Flamingo Junction

Time Out

2010-03-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have been conspicuously absent from Etsy for a few months now. I do have plans to re-open the shop eventually, but there is just too much else going on in my life to consider it at the moment. We are getting ready to move very soon and I have been fighting a losing battle with RA. I have many days when even walking is a challenge and have often put back the water or soda bottle because I can't get it open.

Meanwhile, I've started a personal blog that I'd love to have you visit. You may not always like what I have to say, but it's all me!

http://gaylesmind.blogspot.com/

It's Monday Again

2009-09-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Monday!

I am excited to say that I reached and surpassed 1000 sales at Flamingo Junction Too! this weekend! It was a great sales weekend with 12 packages going out today.

Over at Flamingo Junction, I've been working on new necklaces using many of the pendants I have bought from various Etsy sellers over the last year including the one shown here made with a pendant from TV Tray Art. I still have lots more to do.

At Mingo's Cabana, things are slowly taking shape. I have so many ideas and so little time to make them happen. But I'm working on it!

Since I will be gone on vacation from Oct. 7th until the 20th, I am trying to get as much done as possible in all of the shops before I leave. I will be leaving the shops open for business with shipping when I return. I just can't make myself close up shop in October!

The Land of Counterpane

2009-09-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

This was one of my favorite poems in "A Child's Garden of Verses". I read it to my sons many many times when they were young. For some reason, the design of this pendant by KanYoFuse reminded me of it.

Now listed at Flamingo Junction!

The Land of Counterpane
By Robert Louis Stevenson

When I was sick and lay a-bed,
I had two pillows at my head,
And all my toys beside me lay,
To keep me happy all the day.

And sometimes for an hour or so
I watched my leaden soldiers go,
With different uniforms and drills,
Among the bed-clothes, through the hills;

And sometimes sent my ships in fleets
All up and down among the sheets;
Or brought my trees and houses out,
And planted cities all about.

I was the giant great and still
That sits upon the pillow-hill,
And sees before him, dale and plain,
The pleasant land of counterpane.

Now listed - Jambalaya!

2009-09-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Available now at Flamingo Junction.

And the matching earrings!

Monday Morning Update

2009-09-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

I've been busy creating for the past few days and have some pieces that I am anxious to get photographed and listed!

After collecting them for months, I've finally made my first necklace using a pendant from KanYoFuse. It was either use some of them or try to figure out how to claim Kevin as a dependent this year!! Of course, I couldn't start with a simple one. No...I picked one with lots of different colors and way out of the norm for design. I wasn't sure how the finished product would come out but you will be amazed. It will be listed at Flamingo Junction later today along with a coordinating pair of earrings.

Otherwise, business has been good! I've got 8 packages waiting to go out this morning with weekend sales. Amazingly four of them are leaving the US today. Two to Canada, one to France and another to Finland (my first for Finland!). I have noticed an upward trend in International sales in the past month. Hopefully it will continue because I love shipping to new places!

Let the Games Begin!

2009-09-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

I just finished packaging the mail for today and I have 18 outgoing packages! The holiday weekend was a success.

Right now, I have about 20 new items to photograph for the jewelry shop, one more bag of beads and findings to sort and photograph and an entire bin of doll dresses that need to be brought back out for the Cabana shop before the Christmas rush begins. After the trip to the PO, I will be working on pictures for the rest of the day.

I love this time of year when all of the work of the the summer starts flying out the door and you know that something you made will make someone happy!

Christmas 2009 here I come!

Perfect Timing!

2009-09-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

I have been so far successful in allocating my time a bit more evenly between all of the things that I love.

As luck would have it, the day after I decided to spend more time creating, I got a special order for 3 bracelets. Usually I frantically try to fit them in, but this time I already had my jewelry station set up and her bracelets were finished by the next day! How perfect could her timing have been?

I am still getting it done in the bead shop, but just not at as fast a pace. I am reveling in playing with my beads and not feeling like I should be doing something else. Bonus for the hubby too...I've actually been cooking and I've even had time to bake cookies this week!

Balance

2009-09-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wake up one morning and feel that your entire existence has tipped the scales in one direction? That happened to me a few days ago and it is now up to me to tip it back to a more acceptable balance.

Last October, I opened Flamingo Junction Too! as a coping mechanism. I was grieving the loss of my mother and all creativity had flown out the window. I needed an outlet to keep me busy that didn't require a lot of creative thought so a bead and supply shop was born. It did the trick. I was constantly busy with pictures, listings and sales. It has been successful beyond my expectations.

Only problem is that I am in a much better place now mentally and I'm ready for more creating again but I just don't have the time! My sewing machines have been put away for over a year and if I'm lucky, I get a jewelry making day once a month. I opened Mingo's Cabana because I wanted to do some different things along with the jewelry and I have found some fun new crafts with ideas that I've yet to have time for. My brain is exploding with ideas that I don't have time to make reality.

So what is the solution? I would never close down a successful business, but I think it's time to scale it back a bit. In my goal to create a 'monster' supply shop, I have taken an important part of myself away. I have decided that other than sales, relisting sold items and renewing items, I will give this shop one full day a week for new listings. The other 6 days are mine to create and do as I please!

We will see how this works out over the next month, but I think it is a common sense solution that will benefit me and my family too!

Taking back my life

2009-08-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

I have been away from the blog for the last several weeks. Since I was last here, I have parted ways with my gall bladder, had my son and DIL visit for a week, hubby switched from days to nights and so much more.

One of the things on my mind lately is how much of an island I have become. I have lived in Dallas for over 3 years now and have realized that city life is not for me. The largest city I've ever lived in was 40,000 people! I don't like crowds and traffic so I find myself staying home more and more. Our apartment complex has insufficient parking so if I leave, I may have to park a block away from my building when I come back. The people living here are unfriendly (with 2 or 3 exceptions). I know the names of two people that live here. The rest are 'fitness guy', 'blue truck guy and his wife', 'upstairs neighbors', 'droopy pants', 'the cop', 'the guy who sits in his car and listens to music at night', and 'snooty pants'! The soundtrack of my life has become sirens, car alarms, loud music and traffic.

The decision has been made to move to a smaller community south of the Metroplex. We have to wait until next summer when our apartment lease is up, but after 3 years of trying to fit into a lifestyle that is not 'me' and never will be, I am looking forward to a slower pace again. Alan's commute will be about the same...just in a different direction!

The Joy of the Written Word

2009-07-14T05:22:00.001-07:00

Being a Boomer of the first wave, I've recently been thinking about some things that I miss in our age of technology.

Don't get me wrong, I love my email and cell phone. And unlimited long distance is awesome. I love turning on the web cam and seeing someone I love who is far away. BUT I miss the joy of opening my mailbox and having a handwritten note unexpectedly arrive 'just because'.

When did we all get too busy to spend 10 minutes on a missive, address an envelope and put a stamp on it?

When my mother passed away last year, the special mail she had saved over the years and her journals gave everyone another glimpse into a long and fruitful life. While it was difficult to go through, it was well worth the tears. We saw things that we never realized were so important to her.

So I recently began writing in a journal. Not every day at this point, but it will be something for my kids to hold on to when I am no longer here. It will give them a look at my life through the good and bad.

I have also begun buying pretty handmade notecards. My goal is to sit down once a week and send a note out in the mail. I have a feeling that it will brighten the day for someone that I care about. And who knows...maybe I'll start a new trend!

Mingo's Happenings

2009-07-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd just do an update post today!

I am scheduled for my gall bladder surgery on Wednesday the 15th, so I may be a bit absent for a bit. But the shops will remain open for business. Please be patient if it takes an extra couple of days to get packages mailed out.

My sister is doing better. While she was hospitalized they got her off of the morphine. From what I have been told by my other sister, she is much less confused and off balance now. She will be getting her new MRI on the 15th and we should know whether or not the chemo and radiation was effective in shrinking the tumor.

My son and his wife will be visiting from Illinois during the first week of August. They haven't been to Texas in a couple of years so I'm really looking forward to having them here.

And finally, something new is afoot at the Junction! I have a new shop in the works and will be unveiling it before the end of July. No hints though!! Be sure to check back on the 25th to see what I've been up to!

A Tiny Bit of July 1 Trivia

2009-07-01T09:12:00.001-07:00

Today is July 1, 2009 so how about a little trivia!

On July 1, 1963 the US Postal Service instituted the ZIP code system. Know what it stands for? Zone Improvement Plan

And what did it cost to mail a letter?

On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain as the British North America Act took effect. Here's wishing our Canadian neighbors a Happy Canada Day!

On July 1, 1972, the final episode of "Bewitched" was aired. Remember eccentric Aunt Clara? Do you remember what she collected?

LOL...doorknobs!

"Doorknobs are all very well, but they're not family. I count them when I'm lonely, but somehow today, you know they didn't seem to do the trick." (Aunt Clara on Bewitched)

But the real trivia is the fact that Marion Lorne, the actress who played Aunt Clara, was a doorknob collector in real life. Many of the doorknobs that Aunt Clara had on the show were from her personal collection!

"The more we learn the more we realize how little we know." - R. Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983).

And the Winner is...

2009-06-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

The entries for the Roses Are Pink Too earring giveaway are:

1. Rose
2. Jenn
3. blueviolet
4. pinkrosesglass
5. Linna
6. Robynsart
7. shells
8. minishoes1
9. Aik
10. Evelyn
11. Katrina V.
12. Kristy's Custom Creations
13. Audrey
14. sharonkay

Using the Random Number Generator at psyschicscience.org, the winner is...

7

Random numbers generated Jun 28 2009 at 14:2:49 by www.psychicscience.org.
Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

#7 is shells - Congrats Shelley!!

Earring Giveaway is Back!

2009-06-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday and time for an Earring Giveaway from my endless supply! I have many earrings that have either expired or never been listed. This week I'm giving away a specific pair instead of the grab bag.

Up for grabs this week is the pair I called "Roses are Pink Too". They are done with delicate polyclay roses and Czech Glass Firepolish beads.

For a chance to win, simply post in the comment section. Just make sure I have a way to contact you if you win! That can be either through your blog, Etsy shop or email.

Giveaway closes on Sunday, June 28 at 2pm CST. At that time I will post a list of entries and choose a winner using the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org

Good luck!

Let's talk dirty!

2009-06-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

I was having a discussion in the forums last night about Whoppers Malted Milk Balls and it started my brain on a journey into overdrive instead of sleep last night. I hate it when that happens!

I must preface this by saying I've been married for a long time. LOL...we always thought when the kids were grown that we'd be 'sexing it up' all over the house without restraint! We failed to take into account that we too would be older and much less flexible and that the ensuing nosedive of hormones would kick in.

But we still talk dirty. It just has a different meaning now. Let's face it, whipped cream is no longer a multi-purpose topping!

Anyway, I thought I'd throw out a few phrases and their new meanings...

-The Big O - The full 1 pound package of Oreo Double Stuf.
-The G Spot - The Godiva rack at Macy's.
-A Threesome - Yes it is chocolate, nougat and caramel...All Three of those Musketeers.
-Getting Lucky - Blue Bell Ice Cream is BOGO this week.
-Oh Baby I'm Hot - You need to bring me a bowl of above mentioned Blue Bell.
-Yes! Do me! - And be sure to put some Hershey syrup on my Blue Bell.
-Let's Make it Hard - Magic Shell instead of Hershey's.
-I'm coming! - What you yell at the Girl Scout delivering your Thin Mints as you rush to the door.
-PDA - Savoring your Blizzard at the DQ instead of bringing it home.
-Nooner - Waiting for the DQ to open.
-Getting a little - Having a fun size bar instead of a full size one.
-Taking it all - What you have to do when the peanut butter cup is melty.
-Bring me a whip - Uh huh...I love Twizzlers.
-You have a fine rack - What hubby says to the clerk at 7-11 right after the Hostess delivery.

I could go on but I think I need to run up the the 7-11. I hope they're not out of those extra creamy Mallomars!

One little mistake!

2009-06-13T07:35:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, raging storms swept through North Texas. Thousands of folks were left without power (but not me) and roads were closed due to flash flooding. Lightning was striking all around, sometimes close enough to shake the walls. Of course, being the good little computer mama that I am, everyone was shut down for the duration.

On Thursday afternoon after the last of the big ones had passed, I booted up my Sybil to go on line. Well, she booted just fine but I had no internet connection. Thus began a two-day odyssey into the realm of "WTH is happening here??". I jumped though all of the disconnect, reconnect and reboot hoops several times with no results. I bypassed the router and went straight to the modem...nope.

The next step was to boot up Bob, Sybil's trusty sidekick and partner in crime. Well, Bob powered up, but would not boot. The external drives lit up but no other peripherals. No keyboard, no mouse, no monitor. Now Bob is no spring chicken at 5 years old, so our assumption with him is that his motherboard fried. But how?? He had no power coming into him.

At this point, we were with no internet connection, no home phone and Bob was MIA. Best thing was to let it lie for the night and tackle the problem in the morning hoping the internet problem was outside the house and might resolve itself by morning.

Friday morning...still no internet and according to the cable company there were no service problems in our area. Back to Square One...disconnect, reconnect, reboot. Nope. Hubby got home from work and I sent him up to the cable company to swap out the modem (on DTV transition day...they were busy!). He came home with a replacement modem, but that was not any better. And having been told to register the new modem with TWC as soon as we got on line, we were now with no internet and using a modem that they didn't recognize because we couldn't register the MAC address!

Finally we had to do the most dreaded thing of all time...call the cable company and let them troubleshoot from their end. It is heinous because you can count on at least 20-30 minutes of hold time just to reach a person who may or may not be able to do what you need! And of course, if they can't help you, you get to hold some more while they try to figure out who to hand you off to. An hour later, they had pinged us and insisted that we were on line even though we were not. We went to our back-up router and still no luck.

Then the thought came to us...check the X-box! Well, the X-Box wouldn't go online either. Not through either router and not directly to the modem. The puzzle now had more pieces to figure out! Fry's Electronics was now in our immediate future so off we went to buy a new modem and an ethernet card for Sybil. Success at last. Sybil was on line, but all the other problems remained.

What happened? As best we can figure out, everything was without power EXCEPT the wireless router which I forgot was plugged into the wall outlet. A power surge took out the router and traveled over to take out the modem. Then it carried it through the ethernet lines into both computers and the X-box. All incoming connections were damaged. Sybil is now back up, hubby is building Bob Jr., the X-box will have to go in for factory service on it's LAN connection and the wireless router will have to be replaced before we know whether or not the phones are damaged!

All because I forgot to unplug the router. I'm sure there is a moral to this story, but it evades me at the moment and I am several hundred dollars poorer!

Taking the little ones for a walk

2009-06-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Two families...two pictures. Out for a walk in the apartment complex this morning.

Picture 1 - Beautiful morning for a walk with the little one.

Picture 2 - The Child Whisperer would be proud that the pet is being walked securely on her leash.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I find Picture #2 a bit disturbing.

The Hospital From Hell

2009-06-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Late Thursday night, I went to the ER at Dallas Regional Medical Center in Mesquite. I was in severe pain throughout my abdomen, back and shoulders and had just had a severe bout of vomiting.

I arrived there and was quickly processed in for a short history, vitals and an EKG. I was then moved to an examining room for further examination. They took numerous X-rays, blood and urine tests and determined a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The next step was to be an ultrasound to determine the cause. We waited for the technician who never showed up, so they admitted me, shuttled me up to a room, hooked up an IV and at least 3 more people came in, asked all the same questions and went through my prescription meds.

When I went into the ER restroom to give a urine specimen, I had to wipe a place clean in order to set the cup down without contaminating it. When I arrived in my room, it was far from 'hospital clean'. The vents were full of old caked on lint and dust, the floor corners hadn't been cleaned in forever and when the cleaning crew came in, they did 2 or 3 swipes with the mop between the beds and left.

From 5am until 9:30, I was virtually ignored. No information, no explanation of what was being done....nothing. And heaven forbid that I needed to be disconnected to use the bathroom and bother the staff. At 9:30, I called a nurse in to find out when my 'mystery doctor' was going to be making rounds. I was told that it would be around 3pm or so. At that time I would have been in the hospital for 14 hours without talking to a doctor or being told what to expect.

I also pointed out that I needed to take my morning meds, but I was informed by the nurse that I didn't take any morning meds. That was news to me. I take 2 different meds in the morning and two at night. And we had gone over this FOUR different times. Then she said something about taking my Bystolic and Plavix at night. News Flash...I don't take Plavix. Never have. They had my chart so screwed up it was frightening.

At this point, I made the decision to check myself out AMA. If the level of care I received was their best, it is at best a good place to go to die. Right now, I am at home and will be taking the test results to my doctor on Monday so she can recommend a specialist that can put me into a hospital where I can receive proper care. When I got home, I leaned more about what was wrong with me in 5 minutes than I was told in 14 hours.

I went directly to my doctor's office and they hadn't even been informed that I had been admitted. Even though she isn't on staff there, notifying the primary care physician should be standard procedure. She does, after all, have all of my history and records.

How do they get by with this? That's easy. As long as people continue to accept that level of care, it will continue. Believe me, I do not take my health care lightly and I won't accept second rate care.

Check out this giveaway!!

2009-05-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

Pssst....wanna win this bracelet??

Come on over to visit my friend Rose on her blog! She has featured Flamingo Junction this week and this bracelet is being given away to one lucky winner.

Enter to win at Life, Love, YARN! Contest closes on 6/2 so hurry over!!

Remembering Why

2009-05-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's Memorial Day. Lots of people will be picnicking, cooking out, camping and celebrating the beginning of summer. Most school-age kids are free for the next couple of months. And sometimes in the hustle and bustle of our holiday plans, we forget what this day means.

It is a day of remembrance. Hundreds of thousands of men and women have given their lives to defend our freedom. Many of them are at rest in places unknown and many are resting on foreign shores.

To those who have given their lives for our country, your sacrifices are not forgotten.

To those who have served and returned, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To those who are currently serving, I salute you and say a prayer for your safe return.

Getting Back on Track Isn't Easy!!

2009-05-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

After two weeks back at home, I am still striving to get back on track with my shops. I am nearly caught up with the bead shop and need to get to work on pictures for the jewelry shop. I have loads of new creations to list and as we all know, they won't sell if they aren't listed!!

I have another huge order of beads on the way that should be in this week, so the 'caught up' phase in the bead shop is just temporary.

Sadly, I just haven't had the time to give to my Artfire shop and I will be closing it this week. Just not enough hours in the day to promote and work on another site. Etsy is a full time job for me and keeps me plenty busy!

Here in North Texas, we are on the cusp of spring and summer. I want to be outside enjoying it before the 100 degree days take over! The pool will be ready to open soon and then it'll really be a tough decision every day. Work or play??

Be on the lookout in the next couple of weeks for my Earring Grab Bag Giveaway to start up again...I promise!!

A Sister's Love

2009-05-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

After a fantastic two weeks at my son's in Illinois, I am finally back home!

It was a totally unplanned trip, but my sister Carol was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and I absolutely had to see her. She didn't know I was coming up so it was a great surprise for her. I had been told how well she was doing but needed to see for myself. We had a few truly enjoyable evenings together and spent more time talking and visiting that we have for the last several years. How easy it is to put the ones we love on the back burner while we tend to our own lives. My advice to everyone is to be sure to say "I love you" to everyone you love every time to walk out the door or hang up the phone. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

Just over a month ago, she underwent surgery and they removed an egg-sized tumor from the right side of her brain. Can you even imagine having something that large invading your head? I can't.

Unfortunately they were unable to remove everything because it would have taken away her motor functions and left her unable to do anything. Right now, she is undergoing a course of chemo and radiation. The doctor's have told her that they estimate two good years. But hey...I still believe in miracles and who knows what can happen in two years.

Whatever the future holds, the true miracle has already happened. She has been fighting depression for years and the sister that I saw was the one I remembered from 10 years ago! We laughed, we cried and we cherished every minute we were together. Her outlook on life and death is fantastic and she is prepared for whatever happens. I only hope that if I were given the same news, I could accept it with the grace that she has. She is thankful for the life she has had. She's had a fantastic marriage and raised two wonderful children that have given her 6 grandchildren to enjoy. Of course she would love to see them all grow up, but if she doesn't she knows they will be OK and well loved with many great memories of the time she does have with them.

I have come home with a new outlook on life and I now am asking myself "How important is this?" when I let something stress or upset me. I have been so inspired by my sister and whatever happens, she is my new hero.

If you read this Carol, just remember that I love you and am never farther than a phone call away.

And this week's winner is...

2009-04-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Using the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org, this week's winner is:

7

Random numbers generated Apr 9 2009 at 11:1:43 by www.psychicscience.org.
Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

#7 - Ellen - Max Scent Soy Candles

Congrats Ellen!

This Week's Entries! Weekly Giveaway is Closed!

2009-04-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Another very short week here after a long list last week! I haven't been here enough to promote the giveaway this week and this is what happens when I don't!

1. Rose
2. BrigaBauble
3. Elaine
4. Nina
5. Jo Ann Gallagher
6. Aromalite
7. Ellen - Max Scent Soy Candles

I am now off to pick this week's winner!

It's Earring Grab Bag Time Again!

2009-04-05T14:13:00.001-07:00

Here it is Sunday again and time for my weekly giveaway!

I've made so many earrings and many have never even been listed! Others are expired listings that I decided not to renew.

Every week I am pulling a pair out and giving them away here.

On Thursday April 9 at noon EST, I will list all of the entries here and pick a winner using the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org.

To enter, simply post here in the comments. Easy as pie!! Just make sure that I have a way to reach you if you win (blog, Etsy convo or email).

Good luck to you all, but if you don't win this week there will always be another new giveaway next Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

2009-04-05T10:24:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that today is Palm Sunday and next week is Easter already. Where does the time go??

Spring is definitely here and I have a ton of new plants out on the patio to prove it. The petunias are blooming and my butterfly bush is about to burst into pretty purple blooms too!

Only problem is...it makes it hard to sit inside and work when I want to go outside and play instead!

I am slowly making my way through the piles of beads and getting them ready to photograph and list in the bead shop. I've done a lot of relists this week and will have plenty of new listings coming up soon.

I have about 15 new listings for the jewelry shop, but haven't done the pics for them yet so that's on my 'to do' list too!

My weekly Earring Giveaway will be posted in a couple of hours, so be sure to check back later today. I've changed the deadline from Wednesday to Thursday to give more people a chance to enter.

Drowning in Beads!

2009-04-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

Once a month the FedEx truck stops outside my door with a 20 pound box of beads. If you're not sure what 20 pounds of beads looks like, check out the pics!

For the next two weeks I will be in a constant state of sorting, labeling, taking pictures, editing pictures, listing and re-listing. Until it's done all meals are taken at the breakfast bar instead of the table!

As always, there will be lots of new stuff and lots of returning favorites so be sure to keep an eye on my bead shop for new listings every day.

It's a lot of work but I love what I do! I get to spend entire days playing in the beads. My husband thought my bead shop wouldn't take a lot of space but he was sadly mistaken...there are bins of beads everywhere!

Visit Flamingo Junction Too! for a great selection of Czech glass, Swarovski Crystal, crackle glass beads and tons more!!

And This Week's Winner Is...

2009-04-02T09:02:00.001-07:00

Using the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org, this week's winner is:

4

Random numbers generated Apr 2 2009 at 11:3:23 by www.psychicscience.org.
Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

#4 - BrigaBauble!!

Congrats Briga on being this week's winner!!

Thank you to all who visited and entered. Be sure to check back on Sunday afternoon for the next giveaway!!

Giveaway is Closed -This Week's Entries

2009-04-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here are all of the entries for this week's earring giveaway. And now I'm off to find a winner!

1. Nina
2. Dawnie
3. Youniquely Chic
4. BrigaBauble
5. Avlor
6. Robynsart
7. Ellen - MaxScent Soy Candles
8. Designsbykari
9. Kat C.
10. Jo Ann Gallagher
11. Ashley
12. Mujercita
12. jedigirlz
13. nfmgirl
14. Chelsey
15. Lady Christie
16. Melanie
17. Chris
18. Tj and Amy
19. The Giveaway Diva
20. Elizabeth
21. the student
22. Digital Misfit
23. Wanda
24. Complete Kitchens Colorado
25. JoyousTreasures
26. Kelly
28. KatsSoyCandles
29. Meandmomcrafts
30. Anya
31. CreativeSpirit
32. dctm
33. Tammy Williams
34. Tzel
35. Eliza
36. Wendy
37. scotchegg
38. McTatty

It's Weekly Giveaway Time Again!

2009-03-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Yes it is...time to grab another pair of earrings from my almost bottomless Grab Bag!

The rules are simple! Leave your name in the comment section of this post. As always, be sure that I have a way to contact you (blog, etsy convo or email).

That's all you've gotta do!

I have decided to extend the giveaway until Thursday of this week (4-2-09). So on Thurday at noon EST, I will publish a list of all entries and use the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org to pick a winner.

Once again...good luck!

And the Winners Are...

2009-03-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Using the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org, the winners are:

8
2

Random numbers generated Mar 25 2009 at 11:52:59 by www.psychicscience.org.
Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

#8 - Nina
#2 - redbarbi

Congrats on being this week's winners!

Giveaway is closed for this week!

2009-03-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is the shortest list I've seen yet! Where did everyone go?? And there will be 2 winners here so your odds are really good!

The entries:

1. BrigaBauble
2. redbarbi
3. Bohemian Rose
4. Rose
5. Creative Spirit
6. The Giveaway Diva
7. Lanee
8. Nina

Be right back with some winners!

Double the Sunday Giveaway!

2009-03-22T09:46:00.001-07:00

I am back with my weekly Earring Grab Bag Giveaway! I didn't get one posted last week so to make it up, there will be TWO winners this week!!

Entry is simple....just leave me a comment telling me what jewelry items you are most likely to buy on Etsy. Is is earrings, bracelets, necklaces or maybe matching sets? These little impromptu surveys DO help me with future marketing ideas and trends!

Then on Wednesday March 25 at noon EST, I will publish a list of all entries and use the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org to select 2 winners.

As always, be sure that I have a way to contact you if you are a winner. This can be through your blog, an Etsy convo or by leaving an email address for me.

Good luck!!

Side Effects I'd Love To See!

2009-03-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged for a while because I've been dealing with health issues and sleeping a lot. I apologize for missing Sunday's Giveaway posting, so I'm going to give away two pair of earrings this week. Come back on Sunday evening for details.

Meanwhile, I'm currently on 4 different meds that cause drowsiness! LOL...not to mention the other various and sundry possible side effects. Have you read any drug precautions lately?? They cover every possible base. I have one that can cause constipation OR diarrhea. In taking these drugs I could become lightheaded, faint, dizzy, naseous, thirsty, bald, bloated, be prone to infections, viruses, swollen glands, joint stiffness or soreness, hot flashes...and that's just to name a few!

What I'd like to know is why are all side effects bad? Just once I'd like to see a list like this:

Use of this drug can cause over activity resulting in a clean house, the preparation of well balanced meals, and an overall feeling of accomplishment. In addition, you could become self-satisfied and no longer feel inadequate in terms of your weight, height, education, etc. In other words, you will become 'da bomb' and know it.

Use of this drug can also cause weight loss due to increased metabolism that will allow you to eat whatever you want at any time. Prolonged use could cause you to lose several dress sizes.

This drug has been known to reverse the signs of aging, including smoother skin, thick and lustrous hair, improved vision and hearing and increased mental acuity. In most instances, you will experience a tightening of the boob-ular and butt-ular muscles resulting in them returning to their original positions.

Finally, most users reported experiencing frequent and unexpected orgasms when walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, watching TV, posting in the forums and eating. Do not be alarmed. Just enjoy it.

If you experience any or all of the above-mentioned effects, do not bother your doctor. Just send her some flowers.

And the winner is....

2009-03-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Using the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org the winning number is:

1

Random numbers generated Mar 12 2009 at 14:49:39 by www.psychicscience.org.
Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

#1 - Miranda!!

Congrats on winning this week's Earring Grab Bag!!

Weekly Giveaway is Closed!!

2009-03-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

My apologies for being late with this today, but I have been sick and just woke up from a long nap.

This week's entries:

1. Miranda
2. Raevyn
3. glassidentities
4. Warm 'N Fuzzy
5. mel*~reachforthestars~*
6. redbarbi
7. Youniquely Chic
8. OdditiesofDirtyDirk
9. CreativeSpirit
10. Jo Ann Gallagher
11. BrigaBauble
12. Ashley
13. Mujercita
14. Debbie
15. Nina
16. nfmgirl
17. Tj and Amy
18. Melanie
19. Kathy
20. Super Blogger Girl!
21. JennTRC
22. scotchegg
23. moogu
24. danikjohnson

Weekly Giveaway...24 hours late!!

2009-03-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's time for the Weekly Earring Grab Bag Giveaway again. Normally I start them on Sunday, but the day just got past me and I didn't get it done!

Here's the deal! Just post in my comment section making sure that I have a way to contact you (blog, Etsy convo or email).

On Thursday, March 12 at noon I will publish a list of all entries and use the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org to choose a winner.

Can't get any easier than that!

A Post About No Post!

2009-03-06T10:35:00.001-08:00

As you all know, I have been doing "Things I Got This Week" on Thursdays, but unfortunately this week has been a bad one and I just haven't had time to do all of the pictures and stuff involved. Also, I think I got about 10-11 packages this week...my bad!

I will try to resume the regular feature next week though!

And thanks to everyone who comes peeking in to read my occasional ramble!

And the winner is...

2009-03-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

Using the Random Number Generator at PsychicScience.org...

9

Random numbers generated Mar 4 2009 at 11:7:30 by www.psychicscience.org.
Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

#9 - Em!! Congrats on winning!

Didn't win? Not to worry...I will be doing another Earring Giveaway starting on Sunday, March 8!

Giveaway is closed and the entries are...

2009-03-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

Here is the list of entries for my drawing and their assigned numbers!

1. BrigaBauble
2. Jo Ann Gallagher
3. Miranda
4. Christine Courtney
5. Bohemian Rose
6. CreativeSpirit
7. Rose
8. glassidentities
9. Em
10. mel*~reachforthestars~*
11. dpaone
12. Kat C.
13. OdditiesofDirtyDirk
14. pinkrosesglass
15. Roma
16. Debbie
17. Kathy
18. Tj and Amy
19. Beth
20. Ashley
21. Elizabeth
22. jasmine
23. auntrene
24. Liz
25. SuperBloggerGirl!
26. dctm
27. Nichola
28. AmberLeigh
29. nfmgirl

I will be using the Random Number Generator on PsychicScience.org to choose the winner in just a couple of minutes!

Kreativ Blogger Award!

2009-03-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

This 'Kreativ Blogger' award was given to me by Miranda at Primitive Mom of Two. Thank you!

Here are the rules:

List 7 things that you love and then pass the award on to 7 people...tagging them and letting them know they won! You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole wide world know you are KReATIV!

1. My family.

2. Just about anything chocolate.

3. A fire in the fireplace on a cold winter night.

4. Playing in my beads.

5. Floating in the pool when it's 100 degrees outside.

6. Sleeping late when it's raining.

7. Survivor and Pizza on Thursday nights.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I pass this award on to

glassidentities

UxCrittersPlace

The Crafty Swede

Just Add Memories

Lanee's Crochet

Lady V's Beads n' Things

2Kute

Grab Bag Earring Giveaway #2 and Informal Poll

2009-03-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple of years, I've made tons of earrings! Some of them have never been listed or they WERE listed but I didn't renew them if they didn't sell.

So I've decided to start doing some giveaways with them. Every week, I will be grabbing a different pair out of the box and sending them to one lucky winner.

For this week's entry, I'm doing an informal poll! I make a lot of costume jewelry and my question is ... do you prefer silver or gold?? Post it in the comment section and you are entered! Just make sure I have a way to contact you if you win, either through your Blog, your shop or an email address.

On Wednesday, March 4 at noon EST, I will post a list of all entries and use the random number generator to choose one! The winner will be posted here shortly thereafter.

If you don't win this time, don't worry! This is going to be a weekly feature on my blog!

Passing Along My First Blog Award!

2009-02-27T04:48:00.000-08:00

Lady V's Beads n' Things has given me my first blog award! How cool is that? It is The Best Blog Daily Thinker and I thank you Lady V!

It is now my honor to pass this award along to 10 deserving bloggers! Just copy the award to your blog and pass it on to 10 of YOUR favorites!

The blogs I am awarding it to are:

Just Add Memories
Life, Love, YARN!
Let Me Tell You What I'm Squawking About
Piggy's Little Shop
Primitive Mom of Two
NyBlaque
UxCrittersPlace
stuff by Xtine
the Crafty Swede
Snapshots Capture a Moment in Time

Things I Got Thursday

2009-02-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

After doing this last Thursday because I couldn't think of anything to blog about, I've decided to make it a weekly feature because it was fun to share the goodies that came in my mailbox throughout the week.

This week, I got some beautiful jewelry making supplies from some of my favorite shops.

The largest haul this week was from CCSynopticvisions. She has a lot of unique items in her shop and the prices can't be beat! Most of her items are in the $2-3 range and many are less. My purchases from her include some hot pink beads, a set of MOP coin beads (1 focal and 4 small), some frosted lilac cube beads, square silver tone bead caps, a pair of little sheriff star charms, a pair of awesome heart charm connectors, a set of 7 daisy slides, a pair of pretty bar slides with pink crystals and the silvertone bangle bracelet for beads. Included as gifts were the rice pearls and a gorgeous polyclay focal bead. Be sure to check out her shop...I resisted for a while, but now I'm hooked on slides!

And while we're talking slides, I also got a stunning selection from Sliding Along. These are all elegant pieces and all have crystal accents. I bought the butterflies with clear crystal, the heart designs with aquamarine and the antique silver snowflakes with pink. She included the other 4 heart design slides in green, pink and crystal AB. This is another shop I can get lost in and not spend a king's ransom! Her prices on the slides are in the $2-3 range per set.

Next on the list is a pair of charms from Corner Stop. I love making anything with charms and when I need a fix, I always check out what Lisa has first! This set is double-sided with a coffee cup on one side and "I Don't Do Mornings" on the other. They are so ME! Lots of you may know Lisa from lisasshop, charminglittleshop and cornerstore. She has now combined all of those into one great shop with all of the same great quality and selection. Most of her charm sets are around $3.00 depending on the charms and how many come in the set.

And yesterday's mail brought the final package for the week. I couldn't resist these two great focal beads from Rhis Bits and Beads! The navette is a top drilled Fancy Jasper that is 60mm long. The coin bead is Red Scenic Jasper and is drilled side to side. It is 30mm. I paid around $5.00 for both of them and can't wait to see what I can use them with!

That's it for this week, but you'll have to buckle your seatbelts for next week...I've been a very good Etsy shopper this week and have several packages on the way!

And the Winner is...

2009-02-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

Using the Random Number Generator at Random.Org, the winner of this week's Grab Bag Earring Giveaway is:

Min: Max: Result: 15 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

#15 - delaney55!! Congrats!

LOL...I actually had the generator set for 17 entries, but when you copy and paste, it defaults to 100!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and entered. Hope you enjoyed browsing my shop as much as I enjoyed seeing your favorite picks!

This will be a weekly blog feature and the next one will be starting on Sunday, March 1. Hope to see you all again!

Giveaway is Closed And The Entries Are....

2009-02-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the list of entries for my drawing and their assigned numbers!

1. glassidentities
2. Jewelicide
3. Rose
4. 2kute
5. Jo Ann Gallagher
6. Miranda
7. Christine
8. Barbara
9. Terri Taylor Design
10. Creative Spirit
11. Vidia2Be
12. Em
13. Abby
14. Auntrene
15. Delaney55
16. Noreen
17. Rachel Jaclyn

I will be using the Random Number Generator on Random.Org to choose the winner in just a couple of minutes!

Grab Bag Earring Giveaway!

2009-02-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple of years, I've made tons of earrings! Some of them have never been listed or they WERE listed but I didn't renew them if they didn't sell.

So I've decided to start doing some giveaways with them. Every week, I will be grabbing a different pair out of the box and sending them to one lucky winner.

All you have to do to enter is go to my jewelry shop Flamingo Junction and then come back with a link to your favorite item in the shop! Post it in the comment section and you are entered! Just make sure I have a way to contact you if you win, either through your Blog, your shop or an email address.

On Wednesday, Feb 25 at noon EST, I will post a list of all entries and use the random number generator to choose one! The winner will be posted here shortly thereafter.

If you don't win this time, don't worry! This is going to be a weekly feature on my blog!

I won! I won! I won!

2009-02-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

Every so often I will enter a blog contest, but usually don't have time to go looking for them. So it was on a whim that I entered an opinion poll contest a couple of weeks ago with a surprise gift going to the winner of the drawing. I didn't even give it another thought.

Then I got a convo telling me that I had won, but I wouldn't know what my prize was until I got it!

This is what I got from Piggy's Little Shop...

Is this not the cutest little cell phone charm ever?? Yes...it is already on my phone! Thank you Piggy!!

This Week's Purchases on Etsy!

2009-02-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Since I was bereft of an idea for blogging all week, I've decided to tell you about the cool things I got in the mail this week! I sell but I love to shop too!

1. From Meandmomscrafts on Etsy, I got a set of 6 rainbow colored facial scrubs. I love these since they are larger than some of the others I've bought (each one is 4-1/2" across). They are beautifully made and I got all 6 for only $3.00!

2. I love Aromalite and order regularly from her. This week's package was clamshells in the Fragrance 'Best Friends'. I've bought a couple of things in this fragrance and it has become one of my favorites. But she has more fragrances than I could possibly list here...you'll just have to check it out for yourself. The clamshells break into 6 pieces and are $3.00.

3. Same seller, different shop! Aromalite also has a shop called PetiteMerci where she sells the prettiest little Thank You cards. She made an extra effort to find flamingo paper so she could make some special cards! I've searched high and low for flamingo thank you cards and I finally have them! These are a bit larger than mini cards (3" x 2-3/4") and you get 8 of them for $4.00.

4. I have another favorite place to buy beads and other jewelry making supplies. I've bought from Jo's Jewels many times and never been disappointed. As an added bonus, she's an awesome lady to know. This week I got some very pretty porcelain flowered beads and amazingly bright aqua marquis beads. (The neutral color mix in the pic was compliments of Jo!) The prices are right and vary with the items, but the ones I bought were just $2.50 each.

5. My final package this week is from KanYoFuse and I just cannot say enough about these amazing pendants! I actually bought two of them, but when the package arrived he had sent four! I am hard pressed to decide which one is the prettiest, but I do know they will all be a part of my regular jewelry rotation!! Each one comes all ready to use including a large bail that will fit on just about any chain or cord you choose. Prices in his shop range from $8.00 and up. I paid $10 each for the two that I bought.

So now you know where all the cool kids shop! Visit these great shops and see for yourself!!

I've Been Tagged!

2009-02-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Tagged by Michelle - http://glassidentities.blogspot.com/

Rules of tagging:
1, Link to the person who tagged you
2, Post these Rules in your Blog
3, Write 7 Random things about yourself
4, Tag random people at the end of your post and link to them
5, Let each Person know they've been tagged

Seven Random Things about Me

1. I love adventure! After my sons were both moved out, I spent a year on the road with my husband (he's a truck driver). I have been in all 48 Contiguous States, with only Alaska and Hawaii left for retirement trips!

2. My favorite music comes from Sting, Sammy Hagar, Blue October, Chris Isaak, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney. The perfect show would feature them all together!

3. My all-time favorite movie is Gone With The Wind.

4. I love to read and my favorite authors are Stephen King, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, John Grisham, John Saul and Dean Koontz. When not reading fiction, I love True Crime. I generally read 2-3 books a week. I love my library!!

5. I hate cold weather and winter clothes! Put me in capris, a tank top and my flip flops or sandals and I'm a happy camper!

6. I am a clutterer who can't stand clutter...and sometimes I get really mad at myself. But I work hard at doing better.

7. I have always been a bird person. When I was a kid, I always had a parakeet. Over the years I've had several parakeets and cockatiels. My current feathered kid in residence is a 9 year old Senegal Parrot named Reno. He was with me on my year long adventure with hubby, so he has seen the country too!

Now it's my turn and I am tagging:

Jo's Jewels

Primitive Mom of Two

UxCritter

Come On In!!

2009-02-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

I am just coming off of a Creative Bender and have lots of new stuff to list on Flamingo Junction! All I have to do now is get some pictures done, but the sun is not cooperating in Texas this week.

My February bead order is in and I have just started checking everything in and will be busy listing new beads and findings on Flamingo Junction Too! once I get it all organized and photographed.

I am also still running my Dollar Days Clearance on discontinued items. These are all items that I will no longer be carrying and they will not be relisted when they expire. Until they are gone, I am matching every purchase from the sale section with similar items from my backstock. Buy 3 $1.00 items and you will get 3 free, buy 5 and get 5 free!! This offer is ONLY for the Dollar Days section and is good while supplies last!

Come by and browse my shops...you won't be disappointed!

Commercials Only Please!

2009-02-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

It has occurred to me that Super Bowl Sunday is the only time we actually watch TV for the commercials! I even take breaks during game time so I won't miss any of them.

The rest of the year, I do everything in my power (Thank you TiVo!) to avoid them! If I need something, I don't need a commercial to tell me that. Most commercials talk to us like we can't think for ourselves and are an insult to American intelligence. BUT tonight I will be watching so someone better make me laugh!

As for the game itself, I had to look to see who was actually playing tonight. I could care less about football, basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf and car racing. My heart belongs to baseball and my beloved St. Louis Cardinals! In less than two weeks, pitchers and catchers will be reporting to spring training and my world will be right again.

Play Ball!!

Fuzzy Math and Etsy

2009-01-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

I've been reading the Etsy forums this morning and came across one asking "Are your prices negotiable?"

I have to say that it never occurred to me to 'haggle' prices with anyone. I don't do it. I have two shops on Etsy. The highest priced item in my jewelry shop is $18.00. The highest priced item in my bead shop is $4.25. Where is my wiggle room here? I think it would be wrong to raise my prices just so I could give someone the illusion of getting a better deal. Other businesses may do it (i.e. Circuit City's "Going Out Of Business" Sale) but I'd rather be fair right up front. Which brings me to my next point...

My bead shop not a hobby...it is a business. I buy from several wholesalers to get the best prices I can on various items. I pass that savings along in my pricing, but I expect to make a profit somewhere along the line. Selling my inventory at cost just to artificially inflate my sales numbers is bad business.

My jewelry shop on the other hand is for my pleasure and relaxation, but it is also part of my little online "empire". I have to file and pay taxes on it along with the supply shop. My highest priced bracelets are $18.00. Considering that a filled charm bracelet takes about 4-6 hours to finish, my hourly rate would get a fast food restaurant fined for not paying minimum wage!! And that's not even factoring in the cost of materials.

I love what I do, but love doesn't pay the bills. And I don't do Fuzzy Math.

Dollar Days!!

2009-01-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

After 3 months of having Flamingo Junction Too! up and running, I have decided to discontinue everything except jewelry supplies and I'm having a $1.00 Sale to liquidate the rest of the merchandise. I have lots of iron-on appliques and paper goods that need to go!

When I started the shop on Etsy, I put in a variety of craft supplies to see what might sell and the jewelry supplies have won the day. Since that is my favorite thing, I guess that's good!

Everything that is marked down will stay until it is sold or expired, so come on in and shop now for the best selection!

Goodbye RubyBlue...

2009-01-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

It is a sad day. Rubybluetreasures has announced the closing of her shop. I have bought from her so many times (and vice versa) that we could have started our own parcel service between Texas and Sweden. She introduced me to the marvels of the magnetic bookmark. I liked them so well that I have about 5 or 6 of them around the house. She did some outstanding mini-cards as well as really cute jewelry. And you never knew what Swedish treats would be included in your package! Of course she got quite a bit of American candy too!

I got the chance to know her in the Etsy forums and we spent many hours chatting and having a good time. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knows her.

Right now, she still has a few items left in her shop that have been marked down and she is offering free shipping. Be sure to check it out before it's all gone.

Charmed I'm Sure!

2009-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

I have developed a recent passion for making charm bracelets. The possibilities are endless and no two are ever alike! They can be whimsical, funky or just plain cute. They can celebrate holidays, birthdays, weddings and just about any other event you can think of. Collect something or have a hobby? There are charms for it!

The best part is pairing the charms up with a fun mix of beads. The only limitation is how far your imagination will take you.

The only problem I seem to have is my new habit of buying charms at twice the rate I can produce the bracelets! But there is never any waste. Leftover and odd charms are great for key rings, cell phone charms, zipper pulls and pendants.

Ice Garden is my newest addition to Flamingo Junction on Etsy. It combines elements of winter and spring and gives the impression of a dormant garden about to burst forth! I really like this one a lot and I hope you do too!

Something New for Me!

2009-01-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I have finally been drawn kicking and screaming to the world of blogging. I resisted as long as I could!

Once I get the hang of this and get everything laid out in a way to make me happy, I hope to start doing some features on items I have bought and of course, items that I sell.

In the meantime, please be patient with me! You CAN teach an old dog new tricks...it just takes longer!