How I Spent Xmas Morning

Christmas morning is pretty much like any other morning in my house, being as the holiday is really not my own, yet there is something quite wonderful to this holiday that doesn't always need a religious commitment.

It is a time for sharing and caring about the people who have enriched your life throughout the past year.  It is a marking of the end of another year and the wonderment's of the coming year, a time to reflect on your past accomplishments and your future commitments,

Nothing is more heart tugging than the delightful Christmas movies that have enriched our lives from childhood.  I watch them all, religiously, one by one, each Christmas season, marking them off on my list, Miracle on 34th Street, It's A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and the list goes on.

We have been proud to be a longstanding member of Teamepe on ETSY, making our monthly commitments to donate 5% of our sales to this amazing charity and yet....

It just doesn't seem like it's enough.  Thus was born a new idea... Teamangels.

Adopt A Soldier

Angels is a new ETSY team dedicated solely to the commitment of adopting a soldier.  The concept is not new, thousands upon thousands of ordinary Americans have already adopted a soldier at  Soldier's Angels.  There are presently 1202 lonely American soldiers out there looking for someone,  anyone to adopt them.

Who better than a single soldier out there is say "Merry Christmas" to and we appreciate your dedication and sacrifice.

My hopes are these, that everyone, anyone will help in one or all 3 ways,

1.  Make a commitment to adopt a soldier this year.

2.  Can't adopt, then make a donation, it's easy, just text "soldiers" to  20222 to donate $5.00 to help relieve the financial burden of others with more time to adopt a soldier.

3.  Volunteer a soldier at Request for Adoption .  Let a soldier you know who has little or no family support stateside realize that we care for them.

There is also a special branch of Soldier's Angels for our female military forces where you can donate, adopt or request help too.  It's called Ladies of Liberty.

And how about their beloved pets?  Many of these men and women had little before they joined the military except for a pet, who now suddenly found itself homeless, Guardian Angels for Pets is another offshoot.

I packaged many parcels last year and I am grateful to each and everyone who found value in the items at BeadFrenZ.  Sometimes, I made packages for our soldiers overseas.  I sent a little note along with each of these special posts, telling them how much I cared and admired their courage and how pretty I hoped their gifts would be from my meager offerings.  I have packaged Christmas gifts from soldiers in Afghanistan to  their sweethearts in the states, kissing the box before I carefully placed it in the mail, hoping that soldier would have the opportunity to see their loved one adorned with the jewelry from Glitz Glitter's shop.  Now it's time to do my part....

Our government can only do so much.  There is so much more that needs doing and this is what I have committed myself to  for the coming year.

Won't you join me?

I want to Skate.

I remember cold crisp mornings as a child and my only wish was to skate.  I learned to ice skate on a small patch of ice on our front sidewalk.  It would snow and freeze leaving patches of ice in odd spots.  Back then, Dad was still using his other means of transportation, a bicycle so the driveway was open territory for me.

My 1st pair of skates were from the Salvation Army store, a boy's pair of figure skates that dad found on his excursions to the second hand store.  Mom painted them with white shoe polish so the end result was a silvery gray color.  It didn't matter to me, all I wanted to do was skate.

That winter, it snowed so badly that school was canceled, a momentous event for us, as Michiganders are pretty prepared for almost any type of frosty weather.  The walkway to the house, the driveway and the sidewalks were a glisten with bright sparkling ice.

Carefully, I mapped out a complete circle to "race", being sure to mark in my mind the slim spots that might cross my path.

Naturally, my favorite book was Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates and when Walt Disney made the movie, I cried and cried all through it.

Now was my chance, I skated the circle over and over again, once I even got ahead of ol' Hans, Gretel was beside me, we glanced at each other and smiled and then I was off again.

I skated all afternoon and when the sun finally began to wane, I was still madly racing around and around.  It didn't matter that my toes were completely frozen or that my my mouth was dry and crackling.  I had to win the race.

And then it happened, my glasses slipped off my face and onto the ice and I skated over them.  Suddenly the spell was broken.  I was just some dumb little kid standing in front of our house, poised on some secondhand skates and my only means of seeing were completely shattered to pieces.  It was dark now, I was the only witness to this tragedy as I tucked them into a snowbank for retrieval later.

"Mommy", I cried, and she, who had been watching me from the window, suddenly appeared.   

She wiped my tears, covered me with her big strong body and guided me into the warm house.  "Tomorrow is another day!  You can win the race tomorrow."

Such memories!

Released Unarmed & Undangerous

BeadFrenZ was born Nov. 29th 2009 out of necessity as an outlet for destashing gems and  pearls that were overages from my daughter's ETSY shop, Glitz Glitter Creations.

16mm Glass Art Deco Fans

At first, the shop only carried items and in specific lots with little additional back stock.  One convo after another, requesting more of an item or a new item, led to a few new pieces being added.

Then, it became fun.  The search was on for newer and more exciting things.  As Glitz would find something that caught her eye, so would I and the delight in photographing the items was addictive.

There is nothing new about a supply shop, there are others and they abound on ETSY, but we wanted to be different.

Venus Rutile Pendant

All too soon, the small shoebox that contained my stock grew.  More shoeboxes were called into assistance until that became a bit cumbersome.  Finally, large racks were needed for the 1500 items I carry and the squeeze was on as to where to store them.

Needless to say, the house is overrun with racks now, each carrying one delicious item or another and new items are added daily as the search for something "special" never ends.

This blog was created, a twitter account and wonderful new friends from across the world were discovered.

BeadFrenZ beads have been shipped to all corners of the earth, to countries, I have never even heard of and to places I have only dreamed of visiting.  They are all carefully entrenched in some of the most amazing pieces of jewelry and I have been privileged to have seen a few pictures.

I made a big decision on December 9th of this year, one that took me a long time to contemplate.  So with fingers crossed, and a prayer from G-d, I have been released from my bread & butter job, (a wonderful place to work btw)  Nationwide Ins. Co. of Ame.  1-800-458-3220 and am dedicating all of my efforts into a new era of working from home full time.
Wish me luck,
MalinkaZ

Happy Holidays

BeadFrenZ

 

Happy Holidays From Our House

(and all of our critters)

to Yours!

Black Friday Sales & ETSY

 Are you whipped up?  Are you ready?  Will you be the one person to get that 36 inch TV for 50 bucks?  Do you wait in lines?  Or... are you the one working today?

Black Friday is finally here. Actually, it has been here for the last 2 weeks.  Unlike other years, stores and shops all over this country have been preparing for this day weeks in advance and internet shopping has geared up just as quickly.

There are internet sites that lead the lazy shopper to an abundance of great deals, all by just sitting at your computer with your credit cards in hand.  Take Black Friday Ads, a site dedicated to those retail shops that want to catch the audience both in their shops and online.

Have other plans?  Then don't miss the Black Friday iphone app. This application can be downloaded to your iphone and steer you while doing other things that would have kept you from the great deals out there. 

Don't have an iphone?, Android has an app for you as well, Their Black Friday App can keep you up to date on the best deals available this holiday season.

We all have access to the internet in one form or another, or at least those with a few dollars to spend this holiday season do. 

While on the go today, don't forget your laptop.  It is useful too.  Shopping for gifts isn't always about something from a store, boxed in a colorful, ad laden container, shrink wrapped  and finally gift wrapped.

It's about recognizing the love you have for someone special to you.  Not so very  long ago, holiday gift giving was more personal. and the gifts we gave came from our own hands.

If you don't know how to make something  for your loved ones, try ETSY.  Etsy is an online shopping mall dedicated to the art of handmade goods.  It's cornucopia of delights can warm the hearts of  just about anyone and it's convenient,  No lines, No crowds, just pleasant shopping from your own home.

Try handmade this year!

Happy Holidays everyone and happy shopping! 

Selling SMILES For A Dollar!

The economy is down, sellers are stocked and buyers are cautious. "How do I spend my hard earned cash for holiday gifts?" they think, "when the budget just stretches for essentials?"

I have searched and searched for answers and finally found a few things that, although they only cost a dollar or less, will certainly bring smiles to those you love.

Make a dress from candy wrappers !  Fun idea for a dollar at earlypinkelevator

This organic and healthy portion of raw sugar is up for barter on ETSY at Earthilicious

A penny for a dollar earrings by 2Roses, interesting idea...

This lovely pendant and others like it are up for FREE at FionaSeaGlass

The bargains are definitely out there, but you need to shop early and you need to shop fast.  As always, THINK Handmade 1st! and THINK ETSY.

Smiles,

Please Take a Moment ... For A Friend!

Received this email today and it moved me so much... I felt I had to share it!

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him. 


Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days. 

"Jack, did you hear me?" 

"Oh, sorry, Mom.. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said. 

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him. 

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.. 

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said 

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.  
As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.. 


The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. 
Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture...Jack stopped suddenly. 

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked. 
"The box is gone," he said 

"What box?" Mom asked. 

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said. 
It was gone.. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it. 

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom." 
It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died.  Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. 
Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago.. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read.  Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside. 

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. 

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: 

"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser." 


"The thing he valued most was...my time" 

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.. 

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said. 

"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!" 


"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away," 

Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world  love you in someway. 

3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

4. Every night, someone thinks about you before they go to sleep.

5. You mean the world to someone.

6. If not for you, someone may not be living.

7. You are special and unique.

8. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.

9. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world. 

10. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

11. Always remember the compliments you received.  Forget about the rude remarks.

12. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you will both be happy.  

13.  If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know  that they are great.

BTW, Thanks for YOUR Time.

What Makes Me Happy!

Selling beads is one thing, like the old adage says, " If you can't beat'em, join'em".  Jewelry is not what I do.  Love it, love wearing it, love seeing it and love being a part of it, but have 0 ZERO talent to make it myself.

I just sell the beads and let other make the magic happen......

When I am very lucky, others... (it's usually a secret who they are) send me pictures to oogle at and sigh over their amazing creativity.  I hope my wonderful buyers will not be offended if I share a few photos with you as well (as I am so proud of their creativity and thought).

With her metalsmithing knowledge, these lovely earrings are wonderful all by themselves but the beads from BeadFrenZ did me proud, as they were allowed to dangle from this artistic delight.  They are presently for sale at  Down To Earth Pottery on ETSY.

My mother (and me) would have swooned over these stunning earrings by jemsbyjbandcompany  They are classic and classy,  so a wish come true for me.

My heart swelled when I saw this lovely necklace:  The gold chain just sets off the bead to perfection.  Sweet Maggie Jane has it for sale in her etsy shop SweetMaggieJane.

From time to time, I hope to share more photos with you, but for now, give these wonderful jewelry makers a shout out that you saw them here.  And if you will, let me showcase more of your delightful items as I turn 

 

 at all of your talents. 

Smiles,

The Sly Fox

She's at it again... Seems there is no stopping my little girl. 

TheSlyFox opened it's doors on ETSY this week and I am a proud mama of the wonderful new items created by my daughter.

Take a peek!

Mystical Beads - Amber

My mother's favorite pin 

Natural Amber set in gold.

     As a little child, I teethed on Yantar (Amber) beads strung amateurishly by my mother on a leather rope.  I would later reach up to catch the amber necklace she wore about her neck.  It was nugget after nugget strung very tightly  about her neck and I worried that she might choke, they were that snug.

     My female relatives wore the same type necklace as well.  When I was about 5 years old, a lady came to visit us and as she had the Amber necklace prominently displayed on her throat, I was sure she too was related.

     Yantar, as she called it,  was always something my mother would search for, when we went shopping, or if she happened upon a piece of jewelry someone else wore.  She would admire it and often ask if the wearer was willing to part with her specific treasure.  

     I knew the way to mom's heart very well and would always pick up a piece or two if I happened to find them as I traveled through life.  What I didn't understand then was why she admired Amber as much as she did.

     Although Amber is technically not a gemstone, it is non the less coveted and can be very pricey.  True Amber is fossilized tree resin that takes millions of years to produce.  The most famous resin is found in the Baltic States (Russia) and is known for it's clarity.  As resin begins sticky and soft, historically insects were sometimes caught in it's glue and therefore immortalized within it's shield over time.  The rarity of this situation makes these particular stones even more precious.

     One day, I discovered the English name for Yantar, Amber!  Now I am discovering the reason she was enthralled with this particular stone.

     Amber has been touted throughout history as a calming stone, the clarity and warmth of the bead brings out inner sharpness and protects one from negativity.

     Medically speaking, the stone has always been considered a medication for internal reversal of goiter, glandular and/or other internal organs.  It is an excellent natural antibiotic.

Lovely Amber necklace
on ETSY at
 www.labeadworks.etsy.com 

     Mom grew up in Russia, being born almost 90 years ago.  In her childhood, goiter was a terrible disease that struck many innocent people.  The antidote was Amber.  Folklore believed that by wearing the stones tightly about the neck, one could avoid this terrible disability.  (We eat iodized salt in this country to avoid goiter problems). 

Bet ya didn't know that!

Child's teething beads at ETSY 
www.amberjewelryshop.etsy.com

     Teething a child on Amber was a tradition for two reasons, the natural medicinal properties of Amber could only enhance the healthy growth of any child that began life so lucky to have a mom that understood them and the warmth of the stones and their softness was exactly right for a teething child's uncomfortable situation allowing them much less pain. 
     Amber might not have been in your thoughts before, hopefully I have given you something new to think about...

     

Mystical Powers of Stones - Tiger Eye

Round tiger eye stones 

at BeadFrenZ at ETSY

Tiger eye, primitive, mysterious, and chatoyant, yet often forgotten, is one of the most ancient stones for healing is believed to have tremendous powers.


Roman soldiers wore tiger eye because they believed it was an "all seeing" eye, giving them an extra edge in battle and in courage.

Wearing the Tiger's Eye stone helps clear your mind of any annoying thoughts or stress. Keeping this stone close to you at all times helps keep yourself safe from any harm that may come your way. 


(Also it's power has the ability to attract wealth, good luck, keep evil at bay , while protecting one's family and friends )

Tiger eye stone from 

RedtailedHawk at ETSY

Pendant courtesy of 

JealousyJewels at ETSY

Tiger eye encourages a passion for life and enhances your willpower and drives your will for success. It promotes not only clarity of intention, but boosts self esteem, and gives courage, determination, and strength. 

 It is often called upon in the healing process for several diseases including rheumatic heart disease, psoriasis, and asthma. 


Amongst my many amulets, there always resides a tiger eye, at the bottom of my purse.

Mystical Powers of Stones - Black Tourmaline (Schorl)

Man/woman has attached himself/herself to the mystical healing powers of stones almost from their very beginning.  As a lover of these wonderful little baubles, it was pretty obvious that getting to know gemology would also lead to a knowledge of their inner capabilities as well.  


I have an extensive collection of stones that are brought out and worn on any given day depending on my needs or lack of  i.e.; 
Courage, Love, Health, Promise, Knowledge, Understanding and or Acceptance.

Black Tourmaline necklace
handmade by Celia at
Glitz Glitter Creations on ETSY

In many cases, they are just temporarily strung rows of beads, some in combination with others, to help in the goal of making me feel more whole.  I have gorgeous jewelry, designed and executed by my very talented daughter, that may adorn my ears, neck and/or fingers but the ultimate result is to dress my body with the healing powers it so desperately needs for the moment.


My office is also adorned with other precious stones to give strength and enlightenment to my environment as I work.  Each day, as I package my gifts of delight, while touching the stones for delivery, I often am able to feel the powers they possess.  

Black Tourmaline Ring handmade
by elseetee at
My Little Eye available on ETSY

Every natural mineral on our planet was put here for a purpose.  Early man/woman, knew that.  They took from nature and adorned themselves with her gifts, drawing close the powers within the stones.  Let me share a few secrets with you now:


I rely on black tourmaline (schorl) most heavily for the attributes it carries with it.


It is a purifying stone that deflects and transforms negative energy, which can convert and remove that negativity from an individual or an environment as well.  It is one of the most powerful shields of protection, nature made.  It is often used as an aura cleanser (have one at my desk at all times), and can help one attain higher levels of awareness. Emotionally, black tourmaline is excellent for dispelling fears, obsessions, and neuroses, while bringing emotional stability.  (Ever had an anxiety attack?)  Black Tourmaline eases the environment and opens the body and mind to a more accepting state.   

7 oz black tourmaline rock
available at
YinYangStore on ETSY

Googling schorl can give you lots of other properties and insights into this amazing stone but one thing is for sure, it works for me and it works every day I rely on it.