My Liebster Award Nomination

Thank you, Leslie - From a Daughter, for nominating me for the Liebster Blog Award.

The Liebster Blog award is given to bloggers who have less then 200 followers.

-Each blogger should post 11 facts random facts about themselves.

-Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, then create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award on to.

-Choose 11 bloggers (less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them to your post.

-Go to their page and tell them about the award.

-No tag backs!

Random Facts About Me:

1. I am a craft-addict.
2. I am a Libra.
3. I really would like to go to a psychic, but I try to be frugal.  It is just not in the budget...
4. I am a mom of two boys.
5. I love good food.
6. I wish I had more time to read.
7. I have an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service.
8. I would really like to be successful on Etsy.
9. I am an Embalmer.
10. I am married to a Funeral Director.
11. I am tired.

Leslie's Questions for me:

• What is your favorite time of year?  Halloween through Christmas! Such a fun, magical time.
• Who is your favorite artist?  Peter Max.  I love the graphics of his 60's art and the texture of his more current work.
• Do you like From A Daughter on Facebook?  Yes, nice blog!
• Do you have a pet? Yes
• What kind of pet?  Two cats, Whiskey and Bourbon, both girls
• Do you use Spotify?  No
• What is the best thing about blogging?  I try to use blogging to keep me accountable on the areas of my life I need to work on.
• What platform do you use to blog?  Blogspot
• What is your favorite social network?  Facebook
• Do you do blog reviews?  Yes
• Have you had a good day?  Yes, but cold.

My Nominees Are:

• LaurenHessRambling
• mediocremomof3severelyaveragekids
• talesfromacottage
• brunoandbetty
• madddoggoftomorrow
• drinkstodesign
• kydelmakes
• holly-beck
• musingsofavintagejunkie
• newdaypottery
• injoyemporium

KABbeading's Questions for you:

1. What was your favorite book as a teen?
2. What is your favorite drink?
3. What color do you look best in?
4. What is the one thing you hope to accomplish with your blog?
5. Have you ever been to another country?
6. What is your favorite Christmas Holiday song?
7. What is your favorite thing to blog about?
8. What would you like me to blog about?
9. What do you do to relax?
10. If you could be a super-hero, who would you be?
11. What is your favorite mode of transportation?

Some THING to be Thankful For

I read an article on Yahoo! News yesterday.  It really made me think about the best "thing" I have to be thankful for.... my marriage.
Can you imagine being married for 80 years?  I can't even imagine being 80 years old, let alone to share my life with someone on such an intimate level for 80 years.

Couple Celebrates 80th Wedding Anniversary, Shares Secrets to Lasting Marriage

     There have been events that have happened in the past few months that have made me realise that my marriage is pretty awesome.  It is not all "rosey" and perfect.  Far from that, but it is a great marriage.

From the article, the two most important things I agreed with was the couple's advice of:  

1. Get along and compromise 

2.  Live within your means.  

My third that is more the summary of the whole article is....

3.  Be supportive of your spouse.

     Getting along and compromising is the day to day mechanics of a marriage.  This also includes communication.  You probably can not read your spouses mind and your spouse probably can not read yours.  Honest and open communication is the most effective way to make sure you are meeting the needs of your spouse and your spouse is meeting your needs.  Getting along and discussing anything and everything leads to being able to compromise on the things you may not agree on.

     LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS is a huge blessing for those who have been able to do it.  We are totally guilty of not living within our means.  It leads to much stress and unnecessary arguments.  Now, we are trying to dig ourselves out of this financial hole we are in.  If you can learn this BEFORE you let it get out of hand, you are blessed.  If you can get yourself out of a financial abyss and still love and respect each other, you are also blessed.  Most couples can not.  

   Being supportive of your spouse and the spouse being supportive of you is the "BIG PICTURE" of a marriage.  Even though you may not have interest in your spouses special project at work, it is important to ask and become interested.  That project could lead to stress and anxiety OR a raise or a bonus.  Either way, you being aware of the project and being accommodating to other needs that may arise will only benefit

your marriage.  A "project at work" could be a stay at home spouse's charity work, cleaning and bill paying. Take an active interest in your spouse's interests.

     Even if you are not 100% supportive of an idea/project, that is where getting along and compromising comes in handy! Marriage is not easy.  It takes work, communication and understanding from both people.  I am blessed to have a husband who works with me and tries to understand my needs while letting me know his needs.  My final thought on this subject comes from Ann Betar, the bride of 80 years, "You know what your commitments are and you try to live by them and understand one another. If you don't hold a grudge, you can face anything." 

*** the article I read and quoted was written by Lauren Sher - Good Morning America.

http://news.yahoo.com/couple-celebrates-80th-wedding-anniversary-shares-secrets-lasting-174309809--abc.news-sex.html

And....She's OFF!

I had this list of Goals that I wanted to get accomplished from the beginning of the year.

Goal 1.  Keep a running list of goals
Goal 2.  Get my office/ studio organised
Goal 3.  Get back into shape
Goal 4.  Keep the household better
Goal 5.  Work on my two at-home businesses more

Now, Goals 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been worked on!  I wouldn't say that I have completed or excelled at these things.  I have just been working on things, as I get the time.

Goal 3, I TOTALLY ignored.  I started the year at 150 pounds and just kind of flabby.  I noticed in the beginning of this month (August) that I am 160 pounds and getting round.  With the addition of the roundness, I have begun to notice my scoliosis.  I am only 5'3".  The BMI indexes say I am overweight.  One even said I was morbidly obesese.  I started watching what I eat 2 weeks ago.  I am using the app "MyFitnessPal" to keep track of exceraing and my food diary.  So far, I have lost 2.5 pounds.  I have not measured myself yet.

This is my "start" photo.  Yes, I know, I look like I am in my second trimester.....

But, it is a start.  I just wish I could get my arse up early enough and on a regular basis to exercise!  I can not get past week one of "Couch-2-5K" before hitting a snag and not being able to work out for a few days.  More to come!!!!

Filigree and Swarovski Button Earrings

This morning I sat down at my design table and just sat there.  Nothing in mind.  I started thinking about filigree and the few components I had on hand.  Then, I knew I had these small Swarovski Sew on Stones that I though would make easy earrings.  The bad thing about the stones was, the back of them was coated gray.  That is not good for a free dangling earring.  Sparkle side -- blah gray side....  But if I attached them to filigree, then you wouldn't notice the gray side as much.  I took out the single pieces of filigree and realized that the stones were too small of scale to go with them.  Then I saw a filigree ring that I had flattened.  I don't know why or when I had flattened it.... it was just there.  I liked the shape of the ends of the "ring". 

I took a picture of earrings I already made and an unflattened ring.

I then took the ring and with a simple pair of scissors, I cut the filigree in the shape was appealing to me.  

 I took apart the original pair of earrings and reused all the components and added one 

                                jump ring to attach

 the Swarovski stone to the filigree. 

I am really happy that the filigree helps cover and hide the icky gray side of the stone.  I am also ecstatic that I was finally able to figure out a different use for the filigree rings.  

I have really wanted to work with and experiment with filigree, but always allowed myself get stumped.  I was afraid.  I don't know why I would be afraid!  In jewelry making (and most things crafty) usually you can always re-use and re-purpose projects that don't come out "just right".  

Yippee Dread

For those of us who craft and then sell our lovely creations, there is always that moment of dread.  The dread is there especially if you sell online. 

Yes, you have made your wonderful creation with supplies and creativity.  You lovingly take photos, crop said photos, cuss out the darn camera and editing software (maybe that is just me and the other jewelry sellers…) You put the listing on Etsy, E-bay or the other gazillion online shopping venues.  You wait for the right person to discover your lovely-extension-of-the-artist handmade piece. 

Then… it… happens… YOU GOT A SALE!!!  You are elated!  You get out your packaging.   You look at the item.  Everything is together, nothing is tarnished or broken.  Anything that is supposed to move, moves.  Yay!  Item either gets wrapped or placed in a jewelry box.  The packaged item gets a ribbon tied around it.  Business card gets tucked in under the ribbon.  Thank you card is written and sealed.  The “freebies” are selected.  (Right now, mine are handmade Breast Cancer Pins along with a more traditional enameled Pink Ribbon.)  Everything is placed in a padded envelope.  Envelope gets addressed.  Whew!  A lot of work, but no dread yet.

You drive said creation to the post office.  Yes, I prefer to go to the actual building and mail it personally.  The moment I hand the envelope to the Postal Attendant or put it in the drop-box-rolling-thing…that…is…when…the…dread…STARTS!!!

OMG!  Is anything going to happen during shipping?  Are they going to like it?  Are they going to hate it?  What if it breaks?  What if they say it doesn’t look like the picture (that, by the way was such a pain to get right)?  Am I talented?  Who would want to wear anything I made?  Are they going to think I charged too much?

  WHAT IF THEY GIVE ME BAD FEEDBACK?!?

Then, a few days later you may get an e-mail, convo or notice the feedback on your site of choice.  Relief sets in.  The simple positive transaction rating keeps me asking questions.  I do like it when people mention my packaging.  I always wonder about the customers I never hear from.  The best is when you get re-orders!  Total validation!  

This week, I did get one of the BEST E-MAILS EVER!!!!   

Kelly,

I just received my order...and can I just tell you that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the necklace.  I've worn it just today and have already gotten compliments on it! The other two items are for my daughters as Birthday gifts...they are very cute and I'm sure they will love them.  Now.....can you do earrings that would match/coordinate with the necklace...I don't have anything that would quite go with it.....what do you think? :D

Stephanie M.

I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like me.

Al Franken, Stuart Smalley in Saturday Night Live, catchphrase

***yes, I was a teenager all through out the 1990's....***

Our $40 Date

Hubby and I have expensive taste.  We love good food, drink and ambiance.  Most of our date nights constist of eating really rich foods and drinking great wine or other adult beverages.  It is not uncommon to spend over $100 just on one meal for the two of us.

We have been noticing that we need to cut back on a few things.  Not just on our wallet, but also what we eat and drink!  So, last friday night we were trying to figure out something new to do. 

Mike had just been in downtown Joliet and noticed the banner for "Oklahoma" at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park theatre.  He came home and we got the kiddo's to the grandparent's house. 

We went to the show  and had a great evening.  Yes, "Oklahoma" is long.  We had a nice lady keep reminding us about that all through out the second act.  BUT.... we have only seen theatre productions in Chicago since we have been together.  The $20 for the two tickets would not have even covered the parking in Chicago!

I would definately go back.

On the way back west on Route 30, we stopped for "dinner" at Joe's Hot Dogs at the 6 Corners intersection.  Hubby had his typical 2 hotdogs.  I had one hotdog and we shared a bag of fries.  The total of our meal came to:  $14 even!  Then back on Route 30 to keep going home....  I wanted someting sweet.  Hubby pulled into Sonic Drive-In in Crest Hill.  Milkshakes were half off....  so, two medium milkshakes were just over $4!

The most odd thing about our night was.... we did not have one alcoholic drink....  Maybe we are growing up!

Happy Father's Day Etsy-Style

I know I should have done this last week or two weeks ago.
I have searched Etsy and come up with 5 wonderful gift ideas for Dads!  Now, some of them may seem hoity-toity, but my hubby is slightly hoity-toity.... so, viola!  But, these ideas would also be great for a hubby's, dad or grandpa's birthday, too!  (Etsy is a global handmade market place.  Most of the shops work hard at making items that you may not be able to find at the local super store!  Support Etsians -- Support Hardworking People Trying to Keep it Real Handmade.)

So here we go!

Dad T-Shirt  $28.75 - $30.75 (Personalized)

Comes in different colors!  This has been a favorite of mine for awhile!  Also, available in "Grandpa."

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BRANDED

Mach3 or Venus Razor Shaving Set with Stand and Handturned with Cocobolo Wood $70.95

This is a tried and true!  (I have not purchased from this particular store, but I have purchased one similar from another Etsy Shop.)  I have purchased two of these sets for my hubby in the past!  And if you ever have priced these out, the $70.95 is a wonderful deal!  Individual razors starting at $22.95.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/rowecraft

Bee Cufflinks - Natural History Jewelry  $35.00

My husband wears french cuff shirts everyday.  So, this is another tried and true for me.

On Etsy, you can find cufflinks with just about ANYTHING on them including Star Wars, Ninetendo themes, animals, Celtic themes, maps, personalised....  If you search for it, you will probably find it!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tstellanova

Whiskey Shower soap - Scotch Scented Bourbon Bar Soap  $7.00

This is just a fun addition!  Many other alcohol scents available!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aromaholic

Personalized Father's Day Gift Collar Stays Hand Stamped Initials Monogram Saying Custom Men's Gift Set of 2  $15.00

Way too cute!  I don't have a daughter, but this is totally true!  They also have collar stays that can be personalised with your child's names.  Collar Stays are another tried and true that every man needs if he wears a dress shirt on a regular basis.  This shop also features guitar picks, tie clips and golf markers that can be personalised.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/3LittlePixiesShoppe

So, there you go!  Men's gifts Etsy-Style!  Please visit Etsy whenever you are thinking of gifts or looking for specific ideas!  What is your favorite gift idea that I found?  What has been an awesome gift you gave your Hubby, Dad or Grandpa?  (Please comment... hint... hint.... wink... nod~!)

30 DAY 30 ITEM VIDEO WRAP UP

I decided to make my 30 Day- 30 Item Challenge Wrap-up more fun!  

I created an awesome slide show showing the 12 items I did get created, photographed and listed!

Free slideshow design generated with Smilebox

Please watch and share!  I love Smilebox!  I am debating getting a subscription for the collage options!

As far as the number of listings, I am a little disappointed that I did not get at least 15 completed.

That would have brought my shop to 101 items.  

Between my "day job", household, kiddo's..... sometimes a game of CandyLand is more important.

Creating a Bzz for Garnier Fructis

I am a Bzz Agent.  I get sent products to try and then "Bzz" about them and create a "Bzz." 

The campaign I am doing now is for Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine.

I have used this product a few years ago and hubby started buying another brand.  I was excited to get this.  First of all, it smells great!  The shampoo and conditioner has such a wonderful uplifting scent!  Garnier is touting "Fruit Science." Using different fruit oils and extracts to achieve wonderful hair! I think it works!

Second, the shine is awesome.  I was using another "sleek" shampoo that did cut down on the frizz and fly aways, but did not pump up my shine!  My hair is not unmanageable, but it does get frizzy and dry.  I have noticed a difference in the smoothness and softness of my stick straight hair.

This photo was from our Florida trip.  I used Garnier Fructise Sleek and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner the entire trip.  Also no hairdryer!  Just a little spray of hairspray and air dry in the humidity.  I think the shampoo and conditioner helped a lot!

Now, Garnier is saying that this product will give you sleek hair for 3 days in 97% humidity.  I personally can only go one day with out washing my hair.  On the days I skipped washing my hair, my hair was still smooth and shiny.

The other item worth mentioning is the new redesigned bottles!  I did have difficulty opening the old style bottles.  Add that to a wet soapy shower and you have dropped shampoo and conditioner.  The new bottles are easier to open because of a round ball "button" on the lid!  Also to be more environmentally friendly, their bottles are lighter and feature PET and 30% recycled plastic.  Less plastic used in packaging means less plastic being used!  Win, Win!

Finally, Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine is readily available at all the mass retailers.  Affordable  with a suggested retail price of $3.99/ 13 oz or $6.99 for 25.4 oz.  (and Garnier does have coupons regularly in the paper.) 

Garnier makes products for the other hair types, too!  I have only tried the Sleek and Shine.  I will be using this shampoo and conditioner.  I will probably also look into the other products in the line that includes Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream, Anti-Frizz Serum and Frizz Defeat Deep Conditioner Treatment. 

Like them for product updates and giveaways:  http://facebook.com/GarnierUSA

*** BzzAgent and Garnier Fructis provided the "facts" that I used in writing this blog post***

I used the facts along with my honest opinion in writing this

30 Items in 30 Days Items 3, 4, & 5

So maybe May wasn't the month to try this.  With a vacation in the beginning of the month, a wicked cold to follow,  outside family stress, now sick kiddos, working full time.... aurgh!

But here are items 3, 4 & 5:

ITEM 3:  Shades of Green Badge Lanyard

Supplies used:  Pre-strung plastic beads, jump ring and lanyard clip

Goals accomplished:  1.  Used up left over beads from another project

2.  Created something I have never made before

I went down to clean up my counter tops of my office.  I had in my hand the green beads.  I looked at the lanyard clip.  Within two minuets, I had created this badge lanyard.  Woo-hoo!

ITEM 4:  Pink Ribbon Find a Cure Earrings

Supplies used:  Images, laminating machine, laminating sheet, head pins, pink Czech crystals, stamping pad, stamp, hypoallergenic ear wire.

Goals accomplished:   1.  new item listed   

I made three pairs of pink ribbon themed earrings for an Etsy-Facebook Friend's Breast Cancer Fundraising Auction.  Two sold and this pair did not sell.  So, onto Etsy they will go! 

ITEM 5:  Beaded Necklace with Crystal Copper "Wild Heart" Pendant

Supplies used:  "Wild Heart" Swarovski Pendant, seed beads, copper clasp, copper wire, jewelry wire

Goals accomplished:  1.  New item listed  2. A creation no longer sitting with my completed projects

I made this necklace for a craft show that I was in last December.  It got packed away with all the completed items to be sold.  Ahhhh... now it is added to my Etsy shop! 

I have added one more item, but I think three items in one blog post is more than enough.  I was also featured in Treasury Island Team (Etsy) spotlight on Wednesday.  The wonderful team-mates there made 12 treasuries featuring different items.  I hope the exposure will lead to a few sales.  In one of the treasuries is an item I would like to get hubby for either Father's Day or his birthday. 

I typically use my Etsy sales to buy supplies or gifts.

Maybe I can salvage this Challenge!  I just really want 100 items in my shop by the end of the month (currently at 91)!





30 Items in 30 Days Challenge - Item 2

This is what is going on.... I want to get 30 new items in my Etsy Shop in 30 Days. 
It is late.  I have been up since 5 AM and I have to work late shift tomorrow.  Being a mom of two toddlers = no sleeping in.  So here is Item #2....

Item #2:  Black Million Flower Dangle Earrings

$7 www.kabbeading.etsy.com

Supplies used:  ear wire, jump rings, head pins, silver toned beads, glass beads.

Goals accomplished: 

1.  New item listed

2.  Item no longer just sitting in my "completed" box

I made these earrings, probably last summer.  I never had time to get them in to my shop.  I forgot about them.  When I did an inventory after the holidays, I put them in my plastic pencil box that I have labeled "Need Photos."  I took and edited the photos around Easter and then, they just sat.  I rediscovered the earrings yesterday.  This design has always done well in my Etsy shop.  I offer them in three colors:  Clear with multicolored flowers, Red and Black.

****I started this post at 11:30 pm on 5/6/2012.  A storm came in an wiped out my DSL line, so I had to finish this morning.



30 Items in 30 Days Challenge - Item 1

I have a major issue.  My Etsy shop needs a boost.  I have a room full of supplies.  So, I have decided to challenge myself to get 30 new items listed in 30 days.  So far, I have found three pieces that are not in my shop and I have made one new item that I have never made before.

I received my challenge inspiration from Fusion Beads.com.  In March, they had a 30 day jewelry challenge. Some of it, just didn't appeal to me. So I took 30-something pieces of paper and wrote different things on them to create. Or ideas for a project. (for example: make a necklace, use up left over beads, make a badge lanyard, use a problem pendant, ect...) I did put in 4 of the same peices of paper for: Make a necklace, make earrings, make bracelet. The "basics" of jewelry.

Also, any sales for this month, all profits will go to my Relay For Life fundraising.

So here goes!!!!

30 ITEMS - 30 DAYS CHALLENGE

Item 1 --  Earth-tone Lampwork Donut Pendant with Messy Wrapped Bail on a Beaded Chain

$18  www.kabbeading.etsy.com

Supplies used:

  Lampwork donut focal bead made by local artist, copper wire, beading wire, copper crimp beads, copper jump rings, copper clasp.

Goals accomplished:

1.  New item listed

2.  Start of my CHALLENGE.

This necklace was made before the holidays.  I made two other similar necklaces and they both have sold: one at a craft show and another on my Etsy Shop.  I especially love the pendant made by local artist Sarah Fisher.  The iridescent earth tones are so beautiful!  The seed bead mix complements the pendant perfectly.  I had fun with the free-form nature of the messy wrapped bail.  Necklace is 18 inches long with a 2 inch pendant drop.

That is the start of the challenge.  Anything you would like to see?  Any other information I should add?

Have a great weekend!

The Trend That Doesn't Go Away.... It Just Gets Reinvented

Mother's day is approaching.  My Mother In-law got a Pandora Bracelet for Christmas.  So, I am going to get her two beads with in the shades of the boys' birthstones and a "Grandma" bead.  Since I can not find a genuine Pandora "Grandma" bead, I am going with another company.  I have wholesale access to the beads, but have to have a minimum order of $100.  So, I am debating on doing my own charm/memory bracelet.

I really do think this is a jewelry trend that will never go away.  It just gets reinvented in a different way.  And with all the "charm companies" hitting the direct sales market,

CHARM BRACELETS ARE BACK!!!!

So, the question is.... Pandora Style?  or Charm Bracelet Style?  I personally like the Charm Bracelet Style better.  But I think Pandora Style will be better for work.....  aurgh!  Decisions, decisions! 

But I guess I better make it fast!
If you are looking for any sterling silver charms or big hole beads for those Pandora-style bracelets and want to be included in my order, let me know!  There will be a mark-up, but all proceeds will go to my Relay For Life fundraising efforts!
I also need to get my Mom's "Grandma" Bracelet that I made for her re-made.  Another grandchild was born almost a year ago and I need to add her to the bracelet.  Below is the one I made for Mom.  The girls are the bi-cone shape Swarovski Crystals and the boys are round!  If anyone is interested in one of these, also please contact me ASAP of Mother's Day delivery!

I am probably going to put in my order for the charm bracelet beads on Monday, April 23.

If you are interested, contact me by e-mail: scooter-fd@hotmail.com

March in Review....

I did not get everything accomplished.  I did not get ANYTHING accomplished.  We had staff at my day job on vacation and a ton of things going on at said day job.  When things get rocking at the funeral home, life at home stops.  I just don't have the time, energy or emotional power to "do it all."

As Far as my 5 Goals go.....

1.  Keep a running list of 5 goals.... yep, got it.  But, I am not finding the time to even work on the Goals.

2.  Get my office/ studio organised.  Ok, when I had the time, I did work on this one.  I was able to sit down at my workspace and go through some things.  I can even move my chair around!

3.  Work on my belly.  Not much in March, but April I should have a good update on this goal.

4.  Keep the household better.  HUGE FAIL on this one.  Including a bill getting paid late and a late fee.  Oh, which reminds me.... credit cards are due.....  And we are not going to have a visit from the Easter Bunny, it will be the Dust Bunny.

5.  Work on my two at-home businesses.  I have been doing more social networking on Facebook and Etsy.  I had one sale for KABbeading in March and 2 in April already.  February was still awesome!  But I am also participating in an auction for an Etsy friend of mine.  Lauren is raising money for Susan G. Komen with an auction on her Facebook site.  I have three pairs of my laminated earrings up for auction.  Currently at $3.50 and free shipping!

available through Tutu's & Tea Parties Auction for the Cure:  https://www.facebook.com/KABbeading#!/photo.php?fbid=336241616428106&set=a.336241543094780.93119.142834599102143&type=3&theater

Now, it is April.  Let us see what this month of re-birth will bring!



What is this all about?

I read everywhere that if you are trying to run a home-based business:  START A BLOG!
And if you are a mom:  START A BLOG!
So, I decided to START A BLOG!!!

I have not had much direction.  I was not sure where I wanted it to go.  I have done some research and homework.  It seems, most people have the "Cute, Funny Kids Blog,"   or the "I-Have to-Keep-You-Updated-Because-Something-Terrible-Is-Happening Blog,"  or the "Totally Business Blog."  I really don't fit into those Blog-Types as just one.
Yes, I am a mom with cute and funny kids.  I see and feel sad things everyday.  And I have two home-based businesses that I am trying to get off the ground.  So, I am going to be that MissMashSquash Everything Together Blog!
Also, I have been using this blog to keep me grounded and and accountable to my goals! 
I am going to try to update once a week.  Some weeks it may be something about KABbeading,  other weeks it may be a product review of a favorite go-to product (mmmm.... maybe a Votre Vu product....) or maybe it would be inspired by the Brothers Boyd.
But, one feature I have liked writing is the Month Review of My Five Goals!  I have not been able to actually say that I have completed a goal, but I have made steps here and there.  And I have been trying to better myself and my situation.

So, keep me in mind!  Better yet, subscribe to my blog!  You never know what I may be babbling about next!

The month of February is over.  My 5-Goal Plan is still in place, even though I may not have accomplished much. 
Goal 1 - keep 5 goals in place and work on them --- DOING....  WORKING ON......
Goal 2 - Get my studio/office organised and in "working order."  HUGE FAIL!!!!!  So, for March I am just going to get it in working order so I can start designing again and using up some of the supplies I have found.
Goal 3 - Get belly in shape.  I STARTED.... then stopped.  Yep, right when I actually started to see results.   Oh well.  New month, new try.  I think I may want to try a 5-k.... I am still thinking about that one.
Goal 4 - Keep household better.  I THINK I AM DOING BETTER.  I just hate bill paying and with vacation planning and the new-roof project..... I am a tad bit overwhelmed with it all.  But I am current in Quicken....
Goal 5 - Work on KABbeading and Votre Vu more.  I am very pleased with my KABbeading work this month.  A wholesale order to Florida.  A necklace to New York.  Bracelet to California.  Earrings to Plainfield!  I was able to donate (from my KABbeading earnings) $32 to Cholangiocarcinoma.org and another $32 to may own Relay for Life.  Votre Vu..... not so much.  But at least I get a great discount....

Now, on to March.  I would like to get at least 1 new item onto Etsy a week.  That would cover Goals 2 & 5.  I would like to start walking again -- Goal 3. 

I have already made a $9 sale on KABbeading.  I would love to make or beat last month.....  We shall see. 

"When you put pants on a dog, they crap in them."

This is totally THE TODDLER REMARK OF THE WEEK!

Who knew a four year old would be so wise. And also totally state the obvious.  Proud Mom here, even if he does say the word "crap."


This month has been busy.  Busy at my day job, busy at home, busy with family stuff.  I still need to get that studio of mine cleaned out.  I am almost to the point of just taking all the clutter and putting it into plastic tubs and then just tackling the tubs one-by-one.  By doing this, I would have a clean slate, so I could start making and designing again.  BUT, I would have just moved the mess and not organised it.....  I'll see what I can get accomplished in the next few days.
I have had my best month on Etsy, so far (a few days left) and also sold a pair of $20 Swarovski Wire Wrapped Heart Earrings.

So, to give back,  I am going to give to two Charities.  30% of sales proceeds are going to Cholangiocarcinoma.org  and another 30% is going to my American Cancer Society -- Relay for Life Fundraising efforts.  So, that is $32 for each!  Yay!


Please check out the Cholangiocarcinoma website, because it is Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month.  Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer that is increasing in diagnosis in the US.  All donations made in the month of February will go 100% to research.

I will be back on Wednesday/Thursday with my End-Of-Month Goal Summary.

My Etsy News!

I am having a BUSY, but fun week. I have received 2 Etsy orders. One was just a simple necklace to New York. The other order was my first wholesale earring order. My little "It's a Boy!!!" "It's a Girl!!!" earrings will be debuting at "A Star Is Born- 3D Ultrasound Studio" in Riviera Beach, Florida! My goal for my Etsy Site is to get $100 in orders this month. So far, I am at $76. For me and the over saturated Etsy jewelry market, this is a great month and to reach $100 is going to be hard. I still need to get my studio in working order. I would be able to be more focused and get plans and designs going better.
http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.242411569.jpg

I have made another Etsy Milestone for me. I made a Treasury (I believe that this is what spawned Pinterest, a collection of items from Etsy with a theme) and it has received the most "Clicks" and "Admirers" for any Treasury I have ever done. And it is not one of the most viewed Treasuries I have made. Check it out!!! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODU0NDIxOHwyMDc5Mzc3MDY4/the-one-that-got-away?ref=pr_treasury

If you haven't yet, look to the right -----} And go to my Facebook page for either KABbeading or Votre Vu (heck, just go to both) and click "Like!!!!" Every 50 increment "like" milestone, I will do a giveaway here on my blog. (Too many rules for a Facebook Giveaway.) I am at 124 for KABbeading....

I am feeling good. I have even started doing sit-ups. (GASP!!!!) The mom-group I am a part of started the fitness challenge. I think they got it off of Pinterest, but as a novice workout gal, it seems easy enough. You start out the month doing:
X - Push-ups
X - Sit-ups
X - seconds Planking
And everyday work your way up.
I almost died, when I couldn't complete 5 Sit-ups the first day..... I am currently at 12 reps of each. I knew I was out of shape, but this is ridiculous! Push-ups are an awesome all around exercise. I feel it all the way up and down my body. Hubby is joking that I will be rocking a bikini in Florida. I wouldn't go that far....

I am still working on my other goals and plans. Feels good to look and see things happening because of planning and working on "me."

Have you started your 5-Goal Plan yet?

First Month is Almost Over

Quick wrap up of January 2012.
I decided to start the year with a list of 5 goals. So far, there is only one goal that I have
done NOTHING with. Pretty good, in my humble opinion. To start, my first
goal was: To keep 5 goals in place. They are in place and being worked on.
Second goal was: Get my office/ studio workable. I am nowhere near done in there, but I can walk to get to the printer and 3 upper cabinets and one lower cabinet is all cleaned and organized and many of the beads are organized and in their own plastic boxes with labels! Third goal was: Get belly in shape. Yes, that is the goal I totally ignored; however, I am looking at photographs of our Florida Trip last year. I was not in shape and I know I can be better. Fourth goal: Keep household running better. I have been doing better with laundry. Maintaining the
house (others would call this cleaning, but with two toddler there is no such thing as a clean house.) The bill paying has been ok. I need to set up a spreadsheet, new Quicken system and set aside time to look at budget and bills at least once a week. Fifth goal: Work on KABbeading and Votre Vu more. I have been doing ok with KABbeading, but need my office clean and organized to really do anything productive or to even concentrate on the work.

There are a few things I am working on to keep my goals in sight. I have made dry erase goal
worksheets. Simple laminated sheets of paper with an inspirational quote on each one, space for me to write the goal and three ways to accomplish the goal.
When goal is met, then I can just erase the board and start over. I am working on a daily planner, so I can see what I have got done in a particular week and what I still need to do. Blogging is helping me keep everything in sight and keeping me accountable. I don’t have much of an audience, but that is fine with me. As long as I am improving myself, I am happy.
The first month of the year has almost ended. In February, I would like my office to be completely
organized and workable. I am also trying to fundraise for a RELAY for LIFE campaign and I am going to try an auction on my Facebook Fan page for KABbeading.

Here is to MONTH 2 – FEBRUARY!!!!
http://www.kabbeading.etsy.com

http://www.votrevu.com/kellyb1

I read a book

Not having a lot of free time or a way to connect with other new moms when I was pregnant with Michael, I joined a pregnancy message board. It was organised first by due date months. This board made me realise that all these goofy things going on in my body were normal. As the babies were born, we talked about the milestones, crazy family members, vents about hubbies, the thoughtful things our hubbies may have done. We built relationships that have evolved. My due date board that I had when I was pregnant with Michael, has had a few meet ups. Including a trip to the Wisconsin Dells.

We "met" other moms from the other due date threads as advice or WWYD type questions came up. We would pray for each other and try to support each other during trying times. And also annoy each other for fun.....

Then, MSN decided to do away with our message board. Now, we are a "secret group" in Facebook with a few sub-groups. One of the sub-groups is a Book Club. Since the addition of the kiddo's, I have not managed to read a real adult themed book in about 3 years. When the suggestion of a Book Club came up, I was excited to attempt to find time to read again. We are not organised, but I did take a suggestion from a member to read "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson (non-fiction).

I am a fan of fiction. Most recently, I have read "Harry Potter" or Dean Koontz. I have always looked at non-fiction as bland. This book was anything but bland.

I am not going to give up any of the interesting nuggets of this descriptive novel. Some of the parts were amazingly beautiful and others were disturbing. It is amazing on what got accomplished in three years in Chicago at the turn of the century. Essentially this is a tale of two inter twinning stories. One story is magnificent and inspiring tale of the people and event known as the 1893 World's Fair. The other story is a tale that would have happened anyway, but the World's Fair added fuel and "resources" to a sinister mind.

Wonderful story telling by Mr. Larson. I am happy his story sucked me in. I am happy I was able to read an adult book within a week!

Now, the new challenge is to read as many books in the TIMES -100 Greatest Novels list. http://www.listal.com/list/times-100-greatest-novels-1923

Listal has the books in alphabetical order.

I have the "Adventures of Augie March" by S. Bellow, already checked out and on my bedside table. I have decided, if I can't "get into" the book, then I will skip it. I will chronicle my journey through the list. Maybe someone would care to join me? This seems like a fun challenge. Like I NEED any more challenges.....

SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD SO SHE DID.

She believed she could so she did.
I came across this quote a couple of weeks ago when I was making my Dry Erase Goal Sheets. (More on that later.) The quote is so simple. I have had a rough start this New Year. We have been busy at the office, so not much has been getting done at home. There is so much that needs to be attended to. I was going to have a pity party for myself, and then reality slaps me in the face.

My struggles are tiny compared to the struggles of others. I have been following a blog called “EBing a Mommy.” It is a narrative of the struggles a Mommy has caring for a toddler son that has a rare genetic disorder (explanation is at the end of this post.) Courtney (the mom) has unbelievable strength and grace in her writing. I know her days are hard and trying, but her posts are so calm and inspiring. Her little boy passed away this weekend. With extraordinary grace she wrote a small post to let everyone know. Her life has revolved around the constant care her son needed. I don’t know if I could have done all the things she did. SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD SO SHE DID.

There are struggles all around us. Some are very public. Some very private. My life is trying because I see the struggles every day. I get a bit numb. As a funeral director, every detail at work is important. At home, the details of running a household are not very important to me. But my children, family and home need to be as important as the families I serve. I need to work on me. I need to work on my goals. I need to be there for my family. I need to find pleasure in the small things. I need to slow down. We only do this once. There are no do-overs.

She believed she could so she did.

The information below is copied from http://www.debra.org/
Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic disorder that is painful and can lead to disability, disfigurement & early death. There is no cure or treatment today. EB makes the skin so fragile that the slightest friction causes blisters and skin tears. The eyes, mouth, throat and other internal organs are also affected.

Here is to the New Year! I have a few “Goals!” The word “resolution” just screams “fail!” to me.

The First Goal is to have a “Running List of 5 Goals” As one Goal is met or becomes a habit, then a new goal is determined.

Second Goal: Is to get my office/ design studio cleaned and organised. Right now it totally feels like something out of “Hoarders”! Step here, here, squeeze through…. Oh it is terrible. I just need to be able to find things. Yesterday, I got the three drawers cleaned out and I made garbage! It is a start!

Third Goal: Work on getting my “C-Section Belly” back into shape! I don’t even want to think about that one…..

Fourth Goal: Keep the household better. I have been terrible about keeping up with cleaning and bills. The house still looks great from the Christmas clean up, so I just need to keep up with the cleaning at least once a week (Hubby does the upkeep & de-cluttering— CONSTANTLY)!

Fifth Goal: Work on my two at-home-businesses, more! I get so many great ideas, but then don’t follow through. One part of this goal is to blog more. I have a blog about my jewelry and a blog about Votre Vu (a new direct sales skincare comapany that has wonderful products! I’m not biased or anything…..)

Here is to a New Year! May it be an organised and prosperous year!