What's So Great About Being 18?
My step-brother just turned 18 yesterday, and everyone has been saying, "What's so great about turning 18?" When you are a teenager, 18 is the first step to being an adult!! Here are all the GREAT things about being 18:

  1. You can buy lottery tickets!
  2. You can vote
  3. You can have your own bank account
  4. You can get into clubs!
  5. You are close to graduating high school
  6. You can serve/sell alcohol (as a server) and make more than minimum wage!
  7. You can get a tattoo or piercing! http://www.tattoofinder.com/friend.asp?flash=13649
  8. You can buy 5 Hour Energy
  9. You are now considered an adult!

So many fun memories....maybe the last one could hold off for awhile, now thinking back. Happy Birthday Jules! Welcome to adulthood...it's a fun ride!
Need To Smile? Check This Out!
I stumbled across this great Etsy shop today and clicked through to view the items, in great part due to the contagious smile of the owner, Enid, in her profile picture. The shop's name is Yassiry , and they specialize in ribbon sculpture hair clippies. If you know a sweet little girly, girl, this shop is perfect for fun and affordable gifts! If not, it is a great pick-me-up to see such creativity and "happy" thoughts that spill out over the shop walls to your own day. My favorites, the monkey and banana clip set, are unique and completely adorable! And perfect for Easter is the sweet and funny bunny! Great job Enid, and good luck with your business! And, keep smiling....it's contagious!!
Who Inspires You, Really?
Who makes you who you are? Genetics? Yes. The people you surround yourself with everyday? Definitely! I get up everyday, drink coffee, and tell myself that it's going to be a great day. I am inspired to think this way, and actually believe it, and here is why:

Well, there is Tammy, my co-worker and my friend. EVERYDAY, (yes, literally everyday,) this woman has a smile on her face. She has a family, runs her own business, works her butt off, and she still, always has a smile. She is by far one of the most positive people I have ever met. Problems to her aren't actual problems, they are obstacles, and she gets through them laughing. She helps every person that she knows, giving them a reason to "Pay it Forward" in their life. I feel lucky to know this woman. I am inspired......

Then there are my two oldest kids, Jaden and Ambrie. These two are so close in age, they act like twins! Yes, everyone says their own children are great, but everyone that knows these two say the same thing. Jaden is the oldest, and he has Down Syndrome. He loves life! He has always had the biggest smile and the biggest heart. His adversities in life are many, but like Tammy, he is always smiling. Finding acceptance and appreciation has never been an issue for him because he lights up a room with his quirky personality and his abiding love for all people. Everyone knows Jaden, and everyone loves him for what he brings to their lives: Love that is blind to differences.
And then there is Ambrie, my daughter. She lives slightly in her brother's shadow, probably because she IS her brother's shadow. The best sister any kid could hope for, Ambrie is Jaden's biggest advocate. She is MY teacher and has taught me things about selfless love that I never knew I could learn. I am probably still not as good of a person today, as she is at age 8. She is extremely protective and very sensitive to peoples feelings. She cries while watching the judges on American Idol make fun of the people that can't sing during try-outs. She loves everyone. I am inspired.......


Then there is my dad. I could write a book on this man and maybe one day, I will. By far, THE best person I know and someone that I am blessed to have as a role model, not only for myself, but my children as well. He has nothing, and gives all. Enough said. I am inspired.....

So, who inspires you, really?
Where to buy Steampunk Supplies
I just opened a new ebay store, Moments of Beauty, and a lot of my new merchandise is perfect for anyone that likes steampunk themed jewelry. I carry key charms, clock faces, lock charms, and lots more! New inventory should be in a week from now and I can't wait!! My prices are very low and I do combine shipping on all orders! Check it out. Custom orders are always welcome and free gifts are mailed out occasionally to my email subscribers! Happy New Year Shopping!!
Moments of Beauty



UpCycled Marvels-My Favorite Etsy Shops

One of my favorite Etsy shops  is called Mistleandtoe. I was lucky enough to find them today under the Pounce section.They have a unique variety of upcycled items in their shop that I have not seen any other place. They have managed to turn everyday things that we throw away into pieces of usable or wearable art. YAY THEM!  This is a collective shop with several different artists, and each piece is unique in a fun and spunky way. My favorite items from this shop are the upcycled juice carton wallets and the upcycled t-shirt necklaces. These unexpected treasures would be a perfect addition to anybody's collection. A portion of the their proceeds also goes to a non-profit organization. They are waiting on their first sale. Crafty, Earth Loving, and Generous. My kind of shop. Check them out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/mistleandtoe#
For A Cause-Etsy Sellers Who Give Back
Breast Cancer Awareness Pendant
Down Syndrome Awareness Pendant
Down Syndrome Awareness Pendant
I am amazed at the kindness and goodwill of people everyday. In a world that is so bombarded with greed and malice, there are still good souls who do things for others, getting nothing in return. They do it for the pure joy of love and human kindness. With so many people today profitting off of tragedy, it is nice to see that some of us are still living life not just for ourselves. My featured Etsy shop for Thursday morning is Sarahs Treasure Box. Her cute glass tile pendants are affordable and a percentage of the profits go to a good cause. This is a true human moment of beauty. Please check out her shop.
My Favorite Etsy Shops-Wednesday Blog
One of my favorite Etsy shops is Just Pickett from Oregon. This store offers beautiful wallets, handbags, cosmetic bags, and even diaper bags. I personally have bought from this shop, and let me tell you, the quality is awesome! Just Pickett's owner is a very great person to work with who values communication as part of her business. The custom item that she created for me was made to my specific requests and she even purchased materials that she did not already have to allow me to choose what I wanted!Her shipping time is super fast and very affordable. Check it out! Just Pickett's Etsy Shop