K. A. Mace Jewelry

January Birthstone Feature: Garnet

2009-01-01T10:09:00.001-08:00

The birthstone for January is the Garnet, and can also be Rose Quartz. The traditional color for the January birthstone is that lovely deep classic Red Garnet. However, Garnets come in an amazing range of hues. I love Garnets, and here is some information from my website, K. A. Mace Jewelry, regarding Garnets:

Garnets have a wonderful history of being a much-desired and sought-after gemstone. Garnets were once carried by travelers to keep them safe when they were far from home. Garnets were used in Asia and in the American Southwest as bullets, as it was believed that the deep, rich red color would cause more deadly wounds. Noah used a garnet lantern to steer the Ark at night.

Today, Garnets are much more than the red stone that most of us are familiar with from antique jewelry. Indeed, the Garnet is found in almost every hue but blue! Here are the Garnets found in this Collection:

Green Garnets:

(image from www.kamacejewelry.com, photo by K. A. Mace)

Green Garnets, or Grossularite (Grossular Garnets), range from yellow to green to brown. Most of the Green Garnets in this collection fall in this range--the olive greens to dark, bright greens. Some Green Garnets are also knows as Tsavorite, and these Garnets are an emerald-green. This Garnet is found only as small accents in this collection.

Mandarin Garnets:

(image from www.kamacejewelry.com, photo by K. A. Mace)

Mandarin Garnets, or Spessartine Garnets, are bright, vivid orange stones. These Garnets are stunning in the way that they catch the light and truly glow! This color is stunning for any season!

"Grape" Garnets:

(image from www.kamacejewelry.com, photo by K. A. Mace)

Grape Garnets are a purplish-red to violet colored Garnet. These garnets are a vivid, unusual color and are stunning when paired with the other Garnet colors.

"Raspberry" Garnets:

(image from www.kamacejewelry.com, photo by K. A. Mace)

"Raspberry" Garnets are a raspberry red--a wonderfully vibrant dark pink color. This color is referred to as "dark pink" throughout this collection.

Red Garnets:

(image from www.kamacejewelry.com, photo by K. A. Mace)

Red Garnets are found in different varieties, each with different tones. Pyrope, is a fiery red. The Pyrope Garnets found in Arizona are called "Anthill Garnet" as they are actually mined by ants creating their anthills! Almandine Garnets are a deep red to reddish-brown. The Red Garnets in this collection are a beautiful, rich brick red.

Try one color...or try them all!

Find your perfect January Birthstone jewelry at K. A. Mace Jewelry! Happy January Birthday!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T15:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from K. A. Mace Jewelry! Thank you for your continued support in 2008,and I look forward to bringing some new designs to the K. A. Mace Jewelry website as well as my blog in 2009!

On a personal note, I wanted to share one of my New Year's Resolutions. I have pledged to do a better job of documenting my life and my many joys. My kids are growing up just too quickly and I want to capture all of the many precious moments. I also feel that each year just flies by more and more rapidly, and I have many joys to be proud of and to savor.

I recently got a Flip Video, and urge you to look into getting this amazing video recorder. I carry it with me everywhere I go and have been able to document some amazing moments! It is small, it is convenient, it is so easy to use. I have no video editing skills yet have made very cool videos with music that I can easily share with family and friends.

Click on the image below for more information or to buy one today! This is truly a gadget that will impact your life in such positive ways, and you will find for a very small investment you will enjoy such huge payoffs in documenting the many joys in your life as well!

How to "Winterize" Your Skin Care Regime

2008-12-28T12:51:00.001-08:00

Winter weather can be a real challenge to keeping skin hydrated and looking healthy. The harsh outdoor elements take their toll, along with indoor heat and other factors. Skin can easily become chapped, dry, and stripped of its natural beauty and luster. Here are five simple tips to keeping your skin looking fantastic despite the weather outside! And the real beauty of these beauty insider tips? They won't break your beauty bank!

(image from www.graphics8.nytimes.com)

1. Drink lots of water. At this time of the year, especially in colder climates, we often look to our beverages to bring us some warmth. Thus, we are less likely to drink water and more likely to drink hot tea, coffee or cocoa. Do not forget to drink water, and plenty of it during cold weather! In door heating and the elements can dehydrate us, keeping hydrated will not only keep you healthier, but keep your skin looking great.

Winterizing Tip: Furthermore, with more holiday events and parties, we may be more likely to indulge in drinks containing alcohol. This, too, can dehydrate us and our skin, so a great tip is to drink one glass of water for every cocktail you savor at your holiday bashes!

2. Exfoliate. During the winter months and cold weather our skin can begin to look a bit dull. Many of us do not think of exfoliating as we do during the warm weather months as we may (and should!) be using safe self-tanning products that require exfoliation and shaving more often during that time of the year. It is important to still exfoliate, from head to toe to keep skin looking clean, clear and energized.

Winterizing Tip: When it comes to exfoliation (especially with salt scrubs!) make sure that you do that prior to shaving. Not only do you avoid any stinging sensation from the salt on newly shaved skin, you also avoid any irritation from the scrubbing and exfoliation elements on freshly shaved areas. Best of all, you get a better shave when you exfoliate first!

3. Moisturize. The winter months can be tough on skin, and sometimes we need to look at our moisturizer to ensure that it is up to cold weather duty. Most moisturizers do the job year around, but for some of us, our skin requires more moisture, especially when our heaters are running day and night! Many dermatologists recommend applying your moisturizer while your skin is still a bit moist.

Winterizing Tip: A great way to keeping skin moist is to use a humidifier during the months that you are running your heat in your home, especially in your room while you sleep at night.

4. Avoid hot water. I am the first to want to warm up the Jacuzzi or take long, hot showers and baths to "thaw out" at this time of the year. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to hot water is not good for your skin. That hot water can strip your skin of necessary and natural oils and rob your skin of its natural ability to keep your skin moisturized. While it feels great to soak in a tub with oils and other soothing ingredients added, most of that is simply drained away when you drain your tub. It is better to shower in lukewarm water and avoid excessive exposure to spas and hot tubs that are excessively hot.

Winterizing Tip: A great rule of thumb here is that if you skin turns red in a jacuzzi or shower, it is truly too hot. Cool it down a bit to help maintain the natural and necessary oils your body produces to protect your skin .

5. Still use your sunscreen! You may think that when you see less sun in the winter months, you do not need to apply sunscreen everyday as you do during warm weather months. You are still being exposed to the sun and its potentially damaging rays in the winter. Apply sunscreen to your face and other exposed areas (for some of us, not much else in exposed in this cold weather!) and ensure that you stay on a routine to keep your skin healthy year around.

Winterizing tip: A great product is to find a multi-tasking product that provides sunscreen and powder or foundation style coverage for your skin. This makes applying sunscreen on a daily basis a "no-brainer" and a simple routine!

How do I know all of these amazing tips? I am a retail industry insider with over 15years of retail management experience. My background includes extensive experience in health and beauty products, including managing large volume health and beauty departments and staffing and training beauty consultants. I have been awarded both regional and company-wide awards driving beauty counter sales with one national retailer.

Furthermore, I am an admitted beauty product junkie. I have worked with at least one major beauty company to test products prior to market launch. If you would like me to test your products, or you would like me to blog about your beauty products, please feel free to contact me! I love to try new things and help give exposure to new products and new product companies.

How to Create an Actionable and Successful New Years Resolution

2008-12-27T11:19:00.001-08:00

This is an article that I wrote which was recently published! Feel free to visit the article here as well: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Create-an-Actionable-and-Successful-New-Years-Resolution&id=1791609

It is again that time to evaluate the year that is coming to a close and to dream of what could be in the New Year that is upon us. Some of us will develop New Year's Resolutions and dream big. Some of us will look with a cynical eye at that process and let another year go by without fulfilling a dream. Unfortunately, the latter approach stems from how so many of us have created those New Years resolutions only to find that we are not successful within months, if not weeks into the New Year.

Here are some basic tips and examples of how to create a New Year's Resolution that you can truly incorporate into your every day life. Go ahead and dream big, you can be successful with a New Year's Resolution! Make 2009 your year to accomplish greatness and use these tips to help loved ones accomplish their desires along with you!

The first step is to decide what is a realistic desire or dream is and to write it down at the top of a piece of paper. You have to define what your goal is. Furthermore it has to be something that you can realistically accomplish. "World Peace" is amazing, and I admire that sentiment. But that is bigger than me, and I need something that I can work on every day that I own and can directly impact.

Then, on this same piece of paper draw a line down the middle of that paper and one half of the page should be titled Qualitative and the other have should be titled Quantitative. The Qualitative side describes the qualities of your dream or desire. How will it feel, how will it change your life, how will it impact those that you know and love? The Quantitative side is how it will be documented, weighed, supported and measured. Once you have brainstormed this on our own, I strongly suggest sharing these ideas with a loved one. You can get their input and ideas, and even more importantly, their "buy-in" to help support your goals! Putting all of this together on your sheet of paper is the foundation to creating an actionable game plan to accomplish this resolution.

Here are three of examples to assist you in understanding how easy this process is, what it could look like and provide some ideas for your New Year's Resolution!

Example 1:
I want to create a budget to save money.

Qualitative factors:
I will have to prepare myself to go without something that may be special to me.
I will sacrifice to save that money.
I will feel better if I have some extra money in the bank, for an emergency or for something fun.
I love my daily mocha at work, but that would be something that I could sacrifice that would save me a lot of money.

Quantitative factors:
That beloved mocha costs $3.95 each day that I work.
I work roughly 260 days of the year.
If I do not buy that mocha each day, I will save $1027.00 with this resolution.
To ensure that I save that money, I am going to set up a bank account into which I will transfer $3.95 for each day that I go without my mocha.
By the end of the year I should have $1027.00 in that account (without any adjustments for interest, of course!).

Example 2:
I want to lose weight this year.

Qualitative factors:
I know that I will feel better.
I will be able to fit back into my skinny jeans.
I will extend my life expectancy and enjoy my family longer!

Quantitative factors:
It is realistic to lose on the average 1 pound per week, so my first goal is to lose 20 pounds this year. I will strive for that first 20, and continue forward once I have hit that goal.
To lose approximately 1 pound per week, I need to cut about 300-500 calories per day.
A daily mocha is about 330-400 calories, depending upon the milk I ask for (nonfat slightly less than whole milk, of course)
If I no longer drink a daily mocha, I will save at least 330 calories per day.
I will track my daily caloric intake in a weight loss journal and add up the calories each day. I will not add anything to my diet that would take the place of those 330 calories!
I will weigh in every Monday and ensure that I am losing my 1 pound each week.
I will enter that weight each week into my weight loss journal and ensure that I am on track to lose my one pound per week.
I will also increase my exercise by using that time that I typically got the mocha and sat to drink it to walk instead; walking each day, 5 days a week for approximately 30 minutes.
I will note that walking each day in my weight loss journal to stay on track with my overall weight loss goal.

Example 3:
I want to focus on family this year.

Qualitative factors:
I know that it will bring my family closer together.
I know that we will have fun together and create family memories to last a lifetime.
I may save even more money by not going out.

Quantitative factors:
As we are a busy family, we will post a family calendar.
We will set each Friday night aside as a family night and put that on the calendar.
Everyone can plan their week around that evening.
We will create a rotation of who gets to select what we do that evening to keep that evening interesting, fun and spontaneous.
That rotation will be noted on the calendar by calling each Friday night by the family member's name and chosen activity, like Kelly's Cooking Night in which we all cook a meal together.
We will also document each evening by taking pictures or video and create a yearlong digital diary of our evenings together.

As you can see, New Year's Resolutions can be fun and can help you create true change in your life. By discovering both the Qualitative or subjective and emotional roots in your resolution AND the Quantitative or objective and measurable aspects in your resolution, you will be far more successful in accomplishing your resolution all year long. You can dream big and still be successful! With just these few statements on either side of my Resolution page, I can craft a game plan that will work, that is actionable, that is measurable and that will help me save money, lose weight and/or improve my family life.

From here, I suggest typing up your New Year's Resolution and laminating a couple of copies. One posted by your mirror so you are reminded of it every morning is a great way to start your day in the right direction. Put one copy by something that is a constant reminder of your Resolution. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, post it on your pantry door. That way you can think about your Resolution before opening that door for a snack! Of course, you will also need to prepare and have your tools handy and in a place that you touch every day. For example, for weight loss, you may need to get a pedometer and a journal in which you can track your calories, weigh-ins and your exercise routine. Keep that on your desk if you check email each day, or in your purse or briefcase so you can track your progress throughout the day.

Finally, don't forget to celebrate the wins. If you lose your first 20 pounds, treat yourself to something special. Maybe a new pair of jeans you have had your eyes on, or a makeup makeover! If you save your budgeted savings, pay off some debt and celebrate your steps toward financial freedom or retirement! If you find that you enjoy those amazing family nights together, create a digital scrapbook as a gift to your loved ones next Holiday season. Make a calendar that spotlights 12 of your favorite pictures together, or create a journal of your favorite pictures for your kids.

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #25

2008-12-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is going to be my favorite tip of all. I have offered a wide range of holiday shopping tips, 24 so far, that stem mostly from my retail management experience. Some from my own experience as a consumer. All of them, however, lead to this very last tip.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #25:

Enjoy spending time with family and loved one this holiday season. Your presence is the very best present you can give to someone you love!

I hope that you have a wonderful and restful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #24

2008-12-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

When it comes to giving for friends and family, it becomes very complicated when you are on a budget and yet still want to give presents or tips this holiday season. Many of us are also dealing with gifting for teachers, for co-workers, giving tips to service providers. It becomes overwhelming and incredibly expensive to try to accomodate everyone!

However, it does pay to have open, honest conversations with friends and family. While it may feel very uncomfortable to start that conversation, you will most likely find a very open and relieved recipient to that dialogue!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #24:

Set realistic expectation for gift-giving with friends and family members!

There are countless other options to spending money on gift after gift after gift. Discuss expectations with friends and family, and while setting gift-giving rules may seem to take away from the holiday spirit, it will certainly help everyone with their holiday budgets...which in the long term makes the holidays much less stressful for everyone!

* Set a budget for kids gifts. Really, kids receive so many presents, they will still love and appreciate smaller gifts as well!

* Make handmade presents and "swap" talents. I can knit, you make soap. I will gladly create a scarf for you, if you are willing to create some luscious soaps for me! I know of many handmade "trading" circles, suggest one for your circle of friends. Most everyone has a unique craft talent!

* Draw names for adult gifts in a family. Instead of large families buying gifts for everyone, it is fun to draw names and get one special gift for that recipient.

* Create fun coupons in which you will offer your unique and special services. A friend of mine has a sister who is a masseuse, and she gives coupons for a free massage. Sounds wonderful to me! She really does not have to spend a lot of money on those gifts, and she gives her friends and family a wonderful gift...her time and talent!

* Get together and simply plan a nice holiday event in which you savor each other's company. Instead of everyone spending so much on gifts, each person could create a special holiday food dish that represents their holiday tradition or heritage and simply enjoy everyone's company. A fun potluck-type get-together creates many more lasting memories!

The reality is that many of us do not have the holiday budget that we have had in the past. It is not realistic to run up debt or overspend to try to please everyone we know and love. Many of them, too, are trying to cut back. It makes much more sense to strive to enjoy handmade gifts, share out talents, and ultimately share our time and love together this holiday season.

Oh, to be 13 again!

2008-12-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

Last night was my daughter's Winter Formal Dance. My daughter and three of her girlfriends got ready here at the house and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing them laughing, giggling, helping each other with their hair and makeup. They were simply stunning when they came out...

(my daughter is second from the right)

While I took these pictures, I thought about what it felt to be thirteen. These are young women who have so much potential, they are smart young ladies and each has a wonderful unique style that they embrace and do not allow to be diluted with peer pressure. So...for the sake of some nostalgia, I remember that when I was thirteen the world was such a different place!

When I was thirteen...

The Kent State shooting occurred.
Chile elected a Marxist, Salvador Allende.
The First Earth Day was celebrated.
Monday Night Football was launched.
California became the first no-fault divorce state
First New York City Marathon.
The Beatles released their last studio album, Let It Be.
Black Sabbath released what is considered by many to be the first "Heavy Metal" album, "Black Sabbath".
The floppy disc was invented.
Charles Manson was convicted of killing Sharon Tate.
18 year olds were given the right to vote in federal elections.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty goes into effect, after ratification by 43 nations.
Bar codes were introduced for retail use in England.
The Concorde makes its first supersonic flight.
The U.S. invades Cambodia to hunt out the Viet Cong; massive antiwar protests occur in the U.S.
Jimi Hendrix dies of barbiturate overdose in London.
Janis Joplin dies in a cheap motel from a heroin overdose.
Midnight Cowboy wins the Best Picture Oscar, the first and only time an X-rated movie received the honor.
A United States postage stamp cost 6 cents, a gallon of Gas cost 36 cents, average income in the U.S. was $9,400.00 per year, average cost of new house in the U.S. was $23,450.00, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 838 at year end close.

What a different world these young ladies live in today. They are attached to their laptops, cell phones, ipods and other technology that they simply somehow cannot "live without". They are so much more savvy and wordly than I ever was at that age, they have been exposed to so much more via the media and cable television.

Yet somethings never quite seem to change. They, too, have concern for the war that we are waging in Iraq and Afghanistan. They understand the economic pressures we currently face, and what they will inherit when they complete college and get into the workforce. They will face a world with possible global change issues that will shape how they live, where they live and what they do for a living.

I am proud and honored to be a part of helping one of these young ladies find their way to adulthood and beyond.

What was the world like when you were thirteen? What have and will your thirteen year old children face?

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #23

2008-12-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

While many of us are focusing on the wonderful and joyous aspects of the holiday season, there is an unfortunate darker side to the holidays as well. With an economy that is tough for so many, there is a criminal element that arises from this hardship. Also, at a time of the year where so many are doing a great deal of shopping in large crowds, we are sometimes left more vulnerable than we truly know.

Many of us are operating on a "cash-only" holiday shopping budget. So, that means that are carrying more cash than ever, and the thieves know that too! While I certainly do not want to scare anyone during the holiday season, I know from my many years of retail management experience how so many people assume they are safe, are complacent and truly do not focus on their personal safety while out shopping.

Thus, this tip is all about being safe with your cash while shopping this holiday season!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #23:

Use these tips to be cash safe this holiday season!

1. Many of us rely heavily upon ATMs to withdraw cash. If you can, do the buddy system, especially with ATMs that are slightly more isolated, or if you are withdrawing money while it is dark. If at all possible, it is best to do that cash transaction inside the bank. Take care to make sure that you get your card back (over the last week, I have found TWO cards left in ATMs!) and that you are careful with entering your pin, and requesting and taking your receipts. Yes, the information is somewhat "encrypted" but do you want a potential criminal to know your balance information and decide to target you based off of that info?

2. Do not keep all of your cash in one place. If you are carrying hundreds of dollars, or more, try to break it down into smaller batches so that you are not pulling out a fat wallet or "wad" of money. That is really telegraphing to a potential pickpocket or thief that you are a target. Paper clip it into smaller batches (say $100 in $20s) to minimize how much money you are pulling out in public at any given time.

3. Keep your cash as close to your body as possible. I continue to see moms with their purses in shopping carts everywhere I go. Yes, I live in a safe community. But, remember, the criminal element knows where the "safe" communities are, too. They will pinpoint those very communities as they know that we are more likely to assume that we are safe. I can tell you from experience, when we caught and busted pickpockets and thieves in my stores, they were not from the immediate community. Some had come from as much as 2-3 hours away to get to you in your safe community.

4. Never, ever keep money in pockets, jacket pockets, flaps of your purse or anywhere that a pickpocket could have easy access. A casual "bump" in a crowded mall could be someone relieving you of your cash! I have seen videos of pickpockets that have been caught in my stores, and I can tell you that they were so good I could not even see them taking the cash!

5. Make sure that you are thorough in giving your cash to a cashier. Count it out to them, make sure that they know you are well-aware of what you are handing over to them. Short change artists rip off cashiers all of the time, however, that is reciprocated with cashiers short-changing consumers as well. I had a friend who recently paid for an item and in the hustle and bustle of the transaction was short-changed by $40.00! She told me, in tears, and I called the store on her behalf asking the store manager to count down that drawer immediately. Luckily, the store manager listened, pulled the cashier off of that lane, counted the drawer and found it to be $267.00 OVER in funds. That cashier was creating an amazing little holidy shopping kitty for herself. My friend got her money back, but think of all of the other customers (to the tune of $227.00!) that may not have realized that they were missing change! OUCH!

I do hope that these tips are a reminder to shop safely with your cash this holiday season! Happy Holidays!

Hope

2008-12-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have had a pretty challenging year, on a personal level. I felt like I kept wishing away so much of the year in trying to get through one thing or another. While I have much to be thankful about and grateful for...I feel like I let a lot of stress and worrying get in the way of simply enjoying what I truly do have to enjoy.

Then, last night I was sitting in my living room, just quietly sipping tea and looking at my Christmas tree. I was struck with a feeling of sadness, I suppose for wishing away so much of the year. Here we are, with 2009 upon us, and I feel like I have a lot less to show for this past year...I simply did not get accomplished what I wanted to achieve.

Then, my son came into the room carrying with him the scent of chlorine from his water polo practice. He came over to me and asked me to look at the ornaments with him. He asked me where I got this one, why I liked that one. I really enjoyed that moment with him and his wonder of these lovely ornaments and the little life moments they represented or measured.

My sadness began to fade and was replaced with a feeling of hope and faith. I know that this was not my banner year. This, however, was a year of transition and change for me and I need to dig even deeper to stop stressing out over what I cannot control and stop worrying for the worst of what can be. I wanted to capture that sense of hope I certainly once had, and that should be part of this holiday season.

After going after ornament after ornament, discussing our past as a family, my son went off to finish his homework. I sat down, cracked open a journal that I bought long ago but never used and started writing down my game plan for 2009. I have hope. I know we will have an even stronger future as a family.

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #22

2008-12-17T09:33:00.001-08:00

This holiday season many of us are using far less credit, in some cases because we simply do not have as much credit extended to us, in other cases because we are using cash trying to eliminate debt. Credit card companies have lowered credit limits on many consumers, even those who have faithfully paid their bills on time over years! So, for some consumers they have far less "credit buying power" this holiday season. However, there are ways to protect and maximize that buying power if you so choose!

I have touched upon credit and credit cards in a few other tips, but this one is all about using credit safely this holiday season!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #22:

Use credit and/or debit cards safely this holiday season!

By "safely", I mean the following:

Carry as few cards as possible. If you wallet or purse is lost or stolen, you will have far less risk and far fewer cards to follow up on to close or cancel. I have a dear friend who worked so hard to pay down credit and yet for some reason she still carried those cards with her. Her purse was stolen, and she had a serious mess on her hands, months of battling with credit card companies and following up on fixing that damage. Just don't carry the cards with you, not only does it reduce the temptation to spend more, it keeps you safer.

Carry credit cards as closely to your body as possible. While shopping the other day, I noticed several customers who had left their purses in the shopping cart while they were looking elsewhere. Don't set yourself up, when an economy weakens, the criminal element arises.

Ensure that you keep your eye on your credit card at all times. Do not let an associate wander off with it, make sure that they process the credit card transaction immediately and right in front of you. I was recently shopping and an associate asked to take the item I was interested in and my credit card to give to another cashier. I politely told her that I would do that myself, and thanked her for her help. As a retail manager I was involved in countless internal investigations in which associates were able to get (and immediately USE) credit card numbers that they had gotten in seconds (often times they jot down the number, or they make a "carbon" copy by putting a piece of paper over it and rubbing with a pencil).

Be very careful with applying for the those "immediate" store credit cards. I myself am very leery of this, and in all of my years of retail management, I have never once done this myself. I know from an insider perspective how "sloppy" this process is, and would never expose my personal information in that manner. The applications often sit at registers, exposed to many associates (and even other customers) and I have been involved in way too many internal investigations linked to instant credit applications and identity fraud. Even if the retailer can offer you a completely paperless manner, in which you enter all personal information into a keypad or telephone, I would still not do it. While the immediate discount is very attractive, weigh it against the risks, the reason they are offering to extend credit to you (to get you to buy MORE!) and the interest rate you will pay if you do not pay that balance off immediately.

Set up online account management with your credit cards. During this time of the year, it is a great idea to log on daily and review your charges. If you see anything suspicious, you can react immediately and get resolution much more quickly.

I hope that these few credit safety tips help you to save money and your credit this holiday season!

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #21

2008-12-16T11:37:00.001-08:00

As a veteran of the retail industry, I know all too well that when economic times are tough, retail managers get very creative to "save the sale" and keep your customers happy. Prices are so incredibly promotional right now, and in some cases literally dropping by the day.

I had posted an earlier tip about keeping your receipts to ensure that if prices dropped, you could return to that retailer to get a price adjustment. Many retailers offer at least a 14-day price protection so that if it goes down (except in the case of clearance items) the retailer will give you that lower price.

The following tip is also related to getting the best price, but with a twist:

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #21:

Keep your eyes open for prices at competitors and ask for that price match if you have already purchased that item at another retailer!

If you have kept your receipts, and find an item that is less expensive elsewhere, you should ask for a price adjustment. If you can find documentation of this lower price, bring that with you (an ad circular, a screenprint, etc.). If the retailer refuses to adjust your price you always have the option of returning the item and purchasing it from the retailer that is less expensive. In today's competitive retail world, the chances are pretty good that the retailer will try to "save the sale" and adjust your price by a few dollars instead of losing many more dollars. The best thing you can do is to ask for the "Manager on Duty" and politely and professionally inform them of the price difference.

This also applies to your online purchases, you should inform the online retailer that there is a lower price from another online competitor and that you would like to ask for a price adjustment. Again, you should have documentation, and can send them a link to the item in your communication.

Where it gets tricky is when you purchased something in a store, but see it online at a competitor for less. Online pricing will often be different than store pricing as they are working with different economies of scale. However, in my experience as both a retail manager and as a consumer is that a retailer will honor that price adjustment if the customer can provide some documentation. I recently was awarded a sizeable price adjustment from a national big box retailer when I brought in a screenprint of the same item with a much lower price online.

It can also be more complex when you have purchased something online but find it for less in a store. It can be done with persistence, patience, politeness and "please and thank you"! Remember, these employees are feeling the pinch of this holiday season, they WANT to find a great way to help friendly customers! The online process can take a bit longer, but I am again proof that it can be done...a certain major online retailer adjusted a $5.00 price difference for me.

Good luck, and remember to always keep your receipts!!!

Heels.com has fantastic offers for the holidays!

2008-12-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

Calling all shoe lovers...Heels.com has amazing holiday offers for you! I know you need gorgeous shoes for holiday celebrations, including New Year's Eve, so shop NOW!

Just click on the images and/or text below to start shopping, and don't forget your coupon code at check out!!!

Save $15 off any order over $125 at Heels.com with code HEELQ4AFF from 10/1/08 - 12/31/08

Origins Last Minute Shopping Offers!

2008-12-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

Origins is offering fantastic savings for you last minute holiday shoppers! Click on any image or text for more information or to start shopping for the beauty product lovers on your list!

Place your Origins.com order by December 22, 3:00 PM, EST, and not only will we get it there by Christmas, use Offer Code Free2DayLS for Free 2nd Day Shipping!

Last Minute Holiday Savings from Benefit Cosmetics!

2008-12-15T13:16:00.000-08:00

Benefit Cosmetics is offering amazing last minute holiday savings for those of still that are still in gift-giving and gift-buying mode!

Check these out! Click on any of the images OR text for more information!

Get Free 2 Day US Shipping on any order. Enter code TWODAY08 at checkout. Select second day (2 days) as the shipping speed during checkout. Offer valid 12.15 and 12.16.08 only.

It’s the best time of the year! Get 20% off any order on 12.17.08 only! Enter code TWENTY08 at checkout.

Go from zero to gorgeous with a FREE rush hour with $30 order. Enter RUSHGIFT at checkout. Valid 12.18.08 only.

Need a pick me up? Our Beauty Uppers set is at a new lower price! Now an $86 value for $58.

Save more than a pretty penny! Get 20% off any order on 12.20.08 only! Enter code SAVEGOOD at checkout.

There’s still time to gift gorgeous! Get FREE next day US shipping and get your gift in time for Christmas. Enter code LASTGIFT at checkout. Offer valid Dec. 21st and 22nd only. Select next day (1 day) as the shipping speed during checkout.

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #20

2008-12-15T12:29:00.001-08:00

I received some great emails regarding my shopping tips about making gifts (and not really doing all that much shopping!) and shopping handmade. Of course I network with other artists and creative types and those kind of gift-giving tips are ones that are near and dear to us!

It then dawned upon me that there is a fantastic Holiday shopping/Holiday gift-giving tip combines a "Do-It-Yourself" aesthetic and creating something "Handmade" with what you already have in your possession...

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #20:

Look to what you already own that you can embellish or improve upon to re-purpose and give as a one-of-a-kind gift!

This is not "re-gifting" or doing any kind of "White Elephant" type gift. I once had a circle of friends and we passed around this really ugly (in our humble opinions) purse that one of them had received as a gift from their grandmother. Of course it was done tongue-in-cheek, but it almost became a gift of "hot potato"...who could get rid of that purse the quickest?! This is not getting rid of a fruit cake or some other odd gift you have received!

Instead, this tip is about re-purposing, and creating something completely new and different out of something that you may already own. I have a friend who is giving people on her list scarves that she has beaded and embellished. She has taken smaller scarves and pieced and sewn them together into large wraps, then crocheted borders and painstakingly beaded accents onto the silk. She has taken something that she already owned, but did not use (and that she acquired from ebay, garage sales, vintage finds, etc.), and made these items into something extraordinary. What an amazing gift!

Think of how you can re-purpose items that you no longer use that can make them special and unique for friends and loved ones!

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #19

2008-12-14T20:06:00.001-08:00

With so many of us cutting back this holiday season, we are searching for sensible, meaningful gifts to help stretch our gift-giving dollars. Many of us are looking for gifts for people who may need some extra help this holiday season including elderly parents, college students and others. In the past, it would have made sense to give a splurge gift, now it makes sense to give something that is considerate and useful.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #19:

Look to gift cards for sensible gifts this holiday season!

A couple of extra tips to accompany this tip:

A word of caution in purchasing gift cards from smaller, boutique type stores, smaller regional retailers and retailers that are currently struggling. Well, yes, most retailers are having a tough season, but big box national retailers are in this game to stay, so to purchase and give gift cards from Target, Walmart and Best Buy are all a solid bet.

Find out if you get bonus points from your grocery store for purchasing gift cards. Currently, my Ralph's store is offering triple points for gift card purchases, and I can buy gift cards and translate those points into discounts for gas and groceries. Be careful, however, as they sometimes charge a processing fee that can cut into your total purchasing power and erode the "benefit" of bonus points awarded.

Find out if you receive special points, air miles, etc., on your credit card for buying MasterCard, Visa or American Express branded gift cards. I recently got an XBox 360, a Nintendo DS and some Wii games at NO CHARGE by "cashing in" on my Amex points. Not bad!

Be careful about purchasing gift cards, as there at least one major gift card scam that is impacting consumers. Both internal and external thieves will write down gift card numbers and frequently check to see if those gift cards have been purchased and activated. As the activation is often immediate upon purchase, if they have captured a gift card number that is activated they can use those funds themselves. Pick gift cards from the middle of the display, or try to select the gift cards that require a scratch off number for activation. Better yet, if you can, ask a cashier for gift cards that are located at their register as those would be more difficult to be tampered with (most registers at major retailers have cameras on them, it would be exceedingly difficult for a cashier to play any kind of gift card scam while being watched by the "eye in the sky".

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #18

2008-12-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

To accompany my last Shopping Tip #17 (DIY this holiday for gift-giving!) I thought it would be important to also pass along another related shopping tip that is certainly near and dear to my heart...

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #18:

Buy HANDMADE gifts this holiday season!

I love handmade gifts. I love that someone took the time to make something by hand. I enjoy that passion for their talent and gift. I really dig the idea of supporting an entrepreneur and not a huge corporation. Of course I love some really amazing brand products, however, I also truly appreciate how hard an individual works at creating something that is often one-of-a-kind or something that simply cannot and should not be replicated in a factory somewhere!

So, support an artisan this holiday season, buy local, buy handmade!

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #17

2008-12-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

From my own personal experience and in talking to so many friends and family, and even in the feedback that I have received from this series of tips, I get that many of us are on serious budgets this holiday season. Coupled with that is a feeling of being pretty "burnt out" on the usual holiday consumer message. All too many are struggling with credit card debt, decling home values, and we just do not want to be overwhelmed with the usual "buy this, buy that" message.

So, I say this is a tip that many of us are probably already following, and can still follow this holiday season...

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #17:

Do-It-Yourself this holiday for gifts and holiday events!

Ditch the usual media push to consume, consume, consume...buy, buy, buy! Many of us have fantastic talents that we can put to good use for gift-giving! Offer a "cookie of the month" club for friends, knit a scarf, or make hot cocoa mix (see my recent blog post on http://jet-chef.blogspot.com!). All of these gifts will cost you so much less and be so well-received! People love personal, handmade and homemade gifts.

Beyond the fun gift-giving aspect, many "DIY" gifts have an incredible element of being personal and very practical. For example, create a coupon book for elderly parents in which you offer to do "handyman" duties to help them keep up with their home. So many of us don't need more "stuff", but we could certainly use practical solutions to make our lives easier! Think how much less will end up in a landfill, think how a DIY gift will instead fill up hearts and lift spirits!

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #16

2008-12-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

Many retailers offer a variety of frequent shopper programs, and I am sure that many of us take advantage of them in one way or another. Retailers have to differentiate and in a retail environment in which so much looks and seems the same one true way they have to keep hold your attention is to offer you rewards for your hard-earned discretionary spending! But have you truly thought about how you could leverage that buying power all year long to pay off for you at the holidays? While this tip is offered in December, this is a tip that you can be thinking of all year long...

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #16:

Leverage your year-long shopping with retailers that offer frequent shopper awards to get "free" holidays gifts and stocking stuffers!

This is a tip that all of us can truly follow all year to "cash" out for the holiday season! I shop a variety of retailers and always inquire about their frequent shopper/rewards programs to get free Spanx, free makeup and beauty products, free groceries, free clothing, free stocking stuffers and more! You are already giving them your business, you deserve to get something back for that is a great added bonus!

I simply have a small wallet in my purse that holds the rewards cards or frequent shopper cards to ensure that I have them on me at all times. Just make sure that you know if any of the rewards "expire" as some of them have to be used in a certain time frame. However, many, like my BeautyOne cards, had no expiration date and I was able to cash in over $120.00 for free makeup and beauty products!

P.S. Speaking of getting amazing beauty and skincare products, here is one of my favorite websites to find top-of-the-line beauty products: SpaLook.com! They have amazing offers to take advantage of, from free shipping to free product to much, much more! Click on the image below to experience what SpaLook.com has to offer any beauty product and skincare aficionado!

Inspirations, continued...

2008-12-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

Recently, I blogged about some gorgeous hibiscus in my backyard that totally inspired me. I have been thinking a lot about inspirations lately and wanting to find a new approach to my jewelry and jewelry design.

I loved the color of the hibiscus, and felt that it somehow represented my desire to create bold and bright jewelry.

After decorating the tree, I noticed two ornaments that the kids had put on the tree. They were a couple of gorgeous Christopher Radko hibiscus ornaments. One in bright pink...

...another in a vibrant, sunny yellow!

Those two ornaments were right in the front of the tree, and in the midst of many other brightly colored and sparkly ornaments, those two truly jumped out at me. I think that they are yet another sign, another message for me to receive this inspiration and continue forward to find a new energy with which to bring to my designs.

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #15

2008-12-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

Retailers are savvy about the message that they send to their customers. They spend countless dollars on marketing and media consultants, in-house and outside advertising and marketing gurus and test with focus groups the kind of commercials and advertising they plan to use. I myself saw first hand how marketing campaigns are crafted while working for a national retailer, and it is truly an amazing process.

During the holidays, these campaigns are even more intense and there is an even stronger emotional and cultural component that is designed to resonate more deeply with the consumer. This is more than selling a toy or a bike, this is selling how that toy or bike fits into your family, your lifestyle and your dreams and desires of how the holidays "should" look and feel for your family. These campaigns even poke a bit at feelings of guilt (hurried working mom who feels that she should be spending more time with her kids) or inferiority (the next door neighbor has the Lexus sedan with a big red bow, why don't I have one?)! I won't even touch the intensity of the media campaigns focusing on kids and the "want" vs. "need" factor for toys and gadgets!

This leads to an easy, no-nonsense holiday tip:

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #15:

Turn off the TV during the holiday season, or dramatically limit viewing time!

These commercials are skillfully designed to provoke a very simple, visceral and emotional response. Of course, so many of us truly want the holidays to be special, and it is easy to process the media messages from retailers and their marketing messages to help us define that "special". However, with so many of us cutting back this holiday season, we are better off turning away from the TV and turning to one another to craft that "special" message ourselves. With a tighter budget it will be all the more important to turn inward to focus on how we are going to define the holidays for our family, how we are going to help our kids decide what is "need" and what is "want" and how we are going to celebrate what is most important: enjoying the holidays with friends and family.

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #14

2008-12-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

From an earlier post, I described how I truly love how technology truly allows retailers to maximize customer service and drive sales. When I first started in retail, I remember how excited we were to get an corporate-wide email/intranet system. In fact, for about a month or so I went from store to store in our district, and beyond, to help train the store staff on how to use the intranet system.

What a different a few years (okay, about 17 or so!) makes! Technology leads us to the next couple of retai insider tips!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #14:

Sign up for retailers' text/cell phone updates.

I have received text messages from a handful of retailers that have alerted me to products (finally) instock (a hot Wii game!) to a "text only" coupon to save 25% over a two day window. Not bad. I did get the Wii game, did not use the coupon (it was instore only, I have no desire to deal with the mall right now!!!). Remember, text messaging charges may apply, so know your carrier's text message charges and policies.

I am also sure that many of you have heard of other functions and applications, such as the Amazon application for iPhone users called "Amazon Remembers". This is pretty cool. You can take a picture of an item, upload it to Amazon and within minutes (althought anecdotally I have been told that it can take a day or even two, but that has not been my experience) you can have an Amazon match of that same item with what is typically a better price! I love to price shop, as you can see in previous shopping tips, so if you have an iPhone, this is a very slick way of trying to get the best price possible (especially when Amazon ships that item for free!).

One cautionary note: I also have been told that there are some retailers that will ask you to not take pictures in their store. I can tell you from my past retail experience that indeed we did ask customers to not take pictures in our store. Mostly to protect people, however, not our sales! So click with caution!

p.s. Here is a killer site for finding amazing prices on highend designer items for holiday gift giving (and free shipping!!!):

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #14

2008-12-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

I love how technology truly allows retailers to maximize customer service and drive sales. When I first started in retail, I remember how excited we were to get an corporate-wide email/intranet system. In fact, for about a month or so I went from store to store in our district, and beyond, to help train the store staff on how to use the intranet system.

What a different a few years (okay, about 17 or so!) makes! Technology leads us to the next couple of retai insider tips!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #14:

Sign up for retailers' email updates.

As much as many of us hate to get spam, or emails that simply clog up our inbasket, you can make these emails pay off in savings of both time and money! I have received emails that have offered exclusive savings and special buys. You can always sign up for the emails, and if you truly do not find them to be value-added, you can opt-out (look at the bottom of the email, there will be some kind of verbage to remove your email from their list).

I get emails from both online retailers and brick and mortar retailers. I am a huge fan of Amazon.com emails as they not only offer great savings in many cases, but they are also designed to focus on my likes and interests based off of my recent purchases. (Yes, I am a sucker and think that somehow they "know" me there at Amazon.com!) I have already saved over $100.00 easily by watching my emails and taking advantage of special offers.

p.s. Shopping for eco-friendly loved ones? Gaiam.com is the online destination for people living a lifestyle of health and sustainability. We offer over 4,500 products in categories including; yoga, Pilates, organic cotton clothing and natural and healthy products for the home. Click here for more information and amazing savings!

Special Benefit Offer - TODAY ONLY!

2008-12-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

Benefit has a special offer for today, Saturday, December 6th! Get 20% off your order when you buy 3 or more products! Enter code DECSIXTH at checkout. Offer expires at 11:59pm PST 12/6/08. Act now and click the link below to cash in on the special savings!

December 6th only get 20% off your order When you buy 3 or more products! Enter code DECSIXTH at checkout. Offer expires at 11:59pm PST 12.6.08.

Benefit has amazing gifts for anyone who loves fun beauty products that actually do what they claim (I know, but it has to be said as way too many products simply do not!)! Click on the image below to unlock the many beauty treasures that Benefit offers you this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

Bliss on MY List!

2008-12-05T16:35:00.001-08:00

I love Bliss products, and this is at the top of my Christmas List! I swear that I have been a good girl, Santa! Click on this image for more info or to get it for a beauty enthusiast on YOUR list!

Click here for great savings on ALL Bliss sets!

Get more for less with up to 25% savings on all bliss exclusive sets!

And, click here to give the Bliss gift that keeps on giving!

Spoil them with a steady supply of Bliss! Introducing continubliss, our monthly 'foam' delivery program. Subscribers will have a seasonally selected Bliss product delivered to their door each month, plus our savings-filled 2009 calendar!

Green Gift-Giving!

2008-12-05T13:45:00.002-08:00

Looking for eco-friendly gifts for friends and loved ones this holiday! Look no further than Gaiam! Click on the picture below for more information and to start your eco-friendly and green shopping now!

Gaiam is the online destination for people living a lifestyle of health and sustainability. We offer over 4,500 products in categories including; yoga, Pilates, organic cotton clothing and natural and healthy products for your home.

And...as an added benefit, Gaiam is offering great holiday specials to make your holiday shopping not only fit your lifestyle, but your budget as well!

Click here for more fantastic gift ideas from Gaiam:

Gift Guide Landing Page

BeautyFix

2008-12-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

I recently received my first BeautyFix shipment, and I am bursting at the seams to share how incredibly pleased and excited I am! I have done countless makeup memberships, autoships, and ended up with lots of pretty expensive tester-sized no-name "makeup" and "beauty products". (Using quotations as I would not claim some of those products to be makeup or beauty products at all!)

What is BeautyFix? As Beauty Fix states, "BE THE FIRST TO KNOW, FIRST TO TRY! As a Beautyfix member, you’re privy to a sampling of the latest hand-picked, high-performance products, as well as the inside scoop on anything and everything beauty-related from industry experts and beauty aficionados alike." Beauty Fix is $50 for a quarterly subscription. Yes, $50 is a lot of money, however, here is exactly what I received, you are seeing it all as I unpack it!

Here is the Beautyfix bag, directly out of the box. It is a nicely quilted and embroidered makeup bag. So far, so good...

BeautyFix bag opened! VOILA! This bag is obviously packed with all kinds of goodies! First out:

Jane Iredale, 24-Karat Gold Dust Powder. Full Size Retail Value: $12.00

This product is divine, I tried to capture how lovely the rosy color is with flecks of genuine 24-Karat Gold! This would be gorgeous on the cheeks, or anywhere else you want a bit of a rosy-golden glow! I am excited to even try it on my eyes!

NOC-Out Cover-Up Compact. Full Size Retail Value: $38.00

This compact is wonderful and contains a generous portion of three lovely and silky concealers: yellow, peachy-beige and salmon. These three concealers will help to hide a bevy of skin concerns, and can be blended to be perfect for your skin tone!

Kronos Phyx Full. Size Retail Value $105.00

Phyx is a "ph-antastic" overnight hair treatment. I personally can't wait for tonight to try this one, with the dryer winter conditions, this can help to repair damaged, dull hair while you sleep!

Perricone MD, Firming Neck Therapy. Full Size Retail Value $95.00

I have been looking for a great product to try to ensure that I keep my neck firm. Often, that is one of the places on the body that you can tell a woman's true age!

Amarte, Aqua Veil Pure Hydration Serum. Full Size Retail Value: $42.00

Amarte is a Korean product making its US debut. Again, much like with my hair getting so dry in the winter, this lightweight serum may just perform wonders in hydrating my skin! It smells like cucumber, and has a mineral dense water base and wonderful herbal extracts. In Asia, this product is referred to as "Magic Water"!

Amarte, Natural Wonder Cream. Full Size Retail Value: $90

BeautyFix included this as a bonus, and this Natural Wonder Cream is a combination of pine extract, argan oil and sulfur. These combined can help to soothe and further hydrate the skin. My dermatologist recommends products with sulfur for my skin type, so I am excited to try this product as well!

Sensa. 15 Day Trial Retail Value: $29.50

I have heard wonders about Sensa, and am going to try it myself in the New Year. It is based in science of smells and aromas and how we are drawn to eat (and overeat) by our sense of smell. I cannot wait to get started with this product (maybe I can even knock out a few pounds BEFORE the New Year!).

PCA Skin, pHaze 9 Purifying Mask. Full Size Retail Value: $56.00

This is a fast-acting refining mask and exfoliating scrub all in one product! Red Sea algae, French red clay and red wine extract brighten skin while essential oils hydrate. I am about to use this product, so I need to stop typing soon!

M LAB, Anti-Aging Treatment Cream. Full Size Retail Value: $260.00

Last but not least, is an anti-aging cream referred to as the "Rolls Royce" of skin cream. Peptides, anti-oxidants and hydration firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Sold!

All of these products for only $50.00. Amazing! I wanted to share each item with you so you can see the true value. These are not little trial sizes, or simply a one-time sample. These are amazing products and respected brands at a price that is too good to be true!

In addition, as a BeautyFix member, you have the ability to get these products and many others at huge savings. One such member exclusive: A Redpoint Makeup Clutch, Mascara, Shadow Duo, Eyeliner, Shadow Brush and Blushwhip all valued at $141.50 for only $59.00!

Come and join me! View my profile (still under construction a bit!) at http://www.beautyfix.com/member/kmace923. If you would like to join in on the BeautyFix bounty, please let BeautyFix know that I helped to refer you! I deeply appreciate the referral, and I truly hope that you invite your beauty product-loving friends and family to also indulge in these amazing products at such a great value! And, products change with each quarterly shipment, so you can look forward to more shipments of cutting-edge products!

Inspirations...

2008-12-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Admitted, I have taken a bit of a "break" from my jewelry design. I think that for many of us, as artists and "creative types", it can be great to step away for a minute or two and step back to see the bigger picture. It can be a quiet, introspective time to look at the world a bit differently, possibly learn a new aspect to our craft (or another!) and find new inspirations.

Inspiration can certainly come in many different forms. I have always been inspired by nature, and have tried to work those organic themes into my designs. My love for the beach, for example, is often reflected in my work.

I found some new inspirations, I believe, just this morning. Outside, drinking my coffee, this is what welcomed me this morning, this amazing array of hibiscus blooms:

Yes, even on December 4th, these beauties are bursting with color and vying for the sunlight!

I looked at each one more closely, to see its full glory...At first, my favorite was this amazing yellow, so yellow-licious it hurt my eyes!

Then, on further inspection, I fell for the graceful, more quiet loveliness of this incredible coral blossom:

Then, my heart truly stopped. This showy pink blossom called out to me!

I truly began to think that these blooms were trying to send me a message...that I, too, should find the sun. I, too, need to bloom. I, too, can bring a bit of color, hope, joy, loveliness to someone else.

I am already plotting and planning my next collection...Inspiration.

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #13

2008-12-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

If you have been following these tips, you will already know that I have blah, blah, blah years in retail blah, blah, blah management. Well, one thing that I can share with you is that when it comes to retail management, you are looking to run your store as smoothly as possible. With that "smoothly as possible" comes many "not so smooth" customer challenges and concerns.

I have always trained my teams, and I believe this to be fairly universal in the retail world (at least those retailers with a shot at survival!) that if a customer asks for something reasonable, it is reasonable to grant that wish. Reasonable is in the eye of the beholder, or hurried retail manager, in this case. What I am going to advocate in this tip is very, very, VERY reasonable: When it comes to your online shopping, you have to ASK for something very easy for an online retailer to do to make you happy and click through to buy your shopping cart:

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #13:

Ask for FREE SHIPPING!

Not a huge secret, really. Most retailers have an online code that they can offer you for free shipping. All you have to do is ask. The best place to go to is a live online customer service "chat" associate. Trust me, if you ask, they will give the free shipping code (along with other great shopping codes that they may be offering!).

Google your favorite online retailer for free shipping codes, and you can also find that there are many sites and blogs out there that will give you those very codes! Here is a fabulous site, MomsWhoSave.com. I found this site on Twitter, a great place to find such resources.

Speaking of Twitter, log on and send out a message to see if anyone can give you codes for a website that you are interested it. I have seen people helping each other out on Twitter, it is a great place to network and find such information. (BTW...you can follow me at http://twitter.com/KellyAlvarez!

You can also email or call the online retailer, but often at this time of the year, response times are longer than usual. If you are trying to lock into a great price, or have a short timeframe, that may not work.

p.s. Here is one online retailer that is offering free shipping: Benefit! For any of you that have beauty enthusiasts on your holiday list (or you need to get some special beauty products for yourself!) Click on these links for some of the best beauty products out there with fantastic savings!!!!

Enjoy FREE US Standard Shipping on any order for 4 days only. Enter promo code GIFTSDEC at checkout. Offer expires at 11:59pm PST 12.7.08. Not valid with other offers.

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #12

2008-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

After over 15 years in the retail industry as a buyer, corporate trainer and store executive, I am ALLLLLLLL about the price and value equation. After spending years sourcing clothing, I know the ins and outs of the fashion industry. Later, with a stint with a major electronics retailer I learned a great deal about consumer electronics. With this knowledge, I am slightly dangerous when it comes to knowing what to pay for something!

Lately, I have been finding that while brick and mortar retailers are offering some fantastic prices (and prices will only get better the closer we get to the holidays!) but I have found online prices that beat the instore prices SIGNIFICANTLY! I recently made an "small" electronics purchase which was $55 cheaper than the best instore price...and I qualified for FREE SHIPPING! WHOO HOOOOO!!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #12:

Shop around online, don't waste your precious time AND gas finding the store with the best price!

I know that many more of us are letting our "fingers do the walking" if you will online to find exclusive items, hard-to-find items (like some of the wii and nintendo ds games that I cannot even find at some brick and mortar retailers!) and to simply save time and energy. But, seriously, this season more than ever, I am truly finding some of the best pricing online. Not a few bucks, and certainly not savings that are quickly eroded by exorbinant shipping and handling costs! I am finding significant savings that actually put money back in my pocket!

p.s. Here is one online retailer that is offering amazing savings as well: Benefit! For any of you that have beauty enthusiasts on your holiday list (or you need to get some special beauty products for yourself!) Click on these links for some of the best beauty products out there with fantastic savings!!!!

Enjoy FREE US Standard Shipping on any order for 4 days only. Enter promo code GIFTSDEC at checkout. Offer expires at 11:59pm PST 12.7.08. Not valid with other offers.

"Old Skool" K .A. Mace Jewelry Video

2008-12-03T20:28:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays from K. A. Mace Jewelry

2008-12-03T20:19:00.001-08:00

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #11

2008-12-03T09:42:00.001-08:00

As a retail management veteran, I have seen the emergence and importance of consumer credit in the retail industry. One retailer I worked for focused on credit cards as a profit center, after all, when a retailer owns the debt, they also profit from the interest that you pay on revolving that debt! Another retailer focused on credit as a way to drive the average ticket. They did not "own" your debt, so they did not profit from your interest payments. However, they knew that if you used a credit card you were apt to DOUBLE your total transaction dollar...if not more!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #11:

Pay cash, or use your debt card. Keep your credit card for any online shopping in which you can find amazing prices, free shipping, etc.

Cash is king, and if you are on a budget this holiday season, you will be surprised at how much you can save if you pay in cash, or use your debit card. Credit is a wonderful thing, without a doubt, for those who manage it well. However, statistically, you will spend more per transaction when using a credit card. Period. Most of us have a completely different mindset when we have to hand over those dollar bills!

I do use one credit card that is specifically for online transactions. I recommend this as if your credit card number or credit information was somehow compromised online, you have one card to track, and one card to manage. I have found some fantastic online offers, items that even after (FREE!) shipping have been less expensive than instore prices. I definitely won't pass up on that deal! However, I have a post-it note on my computer that has a budget at the top, and I minus out the online credit transactions, and then I have to stop. So, I am balancing not only my cash budget, but also my limited credit budget!

p.s. Have company coming? Fortunoff is a wonderful resource for your home (including that cocktail bar for company!) with great holiday pricing and shipping offers!

Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #10

2008-12-02T09:43:00.001-08:00

After over 15 years in retail, I am a true veteran in knowing what categories are strong for retailers to make margin. One such category are those adorable "stocking stuffer" type items you see all around the stores this time of the year. In fact, here is a tip to get completely FREE stocking stuffers!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #10:

While shopping, ask for samples! Makeup counters, fragrance counters, handbags and accessory stores, almost any department store has free samples, all you have to do is ASK!

I am sure that most of us will do some shopping at our favorite department store this holiday season. I know that I have purchased some cosmetics lately and every single time I ask for samples. At the fragrance counter, I ask for samples to take home and try the fragrance before I purchase it. I have even received free key chains and a free makeup bag for asking.

Many of us hate to ask, but they offer the samples for a reason: not only to help you make future purchases, but as a small "thank you" for your business. I have received at least 25-30 small stocking stuffer-type items while doing my holiday shopping just from the last month or so. I encourage you to ask, you may be pleasantly surprised by how many great stocking stuffer items you can get for free while doing your normal holiday shopping! I even asked at an electronics retailer, and received a free pair of ear buds for an ipod. Why not?!

I am not advocating taking advantage, but I am advocating making every dollar you spend work for YOU.

p.s. Looking for stocking stuffers for the eco-friendly and green living person on your list? Here are some amazing offers!

25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #9

2008-12-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

After over 15 years in retail, I am a true veteran in knowing what categories are strong for retailers to make margin. One such category are those adorable "stocking stuffer" type items you see all around the stores this time of the year. These are huge margin categories for retailers, and while I love to indulge in some of them, and certainly will again this year, I think that there is a fantastic alternative to finding fun stocking stuffers!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #9:

Go to the "Dollar Store"-type retailers for fun stocking stuffers!

I have found that most of the items that I would use for stocking stuffers or to fill little gift bags for parties, school parties, etc., are at the .99 store! They may not have the fancy brand name, or slightly less fancy packaging, but they are the same item, for much less money! And, when you can save a bit on stocking stuffers you can either keep that savings, or put it toward something special for the family.

p.s. Looking for stocking stuffers for the eco-friendly and green living person on your list? Here are some amazing offers!

25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #8

2008-12-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

As a retail veteran, I have studied upclose many aspects of consumer spending and what makes consumers spend more at any given retail store. One aspect of consumer spending is the aspect of group suggestive selling, or a kind of "pack" mentality that occurs when people shop in larger groups.

This is very common when parents shop with their kids. Kids watch TV, they see commercials for all of that neat stuff that they "need" (read: want) and when they go shopping with mom and dad those savvy kids "suggestive sell" those "needs" to their parents! I love to shop with friends, and often take a friend when I am making an important shopping decision so they can help gauge what looks good on me, if something fits right, etc. However, that friend subconsciously suggestive sells to me as well. Retailers LOVE this, and will use commercials to show parents shopping with their kids, gals with their girlfriends, etc.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #8:

If you can, with your personal safety first in mind, shop alone.

I do stress "if you can" in this shopping tip as I would always err on the side of safety first. If you are shopping at odd hours, when it is dark, or you are carrying larger sums of cash, this tip may not be the right one for you.

However, you can still shop using the "buddy system". With cell phones you can keep in contact via calls or text messages and still do your targeted shopping alone, while your friend or family member does their targeted shopping alone. Doesn't sound like much fun? Well, you will save money, you will stay on your budget, and you can always enjoy a great cup of mocha or lunch together!

And, truly, I do advocate if possible not shopping with your kids. Retailers deliberately merchandise their stores year around with kids in mind, however, at this time of the year they make it all the more dangerous! What you spend on a babysitter may be well worth the investment in what you save when you do not fall prey to kids begging for this and that..."this and that" can add up too quickly!

p.s. Here is an easy item to shop for alone, online! Barefoot Contessa Pantry items are wonderfully delicious! Fantastic food items for your holiday needs, or gift-giving needs!

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25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #7

2008-12-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

During my over 15 year retail tenure, I got to have amazing experiences in understanding the strategy behind the physical layout of a store. I was able to be part of new store openings and remodels. There is a true science to a layout of a store and it has everything to do with the way that we shop not only with our wallets but with visual cues and emotional cues.

Without getting into the hardcore theory and strategy, I will give you two of the easiest examples... Sugar cereal is lower on the aisle so that it is at eyelevel of the kids who will beg their parents to buy them the sugar cereal. Trust me, I know as I am a bit vertically challenged and have to seriously stretch to get at my Grape Nuts and "good for you" cereals! Candy is at the checklanes so that while mom is unloading the cart, kids have yet one more chance to beg for sugar! This leads me to my next shopping tip...

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #7:

Avoid departments in a store that are YOUR weakness.

Yes, this seems like a no-brainer, however, retailers have worked long and hard to get the weakness departments right in front of you. Why put toys in the back of the store? TO MAKE YOU WALK THROUGH EVERY OTHER DEPARTMENT FIRST...AND YET ONE MORE TIME TO GET TO THE REGISTERS! Shoes and handbags are my vices. I will actually walk out of my way in some retail stores to stay away from those departments. Do I lack restraint? No. But, during this time of the year, when it is easy to spend a little here, a little there...impulse buying is simply not a sound shopping strategy if a budget is in place!

I even recommend using store maps. Don't wander, retailers depend upon you wandering through the store, impulse buying, picking up this little box of chocolates, that candle. The reason so many retailers have special tables and merchandise displays up this time of the year is to capture the wandering eye and the wandering consumer.

p.s. If you have a wandering eye, let it wander here! Barefoot Contessa Pantry items are wonderfully delicious! Fantastic food items for your holiday needs, or gift-giving needs!

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25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #6

2008-12-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

During my over 15 year retail tenure, I was known for building strong sales cultures. What is a sales culture? A culture in your store in which your team is laser focused on sales through product knowledge, instocks, great customer service and other key elements of a sales culture.

Retail teams are trained to not only provide you with the product knowledge you need to make your purchase, but if they are well-trained, they also know how to sell you expensive, high margin add-ons that can easily take you from making your budget to busting your budget!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #6:

Beware the add-ons, stick to your planned purchase.

Do your research upfront. Know what you need to make your product work to your expectations. Cables to connect a flat screen or a game system to your entertainment center can cost an arm and a leg...in some cases almost as much as your gaming system! Know exactly what you need, and only buy to that need.

I can be completely candid in telling you that retailers do not want you to be that knowledgeable. They rely on you needing THEIR knowledge, and expect that consumers come to them for the "answers". That is fine, if you want their "answers" that have the most expensive solutions to your consumer product inquiries.

p.s. No upselling here. Fantastic food items for your holiday needs, or gift-giving needs!

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25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #5

2008-11-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

After over 15 years of retail management, I have worked for retailers in good times and the not-so-good times. In fact, my first retail management position was the The Broadway (remember them??!!) and I began working there when they were already in Chapter 11. I recall going into some of the stores that we began to close to transfer inventory to stores that were planned to stay open. I was recruited to work for another retailer, so I was not with The Broadway when they closed their doors for good. However, I did buy a lot from The Broadway when they were dramatically marking down and liquidating inventory.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #4:

Shop for killer prices from retailers going out of business or closing stores.

With this tip, however, comes a cautionary note. You can find great prices, but you will have little to no recourse should what you bought not fit, not work or be a duplicate item. I have already heard many anecdotal tales of incredible deals that are out there from a wide variety of retailers that are struggling or closing for good. With that "deal" comes the realization that it is pretty much a "final sale"!

This is a great time to buy basics, buy what you know will fit, and buy things that have reliable manufacturer warranties. For example, if you were to purchase an electronics item from a retailer going out of business, you may have a solid year of manufacturer coverage anyway.

Tip: This can also be a great time to "shop ahead". When I worked for one retailer, I would often buy post-holiday clearance toys as birthday, even Christmas, presents for the year ahead. If you see great deals on digital cameras, mp3 players, digital frames, clothing basics, etc., I would buy them now and have them as presents you can give all year long. You can enjoy these savings for weeks and months to come!

p.s. Here is one present that will always fit, always work and never need to be returned or exchanged! PERSONALIZED WINE!

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25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #4

2008-11-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

After over 15 years of retail management, I definitely understand how to leverage resources to get the best deal possible. As a buyer, I would hunt down the best prices, special quantities buys, closeouts...whatever it took to get the best quality at the best value. As a consumer, you have the same power to leverage retailers to get the best prices and best deals. Retailers are competing for your dollar, make them work for it!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #4:

Leverage your buying power this holiday season. Look for retailers and grocery stores to compete for your dollar by offering you special bonuses for committing your discretionary income to their store.

A perfect example is what the Ralph's (Kroger) grocery chain is offering to their customers for the holiday season. If you purchase gift cards at a Ralph's store with your "Ralph's Rewards" card, they will TRIPLE your bonus points earned on your card.

So what are "bonus points"? At Ralph's, you earn bonus points with each dollar that you spend that accumulate each quarter, and at the end of that quarter you are issued a voucher that you can apply toward a future shopping trip. (Some categories do not apply, like alcohol, tobacco, etc.) You earn $5.00 toward your voucher with the first 500 points you earn, then a $1.00 for each additional 100points. My voucher from last quarter was $27.00. So, Ralph's basically gave me $27.00 for shopping with them. Okay, I will take it!

So, with this scenario, if I were to buy, say $300 in gift cards, I would earn 900 points, another 9.00 applied on my next voucher. So, for doing nothing more than buying the same gift cards I would have purchased from Target, iTunes, Best Buy, American Express, Visa, Barnes & Noble (and on and on...I was amazed by their wonderful selection!) I am basically given $9.00 for that purchase! And, probably saved that much in gas not running around town to get all of the cards from all of the different stores!

This is the kind of leveraging that helps you save money, and even EARN money, this holiday season. All kinds of retailers offer reward programs, find out what they are and leverage them if they make sense. I am a "Beauty Insider" with Sephora and earn points for the shopping I do with Sephora. I was able to get several stocking stuffers, and a gift set worth $150.00 for FREE, yes FREE by using my "Beauty Insider" points for the holidays!

Insider Tip: Leverage your buying trips to truly leverage the retailer's offer. Case in point: While at my neighborhood Ralph's store, a customer bought $2000.00 in gift cards for her company's holiday party. She was joking about how excited her boss was that she offered to do this for him...little did he know that she was not only on the clock to do this shopping trip for him, but she also earned another $60.00 (6000 bonus points!) to apply toward a future shopping trip! Leverage your purchasing power, and you will truly leverage your rewards!

p.s. Leverage the buying power of this amazing offer from Bliss!

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25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas: Tip #3

2008-11-25T07:01:00.001-08:00

After over 15 years of retail management, I understand how important getting the right price can be to the customer. I know from my own experience how frustrating it can be to buy something, only to find that a few short days later it is cheaper! Consumers want to feel like they got the best price possible, and with so many of us on much tighter holiday budgets it is more important than ever. And truly, most retailers will work really hard to make sure that you get the right price, and that you are satisfied with your purchase.

This tip is even more important in the current retail environment. With a tightening economy, many retailers are becoming more and more promotional, and will be driving sales fast and furious. So, you will have to be quick and savvy shopper to keep up!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #3:

Keep an eye on the ads and offers from retailers. If you have already started your holiday shopping, you may qualify for a price adjustment if the price has dropped since you purchased that item (or items!). Keep your receipts handy, and you may find yourself saving a few extra bucks this holiday season!

Most major retailers have a price adjustment policy, for example, Target gives you 14days to price adjust with your receipt. The only exception is clearance. Make sure you know the price adjustment policy of the retailers you frequent this holiday season. I have already saved $10.00 in price adjusting THIS WEEK. I cannot stress enough how quickly prices are going to adjust to this economy, and I want to see you benefit from those price adjustments!

I keep my receipts from about a 15 day - 30 day time period in an envelope in my purse. That way, if I see prices that have changed, I am able to get the adjustment immediately, while I am already in the store. I also watch the ads and circulars closely and check to make sure that my previous purchases have not dropped in price any further.

Even your online purchases should qualify, so again, be informed before you buy! The easiest way to protect yourself with online purchases is to either bookmark that page or mark it as a "favorite". That way you can check back to see if the price has changed. You can also create "Google Alerts" that would let you know anytime that item has been featured in a news article, blog, website, etc. Now, of course, this is a lot of work for a handful of stocking stuffers! However, I would recommend you take the couple of extra seconds, or even minutes, for your online big ticket purchases.

Speaking of online, sometimes retailers have online prices that are different then their prices instore. This is usually a tricky one and many retailers will not adjust prices when it comes to a price on their website vs. a price in their store. If you purchased the item online and it is less expensive in the store, most likely they will direct you back to the website to contact the customer service division. This is where I love retailers with live chat!

If you purchased the item instore, and see it less expensive on their website, you may have the option of asking the store for the price adjustment. I would screen print the item and price and have that as backup. Often, when customers are clearly informed, professional and polite, managers will be flexible and want to help.

Insider Tip: I also urge you to be a savvy consumer and ask store management if they will adjust prices for you if you are outside of their price adjustment window. I know people who start their holiday shopping early, and while prices are dropping now, they should still have some measure of price protection. From my experience in store management, it was the extremely rare exception that we did not price adjust to make a customer happy. If you bought that XBox a year or so ago and it is less expensive now, that would most likely not qualify, not even with the most liberal of store policies. But, if you bought that hot game in October that everyone said would disappear before the holidays, well...you probably have a great case for a store manager who needs to work a bit harder this holiday season to keep your business!

P.S. Give the gift of beauty from Benefit this holiday season! Their prices are fantastic, and Benefit is offering amazing holiday offers! Click the picture below for more information or to start shopping:

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Seven Proven Tips to Stretch Your Beauty Dollar

2008-11-24T09:43:00.001-08:00

With today's economic climate, many of us are watching our dollars more closely than ever. However, we still want to care for our skin, our appearance and have a positive outlook on how we look and feel. Here are seven proven tips to stretch your beauty budget even further. As a bonus, I have included a "splurge" item with each tip. If you have it in your budget to splurge a bit, these are the items that you can spend a little extra on to enjoy the added benefits!

1. Drink Water. Many doctors and dermatologists will tell you that drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your skin. It improves the clarity and texture of your skin and can even help you reduce cellulite. Cut out the costly sodas and expensive lattes and stick to good old fashioned H2O. You will not only see the impact in your skin and overall wellness, but you will see more money in your wallet!

Splurge item: Borba has wonderful products that can truly impact your skin. They have both "Balance Waters" and "Crystalline" packets that you can add to your water bottle. These products can help you to improve your skin's clarity, firmness and promotes anti-aging.

(Click on Borba image for more information or to purchase)

2. Wear Sunglasses. While this seems very basic, or a tip to maintain eye health, wearing sunglasses, even when it is overcast, can help to mitigate the damage that squinting and frowning can do around your eyes and on your brow. Women and men alike spend a great deal on botox and other products to relax these lines or use products that claim to "fill" the fine lines. All of that time and energy could have been spent on a pair of sunglasses that over time will help to minimize the lines.

Splurge item: Invest in 100% UV Protection. Many less expensive sunglasses may be fun and fashionable and help you see a bit better in sunlight, but the best protection comes typically with premium sunglasses.

3. Wash your skin. Yes, mom's advice to wash your face is some of the best advice! Washing your skin helps to remove make up, environmental "yuk" and helps to keep your pores clear. Unfortunately, too many people think that they have to buy the expensive cleansing foams and gels as it cleans more thoroughly, or is more gentle, or they read about it in the latest magazine. In fact, there are fantastic face washes and gels that you can buy in any drug store that will do the exact same job.

Splurge item: Purchase a high quality exfoliation cream or gel. Exfoliation is a great way to improve your skin's clarity and texture. I recommend Dr. Brandt's "Dermabrasion in a Jar".

4. Wear sunscreen. This one cannot be stressed enough. This helps you to not only avoid serious issues with skin cancer, but a sunscreen works miracles on cutting down on the damage that sun does to your skin. So many of us have fine lines, brown spots and other skin damage that could have been minimized, and certainly delayed by religiously using sunscreen.

Splurge Item: Buy a sunscreen that is Dermatologist Grade or created specifically for the face. Many sunscreens can be a bit on the heavy/greasy side, and that can take its own toll on your skin. I recommend Murad's "Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30"for a wonderful sunscreen that is not at all greasy and can easily be worn every day under makeup.

5. Buy products that multi-task. There are many wonderful products that do more than one job for your beauty routine. There are eye creams that have a slight concealing tint. There are moisturizers that have a nice tint so you can skip foundation for daytime coverage. I love the tint products that can be used as blush and lip color. Multitask and save not only money, but time on your beauty routine.

Splurge Item: Benefit's "You Rebel". This is a moisturizer, tint AND sunscreen (SPF 15) all rolled into one!

(Click on "You Rebel" image for more information or to purchase)

6. Stick with what you know. I am the ideal beauty counter customer. I see new colors or a new product line, I sit down for a make over, I buy everything they put on me. Then, I get it all home, forget how to use some of it, realize that I kind of already have that eye color or that blush. Just say no to up-selling! Stick with what you know, avoid the temptation and focus solely on what you need and what you know works for you. Experimenting is fun, but it can come with a hefty price tag!

Splurge Item: Buy one of the multi-product and color kits that you see at Sephora, or another beauty counter. Typically, the kits are promotionally priced, and you can get a variety of lip, cheek and eye colors that are in smaller, almost "trial" amounts and still have plenty of fun with trying new colors, new looks.

7. Embrace your unique beauty. This tip is the best of the bunch! We all have a unique beauty that is truly ours, and that is so important to remember and enjoy. We spend huge sums to cover up freckles, this little red spot, that little scar. We get lost in just that one flaw, and forget that we are the stunning sum of many beautiful parts.

Splurge Item: Teeth-whitening strips or treatment in your dentist's office. A beautiful smile is sexy, gorgeous, welcoming, and a lasting impact on everyone who you know and love. Make the most out of your smile with healthy white teeth!

25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas!

2008-11-24T07:33:00.001-08:00

After over 15 years of retail management, I know how retailers lure in shoppers and entice them to spend far more than they may have budgeted. How many times did you get to your car or your home and start looking at the bags and the arm long receipts and wonder why you ended up buying too much? We have all been there, and I hope these holiday shopping tips with save you both time AND money! Bookmark or follow my blog for the next 24 tips in the days to come!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #2:

Bring in ads and store circulars to shop for specific items.

This comes on the heels of tip #1 (Make a list, check it twice) for a very specific reason: to help you buy the right items at the right prices.

Often, retailers offer a specific item, say a particular mp3 player at a killer price point. These "door busters" (or whatever that retailer calls them) are a special buy for holiday shoppers. It is a specific item that the buyers negotiated with the manufacturer, and it is often slightly different than the other mp3 offerings that store may have. It may be that it only comes in black, that it has slightly less file storage than another, maybe slightly lower quality earplugs. You get the picture.

So, when you go to the store, you grab the first mp3 player that you find, assuming that it is that killer item from your ad. You have a basketful of items, and you may or may not even notice in the rush, and the lines, and the crowds that the mp3 player you thought was that amazing price that is in your budget is actually the other mp3 player that is twice as much!

Bring the ad, bring the store circular. Take the time to make sure that what you are purchasing is what is in the ad. Often, the small print has the model number to match to the item you are buying.

Extra tip: As these items are often special purchases, with limited quantities, you may find that the items are already out of stock. I hate to share trade secrets, but I have been in situations where only 6 of an item arrived...and 100 people lined up outside for those six items. Retailers will not offer rainchecks, as the quantity is limited. I would urge you to find a manager, first asking for the store manager, to see if they can work with you on offering a great price on a similar item. Most of the time they will...they want to save the sale, they want to drive the volume, and, if they are truly worth their name badge, they want to make YOU happy! Ask, and ye shall receive!

p.s. Here is an amazing gift to give, and you don't have to worry about any "fine print"! Give the gift of personalized wine this holiday season. No minimums, you can order one bottle, personalized to your desire! Makes wonderful hostess gifts, family gifts, business gifts, and is simply a wonderful way to tell someone you took the time to personalize it!

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25 Holiday Shopping Tips for the 25 Days of Christmas!

2008-11-23T15:43:00.001-08:00

Quite honestly, I am not much of a holiday shopper. After over 15 years of retail management, I really got pretty burnt out on the retail and commercialized part of the holidays. That is one of the main reasons why I dedicated so much of myself to spend time with family and friends over the holidays. Time was one gift I could give others that was truly one of the most precious gift of all!

With my years of retail experience, I have tons of tips to give shoppers to help them navigate the retail waters, both in-store and online. With so many of us on tighter budgets this holiday season, I hope these tips with save you both time AND money! Bookmark or follow my blog for the next 24 tips in the days to come!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIP #1:

Make a list and check it twice.

I cannot stress this enough. I myself fall prey to the retail frenzy, especially with the online shopping that I enjoy! However, this year all of my loved ones are on strict orders from me (wow, I know, sounds like all kinds of holiday fun!): Make a list, I will only buy what is on your list!

A list keeps you focused, a list keeps you from buying things you think they want vs. what they truly want, and a list keeps you on your budget. With a list, you tally up prices and meet your budget.

I figure if it is good for Santa, it is good for me!

p.s. Here is a great item to put your on holiday lists, or even buy for yourself as a great treat for some relaxation during the crazy, busy holiday season! Santa approved!

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Holiday Gifts from K. A. Mace Jewelry!

2008-11-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

K. A. Mace Jewelry has holiday gifts in a wide variety of styles, gemstones and freshwater pearls and pricepoints. Visit the K. A. Mace Jewelry website today to discover just how incredibly affordable fine, handmade jewelry can be for those on your holiday shopping list (or for a special gift for YOU!)!

K. A. Mace Golden Glory Ring

Furthermore, K. A. Mace now offers financing on K. A. Mace Jewelry Orders!

(K. A. Mace Beer Quartz and Multitourmaline Vine Earrings)

K. A. Mace offers financing on orders $150.00 or more! Upon sending and acknowledging your order, K. A. Mace will charge 1/2 of the total amount to the credit card (or PayPal account) that you choose. Your jewelry will be created and sent to you, as per the order. 30 days after shipping the order, the other 1/2 of the order total will be due, and automatically charged to the credit card (or PayPal account) that you designate. Please contact K. A. Mace at kelly@kamacejewelry.com for more details. (Subject to credit approval).

For orders over $250.00. this financing can be split into as many as four payments!

Visit K. A. Mace Jewelry today! Feel free to contact me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com with questions regarding specific pieces, pricing options, or just to say "Hello"!

Top Beauty Trends for 2009

2008-11-19T14:44:00.001-08:00

I recently read that Mintel, an international research consultancy, revealed their annual "Mintel Beauty Innovation" report. Interesting trends were highlighted in this report, many that I think that great relevance to those of us who love beauty products and are looking to what will be new and exciting.

I can already see from my observations (hanging out at Sephora, or department store Beauty Department for any length of time becomes a legitimate social/scientific experiment in my book!) and from talking to those in the beauty industry and those that follow it as obsessively as I do, that consumers are spending less on beauty products. Many of us want beauty products that are multi-functional, that perform a couple of beauty "tasks" for us, as we can then feel that we are getting two, even three, products for the price of one. A great example is a product like Benefit's "You Rebel" that offers a tinted moisturizer that also has SPF 15. So, when I use that product, I am moisturizing, getting some sheer daytime coverage AND protecting my skin. (p.s. you can check it out for yourself by clicking on my Benefit banners =====>>>>>)

Here are the real scientific observations that Mintel discovered:

1. "Austerity Chic": Consumers are tightening their budgets, and will be much more selective with the products they do buy. Disposable income has a huge impact on the beauty industry. Consumers will have a "targeted" approach to their beauty routines. Instead of experimenting and splurging on several eye colors, for example, they will buy one special set of eye colors that they know work for them and they will feel good about.

2. "Turbo Beauty": Consumers will continue to shift toward "science-based" products that actually do live up to their promises. How many times have we indulged in the latest "beauty science breakthrough" only to be out a great deal of money with a product that simply did not perform as this Dr. or that Dr. promised? These advancements will have their roots in serious scientific advancements, like stem cell research, cellular research and new peptides.

3. "Extreme Ethical": This goes beyond the debate of animal testing and into other areas of ethics including Fair Trade ingredients, truly eco-friendly packaging (Finally! Really, some of these products take up an entire waste can to just get to that kohl liner!), sustainable production and charitable initiatives.

4. "Beauty Foods": This trend will focus on not just the external application of beauty products, but actually consuming foods and drinks that impact our beauty regime and skincare. Borba is a leader in this "Beauty Food" movement, and I know many people who swear that the Borba products have improved their complexion, their skin tone and their overall appearance.

I would love to hear your input on these trends, and any trends that you see upcoming for beauty products.

Fashion Accessories Save Lives!

2008-11-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

Did you know that your favorite fashion accessory might just save your life?

I recently read about Elizabeth Pittenger, a 22-year-old Middle Tennessee State University Student. Her fashion accessory, her “oversized bag” saved her life!

Ms. Pittenger was simply walking to her car on campus when she was accosted by a man who demanded her bag, cell phone and her laptop. She fought the man off and he shot at her. Yes, SHOT AT HER!

Her purse saved her life, as the bullet was later found inside the purse! The purse suffered some damage, along with her calculator, umbrella and a small case.
Most importantly, she was not hurt at all. Her assailant was later caught and arrested.

I had recently read that gun sales are on the rise, according to an online edition of The New York Times, “Nationally, rifle and handgun sales surged 17 percent, for example, in May, compared with May 2007, according to FBI figures.” I say, “Ladies, don’t buy a gun. Buy a really big purse to defend yourself!”

Here are just a few of my staunch defenders!

My stuffed Grey Coach Bag, an amazing safety shield for me. As long as I can lift the darn thing, it weighs a ton!

This lovely pebbled Brown Coach bag has lots of hardware on it, further enhancing the safety quotient! Plus, any little marks, nicks or bullet holes can kind of be rubbed out of the leather, so very cool!

My teal blue Isabella Fiore bag...good hardware ratio and so colorful it has the power to mesmerize potential bad guys (or bad girls!) and drain them of their evil intentions.

Anyone who knows and loves me knows how I love my big handbags. I know I feel safer knowing that my lovely leather goods could come to my aid, my accessories will be my shield against danger and deceit, and my keen fashion sense will be a bit like Spiderman’s “Spidey Sense” and alert me when evil doers are in my midst.

Okay, maybe not. But it is a great excuse to get another big handbag for the holidays! Grab your big bag, be safe this holiday season!

Stop Shaving for Good!

2008-11-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have found a hair remover kit that actually does what it claims to do: REMOVE HAIR!

How revolutionary, right? I cannot begin to tell you how many electric razors I have been through that did very little hair removal, but did another kind of removal: dollars from my wallet!

Bliss and Phillips have teamed up to create the Bikini Perfect Deluxe - Spa Edition. Combining Bliss's amazing bodycare products with Phillips electric grooming is a match made in heaven! (Click on the picture for more information, or to purchase!)

This is one product that truly does exactly what it says! While the set is not exactly cheap, I can tell you that I have saved countless dollars on shaving products and super expensive waxing treatments at my local day spa! A small investment pays for itself very quickly and will save you hundreds of dollars a year in hair removal products that simply do not live up to the task. Here is what you get, and it is a major "bang for your buck" set!

* The electronic groomer with six attachments a precision trimmer, precision comb, epilator, micro shaver, micro trimmer, and eyebrow comb. All of these work perfectly (admittedly, I have fallen in love with the "pain is pleasure" epilator attachment!) and without the nasty nicks or bumps of other hair removal products.

The groomer is shower-friendly, and while I have probably bought like 16 others that claimed to be and were very much NOT shower-friendly, this one lives up to that task! Also, it is rechargeable, and comes with the charger. One small tip: the groomer does not power on while it is charging.

* A 1 oz trial-size tube of Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter. LOVE THIS Body Butter. It not only smells fresh and tart, it truly moisturizes, even in the driest of weather.

* A 1 oz trial-size tube of Lemon+Sage Body Scrub. This scrub is ideal to get areas ready for hair removal.

* Five Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Peeling Pads. These pads are FANTASTIC, and truly help even the "bumpiest" of areas to be smooth and irritation-free.

* A handy "Bliss Blue" drawstring travel bag.

I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a great hair removal system that actually works. One of the best things that I appreciate about this system is not only the money it saves me, but how it is helping me be a bit greener in my every day lifestyle. No more disposable razors, no more cans of shaving lotion, and the groomer charges with any need of batteries. Going green has never been so good, nor looked so good!

Free standard shipping and a free 1 oz. high intensity hand cream on all purchases of $75 or more at blissworld.com. Enter code 108916 at checkout to redeem.

Depression Chic?

2008-11-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

In a recent (November 11, 2008) BusinessWeek article entitled, "What's Selling? The Great Depression" written by Ellen Gibson, I found myself getting pretty depressed. Why?

Interest in The Great Depression and "Depression Chic" is making a "cultural comeback". Huh? I thought that we were only suffering from a recession? Now, our culture is going to somehow make economic hardship some kind of new trend? Apparently, so.

Ms. Gibson points out that in NYC, young people are throwing "Depression Parties" in which the clothes are vintage and all the rage is dancing to the big hits of the Big Bands and Dust Bowl ballads. Well, at least vintage stores will find themselves profiting from this trend! Are they sipping bootleg liquor? How about "Dust Bowl Martinis" featuring no-name, gut rot, low end vodka and a sprinkling of salt around the rim to look like dust???

Furthermore, she even states that John Patrick, the designer behind Organic by John Patrick, is showing "prairie-style cotton-check and hand-spun floral dresses" in his Spring 20069 collection. I have truly come to enjoy seeing organic elements in fashion, responsible "green" designers and "sustainable style". So, the designer who brings us lovely organic ready-to-wear like this:

Is going to now treat the fashion world to this?

So...we are going from Fashionistas, to Recessionistas, to...(and I get to make this one up, I guess!) "DEPRESSIONISTAS"? I just don't quite grasp this one. I can understand the interest in understanding the ecomomics and politics of that era, after all, this was a pivotal point in U.S. History. And, as the saying goes, "If we don't learn from our history, we're doomed to repeat it". But to somehow find fashionable the hardship, the suffering, and the great losses that many suffered during that era is something that I don't quite get, nor do I want to cater to in some tongue-in-cheek manner.

How about you? Are you a Depressionista?

Cheap Chic...or is it "Cheap is Chic"?

2008-11-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

Cheap Chic...

For all of those recessionistas out there, we are truly finding that "Cheap Chic" is getting easier and easier to come by. Target has recently announced that it will be launching a collection in March 2009 by none other than Alexander McQueen. This collection is part of their "Designer Collaborations", which will introduce well-established designers to the Target guest, at Target prices!

McQueen is known for his impeccable tailoring and fantastic details, and the line for Target apparently will be under the "McQ" label. Target has long held the banner of "Cheap Chic" and has been collaborating with a wide variety of designers throughout multiple departments in the store. And, this is not to be confused with their "Target Go International" design collaborations which have helped to spotlight smaller, indie designers to a wider mass market.

"Cheap is Chic"

As much as Target has had success with such upscale offerings to their guests, Wal-Mart never quite fared as well with attempting to introduce trendier, fashion-oriented lines to their customers about a year or so ago. Core customers did not get this attempt to offer a more upscale offering, and quite frankly, those of us that have looked to the designers that Target was able to spotlight...well, come on, most of us dissed Wal-Mart, did not respond to those offerings and they never got that "cool" factor that they were searching for.

However, with all of us cutting back, being cheap is totally chic! Wal-Mart posted one of the best October sales results because consumers are cutting back, are looking for great prices, and they are able to leverage their position as a low price leader! Their ads are fresher, they focus on real world families and how they can save while still enjoying their every day activities. I can certainly attest to seeing more luxury vehicles in the parking lot of my Wal-Mart store, and I am doing more and more of my shopping at Wal-Mart in my attempt to get the best price on toiletries and other basic items.

So, for many of of us for many years, Cheap Chic is completely chic no matter what the price tag says! And, now, being cheap is truly chic as so many of us need to watch what we are spending as these uncertain economic times unfold before us.

Eye shadow Addictions, Continued

2008-11-08T11:17:00.001-08:00

I must divulge even more about my addiction to eye shadow, and confess that I had recently purchased some of the most innovative and amazing products that I have seen in a long time, Eye Shadow "appliqués". So very cool.

I got this on Sephora, really more as a "Wow, What the heck is this?" kind of purchase with a gift card (when I can really justify a indulgence, right?). They are made by Coloron, and are called "EyeEnvy". There are a variety of kits, I did purchase this one, the "Exotic Kit", as well as "Smokey Kit" and "Tropics Kit".

I have to say that I am extremely pleased with the results. Sephora also provides a brochure in pdf that you can download to help with the application. Check out this link for a preview:

http://sephora.com/assets/product/EE_brochure.pdf

I did first apply an eye shadow primer, as my lids do get a bit oily. I used Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

From there, I followed the step by step instructions, which I had printed out and taped to my mirror (tip). With the Exotic appliqué, I did not do the "tapping or blending" techique that they recommend for the other appliqués. I did lightly dust the "GetSet" powder that is included in the kit, and I also lightly dusted a bit of a light gold shadow by Ben Nye as some additional insurance!

I felt that the colors were quite vivid, they did wear well for a normal day of wear. I am sure that they would hold up quite nicely for a night out on the town, and I could only imagine how incredible it would be to add some fun eye lashes for a complete "Exotic" look. (Insert cougar growl here!)

I would say that I probably have a couple more times to use these appliqués, so when you remove them, gently put them down on your counter, powder side up, and you can probably get at least another application or two out of them. They are a bit expensive, $25 for the entire kit which includes FIVE appliqués, a jar of the "GetSet" powder and an application brush. And, I just saw that Sephora offers a fun kit for the Holidays, too! A total must have!

I will do another trial application with my daughter soon, we will tape and post to YouTube for anyone interested in a step-by-step visual snapshot of how to apply and enjoy this new, unique, and really fun product. Check these out, enjoy, and please feel free to leave any input or feedback if you have tried these with similiar, or different results!

Ben Nye Eyeshadow Addict

2008-11-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is true. I have become a Ben Nye eyeshadow addict! Here is one of my favorite Ben Nye eyeshadow tutorials on YouTube, and I have done this look...it is amazing!

I bought my Ben Nye palette (and some extra colors!) from Make Up Mania. I highly recommend buying your palette from them, great customer service and they did not make me wait long to start playing with these amazing colors! No, I don't make any money off of my referrals, but I will work for Ben Nye makeup (hint, hint!)!

P.S. Isn't she adorable?! You can find other Ben Nye tutorials on YouTube, for a wide variety of looks from deep and smoky to subdued to bright and bold!

K. A. Mace Jewelry Consignment Series Continues!

2008-10-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been following my series on consignment, thank you for your wonderful input, experiences and feedback! And, yes, I am continuing on, for those of you out there who have emailed me asking for the series to continue!

Next up...How does the boutique/retailer market YOU and YOUR MERCHANDISE?

Yes, even on consignment, this is a great question to ask a boutique/retailer. And, of course, you have your side of the marketing equation to cover as well. Here are some great ideas that you can share with the buyer/owner to drive your sales, and truly the overall sales of that boutique!

Will they work with you on a trunk show, or special in-store event? Many boutiques LOVE trunk shows! YOU show up with inventory, THEY sell it, you BOTH profit. They do not take the risk on the inventory, and you get to sell your goods to their customer base, plus those you invite. The best way to do this is to ask the boutique if they have a mailing list or email list that you can communicate with.

You can very easily, and inexpensively, produce great postcards to announce your trunk show to their customers, and your own that may be in that city. Often, the boutique will even split the cost of the postcards, and/or the postage as they are driving traffic as well. I highly recommend Overnight Prints or Modern Postcard. They are both very, very easy to work with, you can easily upload graphics and information and design your own postcard, and they arrive in literally days!

You can also create a professional enewsletter or e-vite for their email list, combining it with your email list as well. Ensure that you are capturing all emails from your website, and you can easily create an opt-in box on your website or blog to ensure that anyone who visits gets the opportunity to join your email list. You can also use Constant Contact, iContact and other online services that help you create mailing lists and have wonderful templates to create e-newsletters.

Some boutiques will also enter into co-op advertising with their designers. In this case, you will pay a small amount to be included in a print or online ad with your business name, possibly even a piece of your jewelry, included in the ad. Please note, being that it is "co-op" you have to remember that other designers may also be involved in this advertising. I have found this to be really beneficial when it comes to the major jewelry-selling holidays only, however. Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and the Holidays are perfect times to partner with a retailer on such an ad. I would steer clear of other times of the year, unless they are having a special Anniversary Sale or another type of meaningful sales event that is specific to that community. For example, is there a major local parade or holiday that brings a lot of traffic and tourists to the area?

Also, do they market and sale off of their website? This is a wonderful way to basically enter into not so much of a "consignment" relationship, but a "drop ship" arrangement. The difference? Well, with consignment, you do run the risk of jewelry being lost, stolen, broken, sold and accidently credited to another artist, etc. With a drop ship arrangement, they put images of your work on their website, item description, price and when they receive an order, the alert you and YOU actually fulfill that order. They may ask you to send to them, and they send out to the customer. They may require you to directly ship to the customer yourself. Either way, make sure that you understand their expectation for shipping methods, packing, invoicing, and insurance. All of that the customer will pay for, however, understanding those expectations is key to a successful drop ship relationship.

If you are going to be featured on their website, inquire about how they market the designers. Is there a "Designer of the Month", "Spotlight Designer"? Do they market special gemstones for special events, like "Gemstone of the Month" or "Birthstone Specials"? Bring some ideas to the table for the boutique, you just might find your jewelry, your art, on their homepage! Blog about your jewelry and products on their website, send the link to your email list, and make sure that the entire world knows that they can buy YOUR jewelry on THEIR website! The more traffic, the more sales!

One caveat: Ensure you understand their expectation of the artists they feature on their website. They will most likely ask you to not have those same items on your website or blog for sale, unless you are solely directing that traffic to them.

One key tip: Developing a relationship with the staff is truly key. They are selling your product day in and day out. Ask if you can have some time to meet with their sales staff to present the key selling points of your work. Drop in, introduce yourself, ask if they have any questions, and thank them for their hard work. Some boutiques will allow you to give small gifts to their associates; I often provided jewelry for them to wear. It became an inexpensive way to encourage that associate to sell even more of your jewelry! Just check first, they may have conflict of interest policies for their associates.

Love the rings featured? Go to K. A. Mace Jewelry to view more of the K. A. Mace Jewelry Ring Collection and many more designs!

K. A. Mace Featured on Etsy Front Page!

2008-06-27T12:52:00.001-07:00

Wow! I wake up yesterday, make some coffee, power up the laptop, and here is what I see:

(Screen shot courtesy of Krystan, a wonderful Etsyan! Click on her name to see her wonderful shop, such gorgeous graphic designs and other goodies!)

Wait! "That's me!", I basically scream to no one and start to jump up and down (without coffee yet, mind you!) There on the very front page of Etsy is my Coral Starfish on Three Strand Necklace from my Sea Creatures Collection! This beauty to be exact:

This is one of my favorite pieces as the color play of the gorgeous and delicate starfish and the freshwater pearls and tones of citrine are just stunning.

I was so very honored to be featured with other amazing artisans, and so very thankful to the Etsyan that included my Coral Starfish Creation to be featured in her treasury, which was in turn featured by Etsy! So, thank you RiRi Fisch, I truly appreciate the recognition and would love to show that Coral Starfish on Three Strand Necklace how to swim off to a new home! She is still available on Etsy!

New K. A. Mace Jewelry Video!

2008-06-19T20:57:00.001-07:00

Consignment Series Continued!

2008-06-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks again, to everyone who has contacted me with such positive feedback on my consignment series. I appreciate that input, and would love to hear how this information may have assisted you, or if there are other questions or concerns that you may have about consigning your jewelry or art.

I have added a SAMPLE SALE and DESTASH items to my Etsy shop. Please stop by to check out some incredible pieces at fantastic prices! Tourmalines, garnets, lots of handmade treasures abound! Just click here: K. A. Mace Jewelry Etsy

The next questions are intended to help you understand how they are going to prioritize and merchandise your product to their customers. This are important questions, as product placement and merchandising is they key to solid sales. Think about how grocery stores put impulse goods at the checkout lanes, or how department stores create displays of the newest trends and designer labels. You, too, need to concern yourself with the visibility of your work so that you can maximize sales and turnover. That is how you will build a long-term relationship with a boutique or gallery!

Does this boutique/gallery/retailer also buy goods at wholesale? If so, what is their wholesale vs. consignment percentage? Many boutiques and galleries do some combination of both.

Why is this important? Simple: If the owner has bought wholesale goods, these items are in their inventory and they OWN them. They have to turn those goods quickly to ensure that they can pay for the goods in the terms that they have negotiated (for example, some retailers get 30 day terms, so they will do everything in their power to sell those goods so they can freely and easily pay that invoice when it comes due in 30 days!) So, they may display the wholesale goods at the front of the store, in the window, in the display areas around the registers, etc.

Does this mean that you are stuck in a back corner? Of course not, and you definitely will not be if you show an interest in merchandising and demonstrate to the owner/manager that you are a savvy artist who deserves and warrants great product placement! After all, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and there are professional and impressive ways to ensure that you do get a great display area!

Ask them how they determine what they buy at wholesale and what they consign. Most likely, they will tell you that they consign new artists (unproven in sales and turnover!) and they buy wholesale from artists that they either have an ongoing relationship with, or an artist that is branded and known in that category (proven in sales and turnover!). If you want to have a long=term wholesale relationship with this boutique or gallery, you know that you have to prove that your product will sell!

So, know you know what their wholesale/consignment percentage is, here are some additional follow up questions that will assist you in proving to them that you are a savvy businessperson and ensure that you do maximize sales:

Where do they envision merchandising your product? Maybe they will offer a great space to you, regardless of what their wholesale/consignment mix may be. Sometimes boutiques will showcase new designers or new collections as it helps them stay fresh and current for returning customers. If you are in the boutique or gallery, ask to see the display area or display case that they are proposing. Are you happy with that site in the store?

Do you have to use their displays? Can you use your own “props” to enhance the displays? I was once featured in a boutique where they would simply lay my necklaces down in black velvet-lined cases. While that sounds fancy, the presenation was really lacking, and I was not selling well. I asked if I could bring in some of my black displayers (purchased from Fetpak), she approved them, we remerchandised my jewelry and within two weeks my collection was SOLD.

I also had some of my shell and beach glass jewelry in a boutique in Orange County. The owner scattered small shells and a bit of sand at the bottom of the display case and my entire collection sold through. That visual image is important. While your work on its own can be gorgeous, little details like that help the customer connect to your work and the message of your work.

Do they have any kind of calendar or other way to rotate artists into their main display spots, and can you be included in that rotation? To be in the front window of a boutique on a main shopping street can be great for sales. The displays around the registers are a hot spot, displays close to mirrors are also prime. Those kinds of locations can be prime real estate in the retail world, and you should not be shy to ask for placement in those locations.

Do they allow you to come in and help merchandise your goods? If you offer your help to merchandise the goods, they save labor and they may just give you some hot space in return for your commitment to assist them! Trust me, in today's retail world, labor is one hot commodity. If you offer to assist a boutique owner or manager, they will deeply appreciate it. I have often assisted with merchandising, and it does pay off in where you are located in the store, how much attention they give to your product and how you are able to connect to that owner/manager.

More consignment questions to come! Thanks, and as always, your comments are welcome! Feel free to email me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com with any questions as well!

More Consignment Tips!

2008-05-21T12:54:00.001-07:00

The next big question in the K. A. Mace Jewelry Consigment Series:

Who determines the retail price? How is it determined? Do they have a set markup?

These are key questions, as it gives you insight into their pricing structure. You also want to make sure that you are protecting the value of your goods, although that is rarely an issue. By that I mean that you do not want them to be "low balling" retail prices that could erode your brand as well as detract from how you may be retailing your product for if you also sell from your website or another website.

Who determines the retail price is really up to how the boutique/gallery does business. I would estimate that about 1/2 of the time, they asked me to assign a retail price, the other 1/2 of the time they would determine the retail price. If I were asked to assign the pricing, I would make sure that I walked them through my wholesale pricing and my markup structure. I would make them partners in that process, as sometimes they would have input on the pricing that would be very helpful. For example, they know when they have more tourist traffic, which can boost retail prices. They may have special events in their area that drive up retail pricing as well, like fairs or festivals that bring a great deal of traffic to their boutique and can drive sales and margin.

If they have a set markup, that makes it pretty easy for you to know what your pricing will be! No brainer! Again, if it seems a bit low to you, you can certainly voice your challenge. It may be that they have a lower overhead than you imagined, or they simply know what pricing will work for their customer base. Your expectations will need to match what the outcome is, however. If you truly have a gut feel that the pricing will be too high, you may find that your product does not sell as well as you had hoped. If you truly feel that the pricing is too low, you may have to adjust pricing on other websites, creating a lot of work for you, and a long term evaluation what that margin erosion will do to your overall business. You might just find that that is not going to be the right boutique/gallery for you based off of what will occur with pricing.

If you do find that the pricing structure works, it is a great idea to invoice them with your wholesale, and then document either your "retail" price on the invoice, or their "retail" with the markup that they provide to you. Ask them if they pay to that invoiced retail price. Why???

Do they put the goods on sale (common in the jewelry business!) and are you notified if your product is put on any kind of promotional sale?

With regard to sales, promotions, etc. I have learned from the jewelry industry that product is marked up to be marked down! So, when I have been told what the retail prices would be, early on, I had stars in my eyes! I was going to make what??? Only to find out that they had all jewelry on sale for Valentine’s Day, or another sales event. In consignment, you typically get a percentage of the SELLING PRICE. That is not the RETAIL PRICE in all cases. Make sure that you understand that, how you invoice the retail price can make all of the difference. Clarify this upfront and you will save yourself a lot of confusion, misunderstanding, disappointment and accounting/bookkeeping nightmares!

Do they want you to retail your product for the same price that they are selling it for? This is very common in today’s world where we are retailing our own product; we are selling through other websites (like www.Etsy.com or www.iCraft.com ) and using other methods to sell our goods. This is something that you will have to decide for yourself, and what works for your business plan. Just know this upfront, they can easily “Google” you and find out if and how you are retailing your work, so if you are selling at a lower price, they may sever the relationship. It will make no sense for you to undercut your own retailers!

For me, candidly, the first couple of consignment deals that I made actually helped me to find my own retail prices! For too long I was the one that was pricing my jewelry too low, and not truly understanding what the market could and would bear! Yes, I had done a lot of research, but pricing is something that is a bit of a trial and error process for many designers/artists. You want to use certain benchmarks, but often, I was benchmarking established designers using similar gemstones and metals. In part, you have to take out the fact that an established brand can command more at retail. However, interestingly, I had to factor in my workmanship that was often lacking in the competition. For example, I handknot my necklaces, and found that the competition was often stringing the pearls and/or gemstones. So...figuring out their "mark up" for their established brand but "mark down" for less workmanship...well, you can easily see how difficult it is to price your designs in an accurate way so they will sell, and you are profitable!

Please feel free to contact me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com for more questions about consignment. As always, comments are appreciated!

Consignment Series Marches On!

2008-05-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

The next "Big Question" to ask for a consigment relationship with a boutique/retailer is "Do you have references, such as other designers or artists that I can contact?".

I do ensure that I pose it as other artists to speak with, as I have been given a reference list that included a landlord, a utility company, and friends/colleagues of the owner. For me, it is great to know that they pay their rent or electric bill on time, absolutely! However, I tend to want to know how other designers/artists rate the boutique and how the owner interacts with that designer.

Asking for references is a question that you can always ask before you even meet with them. If they wish to not provide references, that can be red flag. With that said, they can state that their designer/artist list is private, or that they do not allow any sharing of such information to "third parties", which would be you! That technically, could be true, and I myself would respect that. Even with my jewelry design business, K. A. Mace Jewelry, I keep my client list private, as my clients may not wish to be contacted and inadvertently (or deliberately!) put onto other mailing lists. However, I do ask customers and my boutiques/retailers if they will allow me to offer their information as a reference, and I have yet to be told "No!"! So, that kind of transparency is important in today's business world.

One pretty easy way around that is to visit the boutique, take note of the designers/artists represented and later contact them. Of course, you run the risk of the boutique owner/manager finding out that you did that "behind the scenes" research! However, it is up to that designer/artist to disclose their input and opinion to you. Some may tell you that they want to discuss your request with the owner/manager first. Some may talk your ear off without hesitation!

Also, most boutiques have an online presence, and you can always check their website to find out what other artists are carried in that boutique and contact the artists to ask them about their experiences. Ensure that you are upfront about your intentions, let the artist know that you may have your designs carried in Boutique A, you noticed that they also work with Boutique A's online storefront, and you were simply wondering if they had a moment or two to discuss their experience.

Remember that you are going to be asking questions that need to remain professional, and that have less to do with opinion and more to do with facts. I know designers that have been caught "gossiping" about boutiques, and that in one case an owner actually decided to stop doing business with both of those designers! This is not so much about, "What do you think of the owner?" and more about "Do they pay their invoices on time?"! Remember, how you conduct yourself in this industry does and will get around. It is a big world, but you will find a lot of people know one another and also network via trade shows and online forums. You are building a brand, and your level of professionalism factors into that brand statement, not just your designs!

Most of my questions are along the lines of:

Are invoices paid on time?
Are you happy with your sales at this location (brick and mortar or online)? (remember, sales are proprietary, so don't expect any specifics!)
How long have you worked with this boutique?
I see that you are online, are you also represented in the boutique? If not, can you share with me why?
I see that you are in the boutique, but not online, can you share with me why?
Has the boutique adhered to the contract that you signed?
Would you recommend this boutique to a friend or colleague?

If you do hear negative information, put it into proper context. If a couple of references tell you that they are not paid on time, you will most likely not be paid on time. Easy math! If one tells you that they were not paid on time, the rest state that they were, you have to weight that out. And, remember, if the boutique does offer references, the likelihood is that they will be positive, that owner/manager is savvy enough to make sure that references will put a positive light on the boutique!

Please feel free to contact me via email at kelly@kamacejewelry.com with any questions.

Next post: PRICING! (Let's get to the big $$$ question, right?!)

More About Consignment!

2008-05-01T20:31:00.001-07:00

First of all, sorry for neglecting this series regarding consignment. I have received really positive emails from fellow jewelry designers and other artists stating that this series has really helped them to learn a great deal about consigment and how it "really" works!

I have been just a wee bit busy with a new (non-jewelry!) project, Jet-Chef.com! Jet-Chef.com is an innovative directory of caterers, personal chefs, florists, and other vendors who can provide inflight catering and services to private jet owners and jet charter industry! Go to the Jet-Chef blog to check out more information!

Furthermore, I want to take a moment to brag a bit...

One of my blog posts is featured in the Summer 2008 issue of Artful Blogging! Yup! On the "Buzz" page, page 3 in the issue. I am so proud! This publication is so amazing and so inspiring (and not just because one of my posts is featured!). This is a magazine that reads like a highend, ultra expensive coffee table books! Go to www.stampington.com for more info on ordering Artful Blogging!

Enough about me...Moving on to Consignment, and the Big Questions!

First Big Question: Does this boutique/retailer have a consignment contract?

I typically ask this before the first meeting, and if they have one, I ask if they can scan or fax a copy of it to me prior to our meeting. Sometimes, they will say it is proprietary and they only share that with the artists that they consign with. That is fine. Just remember, the more details that they are willing to share up front with you, the more likely it is a professional retailer with whom you want to do business.

If they provide a copy to you at the meeting, ask to read through it with the owner/manager. This is pretty standard practice, and hopefully you have set up enough appointment time to do this. If not, let them know that you will need to review it when you get home before you make any decisions. If any retailer is troubled by this request, that can be a question mark. Having the chance to read it quickly through with the owner/manager gives you both the opportunity to clear up any questions or concerns on the spot.

Remember, this is your opportunity to make sure that their terms meet your expectations. Yes, you want to sell your product, yes it feels amazing to be recognized and have your work validated in this manner. But, you have to make sure that it is a solid business, that they are flexible and understanding of your desire to get all of the facts. Truly, top notch retailers will respect you MORE for asking these questions and being involved, they will recognize you as not only an artist, but also a business person.

Not all terms may be negotiable. They may tell you the contract is the contract, period. Does that fit your goals and needs? Again, the sense of urgency to get your product and artwork into the retail marketplace is only known truly by you. You may feel that your desire to get your "foot in the door" outweighs your desire to be flexible. There is nothing wrong with agreeing to their terms, as long as you truly do understand them and are willing to live up to those terms!

So, what do you do if they do not have a contract? You can bring a copy of a contract that you have created, and discuss those terms with them. Feel free to contact me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com if you have any questions or would like to see a sample contract. You should have a contract, or this series of questions and suggestions with you for your meeting, as a back up plan.

This is always a great reason to have a laptop or mobile device upon which you could have a copy of a contract that you would like to propose to them to use for your consignment arrangement. That could be immediately emailed to them, and even printed during the meeting for review.

You can always create after the meeting your own "working contract". Throughout the meeting you should have been taking notes and keeping track of what you and the owner/manager agreed upon. After you get home, you can recap what has been discussed. Tell the owner/manager that you would like to send them an email or snail mail copy of your notes for their review. Request that they initial or sign the notes, as this will be your "working contract". Type it up with two initial fields at the lead of each bulletpoint. Initial one set, and they will see that as a good faith effort on your behalf to also commit to what they had told you were their expectation!

Bottom line, if the boutique does not have a contract, you do not have a contract, and they do not want to sign any kind of recap...then what???
I would suggest that you continue on your search for another boutique/retailer. That is solely my suggestion, but one that I know would have been a handly concept for people that I know that entered into consigment agreements with just a friendly handshake. Obviously if you know the owner/manager well, he/she is a neighbor, in your carpool, go to your church, or is your brother or sister-in-law...that is one thing! But the bottom line is that you need to protect your brand, the investment in your inventory and your sanity with some form of written agreement.

Next question in the series...How about some references???

Consignment...continued!

2008-03-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

I wanted to start this next installment with a warm thanks to the great response that I have received to the first posting about consignment. I received many wonderful comments and emails thanking me for this information and asking me to continue with this informative series. I love to share my experience and knowledge with others, and if any of this information assists you, please let me know. I would love to share that with other readers, and highlight your business successes on this blog!

Interesting side note: I have been in contact with boutiques interested in my jewelry, including some with whom I have done wholesale business in the past. With the current state of the economy, many smaller boutiques are taking a much more careful and cautious approach to how they manage their inventory and are incorporating CONSIGNMENT into their inventory plan. This is a business practice that may just be growing, and one that we as artists will need to understand and embrace to continue to drive our sales and exposure!

Here is the next installment in the Consignment series...Meeting with the Boutique! Please note that this series is also being posted on my Retail Training Consultants blog! Next installment: The First of the "BIG QUESTIONS"!

The Meeting! (drumroll, please...)

When you have a meeting scheduled, be prepared. You have every right to negotiate as much as the retailer does! I know many artists who have felt that it is up the retailer to set the terms, and they put their art and their livelihood in the hands of that retailer. That is pretty naïve, and I have heard nightmare stories come out of such arrangements. You are also in control, remember, it is your product that will make them a profit! This should be a two way conversation!

Come prepared with the following:

Samples. Bring as many as you can, with a strong representation of your work, the colors/gemstones/mediums you work in and with the variety of techniques that you may incorporate into your work. Make sure that they are professionally presented, I have heard horror stories about necklaces tangled in bags, earrings that are mismatched...not the impression you want to leave! Fetpak and other suppliers have wonderful sample cases, roll bags, portfolios, and other clever ways of keeping your samples safe and well-presented.

With jewelry, it is great to show them on displayers, if you can bring some along. It can also really showcase the jewelry if you have velvet or leather mats to lay the pieces on. It also shows the care that you take with your product, and that it is truly special.

Put the jewelry on, invite them to try it on. Jewelry is a visceral sale, and when people try on jewelry they are much more likely to buy it, including boutique owners and managers! Do you have a friend who would be willing to be a model for you? Bring them along, and have them help showcase your work!

A portfolio of your work. This could include digital pictures, postcards or catalogs you have printed. If you are featured in blogs, have screen prints, or screen prints from being highlighted or featured on other websites. If you have been featured in any print advertising, editorials or articles, this is a great way to showcase the newspaper or magazine articles. Yes, this is your opportunity to "brag", and this is a professional way to do so! A nice portfolio is a strong impression!

A new way to showcase your work is to incorporate one of the digital frames that you can plug in and have pictures of your work (and even music) scrolling across the frame. Upload your favorite pictures, set it to flash from picture to picture at the time interval that you set, and some offer you the ability to add effects. It is a high tech way to showcase your work, and the digital frames are now very accessible in price. Use it later at jewelry parties and shows too!

Price sheets. Try to use item numbers for your produdct if possible, as this makes it much less confusing for you and the retailer. While I love to have unique and interesting names and descriptions for my pieces, each one has a unique item number that makes it easy to track and communicate to retailers.

Also, be sure to note any volume pricing that you may offer, or any pricing variations between styles. For example, if I do a necklace in freshwater pearl, it is priced differently than if it is in gemstones. Be prepared to answer if you are flexible in your pricing. Also, be prepared and answer what your average price is, what the average mark up of your work is, and what other retailers are carrying your work.

Blank invoices. They should be pre-printed with your logo and business info on them if possible. This conveys that you are an established business, an invoice pad from an office store does not.

Invoices will be crucial should they want to keep any samples as well to show the owner, other partners, etc. You should never leave any samples without some kind of paper trail! Also, they may wish to create an order on the spot, and this way you are ready to write it up!

Pens, pencils, calculator, stapler, paper clips, etc. I have a small pencil bag from Staples that I carry supplies in that can assist me with writing up an invoice, with all of the supplies in miniature. Cute, and still usable! That way, I can streamline my supplies, and still get the job done!

Technology. Better yet...if you have the technology that makes price sheets, invoices and office supplies a thing of the past, go for it! I have brought along my laptop, and from one piece of technology, I can show them my website, my blog, my portfolio, my price sheets and type up the invoice and email it to them before I even leave the boutique! Whew!

I also have a PDA that can do pretty much all of the above, just on a smaller screen. Ditto for an iPhone. Be savvy with the technology that you use, it can make the meeting much easier, take much less time, and truly show them how much you respect their time and how quickly you can react to their business needs.

Recommendations from customers or other retail partners. This is a great way to show a steady track record with other customers, and that you are reliable and credible.

Good luck with your meeting! Feel free to share with me what worked, what you did differently, or any other advice you would offer for meeting with retailers!

Next posting: The first of the "BIG QUESTIONS"!

Consignment: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2008-02-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

I started a post on my other blog, Retail Training Consultants, after being asked in many forums about my experience with Consignment. I think that consignment can be a great way for an artist to get exposure and business. Consignment, however, in many of the forums and communities in which I am involved has really gotten a "bad rap".
I decided to write a series of the kinds of questions you should ask yourself about a potential consigment agreement, as well as general issues surrounding how to make a consignment agreement work for you. Here is the first installment, more to follow! Please feel free to post your input, and contact me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com if you have any specific consignment comments that you would like added to this dialogue. I will also be posting this series as an ebook soon! Enjoy!

I see countless forum posts about consignment and whether or not it is the right fit for that artist. Consignment is not for everyone, but more and smaller retailers are moving in this direction. It reduces one of their big expenses—inventory, and makes them far more flexible when they can move in and out of goods more quickly. The retailer avoids markdowns, dealing with worn or damaged goods, and provides fresh, new merchandise to returning customers. What a great deal for the retailer, right? Well, consignment can also be an amazing deal for you, if you are prepared, if you are informed and if you ask the right questions and get those answers in writing! You, too, can profit from consignment relationships!

First of all, what is consignment? Consignment is defined by Wikipedia as:

the act of consigning, which is placing a person or thing in the hand of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold or person is transferred. This may be done for shipping, transfer of prisoners, or for sale in a store (i.e. a consignment shop). In the context of sale, it is usually understood that the consignee (the consignment seller or the party to which goods are sent) pays the consignor (the person with items to sell or the party by which the goods are consigned) only after the sale, from its proceeds.

Consignment can be a complex business relationship. You are putting your work in the hands of the retailer to sell, but no transfer of money is completed until the item is sold. This can feel a bit scary. You release your hard work and passion into a bit of an unknown business arrangement. I know many artists who just “REFUSE” to do consignment because they feel that they deserve to be paid in a wholesale arrangement for their work. That is fine, that this their business plan and the way that they wish to do business. If, however, they see how many galleries and boutiques are moving into the consignment direction, it may be a business practice that they will have to adjust to! And, let’s face it, that may also work for a well-established artist. But, if you are not that nationally recognized artist, you need to find alternative venues to showcase and sell your work. Do your due diligence and you can ensure that you are indeed putting your product in the right hands!

I have found with my business, K. A. Mace Jewelry, that consignment as been profitable for me. However, early on, I was on my own to figure it out. Not as many jewelry designers were on the internet, a fraction of the forums and community groups existed, and to be down right honest, with less public information, other designers were not as upfront with their experiences. Now that the internet has opened up the flow of ideas and information, more and more designers are openly discussing and publishing what has and has not worked for them.

One of the great “perks” to consignment is that it is a way for both the artist and the retail to initiate and develop a working relationship. The relationship needs to work for you, as the artist, just as much as it needs to for the retailer! I have found new wholesale customers through a “trial run” of consignment, I had customers that became repeat customers through my website, I made great business relationships and enjoyed traveling to do trunk shows and appearances. It can be really rewarding in many aspects for an artist to sell through consignment, you just need to be armed with the facts.

This is a basic checklist of questions that I have prepared for myself. By no means do they cover every single aspect of consignment. And, please note that this is from my perspective as a jewelry designer. Other art forms may have other dynamics not noted here. If you find that you have additional perspectives, please feel free to share them with me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com. The more comprehensive this list, the more we help all artists find the right place to sell their product and drive the handmade movement!

First of all, no matter who starts this relationship, ensure that you have shopped the boutique/retailer as a customer yourself. Have you heard of “mystery shoppers”? Well, this is what you need to do for your own goods!

* What is the shop really like from a customers’ perspective? Bring a friend along, ask them for their thoughts. If you are concerned that you will be recognized, or have an appointment later in the day, have a trusted friend or associate do the shop for you!

* What is the “feeling” you get walking around and observing how they do business?

* Is the shop clean, floors, windows, the display mirrors? This is how they will keep your product, after all!

* Is the shop open the hours that they post? This is important as I have found smaller boutiques to be closed at certain times that seemed inappropriate to me, and it concerned me about the overall traffic that my goods would get if they had an associate that closed the store for her lunch when others could have stopped in over their lunches!

* What is the staff like? Ask questions and test their knowledge of the goods in the store. Where are they? On the floor, at the register? Are they approachable? Do you get a sense for the owner/manager being involved?

* What are the displays like and what condition are the displays in? Do the displays match how your product should be displayed? Is there a consistent branding to the fixtures and displays?

* Are the prices reasonable, are the price points in your range? Several times I would walk in and the prices would be much lower than I expected and I felt that it would be difficult for my jewelry to compete.

I also call the retailer, ask questions on the phone. Are they pleasant, helpful, and professional? Remember, you are working hard to build your brand on your artwork, where you retail or consign your product becomes an extension of you! If you have your product there and someone were to call asking about your merchandise, you would want to know that it could be sold over the phone as easily as if that customer were in the store!

If the consignment shop is not in my local area, I often ask for pictures of the boutique, and see how they present themselves to me. I have sometimes been lucky enough to have friends in the area that would do the scouting for me, and it helped me a great deal to make sound decisions.

Next topic...Preparing for the Meeting with the consignment retailer!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T18:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I guess we all have different intrepretations of what Valentines jewelry is for us. I am not so much the "hearts and cupids" kind of gal. I guess being a Southern Californian (by way of Minnesota and Illinois, mind you!) I see love and passion through a different filter. I am especially inspired by the love I see in the beach and ocean. This starfish necklace has a nod to Valentine's Day in my use of the dark red carnelian and a red starfish. Starfish have incredible symbolism, and here is what the symbolism means to me on this day of love!

The five arms of the Starfish are symbolic of the five forms of earthly happiness: Wealth, Longevity, Peace, Virtue and Health.

Wealth--of love and adoration. This is deeper and far more profound than the "greenback" kind of wealth! A wealth of love for others and for you from others. A wealth of love for yourself, as it is important to love yourself openly and freely to love others! Wealth of joy, laughter (good for the soul!) and passion.

Longevity--a long life to enjoy those you love! A long lifetime of love with your soulmate, your significant other, your family. I think many of us would trade in much of our "greenback" wealth to live minutes, hours, days and weeks longer with those that we love. Leaving a legacy represents longevity to me as well, as you continue to live on in the hearts of others.

Peace--peace of mind, peace in your heart, peace with other people. Life is too short for strife, to forgive is difficult, but vital to maintain a peaceful existence with those with love...and to role model conflict management and forgiveness to our children so that they only know peace in their lives.

Virtue--to me this is living life honestly. No moral judgements here, but to be good to yourself, good to others, to live life to your moral boundaries and feel content with living in that virtuous state. Virtue to me is much like the Golden Rule...do onto others as you would have them do onto you.

Health--well, isn't this really the foundation of it all? Without good health, it is hard for us to live the kind of life that we truly desire. So, to live with moderation, to get out and enjoy the beautiful world around us, to walk the beach, to eat fresh food, to travel and see the amazing world around us...all of these things are so enjoyable and help to make and keep us healthy.

All of those wonderful symbols from this amazing sea creature!

Happy Valentine's Day!

San Clemente

2008-01-30T10:31:00.001-08:00

Love this picture of the San Clemente pier! My fiance took this picture, and to me it is just the epitome of winter at the beach. The colors and moods captured in this picture are exactly how I think of the beach in the cooler, sometimes rainy, winter months.

We took the kids to Fisherman's, one of our favorite restaurants in San Clemente. The weather was not exactly perfect beach weather, but the kids had been sick all week so it was great to get out and still enjoy the sand and fresh ocean air!

I have found a lot of inspiration in San Clemente for my jewelry, even have named one of my favorite necklaces after San Clemente. Oddly...I created that piece a few years ago, yet it perfectly captures the colors of this picture taken only a few days ago.

This is a special treasure inspired by the natural beauty and wonder of the beaches around San Clemente. The Iolite Necklace is hand-knotted with interesting Iolite roundels. Iolite has a unique quality in that it appears to be slightly different colors from different angles. The Iolite can range from a deep, purple-blue to a blue-gray. A truly amazing stone that makes a special statement piece. The drop consists of a Blue Coin Pearl and three chain drops of Iolite. Like wearing a piece of San Clemente with you every where you go!

Timeless inspiration, timeless jewelry!

Blogging Inspiration

2008-01-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

Oh my! I got the most GORGEOUS magazine the other day title "Artful Blogging". I had seen someone mention it in an Etsy forum, and checked it out. Such amazing featured artists, beautiful blogs, lovely prose...makes me want to be a blogger "when I grow up"!

I really recommend Artful Blogging to anyone who is a blogger, or who simply admires beautiful blogs. I feel very inspired to truly think about other boundaries to my blog, to include more artists in my blog, and to truly dive into my own inspirations with my jewelry and other artistic endeavors that I want to develop.

I have been thinking of my blog as a way to communicate what I am doing with my jewelry, new collections, new retailers, etc. But to just take a quiet, thoughtful approach to the whole of my business is something that I am very interested in undertaking. I love photography, yet share only the pictures that I take of my jewelry for the most part. I love needlepoint, cross stitch and now even knitting, but spend very little blog space about how that brings a different kind of joy and energy to me.

Time to dig a bit deeper. Peel away another layer.

K. A. Mace Jewelry offers financing!

2008-01-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

I receive countless emails and inquiries about my jewelry, and have often been asked if I offer any financing plans. Fine, handmade jewelry is not cheap (!) and while my sophisticated customers definitely understand the difference between my jewelry and something that is mass-produced, they sometimes just need to cut the gap between a few pay periods, awaiting a tax refund, or simply want to spread out the payments without paying any interest. Well! I have come up with the perfect solution!

K. A. Mace now offers financing on fine, handmade jewelry purchases! Here are the details:

K. A. Mace offers financing on orders $150.00 or more! Upon sending and acknowledging your order, K. A. Mace will charge 1/2 of the total amount to the credit card (or PayPal account) that you choose. Your jewelry will be created and sent to you, as per the order. 30 days after shipping the order, the other 1/2 of the order total will be due, and automatically charged to the credit card (or PayPal account) that you designate. Please contact K. A. Mace at kelly@kamacejewelry.com for more details. (Subject to credit approval). This does include all custom orders.

And, on order of $250.00 or more, this can be extended into as many as four payments!

I love input and feedback from my valued customers, and I hope that you find this to be a great solution to an often-asked question! If you have any questions, as always, email me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com or call at 949.842.1849!

K. A. Mace is Hiring!

2008-01-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

That is right! Kelly Alvarez Mace, the owner and designer behind K. A. Mace Jewelry is here to help single-handedly save the national economy and improve the unemployment rate! How? I am looking for great jewelry sales representatives!

You could sell K. A. Mace Jewelry part time and earn a great commission! K. A. Mace Jewelry offers a sales rep an extensive jewelry (and soon to be accessory) product line, a full sample line to assist you with your appointments and sales calls, a full range of price points from my work on Sterling Silver to Gold to Platinum if requested, customized/exclusive jewelry for boutiques and retailers, full online catalog support, a merchant account for any credit card transactions (and you do not pay for any of those fees!), marketing materials (including print catalogs, postcards and more), and all of the support and training that you could need and desire! Experience is preferred, however, the greatest experience is a love of jewelry, understanding fine, handmade jewelry and a passion for meeting people and selling something that pretty much sells itself!

Please feel free to view my jewelry at K. A. Mace Jewelry and contact me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com with any questions! I look forward to adding additional sales reps this year to continue to bring K. A. Mace Jewelry to customers all around the world!

Investing in my Business

2008-01-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

I have been in a Diet Coke Detox fog for a day or two, but slowly...that fog is rising...and boy, do I see a bright, sunny day ahead! And...here is a cool part...I just figured out how to find some additional cash to invest in my business!

I have figured out two key purchases that I made in feeding my caffeine craze: Starbucks and Diet Cokes. Starbucks I had to give up, working from home and economizing just did not allow for that daily addiction. So, figuring that I went at least 6 days a week (and sometimes, I would go two times in the same day!), with an average of about $5.00 (venti, extra shots, the not-so-occasional scone or muffin!), with 52 weeks in the year...drum roll...I am now saving $1560.00. Yes, $1560.00!

And, referring to my lifechange2008 blog, I will save at least another $547.50 a year by no longer indulging in Diet Coke. (I will not bore you with that math, you can see it on the other blog post!).

So, I have $2107.50 that I could invest in K. A. Mace Jewelry instead. Or...put toward my retirement...or put in my "Jackson" fund...or put in a vacation fund...or put a bit toward all of it. I truly am proud that I am focusing on my wellness, and proud to be saving precious money. I am even more proud that I could invest that money in things that are truly worthwhile and give me a RETURN on that investment...like my jewelry design business, or something special for my family to enjoy. Otherwise, I am simply lining the pockets of other big corporations.

What could you do differently to line your pockets, what would you want to cut back on to save money, or free up that money to invest in yourself, your business, or your family?

In need of inspiration....

2008-01-14T08:32:00.001-08:00

I am having one of those days...I kicked my Diet Coke habit COLD TURKEY over the weekend and am feeling pretty grouchy! I have a brand new kit of PMC3 Silver sitting in front of me, I should be feeling like I could create something really fabulous, but instead I am feeling my withdrawal and just want to go back to bed!

I even got this cool Hattie's tool set to get all official about it, and to be better organized in my studio...

But, instead, I sit here with my sketches and ideas and pout...I miss my Diet Coke! But, I know that this short term discomfort will be outweighed by the long term health benefits...I am on a personal weight loss challenge, and this is going to be a great way to not only lose weight, but focus on my overall wellness.

So, tomorrow is a new day, right?! And, in a few days time I will not be feeling the Diet Coke withdrawal blues...And, the PMC3 will still be there waiting for me and my inspirations...

And, don't forget my Valentine's Day poll and contest. Complete the poll on the upper right side of my blog page, then create a comment on the K. A. Mace Jewelry Valentine's Day Jewelry blog post that includes your name and email (or feel free to email me that info if you wish it to remain private at kelly@kamacejewelry.com). The first 50 to complete the poll and post their comments will be entered in a drawing to win the K. A. Mace Garnet Vine Necklace pictured!

Valentine's Day Jewelry Poll

2008-01-09T14:10:00.001-08:00

Yup! Time for another K. A. Mace Jewelry Poll! And, this one is about buying Valentine's Day Jewelry! And, one lucky winner will win the pictured K. A. Mace Vine Design Necklace below for a Valentine's Day present from K. A. Mace Jewelry! HOW???

A couple of very easy steps to enter to win this K. A. Mace Jewelry Vine Design Necklace:

1. Complete poll at left of blog.
2. Enter your information in the Comments section of this blog, including name and email address. If you wish your name and/or email to remain private, feel free to send me your information in an email to kelly@kamacejewelry.com.
3. The first 50 people to vote and register by 2/1 will be entered in a drawing.
4. The winner will be notified by 2/2, and will be mailed the K. A. Mace Vine Design Necklace shown at absolutely no expense to them!

Good luck, and I am excited to see the poll results!

January "Babies"--Happy Birthday!

2008-01-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to all of the LUCKY January Babies out there!
Why so lucky? The January Birthstone is GARNET, one of my favorite gemstones with which to work! Garnets come in an amazing array of color, purple or "grape" garnets are featured in the necklace above. K. A. Mace Jewelry has countless garnet options for you to choose from for those you know and love that have a birthday in January!

Above is a lovely Pink Garnet Cluster Ring. Pink Garnets are seriously yummy, they tend to have a very lovely deep, rich pink color. K. A. Mace has many signature Cluster Rings and other Cluster designs!

Red Garnets are one of the more common Garnet colors that are featured in jewelry designs. Red Garnets can range from a clear red to a deep, almost black-red. I love to mix the other Garnet colors with Red Garnets, and I also use Red Garnets with one of my other favorite stones, Beer Quartz. Red Garnet is beautifully dramatic, and is a classic color that truly transcends the seasons!

Green Garnets are beautiful to work with as well as they range from soft, clear greens to emerald green to deep forest greens. If you are looking for Green Garnet jewelry, K. A. Mace has some of the most extensive collections of greens, one of her Green Garnet necklaces was featured in InStyle Magazine!

And, yes, I saved the best for last! Mandarin Garnets are an amazing hue of orange, and are one of my favorite garnet colors. This Garnet is such an exciting color to play with. Mandarin Garnets look fantastic mixed with the other garnet colors...see how gorgeous:

Please contact me with any questions or inquiries regarding the K. A. Mace Jewelry designs featured here in Garnet! Happy Birthday to all those January Babies!

Other Inspirations!

2008-01-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

I love to create, in many different mediums. I love jewelry design, it is my passion, and I often dream in jewelry, no lie! However, my other love is needlepoint and cross stitch. I love the needle arts! And, with my obsessive nature, I can get lost for hours in a project! Here is one of my latest creations!

She reminds me of the works of Diego Rivera and also Frida Kahlo. I have one of Rivera's prints from his flower vendor series, and she reminds me a bit of one of those gorgeous women. There is also something about Kahlo in this, in the proportions, I think...and how improbable it would be for these two little birds to be resting on her lap as well! I was blessed to visit their homes and studios outside of Mexico City, and this takes me there every time I view it. I was a Latin American Studies Major at Carleton College, and this brings me back to those studies and my passion and love for their work and their influence on other artists around the world.

Here is another one that I adore, and this is a nod to my love of organic elements! I love to decorate in a della robia style, meaning a style that is decorated or enhanced with fruit. Year around I love to have greenery, fruit and other organic elements in my home. It inspires me, it remindes me of the vitality of life, and fuels my love of bringing the great outdoors to the indoors!

This one was insane to do. First of all, it was my very first needlepoint project, after years of cross stitch! Secondly, the fibers were tough to work with, Very Velvet, Flair, different silks, Neon Rays...but I loved every single stitch and absolutely and proud of my final results!

And, thanks to a smart framer at Aaron Brothers, it is very simply and elegantly framed. No matte, no glass. I was concerned for the safety of the piece, however, without the glass you are able to really get the full effect of the variety of fibers. You can see how fuzzy the peaches are, how silky the apples are, how wet and shiny the cherries are...

Just wanted to share another side of Kelly Alvarez Mace. Off to make jewelry! (And a few more stitches in my newest project!) Thanks and enjoy!

New Year Inspiration!

2008-01-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

I am often asked where I find my inspirations for my jewelry designs. This picture is proof positive that I often don't even need to leave my backyard for inspiration! This is the sunset that we were treated to on New Years Day. My fiance, Brian Fiske, took this picture. He was the brave man who strung all of the gorgeous lights on the palm trees!

The colors are just amazing, and I absolutely love how the delicate lights on the palms trees are reflected in the pool. I woke up this morning wanting to create a piece of jewelry that could somehow capture this beauty, this feeling, this moment...

So, back in the studio to think and hopefully create something that is as beautiful as this sunset! Wish me luck! Happy New Year!

Welcome, 2008!

2007-12-28T15:01:00.001-08:00

I am excited for 2008, as I believe it will be an exciting year...at least for me! Here are my commitments...what are yours?

1. I am making the commitment that this year to be the year I stop dieting and make a serious lifestyle change. I want to lose weight, but mostly to get healthier, make my heart healthier and live longer to enjoy the people that I love! Check out Lifechange2008 to see how I am going to achieve that change! And, in the process, I hope to help other's realize their potential to change their lifestyle and get healthier!

2. I am making the commitment to growing my jewelry business, and launching at least one other business idea with my fiance. Check out K. A. Mace Jewelry to see what I am offering for 2008! I am doing this to try to continue to work from home so that I can be there for the people who really need me most...my two babies! I also offer ways for others to join the K. A. Mace Jewelry team and sell my jewelry as a commissioned jewelry sales rep! I love to help others make money, too!

3. I am making the commitment to a new relationship (well, a year in the works, so obviously the commitment is already there!) and look forward to marrying an amazing man this year! We are brining together two fantastic families, and I truly hope that it brings everyone involved more love and stability. It is not easy to bring two families together, but I believe that the more that we love, the more love we get in return!

4. I am making the commitment to dedicate myself and my resources to assisting other artists get exposed to a wider audience. I am part of TalentDatabase, where really great networking occurs in a diverse artistic community. I will be blogging and trying to spotlight other artists in the hope that building and developing that community brings us all more business, and more ways to develop our art!

Whew! I am glad that I have the whole year ahead of me, that is quite a list! Wish me luck, and I hope that you find yourself part of these commitments!

Looking to the New Year!

2007-12-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that the Holidays are upon us, I am still scratching my head wondering where October went!

Looking ahead to the New Year, K. A. Mace offers a special Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show to jewelry lovers everywhere! Many of us have hosted or attended home jewelry parties, or other home parties in which we bought candles, gift baskets, makeup or other products. I know that I personally have NOT been able to attend countless home parties due to work schedules, not having a babysitter for the kids, being out of town, etc. So...K. A. Mace unveils her Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show to make buying jewelry fun and easy...and lucrative for those of you who "host" the Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show! And...who couldn't use some extra $$$ to pay off those holiday bills!!!

Here is how it works:

1. Contact Kelly Alvarez Mace at kelly@kamacejewelry.com to inform her of your interest in hosting a Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show.

2. Create a mailing list for K. A. Mace, and at no charge, she will send a special newsletter on your behalf to invite your friends and family to the K. A. Mace Jewelry Trunk Show! In this newsletter will be special pieces of jewelry exclusive to your Trunk Show, and/or special discounts or offers! This is your Trunk Show, so K. A. Mace will work with you to make it personal and special!

K. A. Mace can create exclusive collections that focus on a special price range, on specific gemstones of your choice, or any specific theme that you have in mind!

3. For an entire week (or longer, if you prefer), your friends and family can order K. A. Mace Jewelry using a code that will be offered to them on the newsletter. This will ensure that you get credit for the sales from your Virtual Trunk Show!

4. Any offers, discounts, or exclusive promotions will be extended to you, your friends and family, and highlighted in the newsletter. Offers are extended to all people to whom the newsletter is forwarded to as well.

5. For all orders received during your Virtual Trunk Show, you will receive a 10% commission!!! Yes, upon completion of all orders, including receipt of full payment for all of the orders, you will receive a check in your name that is 10% of the total of all of your Virtual Trunk Show orders! This is not all! If TWO of YOUR Virtual Trunk Show attendees book their own K. A. Mace Jewelry Trunk Shows, you will receive another 5% in commission! Your total commission could be as much as 15%!

K. A. Mace does all of the work for your Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show! You do not need to be bothered with orders, K. A. Mace compiles all orders and does all of the paperwork. K. A. Mace Jewelry accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and Paypal so you do not have to worry about the awkward task of collecting money from friends and family. K. A. Mace offers everyday free shipping and handling, so all orders are packed and shipped by K. A. Mace. Could there be an easier way to make a commission while supporting a fellow entrepreneur?

6. You will also receive a K. A. Mace Gift Certificate in the amount of 10% of the total for you to apply toward your own order of K. A. Mace Jewelry! This jewelry order is also included in your total commission amount!

Contact K. A. Mace Jewelry to book your Virtual Jewelry Trunk Show today! The bigger your mailing list, the greater your commission! You could be a Commissioned Jewelry Sales Representative TODAY!

Cartier, Bulgari and K. A. Mace Jewelry

2007-12-14T13:41:00.001-08:00

Yes! It is officially true. Cartier and Bulgari have followed the lead of K. A. Mace Jewelry in swearing off rubies. Okay, well, I cannot prove that they are following my lead exactly...but, top jewelers are not buying rubies according to Fortune Magazine, Dec 10, 2007 issue. Why? Due to the actions of the military regime in Myanmar (where 90% of rubies are mined) the jewelry industry is hoping to avoid a PR disaster like the controvery surrounding the "blood diamonds" mined in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

I do take a stand on how and where I buy gemstones and findings as it is important to me to create jewelry with a social conscience. I try to buy findings that are Fair Trade Certified (including some of the findings used in the pictured piece above). I ask suppliers for proof of origin and want to make sure that I am buying conflict-free gemstones.

In today's world of imported items from countries with questionable labor practices, lack of protection for workers and their rights, rampant destruction of precious natural resources, oppressive political regimes, and other abuses, we all need to think about what we are buying and ultimately what we are supporting. Support K. A. Mace in her effort to buy Fair Trade Certified and create socially conscious jewelry. Not only will you look great in these designs, but feel good about the investment you have made in the jewelry as well!

Holiday Jewelry

2007-12-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

I get countless requests for Holiday Jewelry, and this is one of my favorite pieces to refer to customers! Holidays at the Beach!

There are five special reasons that I believe that these gorgeous Starfish convey five incredible messages for the Holiday Season:

The five arms of the Starfish are symbolic of the five forms of earthly happiness: Wealth, Longevity, Peace, Virtue and Health.

Wealth: Focusing not just on monetary wealth, but wealth of spirit and love. This is not about how fat your portfolio is (although having monetary stability is a very good thing!) but about how fat your heart is with love!!!

Longevity: Living long and strong to enjoy friends and family for many more Holidays. Enjoying generations to come!

Peace: Living with peace in our families, peace of mind, peace on a global scale. How I wish it were as easy as living with peace in our everyday lives to spread that message of peace throughout the world!

Virtue: Living with the Golden Rule in mind. Nothing judgemental here, just treat others as you would want them to treat you!

Health: Being good to your body to live happier and longer. And, it is perfect that this is the last one, as it seems to be the foundation to achieving the other forms of earthly happiness!

Give the gift of a K. A. Mace Jewelry Starfish Necklace to someone you love to share these five forms of earthly happiness this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

Other pursuits and distractions!

2007-12-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

So...the other weekend, my mom taught me some basic knitting. I have been wanting to try my hand at knitting for awhile, and finally got brave enough to try it! And, I am really amazed and surprised by the gorgeous results! This is my very own scarf!

My mom and I went to one of our favorite shops for all kinds of needlework supplies (my mom knits and crochets, I do a lot of cross stitch and needlepoint) to find some fun yarn and supplies. Strands and Stitches in Laguna Beach is an amazing shop for unusual things and they have a wonderfully knowledgeable staff. They also do a lot of classes, workshops and even one-on-one tutorials.

I was immediately drawn to some of the dramatic blues, and honed in on this wonderful turquoise blue. The yarn is handcrafted kettle dyed wool from Manos del Uruguay. This is a non-profit organization of artisans that helps to bring economic and social opportunities to rural women. Beautiful wool!

I am almost done, it will be a full 84" long. YUMMY! I am scheming up some interesting fringe or some kind of cool way to finish it off...

Just a little distraction from my jewelry designs! Don't forget that all K. A. Mace Jewelry orders must completed by 12/15 for holiday shipping!

I love Beer and Whisky!

2007-12-04T11:35:00.001-08:00

Yes, that is right! I am a Beer and Whisky kind of gal! A shot and a chaser?? NO! Beer and Whisky Quartz! Intoxicating stones without the nasty hangover!

Beer and Whisky Quartz are a couple of true Quartz stunners! Just behold the Beer Quartz briolette drops on the hand-woven Cross Necklace (the Sarah Necklace) and the Whisky Quartz briolette drops on the hand-woven Cross Earrings (the Victoria Earrings). Truly gorgeous earth-tone colors that look rich and regal!

Beer Quartz is a gorgeous hue of gold, like a glass of light ale. Sometimes Beer Quartz has a golden tone with a green undercurrent. Whisky Quartz is a richer, deeper color, the hue of a glass of fine whisky, neat!

Are you in need of some energy and/or healing? Beer Quartz is one of the most versatile multi-purpose healing stones. Beer Quartz can both draw and send energy. Wear the most powerful clear ones for meditation, sending/receiving guidance. (and I only source the clear ones!) Beer Quartz can stimulate natural crystals in your body's tissues and fluids to resonate at new healing frequency.

Come and take a shot of Beer or Whisky with K. A. Mace Jewelry! Intoxicating stones and jewelry, without the hangover!

Its Raining, Its Pouring...

2007-11-30T10:41:00.001-08:00

...and I wish I were snuggled warm in bed snoring!!! Somehow, however, this picture is making my day feel a bit warmer! This bracelet is one of my favorites, from one of my first "official" collections, and is made of hand-knotted Pink Garnets....LOTS of hand-knotted Pink Garnets, let me tell you! My first collection was entirely garnets, in every color possible.

I am still drawn to Garnets, they hold a top spot in my list of favorite gemstones. Why?

Color range. Garnets are in the a full color range of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. Other varieties of color-changing garnets exist. In daylight, their color ranges from shades of green, beige, brown, gray, and blue, but in incandescent light, they appear a reddish or purplish/pink color. With all of these possible colors, Garnets are versatile for a designer, but also for the collector. Why settle on just one color?!

Meaning. The Garnet is known as the stone for a successful business. It is often said that having a garnet on your desk will improve your business, or wearing garnet jewelry to an important business meeting will swing it in your favor! It is believed that putting a garnet under your pillow or consistently wearing garnet jewelry can help with depression and improve self-esteem. It helps protect one on trips, so be sure to wear garnet jewelry while traveling!

Symbolism. The Garnet is also considered a stone of purity and truth as well as a symbol of love and compassion. The Garnet will help the wearer feel more secure and more spiritually aware. And, it can help your...ah...romantic life!

Healing Powers. The Garnet is associated with the circulatory system including Heart, Lungs and Blood. Many believe that the Garnet can help to ease problems with high and low blood pressure, anemia, inflammation and exhaustion.

If you are feeling that you could use some Garnets in your life, visit K. A. Mace Jewelry and add some Garnets to your jewelry collection! You will not only be purchasing a beautiful piece of K. A. Mace Jewelry, but you will also be enhancing various aspects of your life and health!

K. A. Mace Jewelry Available at Tres Jolie!

2007-11-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

I am excited to share with all of you that my rings (and more jewelry to come!) is now available at Tres Jolie! Tres Jolie is an AMAZING accessories boutique in Beverly Hills, and Glenda Lugay is a leading force in finding the newest and hottest accessories in the Los Angeles area! Ms Lugay has impeccable taste, so I am honored that my jewelry will be featured on her website!

I am finalizing some new pictures (one seen above!) for her, but hit a snag today. First of all, the lighting has been terrible, and something personal grabbed quite a bit of my attention today. I have watched "The Secret" and am trying to apply some of what I learned from that movie to the personal issue. I truly believe that the power of positive thought will propel me forward. I also believe that I need to visualize and focus on the big picture to conquer the small challenges that life has thrown my way.

So with that said, I am off to continue to create fine, handmade jewelry! I am visualizing YOU wearing my jewelry! So, please, visit Tres Jolie and check out my K. A. Mace Jewelry rings! Happy Holidays!

Kelly Alvarez Mace, Spotlight on SpinDaily

2007-11-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

I just love SpinDaily! Each day Kendall Rhodes spotlights different artists from all possible genres, including Fashion, Design + Home, Beauty + Wellness, Lifestyle and Arts + Culture. I was lucky enough to be invited to show my work to Kendall, and have that interview posted on SpinDaily.

Now, she has also included me as an In The Spotlight interview that she conducted with me. I am just thrilled and honored to once again be highlighted! Please take a moment to read my In The Spotlight and feel free to comment on the interview. I can't wait to find new and exciting designs to present to the wonderful and supportive SpinDaily fans!

Kelly Alvarez Mace, Featured Artist on Jewelry and Beading!

2007-11-26T12:21:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled and honored to be the featured artist on Jewelry and Beading! (Click on Jewelry and Beading to read the interview!)

I was interviewed by Cyndi Lavin, who is not only an amazing jewelry designer (check out http://www.mazeltovjewelry.com/ to see her gorgeous jewelry!) but also a generous and gracious artist who takes the time to profile fellow artists. Cyndi is someone that I truly admire, and I deeply appreciate her time and energy to support me and my jewelry designs! Enjoy the interview, and please feel free to leave feedback to post with the interview!

K. A. Mace Jewelry Featured on SpinDaily.com!

2007-11-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

I was recently interviewed for SpinDaily.com, and the interview is now posted at http://www.spindaily.com!

I discussed some of my newest designs and inspirations. It was really exciting to be able to discuss the pieces one by one, and of course, not all of the pieces could be featured in a short segment. However, I did get to talk about a couple of my favorites, including the Golden Glory Ring (pictured above!).

I also wanted to convey to viewers the importance of buying handmade this holiday season, and truly...at any time of the year! It is so vital to support artisans and ensure that the arts and cultures are vibrant and thriving! Go to http://www.buyhandmade.org to pledge your support!

I am so excited to share this interview with all of you, and I hope that you enjoy it! Freel free to contact me at kelly@kamacejewelry.com with any questions or any feedback. Visit http://www.kamacejewelry.com! Happy Holidays and BUY HANDMADE!

Spring Trends

2007-11-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Each day I receive emails from some of my fave retailers that are showing Resort and Spring trends! Each time, my heart skips a little beat as so many retailers are showcasing designers that are showing amazing FLORAL prints for spring! Like this one:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/templates/P5.jhtml?itemId=cat15220756&parentId=cat15220753&masterId=cat000003&cmCat=

I am all about floral jewelry! For me, it makes me feel happy, alive, and inspired. I love the idea of wearing floral jewelry and feeling like I, too, am renewed with each passing Spring...that I too, seek out the sun to bloom...and that I, too, bring color and happiness to someone who stops to notice.

Preview the floral accents in the K. A. Mace Collections at http://www.kamacejewelry.com! Don't forget to take the poll on the blog and register at the K. A. Mace Jewelry Group to be entered to win a $100 Gift Certificate for K. A. Mace Jewelry! Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kamacejewelry/ You, too, could be wearing a key spring trend from K. A. Mace!

Spring Forward!

2007-11-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for Thanksgiving? For the Holidays? Ready for Spring? WHAT, you ask!
I am already creating for Spring! That is right! I have great plans for my existing lines to segue into Spring very nicely! My gorgeous Ocean Treasures will be luring you back to the beach (and in new and exciting colors!), and my Vine Designs will be blooming anew in exquisite gemstone and freshwater pearl colors!

Please take my poll, and let me know what YOUR favorite color is for Spring. What will you be wearing to Spring forward...to shake the winter blues...to welcome the warm sun and new blooms?? Just by telling K. A. Mace your favorite Spring color, you may have a $100.00 gift certificate to spend on K. A. Mace Jewelry!

The first 25 visitors who complete my poll AND register on the K. A. Mace Jewelry Yahoo Group (go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kamacejewelry/) will be entered into a drawing for a $100.00 K. A. Mace Jewelry Gift Certificate! All I ask is that you register on the group and create a post on K. A. Mace Jewelry Group to introduce yourself and by 12/15 I will contact the winner! The winner will also be posted here, hopefully along with a picture of them wearing the gorgeous piece of K. A. Mace Jewelry that they select with their gift certificate!

Good luck!

Holiday Sale!

2007-11-16T11:21:00.001-08:00

Ready to buy some amazing K. A. Mace Jewelry...and save money doing so??? This special 10% discount will be offered by K. A. Mace Jewelry and dozens of Etsy stores, so here is the scoop:

Visit my Etsy shop at http://kamace.etsy.com and create your holiday wish list!

The discount and shipping offer only apply on sales made starting Friday, November
23rd, through midnight, EST, Sunday November 25th! (And remember, K. A. Mace offers every day free shipping!)
While you may be shopping from other Etsy shops as well as mine, orders cannot be combined from different shops to receive any discounts.

Make your shop selections and put "etsyBEAD THANKS" in "Notes to Seller" at checkout and WAIT for a revised invoice before making payment. Only one discount code may be used per purchase.

This special discount is offered IN ADDITION TO the current K. A. Mace Jewelry RING IN THE BLING promotion. So, your opportunity to save just got better! So order now to ensure Holiday shipping!

Ring in the Bling with K. A. Mace Jewelry!

2007-11-12T09:56:00.001-08:00

"Ring in the Bling" is the first promotion from the K. A. Mace Jewelry 2007 Gift Guide!

Starting Monday, November 12th, purchase any K. A. Mace Jewelry Ring and receive 20% off the retail price of any and ALL additional rings! This is on top of every day free shipping! What a great way to treat yourself for the holidays, and give the gift of jewelry to those that you love! Order early to ensure holiday shipping!
Go to http://www.kamacejewelry.com to view the entire K. A. Mace Jewelry Ring Collection. Contact K. A. Mace at kelly@kamacejewelry.com with any questions regarding this fabulous promotion!

2007-11-08T18:08:00.001-08:00

How does a girl choose???

2007-11-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

Yummy new rings from K. A. Mace Jewelry! Not sure how a gal can choose just one, so you just might have to buy them all!!! The Sunshine Ring is created with Citrine "Onion" Briolette Drops, Citrine Roundels and Gold Swarovski Pearls. The Frost Ring is created with Light Blue Topaz, Dark Blue Topaz and Green Amethyst "Onion" Briolette Drops, Apatite Roundels and Cream Swarovski Pearls. The Purple Passion Ring is created with varying shades of Purple Amethyst "Onion" Briolette Drops, varying shades of Amethyst Roundels and two shades of Purple Swarovski Pearls. Just try to pick only one of these gorgeous rings! Visit http://www.kamacejewelry.com to see these rings, and many other gorgeous designs!

Buy Handmade! Come and take the pledge!

2007-10-26T15:59:00.001-07:00

2007-10-26T15:05:00.001-07:00

BubbleShare: Share photos - Here comes Halloween!

2007-10-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

Etsy Update!

2007-10-26T13:11:00.001-07:00

K. A. Mace Jewelry has posted new items on Etsy, come and visit at http://www.kamace.etsy.com/!

OOPS! The pic for K. A. Mace Jewelry on the Etsy Halloween showcase has changed! Instead...you will need to follow those gorgeous Beer Quartz and Multicolor Tourmaline Earrings to get into the K. A. Mace site! Enjoy!

K. A. Mace Jewelry featured on Etsy Halloween Showcase!

2007-10-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

K. A. Mace Jewelry is featured on the Etsy Halloween Showcase on 10/26, 10/28, 10/29 and 10/31! Please check out the K. A. Mace Jewelry on this Showcase at http://etsy. com/showcase. php?showcase_ id=6! Click on that pretty purple starfish to see everything that K. A. Mace offers on her Etsy site. More K. A. Mace Jewelry is available at http://www.kamacejewelry. com!

A PERCENT OF ALL PROFITS WILL BE DONATED TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, THIS IS TO AID THOSE FAMILIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THAT WERE IMPACTED BY THE RECENT (AND ONGOING) WILDFIRES!

Thanks for your support, and lending a hand to those affected by these terrible fires and in dire need.