Still Here, Still Kicking

I just wanted to update my blog, and update all of you who actually read this thing as to why I've been absent!

Those of you who know me fairly well know that I've been fighting a long battle over the last two years. For anyone who's just getting to know me....the short story is that about two years ago my asthma attacks (which have been severe for years) grew drastically worse. The doctors have tried all sorts of medication and treatment, but they haven't been able to get it under control.

As a part of trying to treat my asthma, I've been on steroids for the last two years. They have kept me alive, kept me out of the hospital, but being on steroids is NOT the ideal situation! Since we are finally getting my asthma under control (that's a long story too), we are working to at the least reduce my steroid levels, and at best get me completely off them!

The only problem with getting me off the steroids is that I get to go through withdrawals, just like a druggy, as we go through the process. The good news is that I'm not having any super serious asthma attacks, the bad news is that I'm exhausted and dealing with about 5 different side effects.

Combine that with having a busy week, and I just didn't have the energy (mental or physical) to blog this week! I haven't really gotten much done crafty wise either. I do have lots of ideas on the table though, and I'm hoping to get to spend some time beading and catching up on watching things tonight :)

Featured Crafter: Bliss Street

I first met Bliss Street on Twitter. Just a few days before Christmas and her gift for her god daughter had not arrived. She asked for help on another gift. I jumped in to help. I always answer a cry for help.  I spent some time going through Etsy shops looking for the Urban Outfitter style. I so happened to know someone who wore the same style. I found a bag as a possible option incase the gift did not arrive, but fortunately her perfect gift arrived in the nick of time. 

Straight from Bliss St Shop announcement: Jewelry is portable art.  Here at Bliss St. we feature vintage, estate and antique jewelry. Including Bakelite, 30's, 40s,50's,60's, 70's, 80's, Victorian, art deco, art nouveau, arts and crafts. We have unique jewelry of many different medias including sterling silver, gold, costume, glass, and enamel.
You can get lost in her shop, but in a good way. Many of her vintage pieces can be grabbed up to upcycle great jewelry pieces or crafts for today.  One of the items I like in her shop are these unique handmade blown glass pendants...Don't Eat the Mushrooms.




If you're a charm girl, you'll like her large selection of charm necklaces.

You can find Bliss St anywhere on the web: Fan her on Facebook, Blog and on Flickr.  Be sure to visit her blog to get to know Bliss St and her vintage and indie jewelry collection. You won't regret it.

Petite Lookbook - Moto pag?

The first time I went into a TopShop, it was a Sat. afternoon in NYC and the store was filled to capacity. The bf gave me a look that said EXIT NOW. I didn't find anything smaller than a 2, and left empty-handed. The second time I went in, I discovered a sign that said "Petites" and followed it gaily to the top floor, and found a tiny corner of pretty clothes in size 0 made for women 5'4" and under. I think I squeeled loudly and started grabbing everything in sight.

In the end I left with just 1 item, because it turns out that this brand is a bit overpriced. $60 for a skirt that looks akin to F21? $40 for a tank top? They do offer a 10% student discount, though, which I shamelessly used despite being not quite in school.

Me trying to look rocker chic and sultry:

 Tank: Forever 21 sz S

Jacket: TopShop Petites sz 0 (similar here)

Jeans: H&M kids skinnies sz 11/12 (similar here in 00 w/ multiple lengths)

Shoes: Calvin Klein ankle booties (similar here)

Some picks available in size 0 that I'm seriously contemplating. That lace-trimmed skirt...want.

I've been looking for a light grey cropped leather jacket for ages. Grey is such a transitional color. It can take a leather jacket from season to season, whereas I think black is too harsh for the Spring / Summer. Here's a pic from one of my first posts back in October 2009:

I fell in love with this Burberry kids leather jacket, but at $695 it was out of the question for a little cropped piece of clothing. I stalked it online until it was sold out, without ever going on sale! Darn those trust fund kids.

As soon as I saw the TopShop one on the rack, I knew that it would fill the void in my closet / heart. It was a very decent and buttery faux-leather, so I could be "animal friendly" while spending less $$. And a petite 0 fit perfectly...possibly even a little snug for a jacket. It's so exciting to discover new brands that offer tiny sizing!

That's it for now. I'm so thrilled to be back in Boston for a week to just unwind, shop, and cook. Mayyybe a little studying if swaptions don't put me straight to sleep. Have a great weekend, dear readers!

Charm of the Week: Swarovski Crystal and Black Rose Pendant Necklace

This elegant, dramatic necklace is adorned with black, gray and white Swarovski crystals. The black rose is made of high quality resin and backed with a silver plate. A white crystal sparkles from the center of the flower. Silver plated wire and lobster claw are used on this 23 inch necklace.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41423704

Will ship international, please contact me.

See more jewelry at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/findingcharm

TASTING!

Today has been another AWESOME day in Billerica, Massachusetts! First, me and Mom went to the florist and paid off my balance. I can't imagine how much it would be if I wanted flowers on my table. For a product that dies, they are so expensive! But I love my choice and can't imagine having it any other way.

Anyyyyway! I went to the hotel tasting with my Mom today. Three words. OH.MY.GOD. As if I wasn't a huge fan of brunch before! I'm not really sure what I was expecting for the meeting but it wasn't this. I could have gotten TRASHED if I wanted to. They just kept bringing wine and mimosas! Then we tried the ham, turkey, pasta, potatoes, veggies and a special dessert. Seriously. OH.MY.GOD. I was Danny could have been there to taste everything. Our wedding day is going to be SO awesome. From the actual ceremony, to the food, to the party...everything is going to be so so special!

SEVENTEEN DAYS!!!!!!!

OMG OMG OMG!

Just got an AWESOME e-mail from my photographer!!! She is bringing a second photographer with her!!! It wasn't something that I asked for, it's a total surprise. Seriously, this photographer thing is SUCH a bargain. TWO photographers flying from North Carolina, 3 nights at a hotel, 8 hours of photography and I'm paying less than $1200. NOW! You're thinking...you get what you pay for. But I know for a fact that my pictures will be amazing...she is the girl who did our amazing engagement pictures.

I am seriously STOKED right now!

Home!

And I've already achieved a lot! Went to David's Bridal and bought my jewelery and purse. Then, I made the guest bags for the out of town guests. They have wine, corkscrew, water bottles, special snacks, cool Boston books. All thats left to do is make cookies or something..I'll do that Thursday when everyone starts arriving! I'll post pictures of that after the wedding! I don't want to spoil the secrets for everyone!

Tonight my college roommate, and bridesmaid, Ashley is coming up. We used to have Roomie Wednesdays..of course to watch LOST, but since they changed the day of LOST....we had to change the day of our dates! First we'll get some coffee and work on the seating chart. Then Mom is making a yummy dinner (yayyyy a homecooked meal that doesn't involve breadcrumbs and canned veggies!) and of course...LOST time! I love Tuesdays..and I love my Roomie!

The rest of the week is going to be pretty busy. Tomorrow I have the tasting at the hotel, my Mom and sister (and Maid of Honor) are coming with me. I'm going to bring one of the centerpieces to see how they look. I like them still, but I think they are going to be a little plain...it almost needs a little more bulk. But I really don't feel like spending more money..so I'm going to have to make them look fab (or just deal with it!) Either way, it's just a centerpiece..not too concerned! Thursday I want to (officially) order my cake and get the marriage license.

And Friday! Oh, I love love LOVE Friday's in Boston. Happy Hour at my favorite bar, with my favorite cover band, with my amazing friends. SO excited and LONG overdue!

Petite Lookbook - The Tailored Jumper

Happy Tuesday, readers : ) Today I am wearing my first Theory piece ever, which almost instantly spurred an ongoing and wallet-draining obsession. Thankfully there is a Theory outlet an hour from my house, so I have not yet had to pay the overpriced retail.

This jumper dress is so simple, but like many of their pieces, it is tailored to perfection. A size 0 fit me with no alterations needed, which was baffling at the time of discovery (2 years ago). Fellow petites should be sure to look for Theory dresses in stretchy fabric and numerical sizes. Their shirtdresses and dresses in letter sizing (P or TP is the smallest) fit quite generously and do not work for me.

 

Dress: Theory jumper in 0 (similar here in P00)
Blouse: Target Go International in juniors XS (similar here in PXXS)
Shoes: Tory Burch Sophie Wedge in 5.5 (sold here)

In other non-news ... I'm actually wearing "real" makeup! In addition to my plain-Jane routine of Bare Escentuals and black eyeliner, that is. Reading the beauty blogs of some of my lovely readers motivated me to try and glam up, but more on that later.  

I gave up tanning a while ago (my mother is  probably scowling right now as her worst fears have been confirmed) and am really starting to see the effects in photos. Sun does not shine often in Boston, so I would go about 2x a month in the colder months (aka 3/4 of the year). Go away, pale and sickly complexion! Go away, Winter!

Side anecdote - I've never really been one to embrace fair, milky white Asian skin as the epitome of beauty. I make sure to wear foundation and lotion with SPF, but other than that I love sun. Whenever I visited China in previous years, relatives would be horrified if I went outside on a sunny day without an umbrella. Strangers like hairdressers and sales associates would even openly comment: "oh, you would be so pretty...if only you were not so...dark." Last year when I visited, however, the reaction was sharply different. Ladies stopped me on the street asking how they could be "bronze" like me, and dudes who I didn't even know commented on how healthy I looked in comparison to the pale and ghastly female population. So there...the age old definition of Asian beauty is starting to evolve : P

This jumper is easily one of my most versatile work pieces. It's so easy to create different looks by switching up the blouse, adding tights, a pretty belt, etc. My only complaint (as with many Theory pieces) is that it's unlined and therefore rides up like crazy when worn with tights. I have yet to find a sleek petite-fitting slip skirt - got a regular one at Target but the cut is quote flowy and bunches up under my dresses.

Perfectly placed darts and waist line:

Thanks a ton to a reader (chanelsmypal) for the heads up on Bloomies' shoe sale. The display for these shoes was a ginormous size 10 so I was shocked when the SA came back with a 5.5 at over 50% off plus coupons : )  I love wedges since they tend to be more comfy than heels, plus they are much better at staying on with tights.

 

A Simple Question

And that question is this....

If you could have one piece of jewelry, any piece of jewelry, in one of my shops, what would it be and why?

My shop addresses are www.roseworksjewelry.etsy.com and www.roseworksjewelry.artfire.com :)

And as an extra incentive - I'll give you an extra entry into my top commentators contest!

Design Challenge is Love is (Still) in the Air

Howdy from Texas & Texans around the world!

As part of our team's Spend Your Mondays with ETC program, we would like you to join in our monthly Design Challenge.

The theme of month's Design Challenge is Love is (Still) in the Air, and we've got some very lovely entries for you!

Eighteen members have submitted a total of 25 entries, and we are asking you to take a look and let us know which ONE is your favorite -- that's right, you can only vote for one entry, and only one vote can be cast per IP Address.

You can find all the information on our entries and the link to vote at http://etsytx.ning.com/page/feb-design-challenge-love-is


~*~**PRIZES,PRIZES,PRIZES**~*~

YES, that's right.....there will be prizes!!! The top 6 entries, based on YOUR voting, will each receive prizes generously donated by members of our team. Prize donors include the following:

CrownBindery.etsy.com
EarlyBird454.etsy.com
Fun4Me.etsy.com
GrandmaMarilyns.etsy.com
TamsJewelry.etsy.com
Thistlecraft.etsy.com


~*~**VOTE**~*~

Entry Descriptions, Photos, & Voting Link:
http://etsytx.ning.com/page/feb-design-challenge-love-is

Voting will open at 12:01am Monday Central time (1:01am Etsy time) and will close at midnight Wednesday Central time (1am Thursday, Etsy time).

Remember, only one vote allowed per IP address, but you are more than welcome to let all your friends know about our Challenge and ask them to vote as well! Feel free to tweet, blog, and post about us!


Thanks so much for helping us with this month's Challenge!!!

Happy Monday!
Milly / Thistlecraft
ETC Leadership Team Member, Design Challenge Coordinator

I can not sleep. Im just laying here thinking of everything I still need to do. And suddenly, I am nervous. Not to get married. But for the wedding. What if I forget something? What if I mess up? Im seriously freaking out.

A Little Bit of a Bust

We didn't do much this weekend. I think know it made me cranky. I'm tellin' ya, cabin fever is a real thing and has a severe impact on a person.

But what we did do was enjoy a yummy Olive Garden meal, hungout with the family, and made plans for when we (finally) move in together. We decided on couches we like and figured out how he will be getting to Massachusetts.

I think I let my emotions get the best of me this weekend. I was sad that I don't get to see him for almost three weeks. I'll be honest, I cried. Not sob..but a tear (or 2, or three...) I have never cried over something like that before.

The next time I see him we'll be two days away from being husband and wife. Totally insane!

Boston tomorrow. So many plans..YAY!

Everything but Beads...

because there's been bisquing but no glazing this week! I had such good intentions to get a pile of glazing done and another firing today but alas, it was not to be. So instead of beady items I bring you...VEGGIES!! I realize that most people would not be as excited about this as I am today but just bear with me. A few weeks ago we watched Food Inc... now, if you do not want to totally change your eating habits I would strongly advise staying at least 10 feet away from the unopened DVD case/book, I don't think it can infiltrate your brain from that distance. However, I made the "mistake" of watching the video and promptly made the decision to go organic in as many ways possible...oh, including no more grocery store meat. So, we joined a CSA (community supported agriculture) group for fruit and veg and next week we're jumping on the meat CSA bandwagon. Today we picked up our first box of farm goodies...kale, broccolini, kumquats, tangelos, spinach, dates, red leaf lettuce, grapefruit, bacon avocados, apples, oranges, elephant garlic, spinach and some purply carrots. It's actually a fun challenge when you see what's in your box and you have to come up with ways to use all those items over the course of the week, even the items you've never heard of before!Moving on from veggies...I promised a pic of the newest addition to my flock...I picked him up in Palm Springs last weekend. I'm still working on a name for him :) While I was at it I figured I might as well show you some of the others in the family.
The raku quail... and the quackers! Now I must return to the kitchen to put the final layer on a pan of Nanaimo Bars in support of the Canadian Olympic Hockey team's game this afternoon.

Giveaway! I Sew Lucky Owl Giveaway

Melanie at Whimsical Creations is going a giveaway.  I Sew Lucky makes very cute owls.  Enter for your chance to win this one!

Enameled Goodie Giveaway

The extra super talented Barbara of Painting with Fire is having a giveaway for some gorgeous enameled beads and components. Check it out!

Featured Crafter: Monika Designs

It just so happens to be a coincidence that Monika would be my featured crafter this week. I happened to win a set of 4 crochet coasters from her shop earlier this week. She ran the giveaway on her Facebook Fan Page. I keep going back and forth on which ones I want. I'm giving myself til the end of the day to make a decision.  I just can't decide, living room, bedroom, guest room...decisions, decisions. 

Monika Designs products have been featured on the Etsy Frontpage numerous times and she is always selling.  Even since last night when I was narrowing my list, I see that coasters have already sold!  I was teasing her about making a fruit basket after she made strawberries for a custom order. You will also find cute little owl coasters, flowers and trees. Not only does she make delicious coasters, her crochet is not limited to just that. She also crochets bath/bathroom and kitchen products as well such as bath puffs, potholders and washcloths.

I also follow Monika Designs on Twitter. She is a great supporter of the handmade and helps all us fellow crafters out.  Please, follow this positive, upbeat lady. 

Black Chain and Clear Beveled Glass Beads Necklace

Black chain and hexagonal links carry the clear beveled glass beads. The necklace is easily put on over the head as it measures 15 inches. This necklace is unique because it can be worn in a variety of ways. The beads can hang low or wear off centered for a modern look.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41073534

Will ship international, please contact me.

See more jewelry at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/findingcharm

Coins Around the World

I've always thought it's cool when artists do a series all based around one theme. Since I've begun bead weaving I've done one complete series (my Elements Necklaces), I've done a few pieces that I classify as Geekery, and now I'm starting on a new and exciting series! It's called "Coins Around the World."

My fascination with coins started when I was young. Dad taught me to look for wheat head pennies and buffalo nickels. Other than those two specific examples I never really got into the whole "collecting for value" thing with coins, but I have always kept a container with any "odd" coins I've found. Some of those came from random coins that turned up in tills while I worked retail, others were collected as members of my family (or friends) traveled the world.

When my brother came home from Nepal recently I decided it would be fun to use some of the coins he had left over for jewelry...and then it hit me. "I have this collection of coins from around the world, I can do a whole series out of this!" So I went pawing through boxes to find where my collection had gotten stashed in all my moves these last few years and was amazed at how many I found!

I eventually sorted them all out into different bags by country, and it's quite the list!

I have:

Australia

Bahamas

Botswana

Canada

England

Euro

France

Fiji

Hong Kong

India

Liban

Mexico

Nepal

Netherlands

Russia

Singapore

Sri Lanka

USA

And a small bag of one's I haven't identified yet!

Some of the bags only have one coin in them (like Botswana) and some of them have a whole bunch! I have ideas for necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and earrings! There will definitely be some out of this collection I make for myself. In fact, I think the next one I make will be for me :)

I chose to have my first piece in the collection to a Mexican Peso. I was originally planning on doing a necklace with one of the Nepali coins, but I think I'm going to have to buy some beads to do what I want to with that one, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do with this Peso!

I used the colors of the Mexican flag (plus black) for this necklace. It's completely reversible, and the pendant comes off! It's in my Artfire shop if your interested :)

I look forward to sharing more of these with you over the next year! I have lots of other projects I want to do as well so I'll probably work one of these in ever couple of projects or so :)

H&M Find - Perfect Oversized Tee

Since I live in leggings and skinny pants 24/7, it has been my goal to find more loose and flowy tops that offset the tight bottoms. Most of the time I just end up looking like a frump, but the other day I did have success in the Divided section at H&M ... for only $7.95! Can't beat that!

As soon as I saw the sizing (numerical instead of XS, S, M .. etc) I knew that it would be a great fit. I picked size 2 in a shroomy, taupe-gray color. The reason this tee works so well on a small frame is because it is oversized and slouchy on top, but tapers in at the bottom to fit almost snugly around the hips. The length is also great on petites.

 Top: H&M Divided tee in size 2 (similar here w/ banded bottom)

Scarf: H&M

Bottoms: H&M thick leggings in size 2 (similar here in Girls Large - a steal!)

Shoes: Zara (similar here)

A note about leggings - I started buying mine from the kids department as of late. Their size 12/14 or L hits my ankles at a perfect length. Splendid makes some great basics for kids, from the same soft and comfy materials as their adult lines. Two picks - jersey tuxedo leggings in sz 14 and super trendy tie-waist leggings. Wonder whether I can pull those off...

The material is a very comfy 50% cotton 50% modal blend. I've been wearing this tee non-stop and can't wait to go pick up more in other colors! I don't like H&M for work clothing, but their basics are solid and very fairly priced. They also have leggings galore! Total cost for tee + leggings + scarf was $30.

These bling Zara sandals are a souvenir from a trip to FL. I was traveling with two other women who loved to shop and we ran to the mall every day during lunch. Almost didn't get these because they're so fancy looking, but a petite Polish girl convinced me that they'd look great dressed down with skinny jeans and a tank. Thanks, PPG!

The Alfani sandals I linked to previously are a ridiculously close dupe. They retail for even less than the Zara ones and are bound go to on sale at Macy's. The pewter and bright blue colors are gorgeous, and it's available in a small size 5!

Wore this outfit to a delicious Turkish brunch at Sofra Boston (swapped in ankle booties). Photo "borrowed" from my boyfriend's blog:

Last Unmarried Weekend

In North Carolina..then I head to Boston for a few weeks. Those few weeks are going to be busssyyyyyy! My parents, grandparents and uncle (and his fiance) are headed to Aruba the first week in March. (BOO I WASN'T INVITED!) So, I'm on babysitting duty. I haven't asked if I'm being paid..however, extra money would be lovelyyyyy!

Me and Danny don't really have any plans for our last unmarried weekend together. Trying to save money and our budget is working out amazingly! We have already been able to buy our awesome TV and the stand. I think my parents are buying us a dining room table, so we don't have to worry about that. The only other things we will need are a dresser (courtesy of my IKEA gift card!) and furniture for the second room...which will probably be a bed. Either for guests or Kaleb if he comes down for the summer.

Anyway, I'm way excited about the next few weeks!!! Busy Busy and I LOVE IT!

In the Kitchen with some Coffee

The current Blogfire blog carnival theme is to either show off your work space - or talk about items in the kitchen! Now I was planning on showing off my workspace, but I've been having migraines all week and so getting it presentable enough to show off just wasn't going to happen. So I went looking for some fun kitchen items! In a coffee theme of course, because I love coffee! I used to be a total caffeine addict...but that's an entirely different story.

The Country Workshop has this plaque for sale - isn't it darling?

I'd certainly put it up in my kitchen! (Much to my hubby's chagrin)

I have to confess that I already have a towel and oven mitt set that's coffee themed.

AND, to my shame, it was bought in a big retail store.

BUT someday it will need replacing,

wouldn't this set from Desert Rose Gifts be perfect?

What would the kitchen be without some good soap?

DECA candle and bath has some COFFEE soap - does it get any better?

Now I must stop dream shopping...

Charm of the Week: Brown Glass Bead and Gold Accent Eyeglass Leash or Holder

Delicate brown and translucent gold beads are used for this eyeglass leash. Gold holders are used. The leash measures 25 1/2 inches. Very lightweight as it shimmers and shines.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40932592

Will ship international, please contact me.

See more jewelry at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/findingcharm

Crafty ADD #27

It's been just over two weeks since I posted a crafty ADD update - and with good reason. I lost my Granny last week, for any of you that didn't know, and that put the rest of life on hold. I did get a wee bit of crafting done on the trip up for the funeral (hey come on, this is how I cope!), and of course I got stuff done before, and even a little after! So here's my loooong ADD update :)

Crochet

Have I ever mentioned that I hate rolling the yarn up into balls? Oh wait, I'm sure I have... Ok, so maybe hate is the wrong word, but after spending an HOUR rolling this up (there were some massive tangles to unravel) that was all I was doing that particular night.

This picture doesn't show adequately the progress I've made, so I'll just tell ya :P On the first strip I've done the first edging row around all the squares and tied in all the ends. I need Mom's help to do the next edging row so I started in on the next strip. I need to step up the pace on this project >_>

Cross Stitch

I started another book mark! This one's going to be a present :D I'm having fun with it - don't think it will take me too long either - which is good :)

Jewelry

I'm in love with making rings! I know I haven't gotten any up on my site yet (hey, I have a GOOD excuse this time!), but I'm still having fun making them :) And they don't take that much time! Hmmm...in fact...I may make another one when I'm done with this post :P

This pretty bracelet is going to my consignment shop - but if anyone falls in love with the colors I will gladly make it for you!

Remember seeing this one in one of my previous ADD posts? I bought a clasp and finished it :)

I have a couple more pieces to show off - but I'm saving those for a specific post :P

Ten More

This is post number 90...ten more til the big 1-0-0! Like I said before, hoping to make that the big wedding post!

I have so much to do. Laundry, cleaning, packing (to go home and to move,) making sure everyone RSVP's for the wedding (two weeks til they have to be in...and I'm growing impatient!) I have the hotel tasting next week, I need to make table arrangements, maybe figure something out for a rehearsal (I don't even know when half the wedding party...including the groom..will be getting into Boston!) I have to make goodie bag for out of town guests. I have so so much to do!

The girls are (of course) having a Bachelorette party..bowling in Boston. Sounds lame, but totally not. I have wanted to go to Lucky Strike FOREVER! Remember in 40 Year Old Virgin when the girls are having the "wigging out" party..I want to do that!

I suspect a bridal shower. But I have no idea when or what to expect. How does someone even plan that. I generally don't run ALL my plans by people..so what if I have plans! EEK!

I can't wait til we move into our apartment. I can't wait to get a job. I applied at a few places online today, we'll see how that goes. Since I don't drive, I need to be a little picky, but luckly..I like to walk and I have my bike. So..we'll see!

Our Car

We put it on the road today! Danny is taking it on it's big maiden voyage today back to base. Have I mentioned I love holidays more than ever? Long weekends are even more amazing then they were when I was in school.

I'll post pictures of the car ASAP!

Less than a week til I'm (back) in Massachusetts. And TWENTY-SIX days until we are married. WOAH!

Looky Loo

See what my peeps can do!

I love to show off the gorgeous things that my pendants become in the hands of others. I've fallen behind on the eye candy for a few weeks so I have two lovely creations to show off. The first necklace is a knockout of copper and lampwork from Sharon at LiveWire Jewelry. It also made it into this month's issue of Bead Trends.The second is a lovely complementary color schemed necklace from Dana at Colors of the Woods. I love how the different shades of blue bring out the different shades in the pendant and the yellow gives such a nice little pop.
I have a nice big kiln of bisque firing today so hopefully I'll have some more to show soon. A single fire load to get a few custom items out ended up with fortunate success on those items but almost everything else needs to be re-fired. I haven't had a chance to put another layer of glaze on them since we made a quick trip out to Palm Springs for hubster to do his third 100 mild bike ride so far this year. I picked up an adorable ceramic bird sculpture (he has personality!) at a cute gallery shop...maybe I'll even get around to taking a picture of him!

Fabulous Fun Finds

I came across this wonderful blog today. Many of you may be a part of it.  But it's called Fabulous Fun Finds if you aren't aware.  Thanks to Twillypop for the introduction.  Twillypop is giving away another one of her famous ribbon necklaces.  Enter for your chance to win. 

One World One Heart - The Winners!

The One World One Heart Giveaway (hosted by Lisa Swifka) is over today! Which means...it's time for me to announce my winners :D

Looking at my blog it says there were 223 entries, but there were a couple of deletions, so there are actually only 219 entries, but that's still a lot! At least for me. There were a total of 1,088 blogs participating this year, from 40 different countries! I'm guessing I got to around 200 of them. I would have liked to do a lot more, but life was just too busy/difficult. Ironically I got more comments last year (259) but I'm guessing a part of that was I had more time to visit other blogs!

Since there were over 200 entries, I'm giving away two pairs of earrings! I went to the random.org to get these numbers - see the pictures?

#13 is jasmoon-butterfly. You can find her blog here.

#153 is Amanda31 Gifts. Check her blog out here.

Congrats to both the winners! I had a lot of fun this year and I'm sure I'll probably participate next year again :D

Marketing Tip of the Week - Facebook Vanity URL

I got this tip from A Slice of Delight after I had purchased some cool Lemon Citrus Slice Soap from her Etsy shop. Not only did I get great smelling soap, I also got a technical tip as well. Don't think too many buyers and sellers can say that. As most of us know, Facebook can be a bit cumbersome. So I asked  A Slice of Delight if I could pass this wonderful tip on to my blog readers and she was more than happy to help out any one she can.  I copied her tip from our conversation to insure accuracy.


When you have at least 25 fans you can change your facebook fan page to what they call a "Vanity Url". When you first create your facebook fan page it's a long jumbled up string of letters/numbers and your business name. Some of you may still be using this long name and have 100's of fans at this point...here's what you can do...

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Click on this link - http://facebook.com/username - at the bottom of that page you will see this link - Set a username for your Pages - click on that then you will see a drop down and when you click the drop down you should see your ' business fan page'. I actually created two by accident so I picked the one that had already started getting a few fans - at that point you should have a chance to just put in the name (with or without spaces) or any form of upper/lower case you want) and check the availability. At that point you make the big 'commit' and you can't go back. At that point this long url (I've made this up) - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Berkeley-CA/A-Slice-Of-Delight/20800345155?v=wall#/pages/Berkeley-CA/A-Slice-Of-Delight /20800345155?ref=ts will get to be www.facebook.com/asliceofdelight (if that's how you want it) - It doesn't change the name of the page title (which may have spaces) but this gets the url down to something nice and manageable

Now the URL is nice and simple and can easily be put on a business card or any other place you want it posted/tweeted/promoted/etsy/blog/website/etc..

Theory Outlet Fabion Jacket

...blazer, that is. When boyfriend blazers and jeans rolled around last year, I stayed far, far away. Over-sized, long and boxy blazer on a petite torso? Baggy and cuffed jeans (case in point) on shorter legs? Sounds to me like recipes for disaster.

If any petites are interested in hopping onto the menswear train (which, according to March fashion magazines, are here to stay for at least another season) it's important to keep it in moderation and in proportion to your size. Definitely stay within the petites department to ensure a shorter length and smaller fit. Tuxedo blazers are a little over the top for me, but a slightly boxier / longer wool blazer from Theory? I can entertain that thought. Did you say on sale for over 80% off? Well, I suppose I can try it on...

Jacket: Theory "Fabion" Jacket in 00

Top: Ann Taylor ruffle tank in womens XS (similar here)

Pants: Theory slim pants in 00 (waist taken in and hemmed) - similar here in 00

Naturally, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic each have a rendition of the boyfriend blazer. I find Ann Taylor's (click here) in the Tropical Wool suiting material to be too formal, although the ground pepper color is lovely. The length for the petite sizes is 25 inches, which would hit a little past my hips like a boyfriend blazer should. For reference, the length on my pictured blazer is only about 22 inches.

Banana Republic's version (click here) however, seems to be a more versatile choice. Reviewers complained about how small it runs...which is great news for petites! On sale and still available in size 00 and 0, but the length is not disclosed.

Love the thicker wool fabric and light gray color, but not digging the tiny lapel. It was $74 down from $415 at the Theory outlet, so I forgave this one flaw. I think I'm going to re-iron the lapel to make it longer and turn this into a one-button blazer:

I know this isn't a true boyfriend blazer (although my own bf immediately called it one), but it does embody hints of menswear. I tried to detract from the boxier cut by pairing the jacket with feminine details such as ruffles, pearls, and flowers. I also cuffed the stiff sleeves, and removed the HUGE shoulder pads that made me look wider than I was tall. And last but not least, a boxier top mandates skinny bottoms. I paired these with my slimmest work pants for business casual attire...

...and with leggings or skinny jeans and flats for casual wear.

Closeup...with Gap plaid triangle scarf (sold here - only $7.99 online and dirt-cheap in stores!)

Fellow petites - what do you think of the boyfriend trend, and how do you make it work for your stature? Do you prefer classic, sleek silhouettes (like me) to trendier cuts? 

PS - A yummy shabu meal to bring in the year of the tiger : )

Pictured - boneless short rib, fried tofu, assorted shellfish, calamari, enoki, and ample watercress