January - A Crafty Month in Review!

As you may remember, I decided at the beginning of the year to formalize some of the goals that I had rattling around in my head. I didn't want to make some New Years Resolutions that I'd break right away. No, I wanted to start systematically working towards certain goals. I've been using To Do Lists and the web-site Goal For It to help me keep track of my progress and stay motivated.

As I've gone along this last month there have been times I've gotten discouraged, but having the Goal For It site has actually really helped me stay positive! I can look at it and see that I've made progress in some areas, and it's very rewarding to be able to remind myself that some goals are met even if I haven't quite made time to work on every goal every day! That helps a lot as I battle my health problems and the depression that tends to go along with them. So, without further ado, I'd like to share with you a little of what I've accomplished this month in Rose Works Jewelry, Kindred Spirit Treasures, and Block Head Radio.

Kindred Spirit Treasures

Lovely White Butterfly Hair Bow

This month marks the beginning of my Mom and I's shop - Kindred Spirit Treasures. We've been talking about it for a few months now, but between one thing and another, it just never got off the ground! It's up and running now with 13 items in the shop, and a bunch more to list this week! We've even had our first sale :) I hope we have more this next month! I know it's hard sometimes to get sales started in a new store on etsy, but I think we have some great stuff.

My only disappointment with Kindred Spirit Treasures this month has been that I was hoping to get some items up in the shop that weren't my simple cell phone charms but that were still my own creations. One of the reasons Mom and I are sharing the shop is so that I have chance to flex my creative muscles in non-jewelry after all! That never happened, but I do have a bookmark in the works that I'm really happy about. :)

Rose Works Jewelry

Wind Dancer - Elements Series

There's so much to report in this area! I'm going to try and keep from going TOO long - and I'm gong to break it up into different categories :)

Sales

First of all, even though this is REALLY late, I'm happy to report that I made $250 in sales during the months of Nov/Dec, so I raised $25 for my local homeless shelter! I was hoping to raise at least $20, so this makes me really happy. :) Now I just need to write the check and send it in :P

Last year: I finally finished my state taxes today (yes I'm a procrastinator) and discovered that I made $800 in sales last year! Considering I just opened shop last May, I've been really sick this whole time, and I've moved a couple of times, that's SUPER EXCITING! Here's to a successful (and more profitable) second year of business eh?

This Month - When I set out my three month goals I decided that I wanted to try and reach $100 in sales each month. Well, I didn't quite reach my goal this month, but I did make $70! And you know what? I'm happy about that :) Considering today's economy it could have been much, much worse. And I at least made it 70% of the way to my goal the first month I set myself one!

Creativity

Towards the end of last year I challenged myself to start making one woven item a week. I did that because I love my woven pieces, but they were taking me forever to complete! I was averaging 2-3 items a month, max. By December I was getting pretty settled into weaving (and faster), and then this month I took off like a crazy woman! If I counted right - I made 10 different woven pieces this month! One custom order, one in the elements series, one for myself (mostly completed, I need more beads), 3 for sale on consignment, and 4 pairs of woven earrings (also for consignment)! No, you haven't seen all of them yet, but you will soon :) I've also learned a new weaving pattern and started a bracelet (hope to finish tonight) that I'm REALLY excited to unveil :)

Blogging

I haven't done as well in blogging as I'd like. This makes only 21 posts this month! *sigh* But most of the days I didn't blog it was for pretty valid reasons - like being all melty-brained from migraines. I also haven't been as consistent with my Entrecard drops as I'd like to be, but that's for the same reasons.

The good news is that Theresa and I have continued our Selling Venue Series - and that's been a lot of fun!

My favorite piece of news from this month, blogging-wise, is that I've finally set up a sales widget on the right hand side of my blog! Each week (approximately) I'll be featuring a different item on sale, through the blog only, for 20% off! I'll alternate between the different categories in my shop, so you'll get a chance for all sorts of different items :)

Oh yes - and have you entered my contest yet? It's open until the 11th! Click here :)

Alternate Venues

I'm working on opening up my first consignment deal - but first I got sick and then she got sick! I'll be calling again on Monday to see if we can set an appointment. And then I'll take a week or two off before I worry about looking for my second consignment opportunity. This was a lot of work! I don't think that the next one will be as much work because I've learned a lot, but I still want to give myself time to focus on other things.

I'm still planning on opening up at least one shop in another on-line venue, but I haven't really started on that yet. The research Theresa and I have been doing has given me some great ideas though :) So maybe this month?

My show, Thursday Spotlight on Artisan, continues! LOL - not a lot to report personally there - but there have been big changes in the radio station as a whole! We've moved from Blog Talk Radio to our very own platform at www.blockheadradiolive.com! This is has been a big change for us, and a lot of fun. Well, at least for us hosts, poor Rod is working his fingers to the bone trying to get all the kinks worked out.

Join me this week at 9pm EST, www.blockheadradiolive.com, for my interview with Kamila of The Wooded Woods!

Celebrity Jewelry: Michelle Obama

Just as Barack Obama turned the page on American history on Tuesday, Michelle Obama turned the page on American fashion.Michelle Obama's style is now a big news , either you all love it or hate it, she is the most stylish women. If you like her style, Michelle has some signature pieces that aren't difficult to duplicate. There maynot be expensive too.

Let's take a peek on what she has been wearing:


From simple 1 strand necklace to double strand necklaces. Simplicity = Elegance!



Different ways of wearing same set of brooches.


The gold and diamond Loree Rodkin earrings and the pretty cocktail ring.

If you're in snow...sorry

The apology is just in case my husband checks the blog- poor guy is back in the frosty north and trying to single-handedly empty out the home his parents have lived in for 40 years. The weather there is just to add insult to injury! Meanwhile, I am enjoying Santa Ana weather which means unseasonably warm breezes and lovely dog walking evenings.

The beady stuff... I'm frantically trying to get a bunch of items ready to put in the kiln tomorrow so this will be pathetically short. Check back by the end of the weekend- I will have an opportunity for a fun contest!

Fanny Pack

(Vintage jacket, wet seal shirt, DIY skirt, H&M tights, Gucci fanny pack, F21 belt, Dirty Laundry boots, F21 jewelry)

Sorry I've been a lil MIA, and haven't been getting back with the comments since probably last week and thank you for still stopping by my blog despite the no updates....
School started on Monday and it's been really crazy for me as I am taking four studio classes(people normally take two studio classes and two liberal arts class) and among them, two end at 10pm and one class starts at 8:30am. I've been so tired every single day and I can't believe this week is ending already. At times like this (when I'm busy and tired) I just wish I was super duper rich and didn't have to work. ah.. just the thought of it is relieving my stress

Aimeeways my lovely & stylish readers, despite what hectic week u had, I hope u guys have a wonderful and relaxing weekend and don't forget to root for St. Pierre. lol

I'm more of a UFC fan than a super bowl fan. I don't even know who's playing on Sunday. haha

Featured Artist: Whimxical Designs

I would like to introduce you to Whimxical.com who offers creative handmade jewelries. Below is the interview with Leveena:

Tell us about yourself
I knew i was going to be in the design field from the age of 5 (yes!). I was always able to colour within the lines...hahaha. Everything i did from then, has always been design-related on some shape for form. My travels also feeds my overactive right brain.



Understand that your are having a regional marketing role, time is a luxury. Tell us how you juggle time between your career and jewelry making business?
Believe it or not, i'm constantly thinking of new designs in my head; In meetings, on the road, on a plane, flipping magazines, etc... I sometimes feel i'm the queen of multi-tasking.

Do you intend to make jewelry making your full time profession?
I really hope one day i could. But i enjoy doing this, so it almost makes no difference to me (at the moment!).

How did you start doing jewelry (or beadmaking) as a business? Do you specialise in specific Why?

There is no big story. I am trained as a graphic designer and after moving into marketing, i missed the creative outlet. This idea popped into my head, with no training in jewellery making, i invested $150 to purchase my first set of tools, beads and a head filled with ideas - the birth of Whimxical. What's been encouraging was that i sold my entire first collection and I still get positive feedback on my designs.


How many hours a week do you spend in the creative side of your business vs…
the business side?
On an average, dedicated time is about 1 -2 hrs on the weekday and 4-5 hrs on the weekend. Each piece can take between 45mins to 2hrs, depending on the material and the design.

Where do you sell at primarily-website, brick & mortar stores, shows, etc.
Currently, my blog is the only place i sell my items. I'm hoping to get into the retail space and design a proper website for Whimxical. (time permitting)

Based on your experience, where is the best place to sell jewelries?
What i've learnt is, to keep your investment low when you start, focus on a target segment and evaluate what designs would they appreciate. I'm a big believer of the web; low cost, no limitations on how you showcase your designs and lastly, a great way to spread the word.


Do you sell mostly to customers of your local market?
Currently, yes.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your jewelry work?
For a start, with no training, i'm pleased that people like my designs and are willing to pay for it.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested doing jewelry as a
business?
Have the passion for it!


Do you have any big/exciting news or different directions for your business this year or year 2009?
I would really like to get into the retail space and have started speaking with some stores to carry Whimxical.

Leveena, wish you all the best in the year of Ox!

Meet Sew Happy Designs Live on the Air!!!

I'm very excited about tonight's Thursday Spotlight on Sew Happy Designs! Ok, ok, ok, so I'm USUALLY pretty excited about my show - but this week is extra special! Cindy, of Sew Happy Designs, is the number one fan of Block Head Radio and has been working behind the scenes since the very beginning.

Kites and Brights Quilt with Matching Tote Bag

Cindy has a fantastic personality, she's always cheering me up, and she's a very busy woman too! You can find her all over the web - check it out!

Cindy on Etsy

Cindy's Blog

Cindy's Teaching Web-site

Cindy's Quilt Photos

Shop where Cindy has items on Consignment

Follow Cindy on Twitter!

Want to get to know Cindy better? So do I! I have about a million questions to ask her tonight, and if you join us in chat (or call in) you can ask her YOUR questions too! Just join us at www.blockheadradiolive.com at 9pm EST :) I look forward to seeing you there!

Zebra African Potholder

*IMPORTANT*

THIS ITEM IS ENDANGERED!!!

The Gnome Hat by pumpkinhaus

This post written by Winklepots and chichiboulie.

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Valentine's Day Giveaway @ Adeline's Loft!

There are only 2 giveaways for the first 2 lucky buyers!
This promotion is valid till both pairs are given out.
Published price in store are in Singapore Dollars.
We ship worldwide!

Visit us today @ ADELINE'S LOFT

A Bright Night

(Vintage Blazer, AA thermal shirt, Arden B Skinny Jeans, Steve Madden Boots, H&M Scarf)

I want to take amazing night shots like Michael Oats and I want to wear this super stylish, somewhat givenchy-ish black outfit)

On a totally unrelated note, does anybody like UFC? I'm like the only girl(that I know of) that loves UFC. I know it could be a little gruesome, but I grew up watching WWF/WWE with my dad but grew out of it once I realized that it was scripted(despite the fact that the action is real)
When I discovered UFC like 5-6 years ago, I was so hooked, I wanted to be the first female UFC fighter. haha. I still want to learn how to do different martial arts especially Jiu Jitsu.

Aimeeways, I cannot wait till Saturday when BJ Penn and one of my favorite fighters, George St. Pierre fight. I seriously can't wait for St. Pierre to kick Penn's ass (I'm sorry to all my Hawaiian readers, but I think Penn is too cocky.)

Sorry if I'm boring you guys with a subject that's totally unrelated to fashion, but I'm just kinda, little too excited about this Saturday's fight. hehehe

Affordable Copper Wire For Wre Jewellery Making

If you are taking up wire jewelry, you may start by using copper wire which is rather easy to twist for beginner. Most common sizes to use would be 1mm , 0.7mm and 0.4mm.

You can buy these copper wires at RM9 each. Contact me at tangyauhoh at gmail dot com.

Brown coloured copper wire

Silver coloured copper wire

Gold coloured copper wire





Wanna to learn more about wire? Click here!

I'm Retail Minded! Are you?

I recently stumbled across this blog via Twitter - have I mentioned recently mentioned how much I love Twitter? Anyway Nicole, the dynamo behind this awesome blog, sent me a Twitter invite, we started talking, and next thing you know I was subscribing to the blog! I've only been following along for a little while, but many of the articles I've already read have been very informative and encouraging.

Here's the description of the blog from it's front page:

The Blog by Retail Minded was inspired to support small retail business owners and the wholesalers that sell to them. By offering valuable and educational blogs, The Blog by Retail Minded can help increase business productivity within many sectors of retail, including marketing, publicity, merchandising, packaging, and more.

Whether you are looking to start a new retail or wholesale business, want to increase your current retail business portfolio, or are struggling to maintain survival in the harsh reality of retail, The Blog by Retail Minded can support you in every step of the way.

Nicole has a degree in business - and she really knows what she's talking about! Just from getting to know her a little bit I've seen that she has a passion for building small business. Get to know her and her blog, even if not every article applies to you, you'll find a lot worth learning :)

I was thinking about featuring her site/blog anyway, and then I got a treat! Nicole offered to interview me for her new "Featured Designer" spot on her blog. I'm so excited and honored! Go check it out to learn a little bit more about me ;)

Kreative Blogger Award

Mei over at WireBlissMei recently awarded me for the 'Kreativ Blogger

Award'. Thanks Mei for this award and I will definitely do a better job in bringing Handmade-Jewelry-Club to the next level this year!

These are the rules:

1. The winner may put this award on their blog.

2. Please put a link to the person that presented you for this award.

3. Nominate 5 blogs.

4. Put links to all their blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees.

I will go through some of the blogs in the next few days and will nominate the 5 blogs gradually.

1. Pearl of The Beading Gem's Journal
I have been following The Beading Gem's Journal for about 2 months. I am amazed with Pearl with her dedication in providing informative and creative contents on daily basis. Her topics can be ranging from creative jewelry designs to plumbing to tips and techniques. I am sure Pearl has put in a lot of hardwork behind this. Thanks to Pearl for the sharing!

2. Wendy of Diary of a Miniature Enthusiast
Her blog is interesting! A young jewelry artist with very casual writing style. She blogs about her jewelry, her life as a student and her business.

Golden Bull Pendant to Usher The Year of Ox

Managed to do up few Ox pendants just in time for the new year. For those who might be wondering, the Chinese is celebrating the 1st day of the new year according to Chinese calendar on 26/1/2009.

These pendants are made of silver plated copper wires. If you prefer a pair of earrings instead, let me know and I will customade them for you.

Contact: janecgy at yahoo dot com

Ox Pendant with Swaroski crystal (RM22/ USD7)


Ox Pendant with Coral Bead (RM18/ USD6)



Ox Pendant with Swaroskvi Crystal (RM20/ USD6.5)

New Tutorial: Yin Yang Chinese Wire Wrapped Pendant

In this tutorial, you will learn to interconnect loops, using the “Yin & Yang” concept of symmetry to secure a cabochon to create this marvelous “Yin Yang” Chinese Pendant.

LEVEL: ADVANCED
This tutorial consists of 46 very clear pictures in colour and 42 easy to follow steps.

This tutorial is in pdf format.

File size: 1,230KB

You will need Adobe Acrobat reader to view it.

MATERIALS:

4 pieces of 7 ½” 24g wire (half hard)
1 piece of 24” 22g wire (dead soft or half hard)
1 teardrop cabochon (approx 14mm)

TOOLS:

Round nose pliers
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
Flat nose pliers
Ruler

DELIVERY:

The PDF format document will be sent to the E-mail address set in your paypal account or designated Email address (for local Malaysian) within 24 hours or lesser upon receipt of payment.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This listing is exclusive of any materials and tools used.

PRICE: USD 8.50

My Blazer

(Vintage Blazer with new buttons, Forever 21 Shirt, Express Jeans, Steve Madden Boots, H&M Scarf)

I've been contacted by the fabulous Mimi, from La Mimi a couple weeks ago and was lucky enough to be featured as Fashion Idol of the Week. Her site is not just another fashion blog. She has amazing fashion and beauty articles, talks about the current trends, and has a weekly fashion idol feature where you can find other amazing inspirational bloggers. You can check my interview, along with other blogger's interview here.

Hmmmm....What's That Smell?

Antique perfume buttons......Little beauties with an interesting story....

Perfume buttons were made in the 1800's and usually consist of many pieces basically stacked together. Tin is usually used as the back of the button, then a cardboard disc is stacked on top of this. Next to follow is a fabric disc, usually brown or black velvet, but I have seen other weave fabrics used, also. The last piece stacked on top varies from button to button. Sometimes you can find perfume buttons with one more disk placed on top of the velvet which has a cut-out design. On top of that is a brass ring wrapped around the edge of the button to hold it all together. Sometimes you will find only one piece on top of the velvet consisting of a border and a cut-out design. I believe the one in the picture to be the latter, however, it is difficult to tell without holding the button in your hand and inspecting it :]

Images on the buttons can vary from flowers, to leaves to actual pictures (like birds, buildings, etc.). Perfume buttons can also be found to depict simple designs only.

Now the tricky part....the story behind the buttons. I have heard two versions of the story...

Version 1:
Perfume buttons were manufactured to give ladies a place to put thier perfume without staining thier typically expensive dresses. Since the button has fabric and the cardboard insert, one would put a drop or two of perfume on the button, keeping it off the dress. I would tend to argue this one as one doesn't usually put perfume on the dress, but on the skin on various pressure points (the heat of the pressure points distributes the scent). Also, protecting the garment could not have been guaranteed as if you put too much perfume on a button, it will drip on the clothes...that's a matter of logic.

Version 2:
Perfume buttons were manufactured as a remedy to staving off the smell of the not-so-freshly-bathed body. Let's face it. In Victorian times, daily bathing was not an option. It was something that was usually done once a week (or less). After a while, the body begins to emit some pretty offensive odors, hence, perfume buttons. A few drops on these buttons should stave away undesirable odors. Now, when reviewing this, I have a hard time coming up with an argument for it with the exception of, wouldn't you scent your body? So why would you need to scent buttons? As a novelty?

Now, we cannot prove either version to be true, unless you can find documentation in an old publication proving so. Otherwise, we would have to summon up old Great-Great-Aunt-Bessie's ghost and ask her ourselves. Now, I have a reprint from a 1897 Sears Roebuck Catalog...alas, nothing in there. If you can offer some concrete proof, please feel free to comment!

I think the one thing that is not disputed is that women used to give them to boyfriends/husbands to keep with them should they have to travel far or go to war (so that the man can keep his woman's scent near to him). How Romantic!

Oh, the other undisputable thing...they sure are fantastic little buttons!

A Sunday's Update :)

You know, sometimes I get so caught up in new projects, that old one's get forgotten! That's what happened with this necklace. I made it over a month ago, but first I forgot to photograph it, and then once I did, I kept forgetting to edit the photos and post it! Quite sad because this is one of my favorite necklace designs :)

Elegantly Jumbled Lace

I also wanted to give you a quick update on the Artisan Shoppe. I checked in with admin yesterday and they said their still working on it. Trying to make things as secure as possible! Which is good for us in the long run :) So it'll be a few weeks still. I'll let you know as soon as it's up!

Have you entered my giveaway yet? Two fabulous prizes are up for grabs! Go here to find out all about it :)

Posies for your ears

For the longest time I've been conflicted about offering finished jewelry with my ceramic beads and pendants. First, I seem to get a serious creative block with my own components, I always like what other people do with them better than what I would have come up with. Second, I felt like making jewelry with those pieces might give jewelry designers a bit of a bad vibe as they might not want to have "competition" (although again, I have that issue with thinking other people's creations with them are better!). Also, having the finished jewelry items on the same site as my pendants creates a bit of a pricing conundrum- I value the time I put into making jewelry pieces and also value the level of skill I've developed as far as wire work, etc so it's tough when someone can then go to the pendants section and see what I have an individual pendant priced at.

I decided the only way to do it is to put my finished ceramic jewelry on a separate sales venue but Etsy is so jewelry saturated and there are so many sellers who devalue their labor and sell at fire sale prices! Soooo I think I've finally figured out the solution(s)... I'm just waiting on approval for my 1000 Markets shop, it's visually so pretty and the site is user friendly. The other solution is that I am going to make some charms/pendants that are just for my finished jewelry. Then I don't have to feel like I'm undermining my jewelry designer customers. I"ll still probably have a few jewelry items that I've made with pendants or charms that are for sale individually but I plan to keep them few and far between and they'll primarily be jewelry pieces that I've submitted to beading magazines for publication.
Here's a peek at the first items- feedback definitely welcome!!

My latest read

I haven't posted in a while about what I've been reading, but as I've just finished my latest read, before choosing a new one (which is a HARD task, I'm telling you!), I thought to post my thoughts on it.

I've been reading a lot of paranormal romances, and I got hungry of my usual 'sick shit' type of books (so labeled in the old bookrelay forums, for those who still remember). Sick shit in our 'language' means gory, scary details, serial killers, FBI agents hunting them down, you get the idea.

So I found at the bottom of one of my many piles of books a hardcover from James Patterson, Double Cross, and decided to read it. It's the 13th in the Alex Cross series.
I found it quite a fast read and actually quite fun. Just checked now the Amazon ratings for the book, and based on the ratings, it seem like it's not one of James Patterson's best book. Not sure why it's rated so low, I really enjoyed reading it.

A while ago I took a decision to not let these user feedbacks, ratings and comments get to me before I read a book, so I stopped searching for them until after I finished the book. I found that this serves me quite well all the time, because I really enjoy books more when I'm not influenced by others. But back to the book.

Alex Cross is retired from his practice, but a series of killings, where he is personally mentioned by the killer, pulls him right back into the game. And the one who pulls him back is no other than his former FBI partner and friend, Kyle Craig, who turned out to be a vicious serial killer and was put in prison (that happened in the book Violets are blue, if you haven't read that one yet).

Without revealing anything else about the book, I will say that if you haven't read it yet, give it a chance. It's really good, and if you like the Alex Cross books, this one doesn't disappoint. Don't let the Amazon ratings turn you off from having a good read. And this point is valid not only for this book. Always make a habit of reading the book first, and google-ing or searching Amazon for the reviews after. You'll enjoy the book that much more.

Feather Headband

My lovely bf and I went to CB2, then to Crate & Barrell to find the perfect glass cup for my smoothies and we found it. gyeah! Smoothie taste soo much better in cold glass cups! haha

(Arden B. Leather Jacket, Forever 21 Shirt, Wet Seal Wife Beater, Random Leggins, Secondhand Boots, My Own Feather HeadBand)

MY ETSY STORE

MY ETSY STORE