Busy, Busy, Busy!

Things have been crazy insane here at Krysta Marie Designs.

I have been running off my feet trying to get everything organized for the upcoming Christmas Craft Shows. I’ve also been working on my website: http://www.krystamariedesigns.com, updating the Etsy supply shop, putting together my Online Booth for the EZCraftShow AND putting together a Christmas Sale Album for my Facebook fans. All of that, and trying to run a household with two school-aged children.

Can someone please pass me the wine?

I’m really happy with how things are coming. I’m working on making more time for the most important things. For me, it helps to have a list. I make up my list each night with all of the important things that *need* to be accomplished the next day. It helps me to make better use of my time, because we all know that I can be a procrastinator. But most importantly, it helps me to have more time. More time for my children, more time to play with them. That to me, is most important. They’re only little once, and most of us are far too busy with mundane, unimportant tasks to truly appreciate how wonderful children are. As they get older, they’re not going to remember the cool stuff that you bought for them; they are going to remember the times that you tossed all of the paperwork aside to play a round of guitar hero, or a game of go fish, or to read that story they’ve heard a million times.

I’ve learned that balance is key. Being a small business owner is hard. Being a single parent is also hard. However, I am both a small business owner and a single parent. And that is by far one of the most difficult things that I have ever taken on in my entire life. It’s also one of the most rewarding. I get to watch my children grow, and I get to watch my business grow. I get to pour my heart and soul into everything that I do (which is so important!) and I get to watch it all flourish.

I guess the purpose of this post is to let you know that it’s okay to take time out to play; to have fun. Whether you have kids or not. It’s important to go and have that glass of wine with a friend, that you’ve been putting off for weeks, because you just can’t make time. Make the time for the important things. You’ll soon realize that all the stuff you “worry” about; isn’t so important. Worrying solves nothing; planning and goal setting – that’s what solves things.

Have a wonderful day, folks!

Lyenne

Nothing Is Holding You Back

Welcome to September!

I sincerely would like to apologize for the lack of posting in the last two weeks (give or take), things have been absolutely crazy on the home front. The kids have now started back to school (happy dance!) and I am back into the full swing of things. I’ve been working on a few custom orders that have taken more of my time than I had hoped for, but nonetheless, I do what is required to get the job done. FYI, working with stainless steel rings (chainmaille) is by no means fun! Especially when you’ve broken your pliers more than once, and have had to explain to Canadian Tire that yes, chainmaille is an appropriate use for their tools. I am (and will be) forever grateful for the “Lifetime Warranty” on my Mastercraft pliers. And yes, people I have *finally* ordered myself a set of Wubbers. LOL I love the name too – they are apparently the cat’s ass when it come to jewelry tools, and Lord knows, I definitely could use a really good set of chainmailling pliers. They should be here in a few weeks, and then I can definitely get going with this chainmaille business. I’m also looking at the proper equipment to make my own jump rings. I’ve experimented with a set of mandrels that I got from The BeadSmith, and have just been using flush cutters to cut the actual rings, but the cuts aren’t as “nice” as I’d like them to be. But for “practice” rings, they work just fine.

I am so grateful that the kids are back to school, and not just because I now have my days to myself. (although that is a really nice part of it!). With the kids in school, both of them full-time, I now have the opportunity to get back into the gym. (yay!) Today marks the 3rd consecutive day that I have been at the gym. I am so pleased with myself. I even booked an appointment with one of the trainers (yesterday) who set me up with my very own “plan”. Also yay! because the machinery up there, wow! boy was I lost! I am now absolutely confident with going to the gym (although I never saw myself as that type of person, sure I went before, but I didn’t really enjoy it). I love going – I actually can’t wait for the kids to get on the bus in the morning so that I can hop in my car and head down to the Y. (I live too far from the Y to be able to walk, and I don’t own a bicycle as of yet). The atmosphere is great, the people are great. I really like going. I also enjoy it because I know that *now* is the right time for me to focus on myself (and no I’m not being conceited); I get to put my energy into getting healthy, and to continue down this weight-loss road that I’ve been on for quite sometime. I know that “nothing is holding me back” (that phrase I’m actually planning to have tattooed on my wrist so I have a constant reminder). I know that I am worth this, as silly as that may sound. So what does all of this have to do with the business front? Well, it also means that nothing is holding me back from the business world either. Again, with both kids in school, I can now work “business” hours (LOL) and accomplish more during my day (now that I don’t have to hit the park, or making someone a snack). This means that I have more time to blog, network, list new products, make new jewelry, etc… I have more time, and I am grateful for that. It’s now become that little bit easier to manage my time (which was a nightmare before).

It’s hilarious how one simple little thing like your kids going back to school (which is a HUGE thing actually) can make such a big difference in all areas of ones life. I’m also grateful for when the kids come home from school too. Because I have my days to myself, I can take the time to sit with them and really pay attention when they tell me about their day(s). I LOVE that! They deserve my undivided attention, and now I can actually give it to them. I now understand what my mother meant when she said “someday you’ll know”. I don’t know everything yet (shocker!!) but I’m learning. I’m grateful for the things that I learn each and every day.

Anywhoo…

I’ve rambled enough for now. BUT I’ll be back later on – with a proper “business” related post.

Hope you all have been well – and don’t be afraid to comment or to send me a message! I love hearing from you!

*Lyenne
xo

Random Truths

This post shall be slightly different…

A little more personal, if you will. A way for you all to “get to know me” a little bit better. This post is basically going to be exactly what the title refers to: Random Truths. Within this post you’ll find various Random Truths about me. Things I like, things I’m afraid of, quirks, etc… My Random Truths stem from a game of 20 questions I played with a friend of mine. It actually turned into a game of about 100 questions, but that’s because we had so much fun with it. We learned a lot more about each other; which was great!.

So here goes!

1. Blue is my favorite color; any shade of blue, with exception to bright royal blue.. I detest that shade.
2. I associate colors with feelings; for example, purple to me, represents pain. Usually severe pain.
3. I like books. I’m reading all the time;
4. Grey’s Anatomy is my absolute favorite television drama.
5. I’m not very good at sports, although I make the effort to play.
6. The thumb on my left hand is shorter than the one on my right hand; I got it caught in a steel door when I was 2.
7. My all-time favorite song is “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers.
8. I played the flute for 4 years in High School.
9. My first car was a 91 Honda Civic… I beat the crap out of that thing!!
10. Aside from making jewelry, my favorite job was as a “Signal Rotation Technician” (LOL I was a Flag Girl for a construction company)
11. I have more male friends than I do female friends; I get along better with men (less drama).
12.  I’ve had the same two best friends since 10th grade in high school.
13. My third best friend I met last year; she’s much like me.
14. I swear worse than a drunken sailor. (although I’m doing my best to keep this in check)
15. I procrastinate. *shocking!*  (Procrasinate now, panic later)
16. I drink milk right from the jug… my ex-boyfriend had an issue with it, so I’d do it and not tell him. (LOL Yes, I’m mean!!)
17. My very first pet that I bought myself was a fish, named Pacey (yes after Dawson’s Creek) I cried when he froze to death in my room. (The power went out during a winter storm….)
18. I take everything personally; and I know that I shouldn’t, especially when it comes to my work.
19. I think dating is overrated; it’s like the natural selection process and I don’t have the patience for it. Besides, once you’ve been on a few dates, they all seem to be the same… unless the guys’ wife shows up… he informed you he was single… interesting… & awkward…
20. I’m an Aquarius; and my personality is a direct relfection of every Aquarian Trait out there… it’s scary.
21. I like tattoos. I have one currently. I have #’s 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 planned out already; just waiting for the funds.
22. I LOVE the Latin Language; it’s sexy. I’d love to learn to speak it.
23. I have never traveled outside of Canada. The farthest I’ve been was a trip to Hull, QC for my 18th birthday… (the legal age there!!)
24. I’d love to travel across Canada; I’d even like to go and visit each of the Territories.
25. I have an obsession with History, Law & Politics (and how they all go hand-in-hand) – Thanks to a certain person (you know who you are) for re-igniting that spark. I missed it greatly.
26. I love playing pool (or billiards if you prefer)
27. I firmly believe that money is the root of all evil; BUT it makes the world go ’round… unfortunately.
28. I’m grateful for my marriage falling apart. (crazy, huh?) It’s given me the chance to fully be me; to find out who I am and what it is I want from life. I can now see that he wasn’t my person, but that I had to go through all of that to get to where I am.
29. I love being a mom. ‘Nuff said.
30. I like music. Loud music. I don’t care what it is, but it has to be Loud!
31. I LOVE driving; Random road tours are awesome. And a great way to clear your mind.
32. I love the beach. I love everything about the beach.
33. I find inspiration (for my work) in the strangest places; I’ve even found inspiration @ the grocery store.
34. I have come to appreciate the English Language, grammar and the dictionary.
35. My group of friends is very diverse; and I’m friends with each of these people for very different reasons. None of my friends are alike; That’s my favorite part about them. Also, I get to really be “me” with each of them, because they remind me of my favorite parts of myself.
36. My eyes change color; They transition from a Bright Blue (and other shades of blue) to a Deep, Sultry Green, and most days will have a bright golden (yellow) ring around the pupil. One of my favorite people explained to me that it must have something to do with intelligence; I prefer that explanation over the one I had; (depends on my mood or the lighting… although I’m sure both explanations are equally accurate).
37. I like being single. No, wait, check that. I LOVE being single! Although I miss “date night” and snuggling on the couch and watching a movie. Although, date nights with just me are fantastic… Words from my awesome friend, “If you won’t date you, why would anyone else?” He’s so right!
38. I have to keep reminding myself that things will work out the way that they’re supposed to; when they’re supposed to.
39. I’m a very impatient person.
40. I’m constantly amazed by my creative ability. Especially when I try and make something “new” – Chainmaille is usually the source of this amazement.
41. I usually make two of one piece of jewelry (if I have enough materials) One to sell and one to keep for myself (My work is awesome.. at least I’d like to think so!!)
42. I have learned to live a life with no regrets… and besides, the wrong choices always make for the best stories.
43. I’m addicted to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Etsy and Artfire. Oh and eBay.
44. I love quotes.
45. Pizza is the BEST thing ever!!
46. So is Poutine… YUM!
47. Things are nice to have, but I’d prefer to have friends, family and memories.
48. I ramble… I’m sure you’ve noticed… it’s way worse in person.
49. I firmly believe that Creative (mess) Disaster is so much better than Idle Neatness. Therefore, my Bead Table is NEVER empty. There’s always something resembling a project on it.
50. Kissing in the rain is the absolute, hands down, best thing. Ever. It’s even better, when the person you’re kissing in the rain, knows how to kiss.

Okay! Wow! That’s a long post! *hands up* oops! But there’s 50 Random Truths about me. I totally rambled, and if you made it here, Congrats to you! Thanks for reading! I’ll probably post some more as we go along, but I think 50 is a good number to stop at.

I’m already working on my next post (has nothing to do with anything about me! LOL) It’s some common, and some Not-s0-common beading terms. I’m going to be starting a series on Tuesdays’ that will be based on Beading Tips, Techniques and Other Awesome (Possibily Useless) Info 🙂

Thanks for hanging out! And don’t be too shy, comment away!

Night!!
xo

Go easy on me…

Hey all!
I’m new around here… can ya tell? Oh yeah… must be that “new girl” smell that seems to be radiating from me.Anywhoo – I’m the owner/operator of Krysta Marie Designs on Etsy & on Artfire. My shops can be found here: http://www.krystamariedesigns.etsy.com and http://www.krystamariedesigns.artfire.com 

You can also find me on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/krystamarieetsy  and on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/krystamarieetsy

I have a great selection of beads and other jewelry making items, along with my very own handcrafted, quality, beaded jewelry. I’m continually adding new items on a regular basis. I’m hoping to begin adding items daily to keep it fresh, if you know what I mean.As we go along, you will learn more about me. I like to talk… alot… so it won’t be a surprise if I’m blogging more than once a day… But for now, I’ll give you a little bit to chew on. I’m a mommy of 2 beautful children, (mind you, everyone says that their kids are beautiful! Mine actually are! See!)

My kids are my life 🙂 I don’t know where I’d be without them. They have taught me so much already. One of the biggest things they’ve taught me, is how to appreciate, and enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer. They’ve taught me patience, and that it’s okay to fail once in awhile, so long as you dust yourself off, and get back up.

 I’m a jewelry designer, have been for almost 15 years now. I’m a bead addict… well I think hoarder would be a more appropriate description, as I currently house a bead store in my bedroom. I’ll post pics of that later… I have learned that beads breed in captivity… I have recently found beads that I purchased years ago… yay! it was like Christmas morning!

I’m a writer… or at least I pretend to be 🙂 I’ve dabbled in poetry, verse, fiction,  etc… maybe I’ll share some of that with you. But be prepared as sometimes it’s just random thoughts, jotted down on a napkin.. ‘cuz I roll like that. I love music.. ALL MUSIC – whether it be punk, rock, rap, pop, country, classical, instrumental… everything! I can’t function properly unless there is music playing.

Oh and another big piece of the puzzle. I’m single (long, convoluted story)… currently accepting applications for my next boyfriend… LOL just kidding! I am single yes, but I’m not taking applications. Although, I’m sure that by using an application and an interview process, you might be able to weed out all of the weirdo’s, so to all of the guys who have been sending me marriage proposals via Facebook – thanks, but no thanks.  I’m currently on-hold for my person.. who must be stuck in traffic somewhere.

I have made some imcredible friends, since moving to Wasaga Beach, though, and they’ve helped me to find out who I am. Armed with that info, I’ve been able to refine exactly what it is I’m searching for… and until I find it… I’m just gonna roll with whatever comes my way.

Everything happens for a reason, so I should just let things happen instead of trying to force an outcome. The universe doesn’t work that way… (apparently). Actually one quote that sticks with me, is one from Stephen King’s: Wizard & Glass “For if it’s ka, it’ll come like a wind, and your plans will stand before it no more than my da’s barn stood before the cyclone when it came”. Basically saying that if it’s meant to happen it will; and there’ll be nothing you can do to change it, stop it and so on. So in a matter of speaking, I’m waiting for my “ka”.

Well, that’s enough for now. I think this has been a pretty good start to my blogging adventures. And like the title states, please go easy on me – I’m new 🙂
Thanks for following!!