Merry Christmas!

How is it the week of Christmas already? So much has happened in the past few months that the time has flown by faster than ever. I was finally feeling a little more settled into motherhood just in time for my baby to start crawling and talking and eating real food?!? My life has turned into one major adjustment! I'm the kind of person that likes a schedule but I have quickly learned that my schedule revolves around my little guy and my husband. I am learning to roll with the punches. I am learning flexibility. I am slowly learning how to ask for time to myself. And, even more slowly, I am learning how to balance all of the many aspects of my ever-changing life! Husband, baby, spirituality, work, school, errands, chores... the list goes on and on. I'm setting goals and sticking to them, because they're more realistic now than they once were. I am one person and I can only do so much. I HATE admitting that, by the way. Like I said, I'm learning! I have so many ideas and goals for the new year, and I am so excited for the things that are coming my way. Like a little boy who will be crawling, talking, and then walking before I know it! I am so grateful for the support that you have given me this year. Thank you to all of you old friends, new friends, and family members who have supported my vision and passion. Your words of encouragement keep me going on the days that I feel like I'm losing my mind. (and that is often, if you must know!) I am looking forward to the coming year with excitement and determination. I want to grow this little business endeavor into something great and it can only happen with your continued support. Thank you all so much!

I also wanted to come on and thank everyone for their comments last week! I'm going to keep that same post active so keep the advice and thoughts coming and someone will win a free gift to start off the new year. I will be out of town for almost 2 weeks straight, so things are going to be pretty dead around here until then. I hope you all have a great holiday break; I will see you in 2010! TEN? Seriously!?

A change of pace...

This week instead of a giveaway, I want to do a sort of suggestion box theme. I want to know what you think I should improve, what you'd like to see more of, what you like, dislike, whatever! I want to know what YOU want. I'm thinking about switching things up a bit for the new year, but I want to check with my loyal fans to see what you think about how things have been. PLEASE be honest! I can take it, I promise. Criticism is only going to help me grow this business, so I really want to hear it. If there is a color in particular that you'd like me to design more of, let me know! If you feel like my photography sucks, tell me! (I already know...don't worry) If the history lesson posts bore you to death, give it to me! You guys are always so good at encouragement, and while I LOVE hearing that, and definitely appreciate all of the support, it's not what is going to help me take this to the next level. I want this coming year to be successful, and the only way that is going to happen is with YOUR help.

To sweeten the deal (and to bribe you into participating), the person who I feel gives me the most constructive, useful advice is going to get a holiday present from me as a thank you. Something small, tasteful, sparkly... in a little white box with a peach ribbon. I appreciate your help in advance! I am excited to hear from ALL of you....yes you. This week better have the most comments ever!

THANKS EVERYONE!

The winner is...

JoEllen, #30!

Thank you everyone for participating! I hope you'll come back next week for another great giveaway! Have a great weekend.

Don't forget to put your orders in for Christmas! I have been working on some custom orders for presents and I can't wait to put them up after the holidays. (Don't want to spoil the surprise.) If you need something done, let me know soon!

Spotlight: Rosey Posey Necklace ($38)

My sister's middle name is Rose and we have always called her Rosey Posey. She helped me design this necklace, and has the only other one in existence, so I thought naming it after her would be appropriate. The rose charm was actually a vintage clip-on earring and was stamped "Coro". Coro was a jewelry company from the early 1900's until 1970, when it went out of business. Judging by the style of stamp that was on lever-back, and according to the information I have found through research, my guess is that the earrings date back to the 1950's. The rose is simple with a gold tone finish and a clear glass rhinestone in the center. The lever-back has been removed and I have drilled a hole in the top to hang it by. It is hung on two separate chains, one gold plated and the other sterling silver. It is finished with silver plated findings clasp. This is a necklace to complement any outfit and is simple enough that it will never go out of style.

It is available on Etsy now!

Giveaway: Beverly Hills Necklace ($46)

Beverly Hills is well known as one of the most affluent and extravagant cities in the world. Since the Roaring 20's, the area has been the playground and home of the rich and famous, the shopping mecca of the West (Rodeo Drive), and the heart of Hollywood celebrity culture. The vintage feel of this amazing green fluorite gem inspired me to name this necklace after the city which was marketed in the early days as "between the city and the sea". I think that phrase perfectly describes the color...a bit seafoam, but a bit jade as well. It hangs right at the collarbone and is elegant and stunning all on its own.

Enter up to 3 times, and please leave your email address with your posts so that I can contact you after the drawing. Thanks and good luck!

Also, be sure to check Etsy this week, as I will be adding plenty of new jewelry just in time for Christmas shopping! Thanks!

Materials: gold plated chain, gold plated fancy rings, gold plated clasp, large faceted round green fluorite precious stone

My apologies...

I just wanted to jump on here really quick to let everyone know that I am so sorry for the lack of posting this week. I have been sick and my little boy is going through teething right now which has made it a heck of a week for all of us. On top of that, I have been having back problems since the birth of my son, so I have been visiting a chiropractor every other day this week trying to get that pain resolved. It finally got to the point that I couldn't move and definitely wasn't going away so I figured I should probably go in. Good old fashioned procrastination....gets the best of me every time. Not a lot of fun this week, and nothing has been getting done around here either, so I apologize. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I will be back on Monday!