Sacrifice

To most of the world sacrifice is negative.  You must give up something in order to have something else, figuratively and literally.  Time, money, relationships, whatever it maybe the word indicates a loss or an inconvenience.  I however am turning my sacrifice's into a positive in my business.

Creating a business is HARD.  Its is scary, frustrating, exhausting, expensive and insecure.  I could probably go on with the list of negatives for a while but the truth is, I am tired of the negative. I am tired of me focusing on the negative, tired of negative energy around me in my friendships and work life.  As I work to change those areas I do not want it to seep into my business.  I want to be very conscious that every fail is actually and opportunity to grow, that every dollar spent will eventually be returned and ultimately know that all the negatives lead to one POSITIVE, my business. 

I am recognising that creating a business is rewarding, fulfilling, freeing, spontaneous, educational, it has infinite potential. All positives derived from the negatives. 

Over the next two months I am excited to sacrifice my time to focus on Stella Jewelry.  I see potential in the website that I need to put into action, I am determined to have the online store completed.  The fall collection needs to be ready by August 10th and I need to truly spend time on marketing the company.  I am going to stop complaining about falling short and just make things happen.

So if I don't have time to hang out to grab a quick dinner I hope my friends and family understand.  I am not being anti social and I shall return to the social scene eventually.  Wearing fabulous Stella Jewelry of course!

 

  P.S ~ Thank you to Mum, Mama Rousis, Melanie, Brianna, Amanda, Trina, Krystal, Taryn and even Blair and my brother Tony.  You have supported us all in different ways and we really appreciate it! <3

New stones!

I am STILL working on the online store! I know those who have been following me are probably thinking SERIOUSLY? Me too! 

I am honestly getting frustrated at how long its taking but I know that my intention is have a great online collection and I need to make sure when I launch the store I am happy and most importantly everything is right!

As I keep working on the collections here is a little peek and some of the new colors we are using!

Aren't they gorgeous and perfect for fall?

Its Officially Summer

Today is officially summer so heres to

~Maragaritas on the deck

~Ice cold beers

~Random nights downtown

~Mini Road trips

~Summer photoshoot for Stella Jewelry

~Hummidity which leads to bad hair

~ Shakespeare in the Park

~ Nights at the winery

~ Movies in the Park

~Reapplying my make up all day again due to hummidity

~Sushi nights at Metro

and lots of laughs and memories.

June Birch Box

Last week was insane for me and I didn’t have much time to blog L I literally worked 70 hrs between both jobs plus went to see Blair at No Shame Theatre, celebrated two birthdays and of course fathers day.  I also received my new supplies for Stella Jewelry which I am very excited about, fascinator bases from Italy for a new project and my June Birch Box.

I am thankful for a quieter week so I can work on my online store for Stella and to be able to take the time to test the products from Birch Box and report back to you guys.  Again this month I am really impressed with the items I received for only $10.00. 

1. Blow Up ~ Volume Shampoo. I can always use help with making my hair fuller.
2. Laura Geller Baked Bronzer ~ I am really impressed with this “sample”, when I signed up I didn’t expect to receive full size items.
3. Sircuit Skin ~ I have heard this is an amazing face spray and can’t wait to try it.
4. Twirl by Kate Spade ~ who doesn’t love trying new perfumes?
5. Deborah Lippmann ~ stripped nail polish removers to go.  These are perfect for me.  Anytime I can’t repair a chipped nail my OCD kicks in and I have to either find remover or chip the polish off each nail.  So classy! 

In other news I lost my make up bag!  If found there maybe a reward of a nice cold can of coke in it for you! 

Rose Gold Moment

Rose Gold Moment by Roxy1021 featuring a diamond accent ring

Brian Atwood high heel shoes, $665
Avanessi diamond accent ring, $350
Michael Kors stainless steel jewelry, £195
Lee Angel Jewelry crystal jewelry, £40
Diamond jewelry
Victoria Beckham mirrored sunglasses, $775

Fashion Friday

So Fashion Friday has been MIA for weeks due to my busy schedule and lack of motivation.  Well it's back and I am determined to stick with it. 

This will be a quick blog about my current shoe obsession.  I have been a huge fan of Toms for sometime, I love that when I buy a pair of shoes someone else gets a pair too.  So my summer shoe splurge might just be these beauties:

1

I've been looking for an accessory or maybe a blazer in watermelon or coral to add some color to my summer wardrobe and these might be the perfect option.  They look really comfortable with a reasonable heel height of 3 1/2 inches.  Perfect with Jeans, a floral dress or even to add a pop of color with a black cotton dress.

Does anyone else buy Toms? Whats your favorite style?  My friend Tricia just bought the sparkly pink classic Toms and they are so cute.

Check out the Toms website to learn about his One for One movement.

My new style icon....

I think my obsession of Catherine Middleton's style is bordering on being like my infatuation of Victoria Beckham.

The Duchess is always perfect and classic. I know she will have aides and stylists helping her but I have to believe she is the one ultimately picking her clothing.  Today she wore a stunning gown to a Gala in London and I am having a "moment" as Rachel Zoe would say.  I am dying over the look.

and the shoes......ahmazing!!!

1/2/3 

Don't you love her and what better accessory is there other than a Prince?  David Beckham of course, so Posh still wins the Style Icon Award :)

I'll be missing you..

Today is the anniversary of my father passing.  No matter how much time goes by, how much I grow as a person and learn to let go this day is always hard for me. There will always a piece of my heart missing,  I will always remember every minute of that day 18 years ago. I am thankful for my Mum, brother and step Dad who love me and have always been there for me and helped me through the rough times. 

As horrible as my familys loss is, I have learnt from the situation. I love and care about people more than they probably know because you really don't know what could happen.  I also realized I spent to much of my life being sad about what was missing or happened that I was missing the present.  I now  do my best to appreciate the fun I had and enjoy those great memories.

~ I love and miss you Daddy, I know your watching over me ~

Busy busy bee

Ever since the blogger issues a few weeks ago I haven't been motivated to write any blogs.  Its not because I haven't had plenty to say, I've just been so busy I haven't taken the time to put my thoughts onto paper online.

So whats keeping me so busy you ask? Well a number of things, of course work which we won't talk about because its extra boring. Ill bullet otherwise this could be a really long post :)

* Weddings ~ In 2011 about 8 of my friends are getting married and three of them were in the last Month.  So with weddings comes shopping for dresses, gifts, cards, shoes. Congrats Jamie & Caleb, Jess & Chris and Kayla & Fredy!

*England ~ I have been spending a lot of my time online looking for flights, hotels, contacting friends so I can finalize the details of my big trip home.  I am excited to say things are coming together.  Ill be home on August 28th for 3 weeds YAY.  The first week I will spend in my hometown with family, visiting friends and some of my favorite places from childhood.  Oh and of course my childhood best friend, Andrea's Wedding.  Then on Sept 8th, my best friend Kristin is flying over to do a bit of sight seeing. We are going to visit York and London then off to Guernsey to see Lucy get married.

*Stella ~ I am in a rut with the jewelry business.  I have had some great feedback, advice and opportunities recently but feel like I'm stopping short and can't figure out what I need to get to the next step.  Sometimes I know what needs to be done but my execution falls short.  Frustrating BUT I do have some good updates.  Stella Jewelry is now being carried in Rocky Mount, Va at the Rocky Mount Center for the Arts & The Grainery, they have great art and glass blowing on site.  I recommend anyone stopping by if they are in the area.  Also we are going to be part of the Bella Womens Luncheon & Evening Social ~ Roanoke ladies get your tickets its going be a great event.

I just made these and think I need to keep them :)

*Memorial Day ~  In addition to working a lot over the holiday weekend at my fun job.  I spent a few hours baking, decorating and delivering cupcakes, brownies, candy and thank you notes to the Veterans at the VA Hospital.  It was great to get together with my co-workers and hopefully brighten a soldiers day.

*In addition to everything else I have also have birthdays, helping with my Mums store, extra hours at the PT Fun job, everyday errands and just trying to take some time for me, which doesn't really ever work out well. 

So I'm back to blogging and have some posts in mind already hopefully you will enjoy them.

*Friendships ~ broad topic I know :)

*Travel ~ I have a couple of posts about places Ive been and dream of going.

*Understanding ~ I really think understanding is the key to all aspects of life.

*Meet my friends ~ I have some really talented friends to talk about.

*My Birch Box ~ Beauty related posts from my Birch Box samples.