Instagram and RGD

I am not much of a social media gal.  Actually, I find it hard to keep up with what I am doing, much less everyone else.  But I have found a friend in Instagram. 

I love Instagram, it's quick, fun, easy to use, and I can get my point across in just a few taps/clicks on the phone.  Facebook sometimes seems so cumbersome, and let's face it, people aren't on FB like they used to be.  But with Instagram, I get to put up my thoughts, post a pic that goes with them (or not) and walla you have a little story that goes with your jewelry.  Simple and easy.

Now if I could just link my Instagram to my FB to my Twitter to my...... LOL. #instagram #socialmedia #enjoytheride

So Blessed

I have had my business now for 10 years, which is a long time.  It is something that some months I think I am doing this and others I think "why?!", but I love designing/making/crafting jewelry, whatever you want to call it.  And there are many who love my work so then I think because it's fun.

But just recently I started to get some coverage for my little business.  I have a great PR firm who sought me out and they took me on.  I believe through them I have received more exposure then ever before, but recently Glamour UK magazine contacted me and then ELLE UK magazine.  Can you say "wonderful!".  So with that here is a sneak peek at the January issue, a few more to come, but I am excited.  Just a little mention, but a big deal for RGD!!

My Focus...

My focus has changed so much in the last few years.  For those of you who are moms, you get it.  Prior to my son, I spent all my time on me.  I once had someone ask me, "What do you do all day without children?", I thought it was a funny question, but now I get it.  And I only have one child, she has multiple and grandchildren, so I can only imagine.

I used to take long showers, go to the bathroom alone, read magazines, garden leisurely, take random trips, eat out whenever, go out whenever, but all that is different now.  Yes, my son is 2.  But for me, I have found, that he always comes first.

Before I go out to eat I make sure I have good healthy food for him, before I go anywhere I make sure his nap isn't coming, long showers are really unnecessary (nice, but not with the drought now) and most often he will call "mama" while I am in the shower, usually because he needs something. It's very cute and sweet. 

It's funny the things that I do now, or don't do, because of him.  I would rather spend the morning at the zoo now, or the afternoon at the children's museum.  I often take him to the play area at the park, the mall, or figure out what he might enjoy and we do that.  I love it!  Showing him the world is far better than my world before.

My little blessing, life is good!

Las Vegas was good

Las Vegas Accessories the show was good. I met some amazing people, made some new friends, and got some new accounts. As always I learned a lot. It's half the fun of doing the shows. What did I learn:

1.  I never know what a show will be like
2.  To laugh a little more at the shows
3.  To realize most of us are in it together
4.  That regardless of why I am in Vegas, I love that place

I had my son during the show so after the show each night we went to Circus Circus which is fun. To the mall. And just lookig around and running around the hotels. I even got out a little one night, some adult time.

So whats next?  I dont know. We will see.

Pictures say a 1000 words

One of the things I love about doing shows and selling my designs is the people I meet.  In some ways I gain more from them then anything else about a show.  I meet the store owners of course, and often develop good relationships with them.  They meet my son, I get to know about them, their lives, stores, etc.  It is nice to have constant new people in your life.

Then there are the other exhibitors at the show.  I learn so much from them.  I have learned the ins and outs of shows, what ones are good, what shows are out there, better ways to market, how to develop contracts, line sheets, the list goes on and on.  I have learned that I know so little, and still to this day I don't know much, about the business.  I have also met people who have helped my business literally.  They don't come around often, but trust me they are out there.  And when you do meet them, be gracious.

Recently another exhibitor, introduced me to her photographer, and that is why I have these lovely pictures now.  It's fabulous!  Her name is Sarah Kitsner and she takes amazing pics....and let me tell you, for me, her pictures say at LEAST 1000 words! 

Jewelry and the Ocean

I was recently fortunate to spend some time in Mexico.  Cabo San Lucas to be exact.  There are lots of places people love to go, but I love the ocean.  If you have seen my jewelry then you probably get that feeling, that I am inspired by the ocean.

During my time there, I was able to do nothing but relax, well relax as much as a mother of a 2 year old can, but that is far more relaxing then I do at home. 

I was able to get a massage (the 2nd in 2 years), I ran on the beach, I stayed up later then usual, as did my son.  It was a great time!  But there was nothing as good as spending time on the beach, with the waves, in the ocean, with the sky above and the wonders below.  Oh it was spectacular!  What was even better about it was that I got to spend that time with my son.

It is fun to watch him fall in love with the sea as I have.  He says "ocean" and it is so sweet, but it also sounds like "oh shit" when he says it, which you can't help but laugh.  He speaks Spanish so he calls the beach playa and beach of course, but he loves the sand.  He loves in under his toes, in his hands and in a bucket.

Overall our time was great!!  I wouldn't change if for the world, well except to spend more time there!!

I Ubered It....

I finally did it.  I Ubered it.  Not sure if that is how you say it, but I did it.  And it was great!  It was quick.  I told my partner that we were trying something new, and he looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Uber isn't new".  Ok, so new to me.  How is that!!

We got picked up with ease and we were taken back home with ease while everyone was waiting for a cab.  I love this little app.  I want to create an app that does something like that.  So if you haven't tried this "new" thing called Uber.  You should so get on board.  It's quick, cheap, and way better than driving anytime!!!

Yeah to Uber!!

Running...In the Morning?

I used to get up every morning around 430/5 and run.  I loved it!  Ask anyone who knew me then and they knew that was what I did.  Then I had my little one.

Now I ran every morning until I was 7 months pregnant, then I switched to the elliptical trainer.  It was a hard switch but I made it.  After my little one was born, I had a C-section, I had to take 2 weeks off, then another 4 before I could run.  Then my running became a whole new game...running with a jogger.

Yes, it can be done.  And turns out it is a great way to get into shape.  5 months after my LO, I ran my first 1/2 half marathon post baby and did good.  Not as well as I had done the many years prior, but my body had been through a baby, so I had to give myself a break.  And since then I have run 5 more.  This last time with my best personal time: 7:51 min mile.  I was in heaven.

But what I have found is that being a mom, parent, there are stages.  I am now back to running in the mornings early, 445/5, once or twice a week and I enjoy it.  But there is a part of me that missed pushing my LO on those days.  It is good for me to run with friends and get out, but my life, though different, is so much richer now, pushing that wonderful jogger!!!

San Francisco

Is just around the corner.  It feels like every time it is around the corner I begin to blog.  Well for good reason, at least from my view at this time.  I love my new collection.  It is feeling more and more like me everyday.  My display is going well also.  Which is a much needed relief.

So here are a few pieces to be seen at the show: 

Amazon.....com

So it turns out Amazon.com is a big deal.  I have to say as a mother of a now 2 year old, I didn't spend much time shopping online the last two years.  I am a little old school, I like to touch things, make sure they are exactly as I want, before I but them.  Buying online is scary to me.  And so unsure.  Interesting that I sell my jewelry online isn't it?

So my son and I had a play date yesterday and we got to my friends house and she had some great toys.  I asked her where she obtained such toys, since they weren't at the local Toys R Us, that I have spent many an hour at as of recently.  She said, Oh we shop on Amazon.com.  I said what is this Amazon.com that you speak of....and abracadabra 5 hours later I am on Amazon.com.

So yes, I know I am late to the party.  I usually am, either physically, mentally, or in someway, mostly because I like my little world.  LOL.  But this is one party I find interesting.  I ordered a couple of things for my son, and we will see if they are what they say they are, if not, well I am sure you can guess the outcome of that.

Selling and buying online isn't easy.   Sometimes I wish people could see a 3-D picture of my work, I think it would help sales, and of course, touch it online, wouldn't that be fabulous!!!!  Someday!