tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75124795161506487582024-03-13T12:08:43.856-07:00LiciaPots. LiciaBeads. LiciaKnits.beading, knitting, improvements, cats, sustainability, gardening, and eventually pottery, beads, jewelry, etsy, shopping, recipes, food, lampwork, art, Seattle, green, construction, landscape design, planting, flowers, remodeling, vegetablesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-71969223578759439792017-02-17T13:43:00.000-08:002017-02-17T13:43:35.121-08:00New Year, New Goals - NEW SHOPCheers all! I know it's been a while. I've been growing humans.<br />
<br />
I've also been working on prep for something I had been wanting to do for a LONG time. It's finally here! Subscriptions!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://liciabeads.myshopify.com/collections/subscriptions-gemstone-pendants/products/monthly-subscription-classic-dangle-earrings-sterling-silver" target="_blank"><img alt=" Classic Dangle Earrings" border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75Toa8AHV2M/WKdsoKq_JcI/AAAAAAAAKHU/n5mHTFYXCdwDItftq2S3cih_Jd6KNVTdgCLcB/s320/classic%2Bdangle%2Bearrings%2Bassortment%2Bmain%2Bbordered.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The store that sells them is at <a href="http://liciabeads.com/">LiciaBeads.com</a> and the Classic Dangle Earrings are the most popular subscription so far. There are a few other assortments to suit your needs and budget, as well as a floral earring selection.<br />
<br />
Also included are some in stock items and of course the ever popular TP jewelry.They've been rolling along steadily since 2012, originally designed in 2007. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://liciabeads.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage" target="_blank"><img alt="Toilet Paper Jewelry" border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-Lz3pBnfIw/WKdtgmInfMI/AAAAAAAAKHg/IYuPkftqeggJN38iCAiY7bSSCR8gW06SQCLcB/s320/1047%2BTP%2Bearrings%2Bon%2Bss%2Bwith%2BLB%2Bwatermark%2BD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So, take a peek if you would. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LiciaBeadsJewelry/" target="_blank"> Follow me on Facebook too!</a> Sometimes I give things away.<br />
<br />
Happy 2017!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-37848245238036869012014-05-10T21:16:00.001-07:002014-05-10T21:16:27.458-07:00Swimming in Alphabet soup for Mothers Day<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
I've
had one of the strangest days of my life. I figure another mommy would
understand more than anyone else, so I leave you with my day.<br />
<br />
It
began before I even woke up with a dream. My husband and I were escaping
Alcatraz and after much planning we decided to swim down thru the giant
soup tubes that supplied (of course) alphabet soup to the kitchens.<br />
<br />
When we got to the underground where the soup was made we went down
more underground stairwells to the administrative and financial offices.
There we dressed as business persons and impersonated our way thru the
building that looked like a mall of offices.<br />
<br />
It was at this point
that I was awakened by my cats (not unusual) blasting thru the vertical
blinds at an animal. They are always chasing cats who are outside by
racing thru the house on the inside. Then I went to the window because
of all the ruckus and there was an adult deer not 5 feet away at that
point and coming to get nose to nose with the cat thru the window.<br />
<br />
This woke up the baby (he's 20 months, still technically I call him a
baby), and the husband. At that point I figured I had better take a
photo for proof, and got one just in time before hubby went outside to
scare the deer away... the deer thought this was quite amusing... hubby
returned and went back out with a toy drum and pounded on it while
chasing the deer from our food garden.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEtmy35PBAA/U275JFvv5cI/AAAAAAAADMI/DcdlLSGV1bs/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEtmy35PBAA/U275JFvv5cI/AAAAAAAADMI/DcdlLSGV1bs/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
By 10AM I had decided that
the early nap baby had chosen was on my wish list as well and we slept
till about noon. Midday was moderately average, we baked zucchini bread
and I cleaned the kitchen while the small one played with kitchen toys
in his "stand next to mama" stool.<br />
<br />
We decided that tonight was a
good night to go out for dinner so we chose a nearby restaurant that has
good chicken wings (which I still crave post pregnancy) and not much
else, for a price that is too high for what they serve. But, it's close
and it's Mothers Day and they have beer.<br />
<br />
We arrived just as happy
hour ended (because mama just had to print a Grupon first, insert irony
here). The hostess asked us if a booth was okay and I was like, sure,
why not. This involved the small childs first experience with a booster
seat. This seat does not have a little belt, is narrower at the base
than the top, is seated on a cushiony seat and the child could move
around at will. The table was uncomfortably high (like, we laughed when
we sat down it was so obvious) and the booth left no room to move. I
felt like we were on some kind of blooper show.<br />
<br />
Restraining
active child with tippy seat, hostess brings out a full glass of water,
with lid and straw for small child. Kids don't' need full... I'm going
to start asking for half full... er, half empty would be better.<br />
I
had thought ahead (or maybe not) to wear a nicer outfit for dinner
because after all, it was dinner before Mothers Day. This would have
worked great with a high chair with a belt as I had expected. We did ask
to be reseated, but... it was the dinner before Mothers Day...<br />
This only brings to light the sheer logistic genius that mothers have to
manage family life because on Mothers Day, it seems to all go to crap
as mothers take (I know, not really) the day off. Noone else can manage
like we can, it's not the same.<br />
<br />
Throughout dinner husband sat on
the other side of the table only witnessing with the seeming inability
to assist in matters, as there was a giant table of food before him. And
beer. I ate a couple wings, taught baby not to grab on mommies
clothing, had some beer, fed a child, helped child floss his teeth with
strings from the celery, avoided fingers, gave a cloth for the teething,
kept the water away, used a napkin as a bib.... tried to keep his chair
from tipping over with my elbow, kept him seated... left without
dessert and most of my food in a doggy bag. When I got home... I looked
at the lovely concoction that had been a rather nice hairstyle before we
had left.<br />
<br />
All in all... the day was pretty much like swimming in alphabet soup. I dare not ask what Alcatraz represented.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-74145935410726782532013-02-06T12:03:00.000-08:002014-05-10T21:17:53.179-07:00TP Jewelry on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Headlines My Toilet Paper Earrings and Toilet Paper Necklace were featured on the Tonight Show! The cutout is from a feature in the January Readers Digest.<br />
You can get them at my website: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeads">http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeads</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw2OPZ_GJbxpsleHVeqDwX9j4tHCb9L5FgvgGks3WHEcEEdC-teP9u8rY9mFp126B281BkYSKLH8WVdhWIV5g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">new Etsy.Mini(5273773,'gallery',3,5,0,'http://www.etsy.com');</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-88638730387175925992012-10-10T17:28:00.001-07:002012-10-10T17:31:06.652-07:00LiciaBeads Toilet Paper Jewelry, handmade with care and a touch of silly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/486404_490484487645912_1611927674_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/486404_490484487645912_1611927674_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-75121436195239278782012-10-06T16:04:00.000-07:002013-04-06T15:56:59.553-07:00Tips from a new mama - have cradle, will travelSo we have been a little busy this year. Eventually I do want to write about Koa's journey but for the time being a few things I have learned these last 4 weeks. A few little tips and tidbits that were not necessarily in the vast array of books that I read. In no particular order either, because life doesn't go in any kind of order any longer for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUoXDcs9Alw/UWCnNgSA0bI/AAAAAAAACfw/Oq8lnMsCYdI/s1600/IMAG0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUoXDcs9Alw/UWCnNgSA0bI/AAAAAAAACfw/Oq8lnMsCYdI/s320/IMAG0098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One of my favorite things is the little cradle on wheels. The cradle is borrowed from family and we had a base with good quality caster wheels put on the bottom. This allows us to have him in any room we need (granted, this will not work so well if you have stairs). Baby essentials can be moved around with baby on the little shelf.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lz3bpmFfYo/UWCnnt0EDVI/AAAAAAAACf4/sBhQxQse2UQ/s1600/P1020332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lz3bpmFfYo/UWCnnt0EDVI/AAAAAAAACf4/sBhQxQse2UQ/s320/P1020332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
To keep baby centered and prevent him from rolling around I have placed some rolls of blankets beneath the mattress. This also works if I want to have him on a slight incline. Remembering that he will just scootch down and he needs a little roll under his tuckus to keep that from happening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-us-OBd3yic4/UWCnx5tQ93I/AAAAAAAACgA/3WRoGft8UGc/s1600/IMAG0148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-us-OBd3yic4/UWCnx5tQ93I/AAAAAAAACgA/3WRoGft8UGc/s320/IMAG0148.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Newborn essentials can tucked between the side of the mattress and the bumper guards. A thermometer is a must (and actually, I like the simple little digital one, placed under the armpit till it beeps, 36.5 - 37.5 Celsius is the ideal baby temp) until they can regulate their own temp. Koa needed quite a few warm blankets for the first two weeks. Now that winter is on the way it's nice to have those warmer ones donated by some special friends. ♥ <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuKwqs6PkvA/UWCoKBbuCBI/AAAAAAAACgI/MpYioLAhnM0/s1600/IMAG0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuKwqs6PkvA/UWCoKBbuCBI/AAAAAAAACgI/MpYioLAhnM0/s320/IMAG0161.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We bundle him burrito style (take a lesson from the hospital nurses, they do amazing wraps!) so he cannot startle himself awake and stays nice and cozy just like in the womb (be it dryer) and then tuck a second blanket no higher than his chest and secure the edges into his cradle. Now, those feet can still get the blankets off most times... but it works for a little while anyway.<br />
<br />
I also transport a little "travel" changing kit with him too, a couple extra diapers, wipes and a pee pee pad (or the changing pad that came with your diaper bag) so I don't have to always go back to the nursery to change him.<br />
<br />
That's it for now, more sporadic posts as we are able.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-88516123587214898822012-05-30T20:39:00.001-07:002013-04-06T15:44:38.687-07:00Maui no ka oi (the babymoon and more)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp8yowzul84/UVPVx0FivvI/AAAAAAAACeM/2z1ZExa_51A/s1600/IMG_2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp8yowzul84/UVPVx0FivvI/AAAAAAAACeM/2z1ZExa_51A/s400/IMG_2769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vj_kNSyx7o4/T8afRQN4oLI/AAAAAAAACWE/IM9UFmotw9Q/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
We knew we wanted to be able to take one last trip to our favorite place before baby is born. Following are some tidbits of our trips to the island and other things you may want to enjoy if you ever visit. Events are sorted by island location and are all things we have personally enjoyed.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We first went to Maui together in 2000 for several weeks where I transferred temporarily and worked at the Eagle Hardware while we lived in a little apartment. The working didn't last long as I got bored with the really (unbelievably) slow pace of the island and I decided to use up all my vacation time all at once. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was 10 years before we visited again, this time to get married in Sept 2010. We invited family and several were able to make the trip. Close family stayed with us and we were able to rent 3 side by side units at the Wailea Ekahi Village. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have had wonderful service renting from the Pauli's thru their website <a href="http://waileaekahivillage.com/">http://waileaekahivillage.com/</a> and have stayed in 20A (suits up to 6, which is closer to the large pool and beach, and you can hear the ocean waves at night) and 49D (suits up to 3, further up the property, you can hear the traffic from here but have a great view of the property and sunset and a wonderful casual walk (enter from bldg 48 walk) that meanders thru the property all the way to the beach with no interruptions).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We loved the area and feeling of the village so much that we returned to it for the Babymoon. This time we rented a condo further up the property and loved the reward of the beautiful view (although really, all of them are just spectacular) and tradewinds in the evening. Tall hotels and other condo communities don't even come close to this. Along with the huge variety of tropical birds, we were even visited by a little kitten who climbed the bougainvillaea to our lanai. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time we were able to get a little further from the beaten path and enjoy more personal aspects of the island. Of all our visits, I recommend the following:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
_________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lahaina</b></span>: Just spending the day hanging out and wandering around Lahaina is entertaining, there is lots to see and do, plenty to eat, and fun things to purchase from cracking an oyster for a pearl to enjoying fine art at the many galleries.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XG0vqdd5Qt4/UVPWizWbe3I/AAAAAAAACek/T6eeivI-T2U/s1600/IMG_4162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XG0vqdd5Qt4/UVPWizWbe3I/AAAAAAAACek/T6eeivI-T2U/s320/IMG_4162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Old Lahaina Luau</b> <a href="http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/">http://www.oldlahainaluau.com</a> - the most personal, authentic and immersive. Our favorite Maui Luau (if you go to Oahu, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center!)<br />
<br />
<b>Warren and Annabelle's Magic Show</b> <a href="http://www.warrenandannabelles.com/">http://www.warrenandannabelles.com/</a> - a fun place to have evening pupu's and drinks and enjoy a humorous magic show.<br />
<br />
<b>Atlantis Submarines</b>: <a href="http://www.atlantisadventures.com/maui">http://www.atlantisadventures.com/maui</a> One for the keiki (kiddos) to enjoy. For those who want to see the fishes up close but not get wet, this is the way to go. (Although I do really suggest the wet version of sea life viewing for best effect.) They dive up to 100 feet into the vast blueness and follow along with fishes and give an up close view of the Carthaginian replica shipwreck that now serves as an artificial reef.<br />
_________________________________________________<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NC_XkqTrWfY/UWCimFtzlxI/AAAAAAAACew/FOlLphMbX-M/s1600/P1010719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NC_XkqTrWfY/UWCimFtzlxI/AAAAAAAACew/FOlLphMbX-M/s320/P1010719.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kihei - Wailea:</b></span> Things that are good to locate if you stay in Kihei, the Post Office, Longs Drugs and several other handy shops are located at the Azeka Shopping center at the intersection of Piikea and S. Kihei road. There are plenty of places to get groceries but for Maui grown fruits, stop by one of the little roadside stands, or if you see kids selling them "lemon aid stand style" from a little wagon, surely visit! Many typical grocery stores will sell you Mangos from Peru, and Bananas from Guatemala, even on Maui. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Natural Grocery</span></b>: There is a Whole Foods in Kahului but it still doesn't quite have what we wanted (real local produce and natural foods) so we found this tiny little grocer in Kihei called <a href="http://www.hawaiianmoons.com/" target="_blank">Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods http://www.hawaiianmoons.com/</a> that was like a mini PCC and had so many of the things we were looking for.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ice Cream and gifts</b>: <span dir="ltr" id="place-title">Kihei Aloha Ice Cream & Yogurt is located in a little strip mall south of Alanui Kealii Drive. They have over a hundred flavors of Yogurt and many delicious tropical options for ice creams. I personally like Heavenly Hana, James had the Kona Lava Java. After you finish your treats you can walk over to the cute little clothing and gift shop for some souvenirs. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Breakfast</b>: Sure you can go to Dennys (or any breakfast style restaurant) if you want, but the locals and tourists in the know go to Kihei Caffe, located just south of the Kalama Village Shopping area on Alahele Place. This place is informal, opens early, 5AM and closes at 2PM. If you come later than about 8 and before noon, be prepared to wait to order. As noted at the door, don't try to save a table, they have it worked out just right so even at the busiest times you will get one. The meals come out quite fast considering how busy they are, and there will be plenty of birds begging but the food, atmosphere and people are wonderful. We like to support Kihei Caffe each time we visit, at least once.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NsxBHtVLbc/UWCjCsaVD7I/AAAAAAAACe4/2Kq8Stl2nxo/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NsxBHtVLbc/UWCjCsaVD7I/AAAAAAAACe4/2Kq8Stl2nxo/s320/IMG_3075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><b>Souvenir shopping</b>: Kalama Village is just to the North of Kihei Caffe and has a great selection of lovely finds. A nice place to enjoy the space too with some lush mature shade trees (even the parking has plenty of shade!) and a tropical Koi pond with bridge. Lovely at night when the torches are lit! The sun always sets right around 7PM too, restaurants facing the water will be most busy at this time. Reservations are usually recommended, especially in Lahaina and other higher end restaurants.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><b>Spa Grande at the Grande Wailea Resort </b>: <a href="http://www.grandwailea.com/spa-grande/">http://www.grandwailea.com/spa-grande/</a> Our wedding planner was able to generously offer us a discounted entry to the Spa Grande which we took with open arms at the chance to be pampered to maximum effect. The terme is separated into mens and womens but if you get a Lomi Lomi massage afterward (we got the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi) you can prerequest to have it together. Something to keep in mind ahead of time, the spa usually experienced in a natural state, so if you are not comfortable that way, bring a swimsuit. They do provide a large plush towel for walking around, and you can just lay down in a lounge while waiting for your massage. For those who don't want the full effect, there is also a full salon and you can get a mani pedi or several other pampering treatments, they really have it all!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Big Beach</b>: At the very end of the south part of Maui, past the resorts of Wailea is a spectacular beach! There is parking but I imagine it could fill up during busy times, restrooms are porta johns last time we went. A must for very experienced boogie boarders, or just to watch them at the far end of the beach where the waves break quickest. When the waves are big here, the waves are BIG, they break shallow and with force so do use great care if you go into the water. It's a treat just to see the huge beach in all it's natural sense, no giant resort to interrupt the true nature of this area. For those who are really into the natural aspect, just to the right and over a rock outcropping is the place you can get a full tan all over if you want. (But use care in the sun too, Maui is equatorial so the sun can get right at you fast and burns are no fun!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
_________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kula, Upcountry and Haleakala</span></b>: off the beaten path, and great locations to beat the heat, or in the case of the mountain summit, downright chill down!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title">Partway up the mountain you will encounter several tiny little towns. This trip we visited Kula and saw some of the things it had to offer. Because of it's location it's much cooler in Kula, and when we visited it even gave us some welcome rain. It felt just like home in Seattle with the mid 60 temps and a spot of shower, we also had some coffee.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEmppCLj5wA/UWCjTcO0rhI/AAAAAAAACfA/mcpLSRABgj0/s1600/O%27O+Farm+Table+length.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEmppCLj5wA/UWCjTcO0rhI/AAAAAAAACfA/mcpLSRABgj0/s320/O%27O+Farm+Table+length.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span dir="ltr" id="place-title"><b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>O'O Farm</b>: <a href="http://www.oofarm.com/">http://www.oofarm.com/</a> Reservations Required (call them) as space is always limited to best serve their guests. A few days a week this little local farm offers luncheon tours and visitors can walk along the hillside and sample coffee beans right from the bushes (they are berries with thick skins and a little sweet coatings around a coffee bean, the bean is nothing special until roasted though). The restrooms are porta johns which they keep very clean, you really are on a farm here. Wear shoes that are acceptable for walking from long grass to dusty soil and along some slopes. We were greeted by one of the farm roosters who monitored us while he pranced fancy rooster style around the grounds. Richard was our tour guide and led us around the farm grounds, passed out samples of lettuces, flowers and herbs that he picked from the garden and gave us an overview about their organic garden and methods. All the while chef JJ (from Seattle!) was preparing our meal from food picked that morning. It really was delicious, beautifully rustic and like nothing else on Maui! I would certainly do it again! </span></div>
<br />
<b>Aina Coffee</b>: Grown only at O'O Farm, it was wonderful too, get some! <a href="http://www.ainagourmetcoffee.com/">http://www.ainagourmetcoffee.com/</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OUQrYwcEEL0/UWCjhhgyx0I/AAAAAAAACfI/q92WW68sGDQ/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OUQrYwcEEL0/UWCjhhgyx0I/AAAAAAAACfI/q92WW68sGDQ/s320/IMG_2883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: red;"></span>Alii Kula Lavender Farm</b>: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.aklmaui.com/default.aspx">http://www.aklmaui.com/default.aspx</a> Come for the Lavender, stay for the SCONES! These are like no other scones I have had, just delicious with <a href="http://www.aklmaui.com/p-22-lavender-lilikoi-jelly.aspx" target="_blank">Lilikoi Jelly</a> (that's PassionFruit). The lavender was not in full bloom while we were there, but there is a vast collection of plants in the lower garden as well as a beautiful view of Maui from above. The gift shop is full of pretty things, lavender and otherwise so you can support this pretty little piece of paradise. Did I mention the scones? Warm them to perfection in the little oven out the back door and spread with Lilikoi jelly while you enjoy the view from the deck. Then get some to take back to your place for breakfast the next morning! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5F9R8t0fZg/UWCjs9sSygI/AAAAAAAACfQ/Ga3pqYqSZCQ/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5F9R8t0fZg/UWCjs9sSygI/AAAAAAAACfQ/Ga3pqYqSZCQ/s320/IMG_2973.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Kula Botanical Garden</b>:<br />
<a href="http://www.kulabotanicalgarden.com/">http://www.kulabotanicalgarden.com/</a> Another beautiful place to visit and wander around in the cooler temps of Kula. Give yourself at least an hour (they close at 4), more if you are a plant lover who delights in the details, to take a self guided tour of this collection of tropical plants. Admission is $10 and the garden is well worth supporting. Bring a sack lunch, or scones from the Lavender farm. You can also have tropical flowers shipped back to the mainland from here if you like. What a fun reminder of the trip to have a fresh bouquet arrive shortly after you get home!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Morihara Store</b> (Kula): Here's a little oddball treat for you tomato lovers out there. Off the highway on Lower Kula Road (which is actually uphill from the highway) there is a little general store/grocery. Toward the back in the produce section there are a selection of tomato options. Dave's tomatoes are the best we have ever had, spring for them! We used them that night on the burgers we grilled on the lanai (a bonus of having our own condo space!) and they were just delicious! Tomatoes really are a fruit!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1OM58AaGd4/UWCkNRgF90I/AAAAAAAACfY/Tf05O-h99Lo/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1OM58AaGd4/UWCkNRgF90I/AAAAAAAACfY/Tf05O-h99Lo/s320/IMG_4131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ulupalakua Ranch Maui's Winery, Tedeschi Vinyards</b>: <a href="http://www.mauiwine.com/">http://www.mauiwine.com/</a> Our wedding guests joined us on the visit to Ulupalakua Ranch as we selected some wines for the upcoming wedding. The grounds were spacious and the upcountry views were lovely. We enjoyed browsing the gift shop and having a wine tasting to choose our favorites. We liked them so much that we arranged to have a case shipped home for when we got back. There are actually a couple bottles left for us to enjoy after the baby is born. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tx5CZPYWbgA/UWCk0RdMJzI/AAAAAAAACfg/bH2J6s0N9Xc/s1600/IMG_4082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tx5CZPYWbgA/UWCk0RdMJzI/AAAAAAAACfg/bH2J6s0N9Xc/s320/IMG_4082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Haleakala</b> (the mountain that made Maui): <a href="http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm">http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm</a> (save your entrance receipt and you can use it for the Seven Sacred Pools near Hana) Haleakala is otherworldly to me! Absolutely worth the visit be it for sunrise (timed just right for the weather, it's spectacular) or just to walk around and see the landscape. Keep in mind it's 10,000 feet, and the air is thin so take care with your pace. For those who are eager and able to do more at this altitude there are tours, hikes, guided camping, bike rides down the mountain on the road, or more daring down the "spine" extreme mountain bike style.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you visit for sunrise, plan accordingly as many many vehicles make the trip and when the lots are full they close! The road is very curvy and the sides are treacherous, use care and allow a little more time than you may expect because parking can fill up and the trip takes much longer than you would suppose looking at a map. They do always have early morning agents at the top to help direct parking though as this is a common attraction. Also, it's chilly up there! Bring a coat, long pants, sturdy shoes and I've even seen people wearing blankets. Those planning on visiting should prepare clothing special for this part of the trip as it can get close to freezing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Maui Zip Line</b>: <a href="http://www.zipline.com/locations/haleakala" target="_blank">http://www.zipline.com/locations/haleakala </a>There are a few options for zip lines on Maui for the more adventurous (and those not pregnant, I would so have gone again!). Almost our entire family went on this zip line before the wedding and we had a great time! The guides were hilarious and entertaining and the zip line was as fun to zip on as it was to watch others enjoy. At the end we purchased our pictures and videos and enjoyed the event all over again, oh the faces you will make! Reserve quite a bit in advance as space is limited, especially for large parties.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
_________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Paia</b></span>: Spend a day here to enjoy the artistry, local music and flavor all it's own. This is an eclectic artist town full of great little shops and even a <span style="color: red;">♥</span>bead store just at the west end of town.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Mamas Fish House</b> $$$$: <a href="http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/">http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/</a> If you are prepared for some of the best food of your life this is the place to go. Make reservations well in advance to make sure they have a place for you because they always fill up from reservations alone. The atmosphere is like nothing I have ever had the opportunity to experience, truly professional and welcoming! Come with an open heart and mind and be prepared to delight in the seafood that they prepare daily as it arrives each morning on their own shore. It's worth it to enjoy the full course selection from amazing beverages all the way to amazing desserts! I only wish I could have enjoyed it all! Please note that this is a four star location in a one of a kind place on Earth and your support directly goes to the wonderful employees amazing chefs and fishermen who have been keeping Mamas a unique part of Maui since 1973. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
_________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hana and the Road to Hana</b></span>: Hana is another amazing place to visit on Maui, the town itself is small, local and there really isn't too much to it, the road itself is rather spectacular though! There are so so many things to see on this road that it would be much too much to include here. It's worth your money to invest in a guide (there are free ones too at the little tourist brochure stands all over the island) or the invaluable book Maui Revealed <a href="http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/books-apps/maui-revealed">http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/books-apps/maui-revealed</a> that has every little thing inside down to the tiniest detail. I'll include my top favorites and other little treats. Bring bug spray, I needed it the first time I visited, but the second (Sept) it wasn't necessary, not sure why.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you want to see some of the more rare sights on the way to Hana, get on the road very early (sun-up even) because some of the greatest sights have the tiniest little pullouts that will only accomodate 2 or 3 cars and this road does not allow passing, some bridges and corners are one lane and you will even have a stop sign to let vehicles take turns. If I had my way, I would stay locally for a few days, even stay in Hana, leaving early each day and getting in a few places at a time. (The bamboo forest and the eucalyptus forest are some to visit if you can, get the Maui Revealed book for the best info on these locations.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Halfway to Hana</b>: <a href="http://halfwaytohanamaui.com/">http://halfwaytohanamaui.com</a>/ A cute little stand just past mile marker 17 with plenty of space to pull off and get yourself a banana bread. There are lots of places to get banana bread on Maui and there may be better breads, but this is easily at the top of my list. A great and easy tradition every time we have the chance to drive to Hana.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Keanae Peninsula</b>: A little break from the curves of the road, and a great place to eat your snacks and visit the restroom. Also, photo opportunities galore along this rocky shoreline with it's dark black lava rocks contrasted with blue of the ocean and foamy white spashes of waves. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Pu'a'a Ka'a State Park</b>: Another rest stop that usually has enough parking to serve everyone who needs it. Walk across the road and up the paths to a pleasant little waterfall oasis and pool. The first time I went (1993) classmates took a dip in the relatively frigid water. Use care around the cats, they are not as friendly as they may look and most all are feral here.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hana Powered Hang Gliding</b>: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.hangglidingmaui.com/">http://www.hangglidingmaui.com/</a>
Again something for the more adventurous. My husband took a flight
while we watched him from Wainapanapa Beach down below. He had a great
time and even purchased a digital selection of photos from the flight.
Also great, this is a small time operation that directly supports the
pilot and his family.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKEEwmZ2uYU/UWClMzffShI/AAAAAAAACfo/jcQtw5tmb1U/s1600/IMG_4216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKEEwmZ2uYU/UWClMzffShI/AAAAAAAACfo/jcQtw5tmb1U/s320/IMG_4216.JPG" width="320" /></a>note: just before you get to the road for Wainapanapa there is a cute little roadside store, it's worth a peek and perusal of their treats!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Wainapanapa State Park</b>: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/waianapanapa.cfm">http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/waianapanapa.cfm</a>
For me, this is one of the most beautiful beaches on Maui. Such crisp
contrast between the ocean, foliage, sky and deep black sand beach and
lava rocks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Hasegawa General Store</b> (in Hana): Worth a stop to this little store that is cram packed with so much it's hard to believe. It seems like there is a little of everything and I like to grab a few things for the remainder of the trip and just to support this eccentric little gem of a shop. It's grown on me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red;">♥</span>Venus Pool</b>: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emvionline/3496081880/lightbox/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/emvionline/3496081880/lightbox/</a> check the Maui Revealed book for information on how to access this location. It's absolutely ethereal in it's beauty but is a little trek off the road and I'm not sure if it is accessible without trespassing. Use care, this is a flash flood location, as are many pools on this side of Maui.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Seven Sacred Pools, Ohe'o Gulch</b>: <a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/road-to-hana-maui/road-to-hana-sites-to-see-maui/seven-sacred-pools/">http://mauiguidebook.com/road-to-hana-maui/road-to-hana-sites-to-see-maui/seven-sacred-pools/</a> (save your entrance receipt and you can use it for your Haleakala entrance) Plenty of parking, restrooms and a good place for a picnic if you've arrived early enough. A bonus if you have been able to stay somewhere on the Hana side is that you can enjoy this location before it is crowded (although it's great for people watching too). Take the walk from the parking lot to the pools to enjoy a dip, or watch the crazy locals jump off the bridge above. Always entertaining to spend time here and lots to see and enjoy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The back side of Haleakala</b>: Vehicle rental agreements typically prohibit travel around the back side of the mountain. Having been there I would agree with them for the most part. Here is a story we had that involved driving "home" from the back side
of Haleakala
<a href="http://liciapots.blogspot.com/2011/02/centipede-story-one-of-our-adventures.html">http://liciapots.blogspot.com/2011/02/centipede-story-one-of-our-adventures.html</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The road is not paved, but it is improved regularly so it is passable. There are spots, like the road to Hana that are clearly one way at a time, this time without warnings or stop signs, and sheer cliff drops and faces, and rarely a guardrail. Your cell phone will not work here and the way back to Kihei (in our case) is just as far if not further around the back side of the mountain because all roads lead back to Kahului, there is no road directly to South Maui from here. That said, Google did go there, so you can see the area ahead of time to make a more educated decision via Google map view. Watch for cows and horses in the road, they like to graze there and tend to move at their own pace. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
_________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All in all, Maui is a wonderful place to visit and take some time out in paradise. Hopefully this posting will give you some ideas of the more intimate and local activities on the island so you can step out of the typical resort setting and really start feeling like Ohana (family). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: red;"></span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-43867075857373344252012-05-14T17:39:00.000-07:002012-05-14T17:39:21.316-07:00There's been a developement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKK7rurRtkI/T7GknMMb0gI/AAAAAAAACV4/PVGl6DCOICs/s1600/Image07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKK7rurRtkI/T7GknMMb0gI/AAAAAAAACV4/PVGl6DCOICs/s320/Image07.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little fetus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPi7TSx_Mqo/T7GkEUc-3kI/AAAAAAAACVo/ki8lMyM6HKs/s1600/cropped+cupcake+photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPi7TSx_Mqo/T7GkEUc-3kI/AAAAAAAACVo/ki8lMyM6HKs/s320/cropped+cupcake+photo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are new events about to take place, and it's been quite the process so far. We had a gender reveal party when I was 20 weeks along (that's halfway there). My favorite cupcake bakery was wonderful in creating some cupcakes that were custom filled with colored frosting and the whole family was able to learn together (including us) what the gender was. It was a good time, and there was much sugar. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Special thanks to <a href="http://www.cupcakeroyale.com/" target="_blank">Cupcake Royale</a> for allowing us the special request and keeping the secret so well!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-42208340911914334972011-12-06T11:30:00.000-08:002011-12-06T12:07:32.452-08:00My Favorite Things - Homemade Caramels and Marshmallows<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.195214626.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62517154/extraordinary-vanilla-marshmallows-by" target="_blank">Extraordinary Vanilla Marshmallows by Have It Sweet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Have you ever had homemade marshmallows? Chances are, you haven't. I hadn't before I purchased some from Have It Sweet on Etsy. Because I love lemon, I purchased the lemon swirl flavor but she has so many others.<br />
<br />
In addition to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/haveitconfections?section_id=5899660" target="_blank">fluffy sweet goodness of marshmallows</a>, there is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/haveitconfections?section_id=5858798" target="_blank">also caramel. Oh caramel</a>!<br />
You have not had caramel the same way you have not had marshmallows! <br />
<br />
These would make a great gift (for me) and are available shipped monthly to your (or my) door if you choose to participate in an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/haveitconfections?section_id=6770953" target="_blank">of the month club</a>. These would be great for Valentines day too, be sure to take a peek for some sweets for your sweet ones.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.222217649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.222217649.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68745832/salted-pecan-turtle-caramel-bars-by-have" target="_blank">Drunken Salted Pecan Turtle Caramel Bars by Have It Sweet</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everything is handmade to order with exceptional quality ingredients in a licensed commercial kitchen. They came beautifully packaged too, like the lovely gifts that they are.<br />
<br />
If there are other people living in your home and you don't plan to share these, do have a good hiding spot. If you don't have a hiding spot, get a few selections.<br />
<br />
We chose the Fleur de Sel along with my marshmallows and it was gone much too quickly. Next time I want to get the Drunken Salted Pecan Turtle Caramel Bars and the French Pistachio Nougat.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-1812577279061314192011-12-01T15:44:00.001-08:002011-12-05T14:14:25.870-08:00My Favorite Things - handmade cotton napkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.188053214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.188053214.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oprah has her favorite things, so why can't I? Granted, you have to purchase these yourself, but the majority of them will be from small business hand makers so you can feel great about where your money is going. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'll be adding new lovely favorite things as I see fit. These are all things I have personally used, so it's a bit of a product review too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveForEarth?section_id=6125014" target="_blank"><b><u>Unpaper Towels, eco friendly napkins from LoveForEarth </u></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveForEarth?section_id=6125014" target="_blank">These eco-friendly napkins made of 100% cotton and perfect for everyday use</a>. They are a great replacement of standard throw away napkins and help save space in the cabinets too. Not only are these great for adults but they can teach little ones the value of reusing materials rather than the waste created with a disposable society. Just toss them in the wash (yes you can bleach them if needed) and the kids can help with folding when they are clean. <br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Get them on Etsy from favorite seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveForEarth" target="_blank">LoveForEarth</a>. While there, take the opportunity to check out the other great handmade and reusable products offered. There are sandwich baggies, produce bags too, which I also have that are great for farmers markets!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-85907331863682954492011-11-15T20:10:00.001-08:002011-12-02T11:10:18.068-08:00LiciaBeads Vault November sale and $50 giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tDZDhXXy7s/TsM3uiEYwNI/AAAAAAAACU4/fGxJYUkMu_s/s1600/beautiful+for+sparkling+Nov+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tDZDhXXy7s/TsM3uiEYwNI/AAAAAAAACU4/fGxJYUkMu_s/s320/beautiful+for+sparkling+Nov+2011.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Happy Holidays to all my sparkling friends and family! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Holiday sale is going on now in my Gemstone bead store and plenty of lovely friends have entered to win the giveaway. See, they get the newsletter and it comes with all the bonus features. You should really subscribe for your fair warning and unfair advantages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Subscribe: <span class="fsm"><a href="http://eepurl.com/b2xL" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://eepurl.com/b2xL</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="fsm">I send it out about 6 times a year and always when major events happen like giveaways, sales, amazing finds and bargains. If you change your mind at any point, simply unsubscribe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="fsm"> </span>I'll be continually listing new items throughout the sale so add me to your circle to see the updates! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="fsm"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="fsm">Now the fun stuff you have been waiting for... FREE BEADS! $50 worth to be exact! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="fsm"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="fsm"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; text-align: center;">
<span class="fsm"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Enter to win a $50 Gift Certificate from LiciaBeads Vault!</u></b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; text-align: left;">
<span class="fsm"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; text-align: left;">
<span class="fsm">Please take care with the details so I can keep track of your entries. <span style="font-size: x-small;">And really, if you go for it the number of times you can enter really adds up and gives you a great advantage. After about 10 of these style giveaways, I can tell you, most people don't enter more than a couple times so take advantage! :)</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; text-align: left;">
<span class="fsm"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #cccccc; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kR2dkpd7v7Q/TsPvNl9LAHI/AAAAAAAACVA/AO6Vnxe8Bkk/s1600/50GC+with+topaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kR2dkpd7v7Q/TsPvNl9LAHI/AAAAAAAACVA/AO6Vnxe8Bkk/s1600/50GC+with+topaz.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>*5 entries per treasury: </b></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Include one item from</span><b> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/liciabeadsvault" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeadsVault" style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">LiciaBeads Vault</a></b></b><b><b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">in a</span><b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><u><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/new" style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">new treasury</a></span></u><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">with tag LBV (for tracking purposes)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">
*3 entries per favorite:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/tags/lbv" target="_blank">Favorite a treasury with a LiciaBeads Vault item</a><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and leave a comment (add #LBV to your comment for tracking).</span></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">
*5 entries: </span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Like" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LiciaBeadsVault" target="_blank">LiciaBeads Vault on Facebook</a> and write on my wall, already like me? (*blush, thanks!) just leave a note on my wall and I'll add 5 entries!</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<b><b><span style="background-color: white;"></span></b></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<b>*1 entry per day: </b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">promote an item from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeadsVault" target="_blank">my shop</a> on <a href="http://twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a> using the hashtag #LBVgemstonesale </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
<br /> *10 entries:</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Blog
about my store between now and Thanksgiving (Nov 24) and link to my shop
(send me a note with your blog article and I'll promote your blog/article here too!)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-repeat_1:0:std_content01" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">THE FINE PRINT: Winner
will be drawn the first week of December. The winner has the option of
using the certificate on a previous purchase if made during the month
of November 2011. Certificate must be used via Etsy purchase (you must have
an account to purchase, it's easy and free to sign up). Not valid for cash and may not be combined with
coupon codes (but is valid for posted sale prices).</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>___________________________________________________________</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Questions, comments, suggestions, one liners, word of the day and hilarious cat photos, etc. can be noted below :)</span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-62958774220975424202011-10-18T09:56:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:50:16.214-07:00Shows!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know what it was like for most people to get started doing craft shows.... but it's exciting and scary all rolled into one for me! I don't typically feel shy (and sometimes I don't shut up, case and point: this blog) around people most of the time and when I know what I am doing, nerves are not an issue either. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However... I'm not sure I know what I am doing. The money part is not an issue, I can count well having been trained as a teller and vault cashier (Is money dirty, heck yeah, and it stinks) and I know how to manage plastic. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Side note: For those who want to take CC's in person, do check out <a href="https://squareup.com/">https://squareup.com/</a> I'm hoping for awesome things and lots of credit card sales!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The hardest part is the transit of the booth setup (er... just tables so far, no tent yet) that allows me to transport everything I need in a single load. It also must fit easily and quickly into a VW New Beetle... So I am crafting a display setup and have decided on a subdued color pallet of creamy white and soft celadon greens (♥ celadon). So far I have compiled an assortment of unique and decorative bordered picture frames, mostly from Value Village because frames are pricey (and I don't want to paint nice ones)! I plan to paint them a soft flat white and center them with batted (that's cushiony underneath) fabric over sturdy cardboard and cork. Then hopefully (if all that works) I can pin up some select pieces of jewelry. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCsF3vEzp00/Tp3KM3S-tYI/AAAAAAAACUU/PYHBpVEy-Gc/s1600/display+frames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCsF3vEzp00/Tp3KM3S-tYI/AAAAAAAACUU/PYHBpVEy-Gc/s320/display+frames.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
All the frames will be arranged on a vertical base (I'm thinking fireplace screen) so that everything is at about eye level. Having different levels and vertical surfaces allows more display space... although there is such a thing as too much for the eye to handle... I know there is some psychology behind it too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've also collected a selection of fabrics (also Value Village) that range from shower curtains to sheets to pillow cases to drape over the table and hide all the unmentionables.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nWQfCue8zk/Tp3KJ7DPYiI/AAAAAAAACUM/9rzr9DxdC8o/s1600/display+fabrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nWQfCue8zk/Tp3KJ7DPYiI/AAAAAAAACUM/9rzr9DxdC8o/s320/display+fabrics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So far, that is where I am. I also need to think about getting a smallish box that is open on the back side so I can stash my latte, calculator and other work necessities. It will be a riser from the front and a useful space from the back. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Time to find some paint! </div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-65187782864290672942011-10-01T16:03:00.000-07:002011-10-01T18:18:34.985-07:00I know, I know! Long time no free stuff!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.255431942.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 284px;" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.255431942.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Dearest peeps, it's been a very very long time.<br /><br />Might I encourage you back for a little with some free beads?<br />Maybe you prefer free jewelry?<br />A little of both?<br /><br />Drop a comment and let me know!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-23046302264063086712011-02-23T00:46:00.000-08:002011-02-23T00:57:31.386-08:00Pantone Spring color trends for 2011Each year fashion designers converge in New York City to partake in New York Fashion Week and each year the top colors are forecast for the following season. Following are their chosen colors and just a few selections from the over 400 jewelry options at the LiciaBeads online store.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_anXIlvHIm0/TWTJeisNMwI/AAAAAAAACR8/iq3mWKBQpMQ/s1600/Pantone%2Bby%2BLiciaBeads.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_anXIlvHIm0/TWTJeisNMwI/AAAAAAAACR8/iq3mWKBQpMQ/s400/Pantone%2Bby%2BLiciaBeads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576803765136995074" border="0" /></a>A tip to fellow sellers, if the color applies to your item, don't miss out on using it in the description or tagging! I've been contacted by a writer from Niche and American Style Magazines to have Honeysuckle included in an article. I'll keep you posted how it turns out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/Pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20752&ca=4">Visit Pantone here</a>. <a href="http://www.liciabeads.etsy.com">Visit my Etsy store here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-45052017206251851592011-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:002011-02-01T11:19:32.175-08:00The Centipede Story - adventures in Maui by JamesThe Centipede Story<br />One of our adventures in Maui was when I almost killed several people I was driving across the barren roads of south Maui.<br /><br />One of our excursions was our day trip to Hana on the East side of Maui. Hana is completely different from the more touristy sides of the island. It’s lush and green and less populated than the drier sides. It’s a good few hours drive from where we were staying. Licia and I had been there before but this time decided to take the loop road around the south side of the island.<br /><br />Now the roads on the south side of the island are not recommended. In previous years, the roads have been known to wash out in places after a heavy rain. They have gotten better in recent years, so we decided to see what we missed the first time around.<br /><br />We spent most of the day driving the switchbacks to Hana. We stopped at many sites along the way including waterfalls, wave crashed lava rock beaches, black sand and pebble beaches, the airport so I could take a powered hang glider flight, and every fruit stand along the way to find the mythical perfect banana bread we remembered from our first trip. This took up most of the day. By the time we officially hit the south side road it was getting dark.<br /><br />What are the south side roads like? Narrow for one. Unpaved, gravelly, or probably more accurate to say badly paved. There was a section where the road appeared cantilevered over a cliff. There was no allegiance paid to the word “straight” but plenty to the word “narrow”. It was all switchbacks and roller coasters with potholes as large as the bald right front tire our rental van came with; just to remind us this wasn’t an amusement park. When we crested a hill the headlights would shine into the sky illuminating nothing about the road below we were about to plunge into. This did not sway Shelley’s enthusiasm as we would accelerate blindly over a crest into a steep curve she would say “Wheee”!<br /><br />The outside temperature was just right and we had the windows open until we saw a bat fly around our minivan so close that we closed the windows so it wouldn’t fly in. We had short-range walky-talkies that we could warn the trailing van about obstacles ahead. For instance warnings like “Look out for the rabid bat!” or later “Watch out for the cow in the road!” We brought 2 minivans, the Maui Intruder and the Maui Invader inspired by some of the worst (or best!) RV names we have seen in the past.<br /><br />Finally, the road started straightening out into what would be considered no longer third world quality. So I rolled down the window and put my arm on the doorframe in a more relaxed posture. Immediately I felt a fluttering sensation on my arm and a biting sting. As I used my other arm to shoo away whatever had sunken its teeth into my arm I was so focused on the biting that I swerved the van to the left toward the edge of the road. Luckily Licia, in the front passenger seat had the presence of mind that I had momentarily lost and grabbed the wheel to straighten out the van before we went crashing off the side of the road. Not one of my prouder moments.<br /><br />I stopped the van at the “side” of the road and got out to see what had bitten me and if it was under the seat as I felt something flitter across my leg during the whole biting-swerve thing. I looked at my arm and there were two bleeding bite marks, to my mind like the fangs of a bat, on my arm and it stung badly, like a hornet’s sting. This had me worried because we couldn’t locate what bit me. We were thinking it was a bat because of the earlier incident but why did it sting so bad? I started looking through the guidebook to see if there were poisonous snakes on Maui, but luckily not. This was a little comforting but now I thought, “oh great, probably a bat and I’ll have to get rabies shots”. The guide book also said one of the worst creatures on the island was the centipede as the bite was so bad that the only recourse was to “stay drunk for three days” as the locals would have it because there is no antidote, even though it is harmless aside from the intense pain. However, we didn’t think it was a centipede because how could it get in the van and be on the doorframe. It didn’t seem in it’s personality.<br /><br />Licia took over driving and we headed, in the dark over unfamiliar roads, to the nearest hospital, which was up country several miles. My arm started swelling up a bit prompting Licia to rush a bit, when we came across the part of the road dedicated to the night cattle. Right there on the road were mostly cows and sometimes their calves, apparently foraging for roadside goods, sometimes laying down resting right in the road. We even passed some horses trotting along the road in the pitch black, so close you could reach out the window and pet them. It was a very memorable sight appreciated despite our tense mission.<br /><br />We reached the hospital and to add to my dread was the thought of how much this would cost to visit the emergency room. I have insurance but it’s a high deductible for my individual ‘catastrophic’ plan. I would probably have to pay every cent for this visit.<br /><br />I walked in to the quiet hospitable, the guard directed me to the e-room where a nurse and a doctor were sitting by their computers chatting. I showed the nurse my bite marks and without missing a beat she said “Oh that’s a centipede bite… and it looks like a big one too!” I asked if she was sure and related the bat story and she took a closer look and said nope it was a “classic” centipede bite, I could ice it and take ibuprofen for the pain and the itching that would happen in a few days but there wasn’t much else to be done. I was relieved because I was more worried about rabies, or it being a poison snake someone imported and got loose or something, plus they didn’t want to charge me anything for their diagnosis. Did I mention I love the island attitude?<br /><br />We still had to drive the van back home to the other side of the island and since we narrowed down the culprit to a centipede, we knew it was likely still inside the van, hiding in some dark corner. So, under the headlights of the other van we completely unloaded the Centipede van and its contents. Licia’s parents, John and Marie, and for some reason my brother John decided they wanted to ride in the bad van back to the condos. Needless to say I had enough centipede bites for the evening and didn’t want any part of that van.<br /><br />On the way back, I kept an eye on the centipede van in the rearview mirror. About 10 miles from home, I see the van suddenly swerve onto the shoulder of the Piilani highway! We tried to contact them from the walkie-talkies but they had gone dead. There was no cell phone reception. Technology failed us. We pulled over to the shoulder too, but by that time were about a quarter mile down the road. We could see the interior lights were on and some movement in the van but were left to wait and wonder what happened. Surely it was that dratted centipede causing havoc once again!<br /><br />It turns out this is what happened in the other van. Johnny was driving and Marie looked over and saw numbers on the dash disappearing. She realized that it was the centipede walking across the dashboard. She told Johnny to pull over but he insisted on continuing to drive. Then she saw it walk across the top of the dash, and said ‘Johnny it’s walking across the top of the dash’, but he insisted on continuing to drive. This was a very persistent centipede because next Marie said “Johnny it’s walking across the steering wheel!” This time he switched driving to one hand the other side of the steering wheel while leaning over to Marie side of the van. This time he pulled over.<br /><br />The centipede is apparently a night dweller and goes into hiding when the lights come on but my brother John saw it skittering across the driver’s seat whereupon he took off his shoe and attempted several smacks to kill it dead as it zipped around the van. We later found no evidence of a dead body but John did get a look at a 6-inch long, ½ inch diameter mischief making insect zipping around the van before disappearing once again. They decided to leave the interior lights on and continue driving back the final stretch home.<br /><br />The next day, I called the rental company and demanded a new centipede-free van. The guy at the office was very understanding and he related a story about when he moved into a ground floor apartment and was woken up three times during his first night there by a centipede walking across him in the night. We got a new van, delivered free of charge.<br /><br />We had other fun adventures during our stay in Maui and over the year but they would probably be anti-climatic. And take up more pages.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-21270076648333490272011-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:002011-02-01T11:09:14.335-08:00Or, you could use morse code...Since the other bazillion modes of communication are much too easy and fast.<br /><br />I'm just messing with ya!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-51558392373920614662010-11-02T15:00:00.000-07:002010-12-03T21:02:28.025-08:00The Vault Sale and $50 Giveaway<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeadsVault"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 100px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TNBxvK_BeII/AAAAAAAACQQ/Q0b5X3n_VPM/s400/170x100LBV+logo+w+topaz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535048997254822018" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The giveaway has ended and winner will be announced shortly! Thanks to everyone for your participation! </span><br /><br />Enter to win some beads! </span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" >During the giveaway I am also</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" > having a 20% </span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" >off</span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" > </span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" >storewide sale, so that $50 is worth so much more. </span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" >The winner will be able to use their credit toward a purchase made during the contest. </span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" >If you found this </span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:verdana;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" >drawing thru my newsletter, great! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">This sale and giveaway helps me clear out space for the new gemshow beads that will show up near the end of the month. Let me know if you have any special requests!</span></div><a style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://eepurl.com/b2xL"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 100px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TNBwommkqDI/AAAAAAAACQI/wbbQUzbDbRY/s400/subscribe+in+peridot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535047784897751090" border="0" /></a><ul style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><li><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" ><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);">Sub</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" ><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);">scribe to the newsletter and click the giveaway button therein, subscribe></span></span></span><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">(one entry)</span><br /></span></span></span></li></ul> <span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:85%;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" ><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><ul style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);">Comment below</span> WITH a link to one of your favorite listings (one entry, make sure I can contact you, don't leave an anonymous comment)</span></span></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:85%;" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" ><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);"><a href="http://twitter.com/">Tweet about the giveaway</a> </span></span><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">use <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#LBVaultGiveawa</span></span></span><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">y</span> and link to my blog> <a href="http://liciapots.blogspot.com/">http://liciapots.blogspot.com/</a> (up to one entry daily)</span></span><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></li></ul><ul><li> <a href="http://twitter.com/"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);">Tweet about the sale</span></span></a><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> use <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#LBVGem Sale</span> and a link to (or within) my store> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeadsVault">http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeadsVault</a> (up to one entry daily)</span></span><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);"><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TNBunTDB0yI/AAAAAAAACQA/d5rW9aLlqcA/s1600/170x100LBV+logo+w+topaz.jpg"><br /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><ul><li> <span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/LiciaBeads/152896555700"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);">Follow me on Facebook</span></a> AND click the share button on a status update (one entry)</span></li></ul></span><ul style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><li><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);">Write about/link the contest in your blog <span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">leave the link in a comment below (one entry)</span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><ul style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><li><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content" style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 140, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">Write about/link the sale in your blog </span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">leave the link in a comment below (one entry)</span><br /></span></span></span></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:85%;" > </span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Follow the entry rules closely, they allow me to track your entries. Each entry will be assigned a number which will be chosen using random.org to determine the winner</span></span>.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">Contest runs from now to December 3rd. The winner will be notified using one of their entry methods and receive a $50 credit to LiciaBeads Vault which can be used for purchases from Nov 2nd 2010 onward.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">_________________________________________________</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="tpl-content" id="tpl-content-main_content"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Employees and direct relatives of LiciaBeads are not eligible to enter. Entries are for LiciaBeads Vault only and do not apply to jewelry. Winner must (have) select(ed) their items from those in stock and "checkout" using an Etsy account. Invalid entries, anonymous or untraceable comments, or obvious spam will be deleted from the comments. </span></span></span></span></span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com104tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-32949553432344779492010-09-04T12:32:00.000-07:002010-09-04T12:40:07.031-07:00Wedding necklace in progress<div style="text-align: justify;">It's not easy to do the crazy wire wrapping and avoid destroying my nails in the process. Here is what I have so far. Each piece is formed using a jig and then finish formed by hand, then hammered and wrapped onto it's section of leaves. Then they area all linked together (so hard to get everyone to hang just so!)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TIKe-K0oGoI/AAAAAAAACOg/qLSL5CI4EXA/s1600/necklace+unfinished+laying.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TIKe-K0oGoI/AAAAAAAACOg/qLSL5CI4EXA/s400/necklace+unfinished+laying.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513143684749073026" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After they are linked I am adding itty bitty off white freshwater pearls between the sections. It hangs about halfway down the back.<br /><br />I still am not sure if I want the long back to have a gemstone dangle at the end... opinions? Maybe the pearls should "fizzle out" in a chain... maybe both pearls and a gemstone. In any case, I feel like it needs to come more to a point at the back.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TIKe944dbJI/AAAAAAAACOY/zHLL8BSGAm8/s1600/necklace+unfinished+laying+A.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TIKe944dbJI/AAAAAAAACOY/zHLL8BSGAm8/s400/necklace+unfinished+laying+A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513143679933312146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is the front, still needs the pearls though. I'm wrapping throughout the day.<br /><br />And I still need to decide a design for earrings and a bracelet! Oooh, should I do an anklet? I could do a simple one for everyday too since noone will see it at the wedding...<br /><br />Comments, suggestions, opinions!! :)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TIKe9TnvcuI/AAAAAAAACOQ/ioJAtobGWdc/s1600/necklace+unfinished+front.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TIKe9TnvcuI/AAAAAAAACOQ/ioJAtobGWdc/s400/necklace+unfinished+front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513143669931078370" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-15503671342362203622010-08-01T13:45:00.000-07:002010-08-01T13:49:50.012-07:00Concrete counterops and bead gutters<div style="text-align: justify;">It's in progress! So we took the forms off the left counter top and have plenty of finish work to do (because I know there is someone going "eew, is that done?) since it's not done yet. The forms are still on the right hand one while it continues to set. We did things a little differently with the second one and will see how that worked out. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFXc8u3Q66I/AAAAAAAACOI/aYbPJV6RoA4/s1600/8010+tall+tops.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFXc8u3Q66I/AAAAAAAACOI/aYbPJV6RoA4/s400/8010+tall+tops.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500545455833017250" border="0" /></a>And because my little round beads like to roll all over the place, I incorporated a bead gutter into the sides of my counter. Everything needs to still be sanded smooth, so all the rough edges and ridges and such will be much more finished looking. No worries!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFXc8aZyTeI/AAAAAAAACOA/z9s7EpNplGY/s1600/8010+gutter.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFXc8aZyTeI/AAAAAAAACOA/z9s7EpNplGY/s400/8010+gutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500545450340666850" border="0" /></a>Another shot of my little gutter :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFXc8CwbFLI/AAAAAAAACN4/oiYzPwRfsrU/s1600/8010+gutterA.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFXc8CwbFLI/AAAAAAAACN4/oiYzPwRfsrU/s400/8010+gutterA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500545443993162930" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-1534390303794295352010-07-29T18:09:00.000-07:002010-07-29T18:14:17.623-07:00Messy mud pie in my table<div style="text-align: justify;">So, this was fun and exciting :) We just did this a little while ago and are waiting for the concrete to cure a little bit and the water to evaporate. Then we are going to smooth it out and stick stuff in it that we got in downtown Edmonds at a place that sells rocks and other cool earthy things.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFInEVS_2gI/AAAAAAAACNw/DIo_PodLIIQ/s1600/7290+first+pour.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFInEVS_2gI/AAAAAAAACNw/DIo_PodLIIQ/s400/7290+first+pour.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499501050362583554" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://liciapots.blogspot.com/search/label/office">(See the whole thing from current to beginning, click here.)</a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-21667797347855022412010-07-28T18:45:00.000-07:002010-07-28T19:08:24.280-07:00Pool table<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://liciapots.blogspot.com/search/label/office">(See the whole thing from current to beginning, click here.)</a><br /><br />More progress in the ongoing office renovation. Forms have been built around the base tables to be filled with a cement sand mix. They are even textured so that the final product will have a nice pattern on the side of the countertops. The counter top as you see it below has also been covered in a foam material to keep them from being too heavy.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFDdz7tKIAI/AAAAAAAACNo/KK0drbpq9iE/s1600/7280+north+table.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFDdz7tKIAI/AAAAAAAACNo/KK0drbpq9iE/s400/7280+north+table.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499139029289541634" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So the top level counters are just about ready to accept concrete (tinted dark). The mesh form below will be set into the table above as it is filled with the cement mix. It will be filled in a bit at a time and the top will be smooth finished. After they are completed, we will do the desk height counters.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFDdznNkpRI/AAAAAAAACNg/oFCNfqaT5qw/s1600/7280+outside+wall+table.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TFDdznNkpRI/AAAAAAAACNg/oFCNfqaT5qw/s400/7280+outside+wall+table.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499139023788352786" border="0" /></a>Cool huh? It's like we know what we are doing... okay, so this is the first time we have done such a thing on the interior. It's exciting anyway!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-48122187961816362572010-07-20T15:41:00.001-07:002010-07-20T15:47:58.375-07:00Creating my own wedding jewelrySneak peak peeps!<br /><br />So now that I know what the dress is going to look like I can finally start working on my necklace. My favorite part is that it has a low back, so I am going to take advantage of that part. I always feel like the back of a necklace should be just as fantastic as the front.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TEYmsL0EdnI/AAAAAAAACNY/eswmAQHAfIE/s1600/7200+vine+leaf+necklace+drawing.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TEYmsL0EdnI/AAAAAAAACNY/eswmAQHAfIE/s400/7200+vine+leaf+necklace+drawing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496122935779554930" border="0" /></a>Here are my preliminary drawings that I started with. I'm working on bending wire and will get some photos of that part soon too. I have to decide on what stones I will use as well... I'm not sure yet but I may just use little tiny cream pearls. <br /><br />Open to ideas too, leave them in a comment ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-80388757241368134492010-07-20T15:19:00.000-07:002010-07-20T15:31:26.220-07:00Preliminary built ins<div style="text-align: justify;">My new side of the room! Well, it doesn't look like much now, but you have to be patient. Each side of the room has a standing height counter top and a desk height counter top. The forms you see here will be topped with a concrete surface. I have to decide if I want to embed anything into them. <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TEYhIxIsv4I/AAAAAAAACNI/j9qPtYnHISU/s1600/7200+prelim+counters+A.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TEYhIxIsv4I/AAAAAAAACNI/j9qPtYnHISU/s400/7200+prelim+counters+A.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496116829764763522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The big table will be a creative surface for other projects (likely card making and things of that sort) and the giant crazy heavy drafting table will be on the "man side" of the room. The secret of this room is that the counter with the yellow level will hold the kitty potty room, enclosed (except for a little kitty door) around the exhaust fan for when Rockaboy drops bombs. Didn't want to know that part? Oops!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TEYhJNmRr5I/AAAAAAAACNQ/C3fsSoOsneY/s1600/7200+prelim+counters.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TEYhJNmRr5I/AAAAAAAACNQ/C3fsSoOsneY/s400/7200+prelim+counters.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496116837405011858" border="0" /></a>It's coming along :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-38290732748342275802010-07-11T13:09:00.000-07:002010-07-11T14:03:10.661-07:00What the office is, and what it will become<div style="text-align: justify;">So for the last 4 years I have been working from this desk. It's a nice desk, certainly nothing to be upset about, but it just isn't cutting the mustard anymore. I've grown out of it. It would be a great desk for doing general writing but isn't suitable for computers and such.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom7pyZglI/AAAAAAAACNA/1l0-yKA7bRk/s1600/7110+the+messy+before+desk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom7pyZglI/AAAAAAAACNA/1l0-yKA7bRk/s400/7110+the+messy+before+desk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492745501803119186" border="0" /></a>I didn't clean up first... cause lets be honest, this is how it usually looks. Little pieces of furniture and bins have been added as I "grew" but I don't know that I can add any more.<br /><br />Behind me is the Shipping Office. This is where I play with the bubble wrap and paper cutter and all the little envelopes and ribbon. See the little wooden table (which is actually a stool on top of a tall plastic storage bin), that's my work surface. It's for one thing at a time only, which is okay since that is how I do things... but it's a little lacking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom60So8II/AAAAAAAACM4/MXIRVy4eoGo/s1600/7110+packing+shipping+before.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom60So8II/AAAAAAAACM4/MXIRVy4eoGo/s400/7110+packing+shipping+before.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492745487442833538" border="0" /></a>So that is my current little space... and following is the new office in construction. We combined two bedrooms to make what will be the new office. Doing this makes it nice and light too, which really helps!<br /><br />The side below will be my side (I get a whole side peeps!). The plan is to make a big counter top, suited at varying heights for specific work spaces. There will also be a big table in there as a center "island" for teaching, classes and crafty parties. (Crafty parties peeps!!!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom6tNBgjI/AAAAAAAACMw/FJKHJ03Mxrw/s1600/7110+lici+side+under+construction.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom6tNBgjI/AAAAAAAACMw/FJKHJ03Mxrw/s400/7110+lici+side+under+construction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492745485540229682" border="0" /></a>This will be the "boy" side of the room below. Eventually there will be outside access to the covered patio <a href="http://liciapots.blogspot.com/search/label/hacienda%20pergola">(see the construction of the pergola patio we built)</a> . It's gonna be so much nicer!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom6Vlij3I/AAAAAAAACMo/adtOF--Azw0/s1600/7110+jimi+side+under+construction.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom6Vlij3I/AAAAAAAACMo/adtOF--Azw0/s400/7110+jimi+side+under+construction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492745479200608114" border="0" /></a>This is the far side of the room. Nothing special.. yet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom51fEB6I/AAAAAAAACMg/hy6Bwq7uJoY/s1600/7110+far+wall+side+under+construction.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TDom51fEB6I/AAAAAAAACMg/hy6Bwq7uJoY/s400/7110+far+wall+side+under+construction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492745470583506850" border="0" /></a>So that's where we are so far. We are thinking about flooring options too. I am thinking large 4' square A side of ACX <a href="http://www.100khouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/birch_floor.jpg">plywood as the floor surface</a> with countersunk bolts in the corners, epoxy covered. Medium honey stained and sealed. James want's to do dark gray <a href="http://themoderngreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/concrete-countertops.jpg">concrete countertops</a>, which I think would look great with the floors for a cool industrial feel. I have requested a little bead gutter set into the countertops so they don't roll off the counter.<br /><br />He textured the walls to match the two rooms with the rest of the house where they didn't already. I'm thinking about colors... soft sage green (Prasiolite :), or maybe a dusky gray blue, but I am leaning toward a soft yellow/orange clay color. I'll have to think about it and consult with the other parties.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-65008516046563659382010-06-25T23:24:00.000-07:002010-06-25T23:34:20.495-07:00Stash up shots<div style="text-align: justify;">I got some beads. The following are among the loverlies that I brought home to sort, and pair and take pretty pictures of for your purchasing and creating pleasure. The stash doesn't fit in the lightbox very well so these are not the best photos, but trust me, they sparkle!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TCWdbmKwmXI/AAAAAAAACMY/yp0lw5BsM40/s1600/6250+mystic+show+strands.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TCWdbmKwmXI/AAAAAAAACMY/yp0lw5BsM40/s400/6250+mystic+show+strands.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486964818448521586" border="0" /></a>Lots of requests for mystic quartz in all shapes and sizes, bring just that. Cubes, onions, hearts, pears, coins, cushions, and squares (and barrels and step faceted twists and rondelles).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TCWdbTsRvMI/AAAAAAAACMQ/ldUpOIt1vnY/s1600/6250+chal+show+strands.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TCWdbTsRvMI/AAAAAAAACMQ/ldUpOIt1vnY/s400/6250+chal+show+strands.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486964813488831682" border="0" /></a>Chalcedony, a favorite among many for their colors. I try and try to find the deep saturated ones but it's not easy. I got some hot pinks though!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TCWdaoxTMZI/AAAAAAAACMI/nIoEA8MOBNU/s1600/6250+gem+show+strands.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TCWdaoxTMZI/AAAAAAAACMI/nIoEA8MOBNU/s400/6250+gem+show+strands.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486964801967174034" border="0" /></a>Rutilated quartz, Tourmalinated quartz, peridot (in small and itty bitty), garnets, labradorite and topaz.<br /><br />That's just a taste. I have lots of work ahead of me to sort the stash and get organized enough to sell. If you see something you "must have now", let me know and I will start the strand. I'll be doing more full strands for sale as well if you see something you need/want.<br /><br />A loverly weekend to you all!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7512479516150648758.post-22785685655940059012010-06-25T10:22:00.000-07:002010-06-25T10:47:10.352-07:00Congratulations to the winner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TCTrDQXRJNI/AAAAAAAACMA/lK0NXT1wARk/s1600/sidebarparty.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 486px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oBDnOhyau9s/TCTrDQXRJNI/AAAAAAAACMA/lK0NXT1wARk/s400/sidebarparty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486768687208801490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >The winner of the $50 credit to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeadsVault">gemstone and jewelry supply store</a> is Kathy with the Etsy store </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatDesignsNYC">KatDesignsNYC</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > and </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonstruckmagic">Moonstruckmagic Bath & Body</a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;" >CONGRATULATIONS KATHY!</span><br /></div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><br /><span class="UIStory_Message"> </span></h3><h3 style="text-align: justify;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks to everyone for participating and guiding me toward a more sparkling shop. Welcome to all the new followers on Facebook, Twitter and the Newsletter! This was fun, keep your ears on for the next event (November).</span></span></span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Did you miss the fun? Don't miss the fun!</span><br /><a href="http://eepurl.com/b2xL">SUBSCRIBE</a> to the Vault Newsletter<br /><a href="http://twitter.com/LiciaBeads">FOLLOW</a> the tweets<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/LiciaBeads/152896555700">FACEBOOK</a> for even more exciting news<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0