Love and Lust

Sometimes I forget to blog

2011-04-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

For a month ... or so :)

I've recently become obsessed with a few new things: yoga, homemade iced chai latte's, and finger painting.

If you are into workout dvd's I HIGHLY suggest you try the following ones:

Xtend Barre is an hour long ballet workout that KILLS. Really. I died a few times doing it. I consider myself pretty in shape and I can only rotate this workout in once or twice a week.

Anything by Shiva Rae is worth purchasing. I like this DVD because it has 7 20 minute workouts that you can squeeze in anytime, or pre-set workout combinations ranging from 40-60 minutes. Since I've started yoga I've felt healthier, more centered and definitely more flexible! I'm going to work on making this a permanent life change and not just a phase.

Hope you all are doing well!
Oh - I also tried this recipe last night from 'Oh She Glows'
http://ohsheglows.com/2010/12/29/spicy-rainbow-rice-and-bean-salad/

It was YUMMY! Next time I'm going to double the amount of veggies in it but otherwise it was tasty, spicy and very filling (not to mention healthy).

Oh, hi.

2011-03-31T05:58:00.001-07:00

I has the week off from works so I'm a laaaaazy bunny.

I have done nothing but rotate between netflix, reading, and napping on the couch all day since Saturday.

I'm pretty sure this is what heaven is like.

Turning Point

2011-03-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

The last 24 hours have been the most bizarre, emotional, and inspiring ones I've had in years.

I made a friend out of a former enemy.

I gained closure on an experience that broke me down and made me question who I am and why I wasn't valuable as a person.

I realized a friend, was just a friend, and would never be more.
And that is exactly how it should be.

I'll be working on this embroidery pattern this week. With Spring Break coming up my 'to read' and 'to craft' list is growing rapidly.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/juneatnoon

Quick Check In

2011-03-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

I won the two books on ebay that I bid on! I'll post pics as soon as they arrive. I will typically use old and interesting books in art projects but these are SO amazing I don't think I want to alter them at all!

This weekend I hope to complete a few new embroidery projects. I've been meaning to experiment with using beads, felt and fabric in them so I hope to have time to do that. Here's one of my favorites from etsy!

Oh, and Happy 'Drink Green Beer' Day!

A Mind-Blowing Weekend

2011-03-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

A friend brought over a movie he was sure I'd like this Saturday and he couldn't have been more dead on! I'm a fan of the obscure and strange and a 1976 fantsy musical pornography of Alice in Wonderland couldn't be better suited for me.
It is X-Rated so don't try to watch this if your not a fan of some extreme close ups and 70's bush. If you don't mind that then this is definitely an interesting film!

The second mind blower was the book, Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstader. Originally published in 1979 it's a massive 700+ page work dedicated to exploring the patterns and symbols in the thinking of mathematician Kurt Godel, artist M.C. Escher, and composer Johann Sebastian Bach. My friend left his copy at my place and I only had to read the 20 page preface before I ran to Amazon to order myself a copy. I'll review it in full once finished (probably a while from now!) Has anyone else read/heard of it? I was really surprised I hadn't!

Ebay - The Bane of my Existance

2011-03-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

First of all my prediction about excessive soreness from yesterday's workout was entirely accurate. It's not AS bad as I anticipated though and I know if I continue incorporating that DVD into my weekly routine that it will give me big results. I'm excited!

So, to best use the excuse of being to sore to walk, I've spent almost all day at work on flickr, ebay and etsy gaining ideas for future crafts. I ordered this book:

Which of course entails a trip to the craft store this weekend to stock up on Polymer clay supplies (never worked with clay before!).

I've also bid on 2 antique medical books and an antique science kit on ebay. I'd link to them directly but I'm SO excited about them and don't want anyone snagging them from me :p Hopefully I can show them off soon!

For all of you clay kids - any tips or advice would be much appreciated! Especially if you have any online links to site that talk about the craft.
Love you all :)

I died.

2011-03-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

A little bit this morning.

I work out 5-6 days a week. This can be difficult since I work at 7:30 a.m. and put in 8-14 hour days, so I get up at 5 a.m. (also, very difficult).

I've been going to the gym across town and focusing on cardio since the New Year but I really needed to start toning up so I've been working out with Jillian Michael's dvd's. For the last 2 weeks I've done the 30 day shred a few times a week and love it mostly because it's a quick, 20-minute workout that's extremely effective. I decided to amp it up a bit and tried her 40 minute 'No More Trouble Zones' dvd this morning.

I can honestly say that I will probably be as sore tomorrow from this workout as I was after hiking 150 miles of the Appalachian Trail with my Dad for a week.

I want to hear from you!

2011-03-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

I've had so many new followers to my blog this week and I'd love to ask you all a few questions! Most of you are fellow artisians and sell on etsy (or similar venues). How long have you been selling your crafts for? Do you sell offline as well? (I'm interested in doing my first craft show and would love to hear your experiences!) Also, what offine marketing do you do?

It seems many sellers are getting discouraged right now with slow sales and lack of activity. Since I've officially started my 3rd year on Etsy I can say that it's not unusual. Spring is notoriously slow as people are cutting back after the holiday season, and starting to go outside more to enjoy the nice weather. I'd like to use this time to market locally and really start focusing on the Fall season when sales start to pick up again.

We are all in this together! Let's share some advice/tips and help each other out a bit.

Heart Factory, $18, by PearsonMaron
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62321553/heart-factory

New Magical Vial Line Debuting Today!

2011-03-06T04:37:00.000-08:00

"One of the secrets of real magic is that it is controlled by the mind. The more things in your ritual to help your mind associate with your goal, the more powerful your ritual may be." - Scott Cunningham, renowned pagan/wiccan author.

All of my magical vials have been inspired by the best-selling book, The Secret.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_(book)

They are ways to remind you on a constant basis what your goals are in life and how your mentality and positive thinking can help bring those desires into your life.

Love Potion

Getting past your past

Increasing psychic/mental abilities

My first shadowbox!

2011-03-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud of myself :)

I think it's just lovely. The little jar contains rose hips and lavendar seeds. There is a vintage photograph and a clipping from a 1938 Chicago paper as well.

New Jewelry Line Sneak Peek

2011-03-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

It's not of the actual items, but of some of the materials I will be using.

My apothecary is slowly growing ... I can't wait to show off what I've been coming up with! I'm hoping they will be listed on etsy by early next week at the latest.

Tuscan Bean Salad

2011-03-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

This. is. amazing.

I'm kinda a health nut. Well - I'm definitely a health nut!
It's been about two years since I've lost 50+ pounds and 4 since I became a vegetarian. As such, I'm very aware of what I eat and have to make sure I cover all my bases since meat is excluded. This recipe is divine as it adds protein from the beans, and is pretty low in calories since the majority of it is green beans. I'll make up a big batch of it and just add 1 cup of the mix to a small container of salad every morning for my lunch at work and it's about 200 calories and very filling!

From Gaida De Laurentis

Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of green beans cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces (I use about 12 ounces)
- 1 head of Romaine lettuce
- 1 can of cannelline beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives (I leave this out to keep it lower in calories)
- 1/2 red onion, cut into slivers
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ounce shaved parmasean (I only add this after I make my daily salads, not to the mix)

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add grean beans and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until beans are slightly tender (I cook for about 5). Transfer the cooked grean beans to a bowl of ice water and let cool for 3 minutes. Drain,

2. In a large bowl combine the grean beans with the cannelline beans, olives, and red onion. Toss to combine. Drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

3. Add to salad and nom nom nom!

The way I make it produces about 4 cups or 4 salads for me. It's cheap, delicious and oh so good for you. Let me know if you try it!

My Kitty is Home!

2011-03-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

Reunited and it feels so gooooood!

After a VERY long 24 hour period with Salem at the Vets I was finally able to bring him home this morning :) He has a UTI and will be on antibiotics for the next 2 weeks and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will do the trick.

This is a blurry pic - but the best I could get in my excitement of having him home!

When I was finally able to let him go he went straight to his favorite window to watch the birds.

I never got the chance to bring his brother, Prince, home.
I cannot express how grateful I am to have more time with this lil guy.

Bad Day/Good Day

2011-03-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Bad day: My best friend, my kitty Salem, is in the animal hospital :(
I woke up this morning to spots all over my bed and house of bloody urine and took him in first thing. He's there in isolation so they can get a urine sample from him. So far (7 hours later) he hasn't gone and his bladder isn't full enough to manually pull a sample so he may have to stay overnight.
He's also FIV+ so every 'minor' illness is major for him.
He will be 5 this summer and this is only his second time away from me! I hate it!

When I finally got to work today my coworker, who is aware of my affinity for old and obscure books, brought in two new ones for my collection. They were her grandfathers who was an Army Chaplin in WW1 and it meant so much to me that she gave them to me! They are "Self and Sex Series: What a Young Man Ought to Know" and "Personal Help Series: For Girls".

"What a Young Man Ought to Know" was published in 1904. It was used as a guide to educated men on the dangers of improper sexual behavior and 'self polution.

It's chapters include 'Personal Purity', 'Evils to be shunned and consequences to be dreaded', 'The reproductive organs - their purpose and prostitution' and 'the selection of a wife'. What a gem! I'm placing serious odds that I will rofl at least a dozen times per chapter.

The second book, "Personal Help for Girls" is even better. This work, published in 1918, includes this great advice: "It is also called 'self-pollution' because of its filthy nature and the injury it does to every organ of the body, faculty of the mind and power of the soul; or termed 'masterbation', which comes from two words meaning abuse of the body with the hand. If there is any uneasy feaaling in these parts that inclines you to rube them, you should mention it to your mama."

LOL. I died.

Some super late Christmas brags

2011-02-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

After the rush of the semester starting again I'm finally finding some time to slow down and focus on etsy again! I was fortuante enough to receive some goodies from fellow etsians for Christmas! These two pieces of art from the amazingly talented MademoiselleG (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MademoiselleG?ref=seller_info)

The workshop (for my craft room!)

Harold and Lorna (aka the cutest couple ever)

I also received a few items from WickedSoaps (http://www.etsy.com/shop/WickedSoaps?ref=seller_info) in my favorite scent, Pink Sugar! (A fun, cotton candy-ish scent)

New embroidery work

2010-10-27T12:58:00.001-07:00

Will be listing a TON of new items next week! Building up stock for Christmas :)

I'm alive!

2010-09-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Sort of.

My life has been the very definition of chaos lately.

I've moved.

Twice.
[long story]

But - things are finally settling down and I'm hoping to get a whole line of new items out in time for the Fall season come October 1st.

I hope everyone is enjoying their last few moments of summer.

I don't know about ya'll, but I'm glad to see her go.

More embroidery work

2010-08-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

I seem to finish a new piece nightly! It's just so relaxing and I appreciate that it forces me to sit down and focus on something other then how stressful my life is!
{Moving and classes starting this week is making me a bit crazy}

Day-dreaming of Fall! A season that doesn't exist in Florida :(

Love machine! Electric blue! How is this not perfect?

I need more ideas for things to embroider! I'm thinking of a cute piece featuring the lovely French language ... and maybe a math/science based one. Ideas??

I can has embroidery jokes?

2010-08-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

What had happened was ...

I found this ridiculously funny coloring book from 1961
http://www.adtothebone.com/?p=174

Which had me rolling on the floor at work the other day! Particulary this page!

So I based my latest embroidery project on it. It was my first time transfering an image by hand (just the guy) and I think it turned out well. The lettering is a bit wonky but I feel it lends to the whole "coloring book" vibe (and it's the best I can do so shut it!).

Thoughts?

Embroidery Addiction

2010-08-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

I love it.

I can't stop doing it!

Insight: I'm a little OCD.
[okay, a lot]

If I start something 99.9% of the time I have to finish it immediately [video games, craft projects, cleaning an entire house..]

This is a major reason behind why I love embroidery so much. It's simple, I can do it while watching It's Always Sunny, and I can finish most small pieces in 2-3 hours.

I've been hunting online for a good source for patterns. I have one book of iron-on transfers that I really enjoy and have just started using carbon paper to trace my own (although I need significant practice).

UrbanThreads.com and SublimeStitching.com have thus far been my only great finds.

Anyone out there with suggestions for more sites please let me know!

I complain to much ...

2010-08-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

I need to work on that.

I tend to worry about things that have not happened yet.

Things that may not even happen.

I let it all fester and compound until I'm a nervous wreck and I feel quite helpless.

That's not a fun way to feel!

I joke that I have "rich white girl" syndrome. I'm gainfully employed, educated, healthy, and have a wonderful family and network of friends to rely on if need be.

I can support myself, have an adequate amount of free time, and more hobbies to keep me entertained than I can even count.

Really - what do I have to complain about? I have it better than the majority of the world's population.

So for the next week I'm going to try my hardest to keep my trap shut if I don't have something positive to say.

Couldn't hurt, right?

Latest cravings...

2010-07-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

As my life starts to get interesting again in the next few weeks I'll actually have more personal stuff to update about - but until then, please enjoy these latest finds!

Tub Caddy made from Reclaimed Oak - http://PegandAwl.etsy.com

Original Jane Eyre watercolor - http://mashalaurence.etsy.com

His & Hers Custom Leather Wristbands - http://leathermadenice.etsy.com

Baroqe Romance Sterling Silver Stacking Ring Set - http://MixedMetals.etsy.com

Love is Eternal Vintage Book Spine Bracelet - http://SimpleJoysPaperie.etsy.com

Future splurges

2010-07-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with a few etsian art sellers right now! I may be moving this Fall and, if so, I think I'll have to treat myself to a few new pieces to decorate my new home with.

Marie Antoinette - $15, http://meluseena.etsy.com

Sara - $20, http://holli.etsy.com

Harold and Lorna - $18, http://MademoiselleG.etsy.com

New Line - Debuting This Week!

2010-07-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

I will start listing the new pieces daily as of Monday, July 5th, but I am to excited to not share the great pictures I just finished taking!

I'm still working on a name for all of the pieces - feel free to suggest some!

Some recent additions

2010-06-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

I've added a few new pieces that will be available for a while in the shop. I'm planning on adding much more in the near future! [Including a vintage Kodak camera from the 1930's tonight!]

Gibbous inspired skirt!

2010-06-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

I am SO in love with this style. I describe it as gypsy-steampunk-pirate-victorian-romp in a meadow-scavanger hunt leftovers. It's like a wearable scrapbook. I love it. Will begin working on another, sea inspired one, as well as a dress soon. Sorry for the horrid pictures, I will be asking a friend to help me take better as soon as I complete a top for it as well as a small bag.

I love the little key & vintage buttons!

Whew!

2009-12-08T10:14:00.001-08:00

I am alive lol.

Things have been soooo busy with the new shop (TheFoodSnob.etsy.com). I'm so happy with how well it's taken off but I definitely wasn't prepared for the late nights packing orders and working on etsy (not that I would dare complain about that).

I hope everyonen else is having a great holiday season - I promise to get back to regular updates soon!

More projects and failures!

2009-10-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

~*~*~*~ WARNING: CRAFTS CONTAIN FOUL LANGUAGE! ~*~*~*~

So I've been in UBER craft mode lately and have tried to broaden my horizons and do some new crafts. My first attempt was to do glass etching. I think I did okay for my first try but I definitely need to practice!

I decided on this particular phrase for my shot glasses because it's always what I say before I take a shot lol...

I've started an herb garden again, on the balcony of my house. So far I just have Rosemary and Basil and the two small pots are snap dragons (which are quickly fading away!).

Here is the infamous beer chute on the side of the house. Yes I live in a 120 year old Victorian home and have a beer chute on it. I'm classy. Basically we just had beer bottles piling up every weekend and my lovely boy decided to remedy the problem by securing some PVC pipe to the side of the house so we can drop a bottle from the balcone directly into a garbage bin :)

These next two photos are terrible but I've had SO much fun making these coasters! One set is for my house for Halloween and the other is for my friend and the pages come from the same "So you've got your period book" I discussed in my last post.

More projects for this weekend that are equally vulgar and awesome! Hope you all have a fantastical Thursday...it's so close to the weekend I can taste the hangovers!

Yea for borrowed cameras and crafts!!

2009-10-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

My awesome roomie let me borrow his digital camera so I can finally do a quick update on the projects I've been working on...

Went to goodwill this past weekend and scored big!
Got some used boardgames (to tear down into parts for jewelry and crafts) for $1 each and some textbooks on learning French

Also found these great sweaters for $4 each and an awesome alcoholic purse

Redecorated my bathroom based on this awesome, pre-existing, light switch

Added some vaginal wall art that I made from pictures taken from a 'So you've gotten your period' book I picked up at a used book sale

Moved my lovely needle point art from the entry hall onto the bathroom sink

And finally put some of my favorite books in for leisure toilet reading

I've also been busy decorating the house for halloween....first, my Spooky Town village

My headless bride and one of the many cheap signs I've picked up from Walmart

Some pillows I just hand sewn last week

I also made homemade granola - it came out wayyy to sweet (Used Alton Brown's recipe from the Food Network) but when I perfect the recipe I'll post it!

Finally - picked some lovely smelling roses and other unknown flower from the front yard <3

A few of my favorites...

2009-10-07T11:47:00.001-07:00

Halloween is by far my FAVORITE holiday and I've been so bad about spending hours a day looking at all of the great halloween themed items on etsy! Here are just a few of my favorites...

Over Bust Skullduggery Corset $150
Luxuriawear.etsy.com

Skeleton ribcage pop-up paper sculpture $6
Cheesebrie.etsy.com

Handmade Masquerade Mask $64
effigymasks.etsy.com

The Morticia Scarflette $35
glenandconstance.etsy.com

Candy Corn Soap $6.50
smokeymountainscents.etsy.com

GRRR

2009-10-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

I've been working on so many amazing crafts and baking projects around the house and really want to post pictures and share my adventures about them but my dang dad lost his dang camera in dang Korea last week!

I really need to come up with some funds to get a new one! This is killing me!!

Anyone else frustrated over something this week? Make me feel better lol.

EXCITING news!

2009-10-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

With the start of a new month I've decided to focus on a particular cause during October. For the entire month I will purchase one tree for every purchase made at the store (http://LoveandLust.etsy.com). I'll be using plantabillion.org which supports the Atlantic Forest.

The Atlantic Forest is one of the greatest repositories of biodiversity on Earth, rivaling that of the Amazon. Today, only 7% of the Atlantic Forest remains.

So for the month of October I will purchase a tree for EVERY purchase made in my shop, no matter how big or small the order. I'll also then email the customer after their order is complete with the donation information from plantabillion.org.

So - 'tis the season to give and I'm so excited I will be able to help out such a great cause! Spread the word and think about what you can do to be a positive force in the world today <3

My new place and a promotional idea!

2009-09-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

So I think it's about time I show off my new house :)

It's a 116 year old Victorian and my absolute dream come true! Only a rental, but I don't care...I always wanted to retire and live in a beautiful Victorian home and I thank my lucky starts EVERY time I pull in the driveway that this has happened to me :)

Now on a business note...I'm looking to do a promotional swap. I'd like to hook up with a fellow etsy seller who has approximately the same number of sales that I do (around 100) and sells something aside from jewelry (soap, crochet/knit items, art, paper crafts) to work with. I'm thinking that we can either exchange big ticket items (around $20) and have a giveaway that anyone who purchases anything from our shops could win. For instance:

"The next 20 people to purchase from my shop will be entered in a drawing to win this incredible soap set from ______"

Just a way to promote each other and hopefully increase sales! Let me know if your interested!!

Reunited and it feels so goooood....

2009-09-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Man have I missed the world of etsy.

Shop is officially back up - and I will be adding new creations all week! Snag some of my bestsellers on super sale this week while I get back into the swing of things.

Will also be working on some halloween crafts for decorating the new house soon and will post photos of those as I complete them...I'm just a craftin fool lately!

Wah wah we wah!!!

2009-09-08T08:09:00.001-07:00

Is verrrry nice to be back!

The move is officially over - and I'm finally getting back into a normal routine.

Look for a super sale and grand reopening of the shop within the next week or two!

Now leave me some comment love and let me know I have not been forgotten!

Happy Sunday!

2009-06-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have really neglected the shop the last few weeks and am starting to feel energetic about it again (finally!). I've started by putting many of my older styles/designs on sale, you can check it out in the sale section

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7029600§ion_id=6218194

And in the 'Gaia' section

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7029600§ion_id=6056323

I'll probably do another giveaway soon so look out for that!

Will be listing some new pieces tonight...including adorable bobby pins!

Thank you to everyone who's supported me the last few weeks. It's been a really rough time but I'm feeling very positive again :D

'Psychology of Selling' Manual on Sale for $5!!

2009-06-06T14:34:00.001-07:00

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ FIRST EVER SALE!! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

http://PsychologyofSelling.etsy.com

For tonight only I will be selling my "Psychology of Selling Online and on etsy" Manuals for $5!

Purchase before midnight eastern time and put 'SNS' in message to seller and I will refund 4.95 to your paypal account within hours!

Over 40 pages of information taken from international journals on marketing and psychology that will help you make it through this recession - a truly valuable resource for only $5!

Saturday Night Sale! BOGO Half off!!

2009-06-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

¤´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
¸.•´¸.•*(¸.•´ (SNS: BOGO Half OFF!!!!)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

Entire shop BOGO Half off!!
* Second item must be equal to or lesser in value!
* NO LIMIT as to how many items you can purchase! Buy two items, get two more items at half price!

Just put "SNS" in message to seller upon checkout and I will refund the half off via paypal within a few hours!

¤´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
¸.•´¸.•*(¸.•´ (SNS: BOGO Half OFF!!!!)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

An actual update!

2009-05-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I've really updated my blog so here goes...

I've been going through a LOT of personal issues over the last few months. One of my biggest concerns right now is finding employement. I just finished my Masters degree and have had NO luck in getting a job here and have about a month until my funds run out and I'm not sure what will happen then. I can't go back to my family because my cat has Feline AIDS and they won't let me bring him there (they also have a cat) and I'm not leaving him anywhere so if I have to live out of my car - so be it!

I'm still adding new pieces weekly - I also have lost access to a good camera so I won't be able to add anything new for another 2 weeks probably. I may be creating things - but just not able to photograph them which stinks!

I truly hope things pick up for the shop again soon - it was so nice to have something fun to work on and it allowed me the ability to shop (even if it was only for supplies) and lord knows I've missed shopping lol.

Hope everyone else is faring better than I am!

~~ Saturday Night Sale ~~

2009-05-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*~SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL ~*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~BOGO 1/2 off!!!~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buy any item and get a second item for HALF price!
*second item must be equal to or lesser in value

** NO LIMIT as to how many items you can purchase...Example: Buy 2 items, get 2 items at half price!!

***Just purchase the items and put 'SNS' in message to seller and wait for me to email you a revised invoice from paypal before paying! ***

Don't forget: flat rate shipping in the whole store so only pay the shipping on the first item and everything else ships FREE

Shop is fully up again!

2009-05-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

I'm SOOO happy the chain arrived today and it's exactly what I used before! So - all of the deactivated items are now back up again and look for new designs soon! I just finished my thesis last night and submitted it for final review so I'm off to enjoy my mini-vacation before I get back to the job search thing :)
http://LoveandLust.etsy.com

I promise I'm still alive!

2009-05-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

A LOT has been going on in my life lately and unfortunately my etsy shop and this blog has suffered! One major blow was that the chain I use in ALL my designs was discontinued at the store I get it from so I was on a mad hunt for it before realizing I could just order it off of their website LOL. It should be here today and therefore most of the items I have deactivated should be back up...yea!!

I also would like to do reviews of two fantastical products I received from fellow etsians in the last two weeks - so look for that very soon!!

New Gaia Colors Debuting - Just in time for the SALE!

2009-05-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

One is already up and the other two colors will be listed tonight - in time for you to snag the necklace and get the matching earrings FREE! (See below post or shop for details!) http://LoveandLust.etsy.com

Gaia Sunset

Gaia Purity

Gaia Fire

Saturday Night Sale!!

2009-05-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

Didn't win the Giveaway? Don't fear - a great sale is here!

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*~SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL ~*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
.

Buy a Gaia necklace and get the BESTSELLING matching earrings FREE!!! A $14 Value!!!

Different colors to choose from - see the entire Gaia collection here
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7029600§ion_id=6056323

***Just purchase the necklace and put 'SNS' in message to seller at checkout and I will be sure to include your FREE earrings*** SALE GOOD UNTIL MIDNIGHT CENTRAL TIME!

And the winner is....

2009-05-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

LillyShayStyle! Go check out her amazing (and very popular blog!) http://lillyshaystyle.blogspot.com/

Thank you all for participating - I will probably do another one at the end of May!

Giveaway Winner Picked!

2009-04-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

I have contacted the winner (choosen using randomizer.org) and they have 24 hours to respond. I'll announce who it is as soon as I hear back from her.

Thank you all SO SO SO much for participating!

UPDATE: Giveaway winner 1 has not responded so I've contacted giveaway winner #2 - will post as soon as I hear back from her!

My secret project is completed!

2009-04-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

For the last two months I've been working on the ultimate 'how-to' guide for etsy - and it's FINALLY done!

I've spent so much time researching top psychology and marketing journals to find the keys in successful online selling.

Check out the new shop
http://PsychologyofSelling.etsy.com

Now - I'm going to cook dinner, I've been working on this and my thesis non-stop for weeks and I'm exhausted!!

Winner of the Giveaway will be chosen TONIGHT!

2009-04-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

I'll pick one winner at random tonight at midnight and announce the winner as soon as I have contacted them and heard back!

If I do not receive a response within 24 hours a new winner will be picked.

Sorry things have been so slow around here the last two weeks. It's the last week for me at school, which also means it's the last week of my two classes I've been teaching and my last week with a job!

Also - in the midst of a job search, I've been working on a super awesome project that's related to etsy and somewhat to my store, but it's not jewelry :) It should be available by tomorrow night!

I'm obsessed!

2009-04-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to go straight to my giveaway! Ends 4/30!!

I know I just posted about SojournCuriosities.etsy.com recently but during her great sale Saturday night I checked out her shop again and she has the most amazing necklace!

Isn't it gorgeous!!! I don't even want to give you all a direct link because I want it all for myself lol. I love how it's a mix of funky/bright colors and an antique skeleton key - perfect!

I suppose I shouldn't be stingy...here's the link :)

Aside from drooling over things on etsy I haven't been very productive this past weekend. I'm waiting on some supplies to come in but hopefully I'll have at least one or two new pieces up today.

Off topic - I'm getting pretty tired of hearing about this swine flu stuff! I just wish 'they' (the government, health officials, whoever!) would quit telling us it's not a big deal at all - because I don't get why it's all over EVERY channel and EVERY news site online if it's not!

If I need to freak the heck out I want forwarning!

Anyone else worried at all?

Super Amazing Sales and Giveaways!

2009-04-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Click here to go straight to my giveaway! Ends 4/30!!

I am SOOO obsessed with handmade soap it's not even funny!

So I was thrilled when my #1 soap seller put up a GREAT saturday night sale tonight!
25% off everything in the shop and FREE SHIPPING for orders over $25 (after discount!) at http://HeathensHearth.etsy.com!

I just snagged

The CharlieCarter - a mix of Pink Sugar scent and Vanilla soap!

Pink Sugar - Sugar Scrub!

Plus 2 pink sugar soaps, a cafe mocha soap, oatmeal/milk/honey soap, pink sugar perfume oil and an additional charliecarter and I got it SHIPPED for $39! That's unheard of!

But wait - it gets better!
Another fav seller of mine http://Sojourncuriosities.etsy.com is having a super sale as well! I own one of her pieces and it is by far the most beautiful and detailed pieces of jewelry I own!

Isn't it stunning!? Her sale starts at 20% off and increases as you spend more - check her shop out for details :)

I know you can't think it could get any better BUT IT DOES!

Both shops, HeathensHearth and SojournCuriosities are in the middle of a combined giveaway right now! It's called 'Treasures from the Deep' and the winner will receive a beautiful set of earrings from Sojourn, and sea inspired perfume, soap and scrub from HeathensHearth.

GO ENTER NOW!

This is seriously the best giveaway I've ever seen (Hey - I know I'm doing one right now also but mine doesn't include soap lol).

~~ Saturday Night Sale ~~

2009-04-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*~SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL ~*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

Purchase ANYTHING in the shop and receive a FREE pair of surprise earrings! They are nothing like what I have listed - I have never sold them and will NEVER sell them! They are JUST for you saturday night shoppers!

$15 value FREE with ANY purchase!!
http://LoveandLust.etsy.com

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*~ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT ~*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

New Designs

2009-04-23T05:18:00.001-07:00

Click here to go straight to my giveaway!!

I added quite a few new designs yesterday! Check 'em out if you'd like :)
http://LoveandLust.etsy.com

Birdcage Necklace - $20

What a Hoot Necklace - $14

'The Victoria' Lace earrings - $14

A few others added as well! Now, off to work!

It's been one month...

2009-04-21T05:31:00.002-07:00

Click here to go straight to my Giveaway!!

I miss you Prince - I think about you daily and hope that you know how much I love you and wish I could have helped you more.

First Blog Giveaway!!

2009-04-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

~*~*~ Win a FREE Gaia Necklace and Earring Set~ ~*~*~

I'm so excited to launch my first ever giveaway today!

The prize? A beautiful set of Gaia Necklace and Earrings in your color choice! (Purple, Pink or Blue - as seen in my shop).

This giveaway will end April 30th at Midnight (centrail time). The winner will be announced May 1st!

How to enter:

1) Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment saying you are/have been following. Please leave an email address that I can reach you at with this comment. (Mandatory - counts as 1 entry)

2) While looking at my shop, http://loveanandlust.etsy.com/ please complete this short survey href="Click'>http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=CU_2bjcIzQSDHr5flh_2fSwUOQ_3d_3d">Click Here to take surveyand comment here once you have completed it. (Mandatory - counts as 1 entry)

3) Blog about this giveaway and comment here with the link (Optional - counts as 2 entries).

That's it! Super easy and I greatly appreciate you helping me to better my shop via the survey.

Looking forward to the results and announcing the winner!

ALL Comments for the giveaway must be left in THIS post!

~~Saturday Night Sale~~

2009-04-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

BOGO 1/2 OFF!!!
http://LoveandLust.etsy.com

Good only until tonight at midnight (Central time).

MUST PUT SNS in message to seller at checkout!

*1/2 off will be applied to lesser priced item
*No limit as to how much you can buy! Buy 3 items, get 3 haf off!
*Sale does not apply to necklaces in the 'sale' section.

Check it out!
Http://LoveandLust.etsy.com

Sale!!

2009-04-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Select cameo necklaces are now 40$ off! Prices went from 24/26 to 14/15!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7029600&section_id=6074675

Need to make room in my workshop for new inventory and well, afford to buy new inventory LOL.

Handmade Business Cards!

2009-04-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

After Ashley of the lovely 31 Experiment Blog (http://31experiment.blogspot.com/) posted pictures of handmade business cards - I got inspired! Here are a few more handmade designs I found picking through Flickr.

These are from tortiselovesthehare, and it looks like (from one of the comments left) that the 'ribbon' is actually the tape from a cassett tape! How adorable!

These were designed by Storykraft Kreative for Madame Pompadour and I LOVE how elegant and dark they are! Definitely more for the graphically inclined (not myself!) but I'm on the look out for some nice scrapbook filigree cutouts like those!

Above are from subdued7 - and exactly what I was thinking of when I wanted to use decorative scissors! I love the different styles of paper and how unique the cards appear - totally simple and possible to do for the paper-craft challenged folks like me!

Etruzey was nice enough to list the 'ingredients' for these striking cards: An old italian newspaper, Adobe Illustrator, a printer, fingers, tape and a black pen. A great way to recycle newspapers!

Jingman made these AMAZING 3d business cards!! A lofty goal for those who don't mind spending a lot of time on each card :) These would be great to use for 'special' recipients like shops and newspapers/magazines.

Another pop-up type card designed by mpFAH for one of my favorite etsy sellers - BigMamaNebraska! I love how they look when folded over (far right card).

Soooo - after seeing many beautiful ideas I finally started playing around with my own! Now they are no where near as nice as the above but I think I'm off to a good start - plus, I'm happy to finally have anything I can include with packages or give out! I actually had a student ask me about my earrings yesterday and didn't have a card to give to had to ask her for a pen and paper to write it down lol. Not very professional looking!

First - my workspace!

Now - some of my designs. YES I know I'm not great at stamping, YES I know many are off-centered, smudged, and generally not perfect. I like that! The beauty of handmade :) My favorite is the corset prototype - I definitely need to get a small hole punch and these would only go to 'the super important' places like magazines/newspapers.

First, the front:

A few other designs I made up:

For most of these the back has the 4 corners stamped with the small filigree and my etsy shop address written in silver metallic pen in the middle.

I LOVE doing these and it's fun to be able to make each one different (if I want to!). The simple black stamped ones take about 3 minutes each (including cutting time!) while the corset took about 10 minutes. I spent $17 on paper, ink, stamps and the pen - and I'm assuming I can make 100's of these beauties with only having to purchase more paper along the way.

Loves it!

Just venting

2009-04-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today started off well - managed to force myself into getting new clothes (I HATE clothes shopping!).

Then when I was finally enjoying it (thanks to the 45 pound weight loss I'm sure!) I realized it was the first time I've felt really happy since we put Prince down 3 weeks and 5 days ago.

I cried a bit on the way home - checked the mail, and waddya know - got a rejection letter from the place I interviewed at last week. I REALLY wanted this job - it seemed perfect for me and I was really interested in the work they were doing (a school for 'high-risk' girls).

That's the second rejection letter in 1 month. First my doctoral program, now the job.

On top of that - my computer totally shut down from massive amounts of malware. It took about 2 hours and running to my office on campus late at night but I fixed it.

Now I have 15 papers left to grade for tomorrow and I have to be up super early to get ready for my conference, also tomorrow, at 9 a.m..

I feel like I'm hitting a brick wall.

My Beautiful Spring Treasury!

2009-04-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Show it some love!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=52696

Underglass Shop Review!

2009-04-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

I recently received this BEAUTIFUL necklace from http://underglass.etsy.com/ and have to take a second to rave about her work!

First - the shipping was super quick. I love that! Anytime I purchase anything I want it to arrive, well, immediately lol. This was close!

Second - the product and packaging were ADORABLE! Check out the beautiful box it came in (as do all of her items!)

She has a few other items that I'm just dying to pick up soon!

Like these adorable Ouija board earrings for only $15!

So if you have some time today go check out her shop - with 130 items for sale I promise you'll find something to fall in love with!

Saturday Night Special!

2009-04-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL!!!!

***Buy ANYTHING in the shop and get a FREE pair of "Once Upon a Time" earrings in your color choice!***
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22031387

Just put your color choice (Red, Pink or Black) in the 'message to seller' box upon checkout. Don't actually purchase the earrings - just tell me what color you like and I'll include them in your order!

Love and Lust - GothChic Victorian Inspired Jewelry!

One of those days...

2009-04-09T12:06:00.001-07:00

Sorry if this isn't a very uplifting post!

I have just felt so...blah, the last few days.

The shop is slowing down from the increadible activity last weekend.

I just found out today that one of the first year grad students has leukemia.

I was also just informed by one of my FAVORITE employees in the department that she has cancer!

What the hell is with today??

So I was a little down to begin with - and now I'm super depressed! I know I definitely take my life for granted and should quit complaining so much about my minor problems but this is still not making my poor attitude any better!

Ohh...I wonder if I could find something both on etsy to cheer them up :) Shopping for me and gifts for them would make today a little brighter!

I LOVE soap!

2009-04-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd say that - but, I am addicted to handmade soap!

I was fortunate enough to receive an amazing basket of goodies from etsy's soap team for a contest Christian won on Valentines day and ever since than - I'm hooked!

One of my FAVORITE sellers, HeathensHearth, is having a free shipping sale right now! For those of you who have been wanting to purchase some soap - now would be the time! Shipping can be pricey because of how heavy the soaps are so you will save a bundle with this sale! Christian and I just placed an order a few days ago and here are some of the goodies we got:

Brown Leather Glycerin Soap - $5 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23258019 Christian has used this before and LOVES it! It truly does smell just like leather but not in a weird, used couch sort of way :)

Petite Fours Goat Milk Soap - $5 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23257974 Now this is one of MY personal favorites! The smell is a mix of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate and it's simply to die for!

So you better hurry and go to http://HeathensHearth.etsy.com and stock up now!

What a weekend!

2009-04-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

I am SHOCKED at how well the shop did! I had 10 sales in a 24 hour period! I'm sure the BOGO 1/2 off sale didn't hurt :)

It's times like this that make me think that maybe - just maybe - I could really do this. I mean - I have a Masters degree in something I'm not to fond of at the moment and could really care less about working in so, why not?

At least I have a good back up plan lol.

I have tons of papers I should be grading right now but just can't bring myself to start - I may just tell the class tomorrow that they'll just have to wait on them. The joys of being a teacher!

In other shop news - I have SOO many great ideas that I'm hoping to put into action soon. I really want to create jewelry that is totally one of a kind and very unique but not so 'out there' that it would pigeon-hole me. I think I may have some ideas brewing that have the perfect mix of uniqueness and marketability. Stay tuned folks!

Saturday Night Sale!!!

2009-04-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

Until midnight tonight take advantage of my BOGO Half off sale! ALL Items in the shop are included - just be sure the second item is of equal or lesser value than the first :)

Please put SNS Sale in the message to seller and wait to pay until I send you a revised invoice!

So far many have taken advantage of this - don't miss out!

http://LoveandLust.etsy.com

I've met my first goal!

2009-04-02T06:50:00.001-07:00

My goal for my first month on etsy was to sell 10 items - well, I have 5 days left in my month and I'm up to 16! Woohooo!!!

So now my goal is to to sell double in April - 20 items! I'd love for my sales to keep doubling every month until they hit about 100 a month. That would just be perfect for me!

In other news - if it doesn't stop raining soon I'm going to kill someone! I HATE this weather and it's been like this for 2 weeks now :( I always take my photos outside so I haven't been able to add new pieces all week!

Also - I have a job interview Friday! I had one last week but it's at a place I REALLY don't want to work at so I'm hoping this one goes well. I'm not sure if it's fulltime or parttime, but I'm kind of hoping it's parttime. I'm still holding out that one day I can sit around my house playing with jewelry like a gypsy and make a living off of it and I'm afraid that if I start working 40+ hours a week that my dream may be put on hold!

I've also been spending wayyyy to much time on etsy browsing others shops! I am so itching to buy something it's crazy. I found the perfect wristlet but it's $30 and I just can't bring myself to get it! I haven't purchased anything on etsy since I opened my new shop and paypal is just BEGGING me to spend some money lol.

Here's the wristlet - soooo cute! Also a wallet and lunch bag I'm drooling over!

$29 by http://www.cipolla.etsy.com/

$21 by http://www.juliemeyer.etsy.com/

$8 by http://www.BaffinBags.etsy.com

I should totally just splurge and buy it all :D

School!

2009-03-31T05:46:00.001-07:00

I am a adjunct prof/graduate student and have been neglecting my scholarly duties since opening my etsy shop up! I'm sooo close to being done with my thesis but can't seem to ever work on that when their are beautiful pieces of jewelry calling my name! I hate spending my days avoiding my mentor because I know the inevitable question will come up "So - when am I going to get your final thesis"?

I also have been terrible about preparing my lectures for class. This week is my last real 'lecture' day for the semester and I still have a lot of work to do on it! Oh - class starts in 2 hours lol.

Yet again, instead of working on school stuff I'm using something etsy related to fill my time lol.

I can't wait for my LAST semester to be over with! I'll be one of the most educated jewelry sellers :D

My bf is so sweet!

2009-03-29T22:10:00.000-07:00

He made a treasury for me for our 3.5 year anniversary next month lol. He snuck around my favorites and added all things I hearted as well as one of my newest necklaces :)

Take a look!

(There is a pic of it below but it's hard to see all the great items!)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=49136

Weekend Sale!

2009-03-27T11:19:00.001-07:00

To celebrate the opening of my blog I'm offering 15% off all cameo necklaces until Sunday at midnight! (I have many more in the shop other than those listed!) http://loveandlust.etsy.com/

Just put 'weekend sale' in message to seller and I'll refund via paypal instantly!

Welcome to my blog!

2009-03-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

After helping my bf start his etsy shop and seeing how much fun it is I've finally decided to start my own! http://loveandlust.etsy.com/ I'm hoping that this blog will be a way for me to chronicle my absurd life, showcase some of my items, and get to know others caught up in this crazy little thing called living.

Thanks for stopping by - look forward to many new things happening soon!

Love and Lust

Sometimes I forget to blog

Oh, hi.

Turning Point

Quick Check In

A Mind-Blowing Weekend

Ebay - The Bane of my Existance

I died.

I want to hear from you!

New Magical Vial Line Debuting Today!

My first shadowbox!

New Jewelry Line Sneak Peek

Tuscan Bean Salad

My Kitty is Home!

Bad Day/Good Day

Some super late Christmas brags

New embroidery work

I'm alive!

More embroidery work

I can has embroidery jokes?

Embroidery Addiction

I complain to much ...

Latest cravings...

Future splurges

New Line - Debuting This Week!

Some recent additions

Gibbous inspired skirt!

Whew!

More projects and failures!

Yea for borrowed cameras and crafts!!

A few of my favorites...

GRRR

EXCITING news!

My new place and a promotional idea!

Reunited and it feels so goooood....

Wah wah we wah!!!

Happy Sunday!

'Psychology of Selling' Manual on Sale for $5!!

Saturday Night Sale! BOGO Half off!!

An actual update!

~*~ Saturday Night Sale ~*~

Shop is fully up again!

I promise I'm still alive!

New Gaia Colors Debuting - Just in time for the SALE!

Saturday Night Sale!!

And the winner is....

Giveaway Winner Picked!

My secret project is completed!

Winner of the Giveaway will be chosen TONIGHT!

I'm obsessed!

Super Amazing Sales and Giveaways!

~*~ Saturday Night Sale ~*~

New Designs

It's been one month...

First Blog Giveaway!!

~*~Saturday Night Sale~*~

Sale!!

Handmade Business Cards!

Just venting

My Beautiful Spring Treasury!

Underglass Shop Review!

Saturday Night Special!

One of those days...

I LOVE soap!

What a weekend!

Saturday Night Sale!!!

I've met my first goal!

School!

My bf is so sweet!

Weekend Sale!

Welcome to my blog!

~~ Saturday Night Sale ~~

~~ Saturday Night Sale ~~

~~Saturday Night Sale~~