has been 6 years since my grandma passed away. She was an amazing person, sharing, teaching and never boring. She gardened, did the crossword puzzle and read the San Francisco Chronicle every day.

Every one deals with loss differently. I know for all the loss I have had the last few years, I have dealt with them differently. It has been a few years now and I think about her with great fondness. How deep blue her eyes were, how much she loved to talk about politics and world events and just all around how lucky I was to have her in my life.

So today I sit in San Francisco were she spent most of her life, doing a jewelry show and honestly being thankful for her, for all the reasons I listed above, but also for all the gifts that she left me with so that today I could be here and feel confident  about where I am today physically but definitely on the inside.

Something new....

I don't know if I read it somewhere or someone said it to me, but one of the things that I have learned over the last few years is to try something new every day.  Doesn't matter what, just something.

I first decided to do this when I was going through a difficult personal time and realized that I was getting stuck.  Stuck in my thoughts, my actions, in general.  So I decided, how do you grow?, do something new everyday.

So I have taken on that outlook over the last few years.  Here are just a few things you can do to push you outside your comfort zone:

1.  Try a new food
2.  Drive to work a different way
3.  Ride your bike to work instead of driving
4.  Shop at a new grocery store
5.  Read a new website
6.  Talk to someone new
7.  Pamper yourself
8.  Read a magazine that is new for you
9.  Try a new exercise or class
10.  Go to a new restaurant
11.  Read a new story to your kids
12.  Play a new game with your kids
13.  Do a picnic inside the house
14.  Call an old friend
15.  Tell someone new how you value them

Lots of different things to do, big and small.  The point is to try them, none of it is permanent, but whose to say, as you grow you may find new things that you want to take into your daily life.  What a gift that would be.