1.31.14

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Let the weekend be restful for all, let the carbs stay far from me so I can successfully finish my 5day cleanse, and let the country understand that Justin Bieber is just a sad kid whom parents mistakenly let their children idolize and he really doesn't need to be deported.

From the week...

-I don't know who said this, but it's spot on...

-I really appreciate the sentiment in this article on a different way (and maybe the right way?) to ask questions...

-Said to help your complexion considerably...

-Must try these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches...recipe here.

-Wow, this makes me sad. Jimmy Kimmel's crew interviews people on the street for their opinion on the state of the union address...the day before the address. 

-Beautiful photos of children taken by their mom in Russia...more here.

-I have a couple of small pullovers that would make great cardigans...Instructions

-This very new song would sound awesome in a commercial! I sense a hit on the horizon!

Clarity

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I feel like every time I sit down to write a blog post, I think "why am I doing this?" I dislike having so little purpose behind a project like this one. Telling you about my business is the overarching purpose, of course, but in order for this to be a fulfilling experience, in order for it to work the way it's supposed to, there has to be an established relationship between myself and you, the reader, and something that makes it all unique. Do you come back to this blog because you enjoy reading about jewelry, food and diys? Do you appreciate the writing (hopefully, it will improve over time)? Or do you identify with a single, small business owner just starting out? I feel a need to pinpoint what makes this little blog unique and I'd love to gain some clarity around it all. :)

For now, I'll just try to give more of myself when I write...sharing thoughts and real experiences. One big thing that's occurring in my life this week is the transition into full-time shop running! For the past five years, I have been a part-time ESL tutor for Korean students online. While a very positive experience and great training ground for working with people from lots of different backgrounds, it has recently seemed time to move on. Tomorrow is my last day, and then I will be devoting almost all of my time to owning Banana Grove Designs. As I'm sure everybody knows, ending seasons comes with a complex mixture of feelings. There's always a new season that follows to get excited about, but there are also things to miss. It's a blessing when the Lord makes the right path clear so that you're not led by confusing emotions.

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to really dig in to the new season and keep you updated on changes to come...

Speaking of clarity...these dainty little rock crystal drop earrings are becoming the ones I go to most often now. What do you think? Shop here and here for them!

Song

Sochi

If you are like me, you begin counting the days til the spring equinox as soon as the new year has passed. I just like being warm, is all. It can be pretty rough going some years when winter drags on and on, but, this year, I have something to distract me! The Winter Olympics in Sochi! Is anyone else excited? Both seasons of the games have always been exciting for me, but figure skating is probably my most favorite event of all. This year, I'm looking forward to following the Canadian ice dancing team who won gold in Vancouver (not very patriotic of me, I know).

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Curling is also a favorite! Why curling? What is curling? Watch and find out! It seems tame, but it's fairly addictive. And then there's snowboarding...Shaun White cut his hair. I hope that doesn't affect his game. I shall call him the Flying Cherry Tomato.

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The Olympics just have a special feel. I enjoy watching so many different countries and cultures interact through the timeless tradition of sport. Everyone's doing whatever it takes to be the best athlete in their discipline. I have respect for that kind of dedication. All the stupid fluff pieces NBC puts together make me tear up, too. Silly me.

Are you going to watch??

This song...

It's Been So Long...

Greetings, Reader! It's exciting to be writing my first post to you in the new year. I really wasn't sure if I would continue with this once the holidays had passed me by. Honestly, I was having (and still have) a lot of doubts about the success of my little blog, but my mother and sister(s) kept bringing it up and expressing certainty that I was making a mistake to quit. SO, blame them! Over the next few weeks I expect to be making some changes to Banana Grove Designs and focusing more on this blog. I won't give up as long as my mom and sis stay interested. They already know everything that's going on in my life and then some, so believe me, if they're still interested, it means a lot!

Something new in my shop...January Birthstone Necklaces. This is the design I'm going with for birthstone necklaces! I'm hoping to take some pictures of them on people soon to give you an idea of how pretty they look when worn! Find them in the shop here. Also available in 14k gold.

A song for the New Year...Paul McCartney's back?!


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