How to Put on a Bracelet (Hack)

I'm all about shortcuts and ways to make your life easier, even when it comes to putting on your jewelry. I've always opened my clasp with left hand (I'm right handed) and flicked my bracelet underneath, up and over facing me on my right wrist, then held my right wrist to my stomach to hold the bracelet in place, so I could clasp a lobster clasp.  But there is another way that may be easier - TAPE! Who knew?

No Excuses - This is Your Year!

 

 

2016 is well underway. How are your fitness goals doing? Did you join a gym this month? If yes, I hope you take baby steps and just keep a reasonable steady pace. If you go from 0-60mph in terms of "never worked out" to 4 or 5 days per week, you're bound to burn out by March. And we don't want that. Start with 3 days per week, and work up to five if you can.

Some of you have the "no time to exercise" excuse because you work from early in the morning until dark, pick up kids, make dinner, help with homework, shuttle to soccer practice, feed the dog, laundry, (insert ten more things here), then collapse into bed, only to repeat the next day. I know how it is. It's hard.

But I also know people who make the time despite a work schedule. They either get up earlier and put in the time, or do it right after work. If you wait until after dinner, chances are slim you'll feel motivated. I also suggest if at all possible, get a friend to workout with you. Have the accountability partner really staves off the excuses for why you have to stay back and fold towels or go through the mail, etc.

Someone once shared this with me at the gym and it stuck. "When you're young, you sacrifice your health for wealth" (always too busy working to exercise). "When you're old, you sacrifice your wealth for health." (Sometimes if you wait too long to get healthy, you find all your money in your golden years is going to pay medical bills.) None of us want that. Prevention is better than cure, right?  So take action now.

If you really can't get outside with three feet of snow to drive to the gym or walk outside, and you have no gym equipment in the house, don't forget about cable workouts. (There are lots of great free ones to your interest under the Sports & Fitness tab.)

And there's Pinterest, laden with quickie workouts you can do with just your body. I've posted one below as an example. I'm not sure it's really a 'Lazy Girl' workout. That would be lifting a hand full of chips to your mouth while you sit on the couch watching TV. Check out my Fitness Board for more ideas and targeted problem area workouts. Take screenshots with your phone, so you have them right in front of you.

I'm not kidding. If you did this little number 3 times/week (before or after folding your towels), even this would make a world of difference. You will get stronger, faster, more energized, toned and even burn some calories. You can work up to 3 sets of these exercises as you get better. Put on some fast music to motivate yourself. No more excuses. This is your year to get healthy! (Plus summer is only a few months away.)

Celebrate Life - it's precious!

I loved making this order because as I cut the leather and ink distressed the edges, attached the Minnie Mouse ears and bling accents, hung the sterling silver awareness ribbons above each one, added the jump rings and chains, wrapped each one in spotted tissue with Disney princess stickers and black organza bag, I could anticipate the joy from the beaming smiles on the ladies faces as they receive these. I could feel the bond of sisterhood and love as these ladies choose to celebrate life and each other in one of the happiest places on earth.

You see six gal pals are going to Disneyland this February and they have great reason to celebrate. Two of them have been through Breast Cancer, and are celebrating their recovery. This disease affects so many, but these days with early detection it can be quite treatable. I know SO many ladies who have been through the dark tunnel to the other side of hope and health. I have had a scare myself, and I know the crazy places your mind will go.

The best advice I can offer is what we already know to do:

• Don't forget your annual checkup and lab work. Many Moms forget about themselves and only go to the doctor when they're sick or pregnant (NOT good).
• Do monthly self-exams to catch any unusual lumps or changes between checkups.
• Exercise (yes you have to). Plus you'll look better, feel stronger, have more energy, and sleep better. A strong body can fight off anything better. Make time.
• Make healthy choices in your diet. (Cancer cells love sugar and acidic environments)
• Reduce stress in your life - toxic people, stressful or dangerous relationships, a job that depresses you daily, too many cats or Christmas lights.
• Try to stay emotionally balanced. Don't be a drama queen. Be happy for others and not jealous. Forgive and don't hold onto grudges - it hurts you the most. Be slow to anger (OK, that one's for me - I have teenagers. LOL) 
• Don't let worry or fear of the disease overtake or consume your thoughts frequently. Just because it was in your family, doesn't mean it will happen to you or recur. Don't plan on it, but be all the more vigilant with your health.

And if you are going through the battle, keep a positive (I'm going to beat this) survivor's attitude, which is one factor that helps your body stay strong. Pray. Make the changes. De-stress. Don't give up. Fight. Hold strong. Never quit! And if I could hug you right now, I would. Surround yourself with people who care and love you. Love is powerful!

New Zealand ALL BLACKS Necklace

Well this was a fun one for me to create, since I was born and raised in New Zealand myself. One of my clients is visiting this Christmas and has a dear friend who plays soccer herself and loves the sport. The design immediately popped into my head, as I literally had one lone rugby charm in stock. I added the closest thing I had to a fern charm as well, since that is a popular symbol for both the ALL BLACKS national rugby team and New Zealand. Just coming off their 2015 Rugby World Cup win, they are riding high right now. If you've never watched a rugby game, it is quite entertaining. Players wear no protective gear whatsoever. The game is a mix between American football and soccer with a fast pace. When the ball drops, they just pick it up and keep moving up the line. My favorite move is when they lift a player up to catch the ball. It looks almost like a ballet dance move to me. (don't laugh guys) Don't get me wrong, these boys are 100% tough.

 

I think her friend will enjoy something so personal and unique. Custom jewelry is becoming my middle name, as I design SO many designer dog tags and stamped pieces for my clients. When a gift is personalized, I think it comes with a little extra love.

 

Email me if you want to discuss a custom piece.

Custom Biker Designer Dogtag Pendants

This was a fun one to create. Custom biker dog tag pendants hand painted in their colors of red and black, with "Sisterhood" hand stamped, cut and textured, plus a winged heart charm attached and all sealed in non-toxic resin. Then I etched their nicknames on the back side. 

Eventually, the whole group will have one of their own, as I am making these in small groups. These gals are going to feel bonded and pretty special as they rev their Harley's and spend time together, and live out what sisterhood really means.