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Archive for October, 2011

Recessionless Fall Break and Cancer Screening Test

October 31st, 2011 at 09:44 pm

'Feeling conflicted...are we holding up the economy or just fortunate?' I asked on my FB page before our family went to Yosemite Nat Park last week for fall break. The day before we left, my teen had remarked his first best friend was going to Hawaii and second was going to Disney World. Without missing a beat, I smiled and looked him in the eye and didn't have to say, 'You are living a good life and don't forget it.' He smiled back and knew exactly what wasn't spoken.


Fall colors in Curry Village

Near the end of the week I had a routine but serious cancer screen test (all's well) and was reasonably surprised at how bustling the medical office was.

The restaurants are busy, the Halloween costume stores queued. I am a fairly informed person and obtain news from a variety of sources.

So I'm having trouble getting a grasp on the overall economic climate. Maybe it's more useful to grasp the local economic climate. In which case, it seems to be okay by me.


Tiny Fern Springs

Some thoughtful replies to my post?
"About half of all familes were reletively unscathed by this recession. And many people would rather live on credit rather than cut back on spending."

"Don't think too hard. I suspect you are seeing everything as it is."

"I think it's good fortune and good planning. You are both [myself and my husband] working in fields that weren't hit as hard by the recession as other fields, and I know you have always worked very hard to live within your means. I agree that you should enjoy your vacation."

My empirical conclusion, without a load of proper data, is that the better off folks are doing okay, and the borderline folks are doing worse.


Mirror Lake Reflection

Let me leave on an upbeat (but perhaps still confusing) note!! I received a special order for a large set of invitations of these recently...

Ransom Party Invitations


Handmade from individually torn newspaper letters, see more info

Text is here and Link is http://www.etsy.com/listing/6896362/party-invitation-ransom-notes-come-to-my
here.
outside: Come to my party
inside: or else

These cards have been on my website for a few years but this order will have made it all worthwhile. Patience is a virtue!

Thank You for spending a little time with Pretty Cheap Jewelry!

Who needs the Sunday Comics? Get Adult Truthisms

October 21st, 2011 at 09:50 pm

Found on my brother's FB page (where he found from someone else).

Last is not least, trust me...

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the
rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I
did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and
sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever..

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. People who forward e- mail without deleting the tons of previous recipients should be shot and then tarred and feathered.

25. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men
to realize that their brain is also important. Ladies quit Laughing!

OK, if you made it to the end, PUSH THE TWEET or FB LIKE button and give someone a little laugh today. Thx.

Folks like FREE but also know TIMELESS DESIGN when they see it

October 18th, 2011 at 06:11 pm

Have you ever done any jewelry crafting? There are lots of us out there so this isn't as random question as it might seem. The materials are easily obtainable at Michaels or any of the proliferating bead shops in every town. Remember the home jewelry show businesses? There were not just the 'buy me' shows, but also the 'make me' shows.

If you still have the tools and supplies, refresh your skills and make this easy, timeless ring.



I have written the instructions and posted for free on a fun, jewelry crafting website.

Text is Free Ring Making Instructions and Link is http://www.jewelrylessons.com/tutorial/classic-style-easy-3-bead-adjustable-ring
Free Ring Making Instructions

Wow! 45 takers the first day (and counting).

There are lots of other free instructions on that site, click around and see. Instructions for more advanced designs have prices, but most of us aren't in that level anyway.

Feel free to tweet and spread the word.

Great Reading

October 7th, 2011 at 11:25 pm

Catching up on my education? It's been a number of years since high school (ok, a big number!). And although I read for pleasure moderately in my 20s BC (before children) that particular pastime took a really long break until the past few years. Who has time to read with kids under 5 years old?! Wasn't me.

Now with a little time on my hands during a 45 minute bus commute each way for work, I keep my iPhone busy promoting my handmade jewelry. Such as letting folks know of a free offer on this 14K gold filled amethyst ring (see below for more info).


Original design in 14K gold filled wire, amethyst and zircon 3/4 ring

But a few weeks ago I peeked into the iBooks symbol. Firstly, I had picked up a little card at a Starbux for a free book download. OK, I like free and never tried it before. It turns out it was somewhat of a tease, only the first 100 pages of about 300 of a particular book were given free. But that hurdle was easily jumped because my local (fairly well off) library had the new book for lending (it was 'The Night Circus' by the way, really good fun!).

Not 2 days later I returned to the iBooks place and curiousity took me into the 'FREE' section after another moment. There were some interesting titles, old stuff like Mark Twain and Marx and Asimov and Louisa May Alcott of course. But I just wanted something for a bus ride, not too heavy or ponderous.

For whatever reason, I downloaded Oscar Wilde. Haven't read anything of his and didn't know much of anything about him. 'Picture of Dorian Gray' was the only one offered of his. So I started it. And guess what? It's pretty engaging, the guy waxes philosophical every other page!! HAHAHA! After a few chapters I looked up a summary in Wikipedia. What a hoot, a veritable 1800s soap opera. Anyone else read this?

Of course I was inspired to look up 'refined' 'aristocrat' 'gentleman' 'britain' and the like in etsy for a treasury. Here is what I found...


See each thing closer

Text is HERE and Link is http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MzI5MTV8ODM0OTkwOTky/to-expect-the-unexpected-shows-a?index=1
HERE

And if you made it this far
Text is click here for details and Link is http://t.co/QlYswQgR
click here for details to get the ring.

Thanks for reading!
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Text is Pretty Cheap Jewelry on FB and Link is http://www.facebook.com/PrettyCheapJewelry
Pretty Cheap Jewelry on FB
Text is PrettyCheap on Twitter and Link is http://www.twitter.com/prettycheap
PrettyCheap on Twitter

Before You Go Shop!

October 4th, 2011 at 09:03 pm

Around this time of year I start seeing blog posts here (and elsewhere) asking for opinions on what gifts are suitable for this situation or how best to fulfill holiday giving without spending a fortune.

It isn't hard to give great gifts while at the same time saving your sanity with some ingenuity.

TIP No. 1




Have you been to any of the craft boutiques lately? They are not just full of little old ladies knitting booties, trust me. The do it yourself movement exploded a few years ago, and is still going strong. The secret is that the work of crafters can FAR outshine things you find in the commercial stores. Ideas and wares that will delight and amaze you. TRY IT!

Just one of my own designs coming to a holiday boutique (similar items already available at
Text is http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com and Link is
http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com )

DRESS GLOVES WITH FANCY TRIM AND GLASS BUTTONS

Lightweight sapphire blue knit gloves are ready for the party circuit (or sleighride!). Luxurious black feather trim around the wrists and glass buttons on the back show classic taste for all occasions. One size fits all (adult).

Other tips I have passed along just today?

Tip No. 2
Help them get active with outdoor and fitness gear. I love the 'used' sports store near me (Play It Again Sam). They have loads of ideas for my teen boy, a hard to please group. Free weights (even little ones great for the active women), skateboard gear (at WAY less prices than new), ski wear, and on and on.

Tip No. 3
Now is the time to peruse Craig's list for good electronics that fill your needs perfectly. For example, I don't need the brand newest digital camera, last year's model is fine for my kids. Ditto game systems, and most things electronic. Here's where I read very objective and thorough reviews of electronics I am considering (before and during the process)
Text is http://www.cnet.com and Link is
http://www.cnet.com

More tips in coming weeks, come back and see!