Avant Garden

On Saturday I got to be a part of an artist market and sell some of my jewelry. I joined my friend, Lisa of Birdie-Birdie, who was selling her stationary. Fun times.

Band of Bangles

I have a lot of time to myself these days, which has lead to branching out and doing things solo that I would normally not. Today I took a gander down to the French Market solo. I was on a mission to find some more interesting bangles to add to a few I already have and make a nice stack on my arm. I found just that plus a ring to go along. I was weaving in and out of the crowds setting my own trajectory and pace. I even tried haggling a deal for my finds, something I hate doing and don't think I am very good at so usually leave up to my husband. Turns out I think I got a better deal solo! Something to keep in mind. All in all it was a satisfying afternoon and I am very pleased with the way my old and new stuff looks all together.

Colombia

Tomorrow morning I head off bright and early for two weeks in Colombia, South America. We will be visiting my husband's family. I am so looking forward to this trip. Above are some shots from our last trip a few years ago. The middle one is of the mango tree in his mother's back yard, fresh mango juice...heaven.

Re-lax

This photo was taken last summer and it is actually me with the Mai-tie I talk about in a previous post. My husband is currently traveling for work and has our camera so I tried to find an existing photo to go along with what I have to say...I may be stretching it just a bit, but indulge me.

I have given myself the permission to have a little more breathing room and I put my notice in at work. I am pursuing my master's degree and my job was a lot of responsibility to have at the same time. I am thrilled at the potential to have more time to spend with my jewelry making passion as well!! It feels good. It was scary at first; actually taking the plunge and acting on what I had been plotting in my head, but ya know, it was the right thing for me and I am the only one who could come to that conclusion.

In an attempt to pull this all together...just remember, with all the pressures of life, everyone deserves a little chance to relax!

Cocktails Anyone?

Cocktails are just fun, the names of cocktails are fun, the fancy glasses and garnishes used to serve them are fun and usually once you've had one or two you are having fun. Maybe you have a standard cocktail of choice, or maybe your are influenced by your mood, the season, your company, or setting and change up your drink of choice accordingly.

I personally tend to prefer salty to sweet and recently decided that this is a rule of thumb that I should not stray too far from in spite of the season or setting. I was desperately wanting a Mai-Tie on a little vacation I took to a Key Largo resort. I ordered it and took it back to my lounge chair and was immediately disappointed upon the first sip, I should have known by all the sugary juices that went into creating it at the bar. It was the stereotypical drink for the setting I was in, but I would have been much happier with a Bloody Mary.

Lesson learned, but to continue, cocktails are so much fun they even have their own accessory, the cocktail ring. Slip on a huge ring that takes up half of your finger (which any true Zingida would own) and holding your cocktail becomes the perfect display for this statement piece of jewelry. So chin chin, and soak in the fun at the next cocktail hour that comes your way.

Maria, Maria

Last week we visited a family friend, Maria. She is in her 70s, but she is still a spry little thing who is absolutely hilarious. She speaks to me in Spanish even though she knows I can't understand everything, she is taking it upon herself to teach me. She is usually cooking when we visit her and last week was no exception. She whips around the kitchen, frequently getting the pockets of her apron caught on drawer handles, throwing her already somewhat wobbly balance off. It is too funny to witness.

The Jewels