bye 2010...its been fun :)

Last post of the year.  I don't really do resolutions but i do make goals.  Last year was the year I get my house in order.  It isn't perfect but, I did very well.  As of yesterday I can have company over again.  It's been a long while since I have been able to say that.  The kids rooms need to be cleaned up and the carpet shampooed but other than that we are good to go.

So, this year I am going to work on all things financial.  I want more budgeting, a bigger emergency fund, and all around making more and spending less.  So, this seems like a small goal but it really isn't.  I shop when i am stressed about money and other things which is detrimental to financial security.  So, I have to learn to manage my feelings instead of hide from them at the store.

I have also named 2011 the year of awesome.  Positive thinking!

Now for something a little different

One of the things I love to do besides jewelry is to shop for deals.  I just found really good printable coupons for Campbells soup.  They are sponsoring a new contest to try something new at sweepstakeslovers.com.  If you want to play the contest or print the coupons go to:

http://www.sweepstakeslovers.com/sweepstakes/?p=TryCampbellSoup.com

Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog :)

Mommie musings

While driving the kids to school, I asked the what they want to be when they grow up. My daughter piped up with I want to be a jeweler and work with you momma. My son said he wanted to be a salesman, and sell my jewelry. It was so flattering to hear but bittersweet at the same time. I try to be realistic when they say things like that. Mostly because I know how they will change in just a few short years.
My son always wants to sleep in our bed. Last month, I cleaned up his room and got him to sleep in there full time. With the start of school, he started sneaking in our bed at night. I keep encouraging him to sleep in his room but a little part of me misses him. I know it won't be long before my mere presence will embarrass him.

My daughter always tells me that she never wants to grow up so she can stay with me. I tell her that she is welcome to stay with us but she doesn't really have a choice about growing up. My heart breaks a little everytime she makes this statement. I know that not only will she grow up but the last person she will want to be around is me.

Someone posted on facebook that they would love to go back in time and hold their children as babies again. That resonated with me because of our conversations. I've tried to savor it and slow it down but it still feels like these eight years have flown by.

Necklace and other fun stuff

I am having such trouble being motivated lately.  It is like a took a lazy pill and it won't wear off.  I have been managing to do everything on my three step action list (sort of like a todo) but it is HARD. I got all my orders off and finished resizing a ring.  

I hate resizing rings.  I am finding that just because I can doesn't mean I should.  I just don't have the equipment to do it in a timely manner.  It takes me three days from start to finish with all the torchwork and polishing.  So, I'll do it but I am charging for the service.

I started working on a necklace for me tonight.  It is an orchid carved out of agate really pretty an unique.  I am using agate, Italian onyx, and glass beads for the necklace portion.

I also made this necklace with doing wire work.  I worked the chain out of a design I saw in a magazine.  It listed it on Etsy just yesterday.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51027916/wire-wrapped-chain-necklace-with-faceted




I think I am going out with the guys tomorrow to see the new Predator movie so that should be fun.  This weekend is all about cleaning!

What is fashion?

I've been watching the Housewives of New York City (my guilty pleasure) quite a bit lately.  I love the fashions they show and expecially love fashion week.

I remember in middle school trying to figure out what made popular girls popular.  The one thing I noticed was how they dressed compared to myself.  I think that is when I first became aware of fashion and how much your appearance affects your everyday life.

Watching the movie The Devil Wears Prada reminded me that you can't let it change who you are.  My daughter got the American Girl book of secrets.  One of the secrets was to define your own style.  She has tried many things and has remained true to herself.  So, even if something is in fashion doesn't mean it will work for you personally.

So, what defines my style is comfort.  If I am not comfortable, then I don't look good.  What defines yours?

Oscars

Oscars were amazing last night.  I don't normally watch but I like to see what jewelry trends are popular.  This year was more earrings and bracelets.  I also saw quite a few hair adornments that were breathtaking.  You can go look for your self here http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/package/gallery/0,,20332759_20349134,00.html.

I think I am going to watch Precious and The Hurt Locker out of curiosity. I had avoided Precious because I knew it was hard to watch.  The Hurt Locker isn't something that would normally appeal but I'll watch it anyways. 

My favorite jewelry came from Maggie Gyllenhaal.  I loved her earrings and the hair piece she had made.

Exciting!

I am being featured on http://girlygirlgiveaways.blogspot.com/. I have another review coming up on Le Petite Owl.

This week has been all about learning how to resize a ring. I had to saw, and solder the ring to get it down a half size. I am working on the finishing touches right now. I am also making another rock pendant for a client.

The ring


Here is the pendant. I haven't done anything to it yet but I will be lining with with fine silver and then adding a bail. I love to work with druzy.


I am having trouble waiting for spring so look forward to some flower and spring like designs. It is still cold in Texas which isn't our norm.

More later:)