Since last week Thursday I’ve had this surge of productivity and I’ve gotten so so much done in that time. Exhibit A: take a peek at the sidebar. I got up Saturday morning and learned how to make that myself. It might seem trivial, but it’s been a good decade since I’ve played with PS so I’m really proud of all the improvements I’ve been making gradually over the past few months. Self-sufficiency is awesome. I’ll be making more adjustments over time.

Unfortunately, I never had the larger shop update–it’s on hold until I can either get great light or have Dennis photograph it for me this week. Light has been so sparse around here. We’ve been covered in a cloud of grey for days. By 5:30 it’s almost pitch black outside. Drastic difference from full light well past 10p in the summer.

Things to get used to.

Because I wasn’t able to photograph the jewelry I made the previous week, it gave me more time to make some new things. 10 more necklaces and a bracelet to be exact as of today. I have been having the most difficult time ever finding a course I can take on wax carving so I can make my own pieces. My wish is to have it produced locally, but I’m okay with it being produced elsewhere. If you know anyone/anywhere in Holland I can go, shoot me a message please!

While I’m searching for that, I do have far too many seed beads than a normal person should have. I don’t think I’ll be making hoop earrings anymore, but I’ve turned my attention elsewhere: necklaces and bracelets. It is less stressful on my eyes to make this instead. Perhaps because there is just less to work with. So when I do finally get this all photographed properly, there will be one massive shop update. I’m hoping for next Tuesday instead.

I also have two other special announcements that I’ll get to talk about next week that I honestly can’t wait to share. I’m really excited about both of these opportunities and it just feels like it’s happening at the prefect moment. Everything is just making sense.

How was your weekend? Anything magical happen to you?

A day late with wishing you a happy start to the week, but all for good reason. Firstly, Happy November! Over the weekend we went to Eindhoven to attend Dutch Design Week. It was my first time in Eindhoven and I really liked it. The feel of the city was very different from Amsterdam. It felt more metropolitan, but I guess it’s because it is more design centered so they get to play there more visually. Much needed visual break (if only brief) from Amsterdam.

I spent all of yesterday learning what I could about analytics (feeling like it was the bane of my existence). I think I got a better understanding of it.

My ad is live on Miss Moss‘ blog! I am really very stoked about this.

I have also updated the shop with two new bracelets. I have a bunch of necklaces to add this week and some more bracelets I plan on making and adding as well. Just need to work out my camera situation. So hold tight for that. Today is a tiny shop update, and Friday will be a large one.

What’s going on with you?

Color never goes out of style – regardless of what magazines may preach. It’s a great boost to your outfit and your mood. And luckily, it won’t take you looking like Rainbow Brite to do so. Just a bold color choice in one part of your outfit can go a long way. A great way to do this is by pairing something bright against something dark. It works for any season and makes your outfit trend-proof and classic.

With the official start of Fall just around the corner, it’s time to take what we love about the summer – a vivid color palette – and incorporate that into our Fall wardrobe. Take for example the outfit below. A.P.C’s bright pink embroidered blouse ($280) looks especially exciting against J Brand’s toffee colored corduroy skinny jeans ($175) with nude colored Jessica Simpson Pumps ($79). A navy blue handbag, like the PS1 by Proenza Schouler ($1995) is unexpected and adds some interest. While gold accessories, a retro styled Skagen men’s watch ($120), Arrowdrop Bracelet ($28) and Cogworks Chain Necklace ($45) by Madewell accentuate and bring together all the colors of this classic Fall outfit.

Hello,

I just can’t get over how time escapes me so!
Now that I’ve managed to organize my time better, I feel like I run out of time faster.
Why? Does this happen to you at all?

First I’d like to send a massive amount of love to Mme. Jini for being such a new bright and shiny star in my life.
She is such a wonderful woman and I thank Donna for the introduction.
She has been an immense help to me this week (which is why I haven’t been on the computer–but I always make it up to you somehow so bear with me).
She is my new, real photographer!
All the photos that have been posted since the beginning of this journey has been taken by yours truly.
I am by no means a photographer, but I enjoy taking photos.

One thing I understand clearly is the need to have amazing photography for an online shop, because this is the only way to get a feel of what you as the consumer are about to spend hard earned money on.
So delivering a quality product is only half the battle.
Showing you it’s beauty is the first major step.
With Jini, I’m pretty positive I’ll succeed at bringing another part of my overall vision to life.

Next, the contests.
Let me congratulate the following for winning so far this month:

• Buddy won the haiku contest!

• Zach won the bracelet!

• Chanae won the certificate!

• Jahari won the certificate!

I officially owe you two other contests, which I will make up for in September!!
This week has been much more hectic that I initially planned.
Beautifully hectic, but hectic all the same.

As for TODAY’s contest, which will end Friday night at 12 midnight EST:

Answer this in THIS blog post –list 3 things that make you absolutely gush about autumn.
PRIZE: free shipping on any one order.

Randomizer will choose the winner.
I like to keep things fair.

x’s&o’s
good luck!!