Happy New Year!!!

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...

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...

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!!

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....

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....

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

Got Fabric?

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!!

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?

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

Anyone interested in a Resell?

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.....

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....

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....

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....

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......

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?