tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13477369519416784812024-02-18T22:09:17.148-08:00MamaDivine DesignsSherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-65293821543376054702009-06-24T08:03:00.001-07:002009-06-24T08:03:32.707-07:00Thought for the Day"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. " - Herm AlbrightSherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-19742058923517949852009-06-23T08:07:00.001-07:002009-06-23T08:07:38.143-07:00Thought for the DayThought for the day. "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." - E. E. CummingsSherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-9929454532731692122009-06-22T16:05:00.001-07:002009-06-22T16:05:54.654-07:00Thought for the Day"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." - Sir Winston ChurchillSherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-17442995224914738572009-05-17T15:56:00.001-07:002009-05-17T15:56:22.990-07:00Heartless - K Allen<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/49e3b4acb258ffb9/4a109615e88fc4ca/49e3b4ac73ab11c8/61173ae7/widget.js"></script><a href="http://www.americanidol.com/videos/" target="_blank">Want more American Idol videos? Click here.</a>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-78675333219017928602009-05-17T15:43:00.001-07:002009-05-17T15:43:26.568-07:00You Are So Beautiful - D Gokey<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/49e3b4acb258ffb9/4a10930e3785226f/49e3b4ac7f97c92b/76adc5f9/widget.js"></script><a href="http://www.americanidol.com/videos/" target="_blank">Want more American Idol videos? Click here.</a>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-30860927422660514692009-05-17T15:35:00.001-07:002009-05-17T15:35:15.674-07:00If I Can't Have You - A Lambert<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/49e3b4acb258ffb9/4a109123533dfc4f/49e3b4ac73ab11c8/f8df30a1/widget.js"></script><a href="http://www.americanidol.com/videos/" target="_blank">Want more American Idol videos? Click here.</a>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-55226808634806284142009-05-13T23:14:00.000-07:002009-05-13T23:17:14.428-07:00PAY IT FORWARDCreative people are adventurous! So, if you’re creative and would like to participate, please send me a comment and the first five people will receive something (handmade by me!) from me in the mail. In return, all you have to do is “pay it forward”- please see the rules, restrictions and limitations below. <br /><br />Here are the rules, and happy posting!<br /><br />1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. But I hope you will. This will be something made from the heart. <br /><br />2. What I create will be just for you with love and good wishes. It will be made of actual materials, not of cyberspace.<br /><br />3. It will be done this year (2009).<br /><br />4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be!<br /><br />5. In return, all you need to do is cut and paste this text on your Blog (from “Creative People are…” and create five things for the first 5 people to respond to your post.<br />6. Send your mailing address after I contact you.Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-52368010564787094252009-05-12T16:34:00.001-07:002009-05-12T16:34:12.581-07:00Artbead Divine Jewelry at 1000Markets<link rel='stylesheet' href='/components/com_spotlight/style.css' type='text/css' /><div id="spotlight_description">Some of my favorite designs from Artbead Divine Jewelry</div><div id="listings"> <div class="listing" id="1000markets1"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/51152?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item1img" name="item1img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0227/9362/IMG_6120_display.jpg?1240125812" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="listing" id="1000markets2"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/38750?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item2img" name="item2img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0174/6032/DSCN2435_display.jpg?1236899737" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="listing" id="1000markets3"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/42062?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item3img" name="item3img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0188/6428/IMG_5954_display.jpg?1237787174" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="listing" id="1000markets4"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/42092?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item4img" name="item4img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0188/8188/DSC04318_display.jpg?1237813636" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="listing" id="1000markets5"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/21058?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item5img" name="item5img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0094/1542/801anarose_display.jpg?1239855568" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="listing" id="1000markets6"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/35764?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item6img" name="item6img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0161/6593/EarringsBlockAqua_display.jpg?1236044361" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="listing" id="1000markets7"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/35206?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item7img" name="item7img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0159/4675/FF-NK0225-1ME_display.jpg?1235935564" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="listing" id="1000markets8"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/41732?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item8img" name="item8img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0187/5488/Kim_004_display.jpg?1237741269" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> <div class="listing" id="1000markets9"><br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" class="item" href="http://www.1000markets.com/products/44117?ref=byhand.me" ><div class="item"><img id="item9img" name="item9img" src="http://www.1000markets.com/pictures/0196/9097/IMG_1491a_display.jpg?1238301496" /></div></a><br /> </div><br /> </div>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-70299537733157713842009-04-26T11:10:00.000-07:002009-04-26T11:11:59.593-07:00I FINALLY GOT MY GIRL!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7wpJPjpIEzwPCHx8L5jXp0beh3E0E3-N7SKdgMeODKDCyvaESTbQqwRrWxoCylbM4j-4bcAZMfAlAJFzlsQOUK2PqD7oJuSsw_DLiNLiDzX_N11QQ1ZSywVfgOXgZ-2Oh56rkS84eH8/s1600-h/zoey3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7wpJPjpIEzwPCHx8L5jXp0beh3E0E3-N7SKdgMeODKDCyvaESTbQqwRrWxoCylbM4j-4bcAZMfAlAJFzlsQOUK2PqD7oJuSsw_DLiNLiDzX_N11QQ1ZSywVfgOXgZ-2Oh56rkS84eH8/s200/zoey3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329064444759459058" /></a><br />As a mom to two very active boys, I often wondered what it would be like to have a girl. Well, now I finally have my little girl; of course, she is of the four-legged variety.<br /><br />Meet Zoey, the newest addition to my very active family. We found and fell in love with Zoey at the local animal shelter. Or should I say, my soon to be 6 year old son fell in love with her. Zoey is a much awaited birthday gift to our son. He has been asking for a beagle puppy since he was 2 and after years of begging his daddy, daddy has finally complied.<br /><br />Zoey is actually a beagle and terrier mix. She has the markings of a beagle but has the face and size of a Jack Russell terrier. She is very active and will definitely keep this house hopping. She's already confiscated my slippers and my shoes and has gotten into the garbage can. Yuck!!! Now I just need to make sure she stays away from my beads!Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-44038261647367578742009-04-07T20:25:00.000-07:002009-04-08T09:59:07.801-07:00FEATURED PRODUCT - "ISLAND RIGHTS" CANVAS ON WOOD ART PENDANT<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5VMD8IwERtn0grdzGreg9mmsn0mQ8JMLDNwqVI92zko6TrGemMMuZrxABQDJKwdSXYMY6su6h6IRMk4lLltWI9c8piI7TR9-5FBSi0tGgXpUXD-j-2_lKI66dTUxXgsUEEdA641jlls/s1600-h/artbeads+pendant2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5VMD8IwERtn0grdzGreg9mmsn0mQ8JMLDNwqVI92zko6TrGemMMuZrxABQDJKwdSXYMY6su6h6IRMk4lLltWI9c8piI7TR9-5FBSi0tGgXpUXD-j-2_lKI66dTUxXgsUEEdA641jlls/s200/artbeads+pendant2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322179023704467474" /></a>Last month I was asked by Artbeads to review one of their new products and although it has been a long time coming, I have finally created a necklace featuring this incredible art pendant. This spectacular wood framed pendant features a print of the "Island Rights" painting by California artist Peter Pierce. Although this pendant would look great simply hung from a leather cord or ribbon, I chose to pair it with coordinating green seed beads and fuchsia chalcedony rounds accented with fancy sterling silver bead caps. <br /><br />I am a big fan of the beach having grown up on the California coast and this print is an incredible representation of the natural beauty of a tropical paradise. It actually reminds me of my honeymoon in the Bahamas. The colors are rich and vibrant and this mini-masterpiece would be a perfect accessory for any beach lover. <br /><br />The painting is printed on real canvas with pigment paint and then coated with two layers of water-resistant varnish. The only negative remark I have regarding the pendant is that the bail is silver-plated and I usually only work with precious metals but other than that this piece is truely an incredible work of art. Make sure to check out Artbead's entire line of <a href="http://www.artbeads.com/pendants-canvas-on-wood.html">canvas of wood pendants</a>.<br /><br />Also, while shopping for your pendant, make sure to check out Artbead's great line of <a href="http://www.artbeads.com/delicas-seed-beads.html">seed beads</a>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-64801611950615406652009-04-06T22:56:00.000-07:002009-04-06T23:08:06.918-07:00HEALTH UPDATEUpdate on my son's cardiologist appointment - It appears he is a healthy 7 year old boy. Thank goodness. The highlight of the appointment for him was to see his heart via ultrasound. This child was so intrigued. I practically had to drag him out of the office, all he wanted to do was discuss his heart with the doctor. Hopefully, this will be the end of the continuing round robin of doctor's visits. <br /><br />Until tomorrow, have a good night.Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-55952384390355932222009-04-01T08:38:00.000-07:002009-04-01T09:01:18.839-07:00KIDS = GREY HAIR<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCKuw4EyJ3gSMbr7U9HSRu9WkbY5ZUmEju3hp2z-YePGm7FfRsofBRoHNnj2bRWXZW6Hf-2LfHnu_Nc0f_Zrv3xd0OJQBfB20DFsiF6oJiVGyENNWFW_laY4x8UwgjbUi_5WefZSz1BU/s1600-h/Christopher.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 157px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCKuw4EyJ3gSMbr7U9HSRu9WkbY5ZUmEju3hp2z-YePGm7FfRsofBRoHNnj2bRWXZW6Hf-2LfHnu_Nc0f_Zrv3xd0OJQBfB20DFsiF6oJiVGyENNWFW_laY4x8UwgjbUi_5WefZSz1BU/s200/Christopher.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319753359781468306" /></a>Well we survived the allergy screening last week and yes, my eldest son does suffer from allergies. Considering both my husband and I are chronic allergy sufferers, I guess it was inevitable both my kids would follow suit. Fortunately, he is only allergic to most grasses and some trees so Springtime is the worst time of year for him. Fortunately, he doesn't have to have shots at this time. Thank goodness because he screamed bloody murder during the scratch test. He is such a drama king! <br /><br />I thought this would end the continuous round robin of doctor visits but unfortunately, his allergist detected a heart murmur and recommended that he be seen by his pediatrician. So yesterday off we went to have his heart checked. As a result, we now have an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist tomorrow. It is probably nothing but they want to be certain. Needless to say, I think I have at least twenty new grey hairs that have now infiltrated my already peppered head. Thank goodness for hair color!<br /><br />I'll update again tomorrow following the cardiology appointment and as promised, I will post the product review by this weekend.<br /><br />Have a great day!Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-10712228395203659732009-03-26T12:09:00.000-07:002009-03-26T12:41:57.981-07:00MARCH MADNESSI can't believe it has been more than three weeks since I last posted. Life has been quite a challange this entire month. Spring is in the air and with Spring comes allergy season. Need I say more. <br /><br />February began with both my boys getting sick, followed by my husband and I. My oldest son, the healthiest of the two, recovered quickly but my youngest had a cough for more than four weeks and by the beginning of March, his asthma was getting worse. Even his inhalers weren't being effective. So off to the doctor we went. <br /><br />I thought we'd get a new steroidal inhaler for him and he'd be on the road to recovery. Not!!! We were sent home with a nebulizer which we were to use three times a day, Prednisone (a very nasty drug which can make one very moody), and an antibiotic (to fight any bug that may be present in his lungs). Well after two weeks of treatments, I am happy to say, my five year old has recovered - just in time for soccer season. Now we are back to weekly allergy injections again to hopefully ward off any future problems.<br /><br />Now here I was thinking we were all going to remain healthy. Surprise, my eldest started showing signs of allergies about two weeks ago. What!!! He is my healthy child. It started with his eyes burning and swelling following soccer practice one night and has progressed to sneezing, a runny nose and a nasty cough. It seems he is worse in the evening, following soccer practice. So I finally made the decision to have him screened for allergies. So off we go tomorrow, back to the doctor for the allergy scratch test. Oh, please give me strength....Hopefully, he won't have to have allergy injections. I think two of us getting shots for allergies (my youngest and myself) are enough but what the heck, why not make it a family affair.<br /><br />Anyhow, I was fortunate to be picked to evaluate a new and exciting product from Artbeads and I was hoping to incorporate it into one of my designs but given the craziness currently in my home, I was unable to create something. So within this next week, I will be evaluating the product on its own. So make sure and check back.Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-37855561049228675232009-03-03T14:59:00.000-08:002009-03-03T15:02:53.499-08:00MARCH - DVT AWARENESS MONTH<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0g5sBlJsxWTZbtJcRgfwlggPRjPGQCN9L2w3Eimjj-eyHYdmDUTuUZj7owbcWfnpZ2R5200vR4dOTazwNNNbg7uShYdmS-YFoCde22bkPS1V11DEbUP5lp7q98mzrpP187x9VURCFag/s1600-h/mom+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0g5sBlJsxWTZbtJcRgfwlggPRjPGQCN9L2w3Eimjj-eyHYdmDUTuUZj7owbcWfnpZ2R5200vR4dOTazwNNNbg7uShYdmS-YFoCde22bkPS1V11DEbUP5lp7q98mzrpP187x9VURCFag/s200/mom+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309100278325537058" /></a><br />Almost seven years ago, my mother passed away due to a Pulmonary Embolism, a complication associated with Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common but serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs. A complication of DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), can occur when afragment of a blood clot breaks loose from the wall of the vein and migrates to the lungs, where it blocks a pulmonary artery or one of its branches.<br /><br />Blockage of the main pulmonary artery by one or more of the emboli may be life threatening. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, a feeling of apprehension, rapid pulse, sweating, and/or a sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing. Some patients may cough bloody sputum, while others may develop very low blood pressure and pass out.<br /><br />Up to two million Americans suffer from DVT each year, approximately 300,000 deaths annually result from PE, the majority of which result from DVT - more than breast cancer and AIDS combined.<br /><br />In memory of my mom, I am donating 20% of all sales made during the month of March to the Vascular Disease Foundation. For more information about DVT and Pulmonary Embolism go to <a href="http://www.preventdvt.org">http://www.preventdvt.org</a>.Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-7941964097081403792009-02-25T12:54:00.000-08:002009-02-25T15:06:18.259-08:00STUNNING NEW MARKET ON 1000MARKETS - ARTBEAD DIVINE JEWELRY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsLFmRRPpuL5WW7GkOtIZW19Hzp36pxIPfyCe_2ztVjcrs8JFqjVgtmff9eAXcxLt_1mZNMBQRboHAgdaRfgP74W3r0AGV9Sj4OOTiGr3ySALck9DuW_BB2CtRBqCcU1q-iEqHwoH0kE/s1600-h/Artbead+Banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsLFmRRPpuL5WW7GkOtIZW19Hzp36pxIPfyCe_2ztVjcrs8JFqjVgtmff9eAXcxLt_1mZNMBQRboHAgdaRfgP74W3r0AGV9Sj4OOTiGr3ySALck9DuW_BB2CtRBqCcU1q-iEqHwoH0kE/s320/Artbead+Banner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306874205002291298" /></a><br />Check out the newest market on 1000Markets - <a href="http://www.1000markets.com/groups/artbead">Artbead Divine Jewelry </a>(ADJ). If you love artisan lampwork glass bead jewelry, then this is the place to check out the work of a very talented group of jewelry designers. Just last week, I had the honor of being asked to join this group and I am honored to be among such a phenomenal group of artists. We are all dedicated to creating unique, quality handcrafted jewelry featuring artisan designed lampwork glass beads. <br />Here are just a few examples of the work showcased:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp3q_Vhy9hnb4hKbbbm9wkIlifpC39wTKB238CfDYltJyr3-qLiNCLcCJL9NQ_tmgI3YmvKQMumIQ828eJ64xwCsHdc_H9rmxDerVSXpdojXki214QhvuBumwLKGzMTHtiT6cYMhPHLE/s1600-h/Must+Haves.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp3q_Vhy9hnb4hKbbbm9wkIlifpC39wTKB238CfDYltJyr3-qLiNCLcCJL9NQ_tmgI3YmvKQMumIQ828eJ64xwCsHdc_H9rmxDerVSXpdojXki214QhvuBumwLKGzMTHtiT6cYMhPHLE/s320/Must+Haves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306847778378029506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina8_CQFCjiYaIk7GOUpPcU8utOtXxtgFICopZsipo7BeKRGdwuzrTKI1ZaFHaZ0GqeZYTHEH6nrTzKUNlZvPJkIdA4K0U8zlpkj5B1BDNCK-PaB6Ce6QovizT6_csxUHvAWHJUfK8T9c/s1600-h/Mermaid.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina8_CQFCjiYaIk7GOUpPcU8utOtXxtgFICopZsipo7BeKRGdwuzrTKI1ZaFHaZ0GqeZYTHEH6nrTzKUNlZvPJkIdA4K0U8zlpkj5B1BDNCK-PaB6Ce6QovizT6_csxUHvAWHJUfK8T9c/s320/Mermaid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306847676368434498" /></a><br /><br /><br><P><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaAi3mwKQ8q_5gCLIT21mxG_rRjUUS8u0QvVbn4rrUqR7nl9xTxMxAjoDl-vuUDfcARgK6Ci99eJRRnKEqO3BnBleNeT5LM0Z4KGNbiKC2onEQASFwGFG1V_7-OUhg3eYJFBKwbdcrQc/s1600-h/just+vonnna.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaAi3mwKQ8q_5gCLIT21mxG_rRjUUS8u0QvVbn4rrUqR7nl9xTxMxAjoDl-vuUDfcARgK6Ci99eJRRnKEqO3BnBleNeT5LM0Z4KGNbiKC2onEQASFwGFG1V_7-OUhg3eYJFBKwbdcrQc/s320/just+vonnna.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306847556105336562" /></a>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-30051396323882133432009-02-12T12:22:00.000-08:002009-02-12T13:02:45.774-08:00ANNIVERSARY SALE - 15% OFF<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6NcTDwr44h1iQWO1i9nVGbhTX_hXpSG6s1_D7QnwdpoVmIghDCOhn5vUZ9jHDRxNpW1U69nhrR0VcsaD6_kLeJ50DRuLVIjXYJ4jqdd3MEZiXDHmtF-7zH_Nd56T8_IxfQPh1eGCfE0/s1600-h/Springtimeblog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6NcTDwr44h1iQWO1i9nVGbhTX_hXpSG6s1_D7QnwdpoVmIghDCOhn5vUZ9jHDRxNpW1U69nhrR0VcsaD6_kLeJ50DRuLVIjXYJ4jqdd3MEZiXDHmtF-7zH_Nd56T8_IxfQPh1eGCfE0/s320/Springtimeblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302018894317066722" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQkNhqh0ftOKEw8Xa8BT6IUCZIWMxUBSseQFht1epmrZIYMEQesGNty_gxWp7C3mMsgRr2r1IyNbkMB2D1iNU46F5S0shyphenhyphenZtKe3-BY224iqo7UpKbrl7EM7OQZQ0IB85JBBAgdJpFH8A/s1600-h/Georgia+Peachblog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQkNhqh0ftOKEw8Xa8BT6IUCZIWMxUBSseQFht1epmrZIYMEQesGNty_gxWp7C3mMsgRr2r1IyNbkMB2D1iNU46F5S0shyphenhyphenZtKe3-BY224iqo7UpKbrl7EM7OQZQ0IB85JBBAgdJpFH8A/s320/Georgia+Peachblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302017903204079650" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Just three days left to save 15% off regularly priced items in my Rubylane Shop. It's hard to believe it has been three years since I opened my shop on Rubylane. Make sure to check out the great deals. <a href="http://www.mamadivinedesigns.rubylane.com">Show Now!!</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkkDftmerX6cggku5NO4ptKOpMci5Ct-Pw5m55_XUAULUzbBiG0VGFpENi-1qI7mK2a6Nii3LMO1pcDSf1arD1zCl-SVA20uAor_UwtoMvyncCt4NbIjzbh8-OE2ziDT3aQ3DqjOBvpY/s1600-h/Beautiful+Morningblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkkDftmerX6cggku5NO4ptKOpMci5Ct-Pw5m55_XUAULUzbBiG0VGFpENi-1qI7mK2a6Nii3LMO1pcDSf1arD1zCl-SVA20uAor_UwtoMvyncCt4NbIjzbh8-OE2ziDT3aQ3DqjOBvpY/s320/Beautiful+Morningblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302019201355602418" /></a>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-46125117589198340572009-02-11T12:28:00.000-08:002009-02-11T13:14:07.064-08:00The State of the Economy and Sales Cont.Well, I am back to discuss the state of the economy and how it has effected my sales. For the past three years, I have primarly sold my jewelry exclusively on <a href="http://www.mamadivinedesigns.rubylane.com">Rubylane</a> and up until about 6 months ago, I have seen a steady increase in sales. However, with the downturn of the economy, sales have definitely slowed down quite a bit and for the past two months, sales have reached on all time low. In fact, sales for last month were half what they were at this time last year - which is normally a slow month anyhow. In fact, my predominant source of sales for the past two months has been from repeat customers and custom orders. Thank goodness for my faithful followers. <br /><br />However, with the high cost of maintaining my shop on Rubylane, coupled with the slowdown in sales, I have had to search for more cost effective ways to sell my jewelry which has led me to an internet-wide search for the appropriate venue to showcase my designs. Since I have relatively good exposure on Rubylane, I have no intention of closing my shop there. However, I will be downsizing my selection. This way, my fees will decrease by about 40% per month. <br /><br />I have also opened a <a href="http://www.mamadivinedesigns.1000markets.com">shop on 1000markets.com</a>. This site features high quality handmade items and has a very attractive layout. Vendors are juried before they can open a shop on the site and unlike most web venues, 1000markets has established an agreement with Amazon Payments for customer purchases. A huge plus for me as a vendor is that there are no upfront fees to maintain a shop on the site. 1000markets gets paid when an item sells so the financial burden is lifted when times are tough.<br /><br />As a designer, it is very hard not to get disappointed and feel like a failure when ones designs aren't flying out the door. It's difficult to find the motivation to create when times are tough. But I realize that things will eventually get better so I am using the time to promote my new shop and to develop creatively as an artist. Until next time, have a great week...and Happy Valentine's Day!!!<br /><br />Here is my latest creation which can be found in my <a href="http://www.mamadivinedesigns.rubylane.com">Rubylane shop</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8eW0ZK1cQjHn-9A-CClX54C1PjQvBGuNOnHsVR9xGE-4sRTPm7rVebgLw5LY5FJk7T8ZSEt63etwXBFvYViE7UQjFEsS-OtZXXYhcvR9-SyNjk9YKYSKXws4rGJjifgbRYYybRHWQpA/s1600-h/Love+Spell4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8eW0ZK1cQjHn-9A-CClX54C1PjQvBGuNOnHsVR9xGE-4sRTPm7rVebgLw5LY5FJk7T8ZSEt63etwXBFvYViE7UQjFEsS-OtZXXYhcvR9-SyNjk9YKYSKXws4rGJjifgbRYYybRHWQpA/s320/Love+Spell4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301650342489519154" /></a>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-8789631409844373032009-02-06T19:44:00.000-08:002009-02-06T19:46:01.025-08:00My Work<center><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w4.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/69849ccb.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/?action=view¤t=69849ccb.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></center></a></div>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-29434044892130995472009-02-04T17:06:00.000-08:002009-02-04T17:31:20.949-08:00The State of the Economy and SalesWell, here we are, with an unemployment rate the highest it has been in over thirty years and people getting laid off from their jobs in record numbers. Many of us both personally and professionally have begun to feel the pinch. <br /><br />On a personal level, my husband, the only real bread winner in the house has recently had to take a 10% pay cut, his employer terminated their 401K match and the company as a whole has downsized to a smaller building. Nothing too catastrophic given the masses who no longer are employed, but each day we wait for the shoe to drop. Fortunately, the company CEO happens to be a close friend and has told my DH that he should start sending out his resume. But given the state of the economy, what are the chances of him finding another job? We have several friends and neighbors who have been unemployed and searching for work for almost a year, so the prospects don't look too good. <br /><br />Every day when my husband leaves for work in the morning, I fear that it will be his last day of employment. But we muddle along cutting back where we can and counting our blessings that he is still working and that we have a roof over our heads. <br /><br />Laster in the week, I will write more about how the economy has affected me on a professional level. Until then, take care.Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-35220970701485030932009-02-02T11:40:00.000-08:002009-02-02T11:45:32.079-08:00NOW OPEN MamaDivine Designs at 1000 MarketsI am so excited to announce my new shop at 1000Markets.com. 1000Markets is a new online selling venue featuring the work of small independant artists who make and sell unique high quality products. The site is broken down into various markets which bring merchants together based on theme, location and common interests. <br /><br />The selection at 1000 markets is broad, unique and of the highest quality. You will find jewelry, fine art, pottery, bath and body products, woodcrafts and much more. Each shop is independantly owned and operated by the artist. If you are a discriminating consumer looking for the highest quality in handmade products, make sure to check out 1000 Markets. I would highly recommend it. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mamadivinedesigns.1000markets.com">Visit MamaDivine Designs at 1000 Markets now</a>.Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-38926786965001082122009-01-21T15:04:00.000-08:002009-01-21T15:43:23.783-08:00I Received an Award!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhWLeg03dzHdeE-Ex2xPTobV8swQtQTqDGnIHvWpFg1jKDaKp3OO3924bR7fSeZqmk7mhqlV86mp3Kf91K722A0np_WFCIG8ikzXf2KuCUCIxszpP4jdbKqYaXtsb6qyfPTAdLz8pA60/s1600-h/blog+award.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhWLeg03dzHdeE-Ex2xPTobV8swQtQTqDGnIHvWpFg1jKDaKp3OO3924bR7fSeZqmk7mhqlV86mp3Kf91K722A0np_WFCIG8ikzXf2KuCUCIxszpP4jdbKqYaXtsb6qyfPTAdLz8pA60/s320/blog+award.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293887459153567794" /></a><br />I have been honored with an award from Sparklefly. Thank you so much Denise.<br /><br />Here's the story behind this award:<br />The authors say that blogs who receive this award are exceedingly charming.<br />This blog invests in the PROXIMITY in space, time and relationships.<br />These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that even more friendships are propagated.<br />So, now it's time for me to pass on this award and 'propagate' some friendships! <br /><br />I'd like to pass this award to:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.capitolagirl.com">http://www.capitolagirl.com</a><br /><a href="http://thepinkmartiniboutique.blogspot.com">http://thepinkmartiniboutique.blotspot.com</a><br /><a href="http://shinyadornments.com/wordpress">http://shinyadornments.com/wordpress</a><br /><a href="http://cutelittlepackage.blogspot.com">http://cutelittlepackage.blogspot.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftsbychrisonline.com/blog/">http://www.craftsbychrisonline.com/blog/</a><br /><a href="http://www.adobesol.com/blog/">http://www.adobesol.com/blog/</a><strong></strong>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-43260849269468265462009-01-11T15:03:00.001-08:002009-01-11T15:03:42.684-08:00Check out a few of my designs.<div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w4.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/69849ccb.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/?action=view¤t=69849ccb.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-31133989109464143012009-01-11T14:49:00.000-08:002009-01-11T14:52:56.921-08:00HAPPY NEW YEARWow, I can't believe it is already 2009. Where has all the time gone?<br /><br />Well, I realize I have been neglecting this blog so I have made a New Year's resolution to myself. My plan is to post at least once a week. We'll see how long that lasts. Anyhow, just wanted to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-78888096811889965072008-04-02T20:21:00.001-07:002008-04-02T20:40:25.545-07:00GOING STIR CRAZYI have just spent the last three days cooped up in my house with a sick child. It appears my 6 year old has a really nasty flu which started on Sunday and is still going strong now on Wednesday. Until today, he's been fighting a fever and has a really bad cough and runny nose. Poor guy has barely eaten in days and has already lost about 2 lbs, weight he can ill afford to lose. Right now he is only 46 lbs and is nothing but bones at 4'2" tall. Hopefully, we are on the tail end of this awful bug, at least for him. Unfortunately, it appears his younger brother, is coming down with the same bug so I guess I will be spending another few days cooped up on the house. <br /><br />So what better thing to do than create. Here are a couple new creations I've been working on.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/?action=view¤t=VictorianGardens-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/VictorianGardens-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/?action=view¤t=FlouriteSparkle-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/FlouriteSparkle-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></center>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347736951941678481.post-91292690229372526532008-03-31T23:25:00.000-07:002008-03-31T23:50:58.880-07:00Collaboration Challenge Necklace<CENTER><a href="http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/?action=view¤t=charitypiece-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y123/sm8262/charitypiece-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></CENTER></a><br /><br />This necklace was created as a result of a collaboration challenge between etsyBEAD & CGGE Street Teams on <a href="http://etsy.com">http://etsy.com</a>. The beautiful lampwork glass beads featured in this necklace were created by Lana of GingkoGlass (<a href="http://gingkoglass.etsy.com">http://gingkoglass.etsy.com</a>) With her increidble beads, I was able to create this stunning choker style necklace. The necklace will be donated to "HOST"~Helping Others Street Team - a non-profit charity on Etsy.com that helps raise money for fellow crafters & Etsyians in need.It will be for sale~and all proceeds will go to HOST. Learn more about the Street Teams, view more collaboration pieces, and learn more about HOST by clicking on the link below!<br /><a href="http://creativemindsforcharity.wordpress.com">http://creativemindsforcharity.wordpress.com/</a>Sherry Miller-Lohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387549023632557126noreply@blogger.com0