Moving Too Fast

That's what the calendar seems to be doing these days. Selling jewelry makes you think almost a season ahead, or at least a holiday ahead. This makes the calendar go by a little to fast for me. Not to mention, the holidays, even the quick ones seem to last forever.

So here I am in January, not even through a birthday party or a school holiday and already I am working on these. I am not a big fan of pink ( or reds for that matter), but these Venetian Beads just make me swoon. i admit, I do miss getting these little jewels as gifts, but it is also so much fun to sell them to the person who then feels they've purchased the perfect gift.

I haven't quite figured out how to get my husband to start buying me other peoples jewelry creations, but I am definitely working on it. In the mean time, I have bought these from Jewelyrie, and these from the most wonderful modcustomjewelry for myself. I deserve it!

The Buy Handmade Pledge

I did it and I hope you do too. Though I took the pledge last fall, my recent shopping excursion furthered my belief int he need to get back to the days of yore, when artisans sold their wares and consumers knew them personally. Wow! imagine! A conversation with the creator of your goods. Knowing the heart, soul and passion that has gone into a product to meet your needs. And let me tell you, custom work is bliss.

So, if you haven't yet done so, take a minute and take the handmade pledge! you'll be glad you did.

I don't know, but I would assume that most of you would agree with me on this rant. Here goes.

When I buy something, i assume it will be worth it. imagine that! i go to a store, plop down perfectly good money and I want something in return that is not broken, defective or a total farce! Wow! It appears i ask more than the retail Gods allow these days.

I don't want to spend my entire weekend ina car and a store. i want to spend them improving my life. On occassion, that requires cars and stores. i can live with that.
Maybe i need to write to my Lowe's. Maybe invite them over to the house. let them get to know the hubby. Apparently, big business has absolutely no clue the years I have waited for a few simple home improvements. Spending my morning, traffic clogged all the way to their store, only to find every piece of wood shelving damaged was not helping my cause. Trying to shop with the well intentioned gift cards from hell, again, not helping my cause ( well maybe that feeling like it's not costing US anything was a little helpful).
So, on to the boxed items. Hmmmm, wonder what that lamp will look like all lit up? SOL-outlets don't work. Hmmm, that desk lamp might not give off enough light. Ohh, they have one on display, let's check it out! Nope, no bulb! Hmmmmm, that one's cute! Nope out of stock.

I think you get my drift.

Let's just say, we got a lamp. and........................it's been returned. After great care in choosing a sturdy, well constructed box with a hearty product, the object inside is still cracked. back to the store it goes, cause remember, that's how I like to spend my day, or at least Lowe's thinks so.

well, the shelves got up and the lamps got purchased. 5 stores, 9 hours and 2 returns later, and yess we were the proud owners of (sing it with me) 2 desk lamps, four veneered shelves................and a gift card that can't be redeemed. Not what I would consider a totally productive weekend, but better than nothing. Maybe next weekend we can tackle bookshelves.

what a day!

or should I say week? or month? I just don't know anymore! I seem to be maximizing my multitasking abilities these days and it is nap inducing. Problem is then I end up awake at all hours amusing myself with things like this. What can I say? That Karma is my kinda gal!
However, after being held hostage by UPS for 2 days, getting the clutz award for stupid moves, pissing off teachers, doing the job of a pharmacist,teacher,store clerk, insurance adjuster, mom and wife, I needed the laugh.

So, a few days ago, I get a package.

It's from a Hussy.

Okay, so i have these gal pals. We call ourselves Hussies. It started as a fun, lighthearted response to some bad vibes goin'round. Well, over the past year, it has evolved into some great friendships. It seems, we all own similar boats. Some are newer models, some old classics. Some seat more than others, but bottom line is, we all understand the work it takes to keep our boats afloat.

We laugh, cry, share, listen and generally boost each other on a daily basis. Mostly, we laugh. Hard! Often at ourselves and each other. It's waaaaay cheaper than therapy and alot more fun.

Sometimes I find myself wishing some of the new found friends lived a little closer. There are a few I'd love to share a drink with or head out shopping with. Then I stop and think, no. It's kind of a special friendship we have. this talk everyday and know so much about each other, yet we've never met thing. I never thought I would ever in a million years find myself on an internet forum. Now I am there daily. What a treat too.

Thanks to great friends and long live the Hussy!

No Time for Sick

Who has time to be sick? Sore throat, stuffy head, exhausted. Who has the time? Especially a week or two before Christmas. Not me, that's for sure. Way to much to do. Then to find out Gram's in the hospital, Blah!

I have to admit, the shopping is almost done and the wrapping is close behind. Thanks to that man who invented the internet. No crowds, no malls, no traffic. MY kind of shopping. I will admit, I miss the spirit you get walking around all the fancy decorations. Maybe I'm getting old, but I am all about easy this year. Not sure I like that, but it is my reality.
The concert tonight should help put me in the spirit a little more. Maybe this cold lifting would help too. Cause like I said, who has time for Sick

A natural Reminder

So today is december 1st, and just in case you have forgotten how fun winter in Chiacgo can be, Mother nature gave us a great reminder today. I spent more time in the car today than one would hope to in this weather and my back is reminding me of just how tense the drive was. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and now rain. all in one afternoon. Now remembering that this is Chicago; home of the saved parking space, it would be safe to assume most drivers have seen snow. However, there is always that first snow of the season to send people into a tailspin. a few flakes, and you get a few flakes behind the wheel. Today, a few more than any one driver should have to contend with, but I did. and why? for this

and these