Purely Princess Jewels

Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-31T12:41:00.000-08:00

Another year almost gone...for me 2008 is a blur! Time flew by this year and I feel like we barely kept up! All in all it's been a good year, we've had a few ups and downs but nothing to bad. In 2009 my resolutions are probably similar to many of yours, like eating healthier, try to save more $, get organized etc. But my main focus next year will be on my kids and myself.

I spend an obscene amount of time helping others...it can be little things, like looking up info, helping plan an event, taking, printing or editing pictures, uploading pictures to places like Myspace or Facebook, going somewhere with or taking people places, just little things that all add up to a lot of my time. And dont get me wrong I love to help people, but that's the problem- I can't say no! So before you know it, I'm overwhelmed with my own work and cant keep up.

A few things really opened my eyes this year and it has left me feeling very unappreciated. Seems like no matter how much I give or try, some people just can't be pleased. And others are so selfish, that they have no problem excluding me and my children from important events. So, I've lost the passion to keep trying, since no one seems to notice or appreciate my help, I'm sure it won't be missed. It's time to take care of me and my family.

Well, that's my end of the year rant, here's to a bigger and better 2009!!

Taking a break...

2008-11-13T09:38:00.001-08:00

I haven't been intentionally ignoring this blog, I just havent been making any new jewels. As of now I don't have any plans to create anything new and am not taking any custom orders. I just dont have the time.

I have a very full schedule this time of year, and am trying to get my photography business ready for it's "official" opening. I have been busy with shoots, but can never find the time to work on my website, so I need to get that done. And my cousin will be getting married in 3 weeks on a cruise, we have 30 family members going and I am the group leader...basically that means I get to deal with all the issues and everyones vacations plans, lol! So yeah, I'm just really busy, but please check out my photography blog (http://jalmedaphotography.blogspot.com/) where I'm blogging more frequently!

And please, leave me some tips on how to keep organized! I used to be, and could even stay on task, but these days it just seems like I have to many obligations and can't find the time! I need a strict schedule or something!

Finally back...

2008-09-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've really neglected this blog the last few months:(! I am finally starting to get back into the ebay groove. Summer took a toll on me, my house and my business! I'm slowly getting everything organized and back into the school drop off/pick up routine again! Next summer I will make a HUGE effort to not schedule so many activities, we had a lot of fun, but were never home!!! We went from one activity to the next...all summer long!!!

Anyway, Wisterialane is having a fun BOOK launch...we each got together with another designer to collaborate on a design inspired by our favorite books! Come take a look at all the fabulous items!! Here are mine!!

Misty of Lilly*Anna*kids made this adorable hat & I made matching jewels...

Rainbow Fish inspired earrings!

Guess How much I Love You Inspired pendant...

Happy Birthday America!!

2008-07-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July! Be safe, have fun and don't forget the people who make our freedom possible!

And here's a little 4th of July fun:

4th of July Trivia

Rock out Muppets style with Sam the Eagle!

Can't get out to see the fireworks? Virtual fireworks right HERE!

Awesome recipes for 4th of July!! Recipes are even divided into regions to reflect traditions across the USA!

Summer Survival....

2008-07-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

If you are anything like us, then you have a busy summer!! With the warm sunny weather and no school comes lots of activities, summer camps and outdoor fun!

My daughter will be starting swimming lessons next week and I've been busy searching for products for her delicate curly hair! I did finally find a great product line called Sunsorials by Biolage, check it out HERE if you are interested.

But while searching for something for my daughter's wild & unruly hair, I came across these fun little survival kits. They are geared towards tweens & teens who participate in sports and extra-curricular activities, and I think they are the coolest thing! They have different little bags that come with everything you could need for whatever sport/activity your daughter partcipates in. The little pouch included items like hair clips/ties, deodorant, anti-bacterial gel, a brush, lip balm, sunscreen and even tissues.

These would be great to throw in their bag for those times you forget something or they have a beauty emergency, you can check out all of their products here: Chicz On The Go!

Wild Flower....

2008-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Two new listings (with FREE shipping!!) for Wisteria Lane's Wild Flower launch, see them HERE!!

Got Fabric?

2008-04-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Linda is having the Grand Opening of her new online fabric store and is offering a great special for all those fabric lovers out there!! Here is a note from her:

Hi, this is Linda from LilyandEbony. I just recently started a new side line business selling designer fabrics. My store is called AllegroFabrics, and I am having a Grand Opening! I would like all of you to be a part of our celebration. I opened my store a few months ago and I have it stocked with about 200 bolts of fabrics from designers and maufacturers such as Heather Ross, Jennifer Paganelli, Tina Givens, Joel Dewberry, MODA, Michael Miller, Amy Butler, Kaufman, Alexander Hoffman, and more. I cater to the Children's boutique world designers. Right now and for a limited time, I am offering a 20 % discount on all fabrics purchased on my website. It's my Grand Opening Special!

The voucher code that you need to use is: 20percent
Website: www.AllegroFabrics.com Have fun shopping. Stop by often. I get new things in all the time!
Linda,
AllegroFabrics and LilyandEbony

Jaden's Birthday 4-6-08!!

2008-04-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

My daughter recently celebrated her 6th bday! First she wanted a tea party, then at the last minute she decides she wants a princess party...so basically we just combined the themes!

Everything was decorated in pink & purple, her fave colors! We had lots of yummy finger foods, treats and pretty cupcakes! My fairy tale "mushrooms" turned out better than I expected (thanks Lisa, for helping me put them together)!! The bacon wrapped chicken and my sisters mini cheesecakes were a HUGE hit! There were gone in a flash! The kids loved the chocolate covered pretzle rods and marshmallow pops!

All of her close family and friends were there, the kids had tons of fun on the pony rides and getting their faces painted & ballon animals! Towards the end of the party we got rained out, so we had to move inside, but all in all it was a good day and everyone had a great time!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SLIDESHOW ON MY PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG!

Need a Serger?

2008-04-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

I just listed a practically new Janome serger on Ebay! If your interested l@@k HERE!

Anyone interested in a Resell?

2008-04-15T20:23:00.001-07:00

I have a lot of boutique resells to sell in the upcoming weeks and would love to be able to skip all the ebay listing hassels so let me know if you're interested, here are two for now....

The first set is a cute Dragon Tales set sz 4-6 made by Beverly of Cutie Pie Designs $60 FREE shipping!

And this cute little sz 4-6 set is from Linda of Lily and Ebony $40 FREE shipping!!

If you are interested in either of these sets, post a comment or email me @ tampabrat22@yahoo.com!

Finding the Ultimate Princess Suitcase.....

2008-03-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

So about two years ago while out shopping I came across the cutest little purse, made by Kathy Van Zeeland...I instantly feel in love and have been a loyal customer ever since! Her designs are so cute & chic and I find myself buying way to many of her purses because I can't just choose one.

So a few months ago I realized my 5 yr old daughter would need a larger sized suitcase since she is getting older/bigger. So that began my search for the ultimate princess luggage. I found lots of cutesy character stuff and colored sets in all shades of pink, purples, reds and blues...but nothing that was MADE for a princess! Until one day I thought to check Kathy VZ's site and I finally found a set I loved, it was the ultimate princess set, The My Mink Collection...so I tried to buy one, they were sold out, come to find out, they were sold out EVERYWHERE...this collection is HARD to find!!! I have searched and searched online and in almost every store in the area and had no luck!

That was until about a week ago, everyone knows I have been on the hunt for this luggage and it was spotted, I was called and in record time I made it down to the store to buy this suitcase that has been my obsession since Jan, LOL! So here it is, my idea of the ultimate fashionable, girly, chic and fit for a princess suitcase......

Yes, I know, I know, its black & white...I have a thing for b&w these days, LOL! But this picture does it no justice at all, the exterior with the little white crowns is adorable and the best part is the lining on the inside is hot pink!! What more could a girl ask for?

I'm lovin' me some nautical....

2008-03-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

WOW WOW WOW!! Look at all these amazing designs!! Almost everyone knows I am a major cruise and nautical clothing fan!

There is nothing I love more than having my daughter dressed to the nines every single day of our cruise!! From the cute day time casual wear to the fancy formal dinner wear, and of course all the matching accesorries!

So if you plan on cruising any time soon, or even if you just love those cute little sailor clothes, be sure to search WisteriaLane on Ebay this week for all these fabulous finds and more!

New photo blog....

2008-03-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Once again Timi has worked her magic!!

She created a new photography blog for me!! I wanted the same background, because I *LOVE* it, so it'similar to this one and oh so cool!! Come check it out: My Photography Blog!!

I have the shopping bug....

2008-03-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

OK, so yeah, this blog is suppose to be about jewels, but I havent been making as many new designs as I should be, just been so wrapped up with some other projects. BUT I have been spending a lot of time at the computer, which is located in my bedroom. And well, I just bought the new livingroom set and now I feel like redoing the whole house!! I'm sick of looking at my comforter (that I've had forever!) LOL! But since redecorating the whole house is not an option, I decided to redo my bed today!

So I went shopping and bought this cool new comforter, nothing fancy, it was actually really inexpensive...but I think it is way cool!! I bought everything shown here (expect my small pillow has a black bow)! I love hot pink & black together, it rocks!

Leap day......

2008-02-29T15:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, can you believe Febuary is already over? Where has the time gone? The days and weeks just seem to blur together! And yeah, I know leap day is not a holiday but it sure is a good day for sales...you know all the retailers have to find a way to get you to come spend money some how!!!

Well I took adavantage of one of those deals today, and bought some new furniture! I have been browsing the furniture stores for a few months now and have been patiently waiting for the right deal to come along!! Let's just say I have had my eye on this set for a while, even went to sit on it and check it out a few times with my fave shopping partner (my cousin Tanya!) LOL!

I was so excited to see that it went on sale today, plus I received a good coupon in the mail to use with during the sale, so I saved a LOT of money!! I bought the couch & loveseat shown below for a steal!! What'cha think?

How ya like me now? LOL!

2008-02-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

Check out my fabulous new look!! My sweet friend Timi gave this blog a complete makeover, one it seriously needed!! I am completely *in love* with the new look! Thanks so much girl, I don't know what I would do without ya!!

If your blog needs a makeover, you can trust Timi to do an awesome job and you can find her info here: BLOG MAKEOVERS!

Wisteria Lane....

2008-02-19T16:06:00.000-08:00

The ladies (and gorgeous designs) of Wisteria Lane can now be found on ETSY!!

If you have never browsed or shopped on Etsy, go do it NOW, you won't be dissapointed. There are many talented artists and designers listing their fabulous creations there, including the ladies of Wisteria Lane!! Check us out HERE!!

Ebay:(

2008-02-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

Where oh Where have I been??

2008-01-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

I absolutely can not believe I have not posted since NOV!!! Goodness, I dont even know where to start!

Well, I've been busy as usual and am finally back on track. I listed some auctions this week (just previous jewels I've made) but they are listed none the less!! Wisteria Lane has a HUGE launch coming up so keep an eye out for that, I will have a few new designs up then!!

We have a lot going on around here right now, the kids are both at a crossroads in what they want to do. Tristan doesnt want to do karate anymore and Jaden cant make up her mind between ballet, gymnastics or cheerleading!! Geesh! Tax season is upon us, and as a lot of you know this is a busy time for me (since I prepare tax returns)...I have actually already filed about 4 tax returns this week and the IRS just started excepting returns on MONDAY!!

Besides that I am feveriously planning so many upcoming events...a photography convention I am attending, a baby shower, a group cruise and most importantly my daughter's 6th birthday par-tea!! And last but not least I have finally decided to attempt to slowly start a photography biz, so I am working on that too.

Now I need to contact some of my super talented friends and see what they can do about this sad looking blog, it really needs a makeover!!

The first step is to admit it....

2007-11-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok, I admit it, I'm an official Blog slacker! I have severly neglected this blog but will try my hardest to get better!

We have been so super busy, with the usual Fall activities, school, work, photography and of course ebay! I've been busy with jewelry orders and spending extra time practicing my photography skills! So here are some pics from what I've been up to!

A few pics from Halloween:

And the pumpkins the kids carved (with my help of course)!

And some of my recent jewelry designs:

Let's shut these Scum bags down....

2007-10-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

Please sign this petition to help stop Orkut, they knowingly allow many users to create fake profiles using copyrighted photos of young girls. It seems to be a game for the unsupervised children of Brazil...they steal photos from the internet of young girls (ebay & boutique clothing models seem to be a fave) then create profiles on this site. When they are confronted and asked to remove them they refuse and Orkut is no help.

Please take a minute to sign the petition here: Shut Orkut Down!

We've been GRINCHED!!!

2007-09-26T05:51:00.001-07:00

Come check out our GRINCHY listings!!!

Help the TROOPS!!!

2007-09-18T18:12:00.001-07:00

A sweet friend of mine just informed me about a wonderful auction that she just listed for her son. He's smart, funny, a Boy Scout and best of all has a heart of GOLD and he needs your help!

He would love to raise some $$$$$ so that he can make a donation to our overseas troops and support his Boy Scout Troop, you can see the listing here-----> BOY SCOUT POPCORN SALE!!!!

Things are looking up....and a $ALE!

2007-09-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well, things are starting to get back to normal around here! I finally found a car I can live with (for a while anyway) and Gary's car should be finished gettting repaired in the next few days! So it's time to get my house and affairs in order...and boy do I have some catching up to do!!

I have not listed any new jewels in a while (on Ebay), but will very soon. Until then I decided it is time to clear out the samples and start fresh with some holiday designs! So if you are looking for a good deal on some fabulous jewels just click here! A few of the samples that can be found in my ebay store are pictured here. My jewels are perfect for stocking stuffers...and it's never too early to start holiday shoping!!:)

Oh and if you mention that you saw this here on the blog, I'll even throw in FREE shipping, just remember to let me know!

We're officially JINXED!

2007-08-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yep, I said it...we are jinxed! I dont know why but our bad luck never seems to end around our house! This week it's all about the cars...Gary's car, the lovely chameleon beauty:) that is pictured below, has been having some issues and after a bunch of expensive repairs we ended up finding out the engine is ruined, so we need a new one!!

So, as if that news is not bad enough there was still more to come! Gary used my car and parked it where his car is normally parked in our yard, and a tree fell and smashed it!! Seriously! It figures that during that last year and half that we've lived here, not a scratch on his car but as soon as my car is in that spot this happens! Too bad it wasnt his car, then we would have no problems!!:) So now we are carless at the moment, well I did get a rental, but I'm hoping for good news from the insurance company!

**!!**If you are a Toyota lover plase be cautioned, the following images may be disturbing or hazardous to your health!**!!**

LOL!!! Just kidding, here's my Toyota!

Back to School 2007!

2007-08-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Man, I am such a blog slacker!! I am going to have to commit to making at least one post a week!

Anyway, the kids went back to school last week! Yippee!! This is an exciting year for us, this is the ONLY yr my kids will ever be in the same school together, plus with her in Kindergarten and this his last yr of Elem. in 5th, I know it is going to be a year full of exciting things!! Jaden really enjoyed her first week and is excited each morning to go. And Tristan is happy he got the teacher he wanted, was chosen as a patrol, and was will get to play the xylophone in the chorus!

So seems they are off to a great start! Here's a few pics!

Wisteria Lanes Imagination launch!!

2007-08-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

I had the honor to photograph some amazing sets for Wisteria Lane's latest launch..."A Child's Imagination"! If you are looking for a unique fun set, or want to see any of the ones pictured look here! The gorgeous pink Fairy Princess over there <---- was designed by Linda of Lily and Ebony...the perfect costume for a princess!! Anyway, I'm having a great time learning and using our high key set up...and had I been told years ago how simple it makes modeling I would have done it then! Where we live is beyond HOT and the humidity is killer...so not having to worry about weather or having to race the clock for the right lighting is a godsend!! Although I really am glad I have spent so much time learning to use natural light, as I think it is always best to learn the basics first! And if I'm ever lucky enough to be able to quit my day job and call myself a full time pro photographer, I am confident I will be able to work well in either environment (outdoor/studio) even though I still have many aspects to master;)! OK on to some pictures....check out these amazing sets we modeled....this first set is by Timi of My Beach Cottage Designs...gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous with matching tote by Kathy of Pixie Dust Studio and clippies from Wendys World Art that are TDF as well!!! Oh and a matching necklace form yours truly!!

This next set we photographed is amazing!! The details are spectacular and the whole set is just too cute, it was designed by the talented Laurie of Blowin Bubbles Boutique! And the matching shoes by Lesli of Sweet Toes Boutique and tote by Kathy of PixieDustStudio are just STUNNING....these girls can paint like no other!! Their work is just fabulous!

and OMGosh...this set was just AMAZING!! We had such a fun time doing this set...Jaden had as much fun modeling it as I had photographing it!! Another STUNNING design by Timi of MyBeachCottageDesigns...isnt it gorgeous?

And this last pic I had to throw in because it was my fave of my beautiful little girl! She did so well modeling all these sets, I couldnt be more proud:)!

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY.....

2007-08-06T23:03:00.001-07:00

Whew...we have had quite the hectic schedule this summer!! I'm so looking forward to Aug 20th, school resumes here and I will be quite happy to get back to a routine!

I've been super busy this past month getting all my high key gear set up, keeping the kids entertained and various other projects!! My son will celebrate his 10th birthday soon, so I've been shopping and planning for that! And this past weekend my kids had the chance to take part in a fun fashion show at a local Back to School bash! It was fun, but really hectic...I'll share pics soon!!

New lens...and a "studio"!!

2007-07-17T21:15:00.001-07:00

Well as you can see, I have been a slacker in the bloggin department!! But I have good reason (besides my normal hectic schedule)...I bought a new lens and have been busy playing with my new toy!!

I bought the Tamron AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) lens!! Yeah that's a mouthful...and if you want to know what all that stands for or read about this lens look here !! I got a great deal on it and so far am quite impressed with the results! It has even given me the motivation to FINALLY finish cleaning out my daughters "playroom" and get my makeshift "studio" setup (pictures of that to come later)!! I never thought a little ol' lens could do that!:)

I used it for some modeling photos last week and was very pleased with the results! Here are a few of my favorite shots from that session with this new lens! All of these gorgeous sets were designed by my good friend Rhonda of HIPCHICK boutique!

Independence Day 2007!!

2007-07-03T15:46:00.001-07:00

If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person.

If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.

Chinese Proverb

"You're forgetting one very important thing, mate - I'm Captain Jack Sparrow"

2007-07-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

A few of my WistaSista's and I are listing some fabulous Pirate designs in honor of Johnny Depp...my all time favorite Pirate!!

Come check it out on Ebay (all listings will be up later tonight!)!

Me and My Teddy Bear....

2007-06-26T23:55:00.000-07:00

My daughter Jaden has a teddy bear that she has had for a few years now, it's official name is Jasmine (after her favorite Princess) but we all just call it teddy around here! The poor thing looks so sad and scraggly now...but Jaden doesn't seem to notice, she loves it unconditionally:)!

She has carried teddy around everywhere, wherever she goes, teddy goes! The bear goes shopping with us, to the park, to her Grandparents house, the movies, out to dinner and it even goes on vacation with us... you name it and teddy is right there!! LOL!

So as Jaden get's older I notice teddy has been slowly fading from our outings & sometimes sits untouched for a few days... and it is a sad reminder that my little girl is growing up:(! So my newest necklace is for my sweet daughter and her beloved teddy!

Come check out all the Teddy Bears on Wisteria Lane!!

2007-06-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just got home from work a bit ago...and found Jaden in her litle wading pool!! Grandma bought her some new water toys, and she just had to try them out!!

So I grabbed the camera to snap a few shots to practice my manual camera skills...this shot was at ISO 100 F3.5 1/200!

Snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails, that's what MY little boy is made of...

2007-06-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

My son Tristan, who spent the night at his grandparents house, brought home another "pet" today. I swear, this boy has a new bug or snake every week! He usually just keeps them for a day or so, plays with them a bit, then we snap some photos and he lets them go in our over grown jungle...uhh I mean yard! LOL! Boys will be boys! Here's a few pics of his itty bitty ring neck snake...

WHEW!!

2007-06-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I have spent my whole day working on this blog, it seems fairly easy, just takes a lot of time deciding where to put things! I wanted to create a photography blog and a jewelry blog but decided I would just combine them to make it easier (on me)! So now I guess the trick will be trying to keep it updated!:) LOL!

So for my first post, a few pics from my friends daughter Miss K's birthday party last weekend! Jaden was excited to go to Build A Bear with her friend! All the girls had a wonderful time building their animals and choosing the clothes! Thanks Rachel for inviting us!

The lighting at the mall was very difficult (for me) to work with, I had to keep switching from manual to AV mode because I just couldnt get the exposure correct with all the weird lighting conditions! Anyway these were a few of my favorite shots!