Your Aura is Blue
Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life. You are very giving of yourself. And it's hard for you to let go of relationships. The purpose of your life: showing love to other people Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor

About Me

My photo
This blog started out as a way for me to display and sell my handmade jewelry creations. I have set up shop on Etsy.com, where my shop name is "Dreamin of Beadin". The link to my Etsy store is located on the right hand side of this page. Please check me out!! If jewelry's not your thing, then check out the site anyway ~ there are plenty of talented artists selling lots of cool things there. For your reading pleasure, this blog will serve as a sneak peek into what's going on "behind the scenes" in my world. I love to cook, so there will be plenty of recipes, as well as product reviews and the occasional product giveaway (woo hoo!) I also love to take pictures of anything and everything, and I just bought a new camera, so there will be plenty of photos. And I like wine too, so things could get pretty interesting . . . Thank you for your support of me, Etsy and "all things handmade" :)

1.27.2009

More *PINK* On the Front Page!!

Take a gander at this gorgeous treasury that was created by the lovely Janna of jaC jewelry!!! It made it to the Front Page of Etsy late last night. Unfortunately I was in la~la land when this was happening, but that is nothing new for me!
Janna so graciously picked my "Be Still My Heart" earrings for this treasury. I love pink, even though it often gets a bad rap. It's a cheerful color, and seeing this really brought some cheer to my day :)
Thanks Janna!

1.26.2009

Shop Update ~ Last Week of Sale!!

This is the final week of the "2nd Anniversary Extravaganza" in my Etsy shop! This week I am offering 15% off your order total (before shipping). Now is the perfect time to grab a unique piece of jewelry for a steal ~ a sale like this will not be offered for at least another year, if ever ;) Also, check back in the coming weeks for new items to be added ~ it has been a while since I've added new pieces, but let me assure you that I've been busy behind the scenes, and I have created close to 20 new pieces (mostly earrings!) that will be making their debut very soon. With Valentine's Day approaching, I've been inspired by old fashioned romance, so there will be many "vintage~esque" (love that word, thanks to my pal Kristin who "invented" it) pieces featuring pearls and brass. Also, a few glitzy jewels inspired by Hollywood glamour (could it be those award shows??), and a few Spring inspired pieces (Yes, I am already thinking Spring!!). I am very excited about bringing them to you!
I wish everyone a happy and healthy week!

1.25.2009

Front page feature, Computer problems and Clint

The past week has been mostly uneventful, but oddly enough, I don't know where the time went! I am playing catch up today ~ thanks to my husband for "allowing" me to use his computer (haha ~ each of us tends to be a bit of a computer hog, so we have "his" and "her" computers). I left the battery pack for my laptop at the office, and it ran out of juice ~ go figure.
Last Saturday morning I woke up to find my shop was featured on the Etsy front page, thanks to Alison Kelley Designs, who curated a lovely treasury of Valentine's inspired items. This was the first time I actually caught myself on the front page as it was happening, so that was pretty exciting. I am still completely inept when it comes to snagging a treasury of my own, but Alison and Janna of jacjewelry have been gracious enough to offer plenty of tips on how to get one. I came close on Friday, but unfortunately I was at work when the Treasury opened, and I somehow missed the window. Darn, that job really gets in the way sometimes!! :)
Speaking of treasuries and Alison Kelley, feast your eyes on this most loveliest of treasuries yet! This one features my "Splendor in the Glass" earrings and is full of girly pink. I have to say Alison, that this is one of my favorites yet. Truly I think Etsy should create a permanent position of "Treasury Curator", and Alison should get it!
Lastly, I wanted to give a mention to the film "Gran Turino", which we went to see yesterday. I hope you all go and see it! OK, so I am biased ~ the film was shot entirely in the Detroit area. In fact, I was driving home one day last summer when I happened upon the film set as shooting was taking place at Widgren's Barber Shop on 11 mile road in Royal Oak. I even caught a glimpse of the film's star and director, Clint Eastwood. It was pretty exciting!
I won't spoil the plot of the movie, but I will just say that Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski ~ an ornery, retired Ford line worker and Korean war veteran who becomes quite likable as the story progresses. He was quite believable in this role playing a character that personifies so many men of that generation ~ those who spent 30+ years working in automotive, earning an honest decent living and supporting their families. The character still lives in the same house he raised his family in, even though the surrounding neighborhood has changed drastically and fallen to disrepair. The title of the film comes from the vintage Gran Torino that Walt proudly helped build and maintains as his most prized possession.
So, if you're looking for an escape from the dreary days of winter, I highly suggest going to see this film. Yay for Michigan!!!

1.18.2009

And the Winner is . . .

Entry #12, paryjeja!! Congratulations!
**Please contact me by 1/31/09 to claim your prize, or another name will be drawn**
Thanks to everyone who entered my January Earring Giveaway :) I was blown away by the number of responses! If you didn't win this time, don't worry. Keep your eye on this blog for more giveaways in the near future.

1.14.2009

It's Smoothie Time!

One of my favorite gifts from Christmas 2008 is the WaringPro professional bar blender you see pictured here. Yep, I am a big dork when it comes to kitchen gadgets ~ you can laugh at me if you want, but I get excited about any and all things culinary ;) The intended use for this new tool is the making of beverages of the adult variety. However, I have been fighting a pretty bad cold lately, so the idea to make healthy, fruit infused smoothies came to mind. Here is one of my recent creations ~ the neighborhood grocery store had strawberries and blueberries on sale, and they actually looked decent, so I bought some. In these parts, we sometimes pay an arm and a leg for fruit that is out of season, and it’s not always worth it, but these berries were yummy. I mixed them along with a couple ripe bananas, plain non-fat yogurt, a little almond butter (for protein) and some ground flax seed. I also threw in some Nutella, because I love the stuff and I’m always looking for new ways to use it. Nutella makes everything better. It was actually pretty tasty! I’m now addicted to smoothie making, and I’m already thinking up new combinations that I can try with my new WaringPro. If anyone has any suggestions for me, I’d love to hear them! Feel free to share. I’m envisioning a trip to the market for smoothie ingredients in my near future ;)

1.10.2009

January Giveaway

My first giveaway for January will be the earrings you see pictured here. They feature brilliant cobalt blue and bright red vintage glass beads. The copper earwires were designed by the very talented Solivio on Etsy, and they are lovely in their own right. These measure a total of 2.5". My hope is that the delightful colors will help to wipe away the winter doldrums. (Coincedentally, the last pair of earrings I gave away were also cobalt blue ~ go figure!)
To enter, just leave a comment on this post. Entrees must be received no later than 12:01 am EST on 1/17/09. This contest is open to those age 18 or older. Please enter only once, in fairness to others.
A winner will be randomly chosen and the results will be posted on this blog by 1/18/09. The winner will not be contacted, so you will need to check back to see if you've won.
Thanks for helping me celebrate 2 years on Etsy! Good Luck Everyone!!
****This contest is now CLOSED. Thanks for entering!!****

1.07.2009

It's my Etsy ~ versary!!

I've fallen way behind on my blogging. The holidays were so chaotic (in a good way!), that I never even had a chance to extend my wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope that 2009 is off to a good start for you.
This month marks the 2nd anniversary of my Etsy shop, and I'm very excited about that! I've got some fun plans in the works for the entire month of January. This week, I am offering *FREE* shipping on all orders. Next week, a new promo will run, but that's a surprise for now ;) All month long, every order will receive a free pair of earrings. It's my way of saying thanks!
There will also be a few giveaways held on this blog, so be sure to stay tuned. Tonight I am fending off a cold so I am going to keep this short. However, do check back for lots o' fun and surprises!!