Happy 2014!

Hi all! Popping in to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I wanted to make this post sooner but the last few weeks of  December, through today, were like a whirlwind. I had temp work, jewelry orders, holiday stuff, etc...And then my internet went out for a little over a week. . So, I'm just now kind of winding down from all the holiday hoopla and getting settled into the new year. I haven't even really set any resolutions, goals, intentions for this year yet. And I want to do some sort of vision board and/or list. I just haven't had to time to sit and focus. Hopefully I'll be able to some writing and planning within the next week. Anyway, just wanted to say Happy New Year. I wish you all the best and I'll leave you with a couple of highlights from December 2013.

                                                  Afrobella.com Sun-Times Splash Feature

Patrice Grell Yursik of Afrobella.com included my jewelry ( Brass Hoop Earrings) in her Suntimes Splash Feature! EEK! I had no idea she was doing this it so was an awesome surprise. When I first learned of the feature, I thought it was only online. It wasn't until later that day when I found out this feature was also in the actual Sunday Suntimes Newspaper. Can you say geeked? So I had to run out and grab the paper. 

I was and will always be grateful to Patrice for her support. She's been so kind and sweet since I first met her. She has such major influence and celebrity ties but is still always down to earth and always looking out for the small businesses, artists, and brands. 

I Got Engaged!

The beau proposed to me on , New Year's Eve, December 31, 2013 and it came at a total shock to me.

There was no fancy dinner or night out. He wasn't acting weird. It was just another normal day. We'd just got in from working out. He took a shower first then I took mine. I came out of the bathroom - all the lights were off and two candles were burning. I asked him what he was doing and he just smiled. I smiled, laughed and asked him what was going on. See, I thought he was being silly  as we both can be sometimes. I still didn't suspect a proposal. I then sat on the couch, laughed, and asked, once more,  what was he doing. Then he held out a box and asked me to marry him. I said yes! And I totally did the OMG, fanning, cry thing. We plan to get married this year. And we want something simple and ...ahem...budget friendly. We're both not real physched about the planning.  We'd totally do city hall but the fam would never, ever, ever,  forgive us. And my dad's excited about walking me down the aisle. So a small simple ceremony it shall be. I'll keep you posted and I'm accepting any and all suggestions.