Finally!

Finally!, originally uploaded by bonnindesigns.

It's been a long time that I've blogged. I often feel that I have nothing to write that anyone would want to read. I think I'll start again in little, short entries. That may make it a bit easier for all of us.
Let's start, ok? I have had this bracelet that I made, but not completed, just sitting in a drawer for about 2 years. Once I made the bracelet, I couldn't decide on how to make the closure. These beads are triangle, so I could't have made a button from them very easily. A few weeks ago, I visited my local notions store and there it was, the perfect button. Now that was a few weeks ago that I brought it home. There was one thing missing: motivation. Ah, but yesterday I found that too and now you see the long awaited bracelet/cuff made from triangular metallic toho beads, Swarovski crystals, and a metal button. Just for me. I feel accomplished. Finally!

Published - Wow, Twice in One Year

Finally, and it appears true, 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, but I shouldn't get my hopes up until I see the inside of the book. As I've been failed before. But then again, why would the publisher email me to tell me that the book is coming out soon if I didn't get my work in it. Originally I was asked to submit 5 pieces, so we'll see how many made it into the pages. So, published, twice in one year. First it was my six words for my six-word memoir which is pretty hilarious since I am so far from being a writer, but now it's my jewelry, it's what I do. So it's pretty exciting. So that's 2 books with my jewelry in it. I've had my jewelry published in a book in 2006 for DIY's "Jewelry Making" . I guess I may be official now.

Vacation Dress Rehearsal

The kids are growing up so fast, I realized, it’s been years since we went on a real family vacation. Next year my daughter will probably have a full time summer job, so this has got to be the year for that next vacation. I put together a trip to Maui for a week in the summer and we’ll stay in a condo. That will be a first for me. But damn it’s so expensive to eat out for every single meal, especially in Hawaii.

Sneakily I thought we’d do a mini-vacation run-thru dress rehearsal this past weekend. I wanted to see how they act together and with parents. Typically they fight, I get a headache, and life goes on. It’s rare to tell the kids to “get in the car, we’re going to do something as a family”. Usually they are hanging out doing things with their friends on weekends and don’t want to be seen with ‘parents’. So off we went on a day trip to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It was a really nice day. Great weather, only a few spats, we did and saw it all. I think we’ll survive our vacation for 8 days.
The only thing was when I got back and downloaded my photos from one of the cameras I brought (I had 2, more on that in a minute), I noticed we had a problem. The camera was not working right and the memory card was damaged. The photos that were in the distance were all pixelated. Great. (None are on this blog entry). This was one of the first digital Olympus cameras made. The other camera I brought was my little KonicaMinolta Dimage. It’s great for closeups, but doesn’t take photos in dim light unless there’s a flash, and distance shots are pretty lame. I typically use it for my close ups of my jewelry.

Good thing I went to test out the camera situation. By Sunday, I purchased my necessary and new camera for our trip and all of the time. It’s a Canon DR XT and I got an amazing deal from Adorama. Adorama is an electronics store that specializes in cameras in NYC and has been around since 1975. They pump out the cameras so you can get a great deal.. I actually called and spoke with Frank. He was fantastic. My camera was at least $100 lower than anywhere I’d priced it and even $200 cheaper than Walmart where I saw it there today.

Spring Wakes me Up!

I just love the weather right now. I’m able to wear flip flops and short sleeves. My nose isn’t running from the cold and my hands aren’t freezing on the computer mouse. I got inspired to make anklets because they are the perfect summer jewelry. I love wearing an ankle bracelet with my flip flops. I picture myself with an anklet and my toes running through the warm sand at the beach. Yes, these are available at my etsy shop in all sizes for only $20. FREE shipping to the USA. And they match everything!

Yesterday I discovered a farmer’s market which is great because it’s on a Wed when I’m still buying food to cook for the week. The one I usually go to is on Thurs and I don’t buy much because by Friday I’m done cooking since I don’t cook on weekends for the most part. I picked up some amazing tomatoes yesterday and forgot to serve them for dinner last night. I hope I remember for tonight. That’s why I’m blogging this so it will help me remember.

Which brings me to my next point and that is getting old. I’ve never had a weight problem. Well, I’ve never been the weight I wanted to be but my weight always remained the same. I didn’t gain. Lately I’ve gained weight and it just kills me. I don’t fit into more than half my pants. They aren’t comfy. So as one solution, I’ve been hitting the gym and doing aerobics twice a week and cardio before yoga twice a week. We won’t talk about food however. That’s a whole other story…..But I must remember, it will be reality once I have to get into a bathing suit.

It's Already March?

Ok I admit I’m a slacker with regards to blogging. I just can’t pull my thoughts together lately to make it worth anyone’s while to read them. So today I’m going to give it a whirl. I’m currently consumed with kid stuff; keeping on them for assignments, getting their college funds pushed a bit, getting them to and from activities and school, and oh yeah, someone backed into my moving car in a parking lot 2 days ago, so my entire driver’s side of my less than 1 year old car must be repaired. Not like I have nothing else to do lately. Don’t you love those added bonuses?

I’m also taking time for myself. I’ve been trying to take aerobics and yoga at least 3-4 times a week. I need to fit into my pants, which all currently are tight. I refuse to buy bigger clothes since I should just get off my butt and move, but I hate how tight the crotch is when I sit down. SO uncomfortable. So what do I do? Wear sweats and the one pair of jeans that I do have that fit. Skirts too but I hate that my thighs rub together. Ok, TMI. But there it is, out there for the world to read. Thank God for body shapewear. I just bought the Barely There brand of shorts that are a bit high in the waist and are bike short length. They suck it all in. I highly recommend them, but not for everyday. You gotta breathe once in a while.

So you ask how my Etsy shop has been going. Thanks for asking. It’s going. Etsy is tough for jewelry because there are so many jewelers. I have some lower priced and more fun items listed. The Couple earrings are doing great and so are the Flower Hair Pins. I’m on my second batch of totally one-of-a-kind Couple earrings. Please help me promote these $15/pair cuties.

Crafty and My Daughter

Jenny Ryan of Craftzine.com Blog featured my 15 year old daughter's super crafty Science fair project, on the Craft blog today. It's a crocheted periodic table of the elements. It's so unique and she created it as she went along. It's the length of a bed and I'd have to say it's more of a wall piece than an afghan type piece. It took her 5 months to finish. Yay Emily!!! A+++ or bust.