hello there...

For the stinky Carolina fans in Columbia.  ;)

I'm not sure where to start.  I'm still around.  I've now been off my foot for 6 weeks.  I'm staying in my dad's room, staring at his clothes in the closet and his boxes of golfballs on his dresser, which makes me miss him so much.  I'm being taken care of by my mom which I appreciate, but you never know what you are going to get with her.  And in 6 weeks she's had plenty of ups and downs which is so hard to watch.  I was fired from my job by a certified letter with no warning.  My cat in Charleston must have thought I was never coming back so he ran away about a month ago.  I haven't gotten a short term disability check or an unemployment check yet, which means I haven't had any money since the last week in July.  And I had my first physical therapy appointment today and found out that my foot isn't healed up enough to walk yet and I will be in this air cast for another 5 weeks.

With all of this said, I totally get that it's not the end of the world.  Everything will work itself out.  But I'm still in a bad mood.  And as for blogging, I figured I would spare you and not bitch and moan on here!  I'm not one to sugar coat it.  At all.  ;)

In order to make some money to pay medical bills, etc AND in an effort to do something crafty and lift my spirits, I've been making Fall and Halloween wreaths.  Thankfully, mom has fronted the cash for this project.  They aren't anything too original as I've gotten the ideas from Pinterest and Etsy but they're fun to make and I'm just selling them at my brother's store.  More pics to come soon.

**One other thing, I want to open another Etsy store where I can sell anything I make.  I can't commit to any one thing because I get bored easily.  I want to be able to sell my jewelry, maybe some wreaths and then whatever I'm in the mood for next....mason jar snow globes perhaps??  I would rather not open a million different shops.  Do you think this would work?  I am HORRIBLE at coming up with names.  For example - my jewelry shop is "It's Simply You" and my blog used to be "Simply Collins".  Anyone have any ideas to send my way??

Will catch up on your blogs soon!!  xoxo

problem solved and plea for guest posts

DSLR camera bags are so big and bulky that I seriously think twice about taking it out with me. Discovered this nifty little thing in my Etsy Finds email. This way you can throw it in your bag and not worry about it.
Do you use the big bulky camera bags or have you discovered something better?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76682045/pixbag-dslr-camera-bag-case-made-to

Sorry about the fugly link thrown in there. Stupid iPad.

So, would any of you be interested in doing a guest post for me? This not-so-pretty look that iPad is leaving me with these days is making me crazy!
Email me and let me know! It can be about anything, I'm not picky!

how to - wrap bracelet

Saw a bracelet similar to this one on Pinterest and had to make it.  It's super easy to make.  Here goes...

• Buy the leather cord, medium sized ring and findings listed later at a Michaels or other craft store.
• Cut the leather cord about 45" for each side and wrap about the ring like shown below.

•  Wrap each side around your wrist twice.

•  These are the other findings you will need from the craft store.  Have an employee help you, they are usually super helpful if you just ask.  Don't cut the cord right in the middle of the wrist, cut it a little shorter to allow for the clasp.  Otherwise, it will be too big.  :)

•  You can then place the end of the cord into the piece listed below and use pliers to close it up tight.  I have all kinds of jewelry tools but I am sure you can find something around the house that will do the trick.

•  That's it folks!

•  I only wrapped the second one I made around once and I think I like it better.

•  This one was my favorite.  LOVE the color and it will be perfect for the fall!

Does that seem easy enough?  If not, I will be happy to make one for you and list it in my Etsy shop. Just message me and let me know what color and I will let you know the cost.  Hope you liked!

thrifting on etsy today

I am dying to go thrifting.  It's been too long.  However, I am saving every penny these days for something bigger and better than home decor, so I thought I would do a little daydreaming on Etsy.  

Since I have been making lots of summer salads lately, I want new mixing and serving bowls.  I love vintage pyrex.  

Growing up, I always thought my mom's green glass vases were ugly.  Then we put some flowers from dad's funeral in one of them and I fell in love.  I could totally have these little gems.

Next up, I am dying to revamp my desk and workstation area.  I am loving this chair and this cabinet...

Last but not least, I have a tray of succulents that need potting.  They would look right at home in these...

Don't even act like you don't like the duck.

So, maybe I will at least visit a couple of my favorite thrift stores this weekend and look for some cheap planters.  Happy Tuesday peeps!

etsy love

Just found:  Nesta

Fantastic Atlas prints, artwork, vintage finds and handmade pillows!

Hope you are having a wonderful Thursday!  Friday can't come soon enough...