1 Year Anniversary of Krissy's Boutique!

A year ago last year I began this journey of starting my own boutique! It has been fantastic and so much more fun than I could ever have thought! I have made so many new friends from all over the world and it's been a pleasure creating things and making my customers happy!  I will be adding a lot of new items this year and I thank you for your continued support! 
To celebrate the anniversary, for just a few days only ALL jewelry and accessories are 50% off!!! 

Thank you!!! :)

June 1st!

June 1st means, new Scentsy Warmer, New Scent & New Host Exclusive! :) 
www.krissyworth.scentsy.us 


*I have a goal to book 2 parties this month. Home Party (I'm now offering theme parties!!), Catalog parties, or FB party! Message me to book your party this month!!

 

Message me anytime if you have any questions about Scentsy products or if you'd like to be included in my monthly flyer/sample mailing list, message me: KrissyWorth@hotmail.com

Summer Fun

It's officially the unofficial start to summer! haha. I think anyways, after memorial day it's summer! I'm def. not a summer girl at all. I love my winter/fall seasons! I do however really enjoy the beautiful scenery that spring/summer has to bring us. Here is a picture that I took of some flowers in my yard. Bleeding Hearts! Very pretty I think!! :)

 

 

This year I have, for the first time did some gardening! I have planted vegetables! We have tomatoes and cucumbers. Even planted a watermelon! :)  So far they are looking pretty good! I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did, so glad that my aunt talked me into doing it (she does it every year!). It's my new thing I will be doing each year now. It was also great because I got the kids involved in it as well.
Are you a gardener?  I would love to see your spring/summer pictures! Send them in: KrissysBoutique@hotmail.com

Scent Of The Week: Simply Irresistible

I have decided that I will do a scent of the week! I'm totally loving my Scentsy products and wanted to share with you a new scent each day that I'm melting in my own home.
I def. love all the interaction, so please let me know your favorite scents. Not just Scentsy, or candles, but what scents you're loving each day! Perfumes, candles, flowers, ect..! :)

This week's scent:  Simply Irresistible!! >> Lavender with a strong woody background of amber, moss and musk!
This is my husband's favorite scent from Scentsy. He's having a hard day at work, so I thought I would have it melting away so he could enjoy it when he got home!

https://krissyworth.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy/ProductDetails/SB-SIR

**If you'd like to be added to my monthly flyer/sample mailing list, email me your address: KrissyWorth@hotmail.com

Gem Exploration-Take Care of Your Emeralds

Did you know some emeralds can be more valuable than a diamond?  Yes, it's true! That is why you really want to take care of your emerald jewelry.

It's a normal practice today to have emeralds enhances with colorless oils and resins. Sometimes this is needed when the cutter is cutting he needs to add these chemicals in order for the stone to not have a matt finish to it.
Due to these special chemicals added to emeralds, you definitely want to take off your jewelry before washing your hands with soaps. Different soaps or other chemicals you use around your house could change the look of your emerald and ruin it.

Gem Exploration-The Emerald

The Emerald is the birthstone for May! Don't you just love the deep green color? I think it's the perfect stone for the start of spring, the color reminds me of the beautiful green grass that you now see everywhere! :)
Here are some Emerald Fun Facts::

-Wearing an Emerald is supposed to help with headaches, spine issues, fertility and problems dealing with your eyes.

-The Emerald reflects loyalty, faithfulness and friendship

A nice poem I came across:

"Who first beholds the light of day / In springs sweet, flower month of May / And wears an Emerald all her life / Shall be a loved and a loving wife."

*Look for more posts about this month's birthstone-The Emerald as part of the Gem Exploration Series! :)

Take A Chance

How true is this statement for you?  For me, it's very REAL. I'm such a go-getter, but it takes a lot for me to really dive into something. I'm used to certain things in my life and change comes very hard for me. I know I have missed out on a lot of things in my 31 years of life because of being too scared to do something. I regret things now and I should regret things I have done, rather than things I haven't done. I'm really starting to come out of my 'shell' and experience just how great life can be if you allow yourself to explore and stray from your comfort zone.

I'm completely not saying do anything that would make you too upset or could hurt you, but for example, I have 2 businesses and one of my hardest things is approaching people and networking. I get fairy flustered and lose my confidence. I know what I do is good, but I just lose it and walk on by and look back at missed opportunities. Life shouldn't be about missed chances, but about all the chances we took that paid off! I am going to start closing my eyes and jumping from now on. I hope you do the same!  

 

What are some things you are scared of that you didn't try and now regret?

Pay It Forward Day!

Did you know that today is 'National Pay It Forward Day?'  Basically if you don't know, that means you're supposed to do something nice for other's day. You should do something good for other's all the time, but today is a celebration of that effort and to do a little extra today!  What was the good deed you did today for your friends/strangers/family ect.? 
I know a few people who paid for the car behind them in the drive thru today, which I thought that was such a nice gesture and how great the person must have felt knowing someone did that for them today! :)
Today I picked a random person and offered some of my Scentsy items to for free! I think this day should remind us to do good all the time and not just extra special things once in a while. It doesn't have to be buying stuff, or spending money on someone. It can be asking your elderly neighbor to come walk with you, volunteer at your child's school or special needs group today, bake cookies and pass out to your neighbors, ect...! There is so much you can do each day and I we should all make an effort to really help others be happy and the world would probably be a nicer place! :)

Share what good things you have done today or do everyday!

Spring & Other News!

Spring is def. finally here!! I am so excited because I just looking at all the beautiful flowers that bloom! This is a picture of a bush right in front of my house! How pretty!! :)   I love purple and pink things so this is perfect for me! Of course this doesn't last that long. Another week or two and the flowers will be gone.

What is your favorite season?  I enjoy spring and fall. Both are not hot and humid and not snowy! Allergies don't like those seasons though! haha  

So much has been going on these past few weeks, that is why I haven't been able to blog as much! I told you all a little while ago that I started a NEW venture along with my boutique. I am now selling Scentsy and in case you have no idea what that is, let me tell you! It's a wickless candle company with over 80 fabulous scents that melt not burn. There are no flames, no lead and soot, so they very safe!!! I am very new to the company as well, only learning about them a few months ago. I bought my first purchase in February and loved it and decided to sell it since no one in my area sells it!
I had my first launch party over the weekend and this is what my table looked like::

 

I'm very excited to get more involved with this company as time goes on. I got 2 home party bookings from my launch party and that makes me very excited! I have some info below if you'd like to contact me for more info or a sample! :)

 

Website: www.krissyworth.scentsy.us

 

Gem Exploration-The Diamond : Colors & Hues

Did you know diamonds come in many different colors and hues?  When buying an item that contains diamonds, you should ask what the stone is graded.
Diamonds with a color grade of D, E, F are considered colorless. Grades G, H, I & J are near colorless. Diamonds that are graded K-M have a faint yellow tint to them, N-R have a very light yellow tint and S-Z are light yellow. Most of us want colorless diamonds, so be sure to ask the grade next time you go shopping to get the diamonds you most want!

Diamonds also come in colors! Yellow, pink, red, orange, green, blue and purple. The colorful diamonds do not get graded the same as white diamonds. Rather the more deeper the color, the more valuable they are.

Fun Facts:
Hancock Red diamond, which sold for 926,000 per carat in an 1987 auction.

The Dresden Green Diamond was the largest green diamond ever found.

Get Creative!

For all the crafters out there in the world, what inspires you to create the things you do?  For me, it's just about everything! The other day I was watching the 80's movie "Pretty In Pink", which is one of my favorite movies of all time. When Molly Ringwalds character came out of her room wearing the pink prom gown she created, I just knew I wanted to add more pink into my boutique collection. Just a simple scene in a movie, really inspired me to create!

I dislike when people say "I wish I was creative." You ARE creative!! Creativity, I believe, is in all of us! You shouldn't ever be scared to showcase what you are imagining! I know some people think that people wouldn't like their ideas, but you'll never know unless you try! If I didn't jump into this boutique business, I would never have know how fun it could be and how much happiness it has brought me. Being creative is not hard. It just takes an inspiration, an idea and the courage to make it happen!

Here is my latest creation from the movie that inspired me!

Pink Sparkle Bracelet

New Venture!

What a weekend this has been! :)   I've been extremely busy trying to fulfill orders from the boutique as well as get my new venture up and running! I really have always loved candles and have them all over my house, so searched for a company that I could join and found that Scentsy was the perfect fit for me! Their candles are wickless and free of lead and soot. They melt through a light bulb rather than through a flame. With 2 young kids, I always had to place the candles only in certain places in fear they would get to them, but with these candle warmers, I feel comfortable putting them just about anywhere!
I'm very excited to start this new venture. I always seem to have a million different things going all at once, but that's just how I've always been! So now along side my boutique, if you're interested in candles, I'm your girl to talk to! :)
If you want to learn more about Scentsy products (not just candles!!)  Feel free to email me anytime!

Below are some pictures of some Scentsy products!

 

Guest Blogger: Sarah J. Browne

Today's guest blogger is a special young woman with big dreams! I hope you enjoy the interview I did with her and are inspired to never give up on your own dreams!

 

My name is Sarah J. Browne, and I am an aspiring author, artist and activist. My passion is to write a young adult fiction novel which will impact others with its life lessons and wisdom. Overall, I believe in standing up for rights so I am an activist and keep up with politics when I can. Yet, at the end of the day, my credentials do not define who I am. Who I am is this: I value the simple things in life. The rest can float away, and I will be fine. In fact, from loss or failure, we find what keeps us going and therefore what matters. Resiliency is something I have studied, and in the future want to help others to achieve this worthwhile attribute.  

1) Have you always been into the arts as a young child?  

Yes! I was and am much more artsy than anything else; however, now I've been venturing into outdoorsy activities. When I was a kid especially I loved to draw all the time. I would make up stories. This developed into writing the story to go along with the pictures. I did not realize it but I was developing a fascination with storytelling through art and literature. Other than this, I love acting and being in front of an audience. Poetry was my first real test of self expression. The first poem I ever wrote was for my grandpa who had just passed away. I learned from that experience how to use writing or art to create meaning from an experience. This has been an important factor that has gone into my writing now.

 

2) You are writing a book about helping teens deal with certain issues in their life. How did that idea come about/why is that something you want to write about? 

When I was thirteen or fourteen years old, I was sitting in my Creative Writing class thinking about a future career. I was more specifically thinking about "purpose." I did not want my future job to be something meaningless. Since teenage years are difficult, I realized that I wanted to tell a story about teens for teens. It was a moment epiphany; however, as I began to really write, I realized that I was writing about myself and through my story, I could use wisdom and lessons to help teenagers. I continually expanded on this as I grew into an adult. Essentially, I have been writing my book since 13 to age 22. Now, I am just putting it together. I have over 300 pages so it is now tailoring a final product. This is very unique because not everyone makes one book their own venture, dream or masterpiece. Mine has helped me to realize what is important in life. While I write, I have in the back of my mind a lesson to share. Therefore, in each circumstance, I have found a way to articulate meaning. My book is fiction though not my life. In order to put in everything I've learned, I've had to condense the years, the lessons and create a whole new character named Synasia. That is all I will reveal for now.

 

3) What/who are some of your inspirations and why do those things/people mean so much to you?

 

Audrey Hepburn, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Emmanuel Jal, Josie Badger and my grandpa mean the most to me. Audrey Hepburn is my role model, and I wrote an article about her plus recreated her look through modeling for a digital feminist magazine that I write for called The Feminist Observer for March 2013: http://thefeministobserver.biglaunch.net/ 









Immaculee Ilibagiza influenced me as a teenager to forgive others, to find spirituality and caused me to develop an interest in human rights as well as genocide studies or social justice. I wrote about her charity Left to Tell Foundation for Service Internships, and she tweeted to me directly and thanked me. This was a pivotal moment  because it was nice to be recognized by someone who means so much.
Emmanuel Jal is a former child soldier. When I was a freshman in college at Slippery Rock University, I saw a video of him singing at an Amnesty International conference. I wrote down his name, and I contacted his manager to have him perform at SRU on behalf of the club I represented, Amnesty International. It turned out that the Dance Department had already contacted him because he is a hip hop artists now, and they wanted him to perform. It was very serendipitous which has been something I've noticed happens to me a lot. :-)  We ended up co-sponsoring the event, and meeting him was very impactful. Later, I began an organization called Global Literacy Outreach, and we worked to fund raise for his organization, Gua Africa. I continue relations with them now.

Josie Badger is former Miss Wheelchair America, but first and foremost, she is a great and inspirational friend. I met her through working with Pennsylvania Youth Leadership network in which we empowered youth with disabilities. She gave  me the opportunity to help at conferences, facilitate workshops, give a speech on "Person First Language" and to listen to stories of resiliency. I learned the true value of testimonial speeches, which I want to help others use their unique stories for someday. She continues to advocate for people with disabilities and showed me how to from a disability rights perspective.

My grandpa taught himself to read in the army, and he was someone very silly and loving. Although only around for seven years of my life, I love things that remind me of him such as old movies, vintage and reading books. :-)

4) When you're not writing, what are some of your other hobbies?

I model on the side. My portfolio is at http://sarahjbrowne.see.me/  so check it out! Beyond modeling, I am interested in film and activism. I value equality and justice. I also value learning. I am interested in science, specifically learning about the 6th dimension in physics, near death experiences and child prodigies or those who thrive in an area. TED Talks are the best. Reading and hiking are my other hobbies. With friends, I like to play video games or go out an do fun activities. I also collect comics by Joss Whedon such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I feel like I'm one of those people whose interests are everywhere and who cannot be put into a box. That is my number one goal: to never let myself be put in one. All of these hobbies are things that could become career options. Therefore, sometimes my professional and personal pursuits are the same, but I always know how to value the simple things and just enjoy life. I love the water and grew up jet skiing. There's so much I'd like to learn, I'd even consider fishing. As a girl, I grew up really focused on dance and performance type of interests if I wasn't doing my art. I'm trying to break any gender boundaries I can and try it all. For example, I used to have terrible aim, but I'm getting better at tossing a baseball.

 

 

 

5) Place yourself 10 years from now, how do you see your life?

My young adult literature fiction novel will have been published, and my writing and modeling will somehow give me a platform to create influence in terms of social good. I want to travel, have financial stability and to be an entrepreneur or actress to some extent. I will always find projects. What I most want however is to be happy. Hard work pays off. Struggle pays off. Gain creates opportunities. However, happiness is both the easiest and most difficult achievement. We can decide to be happy at any time, and yet we must remember to maintain ambitions and values that make us happy. It is easy to push oneself or to try to obtain things that do not matter simply because our culture does. The joy of the moment is the greatest achievement so to live in the present always is my greatest dream. From that, I will create what I can and motivate who I can.

 

 

 

 

 

6) What advice would you give other people who are wanting to become a writer/model/actor, ect...? 

You will be remembered for your values, not your net worth, achievements or things. So long as you are passionate about something, nothing should stop you from doing it. Therefore, what you achieve from it should be secondary. If you must follow an unconventional path or quit anything to get there, have faith and courage to do so. Never stay in something that makes you unhappy because tomorrow is not promised. You only have today to make your dreams come alive. Live your dreams, the recognition will come. Living your dreams simply comes from doing, not from achieving. What others recognize does not always equate what is right or worthwhile. The greatest dreamers are sometimes the most unrecognized so your number one goal is to be your  biggest fan. See who you can be, not just who you are and appreciate how far you have come. Then, you will have "made" it. 

 

Here are some of Sarah's Websites for you to check out:

Official Sarah J. Browne

Sarah's Facebook Page
Sarah J. Browne

**Blogger is not working correctly for me, so I apologize if you are seeing this post and it's spread out a bit odd. I tried fixing the post and it just wouldn't work. Hopefully I can fix it soon!


   

Recipe-Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad

 

I got this recipe from a friend of mine because I loved how she made it. Of course it was for a birthday party, so I had to add ingredients that my family liked, so had to change it up a bit! You can as well. You can basically put any veggies/cheeses/meats you'd like!

What you will need:

Colored Spiral Pasta--I used the veggie flavored kind!

Grated Parm. Cheese

Light Italian Dressing (my friend told me to use light cause reg sticks to the pasta too much and fat free just taste gross. haha)

Cucumbers (or peppers, carrots, onions--also can add meats as well)

 

 

Step 1:

Boil the pasta

 

While pasta is boiling you can start cutting up your veggies/meats

 

 

Step 2:

Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water so it stops cooking and gets cool.

 

Step 3:

Start putting your ingredients into your pasta. Start slow when it comes to the dressing. Adding too much will just make you taste the dressing, so add a squirt and taste ect...!  Remember you can always add more, you can't take it out! :)

 

 

Last step should be to sprinkle with the grated parm. cheese. You can also get blocks of cheese and use chunks instead of grated.

 

Enjoy!! It's such a perfect summer picnic dish!

Gem Exploration- The Diamond

All month I will be talking about this month's featured gemstone, the diamond! All you lucky people who has a birthday this month, this is your stone! Wear it proud! Below are some facts about the diamond.

• Diamonds are found in Brazil, USA, Australia, Ghana, Zaire, & Russia
• Diamonds are the hardest gemstones.
• Diamonds can come in a variety of different colors.

We will touch  more on these facts through-out the month! Be on the look out for more posts about this beautiful stone!

Is your birthday in April?   Do you have a special diamond piece of jewelry you wear to symbolize your birth month?  If so, send a picture of it, and I'll post some up this month!   Send to: KrissysBoutique@hotmail.com

Gem Exploration-Aquamarine: A Guide To Buying Aquamarine

Gem Exploration: Aquamarine--
A Guide To Buying Aquamarine

 

 

 

Aquamarine can come in a variety of different shades of blue. They range from light blue, dark blue and a blue green color. The stones start off a yellow/green color and is heat treated to the desired color of aquamarine. It can't be heated too much because the stone will be ruined.

 

When buying aquamarine, be sure you do a little research. Ask questions about stone it is you're buying. If the seller says the stone is Brazilian Aquamarine, you're actually getting blue topaz. If you're being sold Siam Aquamarine, it's actually just heat treated blue zircon. If it's something called "Mass Aqua" you're really getting just blue glass!

 

Did you know you should purchase your aquamarine jewelry with 18kt gold settings or higher or platinum. Less pure golds can cause the stone to discolor.

 

I hope you have found this month's Gem Exploration as much fun as I have! Keep a look out for April's Gem Exploration!

Spring Cleaning Continues

Well for most of the weekend and some of last week even, I have begun doing some major spring cleaning. I have decided that there are certain areas in my home that just needed a change and some de-cluttering! When I clean like this, I also do some redecorating. I feel once I'm in this mood to really go at it, I should take on yet another mission--which right now is putting up some new pictures, on walls as well as on my tables. I like to update pictures every few months to keep things fresh looking!
I am also doing some changes to my kitchen table. I recently got a new one and it's quite large. I now get to seat 6 people, even though we only have 4 in my house, but it has already come in handy for some recent get togethers. :)   I am changing the color in my kitchen from blue to sort of like pastel colors for the spring. I had my crocheter make some doily coasters for my cups and am working on a centerpiece. Below is a picture of the coasters. I love crochet items, don't you?

 

 

Tip: Doilies can really freshen up a room and change how things look. I recently began putting different size doilies all around my house (under picture frames, candles, draped over table cloths and now coasters)

If you like this look, you can browse my shop and purchase doilies of any size and color: Krissy's Boutique Knitted/Crochet Items 

 

I hope to finish my cleaning sometime this week and really start on my re-decorating! That is the fun part!!  Do you all do a spring cleaning? Am I weird to say that I'm enjoying this? :)

Guest Blogger: Kevin Allen-The Strength of Children with Down syndrome

 

 

The Strength of Children with Down syndrome

By Kevin Allen BHSc (Hons); MCSP

Evidence has shown that core stability exercises, with certain 
adaptation and guidance given by physiotherapists, can be incredibly 
beneficial for the treatment and management of hypermobility and low 
tone.

I just wanted to take this opportunity, not to boast or to advertise, 
after all I didn't perform the treatments, but to tell you how strong 
some children can be.

After a recent 3 week group given to children ranging in age from 10 
months to 4 years we observed unbelievable results. Without going into 
too much detail, the sheer hard work of the children and dedication of 
the parents resulted in 1 child sitting up unaided, 1 child sitting up 
with minimal assistance, 1 child walking with mum and another child 
being able to stand unsupported. None of which could be done prior to 
attending the group.

All of these children had Down's syndrome and most of them had 
received the same information from hospitals, 'they'll get there in 
the end'.

This approach raises 2 questions for me,

1. Why should they wait? and

2. Wouldn't this approach delay their motor development and 
subsequently leave them struggling to keep up with their peers at 
school?

If they are wanting to help themselves and parents and carers are 
clearly wanting to assist them, then as qualified physiotherapists 
shouldn't we be giving them all the help they need?

 

                This is a picture of Kevin's son who had Down Syndrome & passed away a few years ago. Such a sweet angel!

 

Below is a charity that you can contact if you'd like to know more or get involved with helping people with Down Syndrome.

National Down Syndrom Society

 

You can also visit Kevin's site here: http://www.eastridingphysiotherapy.co.uk/

Fashion: Layering!

Fashion is something that has always been something of interest to me! I love trying out new things and seeing what works and what doesn't. There are a lot of talk about hot trends and what you can and can not do, but I think that is bologna! I think fashion (STYLE) is completely yours to play with and create a look that is right for you! My style changes all the time. Of course I get inspired by some wonderful designers, but I'm always adding a twist to different things.

Today I am talking about layering! I love the look, whether it be with clothes or jewelry. I never liked when I heard that before you leave the house take one thing off. No no, wear what you want! Coco Chanel always had the idea of more is better! I think layering gives your outfit a different look and different pops of color.

When it come to clothes, layering can help you add color. Don't just wear a black basic color shirt, but a cami underneath it. If it's a short shirt, your cami will show around your waist or if you have a low cut shirt, the cami will show up top. Try some colors you don't usually wear! It's always fun to try new things and see how you feel in it! Did you know wearing the color blue can make you come across more trustworthy? :) 

Both models below are using the cami in different ways to add a pop of color. Also cami's are good for those low cut shirts you like, but can't wear to the office because of it being too low cut, so now you can wear the cami and it becomes an appropriate day time shirt!

When it comes to jewelry, have lots of fun! Mix and match pieces and go all out! Below are some pictures of how you can layer your necklaces! Sarah Jessica Parker is one of my style icons and she is always inspiring me to try new things. I love her bold look with lots of chunky pieces.

If you're not liking the bold look, go soft and start off slow with this look below. Like I said, experiment with new looks. Your whole wardrobe/outfit can change with just one simple piece added! No need to spend money one new pieces, when you can update your look with accessories!

 

My Family

I talk so much about business things and cooking, fashion ect... I never really get into my family! Well today is my youngest son's 1st birthday! His name is Cullen! He is named after my great grandfather Joseph Cullen. I have an older son as well, who is 6 years old. His name is Preston! Preston is my mini me cause he looks just like me, and Cullen looks more like my husband. They are both feisty little guys and the best kids anyone could ever have. I think Cullen will be a wild one and I see Preston as more a soft spoken boy who loves arts and crafts just like his mama! :) 

This weekend Cullen will be having a Curious George party! That is his favorite show on t.v. He also loves monkeys! I'm cooking a corned beef and cabbage meal for the whole family cause his party is on St. Patricks Day! How fun is that?  Below is a picture of my boys! They are my whole world! :)

 

Time goes by so fast. I really can't believe just a year ago today I had Cullen and I really can't believe I have a 6 year old! They grow up so fast and before you know it, off to college they go. I really can't think about that yet though cause it brings tears to my eyes! I don't think I will ever be ready to have them go out into the world on their own, but I know it's something that will come one day. As for now, I take each day and really cherish it. I do my best to make their days extra special. I'm always doing surprises for them and being silly just because their laugh is the best sound in the world.
Okay, enough gushing about my boys! haha!!  I hope you all have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Gem Exploration: Where is Aquamarine Found?

 

Gem Exploration: Aquamarine pt2

Aquamarine is found in many countries. Some countries are: Pakistan, Madagascar, Brazil, Siberia and the United States! Most the mining for this stone is done by hand. Fires are set near the rocks, which cause the big rocks to split open and the miners then use their tools to get the gemstone out. Thank goodness for their hard work because this stone is quite beautiful. This is a picture of how 'raw' aquamarine looks like below.

 

Thankfully due to the abundance of this stone found in numerous parts of the world, it's not expensive at all. The most popular cut for this stone is the emerald cut, which you can see below.

 

Aquamarine is a transparent stone, meaning you can see all the way through it!

 

 

Myth OR Fact? you decide!

Some people believe Aquamarine has healing powers. It is said if you put the stone onto your skin with your troubled areas, you will start feeling better. (It is said to help with arthritis, sore throats, eye inflammation and varicose veins)  What do you think about this claim?

 

 

*If you'd like to read more about Aquamarine and other gems that have been featured so far, take a minute to browse past posts. You can find the list on the right side of this page! :)

Monday Update!

Another Monday is upon us! I hope everyone had a really great weekend! The clocks have been turned ahead one hour over the weekend and that means (for me anyways) that spring is just around the corner! It also got me thinking about why we still have to do this whole time change thing. It started by Ben Franklin in 1784 and was all about saving money. The whole thing was about conserving lamp oil. Oh how the times have changed! Not every place does it, so I'm not sure why we have to continue to lose an hour and then gain an hour in the fall. Some things just don't make sense to me. I think I read somewhere about the transportation companies thinking it benefits them in some way. I don't know, I just know that an hour is gone and I really could have used it! :)

This week I have some things I am working on! I will be adding something NEW to the boutique towards the end of the week! I've been getting a few requests for more earrings, so an earring is what you'll get it! :)   I also have been getting suggestions about adding more purple items to the shop. Which is fine by me cause that is my favorite color!  Something purple is in the works as well. In the meantime, for all you purple lovers, below are some purple items available in my shop! You can find them all at my boutique and of course, like always everything is always between $1 and $20 dollars!

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Blogger: The Importance Of Planning A Jewelry Design

 

The Importance of Planning a Jewelry Design

 

Hello, my name is Mike and I am the owner of Candlelight Writing and I’m writing a special blog for on the importance of planning a jewelry design. I current own a copywriting firm in Ohio, U.S and have dabbled in jewelry before starting my own company. My company now provides unique content for small businesses around the world, from sales copy to web copy that helps companies overcome the competition with a stronger image that is favorable to their market. Now to the guest post and enough of my ramblings about my business, hope you will enjoy the post.

When I was working for a small handmade jewelry business, I learned the techniques to create handmade jewelry pieces such as anklets, necklaces, chokers, bracelets, convertible pieces with a variety of materials. I worked with materials such as Swarovski crystal to semi-precious stones and everything in between. I had a daily routine, drank my coffee, set up my table with the cloth to trap falling beads and my tools. I used a design board to do my pre designing stage, it’s nice to do spontaneous designs but for the longevity, I went to the design board to plan out the design.

The design board gave me a chance to think critically about the type of necklace or bracelet that I wanted to make. I made unisex items for sale, sometimes more women or men’s depending on the inspiration I was feeling at the moment. I learned that plotting out a design on the board helped me see different angles on how to do a certain piece of jewelry. I would tinker with the layout and materials, sometimes adjusting the pattern and removing colors to make it more appealing. The planning stage gave me more freedom to be creative with the bracelet or convertible items.

I would pick out the material for the design, the finishing clasps and other elements that I felt would trigger passion or beauty of the pieces. My inspiration was mainly based on the Gothic tone and undertones. I used royal colors with the swirl of black to accent the particular piece. I also created children’s earrings that were bright and sparkly. I never let the creative muse get stored in the closet. The designs would pop out at me; it didn’t matter if it was a colored string, chain or other type of material that I would string the beads and pendants on. The design board allowed me to be more creative and the planning made life so much easier.

Planning a design can make a difference for the outlook of the piece that you want to design. It will open a new door to the creative atmosphere. You can adjust the piece before completing it and then make new changes to it, if you prefer. The planning of a design allowed for more freedom to explore different material choice for the artistic work of the item. Sometimes I still dabble in making handmade jewelry but my love for the written word has given me a different outlook.

 

Please visit Mike's site: Candlelight Writing

Recipe: Sweet & Sour Meatballs

 Sweet & Sour Meatballs

 

 

 

What you will need:

• Meatballs (store bought or homemade)
• 1 jar of apple jelly
• 1 large bottle of bbq sauce (any kind you like!)

 

 

 

First, I mix the BBQ sauce and apple jelly in a bowl. I whisk it to break of the jelly a bit.

 

Secondly I place the meatballs in the crock pot on low and pour the bbq sauce/jelly mixture over them.

 

I then let the crockpot do all the work! In about 5-6  hours you have some delicious meatballs!

I like to serve these with egg noodles and a salad! Enjoy! :)

National Craft Month

Did you know March is National Craft Month?  It's very exciting that there is a whole month dedicated to crafts! Creating things is something I've always loved to do and I love that my oldest son (and hopefully youngest when he's older) will enjoy it as much as I do! It's something we can all do as a family together. One of the favorite things my son likes to do is make masks! He's very creative and it always thinking of new things to make!

Crafting has more benefits than you may realize. It's not only fun to create things, but it also has some health benefits as well. Studies from NYU and Harvard University have shown that crafting can reduce stress, build self-esteem and improve concentration! I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty fantastic! Especially when it comes to children, it seems crafting can really help them.

There are thousands of things you can do, you just need to find something you like and stick with it! Use your imagination and see where it takes you. Some of my favorite things are making jewelry, scrapbooking and painting. When I'm involved in a craft project, time flies and I get lost in what I'm doing. It really does relax me and helps me get my mind off of the craziness of life.

***What are some of your favorite craft projects to do?  Send in some pictures of your projects and I will post them up through out the month!  Send to: KrissysBoutique@hotmail.com


Below are some of my favorite items I have made! You can check out more at my boutique!