Pick 4...

Four random things that make me smile.



My September magazines. Filled with lots of ideas for my inspiration board.






Oh my Gosh! Got these gourmet cupcakes from Fresh Market for hubby's birthday. Flavors were red velvet, peanut butter and chocolate, oreo, and triple chocolate. I had the Red Velvet and it was amazing.




Never met a bead show I didn't like. Latest strands I picked up at a bead show.





Movie night candy. Enjoyed the candy until daughter's tooth chipped while eating Mike and Ike's. All is well, no root canal needed...yet.

Fit for Life...

In my never ending quest to get fit and stay fit for life, I tried something new yesterday. I read an article online a few months ago that a woman lost 300 lbs by walking laps in the pool. Now by no means do I have to lose 300 lbs, but I could stand to lose a good 30. When I got my latest issue of Shape magazine, the cover read Burn 300 calories by swimming for just 30 minutes.

Yesterday, I threw on my swimsuit, rubbed myself down with sunscreen, grabbed my towel and my pink goggles and headed out the door to my community pool. The above picture was taken at our pool. The water was incredibly warm. I have no idea what I was thinking, I swam not even 1/2 a lap and was exhausted! I tossed my pink goggles to the side and walked back and forth the length of the pool for 30 minutes. It was tough. Not at all like walking on a sidewalk.

When I got out, my legs were like jello. I walked home and was starving when I hit the door. That was an awesome workout. I got the best sleep last night. I'm definitely going to do it again. Hopefully today!

What interesting workouts have you done lately?

Orchids...

Well I took a brief break from making big eye catching earrings to make a classic necklace with matching earrings. The pink gemstones are gorgeous and the pendant is brillant!

Yay me for getting the hang of html! The pictures on my blog will now be larger so you can see detail.




Thai Hill Tribe silver orchid pendant. Thai hill silver is 97% pure silver as compared to sterling silver which is 92.5% pure. You are getting a quality piece of jewelry.


Orchid pendant accented with pink/purple agate gemstones and a sprinkle of purple freshwater pearls. Necklace is finished off with a hammered sterling silver toggle clasp.




Matching earrings with sterling silver leverbacks.

New Listings...

New listings currently in my etsy shop. With these designs I used the new beads that I got from a beachside bead shop while on vacation. Redwood, copper, bone, czech glass, and African wedding beads. For the month of August, follow my blog and receive FREE shipping. Simply click follow on the right hand side of my blog, email or convo me thru etsy and I will give you a coupon code to use for FREE shipping.


A very pretty orange colored wood beaded hoop earrings. Big, but lightweight.

Bone swirl components with avocado green czech glass beads. Green and chocolate brown: a great color combination for Autumn.

Tiger striped African wedding beads attached to copper hoops.

Cobalt blue African wedding beads attached to copper hoops.

Autumn Drool...

Oh Autumn where art thou? What i'm lusting for this Autumn. A nude bootie to wear with skinny jeans and long dresses. A leopard print wedge clog to wear with A-line and midi skirts. A tough flat studded motorcycle boot to wear with everything!


Nathan booties by Lamb

Wauwi wedge by Steven

Trash studded boots by Ash

Trail Mix...

I love trail mix, but you have to be careful with the store packaged trail mixes. They are loaded with calories and fat. If you aren't careful, you will find yourself eating the whole bag in one sitting which really is about 4-6 servings. I decided to start making my own.

Tollhouse dark chocolate morsels (about 2 yrs ago, I hated dark chocolate)
Walnuts (no added salt)
Dried blueberry cranberries

I mixed them together in a ziploc bag (1 cup total). Its great portion control. I carry it in my purse for a great energy snack on the go.


Oh, I gave my blog a little face lift. I got rid of the black backgroud. I like the white space. Also changed the name from Hip Jewels to Sydney Austin Designs. It still needs a little tweeking.