Made it through April...

      Hello friends! Yes it has been a while...college, and keeping up with the jewelry has been a bit challenging, to say the least. April is always a hard month for me to get through, because of my dreaded birthday. Oh , I realize it is all about perspective, and I keep a positive one. Every year in April I reflect on how my life is going. I ask myself questions like, "What did I do to inspire others this past year? What can I do to do better than that?", basically I spend all of April analyzing my life. lol I am sure I am not the only one that reflects on life when birthdays rolls around. You do it too, right? I have a list of things I need to improve on, believe me it is a longggg list. I decided this year I am going to take the time to enjoy the little things ,but I have no intention of losing focus on that list. I am happy to report, I have earned 15 of the 60 credits needed to attain my goal of earning an Associates degree. Now that I know what it will take to maintain the A's, I can focus more on this blog and my jewelry. Yep, life is good my friends! My two new courses now are, Foundation of Psychology, and Critical and Creative Thinking, I am so excited to be taking them! I have a little free time now and I am coming to read your Blog, and catch up with you now, so make me some coffee please....lol  
See you soon!

Keeping that New years resolution is getting old....

 
     Keeping that New Year’s resolution is getting old already and we are not even half way through the month. Am I the only one feeling this way? I have managed to accomplish two of three promises that I had made to myself but the hardest is the third. I want to earn my purple belt this year and in order to do that I am going to have to find some motivation fast. The next karate session starts Monday and all though I told myself I would be physically conditioned by then but boy, I am in for a world of hurt. I have been slacking off now for four months so with no one to blame but myself I am going to suck it up and start this karate session with a prayer that I will be able to make it through the next three months without injuring myself. So although my new year’s resolution is causing me some stress I am going to give it my best my friends, and looking on the bright side of things I have eleven more months to go. Did you make, keep, or break a resolution?

Happy 2013!

Happy 2013!
      2012 was extraordinary for me,and I am thankful for all the Blessings I received! The last quarter of the year I was having a melt down, mid life crisis, I wasn't happy with who I had become.lol   I want to work smarter, I want to be able to help others better themselves also.  I decided to do something about it and college seemed to be the easiest remedy for me. I want to be a better writer,photographer, designer, retailer,marketer, mother, and well you get the idea. I want to take responsibility for my own happiness. Although I have only earned my first six of sixty college credits for my Associated degree in business and entrepreneurship I have already learned so much. I only regret not signing up years ago. In 2013 my blog and websites will start to reflect the new improved me, as I apply what I am learning. It is sure to be an interesting year for TamsJewelry and I can't wait to share what I learn. Promoting others is one of my focus's, I want to be more effective at promoting handmade artist's work. I am fortunate to have figured out that the biggest thing that keeps me from my success is myself. I am finally finding the balance I needed to accomplish my dreams! I am so excited about 2013 and I hope you get everything you want out of this new year as well! I hope you have a safe and happy 2013 and all your dreams come true!

I 'm going back to school

      I didn't want to speak to soon and jinx the most exciting thing that has happened to me in a very long time. That is why I didn't share this sooner. I enrolled at the University Of Phoenix . Now It's not that I don't feel challenged enough already trying to raise my two teenage daughters. And yes, karate is very challenging also.  I have come to a point where I needed to learn more about search engine optimization, e-marketing, marketing in general , writing, and well you get the idea. In order to keep up with the ups and downs of this economy I realized I have to learn a few things. So I did a little research then I decided The University Of Phoenix had a perfect marketing program for me, so I contacted them. If you have been considering furthering your education may I humbly suggest you contact  Lew Sykes a student adviser ,he certainly made my decision easy. I gave him a link to my Etsy Shop and he helped guide me to the perfect program for me. May I add it has been a while since I have been in school. He scheduled me for 4 weeks of work shops to prepare me and guess what? I Loved them! Yes ,not only did I learn something from them but I had fun in the process.Now that I have the workshops behind me ,I am confident I am ready to start the first two courses on Monday. I will be earning an Associates degree in business and entrepreneurship first. And hopefully I will then go on to my Bachelors. I am so excited! If you are interested in furthering your education but aren't sure where to start please contact the University Of Phoenix ecampus.phoenix.edu/ and see what they have to offer you. Never stop learning ! When you speak to Lew please tell him Tam sent you!

What do you really think of Valentine's day?

Cherry Chip Necklace Set

                                                                        What Do you think Of Valentine's Day? I have to admit, I hate this day! Okay maybe that's a bit harsh. I think it is way to commercial that's all.8) I Always have, never understood how giving someone dieing , I mean cut rose's shows them you love them. And chocolate please, Do you know what the stuff does to ya?  I am fat enough already!  lol   And the really greatest thing I hate about Valentine's day, is that the person that supposedly wants to win your heart thinks your shallow enough to be bought with trinkets.lol  (However if you are send them to my shop above! 8)  Oh no! Don't let them get off that easy! Make them promise to  give you a loving smile when your sad, A kind word when your spirits are low, Or maybe a hug for no reason at all. That's what your Valentine's should do for you. I am lucky that's what mine does for me every day! That's how I get away with hating on Valentine's Day,LOL!  I do hope you have a Happy Valentine's day friends, full of LOVE,smiles and kindness !

Where did it go?

    Well I am asking myself as I look at the calender where did it go? I am of course talking about this year ,it flew by and here we are about to jump right into 2012 and well I am not ready! I just don't want to leave 2011 because I haven't nearly finished my to do list for the year.lol  It's not that this has been a good year because truth be told it was pretty depressing to me. Instead of complaining about it I guess I will just say, I miss my nephew Travis and wish 2011 hadn't taken him.I am truly hoping 2012 is the year our economy bounces back.  I have every intention of celebrating the end of 2011 and can't wait to smile my way into 2012.lol  Do you make New years resolutions?  I have several hoping to keep one.lol I just want to wish you a Happy New Year and Thank you for sharing your precious time with me! Stay safe if your out celebrating!! 8) HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!                                                                                                   

Please be patient with me I am a work in progress!

      What happened to October? Time is flying by,here it is almost November and I am not Ready for it!LOL I had great intentions of having all my newest items listed and I really wanted to be able to add Christmas items and be ready for the Holidays,but time hasn't permitted me to do it.Am I the only person who can't seem to get caught up?I thought I was done all my pictures on all the store fronts had been edited. And I made sure to have all unique items in each one,then Google decides to change the rules.lol  I really don't have time for it.LOL I am going to add all my Items to my Etsy shop at least it's syndicated I don't feel all my hard work is wasted there. So here I go again,please be patient with me I am a work in progress.LOL  If my day job allows I will have all my items added by Christmas.Here is what I have been working on this month.Yes eye lanyards ,and a couple other things.LOL  I have many items I haven't done pictures on.Well that's pretty much it.I will keep you posted .I sure hope you have a fantastic safe Halloween.Thanks for stopping by!

Getting Ready for Fall

Hello my friends,Almost Fall!I am sooo excited ,think it has something to do with the forty something days over 100 degree's.While I was waiting for cooler weather I was staying plenty busy.I have almost finished updating my store fronts.I gave my Etsy ,HAF shop and my ArtFire face lifts.lol  I just finished working on my Zibbit.So do you like the new pictures?Each one has all unique items NO duplicate listings.As you can see I have been working on some great fall items to add also.What do you think of the Skulls?I made several eye lanyards also,would really love to hear what you think.Have a fantastic week my friends!

Just Saying "I Care!"

          Hello my friends.This has been one of the most challenging weeks I have had in a long time.By far one of the saddest.It was one of those weeks where you want a do over,I just wish I could go back and change that terrible moment in time.Have you had one of those?I have had them before, this one was exceptionally disturbing for me.I have survived all my hardships with pretty simple philosophies like:If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger.Everything happens for a reason.What goes around comes around.And the most important,You have to trust in God!I have to add another important one I  simply hadn't thought about :Live Life to the fullest,leaving no room for regret! Maybe this one is all you need.I mean If you Love your friends ,family and God as much as you can haven't you covered everything?                                       We lost a young family member this week.My sweet nephew Travis Sultemeier 21 years old in a motorcycle crash, and I am sure God has good reason, and who am I to question God?But it stinks!Even though I no he lived life to the fullest and touched countless souls with his sweet heart,it makes me ache.It is so sad and hurts so deeply.Most of my sadness I think is my own regret that I didn't spend enough time with him.And here I try so hard to live my life with no regrets,kind of ironic.I have learned my lesson though and I will do better! I had to stop and reflect on the direction my own life.Seems all I do is work I am missing out on so much.I am trying to re prioritize  things. I don't want to waste a minute of life.I need to find some balance.LOL As hard as it is for me I will do my best to stop and smell the roses.I am going to spend more time with my family members and less time working.I am going to carry my nephews big beautiful smile in my heart. And I am going to smile right back at him and my other Loved Ones up there in Heaven every chance I get And thank them for teaching me the most important lessons in Life.8) I thank God for all my Blessings!I thank God for you!!! And I just want to make sure you no That! 8)

Almost Caught Up and I'm not Dead 8) LOL

Keeping for myself 8)

Silver Ring /9mm Round Natural Cognac Quartz Size 8

St. Silver Ring / 8.23 ct CZ Princess Cut Stone Size 7

      Hello!I haven't done a personal post in a while so I figured I had better do it now.This is as close to caught up as I have been since before spring.LOL  Kind of scary ,I mean I didn't think I was going to get caught up on my "To do List" till I died . But It's a miracle I am done editing most all my items pictures so my Shops all look as good as ever.I have enough new items to keep me busy listing most of the summer and I am working on some new designs.I have also learned to set stones.I kept the first one for myself of course8)What do you think?I have ordered several different stones can't wait till they get here.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The reason I have had some extra jewelry time is because I hurt my shoulder and had to have a cortisone injection to get me back to my karate.I missed last Saturdays tournament because of it.Well everything happens for a reason and I think God knew I needed to catch up a bit. LOL Well I feel like I am doing great now I am even doing half my work out so I should be back to good in a couple more  weeks.                                                                       Now that is not all the excitement in my little world.lol The Handmade Artist Forum has had a makeover.It has been very exciting.If you are a Artist you should join this group of talented people not only will you meet some really great like minded people you will make some friends,everyone I have met so far through the forum has been nice and helpful.I have learned and continue to learn from them.The new shop layouts are awesome here see for yourself.My HAF Shop8) Well that's about all I have to share with you today.I hope you have a great week!

Made it through the Karate Camp8) LOL

       Hello my friends,yes I made it through my first of many karate camp's.I am proud Of my daughter she did so great!I loved it I wasted a whole lot of time worrying about nothing.It was not nearly as abusive as I thought it would be.We practiced several new techniques and we were introduced to some weapons like bow staff but my favorite thing for the day was throwing the ninja throwing stars.Turns out I am not to bad with them I am definitely going shopping for my own.And as far as weapons go I am pretty sure the bow staff is my favorite.After training all day practicing ground fighting and meeting some other great people we did night trails.Turns out what I was scared of most was the most fun.We practiced everything we learned throughout the camp on the night trails.I learned I  need to practice self control among the many other things because one guy attacked me and I forgot I wasn't supposed to hit him so hard.Man I felt bad as I am sure he did after he forgot to block, I kneed him twice in the groin.Wow I can do it, sorry dude.LOL I'll do better when we go again in the fall.No injuries to report other than a few bruises,yes my friends life is good!Enjoy your week!!

Good Blog Not Great 8)

           Hello my friends. I hope you are having a truly relaxing weekend.I my friends am at the end of my work week.Today is day six for me and we have spring break here so crazy would be an understatement.I never realized how many people like Margarita's .LOL And do you no how many different Margarita's there are?Oh yeah maybe some of you don't no,I work full time at Buffalo Nickel Bar and Grill,was supposed to be part time till the sales pick up for my hubby(car sales) and my jewelry,but my part time is 5 or 6 days a week.LOL The waitress part is easy for me bar tending has  been a challenge,been doing it a year now and I still learn a new drink everyday.I get to meet some  interesting people also.   I have been working out more, an hour a day at least on my Karate.I have karate camp next month.I pay thirty dollars to get my ass kicked all day, and the night trails till midnight part is scaring the hell out of me.LOL .I can't slack off now if I want to be ready.                                                                                                                                                                     I've recently read that to keep up a great blog you have to post daily. WOW, like I have time for that.LOL  I barely have time for my workouts in between my day job and my night job and my family.I've spent the last couple days thinking about it.Trying to figure out away to work it in to my schedule.I belong to teams and guilds and I haven't been able to dedicate enough time to them.So I sit here thinking what can I do away with.I really like writing and I enjoy sharing but I have to spend more time working out because ,I have to go to camp in three weeks and I realllly don't want to get hurt.I hate pain.8) I already get up early and go to bed late.And as I get up at 5am on a Sunday to write this before I rush off to work I realize It's just not going to work for me.So if it takes posting everyday to have a great blog well I guess mine is just going to be a good blog because at best I can do three posts a week.I am going to try some new things here though.I am working on some new Idea's now.I'm going to share some of those awesome drink recipes and maybe some Texas style recipe's as well.And I have a couple other surprises for you . I hope you come back next week and see what I've done with the place.And soon when the economy picks up and I can work less at my day job then I will post daily and you will recognize my Great blog and hopefully it will be one of your favorites.I hope you are not yawning right now.LOL Have a great restful Sunday and thanks for taking time for me my friends come back soon!

Spring Almost Here? 8)

Hot Pink and Gold Feather Earrings

Blue Turquoise Wire Wrapped  Ring

Ruby Red Jade Wire Wrapped Ring

      Well here we go.March is here bringing spring so close I'm tempted to put away those coats,However I have lived here in Texas long enough to know not to give up on the cold till April 8) Well I have been working on rings, and I am almost done editing all the pictures in my shops.I have many new designs to share this spring and  I am already listing them.I hope you go check them out.Here are three of my favorites.So what do you think of the new rings? How about those feather earrings?They where special ordered I am going to make them in a few more colors and lengths.Well as far as work goes that's about all I have to share today.I hope you are enjoying this first week of March.Do you have any special plans for Spring break?I would sure love to hear them!Have a great Thursday my friends!

Happy Valentines Day!

                      Hello,Happy Valentines day my friends!I hope your day is full of Love 8)And with that said I can tell ya I had a great weekend. My hubby and I watched the movie Red last night,It was great I really enjoyed it.It's nice just to kick back sometimes ain't it? Here it is Monday back to work,and yes,Karate tonight.UGH! So today I get to clean house, do the laundry,household finances  and If I am lucky I will get to make some special requested feather earrings.Not exactly a romantic way to spend Valentines day but I still feel plenty loved and needed.LOL 8)  Well I hope you have a fantastic Valentine's day and don't forget to tell the one you Love how much you appreciate them.Enjoy this special Monday!!

January Motorcycle Ride to Palmetto Park 8)

Joleen Devil's Backbone

Devil's Backbone road side park

Inside Park lots to Explore

Perfect Picnic 8)

          Wow! Monday already8) Yesterday was so great Jesse and I were so fortunate to ride Joleen.A day of sunshine in January and 70's.I think we rode around  about 200 miles. We Started out about 8. Beautiful morning. A little fog here and there and the air was crisp.We cruised through  Luchenbach everyone was still sleeping there.LOL                                                                              We  rode along the river to  Blanco.  were we had a great cheap Mexican breakfast.Then we rode Devil's Backbone.I love this road it is beautiful!We had lunch in Seguin.To hot for jacket by lunch.Over 70 I think 8) Hard to believe we are supposed to freezing here by Thursday.In the spirit of Seizing the day our destination was  to check out Palmetto State park .The San Marcos river runs through it and it is swampy.(Go ahead click through they have better pictures).One of the great things about living in Texas is you can drive two or three hours any direction and it's totally different terrain and breathtaking scenery is plentiful.So we enjoyed the  roads and weather and made are way to the park.It was awesome as you can see. We want to make a family trip there in the spring.Well as you can tell I had a fantastic restful day. The best part was I got  to spend it with my best friend .Now I can start my Monday off with a smile and I would like to share it with you 8) Enjoy your week!Thanks for stopping by!!

Photography Ugh! Like A Slap In the Face.LOL

Original Photo

Before  with Auto Adjust

Wow Big Adjustment don't Ya think?

          Hello,this week I learned something playing around in my photo gallery that made such a remarkable change.It was really like a slap in the face.I didn't think my photo's were bad before but now that I look at my shops I am desperately seeking time for a three day photo shoot.I can't wait to redo all my photo's.You can see from these photo's the difference.My shops will be Sharp when I am done,hopefully I will be finished before spring8)Funny how last week I thought everything was just fine. Self improvement stings sometimes.LOL

Overwhelmed? LOL

      Hello,I just wanted to share some thoughts with you.Recently a friend of mine asked how I work full time and still have time for jewelry.The answer is I do it with a smile,but I don't always get everything  I need to done.I don't spend enough time promoting my business or creating or cleaning my house. My paperwork is in three big rubber maids and sales tax paperwork that has to be turned in and paid in a few days is somewhere in one of them I think.lol  I just do the best I can.And sometimes friends that just isn't good enough.There are countless Days like today when I wake up with a list of  to do's that should have already been done.lol I guess what I am trying to say is I am very overwhelmed at times,okay most of the time.I guess you could say that's how I roll.LOL I will not give up though someday I will get it all done! Won't I? LOL And like millions of other working moms I will go to work today and think about the countless chores at home that I am not getting done.I will remind myself how lucky I am to have my job and my messy house and my pile of paperwork,my wonderful family and my great friends!And Yeah,I am thankful for all the work I have to do that keeps me going.LOL So see my friend you are not alone! I am so right there with ya,and we will be fine 8)

What are you doing to prepare for a Happy New Year?

         I love Christmas!I really love the Christmas Spirit more than anything.I wish it would last all year!I miss my loved ones and wherever they are I hope they feel the Christmas spirit to.The day after Christmas always leaves me reflecting on the year passed.We made it YEAH! It was tough financially and emotionally.but we made it 8) Now I am preparing myself for 2011.Do you make New Year resolutions?One of mine is to focus on Karate and get into good shape.I also have many ideas to grow my business.I have ordered some silver wire.I am adding rings to my inventory and eye lanyards.I am also thinking about adding a supply shop.And my Ebay sales are taking off so seems smart to focus on that also.I have a few ideas on making a better Blog also.I want to add more tutorials and recipes and Texas business reviews and I think some back road stories may bring some readers my way.I would love to hear any ideas you may have also.With all that said the most important thing I want to do in 2011 is spend more time with my family and friends.I hope I can keep the Christmas Spirit until 2012 rolls around with a new batch.LOL What are you doing to prepare for a Happy New year?I want to wish you a Happy new year filled with Blessings and Loved Ones!

Destination Lost Maples ?

                    Jesse and I had an absolutely Great Ride yesterday.Started out with breakfast in Kerrville and just got better.High temperature was 69 degrees PERFECT! I had my lairs it was really cold in the morning maybe 3? We had sunshine on are side the whole day as you can see from these pictures it was AWESOME!!I love the Texas windy roads,a little dangerous but worth slowing down for 8)We did stop by Lost Maples State park.If you have never been you really need to take a hike through it.We have many times it is a great family trip.Today however it's all about the ride for us a couple more back roads and scenic stops and we were safely home bound.I am always thankful to Jesse and Joleen for another safe ride!I have to tell ya folks there isn't any better way to spend a beautiful Texas winter day!

Counting Blessings!

Good morning my friends!I guess your wondering what I am doing up so early.Well I couldn't sleep in on my Sunday off and waste precious time so I have been listing items and then I realized.It's my day off. LOL I think maybe I need to slow down and Count my Blessings.I have so many.I have two great jobs,great kids,a wonderful husband and that is just the beginning.Today I am hoping to go riding with my best friend.We need a day away together.He works to hard!Then I will get back to work.I have already been reflecting on this year and yeah we are almost done with it.I can't say I'll be happy to see it go,it has been a really hard one for us but it certainly could have been worse.My intuition tells me 2011 will be much better.I already have a few things in mind to help make it so. Any ways I just Want to wish you all a Merry Christmas this week.I hope you can take the time to count your Blessings too ,and enjoy the rest of this year!Thanks for being such a great supportive friend!!