I am a proud and thrifty shopper.  When you have growing daughters and a mortgage, you save where you can. Yes, Yes. I do buy new when it's needed, but I prefer to purchase stylish things that are second-hand-if possible.  I shop frequently at Phoenix area  thrift and second-hand stores. I find quality clothes and accessories for bargain basement prices. I get to hunt, pick, and find treasures like a fashion pirate while saving money, too. I keep in mind the brands that I like, the kinds of fabrics, and durability of the item.  I look for tears or stains and try on items when I can.  I like to shop alone and quick. I am pretty decisive in my choices and love to shop for others.
Some of my favorite Phoenix Area Second-hand Hotspots are: 
Savers
Goodwill
Buffalo Exchange
My Sister's Closet
Hailey's Handmedowns
These are just a few in town and some have multiple locations that never carry the same thing.  Also, some don't have changing rooms for trying on, so keep on all tags and the receipt for returns or exchanges. 

The key to shopping second-hand is to shop often, have a running list in your mind of what you're looking for, and be patient. It pays off in the end and it never hurts to look, right! You may just find that new, favorite jeans or top for a meager $4.99.  All you need to do is wash at home in warm water and you are good to go.  Shop Second-hand and Fabulous!

This past year has been an interesting one for my business baby, Soli Jewelry.  I "got my groove back" after a series of setbacks, failures, and ego letdowns in the last few years. I have always loved being creative, and found jewelry making at the age of 15, by chance. Over the years I have tried out many venues, outlets, sought education, and tried to do things "right". (You know, how the experts say you should be doing things).  But, as we all know sometimes the timing, situation, or you, are just not jiving.  I took a little time off, had to regroup, and loosen my grip on my god given talent.  I can't force my creativity to flow, but what I can do is ride the wave while it's here: do the hard work, have fun, and really appreciate exactly where I am in my artistic journey.  Art is my passion and I am so grateful to have found a positive outlet for my passion,  

I have had to learn that sometimes my creativity is just not there.  If I am tired, stressed, having troubles, then I am not able to tap into that pool within.  Rest, time doing something else, a bike ride, a chat on the phone, may be all I need to jump back into the creative waters. I had a wonderful, educational, and humbling 2011.  I have been selling pretty much every Saturday since September at the Phoenix Public Market alongside our other business Holiday Farms.  Meeting all of the folks who appreciate local farmers, healthy food, and creative talents, and the fact that we are out in the downtown community has been fabulous and positive for me, my family, and our two businesses.

I am looking to the New Year and envisioning creating some new relationships with local boutiques and pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone in my art.  Which means spending good chunks of time out in the shop.  The torch has dust on it, I've got wire and sheet metal, and the waters are churning with ideas.
Currently working on some Sterling Silver post earrings that I can't wait to share with you.... 

Wherever you are in you own creative journey, be kind to yourself. Don't judge your progress, or feel down about finances, or pericefailures. Swim, dive, and splash in your own creativity in 2012.
Groovy vibes to all, Holiday

I have been so inspired by a program on Lifetime called Project Accessories.  I don't even have cable, but I haven't missed an episode because I watch it religiously online.  I am in awe of the show, the designers, the workspace the designers have to use.... Ahhhh, so many tools!!! From an 8 ft stainless steel table, mannequin, crazy awesome sewing machines, to silversmithing tools, to crystals, and there's an Ebay Fashion Wall to complete the overall looks of the models!!!  Models wear the creations! Take a sip of hot coffee.

I'm going to be on this show, I don't know how, but I will!!! Take a sip of hot coffee- it's in the 50's, I'm cold.

The show has opened my eyes to how I have boxed my creativity in, put in place rules for myself (where my art is concerned) and this is crushing to any new ideas... I am always taking business classes, meeting other artists, studying style and fashion, and pushing myself creatively. But, there is always another nagging idea that's got a good grip on me.  Sometimes I wish that I could've gone to Fashion School, that I would know so much more.  Most times I know that working at this creative dream feeds me, challenges me, and that I am on my own curvy, creative, and bumpy road.  Today, I'm loving it and if you are a creative and need some inspiration, check out my favorite show, soon you'll be "jonesing" for fashion too! 
Happy December...
Coffee Jitters in the suburbs, Holiday

I am so proud and excited to be launching this website! Finally all of my (jewelry)eggs are in one basket! I can now share with you what I am doing currently..... Beading, Metalwork, dabbling in Resin, and experimenting in leather.  Sky's the limit and I'm so inspired.  More to come soon!
If you have any feedback about the website, I'm all ears! Groovy vibes to all, Holiday