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