Julie Ann Art

Whiskey Slush Recipe

2013-06-18T17:03:00.001-07:00

While I am preparing for my trip to Michigan tomorrow, I have Jaci, of Sparkover, here to share a recipe post with you guys! Whiskey slush?? This sounds ballsy, and yet, right up my alley. Here's Jaci:

"If you think that you don't care for whiskey, think again! This recipe has even won over the hearts of my non-whiskey lovin' friends and it's perfect for hot summer days!

Whiskey Slush

2 black tea bags, brew in 1c. of water for 10 minutes
6oz of frozen lemonade concentrate
6oz of frozen orange juice concentrate
3 1/2 c. water
1 c. sugar
1 c. whiskey (you can use any kind you'd like, but I went for the old stand by: Jack Daniels)
Seltzer water
lemon wedges for garnish

Combine brewed tea, frozen lemonade, frozen orange juice, 3 1/2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar. Boil just until sugar is dissolved and let cool. Add 1 cup of whiskey and pour mixture into a freezer safe container. I use a glass Pyrex dish and that works really well.

Put in freezer for at least 24 hours. (This pretty much feels like forever.) Once you've waited for what feels like an eternity, remove from freezer, scoop your desired amount of slush into your glass of choice, and fill it up about halfway or 3/4 of the way and add Seltzer water. Garnish with a lemon. Enjoy!!

You can use Sprite, Sierra Mist, Tonic etc. for the mixer I like to use Seltzer because the slushie part is already pretty sweet. Or, say you're having a really crumby day, you don't need to mix the slush with anything, just stick a spoon in your glass and relax in the sun. Happy Summer!!

*I cut this recipe in half because I don't have a ton of room in my freezer, but it can easily be doubled; like if you're having a party, or if you just really love whiskey slush.*"

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Ad Space Sale

2013-06-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I've had a sale on ad space. July is almost here....and I decided that IT would be a great time to have a sale. July is a pretty damn good month, am I right? It's summer time. Beach time. Mojitos all up in here all the time. Sun is hot. Birds are chirping. I really can't complain. I'm happy. Let's spread the happiness shall we?

If you want to work together on promoting your business, now is the time! Use the coupon code ITSJULYBITCHES for 30% off one month of Large or Medium ad space on JAA! (Not valid on 3 months of Medium ad space, as that option is already discounted. Offer expires Friday, June 21, 2013.)

For stats and booking info, see here.

I've never had such a big sale on ad space so take advantage while you can! xo JA

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The Weekend

2013-06-17T08:52:00.003-07:00

Hey friends! How was your weekend? Mine was really good. It was one of those weekends where you don't do much, yet you're happy about it. J and I spent a lot of time outside, just hanging out, throwing the ball with Penny. And of course the standard bloody mary and mojitos were involved.

And honestly? No work was done. Normally, I will at least take photos for a blog post, or do Etsy orders in the mornings before J gets up. But this weekend, literally, no work (until 8:30pm on Sunday as I currently write this post). Dare I say I'm going through an uninspired rut? I'm not sure uninspired is the right word. I'm just having a hard time figuring out what I want to do next. I have ideas. But the concepts are not easy to execute. They are different from what I'm used and this sort of change takes a lot of research and consideration. Basically, I'm not moving quickly to just DO something, I'm trying to take my time to make sure it's done well. And part of that is hard. I feel a lot of pressure with my shop these days. Sometimes it's hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that a break is a good thing. That it's ok to go slow. It's ok to take the time to really develop an idea to it's full potential. Rather than giving in to the pressure and throwing something in the shop that isn't my best. So that's where my head at right now. Behind the bloody mary's and tattoo getting (more on that later) I'm like "hmmmm...JAA...???" I'll let you know when I get it all figured out. ;] Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Sponsor Spotlight: In A Pretty Box

2013-06-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of working with Tiffany, of In A Pretty Box, a few times now. She is so sweet and fun and I'm happy to help spread the word on her subscription box!

"The greatest feeling in the world is giving another woman something that makes her feel amazing. Growing up, my favorite thing to do was wrap secret presents and give them to my friends and family. I never knew that I could make a career of it until I stumbled onto a subscription box website last year. I'd been buying from handmade artisans for years by then, and it just kind of clicked. I thought, "Hey, I could send secret packages of awesome handmade items to women all over the world!"

Putting my business degree to good use, I quickly got the gears rolling. Six months and a couple re-branding sessions later and this is my full-time job. People ask me what I do, and I just smile and say I send awesome presents to awesome ladies every month. And when I'm not sending surprises to them, I'm enjoying the other two special ladies in my life, my beautiful daughters.

At Pretty Box we curate monthly boxes of surprises for women each with 2-3 full-size handmade items inside. So far, we've included clutches, makeup, nail polish, jewelry, stationary from Julie Ann Art, and fashion accessories, and we have big plans for upcoming boxes. Our favorite items are those that are chic and trendy with a dash of whimsy."

You can now subscribe to In A Pretty Box for 10% off! Just use the coupon code JULIEANNART at checkout.

Website // Twitter // Facebook

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Summer Plans

2013-06-13T11:53:00.002-07:00

I have a pretty jam packed summer ahead of me. If I think about it too much I start to stress out, but I did want to let you guys know what I'll be up to. And maybe if you live nearby we can meet up!

Next week I'm going to Michigan! The 20th-24th. My family is celebrating my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary. (60 years!!! Crazy.) Definitely something I can't miss. It's probably the only time I'll be going home this year.

After my Michigan trip I will be home for about a week and then we are heading to San Francisco. We have a wedding booked on July 5th so we are going to stay a few extra days to enjoy the holiday with our friends who live there.

We fly home on July 7th and then the count down is on for my next craft shows. I'll be preparing for Renegade Los Angeles on July 20th-21th (sharing a booth with Acute Designs!), and Renegade San Francisco on July 27th-28th (sharing a booth with Rouge & Whimsy!). If you live near either of these shows, come see me! Or shit. Even if you don't, fly in and we'll hang! ;]

I'm not sure what I was thinking applying to these two big shows back to back. But at the same time I'm really excited for the new experiences and the opportunities they will bring. Traveling to various shows around the country would be so amazing, so I'm excited to start the beginning of that experience doing my first show outside of Orange County.

And then August....aaahhh August. Nothing. No plans! And even some time to myself, since J will be out of town. Sounds like a perfect time to re-cooperate and relax....before September kicks in and we have two weekends of weddings (one being the day after my birthday. womp.), Mom visits, and a potential trip to the east coast.

Time is going to fly. Ever since I've been in California I have felt like time is flying. I can't believe I've been here four years. Four! Now I sort of feel bad for telling my Mom I'd only be moving away for one year. You know, "just to try it out." Oops.

Is your summer jam-packed or do you like to try to enjoy some time off? Any trips planned? Are you going to come visit me at the Renegade shows? xo JA

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My Green Thumb. Sort of.

2013-06-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

I inherited a lot of things from my mom.... the brown eyes, the baking skills... but one thing that doesn't appear to have been passed down to me is her green thumb. My mom is a mad gardener. The garden at the house I grew up in is huge. Actually, I will be visiting next week so I'll have to take some pictures! But yeah, seriously huge.

And here I am, feeling amazingly accomplished that my three little herbs have been alive for two months now. But they have! I'm so excited! I'm pretty much regularly using the mint for my mojitos, the basil for my caprese, and the cilantro for my tacos.

Jordan bought this wooden box at a flea market we went to and I decided it was perfect for a little herb garden. I got a great deal on the mini chalkboard signs on The Plaid Barn (most others I've found are pretty $$).

And that's pretty much where my green thumb stops. Everything else? Succulents. Why? Because succulents need very little tending to here in southern California climates. If I don't water them for a couple weeks? Ain't no thang.

Oh yeah, I forgot about my little vine. Not a succulent. And also not dead yet! My mom and I planted it at the front of our house in March. Still alive. Growing slowly. But alive! Maybe there's still hope for my green thumb. How are your gardening skills?

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Changing

2013-06-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! What's new? I feel like I've been MIA lately. I don't know why exactly. It's funny how you can blog regularly and still not share much about your life. I was looking over old old blog posts last week and I realized how much more I shared about, for example, how I spent my weekends. I feel like it's been a while since I talked about what's been going on in my life, unless it's somehow related to my business. Maybe this little space is changing. Maybe I'm changing.

I think that ever since I quit my day job this blog has become a lot more "business-oriented." I don't know if that's a good thing or not. Maybe I'm trying to share more of that side of things to help or inspire others. Or maybe my life in general is so consumed by this business that it's the majority of what I have to share.

This weekend, J and I were talking about a a business-related situation that I was worrying about and he said "It's not life or death." And my response was...."It's life." As I said it, I feel like I agreed and disagreed with myself all at once.

I think my initial reaction was that my business is "life" because it's how I "make a living." But I also thought about how lame it was to call my work, "life."

It's not that I feel like all I do is work. I love my social life and I feel like I have a good balance between work and social activity for the most part. But does my work consume my life to the point where I think about it in a social setting? It depends how many drinks I've had but the general answer is "yes."

Is this blog post all over the place? I feel like it is. I'm honestly not sure what the point is. And I guess that's the point. I'm struggling to find the "theme" of this blog these days. Business? Lifestyle?

I think blogs change as life changes. I guess I just wonder if you, you awesome readers, have noticed this change and if you have an opinion on it. Do you miss the peaks into daily life? Do you wish you saw more of the non-business side of things?

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Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: The Freckled Fox

2013-06-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

Have you guys met Emily of The Freckled Fox? This is my second time working with her and she is too sweet! Her blog is full of hair tutorials that pretty much blow my mind. The girls got skills! Here she is:

"Hey JAA readers! I'm Emily, and I blog over at The Freckled Fox. I'm married and have about 30 kids(it seems like), am pregnant with #4. Even though I could easily let them fill up my day, I try and squish every ounce I can spare after parenting full of cooking, sewing, shopping sales, taking photos, wearing fun clothes, crafting, and figuring out creative ways to keep my hair out of my eyes. The Freckled Fox is where I share all the best and favorite things I do with anyone who wants to follow along!

The most favorite, popular, and rewarding thing I blog about is definitely my hair tutorials. It never seems like I can post them fast enough with all the fantastic requests I get, so last winter I started doing little week-long series here and there with themes so I could dump a lot of ideas out at once, and its been so fantastic and fun!

Ever since I was little I've had very long hair and have been throwing it up in all sorts of ways, and when I started sharing with my readers and hearing feedback (the first one I heard was of a bride using one on her wedding day) I couldn't have been more thrilled! I've always thought that our hair is our best accessory, so why not use it to your best advantage! I have so many things planned for the summer, and I 'd love to have you join me!"

Blog // Bloglovin // Twitter // Instagram

Emily is offering one lucky reader THREE months of Large Ad space!

($108 value)

The Freckled Fox averages 7.5k-8.5 pageviews per day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced here in one week and notified by e-mail. Good luck! xo JA

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Father's Day Gift Ideas

2013-06-05T08:51:00.003-07:00

Father's Day is less than two weeks away. I always have a hard time with gifts for my Dad so I thought I'd throw together a gift guide to get inspired and perhaps help some of you who have the same struggle. I searched Etsy for gifts for your dad, husband, or baby daddy. Here's my favorites:

1. Such a nice beer carrier, and it can be custom engraved too! 2. This personalized guitar pick is great for musician dads. 3. A men soap set is great for men who shower. :] 4. Love these upcycled cuff links! (15% off with JAA15. Expires 6/30/13) 5. I adore these spice sets for the griller in your life. 6. A card for your baby daddy from yours truly! Are you getting your dad or husband something for Father's Day? Maybe just a card? ;] xo JA Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Getting Personal While Keeping Your Privacy

2013-06-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

I had a reader ask me how to find the balance of getting personal on your blog while still keeping your privacy. I don't think there is any right answer on this. I think it is more a matter of opinion. You are the only person who can know what you feel comfortable sharing.

It took me quite some time to start getting personal on this blog, and still I don't consider it very personal in general. There are a couple topics that I just won't discuss here. But other bloggers may discuss those topics a lot. To each their own.

There have been a couple posts I have hesitated on before publishing. Most recently this one. That was probably the most personal I got on this blog. I don't regret the decision. I'm glad I shared because it turns out a lot of my readers have gone through the same thing. And it helped them to open up and share their own experience with me. I think that's a lot of what blogging is about. Finding others similar to you, others you can relate to, others who share the same dreams, others who share the same struggles.

Outfit - Nail polish c/o In A Pretty Box (10% off w/JULIEANNART) Top: Victoria's Secret Shorts: F21, Boots: Steve Madden, Bracelets: Target I think that sharing personal experiences helps readers feel closer to you. It makes you more "real." So my advice is to share what you, and your loved ones, are comfortable with. If you feel yourself hesitating, hold off on pressing the "publish" button. Think it over. It's a big decision to decide what you want to share with absolutely anyone who has access to your blog. Don't feel pressured. Follow your heart. Do you get personal on your blog? Why or why not? xo JA Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Still Mint Obsessed

2013-06-02T11:43:00.001-07:00

I've been rocking mint nail polish lately (c/o In A Pretty Box) and it made me realize I'm still kind of obsessed with the color. Is it still "in"? Do you still love it just as much as me? I hope so because I put together some of my current minty obsessions for your visual pleasure.

1. Love everything about this top. Perfect for summer!

2. Cute flats are a necessity for me.

3. I've been obsessed with these for so long.

4. Pretty polish c/o In A Pretty Box (10% off w/code JULIEANNART)

5. Sort of in love with geometric studs right now.

6. I'm in the market for a new purse and am eyeing this one.

7. Love this simple yet colorful phone case.

What do you think? See anything good? What color are you obsessed with? Coral? Neon?

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Printable Craft Show Checklist

2013-05-30T22:23:00.001-07:00

Since I just participated in a craft show, I wanted to share a bit of what my check list looks like. I generally only write down things that I could forget otherwise. My display pieces and stock are kind of a no brainer. But things like sunscreen and clothespins easily slip my mind if I don't make myself a list.

You can download a high resolution image of this check list here. Then feel free to fill in the blanks to customize it for your own needs! Enjoy! xo JA

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First Craft Show of the Year

2013-05-29T20:39:00.001-07:00

My first craft show of the year was on Sunday. Patchwork is such a great show. It was my third time participating and it's always such a fun time.

I'm always nervous before shows. I worry about forgetting something, or having something go wrong. So from the time I leave my house to the time I get my first sale of the day, I'm most likely a little shaky and trying to calm myself down with some incognito deep breathing. After the first sale happens....well, it's on.

This show was my best to date. I don't know if had to do with my booth placement, the show in general, (or my super awesome cards) but my little table was really busy. I was so thankful to have my friend, Isabella, visiting because she was there to help when I needed a break.

I got to see a lot of familiar faces at the show. (Gina, Nat, Nikki, Dave) And lots of laughs! At one point I tried to make a Vine vid of people laughing. But I didn't want to be a creeper peepin' over my display with a video camera. It sure brought a smile to my face though.

One of the best parts of the show was meeting one of my readers, Connie. She was the sweetest woman and she said some really great things regarding the struggles I shared last week. It's funny. I write this blog. I know I have readers. But I guess I don't think about all the people that I'm sharing my life with. It was really special to have a stranger come up to me and tell me that my hard work was evident, and not to worry about things..

Then when I got home from the show I saw all your supportive comments on my Facebook and Instagram about the show. And J told me how proud he was of me. And it all just sort of hit me. The tears, happy tears, were inevitable. I don't think I will ever get used to this "job." And honestly, I don't want to.

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Lately

2013-05-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

Outfit Details - Bullet Earrings c/o Crave, Dress: ASOS, Shoes: Target, Bracelet: Target

Lately I've been:

Spending time with my friend visiting from out of town

Recovering from my first craft show of the year

Basking in the California sun when I get the chance

Putting off getting my car smog tested (ugh)

Getting new cards ready to list in the shop

Feeling excited for Renegade San Fran with Erika

Planning my trip home to Michigan next month

Dreaming of fruity drinks somewhere tropical

What about you? How was your Memorial Day weekend? Do anything fun? I'm currently in "catch up mode" but I wanted to give you a quick update on what's been going on over here. xo JA

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win a custom Instagram photo ring here!

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Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: Crave Jewelry Design

2013-05-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

I really really like jewelry of Crave Jewelry Design because I feel like the owner, Jaci, is always trying to think outside the box and striving to be original. She most recently started making statement rings out of Instagram photos and is giving JAA readers a chance to win a custom one of your very own! Here's Jaci:
"You know the iPhone commercial that shows people taking photos of everything? Guilty as charged. My dad often jokes about seeing me run through the yard (literally) to get a good photo of some cool clouds. One could say that I am easily distracted, always taking photos, always looking up into the sky, but finding the beauty that lies around every corner is what keeps me going. These are the things that inspire me, both as a person and a designer."

Show Jaci some link love here:

Shop // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

Jaci is offering one lucky reader a custom Instagram photo ring! (photo of your choice!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced here in one week and notified by e-mail. Good luck! xo JA

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Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe

2013-05-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Have you guys ever heard of Strawberry Tiramisu? Because I haven't. But after reading this guest post from my girl, Alice, well I want to shove it in my face right now. Plus, it looks easy to make, which is a bonus for me. Check it out:

Hi Julie Ann Art readers! I'm Alice from Whisketeers and I am so happy to be here today, to share this recipe with you. Tiramisu is probably my favorite dessert, right after ice cream, and if I ever eat out it's what I order, if it's on the menu. A typical tiramisu is made of biscuits, mascarpone, eggs and coffee. But not everyone likes coffee, and some have concerns over raw eggs, which is why you can find different variations of this great dish. I decided to make a strawberry one, and I hope you like it as much as I do.

Ingredients:

250 grams (8.8 oz) mascarpone cheese

about 200-250 ml (1 cup) whipping cream

3 1/2 tablespoons white sugar

vanilla beans scraped from 1/2 of a pod (optional)

300 grams (10 oz) sliced strawberries

1 package of ladyfinger biscuits (Savoiardi or any other brand)

100 - 150 ml (1/2 cup) strawberry compote (use only the syrup, not the strawberries)

fresh squeezed orange juice (from one half of an orange)

This makes 3 ice cream bowls of tiramisu. If you're making this for your family/more people, you can double the ingredients. Or even triple them!

1) Whisk the cream in one bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the mascarpone, sugar and vanilla beans. Then add whipped cream and mix gently until combined and creamy.

2) Mix together strawberry compote and orange juice.

3) Take either a large bowl or a few small ones. Dip the biscuits (you might have to break them in half, if using smaller cups) into the strawberry mixture, then place them in the bowl. Don't dip them for too long - they have to be moist, but not too soft.

4) Top the biscuits with a layer of mascarpone mixture. Then spread strawberries on top, and repeat until the bowl is full.

5) Decorate your tiramisu any way you like. I used strawberries and sliced almonds.

6) Cool your tiramisu in the fridge for at least 2 hours. You can even leave it in overnight. That way the biscuits will be moist, and the layers will stick together perfectly. Enjoy!

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Father's Day 2013

2013-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back on track after yesterday morning's post. I spent the rest of my Monday working on my display for the Patchwork show I'm doing in Santa Ana this Sunday (If you live in SoCal be sure to come say hi!) and then ended the day with a couple rum and cokes. Sometimes you just need to let it out and (try to) move on.

So, moving on....I've been printing up a storm lately. With Father's Day, the craft show, a second UO order, and a special feature coming up.....there's a lot going on at the end of this month! I can't believe how quickly June is approaching. And with Father's Day on June 16th, I realized I never officially shared my Father's Day line!

I feel like Father's Day is tricky. Dads can be tricky can't they? The man of the house. Tough guy. Hard to make him laugh. Sentiment can be awkward. I hope I did them justice with this Father's Day line! :]

P.S. Have you joined my mailing listing yet? Once you confirm your subscription you'll receive a 15% off coupon code! Perfect way to save if you're in need of a Father's Day card or two!

P.P.S. Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway! You can win $25 credit to the Simply Just Lovely shop!

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What I'm Struggling With

2013-05-20T10:43:00.001-07:00

Honestly, I wasn't planning to post today. I took yesterday off. Got day drunk on a beautiful Sunday with Jordan and remembered to be grateful for the life we have. This morning I found out that today's Blog Everyday topic is "share something you're struggling with right now." And still, I wasn't planning on posting. I knew exactly what I was struggling with and what I've been struggling with, but I wasn't sure I wanted to share. It's a touchy subject. Then, as my morning continued, and this struggle became more and more apparent and taxing on my mind and heart....well, I just thought I should let it out.

I'm struggling with copiers. Way too often. This post isn't to tell you why copying is wrong (you should already know that anyways). This post isn't to call anyone out (although I'd be lying if I said I hadn't though about it). I'm just going to talk about how much it is effecting me. How hard it is to constantly have it brought to my attention. What a huge mix of emotions it causes inside me all at once. (Tears already writing this.)

The thing is, I love you guys. You have given me the most amazing opportunity to have a job that I love and every day, every day, I can't believe this is what I do for a living. Your support is uncanny and I absolutely love that you have my back. I love that you look out for me and warn me about all the shops that are popping up all over looking way too similar to JAA.

But at the same time, it's so hard on me. When I first really started dealing with this sort of issue over a year ago, I really tried to walk away with the mentality of moving on, looking past it, and focusing on me. I tried to develop the understanding that there's always going to be those assholes out there. The more I grow, the more it's going to happen. But that I should use it as motivation to continue to pursue my own business growth. So that they can't catch me. They can try. But they won't catch me.

I've tried to look away, but it's brought to my attention often. A Facebook message. A Twitter DM. An Instagram tag. Shit, even at Elevate it was mentioned ("You have so many copiers!"). It can't be ignored because my friends, my supporters, you guys, you aren't going to let it go unnoticed. You openly voiced your support of JAA across the internet when I was still too scared to say anything. You had the balls when I didn't.

More tears. I must be PMSing here people.

And here's the thing. I realized I need to have more faith in you guys. I'm here brokenhearted, so scared of losing business....when really, you guys know what's up! You really are looking out for me and I can't tell you how much it means to me. This has definitely been my hardest struggle for some time now, but knowing you're behind me makes it a little bit easier. Thank you! xo JA

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Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: Simply Just Lovely

2013-05-17T09:03:00.001-07:00

Today I'd like to introduce you to Erin, of Simply Just Lovely today! I love the sense of style that she depicts not only in the clothes she wears in her outfit posts, but also in the jewelry she makes. Here she is:

"Hey my name is Erin and I make jewelry over at SimplyJustLovely and blog about my life and personal style here. I design simple, delicate jewelry perfect for everyday wear. I have a love for the simple things in life which is represented in all my necklace designs.

By day I am a high school fashion teacher and by night I am a jewelry designer and momma to a beautiful baby boy. I live a creative lifestyle and design and craft any chance I get. I have been designing jewelry for as long as I can remember and recently decided to share my designs with the world."

Show Erin some link love here:

Shop // Facebook // Twitter // Blog

Erin is offering one lucky reader $25 credit to her shop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced here in one week and notified by e-mail. Good luck! xo JA

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My Elevate Conference Experience

2013-05-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

I attended Elevate Conference last weekend. I found out about it through Kimmie's personal Facebook page. I realized it was literally 10 minutes away, with some of my favs (Erin, Kimmie & Ashley) on the speaker panel and was like omg I have to goooo! I originally got wait listed since the conference was sold out and I am so so glad that a spot opened up last minute that I got to snag.

The excitement of getting a ticket quickly turned into nerves. The morning of the conference I woke up nice and early and spent way more time getting ready that I usually do. My mind was racing. Will I make a good impression? Will I recognize people? Will people recognize me? What if I'm all by myself while everyone else carries on conversations with each other? (Is this normal or am I just a freak?)

When I showed up and walked in, I had a minor panic attack since the scene looked sort of like my fear of "everyone carrying on in conversation, all knowing each other except me" but then I saw Erin. I bee-lined for her, hugged her. Phew. I knew someone. It's going to be ok. Now calm the eff down and DO THIS.

(Oh heeyyy Kimmie and Erin!!)

The speakers at Elevate were amazing. They got down to the nitty gritty for us. They opened up, and told their story, for us. I can tell you I wrote only one thing down on my notepad when Kimmie spoke because I was so enthralled in the story she was telling (and shed tears more than once). (For the record, I wrote "you're so much bigger than your blog.") And Ashley surprised me with her openness, bluntness almost, in such a good way, admitting fault and explaining how she learned and changed from it.

What I really took away from Elevate, is that everyone struggles. The speakers, that are so well-known in the blogging community, they are real people just like me. Everyone has their story. As much as we feel like we "know" the girl behind the blog, there is so much other stuff going on behind the scenes, and it's not all pretty. It's hard. Blogging is hard. And it's ok to have moments of weakness, it's ok to be sad and struggle. It's ok to make mistakes, because we all do it. We just have to be sure to use those moments to learn from them.

Ashley and I were on a team for shooting rubber bands and she kicked my ass.

Summer, Jen, and Nichole did an amazing job on Elevate. (Thanks so much girls!) It was the perfect mix of personal and business. I left feeling happy and inspired (and went out with some of the girls to grab a drink in Newport so basically, I made new friends!)

Can I also just add that Lauren is frickin funny. Natalie and her husband are basically the cutest couple ever. Mique is way too modest about her amazingness. Erin is exactly how I imagined her which shows how true to herself she is on her blog. Ashley is a riot, all 4'11 of her. Kimmie is so sweet and genuine. Man, just so many amazing woman!

I'm really glad I sucked up my nerves and went to this conference. It was not the easiest, I definitely was out of my comfort zone. But I know that the more I put myself in these positions, the easier it will get.

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10 Things That Make Me Happy

2013-05-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today's May Blogging Challenge topic is "10 Things That Make You Happy."

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There's so many things that make me happy.

There's the obvious stuff (family, friends, my shop)...

So let's have fun with it, shall we?

Here's 10, although I could go on forever:

1. Driving with the windows down

2. Wearing dresses

3. Harry Potter

4. Surprises (however I pretend otherwise)

5. Rum and cokes

6. Songs that take me back to a good memory

7. New underwear

8. Long-term friendships

9. Pretty much any furry animal ever

10. Autumn in Michigan

What makes you happy? People? The little things? The big things? Tell me! xo JA

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What I Miss

2013-05-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Blog Everyday topic was "What do you miss?" I'm a day late, as I like to enjoy my weekends, but I still wanted to discuss this topic. Are you ready to get personal?

What do I miss? Time with my dad.

One day, soon after my freshman year of college started, my Mom called and told me that she was driving up to my college because she had something to tell me that "wasn't good." She assured me that my family was ok. "Nobody was in an accident or anything."

Three hours later my mom arrived at my dorm and told me that my Dad wanted a divorce. We cried together. I remember my roommate walked in, got an awkward look on her face, and quickly went into the bedroom. I don't remember saying much or asking questions. I didn't know what I was feeling or how this was happening. After 20 years of marriage, a divorce is something I never saw in the cards for my parents.

The next few months are kind of a blur. My family would tell you that I handled the divorce "well" and I think it's because I wasn't around for it. Since I was away at college I didn't witness what my parents went through. I guess I should be thankful for that.

One day, after the divorce was final, I was home from school and my grandma called. I remember her telling me my dad was "sick" for not "getting help" (marriage counseling). I'll never forget that. She called him selfish. She told me I should be mad at him. It was then that I realized my mom's side of the family was angry. Maybe I was naive in thinking they wouldn't be.

What my angry family didn't see was my dad's suffering. And honestly, I wish I hadn't either. After the divorce my dad had no one. Backs were turned. He had no one to talk to. But me. I can tell you exactly where I was, who I was with, what I was doing, when my dad called me one night when I was at school. He was crying. I can't explain how it felt to hear this. To hear my dad, the strong man in my life, show pain, suffering....instability, vulnerability. It threw my off my feet and I started crying as soon as I hung up the phone. My friends immediately surrounded me in a hug and that was really the first time since my mom initially told me about the divorce that I showed so much emotion.

Since the divorce, I have seen a completely different side of my dad. He is so much more open with me about his feelings than he ever was when he was married to my mom. I know a part of him will always feel guilty for not being around as often after the divorce...not being able to "leave his influence" on me anymore. He is constantly reminding me how important I am to him, that raising me was the best experience of my life.

I've thought about whether or not I blame my dad for his decision. I've thought about whether or not I considered him selfish, as my grandma said. My dad was unhappy in his marriage. Should he have chosen to live unhappily for the rest of his life to make other's happy? He stayed until I was 18. He waited until I went away to school. To make it easier on me. To be there for me until I moved away.

I can't be mad at him for his decision. There is no grudge. But I do miss him.

xo JA

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Sponsor Spotlight: The Whisketeers

2013-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today I want to introduce you to my lovely sponsor, Alice, of The Whisketeers. She is joining us from Slovenia to tell you a bit about herself, her blog, and her workspace! Here she is:

"Hi everyone! I'm Alice, the voice behind Whisketeers. For now Whisketeers is a blog, but by the end of the year it will hopefully expand into a shop of my own handmade products for dogs and cats. And speaking of cats - I'm a proud cat mama of 3, but I love all animals. Which is why they are a regular topic on the blog. I also share my favorite quotes, some recipes, DIYs and wishlists, and write about everything else that interests me like design and architecture. Every now and then, I tell you about what's going on in my personal life.

My boyfriend and I just recently moved into a new apartment, so my workspace is a bit dull (watch the blog for regular updates!). I now have one big table, for both my computer, where I edit my photos, and my sewing machine. But I have to admit that I work from the couch a lot, because it's comfortable and I usually have company there - the kitties.

I think this year is going to be a big year for me and I welcome you all to join me on my journey."

Be sure to give Alice some link love here:

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Bloglovin

Have a happy weekend friends! xo JA

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Transferring Images To Fabric - DIY Tutorial

2013-05-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

I recently found out about Avery Inkjet Fabric Transfers. My mom sent me a newspaper article about them (yes, she mails me articles from the Detroit Free Press, most often ones about how the movie industry is so often filming in Detroit, and how creative jobs are opening up, think she's hinting at something?). Anyways, she sent me an article of projects using Avery Inkjet Fabric Transfers, with a post-it note saying "This made me think of you." So, what else could I do but go to Staples for supplies for a fabric transfer project? So....I made a pillow with song lyrics on it. :] Wanna make one? Here's what I did:

What you'll need:

Fabric Transfer Paper (I used Avery brand)

Scissors

Iron

Digital design

So I drew out my design (Hopeless Wanderer lyrics by Mumford and Sons) to digitize, but if you're not feeling that, you can use any design on your computer, including photos!!

Once you have your design open on your computer, you'll want to flip it, or mirror it. So when you print it on your fabric transfer paper, the image will be backwards. If your image doesn't fill up the entire sheet of paper (for example, I made mine into the shape of a heart) cut it out accordingly.

Next, place your transfer paper design-side down onto your fabric. (This doesn't have to be a pillow! Think shirts, totes, aprons, etc!) The next step is ironing, and for that be sure to follow the instructions on your fabric transfer paper package, as timing and temperature may very by brand. Let cool and then pull the top layer off the transfer paper.

Now....let's see how long this pillow lasts until Penny pulls out all the stuffing.... ;] xo JA

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Things I'm Scared Of

2013-05-06T17:35:00.003-07:00

Today's Blogging Challenge topic: Things That I'm Scared Of.

(source.)

Well, if I'm being honest, I'm kind of a chicken. Although, I do feel myself making small changes (For example, this weekend I am going to a mini blogging conference by myself. I'm scared, but I'm making the effort to face the fear.)

Maybe one day I will become a "Yes Man" and be able to say yes to a lot more with no fear. But not today.

So here are some of my biggest fears:

Flying (aka: being crammed into a germ-infested flying tuna can)
Roller coasters (no thank you)
The thought of zip-lining (which I know I will be forced into one day)
Motion sickness (gross)
The ocean (almost drown when I was young)
Someone breaking in (am I the only weirdo that imagines this terrifying scenario??)
Losing loved ones (this is a normal one, right?)
Spiders (ahem)
Enclosed spaces I can't get out of easily (planes, taxis, buses)

I mean...what a wuss, right?

Basically, I think my biggest fear, which is a cause of a lot of the things on the list above, is not having control. Losing control, putting my trust in something or someone, is what gives me anxiety. Not so much in my emotional relationships, but just in life's physical aspects. Like I said...I'm working on it. :]

What are you afraid of? Did my list strike a couple chords or do you think I'm a big wuss? ;]

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