Ring Mandrels and cards!

I finally received my two new ring mandrels that I got from Finding King! I got 2 of them for such a great low price, it was crazy! I'm so excited that I can go ahead and start making rings again and sizing them properly! My old ring mandrel got so messed up when my daughter knocked it over and my dog got a hold of it. *ahem = this is why I need to clean my studio and actually use it* But I am happy that my new ones finally came, and now I have an extra just in case! :) I just really need to clean my studio and actually start using it so that I can organize everything. (I need Clean House)

I did more with my Valentines Day cards today. I got one partially finished. I have to let it dry and I have to get a thin sharpie to go over the quote outline inside. It's very simple but still stylish. I really like it and really can't wait to put it in the shop. I also have visions of other ideas for Valentines Day cards that I am going to start soon. (Tonight or tomorrow.)

I am watching Peter Perfect, right now. I sometimes like the show, it's interesting to see how they makeover shops and very interesting to see how that creative change is what really catches the customer's attention. I think it also relates to online stores and their design very much; but I digress... Today, the episode is about a family who runs an art shop/studio. That caught my attention because I am a former art student and an artist who loves all mediums and all forms of art. It was always my dream to start an art studio and teach art classes, so this is so interesting to me. What Peter felt when he painted for the first time in this episode is what I wish everyone could feel. It's what I've learned is one of the most amazing feelings ever. Feeling in control, feeling creative, being in your own little "creative zone" and thoughts, ideas, etc... just coming to your mind. It's such a great calm and such a great feeling! I really can't wait to see how this studio turns out.

I also heard of this really cool idea from another blog, I can't remember which one, unfortunately. However, it pays you to use Twitter and to "Tweet" certain adds. I've come to see that a lot of them are fun adds, like Etsy shops or other independent shops and definitely blogs. I've found some great blogs and some great Etsy stores from reading the advertisements! It's not a great income, but probably about $30 extra a month at the least. (If you use Twitter often!) I really like it. It's some extra pocket change, that's for sure! It gives you control of how often you want to "Tweet" adds and it doesn't even make it seem like it is actualy an add. It makes it seem like it is a cool site that you found. :) It lets you approve or deny any advertisements that you want or don't want. If you want to learn more about this really cool site, you can click on the image next to the text or you can click on this link. It's worth a try, right? :)

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Valentines Day Cards, coming up!

Valentines Day cards coming soon!

After a very long day, last night I took a trip to Michaels when I went to return a movie. I had to get some extra things so I could finish up the Valentines Day cards I have been working on. I really want to get them on Etsy either tomorrow or Tuesday. (Wednesday at the latest with everything going on!) I really hope they'll be good enough for THREEseventeen! I'm trying my hardest to really branch out, or planning on branching out!

I'm going to try to get my mom to get out the digital sewing machine that I bought at a garage sale last summer. I don't even if we know where it is, but I really want to starton some pillows and pouches, I found a crapload of fabric in my 'odds and ends' basket. Maybe I'll just have to start a separate Etsy store for everything else, who knows. I'll see what I can do. I want everything to look great. I really want this business to become successful for me.

This is an awesome giveaway from Blogaways.com. iTunes is so popular and I would love to win something like this! :)

Blogaways is an online coupon blog that is holding a $25 iTunes gift card giveaway! Check out Blogaways for coupons, giveaways and contests, and for a chance to win a $25 iTunes gift card!

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Keep your eyes glued on our blog & Etsy page!

A GIVEAWAY WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

I don't know the specifics, but a giveaway will be announced very soon! I will post it here and on my Etsy page simultaneously as well as advertising my giveaway on the Etsy forums! Keep your eyes peeled!

Until that's announced....
THREEseventeen WINTER SALE 30% off plus 20% off for VALENTINES DAY SALE!!

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Added a lot more items today!

I haven't been able to blog in a few weeks because I'm pressed for time, lately. I've been working on the shop a lot; well, items for the shop. Jewelry making seems to soothe me lately, especially with the stress going on in my family. (read about that at my domain here) I've been back and forth tot he hospital, making jewelry, spending time with my kids...it has me completely spent at the end of the day! I want to blog more about projects that are ongoing, but I hadn't had time to!! Go on over and check out the new items I have at my shop! VALENTINES DAY SALE & WINTER SALE going on right now. Combined shipping discounts, as always! New items will be coming into the shop in coming days as well. I am going to add some Valentines Day cards that I have been working on as soon as I can get to Michaels to get the finishing touches! (Hopefully tomorrow!)

Thanks, everyone!

THREE SEVENTEEN BIG WINTER SALE
AND VALENTINES DAY SALE - EXTRA SAVINGS!

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New Shop!

This blog is for the THREEseventeen Shop.
I will blog updates, new additions and projects to the shop.
The blog will also contain contests and special promotions!
Keep checking back for updates!

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Sunday meme

Sunday Stealing

1. How old will you be in five years? 30.  Well, 29 years and 11 months old. LOL

2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? My bestie. :)

3. How tall are you? 5'7"

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?  My birthday, I'm also going with one of my friends to an event that I am so excited to go to, Those are probably the only major things,

5. What’s the last movie you saw? I don't even remember.  I think Elf.

6. Who was the last person you called? Ginaa.

7. Who was the last person to call you?  Ginaa.

8. What was the last text message you received? Ginaa lol

9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail?  Probably my mom.

10. Do you prefer to call or text?  It depends what mood I'm in.  I really do text more than I call because my kids are so loud it's hard to talk. lol

11. What were you doing at 12am last night? I was getting home from being with my Homie G. :)

12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? My mom is a widow.

13. When is the last time you saw your mom? Unfortunately, I see her daily. (lol)

14. What color are your eyes? Hazel

15. What time did you wake up today? I woke up at 7 am because I had to shower and be out of the house by 10 to make it to the city before 11. lol

16. What are you wearing right now? Oh I match so beautifully.  I'm wearing Penguin PJ pants and a purple "Valium is my favorite color shirt."  (From Next To Normal!)

17. What is your favorite christmas song? Merry Christmas With Love.

18. Where is your favorite place to be? I'm not sure.  I'd really say in NYC.  I just love the atmosphere, the people, the energy and being with my friends. :)

19. Where is your least favorite place to be? At my house.  My mom can be a real pain in the hiney sometimes.

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Somewhere warm and tropical. :)  Or England.  

21. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years? I'll be 35.  Woah! LOL  Hopefully I'll be married with one more baby. :)  I want a boy!!  Maybe in my own home and I hope with a good job.

22. Do you tan or burn? I burn all the way!  Jergens is my friend.

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? I always feared that someone would come in my room and abduct me.  I've always watched too many police shows.

24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? Today when we were eating lunch, I said the phrase "Interchangeable morons" and my friend and I laughed for about 10 minutes.  I don't know why.. It wasn't even that funny.

25. How many TVs do you have in your house? 4

26. How big is your bed? Twin size.  Although, I think it's more like a kiddy size. LOL  I can barely move in it at times.  

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? I have both.  I have a Macbook laptop and a HP Desktop.

29. What color are your sheets? Black - Duh. It matches with my room :D

30. How many pillows do you sleep with? 3.  But they have to be the hypoallergenic foam pillows.  Those suckers cost $40 per pillow.  But they don't screw with my allergies and they don't make my back hurt in the morning.

31. What is your favorite season? Fall 

32. What do you like about Autumn? I love that it isn't too cold but isn't too warm.  It's a happy medium.

33. What do you like about winter? Absolutely positively NOTHING!!!

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1. Did you ever think that you'd be a star? If yes, doing what? I used to want to be on Broadway.  I also wanted to be an actress in movies.  However I never had high hopes that I'd be a star!

2. Tell us about the last time you had a romantic dinner. 5 years ago with my ex fiance. *sigh* :( 

3. Tell us about your worst job interview.  I went for a job interview in NYC last year... It was a debt collection agency.  First of all, the e-mail had a typo and the wrong address... I got lost driving around NYC.  Then I had dropped my cell phone in a rather large puddle and it ended up getting severely water damaged.  I was also over dressed for the interview.  I did get that job, but only lasted a day and a half before they let me go.  They said I was too skilled for the job.  Whatever!

4. Tell us about your stupidest date. There are way too many to write about.

5. How much in common do you think you should have with a romantic partner?  It really depends on the person.  They say opposites attract, but I've always felt that you can have a lot in common with someone and still have just as much attraction.  It all has to do with the chemistry.

6. Tell us about a favorite meme that you loved but no longer posts.  The original Friday 5.

7. How did you get into blogging?  I don't even remember, but it was in 1999 when I had my first page.  It was hosted with expage. LOL Those were the days.

8. Do you share all your fantasies with a significant other?  I haven't had a significant other in so long I don't even remember what I shared with them! 

9. What change in your life would you like to happen this year?  I would like to find someone who loves me and my children.  I'm tired of being single!

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Room Tour :)

Since my room is now very clean and organized, I thought I would post this view of my room.  I'm very proud of it now. :) This is how an artsy single mom of two girls lives.  No one to tell me how to do my room otherwise! [Yet!]

The door to my room.  I love Rent. :)

 

(You can click on the pic to get a larger view)
This is basically the view when you walk into my room from my door.  It's just my radiator with a lot of my bath and body products and my fax machine, my desk, printer stand and closet door.

If you turned left from there, this is what you would see.  My dry erase board is fun. lol I have some pictures on there.  That dresser/armoir is actually an upcycled one that I got for my daughter's room when she was a baby.  It was all trashed and I restored it and painted the drawers/added drawer handles and painted the side cabinet.  It had detachable fairies on it that I also made out of foamboard, but I took those off so it wouldn't be too childish in my room. :)  

My closet door with some purses (not all of them!) and scarves.  My bed, awesome homemade storage headboard, my shelf above my bed that I call my "Broadway Shelf" because it has all my playbills and broadway memoribilia. :)

 I'm aware that the left side of my wall over there <-- looks pretty boring an uneventful.  I'm planning on putting some things up there. :)  That shelf, I have no idea what to do with it.  I'm probably going to put some pictures on it.  It used to have ALL of my art stuff on it, but right now there's not too muchr oom or time for that. I do love my french bulletin board right above that and my shelf.  The shelf has random shit on it.

The top of my dresser.  Mostly my makeup, jewelry, perfume, etc... I have my favorite necklaces/bracelets hanging from the pegs on my shelf.  The rest of the necklaces/bracelets are in a jewelry box somewhere on that dresser. LOL

The colorful hand has ALL my rings on it.  I never knew how many I had until I put them on there. LOL  I also have the birdhouse I painted for Alayna's room when she was a baby, my victoria secret fragrance collection, some makeup that I use all the time, lotions, etc...

 At the other end of my shelf, I got a cute "Rock" picture holder from a garage sale (also where I got the shelf for a dollar!) holdin pictures of my kids. :) That dolphin I got from one of my friends a few years ago for Christmas. I love my shelf.

A close up of my earrings (I have more, these are just my favorites!) Some lotions, self tanner, just a bunch of fun shit. lol

A lot of my good lip glosses.  There are about 30 in that little holder. lol I'm a lip gloss addict!!  I also have my  nostalgic Jean Nate.  It's a flashback to my childhood :)

More lipglosses in there, some hair stuff, some makeup stuff. Just a bunch of random shit thrown in here. lol  This wicker cabinet is going to be moved to the bathroom and I'm going to be putting up a new cabinet here. :)

 

I got this wicker cabinet from a garage sale too for $1. lol I go for the bargains.  It has most of my bath and body works and victoria secret stuff here. My fax machine (that I don't use anymore) is next to it.)

 

My makeup box.  The left side is mostly my foundations, concealers, powders and some blush the bottom I have a lot of my eye liners and mascaras and to the right I have most of my eyeshadows that I use often,  My brushes are under all of that in a case.  I have a lot more than just that.

My desk (that I also got at a garage sale for $5) with tons of stuff on it.  On the left is my CD tower that's blacklight.  I had it since I was in college.  I don't have CDs for it anymore, but I just put it on at night sometimes. :)  Those speakers are for my iPod.  My Mac Mini is under the shelf.  I use it occasionally, usually fo work.  That phone doesn't work anymore either. lol  My daughter's Nintendo DS is up on my monitor stand. (Which is actually a dish rack lol)

Just a shelf with a bunch of different shit on it.  Actually, this shelf is hanging by a thread. LOL I bought it from Urban Outfitters and love that it has a cork board on it.

I got those two pictures (the one above the door and the lingerie one on the side) from garage sales.  Cheap o! LOL  Those are most of my scarves and some purses.  I have more purses in my closet! 

My headboard.  It's actually 3 levels of cubicles and the top "hutch".  I just put my bed against it.  I use the cubes on the bottom for storage and the ones by my pillows I have some DVDs and books, cords to my computers/phone and a bunch of random stuff.  The above shelves have my latop, journal, some notecards, coupons, address book, some mail & bills I have to pay.  Then I have my stereo on top of that.  The side "table" has my clock, favorite lotion, candles, pictures, my phones and remotes. :)

I call this my "Broadway Shelf".  I got the shelf from a garage sale too. LOL  It has some of my favorite playbills (I have so much more!)  Spamalot, Next To Normal, Shrek, 9 to 5, Mama Mia, Bye Bye Birdie, In The Heights, Les Miserables and Wicked. I have my Hard Rock Manhattan margarita glass up there.  Some memoribilia from different shows, pictures, and a bunch of tea light holders from garage sales.  I love this shelf. :)

A hanger with most of my sunglasses on there.  The first 5 are coach sunglasses, the rest are coach imitations and cheaper ones. lol My fingerless gloves are peeking in on the right!

Close up of my stereo and shit. lol

Close up of some of my DVDs and my shelves.  My daughter drew that smiley face on the door. LOL Thank God it's a dry erase marker. I just have to wash it off. lol I think it's cute.


That's it for now!!  This is how a single mom bachelorette lives. :D

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Coupon Deals for 02/20/10

♥ By signing up for Land O' Lakes Rewards Club you can receive coupons for $1 off Land O Lake butter & cheese products.  You will receive them immediately by e-mail. :) Printable!

♥ Want a free sample of Burts Bees lipbalm?  Click the link and fill out the form! :) Burts Bees.

♥ 20% off your ENTIRE purchase at Big Lots!!  Only good on February 21 from 5-9pm. 20% off coupon. Printable!

♥ On March 1st, Nabisco is offering a free package of cookies with purchase of one pack of cookies and a gallon of milk.  *YOU HAVE TO FAN THEM ON FACEBOOK* Nabisco Facebook.

♥ $1.50/1 Wanchai Ferry. (CAN BE PRINTED 3 TIMES)  Print Coupon.

♥ $5/1 GREENIES:  I definitely have to say that my dog LOVES greenies.  Not only are they tasty for dogs, they're also good for their coat and teeth.  Greenies come in xsmall, small, medium, large and jumbo size, for all dogs.  My dog uses the xsmall or small because of her petite size. :)  Definitely print this coupon and have your puppies try it.  They'll love it! PRINT COUPON!

♥ $1.00/1 Oreo Cakesters!  These are delicious.  My kids especially love them for snacks.  Great high value coupon!  *PRINTABLE*

♥ STARKIST TUNA CREATIONS coupon!  This tuna is actually very delicious!  I love to throw it in salad more than bumble bee or any other kind.  *PRINTABLE* Prints 2x.


♥ FREE SAMPLE of Fekkai Hair Glaze - I have been using this since I worked at Sephora and I LOVE it.  I actually posted about it in a previous post.  It is the best stuff that I have ever used in my life and is priced low at $5 as well!  Definitely try out this free sample, if you love it, take a ride to Sephora and pick it up!


♥ FREE SAMPLE of UnderJams!  My daughter is in these right now while we're potty training (at night) and we love them! 

♥ FREE SAMPLE of Breathe Right nasal strips.  I used to wish my mom would use these. LOL :D


♥ Free Kindle download for Blackberry users!  Now you can read free Amazon Kindle books on your Blackberry!  (Compatible with all!)

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About Me

More > 101 in 1001

Who the hell am I?  I think that's a question that I am still trying to answer!  I have been blogging since 1999 and through all of that I really have found out a lot about who I am.  I do regret that I can't dig up past archives of my old free sites and domains because I am sure 24 year old me could have a great laugh at the younger more immature version of myself.  

I had many sites since 1999 and went through many phases of the wonderful "blogging" scene.  I went through (and survived) the "CamGirl" fad and unfortunately to say, I was one of those people who was very overly obsessed with taking pictures of anything and everything that I bought, ate, my animals... (Wow, am I glad THAT is over!)  Now-a-days, if you say "CamGirl" it doesn't mean what it used to.  It used to be innocent girls who were just obsesed with taking pictures of themselves and anything that could fit in front of a webcam.  If you google it now... well, you get the picture.  It was completely innocent back then!  (Honest!!)  

Wanting to be a writer growing up, I feel that this is a pretty good medium between being able to express my creativity through different ways (digital art, design, writing, etc...) as well as sharing experiences, mistakes, stupidity and reviews with everyone out there.  I feel that if someone can learn something from anything I post, I feel like I have succeeded just a little bit. :)

I am a single mom of 2 girls.  I was engaged to my first real love, but that relationship ended in heartbreak. (And my oldest!)  Alayna is a beautiful, talented, funny and smart 4 year old who was born at 35 weeks.  She was a 8lb 7oz preemie. (No joke!!)  I had a lot of medical complications that contributed to her high weight and my preterm labor.  She was in the hospital for a month due to feeding problems and the only thing I remember about that month was crying non stop.  I remember feeding her through a gastro tube, I remember talks of surgeries, I remember the one step forward three steps back... We conquered it and she is now the best little girl anyone could ever want and I love her more than I thought I could love anyone.  She is my best friend.

Olivia is a 2 year old spunky, smart, overly adorable, beautiful and funny girl.  She was born almost full term at 39 weeks and just a few days.  She was born a few days before Christmas and was a scheduled induction because I was due ON Christmas.  lol  My doctor was going out of town for the Holidays and wanted to deliver Olivia herself.  She loves her big sister and wants to be just like her.  Follows her around, and is her partner in crime. :)

 My girls are my life.

As every mother does, sometimes I need a break.  When that moment comes, I love to go out with my friends.  We go to NYC often just because it is close.  We live 20 minutes outside of the city and love to just walk around, go shopping and go to shows.  I'm a complete theater junkie and have been all my life.  My favorite shows have been; Les Miserables, Rent, Spamalot and Next To Normal.  I will go see any show, though.  I will see anything at least once.  Truth being, you never know if the show will spark your interest, even if it doesn't from first glance. :)

I am an artist.  I attended art school on a scholarship and loved it there.  Everyone was on the same wavelength as I was.  It reaffirmed my belief that artists have a completely different mind and way of thinking than other people.  I loved the fact that I was able to relate to a lot of my classmates and loved even more that I could wake up every morning and do what I love.  I majored in 2D Fine Arts and minored in Photography.  

Since college, I have been through some different jobs.  Mostly retail since I wanted to be home with my kids.  I am also a certified tax preparer and worked at H&R Block for two years.  Currently, I am a jewelry designer, freelance artist & mural artist, mystery shopper and blogger.  (I get paid for everything but blogging. LOL)  I own my own business, which is currently on hiatus, and love the fact that I can be creative and make (somewhat) of a living.  My ultimate dream is to someday open a brick and mortar store with my jewelry and other local artisan jewelry as well. :)  

Why do I blog?  I blog mostly because I have a lot to say.  I like to talk about my kids, I like to talk about my day and I love to talk about exciting things that may have happened.  I'm very opinionated and sometimes that can be a good thing.  I love to share new products that I have tried and love.  I believe that hearing real reviews from real people and real moms really do help in making  decisions.  I know for me that is true!!  I just love feeling like I have a say in things. :)  

I am a proud adoptee & I support adoption.

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