Happy New Year!

A very Happy New Year to all of you! I hope it has started off well for you! It has started off here with a ton of house cleaning and organizing, simplifying and, of course, jewelry making! First, I want to tell you about our simple, wonderful Christmas. My parents came over, they brought a turkey as I don't eat meat, and we roasted it, made some brown rice, broccoli and carrots and I made myself a vegan nut loaf with stuffing for me.
While that was all cooking, we opened presents while watching our old favorite Christmas movies and then had dinner. It was delicious, and afterwards we decorated our gingerbread house. Yes, I actually made a gluten free, vegan gingerbread house and WOW! was it good! I also found a store online that sells organic (so no artificial colors to make Brennan sick), gluten free and vegan candy. Oh my gosh, I nearly died and went to heaven. It is ridiculously expensive, but honestly, it tastes so good, now I know why people snack on candy. I haven't had candy in about 6 years, so this was a huge treat for me. It was especially nice as we got to decorate the house together and then eat it. I also made 4 layer raspberry bars, so we were a full family after that! Of course, "the guys" decided to get a little x-rated with the candy placement on some of the gingerbread people, so never mind that in the photo of the ginger bread house *blushes*. Just don't look too closely HA! You can see the large main house, the dog house, the candy cane lane, the meringue stepping stones, the cotton candy snow, and all of the candy. The main house was a little over a foot high, I even made a little ginger bread dog, though you can't see it in this photo. As I am allergic to corn, I couldn't use most icing sugars to make icing, so I used a mix from Namaste foods, but the store I got it at only had chocolate, thus the brown every where, ha!
As I also mentioned, I have been making some new jewelry. I have a silver smith friend who is teaching me silversmithing so that I can make some new kinds of jewelry. I also made the necklace shown at the top of this post, a Swarovski crystal pearl birthday necklace. It has January's birthstone color in it (garnet red), but I'll be making one for every month, never you fear. If you would like to see your birthstone color, let me know here in the comments or though contacting me at my Etsy store and I'll do my best to get one up here for you. You can see more about this necklace and the matching earrings on my Etsy store here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/65385872/january-swarovski-pearl-birth-month

The chain and handcrafted clasp are sterling silver, and the pearls, being Swarovski crystal pearls, are vegan and just SO incredibly pretty. You really have a hard time telling that they aren't the "real thing" (as in, real freshwater pearls). I actually like these better, as they are more consistent in size and color, and can actually be more affordable.

My 50% off sale is still going strong in my Etsy store also, make sure you check that out, as there are still quite a few really nice items at incredible prices. See the sale section here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels?section_id=6286884

Well, I guess that is all for now, Arwen says a great big hello (actually, it was A-roo-roo-roo-ruh, but you get the picture), I'll try to have some new jewelry and Arwen photos for you soon.

Have a great day!

and Arwen

Today's the Day!

~She Can't Wait for Her Grand-Monna!~

So today is the day: my mom is coming over for a few days while Brennan is out of town! We are going to sew things and start our Christmas baking and watch old movies! I am so excited and so is the dog, as she knows when 'grand-monna' is around she always gets treats!
I'm so excited, it almost erases the soreness this morning - not only is it really cold outside, but I spent ALL day yesterday cleaning the house - the kitchen (including scrubbing the outside of the cupboards), dusting every nook and cranny, tidying the whole house, cleaning my office/guest room (the cleaning never seems to be done), vacuuming the floors and stairs, SCRUBBING the floors and stairs, scrubbing all the windows, cleaning my bathroom....whew I'm tired just typing it! I also decorated the house for Christmas on Saturday night, which reminds me, I need to get photos up here to show you!
I'm also expanding my sale on my Etsy store: buy 2 get one free! 1 week only!
Ok, I have to go catch my breath...and do some laundry, see you later!

Christmas Prep

I love the photo above - Arwen loves her stuffed toys, even if they don't stay that way for long! She brings this pepper everywhere with her, even if it no longer has its stuffing since this was taken. I love this photo because it looks like she brought the pepper to look out the window with her while she does - too cute!
Today, though I am pretty sore and tired, I will tidy the house some more (yesterday was a house clean-athon), and hopefully start to put up some decorations for Christmas.
I'm also going to try and get at least one of the new jewel bags I have been planning on making for a while...I am learning to sew and I made some cushion covers last week to try my hand at using a machine...I'll get some pics of those today, maybe with the dog because she makes everything look good :)
I also have to plan my Christmas baking and get the house ready for my mom who is coming for a week long visit next week. I am so excited - we plan visits together a few times per year where we can catch up and have some fun - she really is my best friend :)
I'll post pics of the jewel bags when they are done also, as well as a new necklace for my friend that I made.
Busy busy! Have a safe weekend everyone, don't get mad at holiday traffic! And remember, it truly is the THOUGHT that counts with Christmas (or any) gifts - something small and handmade that requires a lot of thought is better than any gift, no matter how expensive (ok, maybe a really nice engagement ring, or a pair of killer Jimmy Choo's, but those are dream items, lol).
Take care!
Meghann

In Loving Memory of a Wonderful, Furry Friend

~Gandalf March 30, 1995 - November 3, 2008~

Well after taking Gandalf to the vet for an exam on Saturday for a problem I had noticed with his hips, they asked us to bring him in today for x-rays of his pelvis and legs - they thought there might be something wrong with his knee as it crunches a bit when he walks. We brought him in this morning and the vet called a few hours later with their prognosis: his knees were OK, but his hips were the worst they had ever seen. He had arthritis and possibly a genetic disorder in both his hips, causing the hips joints to basically disintegrate. He hasn't really shown any sign of it as cats are quite adept at hiding pain and illness until it is too late and they are in absolute agony. Although we could put him on medication, with the possibility of having surgery to remove his hip joints, there would always be problems, even to the extent of destroying his kidneys. In the end, there was really only decision to make.
At 3:40PM today, Gandalf went to Kitty Heaven. He was a wonderful cat, full of love and purrs. Always happy to sit on a lap, sleep on my tummy, and eat any bit of fluff or bug he could find on the floor, he is survived by his canine friend, Arwen, his mom, dad, and Grand-monna and Grand-papa.
He was 13.
He will be greatly missed.
Many tears have been shed, and many more are still to come, but ultimately he is free of pain, free to chase any bird, bug and squirrel and free to visit his first canine companion, Willy. He will always get his girl, and will always be able to sleep in, on and around any and every shoe he wants. He will always have as much food as he can eat, without having to worry about someone saying he is a little on the heavy side.
Goodbye my fuzzy little buddy, my handsome little man. May you give head-butts to other friendly faces, may you impress everyone with your giant thumbs. We love you, miss you, and wish you well on this, your final journey to the litter box.
Thank you for being my bestest furry little guy. Mom will always love and remember you.
My heart is broken, but I know it was for your best happiness.
Meghann

Falling for Fall All Over Again

~An Abandoned Tractor Waits for the Icy Grip of Winter~

I love fall colors! The past Thanksgiving weekend Brennan and I went to his parents beautiful house in Huntsville, and wow what an amazing symphony of colors awaited us! The drive was long, and by the time we got there I was in full spasm-twitching pain, but I love going up there to see his family - they always make me feel so welcome and part of the family. We sat on their back deck and enjoyed the colors of the leaves and gorgeous sunshine for hours on end. It was an amazing lesson in how to relax - and for once I passed that test easily! There was always something more to see, more colors, more shadow play on the leaves and ground. It was awe inspiring to say the least. It really makes you feel small (in a good way!), knowing that you are part of something so much bigger than you.
We had a great visit and wonderful meals and conversations. I was sore, but I got through it, with a little help from the leaves, and a lot of help from family :)
Meghann

September is Good for My Fibromyalgia

~My Mom's Beautiful New Bookmark~

For some reason, the end of August until the end of September (cold weather permitting) seems to be the best time for my fibromyalgia. It's not too hot, not too cold, and my good days just about equal my bad ones. I'm able to concentrate, and although I'm still chronically tired, I actually get about 3 hours straight sleep per night!
I think it is also the change of seasons. I love spring because it means summer's almost here, and I love summer, because, well, who doesn't love summer?? But fall is always such a noticeable transition. Even though I dread it leaving because it means the beginning of cold and pain, I love the breezes and colours. I love watching the birds fly in formation as they prepare to venture back south (though I really miss them in the winter). I love my animals getting their thick, fuzzy, winter coats (though I hate having to brush them each twice per day and clean the floors just as often when they shed!). I also LOVE to bake!! Apple pies and pumpkin pies and muffins and roasted squash (oh my!) I love the homey feel of warm houses closed up against the cold, smelling the wood fires.
Maybe that's why my fibromyalgia isn't as bad now. Whatever it is, I'll take it! I will enjoy every last day of lessened pain. I know winter brings pain and horrible days, but for now, I'm doing OK. My Etsy store is also having a sale and keeping me quite busy, so that helps too! Check it out here at: www.littlestudiojewels.etsy.com I'm also updating my web page so please be patient if it is acting up :)
That's all for now...jewellery artist out!
Meghann

Sort of Happy Birthday...

~Insert Candle Here~

Though my birthday isn't until Wednesday, my mom's was on Saturday, and my sister's was on the 29th of August, so we all went to my parents' house for our birthday celebrations on Sunday. It was a great afternoon, despite my being in a lot of pain - the sudden cold weather seems to have really hit me hard. Brennan has some viral thing going on with his sinuses, so he was not feeling his best, but he put on a happy face and enjoyed the day too (my strawberry-chocolate cupcakes helped - see my food blog for the post soon!). We all had a great afternoon and everyone got some really nice gifts. My sister got me a magazine subscription I've wanted for a long time, but never got myself, my parents gave me a WillowTree angel for my collection, and a book on learning how to sew (I know, I never have enough on my plate!), and my brother gave me a gift card so I can treat myself to things I never seem to buy for me (which was really generous considering he is in University still). There were great nibblies provided by my parents, and I, as I mentioned earlier, brought the cupcakes. I purchased a book, called, "Crazy About Cupcakes" a while back because I want to make them for my wedding dessert, and ever since, I have been absolutely crazy for cupcakes. I'd never even had them until I got this book, but WOWEE, I love them now! I do, of course, have to modify all the recipes for my allergies, but that just adds to the fun and challenge of it all. I had intended to make strawberry shortcake cupcakes for my birthday, but there weren't enough strawberries, and no chocolate at all, so I made my own version and they are AMAZING! Totally forgot I was in so much pain ;-)
That's all for now, I've had some pretty painful days and my Etsy store has been doing so well I haven't been napping (which I am not complaining about - I love my Etsy store!), so I'm pretty tired and sore.
I'll catch up with you all later, hugs for you!
Meghann

Holy Cow I Need to Breathe!

~One of the New Flower Bobby Pins~

Ok, so when I said that I need to distract myself to avoid pain from Fibromyalgia, I don't think I quite meant THIS distracted, but I am having the TIME OF MY LIFE!! I have made more sales on my Etsy store, and one of my Etsy Street Teams is having a 1 year anniversary birthday bash 20% off sale (see my jewellery blog for details and a coupon!), I am making more jewellery, trying to exercise as per the doctor's instructions, clean my house, spend time with my fiance, dog and cat, run the rest of my business, and sleep! I LOVE IT!! I am still able to nap (usually) when I need to so that is great. Oh yeah, I also have a new store on iCraft at: http://www.icraft.ca/littlestudiojewels it has different items not listed on my Etsy store so check it out!
I have to say that even though I am still in flare ups almost constantly, tired, sore and stiff, it is a real Godsend to have a supportive family and friends, and to have found Etsy. I am able to meet with other artists, and socialize from my home. I am getting more and more inspired to create more great jewellery (I'm even drawing again!) and photography. I am slowly building my reputation online so that people know they can purchase from me with confidence. I am building my own confidence! I have been so worried for so long that Fibromyalgia would take my income, social life, sense of pride, everything, that this is the greatest blessing I could have received right now. Thank you God! Thank you family! Thank you friends! I love you all and appreciate all your support.
Ok, enough with the cheeeese, I am going to make more jewellery, and hopefully go get some sleeeeeeep.....
Much love,
Meghann