A Glass Princess Tale.....

The Pain of Being You...

2012-01-29T19:29:00.002-06:00

I rarely make posts on my blog very personal. I tend to keep them about my business and things that interest me. BUT sometimes I need a place to put my thoughts down on "paper" so to speak, and this is one such moment. It's a post for me, a cleansing, purging, release of sorts....

It's a new year and I don't know what to expect from this year. I've had a few years that have been a struggle, but I've managed. I have a wonderful, supportive Husband who believes in me no matter what and at the end of the day, I couldn't ask for more. I have a daughter who loves me. We get a long well, but she is a teenager and as such, we do have our moments! But at the end of the day I never question that she loves me.

I Do have some very good friends, most of whom live hundreds, if not thousands of miles away from me. We keep in touch and they are the kind of friends that are timeless.. we can talk once a month or twice a year, no real time passes between conversations. I am eternally grateful for these people in my life.

What I no longer have is a decades old friendship, the "best" friend. Life has a funny way of working sometimes. I don't know if we change, or we realize who we really are and become comfortable in our own skin. It's hard to pin point where a relationship changes and why it becomes unfixable. I guess when you stop really knowing one another... I can't find a place to blame.. Just sadness at the loss. I feel the damage is done and feel it is truly irreversible. Not that I wouldn't give a limb for my friend back, but I think I lost my friend years before our friendship truly ended. Slowly, bit by bit. A lack of understanding developed and a gap in communication formed. Eventually it just became too much of a gap to straddle and one side had to say, I can't do this anymore.

I've always been who I am today, I am just a lot more comfortable in being ME. I am not afraid to be who God made me to be. I think it's so easy to think you know people and who you think they should be. When we grow, it can stretch those around us, if they aren't comfortable with who you are or who they think you should be, they can become uncomfortable with you... Sad really...Very sad.

Words cannot express the loss I feel, almost daily. A friendship that spans over three decades has a person interwoven into the fabric of your life. You DON'T just walk away unaffected. It stings for a VERY long time. I think I will always mourn the loss. I don't know that I will ever replace the void that is left. I don't know that I want to.

I miss you. I am not angry with you, I never was. I was hurt, probably still am to some degree. I wish you could have understood me. I know you have your own issues going on in your life right now and I am sorry for the pain of all that it brings. I hope you find peace and happiness. I do still love you very much.

FINALLY... Some New Beads!

2012-01-15T18:02:00.000-06:00

After taking about a 6 month break from bead making for various reasons, I am back at my torch and working hard to make some pretty things! Much to my own surprise, I actually didn't lose much in the way of skills during my break. I expected to come back and have to relearn everything, but thankfully that hasn't been the case! I can't say I am trying NEW, complicated techniques, but I felt like I not only picked up where I left off, I think I am actually better for having taken a break. My head is clear, my thought process is stronger and I seem to be more confident in what I decided to tackle!

I am still in LOVE with making hearts and I make them all year long, not only when it's approaching Valentines Day. I think hearts are a wonderful shape no matter what the season, and I love the canvas this size and shape bead gives me to work on.

I have ventured into other shapes these days and I find myself favoring lager, focal sized beads, rather than making bead sets. I will still be making Pandora style beads, in sets as well as larger focal beads. I LOVE the bigger beads in the Pandora style. While they aren't really suitable for using on charm bracelets, they make great focal beads on a thicker chain and I use them a lot in my jewelry designs...You'll see more of that in the near future!

Please stop by my Etsy bead shop, Principessa Glass and see all the new listings I put up this weekend. I will have some new items in my jewelry shop, Principesa Jewels in the up coming weeks as well... There are ONLY so many hours in a day and I am trying to not run myself ragged.. I do have lots of new things planned for both shops, it'll just take a little time to get it all going. Thanks for stopping by!

What I Did and DIDN'T Know About Pinterest!

2012-01-11T21:57:00.004-06:00

I did know Pinterest has LOTS of cool pictures.........
I did know that one COULD spend a LOT of time looking on Pinterest.......
I did know a lot of people where using it and LOVING it...........

What I DIDN'T know was.... How much I would love it!
I didn't know I would find RECIPES on Pinterest!
I didn't know I would find great links to cool blogs on Pinterest!

I've only begun the scratch the surface of the potential here and I know that I could easily spend WAY too much time on this site.

I will leave you with the biscuit recipe I made for dinner tonight.. found? By following a link from Pinterest! I am a good cook and can make just about anything I set out to cook, BUT for some reason, biscuits have always been my nemesis! FINALLY, I can say, I can make biscuits, FROM scratch, quickly and they are divine!

Oh, and you can follow me on Pinterest if you want.. the link is on the side with all the rest!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 12 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Re-...

2011-11-12T22:26:00.000-06:00

A final recap on a great event! Check it out!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 12 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Re-...: It's Saturday already!! I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the Stroll with Visits and Comments!...

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 11 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas - Laura

2011-11-11T12:58:00.000-06:00

Yet another amazing artist to discover!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 11 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas - Laura: Laura Staley is our Featured Artisan for Today! I was born and raised in South Carolina. My mom was a homemaker who always had a craft o...

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 10 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas - Audrey

2011-11-10T13:31:00.000-06:00

More shops to stroll and today's featured artist is....ME!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 10 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas - Audrey: Audrey is our Featured Artisan today. Audrey is from Principessa Jewels & Principessa Glass on Etsy. Stop by her shop and have a look...

Holiday Yum!

2011-11-09T14:37:00.001-06:00

I Recently made these with my daughter and they couldn't be more simple and delicious! We opted not to use the candy canes, but used lolly pop sticks instead. It's still a bit warm and sometimes sticky here in Texas, so I figured the Candy Canes might get sticky and soft.

We dipped them in both white and chocolate bark... Sprinkled with chocolate sprinkles... YUM!

Candy Cane Brownie Lollipops

Ingredients:

1	pkg (18-21 oz or 450 g) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make brownies)
24	candy canes
10	oz (300 g) chocolate-flavored almond bark
	Additional decorations such as red jimmies (optional)

Directions:

Line Medium Sheet Pan (9 x 13) with a 13-in. (33-cm) piece of Parchment Paper; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions; pour batter into pan. Bake 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack; cool 20 minutes or until still slightly warm.
Meanwhile, cut off straight ends of candy canes off to form 4½-in. (11-cm) sticks using Utility Knife. Place candy cane tops into resealable plastic bag and crush using flat side of Meat Tenderizer; set aside.
Using Medium Scoop, scoop brownie into 24 rounded scoops, packing brownie into scoop using hands. (Entire brownie will be used.) Roll brownie scoops into smooth balls. Insert candy cane sticks into centers of balls, mounding brownie around stick.
Place almond bark into Small Batter Bowl; microwave according to package directions until melted and smooth. Spoon melted bark evenly over each brownie ball, turning to coat completely. Allow excess bark to drip off. Dip into reserved crushed candy canes or additional decorations (see Chef’s Corner) and stand upright on a piece of Parchment Paper. Repeat with remaining almond bark, lollipops and crushed candy. Let stand until set. Place into miniature cupcake liners.

Yield: 24 servings

Nutrients per serving: (1 lollipop): Calories 260, Total Fat 11 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Carbohydrate 40 g, Protein 2 g, Sodium 75 mg, Fiber 1 g

U.S. Diabetic exchanges per serving (1 lollipop): 1 starch, 1½ fruit, 2 fat (2½ carb)

Cook’s Tips: While still slightly warm, the fudgy brownies rolls easily into balls. Although the edges of the brownie are crusty, they do not need to be discarded. Simply scoop the edges along with the center, and they will soften as they stand.

Lollipops can also be decorated with colored sugars or nonpareils.

Wrap lollipops in cellophane, tie with ribbon and use as table décor, place settings or take-home party favors for a special holiday touch.

© 2011 The Pampered Chef used under license.
www.pamperedchef.com

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 9 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Sher...

2011-11-09T14:04:00.000-06:00

Today's Artisan has such adorable things, makes me wish they came in adult sizes! Stop by Jan's blog and get to know this talented seamstress!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 9 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Sher...: The past 8 days of the Stroll have just flown by, haven't they? Have you been shopping and finding items for those on your Gift-giving l...

Handmade Holiday Pledge!

2011-11-08T16:16:00.000-06:00

Check out this site! I pretty much do this every year being an artisan, but I am trying even harder to do it this year! I don't necessarily give away things I sell. This year I learned to crochet, so.... Yep, if you know me you are probably getting something crocheted, along with a few handcrafted, delicious candies as well!

Handmade Holiday Pledge

I also have a button that is installed on the side too!

Handmade for the Holidays!

2011-11-08T16:04:00.000-06:00

With the Holiday's just around the corner, It's time to start thinking about what to wear to those Holiday parties, family gatherings, and of course, start looking for gifts.

If you are wanting to support your local economy more, seriously consider buying handmade! Whether you shop online Via places like Etsy, or Artfire, or shop at local weekend markets, small locally owned gift shops that sell items made by local artisans... It all makes a difference! Sometimes it takes more planning than that last minute trip to the mall, but I think you'll find a great satisfaction in buying something directly from the person who made it!

Finding unique, one of a kind gifts is a fun and interesting way to shop! I think the recipients of these gifts feel the thought that went into their selection and enjoy getting something not everyone else will have.

My Etsy shop right now has lots of items that are ready for the Holidays and beyond! Jewel tones are really big this fall/winter and I have plenty of beautiful vintage jewel pieces to choose from!

I have a full schedule for the next two months of Trunk shows and Weekend Markets, so if you've had your eye on something in the shop, don't wait too long! A lot of things I am not able to get more of!

I've added a lot more crystal earrings and bracelets to my shop! I have quite a few that are not listed as well, so if you see something you like, but are wanting a different color, I may have it in stock, or can make it in a short period of time.. Just ask!

While I haven't had time to make bead for my Principessa Glass shop over the past few months, I do hope to get back on my torch after the Holidays and start filling my shop again!

Whatever your plans are for the Holidays, no matter what Holidays you celebrate, I hope you have the most festive of seasons! Enjoy the people who are close to you, eat something yummy, and laugh a little more!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 7 - 2011 Stroll the Shops for Christmas - Sara...

2011-11-07T00:55:00.000-06:00

Stop by Jan's blog and get to know today's fascinating artist and her story!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 7 - 2011 Stroll the Shops for Christmas - Sara...: Welcome to Day 7 of the Stroll!! The Featured Artisan today is: Sarah from WindscryDesigns I am a retired Special Agent that worked f...

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 6 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Mich...

2011-11-06T01:07:00.000-05:00

The Stroll continues on! Stop by Jan's blog and meet two new artisans! So many talented people!

Buy Handmade for the Holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 6 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Mich...: With today being DAY 6 of the Stroll, we're at the half-way mark. Each day, through the 12th,I will be featuring one or 2 Artisans and the...

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 5 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Beck...

2011-11-05T01:40:00.000-05:00

More amazingly talented artisans to get to know!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 5 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Beck...: Do you have memories of Christmas shopping when you were a child? I do. I'd go with mom to shop for dad and with dad to shop for mom. I...

It's starting to feel a bit chilly around here!

2011-11-03T15:40:00.000-05:00

It's finally starting to cool down a bit here in South Central Texas.. Meaning it's only in the mid-70's most days, which feels delightful after a VERY hot summer! I am starting to have a craving for soups, chili's and chowders...

I just got the Pampered Chef ^® Deep Covered Baker and have been experimenting with new recipes to make in it.. Last night I made a microwave risotto which came out delicious! My next venture is the "Loaded Baked Potato Chowder"... The recipe is below!

The Pampered Chef ^®
Loaded Baked Potato Chowder
Recipe

3 baking potatoes (about 2 1/2 lb/1.1 kg)

3 1/2 cups (875 mL) milk, divided

4 oz (125 g) cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp (30 mL) butter

2-3 green onions with tops (1/4 cup/50 mL sliced)

4 oz (125 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) salt

1/2 tsp (2 mL) coarsely ground black pepper

Optional toppings such as chopped cooked bacon, sour cream or steamed broccoli florets

Slice potatoes in half lengthwise with Santoku Knife; place in Deep Covered Baker. Pour 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the milk over potatoes. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 11 minutes. Remove baker from microwave. Move center potatoes to ends of baker and outer potatoes to center. Cover; microwave on HIGH 8-11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Remove baker from microwave. Coarsely mash potatoes with Mix ‘N Chop.
Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth in Classic Batter Bowl. Slowly add remaining 3 cups (750 mL) milk, whisking until smooth. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to baker. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 3-5 minutes or until mixture is hot. Slice green onions with Chef's Knife.
Carefully remove baker from microwave. Grate cheddar cheese over chowder using Rotary Grater; add green onions, salt and black pepper and mix using Small Mix ‘N Scraper®; until cheese is melted. Serve with toppings, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings (8 cups/2 L)

Nutrients per serving: (about 1 1/3 cups/325 mL): Calories 390, Total Fat 19 g, Saturated Fat 11 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 14 g, Sodium 880 mg, Fiber 3 g

Cook's Tip: For a lighter version, omit butter. Substitute fat-free (skim) milk, reduced-fat (Neufchâtel) cheese and light cheddar for the 2% milk and full-fat cheeses.

U.S. Nutrients per serving: Calories 300, Total Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 16 g, Sodium 890 mg, Fiber 3 g

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 3 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Debi...

2011-11-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

Two more fantastic Artisans to check out!!! Stop by Jan's blog daily!!

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 3 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas 2011 - Debi...: The Stroll is on it's 3rd day already...but it runs through November 12!! So I'll continue to feature quite a few MORE Exceptionally Talen...

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 2 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas - Beth & De...

2011-11-02T00:46:00.000-05:00

Jan Tanis Designs: Day 2 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas - Beth & De...: The Stroll is off to a Wonderful Start! Thanks to all of you who visited yesterday! *************** ON WITH THE STROLL!! ***************...

Jan Tanis Designs: Welcome to the 3rd Annual Stroll the Shops for Chr...

2011-11-01T01:10:00.000-05:00

Stop by Jan's blog for her annual artisan shop feature! Shops change daily, with a recap of all shops at the end of the run.. Get a head start on your Holiday shopping.. BUY HANDMADE!

Jan Tanis Designs: Welcome to the 3rd Annual Stroll the Shops for Chr...: I'm pleased to be back here again this year - and the 2011 Stroll is going to be the BEST!! I've had alot of help from all the participan...

My First Cooking Show...

2011-10-02T22:02:00.004-05:00

Last night I hosted my first Pampered Chef cooking show as both the host and consultant. I think it went OK, but there is a lot of room for improvement! I felt ready and confident in a number of areas, but in reflection, was under prepared in some key areas, which I will definitely work on. Fortunately this was for a group of friends, so everyone was very supportive and encouraging.

I made ahead a Mediterranean Orzo Salad , which had roasted veggies, pasta, a Greek type vinaigrette, feta cheese and some Kalamata olives. It came out beautifully and I think everyone really enjoyed it! I also made a yummy appetizer called Elegant Artichoke Cups using a mini muffin pan, some won ton wrappers and a delicious filling similar to a hot artichoke dip. They were quick, simple and you make them in two steps, so the little won ton cups could be made in advance, then filled with the filling when your guests are arriving and popped in the oven. It'll look like you spent all day making them, when you spent only minutes on these yummy treats.

Lastly, I made a Microwave Rocky Road Brownie Dessert... YES, you read that correctly... MICROWAVE! Now, anyone who knows me, knows, I am more of "from scratch cook" not a from the box kind of gal, and I have mostly used the microwave for reheating things, melting butter, etc... So this was NEW for me.. This recipe was made using one of the many pieces of Stoneware The Pampered Chef sells. You make a simple brownie using melted butter, unsweetened chocolate, the usual suspects, flour etc.. then you cook it in the MICROWAVE... it comes out perfect in 5-7 minutes... you top this off with some cut up jumbo marshmallows and unwrapped Hershey's Kisses. Put it back in the microwave for 1-2 minutes and out comes a warm, delicious, gooey dessert.. not dried out, not over cooked, no strange texture... just yum! To say that I was impressed is an understatement!

Until I became a Pampered Chef consultant, my experience with stoneware in baking was a couple of pizza stones, which work marvelously, and a Pampered Chef Stoneware pie dish, I purchased about 10 years ago, still have and still love. I now have the Large bar pan which came as part of my starter kit... Let me just say, I don't how I have gone so long without such a great piece of cookware/bakeware in my kitchen! This pan does everything, anything and does it well. Thus far I have made several different types of pan pizza, all which came out with a perfect crust, multiple pans of brownies all of which came out divine! Perfect edges not hard or over-baked, but still giving you your "brownie regions", for those who like middles, or edges. I cooked a whole package of bacon,, it cooked quicker, can out perfect and everything I cooked afterwards, didn't taste like bacon! I also used it to roast the veggies for the recipe listed below and they came out perfect! I told my husband, I think this pan has a brain!

I have been amazed at the quality of food you achieve using any piece of stoneware, whether you are cooking in the oven or the microwave. What do you think of when you hear about cooking chicken in the microwave? Rubbery? Not if you use stoneware.... how about a cake? Try a 12 minute cake in the fluted stoneware cake pan... your jaw will drop, as will anyone you serve it to!

To say that I have found something I am passionate about may be an understatement! I am thrilled to be on this journey! I have the recipe for the Mediterranean Orzo Salad below... Give it a try!

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Ingredients:

1	pound asparagus spears, trimmed
1	large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch wedges
1	medium red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
1	tablespoon olive oil
2	garlic cloves, pressed
	Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (optional)
3/4	cup uncooked orzo pasta

1	can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1	package (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/2	cup pitted whole kalamata olives
1/4	cup snipped fresh parsley
1/4	cup prepared Greek vinaigrette dressing
	Romaine lettuce leaves (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine asparagus, bell pepper, onion and oil in Stainless (6-qt.) Mixing Bowl. Press garlic into mixing bowl using Garlic Press; toss to coat using Mix ‘N Scraper®. Season with salt and black pepper, if desired.
Spread vegetables in a single layer on Large Bar Pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender and golden brown. Remove from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack; cool completely. Cut asparagus and bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.
Meanwhile, prepare orzo according to package directions in Small (2-qt.) Saucepan; drain and rinse under cold running water in small Colander. Place orzo in Stainless (4-qt.) Mixing Bowl. Add vegetable mixture, beans, feta cheese, olives, parsley and salad dressing; toss gently. Serve at room temperature or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve over lettuce leaves, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrients per serving:

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 3 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 3 fat (3 carb)

Cook’s Tips: Vegetables can be roasted up to 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature until you're ready to use them.

Orzo is a tiny, rice-shaped pasta, which can be found in the pasta section of most grocery stores.

To trim asparagus, snap off and discard tough stem ends.

Italian dressing can be substituted for the Greek vinaigrette dressing, if desired.

© 2011 The Pampered Chef used under license.
www.pamperedchef.com

Oh So Good!

2011-09-29T21:22:00.000-05:00

I recently started a new venture and I am really excited about it! I became an Independent Pampered Chef consultant! I have long loved their products and It just seemed like the right time for me to join what I feel is a really great company. I like the fact that you can make this business what ever works best for YOU! I do love to cook, always have, but there are plenty of people who are attracted to this company not because they love cooking, but because of the business opportunity it present, the quality and innovative products, etc... It definitely has a broad range of appeal!

I've been trying out new recipes created by The Pampered Chef, and I have to say I am quite impressed! The one posted here is down right sinful! Give it a try!

The Pampered Chef ^®
Warm Nutty Caramel Brownies
Recipe

1 pkg (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate morsels, divided

1 pkg (18-21 oz) brownie mix (plus ingredients to make cake-like brownies)

3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided

1 cup salted mixed nuts, divided

5 rolls (1.7 oz each) milk chocolate-covered chewy caramels, divided (40 pieces total)

Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly brush Large Bar Pan with vegetable oil using Chef's Silicone Basting Brush. Chop 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate morsels using Food Chopper. In Classic Batter Bowl, combine brownie mix, water, oil, eggs and 1/4 cup of the brown sugar; mix well. Fold in chopped chocolate; pour batter into bar pan, spreading evenly using Small Mix ‘N Scraper®.
Chop nuts using Food Chopper. Combine half of the nuts and remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar; sprinkle evenly over brownie batter. Bake 20-22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Meanwhile, using Utility Knife, cut 16 caramels into quarters. Place remaining 1/2 cup chocolate morsels in Prep Bowl; microwave on HIGH 1 minute or until melted, stirring after each 20-second interval. Spoon melted chocolate into resealable plastic bag; set aside.
Remove bar pan from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack. Immediately press remaining 24 caramels evenly into brownie in four rows of six caramels each. Sprinkle quartered caramels and remaining nuts over brownies. Trim corner of chocolate-filled bag with Utility Knife; drizzle chocolate evenly over brownies. Cut into squares; serve warm using Mini-Serving Spatula. Serve with ice cream, if desired.

Yield: 24 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 300, Total Fat 16 g, Saturated Fat 4.5 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 3 g, Sodium 135 mg, Fiber 2 g

DondaLee's: ::GIVEAWAY:The Cottage Market::

2011-09-05T04:25:00.000-05:00

Yep.. it's another GREAT giveaway on DondaLee's Blog! You'd better run over and enter, cuz I entered this one as many times as possible! SOOOO many cute things to win! I had to try!!!!

DondaLee's: ::GIVEAWAY:The Cottage Market::: I'm super excited to introduce you to one of the cutest shabby chic shops out there- " The Cottage Market ". Andrea is the sweet ga...

BRAVO... JoAnn Fabrics!

2011-09-03T00:19:00.000-05:00

This evening I went to a local San Antonio, JoAnn store, they are having an awesome sale on yarn this weekend...BUT that isn't what this post is about. My 17 year old daughter was with me, she's young and pretty (I think so). While browsing the isles for yarn, a man walked by on one end, I didn't really see him, but she reacted. I asked, and she said "He was a creeper". I responded with a standard, just ignore him kind of answer.

We had found some yarn and it was the "right" yarn, so I told her to go put back the other stuff she had in the cart and we'd get this stuff. That's when she said she didn't want to leave the isle, that she didn't want to run into the"creepy guy" again. This prompted me to asked exactly what the "creepy guy" did... She tells me he looked at her in a way that made her feel uncomfortable and winked at her. Now if you are a female, you know there is a way a man can look at you that is unsolicited, unwelcome, and you instantly feel uncomfortable from it.

Being a Mom, I asked what the man looked like, which had my daughter worried I was going to approach him...NO THANK YOU! I went straight to a store employee and reported the predator! From the response it appeared they knew about him. When my daughter saw him again a few minutes later, I approached another store employee, explaining this man had been inappropriate to my 17 year old daughter.

The employee, I think was one of the store managers, said they thought that was the man I had reported, but it appeared he was shopping with his wife! They couldn't ask him to leave the store unless they saw him do something inappropriate, but that they would make sure that he stayed away from my daughter and I while we shopped.... AND BOY DID THEY!

For the remainder of the time we were in the store, they had an employee standing at each end of the isle we were on, followed us to check out and escorted us our car to make sure he didn't approach us in the parking lot! To say that I left the store impressed is an understatement! I am so impressed with how these employees worked to make us feel safe while we shopped and tried to help my daughter feel secure. We didn't stay a long time after the initial incident, the damage was already done and my daughter just wanted to get out of the store and away from this guy. I can't say that I blame her...

I am very thankful to the staff at the JoAnn Fabrics store, who went out of their way to do whatever they could the help the situation! It's refreshing to find people who will do the right thing!

What's New? Keep Reading...............

2011-09-01T20:05:00.000-05:00

This will be a busy month for me! We were able to get into two different Markets, the one we did last month in Boerne Texas and New for this month will be the Market Days in Gruene Texas! I am very excited about the Gruene Market.... It's a juried Market, Artisan only, so it's NOT easy to get into. We know we've been accepted for September, but not sure about the follow on months... We'll find out more when we do the Market.

The Boerne Market Days are September 10th-11th and Gruene is the following weekend, September 17th--18th. If you live in the San Antonio area, please come out and see us! These Markets are both really cool, have lots of interesting stuff and it's NOT too soon to start thinking about getting great handmade items for Holiday gifts!

I have a number of items I am selling at the Markets only.. You WON'T fond them in my Etsy shops... You'll have to come out to the Market to purchase them. Plus having the opportunity to look, touch and feel is great! I don't have photo's of my "Market Only" items to taunt you with yet, but will get some taken and post them!

I am gearing up for the Holidays! I know it seems early and it does seem annoying when you go to the store and see Christmas decorations out before Halloween has even past, but from a retail stand point, you have to start early, and when you make EVERYTHING you sell by hand.. YOURSELF.. it takes a bit of planning!

The pretty soft pink earrings pictured are a nice, different, slightly less showy version of Vintage Jewels. They are transparent and domed, rather than faceted and foil backed. They still take in lots of light and have a nice sparkle, but are a nice, more subtle option for those who like things a little less.."Look at me". I have a similar jewel in a beautiful olivine green soon to be listed, and just got in a wonderful ruby red, which will be great for the holidays.. I have them in both antiqued brass and silver settings, but I have a limited supply. Sometimes I can get more... Sometimes I can't.

I have a nice stash of new crystals in and have been making Vintage Style bracelets out of them. I am working on some coordinating earrings as well, so look for those to be coming soon!

If you want updates on new listings, follow my Twitter! I post things there daily. I also post to Facebook, but less frequently. I have buttons on the side bar on the right if you aren't already following those pages. Be sure to check my Principessa Jewels shop for new jewelry listings and Principessa Glass for beads! Thanks for stopping by!

August Market Days...

2011-08-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

Saturday Set up

I recently started selling at the Boerne Texas, Market Days with another Etsy seller, Katie, from Bling is my Thing / The Orange Poppy. I have wanted to do this type of thing for a long time and finally connected with the right person to do it with. Katie has been selling in this manner at shows and Markets for several years, so she knows the ropes pretty well and had built up a nice display booth. I had none of these items, so it was nice not to have to start from scratch and buy all my own equipment just to get started.

Saturday set up

First let me start by saying this was one seriously HOT weekend! We did have a lot of fun and learned a lot. Getting set up was a bit chaotic, but we did have the tent and tables set up the night before. We set up things with the tables towards the interior on Saturday to see how that worked with this market.

Sunday set up

One must note that the temperature was over 100 degrees each day, so from a logical stand point you'd think people would appreciate shopping inside the tent, out of the sun, but alas... this is not how it worked out! We did do OK on Saturday, which had a reasonable traffic flow, but I think the excessive heat, combined with school starting just a week after this market, it wasn't a booming business.

On Sunday we decided to change things up and see if that improved our business... Sundays are traditionally a bit slower and not usually the higher dollar day of the weekend. Moving all of our displays to face out made a BIG difference and we did more business on Sunday than Saturday! People stopped and looked and were willing to walk around all three sides to look at items...in the BLAZING sun! For whatever reason, people REALLY don't like walking into single tent spaces.. They will go into larger ones, but not a single.. WACKY! I'm sure we have some bugs to work out of our set up and such, but I think we are on our way!

Sunday set up right side

Emily

My Daughter Emily comes along with me to help with everything and does very well! She is awesome in engaging people, greets everyone who comes near the booth, before I can even open my mouth and does tons of work with all the set up and tear down.. all this in over 100 degree weather all weekend! The only relief we found was the lady selling Hawaiian Shaved Ice right next to the bathrooms... Brilliant! We we're drinking gallons of water, so frequent trips to the public facilities were made, and then we made a stop at the Hawaiian Ice shop! Kept us form melting completely!

Sunday set up left side

We will be back in Boerne each month through the end of the year, and if all goes well, we'll probably continue at this market each month next year. If you are local in the San Antonio area, stop by and visit us!

I'll soon be opening my own website! I'll still have my Etsy shops, but I decided it was time to branch out and have a little place to call my own. I'll be having both items from my jewelry shop, Principessa Jewels and my Artisan Lampwork Bead shop, Principessa Glass on one website. I'll let you all know when it's live! It'll be www.principessajewels.com (right now that link forwards to my Etsy shop, but is active). Thanks for stopping by!

Dear Etsy

2011-08-20T22:20:00.000-05:00

I think Relevancy SUCKS!!! That's all I have to say on The subject!

Oops! I Did It Again.....

2011-07-22T23:13:00.000-05:00

Yes... I won yet another blog giveaway! I wish the rest of my life was going this smoothly! I really should seriously think about buying lottery tickets... I will say... that I enter FAR more of these blog giveaways than I win, but I seem to be on a roll and am almost feeling guilty since all three that I have won, have been on the same blog! I can assure you that there is no favoritism being given, I am just entering like anyone else... why I am winning is any one's guess! I for one, am not complaining!

My goodies from DondaLee's Blog Giveaway!

Once again this was from DondaLee's Blog.. She has some really fun posts, great giveaways and a really cute Etsy shop. You'll have to pop over and check out what she has going on. If more people enter these contests, I'll have much less of a chance of winning.. not that I dislike winning, but I'd like to share the wealth!

The bundle of goodies I received from Dondi this time were all items made by her and available in her Etsy shop. I got a set of darling note cards, some hand stamped tags with cupcakes on them and a really cute cut edge, a pair of pink glass earrings.. and I do LOVE pink.. a really fun, rolled flower fabric brooch, also in PINK! It was all packaged so cute! Part of it was in the cute little muslin bag, also hand stamped, and the cards and tags were both tied up in pretty, colorful, bakers twine.. I just love that stuff and have been thinking about getting some for quite awhile.. Honestly I don't know what I would actually do with it, but I am sure I'd find something!

I've been posting some of the cool giveaways I find here on my blog so that others can enter them too.. this may be shooting myself in the foot, but I don't want to be greedy! Thanks again to DondaLee for another great giveaway.. and for the record, I was one of three people who won this one, so it wasn't just me this time.. she gave away three bundles..I just got one, which was great!