Lotus

New bracelets...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:34:00 +0000

Here is a glimpse of some bracelets that will soon be added to the shop. I am in love with them! They will fit anyone, being that they are wrap style bracelets. They have a bold look, but are light and airy enough for spring and summer. Here are just two, I plan to add many more to the shop...check em out~!

PS~ The Earth Day celebration was a success and the Lotus Jewelry package donated for the silent auction raised a good donation! I was very happy *and proud*...and also there is a possibility of a great opportunity arising, more info to come!

A little bit of this, a little bit of that...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:36:00 +0000

The Earth Day Celebration is tomorrow. I have my Lotus package all made up and ready to go...the winner will get two pairs of silver earrings, 1. simple silver loops dangle form long curved ear wires and 2. silver trickle charms dangle from silver ear hooks...also a lovely necklace composed of a silver and brass flower dangling from white enamel chain and last but not least, my favorite piece...I found these great beads that are a bright green in the center and fade out to an earthy brown, very unique...they make up a fabulous bracelet. And also included is a little goodie bag with other offers enclosed. So, that is my contribution to Earth Day :) (pics are kinda sucky)

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Side note: un-jewelry related...

::I jumped on the bandwagon::

Over at Love Maegan (my favorite blog), she posted sneaky sneaky beauty tricks. I had to try them for myself!

Indeed, they work :)

I have very sensitive skin, and the EVOO is great for it. It's not too harsh, and is very moisturizing for my face without making it oily. I have been using it everyday for a week now and I really love the way it makes my complexion look and feel. I may cut back to every other day, or just try a gentle cleanser once a week. I use the EVOO as my cleanser and then a little bit more afterwards as a moisturizer as well. Fabulous product, any brand!

I was hesitant about the hairspray, only because I am an aerosol junkie- I know, bad for the earth. It's is probably best then that I did try this spray, being a non-aerosol. It offers great hold, does not take much at all, and still allows for touchable softness...given you don't over do it.

I use the oil sheen spray after I shower, I put a towel down when I spray it- using it in the shower does not work for me...I thought I would break my neck the next time I got in the shower, it makes for a slippery floor! I spray it on my arms and legs and it leaves my skin very smooth, shiny, and I actually think it has a great smell.

Now, the Evening Primrose oil. I have only been taking these for a few days, so I may not be giving a very accurate review of them. I would assume they work quickly, being that they are a natural supplement. I can be a bit ~~moody~~ of a handful sometimes. I am not big on taking prescription meds right now, so I was very curious to try these. So far, so good. They really seem to level out my moods, and I feel great. I am not real sure what they are intended for, some sort of women's health, but regardless it is working for me so far.

Great products and great post, thanks Maegan!

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Tonight I brought home some ice cream treats for the puppers. They LOVED them! Check out my other blog Shadey Days to see some cute pics of my dogs eating ice cream :)

Have a good night!

Etsy Frontpage

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Every time I go to Etsy's main page, I always wonder if I will ever see an item from my shop on their Front Page? And then I think, well it changes every 30 minutes or so, what are the chances that I would catch it if it did happen? Then I came across this fabulous website (only Etsians would appreciate it) called CraftCult.com. You are able to enter your shop and see who hearts you and which items and also see if you have ever been featured on the Front Page or any other spotlights. So, I did a search....and there I was! On March 31, who knew?~!? So if you are a fellow Etsian, go check it out...it's pretty fun!

Click here to my item featured...its bottom left corner( I cannot figure out for the life of me how to post the picture here?!?!)

Earth Day Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:45:00 +0000

To anyone in the Atlanta area...come check this out...it will be a great event to raise money for a good cause, get outdoors in the gardens, drink, eat and be merry...

Earth Day Celebration
Aveda Perimeter and Habersham Gardens raising money and awareness!

We are celebrating earth month and raising money for the Gulf Restoration Network, which provides clean water along the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida to Texas. Come enjoy delicious organic food from The Tiny Bistro, wine and beer and live music. We will be offering Aveda rituals and certificates for free salon services for small donations. We will also be holding a silent auction with gifts from Aveda, Origins, Willa's Handbags, Lotus jewelry, and much, much more. Come and celebrate with us!

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Also, I have some new items in the shop...come check em out!

long necklaces...

New earrings will be posted soon!

Laziness...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:16:00 +0000

I have lots of new items to be posted and I finally got ALL the pics edited-so they are ready to be uploaded! It is just so time consuming that I continue to put it off, which is really just all due to laziness. Believe me, I have plenty of free time. Anywhoo...I have a new ad going up tomorrow, so I really need to get busy to get the new items in the shop...they will all be up by the end of the week-for sure. Here is a glimpse of a favorite piece I have created...

Affordable Bridal Party Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Lotus is now offering Bridal Party Jewelry. These orders will be processed by custom order only. If you are interested, please contact me anytime by email at info@simplylotus.com Please include your name, contact info, date of wedding, budget for jewelry package, colors and/or style of wedding, ideas, and any additional relevant info. Below is a design I came up with that incorporates glass pearls, sterling silver rounds, and a textured silver toned-tarnish resistant bow drop. This set includes necklace and simple drop earrings. Custom orders may also include bracelets and rings, in any combination, upon request.

*Custom orders require $100 minimum total

Quickie

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:47:00 +0000

A few new items have been posted and new ones will be posted tomorrow! Check out the shop to view some! And there may be another giveaway right around the corner...stay tuned!

(I know, I know, it's a pathetic post...just wanted to let you know I was still here! And there are new items arriving soon!)

Simplylotus.com

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:22:00 +0000

It is such a gloomy, rainy day here...I love it! A perfect day to be lazy and watch movies.

Just wanted to give everyone an update that the Mossy Creek Art Festival has been rescheduled for May 9, due to weather conditions. So until then, continue shopping online. Which leads me to the site update for Lotus. If you haven't already noticed, simplylotus.com will now direct you to a main website. From here you can link directly to the shop or to the blog. All the info you need is in one place. Please pass the site on to all you family and friends that you think may be interested. Also, don't forget about the referral program that is still going on. A great way to get free jewelry!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Thanks for reading...

So sleepy...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:57:00 +0000

Tonight's sushi dinner made me very sleepy! Maybe it is something in the fish...or all the carbs in the rice!?!? Wednesday nights around here are Lost for us. If you watch then you know what I mean! So after a full tummy of a fulfilling dinner and my weekly dose of Lost, I am ready to hit the sack. The next two days will be busy with prep work for the craft fair on Saturday (fingers crossed that the weather clears up), and also getting ready for out of town company. A busy weekend is ahead :)

I do have a couple new items to post tomorrow, so check back to see the fun new pieces being added...

Good night!

Spring is in the air!

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Spring is here! As of a few days ago, I guess. Warm weather and sunshine is good for the soul indeed! I always get more motivated and much friendlier with the arrival of these gorgeous days. It makes me wanna get out from behind this computer for a change and get OUTDOORS. It's always fun to go for a hike, a picnic at the lake, a little kayaking in the river, or just a stroll around the neighborhood. I am interested in finding out more about rock climbing or maybe just crawling...I don't know if my fear of heights would allow me to try rock climbing :S Anyways...I have new items posted in the shop ...which you can always see over here to the right with my Etsy badge. Go check out the pieces...there are lots of new eclectic, fun, original pieces that will be great for Spring! Here is a glimpse...

Also, don't forget to check your email tonight after 8p EST to find out if you are a winner of the giveaway! Good luck!

AADD...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Today I am determined to stay focused! Sometimes I think I may have AADD, who knows?!? I am currently creating new pieces and adding them to the shop. Here is a piece I just finished, and it may hard for me to give it up! I don't use copper very much, just because it doesn't seem to be a popular seller with buyers. Although, this beauty really could go with so many different looks. It has a very earthy, organic feel to it. Let me know how you feel about the copper look...

Oh, and a glimpse at one more...I know Jenni will love this one!

Okay, gotta get back to work!

Beautiful Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 15:45:00 +0000

It is a gorgeous day today, here in Georgia. I had planned to begin creating some new designs I have been scheming and get some fresh new items in the shop. This day though is too hard to resist. So I am headed out with the dogs to hit up some trails and let them take a dip in the lake. I am sure you would do the same :) I hope you are enjoying a beautiful Sunday with yours as I will be with mine...

Shop updates still to come!

Giveaway...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:15:00 +0000

I am starting a mailing list. By email. If you are interested in signing up, please send me your name, email address, and birthday(you don't have to include the year :)) I will not give your info out to anyone and I will not send you a million emails :) By sending out an e-mailer I will be able to let everyone know when there is a sale at the shop, a special event, a promo, a giveaway, and also you will receive a gift on your birthday from Lotus Jewels.

You can sign up anytime by emailing me at mylotusjewelry@gmail.com Even if I already have your email info, send me a quickie so I can add you to the list. Anyone that signs up today Friday March 20- Tuesday March 24 will be entered to win a $15 gift certificate to Lotus. Which can be used towards any purchase in the shop. Don't see anything you like now? No problem. The gift certificate will be valid until April 25--and lots of new items will be added in the next few weeks! All entries must be received by 7pm EST. At 8pm EST I will draw one lucky winner, and you will receive an email to announce you are the winner of...

Exhausted...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:52:00 +0000

I am physically and mentally exhausted today...so much to do, and I can't begin my to do list until Sunday, at the earliest. So no new pieces or updates this evening...just some wine and a nice bath :)

But one exciting thing to mention- I got my fork easel (remember the stone soup challenge?) from Whimsy Love. It was everything I had hoped for and more! I am in love with it and need more! I can't decide where to put it, or how to use it...so many ideas! Go check em out and buy one! In case you forgot...

Good night!

St.Patrick

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Happy St.Patrick's Day! Whatever that really means?!?!? I was not very festive today, I wore a white t with a colorful blue scarf. While I was at the grocery today, the guy behind the counter was scanning my red wine and looks up to say, 'since you aren't wearing green today, you should put some green food coloring in your wine!' Hmmm. Yeah. Okay. Don't think that one will work. I will just drink it as is :)

But I did make some necklaces in celebration of St. Patty's Day...

They will be up in the shop soon!

Little Black Boxes...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:42:00 +0000

The Dogs ~~bark insanely loud, like they would rip you apart~~ love it when the mail lady has to come to the door with packages. So every day we expect her arrival with goodies of supplies for new jewelry creations :)

Waitin on today's delivery...

I see her coming...

And to day we got...boxes!!!

These are going to be great to add embellishments and use for gifting Lotus Jewels!

Where I am today...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:01:00 +0000

This will be a check in...an inventory of my status as it stands today...

I am working on getting my name out there. I feel lately, that my creativity is flowing freely and my outlook is optimistic. I am generating a few sales, 10 so far for the month of March. Visits to my blog this month= 183 visits. I signed up for my first craft fair, which will be March 28. I added an ad to a popular blog over at loveMaegan ...read her blog and you will love her too! (I found her through another blog that went on and on about her, I didn't believe them and had to find out for myself...and yes I now loveMaegan also). I also listed my blog over at Blogs by Women, you can find my blog on the first page under new additions and it is also a featured blog. I am offering a referral program to get free jewelry . And I am trying to blog on a regular basis. I think that sums my status up for the present. I will give an update next month to track my progress(or lack there of).

:::Here comes the mushy part:::
I feel very grateful to have this opportunity to take a chance at my dreams right now. Sometimes I am not sure why or how I always manage to be taken care of by this universe, someway, somehow. But I feel we should all try and repay all that is given to us by giving back in any way that we can....whether it be helping a stranger, a loved one, an elderly parent, a sick friend, our furry four-legged companions, however we can. I am very grateful to spend lots of time with my two dogs (check out their blog at Shadey Days ), that I love more than words can explain, while creating pieces in the comfort of my home. I am also grateful to get to help with my adorable nephew whenever possible. I feel all things work for a purpose, and so maybe I am given this opportunity so that I may give more time to those in need as well.
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Below are the pieces that I am currently inspired by:

Especially the vintage broach in the corner...I can't wait to start creating! Hopefully by the end of the week, some new pieces will be posted in the shop with these inspirational items.

Thanks for reading!

Past my bedtime...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:57:00 +0000

This will be a quickie...it's after 3am here. That's what happens when you leave me alone...I do NOT stop working! So I am still working on the shop, changing around some pics, I know I know- gotta keep ya guessing, right? New items have been listed, some current items have been updated, new banner, etc. I have a site that will have a small ad linking to my shop, beginning tomorrow. Hopefully it will bring some more traffic to the shop, fingers crossed! Must get sleep now. Here is a new piece...very Fem Goth Style...

So glad it's the weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Friday is here! I am looking forward to the weekend for sure. This weekend will be spent with my two sweet, sweet puppers...family time...and jewelry making. Maybe even some chick flicks, or really just Sex and the City movie a couple times :) Just wanted to show you a favorite bracelet. Let's see what you think. It is very simple. A brass vintage filigree cuff bracelet that is adorned with a floral brass stamping. Check for it in the shop sometime this weekend...

Just sayin thanks...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:24:00 +0000

I just wanted to take a quick minute to say Thank You! Thank you to everyone that reads my blog and supports me on my jewelry venture. Thanks for stopping by the shop and for leaving your kind words of encouragement. Life has been hectic lately, and I especially appreciate the kindness, support and patience I have received from my loyal clients :)

I will be participating in Mossy Creek Arts and Craft Fair, here in the Dallas/Acworth area. I would love see as many of you there as possible, so come check it out. If you send me an email I can give you more details. This weekend will be filled with lots o hand craftin' jewelry makin'...so check back soon for fresh new items coming soon to the shop . I will have some brass bangles that I am in love with, and I hope you will be too!

Once again...

Tomorrow's To Do List...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:43:00 +0000

I am the queen of making lists. I make lists for everything! That is why I almost always have some paper or notebook of some sort readily handy. I have to write down all the swimming to do's and design ideas, and stuff to buy, and goals, and the lists go on and on. However, I have a hard time keeping up with these lists. They can usually be found balled up at the bottom of my purse or under a huge stack of papers and bills, that I only seem to go through about once a month at best. So why I think these lists are useful to my productivity, I'm not sure. Maybe it just helps to get it out of my head, on to a piece of paper, and organized for a minute. Beyond that, the organization is out the window. Tomorrow's to do list is not too long...

1. Job interview

2. Study for my final on FRIDAY

3. Start preparing for Mossy Creek Arts and Craft Fair--2 weeks away!

Yep, just 3 things on the list, but 3 big things at that. Seems like in life, it's either super busy or super not. Fun stuff!

A few things to write about today...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:51:00 +0000

So, since I am not working full time right now, I have decided to hire myself full time--to work on building my jewelry business. I feel like this job is FULL time, you don't get many nights or weekends off, but that's okay because I love it! As I said yesterday, I had many new items to get posted to the shop today. And that I did...check it out here. Jonquille, which is the necklace I featured yesterday in the pic, sold as quick as I got it up! It is a good feeling to actually sell something that you have put so much heart and creativity into. Side note: Sold items can always be viewed by clicking "Sold Items" at my shop, it will take you here. If you see an item that has been sold and are interested in a duplicate, feel free to contact me anytime and I may be able to duplicate some items, depending on the availability of the supplies. Or a similar item could be made.

Next, I wanna mention that I follow a few different blogs. A lady I enjoy, that always has very useful info is over at http://www.katydiddys.blogspot.com/. So today I was reading her blog and came across The Stone Soup Challenge blog. What a great idea! I love it :) Just another reason to shop, like I need one! And also a great way to get your name out there! So I signed up and got to shopping. Alhough, it wasn't hard to decide on my first purchase. Another blog that I follow regularly is over at http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com/. She has such a cute, blog, great music, and adorable items in her shop. I had always loved her Vintage Fork Easels, why I have not made this purchase before I am unsure of. I went ahead and bought one. These are great pieces to display pictures or recipes in the kitchen. Check them out...

I can't wait to get one! I just think this is a great idea to help support other artists. Check it out!

And before I go, let me feature two of my favorite items from my shop that I listed today...

REED

WORMWOOD

Click on item names to be taken directly to shop and view more pics of the items. As always, thanks for looking and new items will be posted again soon!

Quick update...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:23:00 +0000

Okay, I have been busily working all day...creating, photographing, and editing. Whew! I have lots of new pieces to be posted. Tomorrow I will be posting these items to the shop .

Good night for now...check back tomorrow for great new items!

What I 'm working on today...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:53:00 +0000

So today I looked at my shop and thought...it's still not the way I would like. It seems boring. So I have been working on sprucing it up a bit. I felt it was lacking COLOR. So I am retaking all my pictures. Gotta make it look good. I have a few pictures, but wanna wait to post em until I get more done. However, I did go ahead and change my banner, which is a glimpse of the more colorful pictures that will feature Lotus Jewels, and hopefully be a little more pleasing to look at...we will see...

I lied...

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:09:00 +0000

In today's previous post, I mentioned that I would be posting new items to the shop...and I did not. Today turned out to be an emotionally exhausting day...so therefore, I was not as productive as I would have liked. Tomorrow. Maybe. New items in the shop.

I will leave you with some pics of a lovely pair of earrings. They are long beauties. I am really liking the long look of earrings...maybe it'll be a new trend in the shop, we'll see...here you go...let me know what you think~