Out with the old and in with the new...

Wow 2008 is very nearly at an end and as many of us do at this time there is some reflection going on for the year past and some looking ahead to the future!

What have I done this year:

• I started my business up properly and so far so good.
  
• Tony and I took the girls to see "Lazytown" back in April which was definitely one of the highlights of the year. Even Imogen enjoyed it even though she thought she might be to old for it!!!
  
• My friends wedding in Greece was a fantastic holiday with fantastic company.
  
• We have all been generally healthy which is always a blessing. Money has been very tight but we are dealing with that. Christmas would have hurt a bit but I can get us back on track over the next few months.
• I have made some fantastic friends on the Frit Happens forum and even though I have not met many of them I truly count them among my friends. I have had a few downs this year and they have been a fab source of support during these times. They are also brill for helping me out when I have a question and just for being there. They are a fab bunch.
• I also have some fantastic "real" friends. You know who you are and thank you for listening to me when I am miserable and for making me laugh! (Paula!)
  

What are my plans for the New Year:

• To concentrate on my bead and jewellery business a bit more and get my new ideas off the ground like the tuition and the childrens parties and some other ideas.
• Enjoy my family.
• Finish the patio and the garden this year
• If time and money allow to redecorate the living room and hallway!
  

I am sure I will add to this list I avoid New year resolutions cos I always break them and then feel crap for not being strong enough so I make a list of things to acheive. Lots of things will depend on the economy and whether or not the building industry is affected by the "recession". Tony is a builder so if they get affected we could be in dire straits but I won't dwell on that, things seem to be ticking along at the moment so fingers crossed all will be ok.

I wish you all a very happy new year and I hope you get everything you wish for 2009. I wish you happiness and health. I look forward to blogging in 2009 and this will be quite nice to refer back to on 31st December 2009 and see how my year has gone.

What are your plans for the new year?
TTFNx

January Sale.

In the true tradition of Boxing day I am having a January sale on my website. All beads (except spacer beads) are 20% off as is all the jewellery. Go visit my website and get yourself a bargain Aurorabeadz

What other news. Christmas day was lovely, quiet but lovely. Missed my eldest daughter cos she was with her dad yesterday and it was really quite quiet without her here. Savannah threw a massive paddy at 3 ish and took herself to bed for 2 hours so I played Animal Crossing on my Wii and Tony listened to the copious amounts of CD's that he got for Christmas. Altogether a very peaceful and chilling day! Today will be quite busy as we have the parents to visit. Tony's mum and dad first then to my mum and dad but first Imogen comes home and we get to watch her open all her pressies!

I hope you did not over do the eating yesterday and today the food fest begins again :-)

TTFNx

Sleeping beauties (not)...

It occured to me that seeing a box of bits and pieces may not be enough information so I have added a couple of photos to give an idea of what can be made from the little boxes of goodies I will supply at my childrens parties! I am so excited by this idea and a couple of others I am having that I cannot bloody well sleep properly!

Sleeping has become quite a problem in my house at the mo. Imogen is full of cold so she is not sleeping well and colds bring her the usual problem of nosebleeds! Savannah still gets up at 6am despite us buying one of those clocks that you can set what time the child gets up with. Hers is Sleeping beauty, she wears a blue dress when Savannah has to be asleep and a pink dress when she can get up. All Savannah does is moan that the "blue lady" is still showing! Tony just does not sleep well, he was up at 4 this morning watching TV and same yesterday! He blames the bed, says the mattress is uncomfortable but as we have a superking size bed I don't think buying a new mattress is an option at the mo, would cost too much!!! And as for me, my little head has gone into overdrive with ideas for my business. I am actually having to rein them in a bit cos I only have so much time for the business and as much as I would like to take the leap of faith and jack in the day job I have too many responsibilities. So I am back to my usual dilemma. How to promote Aurorabeadz but meet the committments Tony and I have! Right now I guess it has to be maintain the status quo don't change nothing...but I can dream can't I?

This is likely to be my last post before Christmas so I just want to say to all my readers old and new:
My Family and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and propserous 2009.

TTFNx

Children's Parties

I am pleased to announce that my idea about children's parties is a goer. I am finalising details but I am going to do them from January. I have split parties into 2 groups 5 - 8 year olds and 9 - 15 year olds. The youngest age group will have a little box with a length of elastic and a selection of beads that they can use to make a selection of bracelets and necklaces. The older children will get a box with a charm bracelet and a selection of beads that they can use to make their own charm bracelet. This will involved teaching them a little wire wrapping but no cutting will be involved. The pictures above are a representation of what each girl will get. What do you think?

My head is a spinnin'....

...you know how when you get an idea it becomes all consuming well....I don't get them very often but I have had one. Nothing to original you understand but something that feels very right and a brill idea for me! I have done a little research and I can't find to much around where I live so it looks like it might be a goer.

What? I hear you cry. What on earth are you rambling on about Sam. I'll tell you.

CHILDRENS PARTIES

I have 2 girls of my own who adore making jewellery with me why not share this with other children. Instead of getting a party bag full of sweets and junk that just gets thrown away I can provide the equipment, tools and knowledge for children to make their own piece of jewellery. I can do simple elasticated bracelets for 5 - 8 year olds and the 9 - 15 year olds can make their own charm bracelet. I can show them some simple wire wrapping etc. they all get to use their creative sides and make something special for themselves! I want to do one now and see how it goes!!!!!
I know this is not a new idea there are people around that do this already what is my spin? My own handmade beads for a start but I guess I need to think about why my parties are special!
I am so excited come on 2009
TTFNx

The countdown begins...

...I forgot the most important piece of news. It is a little over 3 months till the "Flame Off" at Towcester. Visit Tuffnell Glass for further information. This year it is a 2 day event with demos from Sarah Hornik, Beverley Hicklin, Jazzy Lily and Julie Ann Denton and loads more. I am quite excited!!! I have booked hotel and got my tickets! Tony and the girls are coming as well so they can potter around during the day and we can sepnd time together in the evenings.
Book the date in your diary April 17th and 18th 2009, Towcester racecourse.
TTFN x

I do other stuff....

...not just jewellery! So I thought it would be nice to share. I love nature. I know that sounds naff but there is something stunning about nature. The pictures here are of the heavy frost the other morning. I used the macro setting on my camera and got these shots and I love them!