November 2012

The 1st of November means the holidays are quickly approaching ... having to search and gather the decorations from closets, garage, attic, etc., and sharing the excitement for the upcoming, most important, holidays of the year by SHOPPING! 

Yes, shopping!

OK, I confess ... I am thinking about the many online shoppers, like me, who love to browse through website after website for things to find as that perfect gift for friends and family. 

Lucky for me, I don't have to go far since I took care of all that by handcrafting one-of-a-kind fashion and fine jewelry collection -- necklace, bracelet, earrings and more. From leather pieces to metal, semi-precious gemstones, Swarovski crystals, porcelain, glass, fabric -- you name it. I do them all. I also sew clothing and paint, depending on my mood.

I made so much that I opened my own Etsy store! ahah

So, I wanted to take this opportunity to showcase some of the pieces I designed. And hopefully, you will like them, too. I would greatly appreciate any comments and suggestions and to tell your friends about my store and my handcrafted collections for sale, especially during the holiday season of gift-giving. 

Everyone who do so, mentions my blog and orders from me can take advantage of the FREE shipping. Simply email me direct (flipflyblue[at] gmail or make a comment below.

Thanks for reading my blog, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of the year!

P.S. ________________________

Before I close, I wanted to mention a social-networking site that's been around since 9-11 (the reason it was established). I urge you to visit Meetup.com.

If you are not familiar with Meetup, check it out! I think it is one of the best ways to meet new people and enjoy activities with others who enjoy the same things you do in your own town! I highly recommend it especially for people who are new in town and are not familiar with their area. 

Meetup  allows you to enjoy activities and events, like Girls Night Out (or Couples Night Out), dining out, dancing or hiking/exploring with a group for free. There is an organizer who will make you feel welcomed and will introduce you to the many members who are in that particular group. And if you want to expand your circle of friends, you simply join other groups in your town or any cities all over the world. You'll be surprise at the number of groups already formed in your neck of the woods!

This is especially helpful if you are shy or single or don't know many people and just simply want to meet others who enjoy going to movies or dinner out with a group. There are groups created for everything you can imagine like chess club, owners of pugs, kayaking, volunteering, people with kids, support groups, ethnic groups, food lovers, cooking, etc.

Check it out! Be safe, meetup and start enjoying life!

Don't Forget to Fall Back

(On my fb and pinterest accounts, I posted this pic above

that was too cute not to share. It came from an e-card service

 - crosscards.com. Here's a "shout out" for publishing the cutest pics!)

It's that time once again for the annual ritual of resetting the clocks to return to the "normal" time. Though, Arizona and Hawaii folks don't need to bother since they don't partake in the "fun"! 

Daylight Saving Time in the United States began Sunday, March 11, 2012, and ends Sunday, November 4, 2012. 

So in the fall, we turn our clocks back one hour 

at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2012. 

It may help to set your clock back Saturday night before going to bed unless you plan on being awake and functional (key word there!) at 2 a.m. Sunday morning! 
You'll then be on time and ready to go and a little bit more refreshed from getting an extra hour of sleep for Sunday activities. But for those who have to work Sunday, you'll avoid the embarrassment of showing up an hour early, which can be inconvenient because you might have to wait outside until the doors of your building open up -- unless, of course, you decide to go back home, then come back again. But who wants to do that (waste of gas and time in traffic) -- ugghhh!

So, let's begin the journey of creativity -- where passion lives on.

In August 2012, I began a journey of creating hand-made jewelry from metal, leather, glass, wood, textile, beads, clay, stones, or anything that catches my eye.

My inspiration came from a necklace and bracelet set I found when I attended a free lecture at -- of all places -- the Las Vegas Erotic Heritage Museum. 

Its color is a beautiful combination of yellow and red with materials that included porcelain beads, suede and antiqued silver findings. 

I purchased the set for $50 and was so happy to have found it that there was no hesitation to take out my debit card and purchase it.

I happily went home thinking I can do this, and I love the combination of materials used! 

As I went home that night, I began imagining the possibilities of creating designs that is simple, yet elegant, sophisticated and demure. I set out to find all the information I could from the Internet of places where I can purchase the materials from, preferably wholesale companies, to get the best prices; though, I knew I would have to buy in bulk.

As I found ones I liked, I browsed through the sites and began clicking on each item of interest. As I looked at each picture and description, I could imagine what I would and could do with it! I then clicked on the purchase buttons, waited for the supplies to arrive and so I began to design each jewelry that was running around in my head, waiting to be discovered in real form.

As I design each one, I posted it on my facebook site to show my family and friends. They liked it so I was motivated to make more. Each piece is unique and there are some that is a favorite so I'd replicate it.

Soon after, I opened my own Etsy store, called "FlipFlyBlue." 

The Flip is a reference to my Filipino heritage; the Fly and the Blueis in reference to having been a veteran of the U.S. Air Force -- women were considered fly girls and the light blue and navy blue uniform we wore in the office. 

I was a public affairs specialist. Didn't realize it then but it has had a tremendous impact on my life -- thanks to a Sergeant Wilson who figured I would be good at being a Public Affairs Specialist when I had the opportunity to cross-train in the Air Force.

I'm so glad I took that path in life because it has brought me such a positive career progression up to today. So wherever you are, Sgt. Wilson, I am indebted to you in gratitude! I found my passion ...

October 2012

So October has come with a sad note on the passing of my husband's mom.
She was diagnosed with cancer just in July, but we found ourselves back in Norfolk, VA, to attend a funeral.

She was a very strong, dedicated and loving person. She was an inspiration to all.
Verna Sue Becknel Brown will be missed dearly!

This quote summed it up very well for me:

It was bittersweet as we said our goodbyes, but we also spent some needed time with family members we haven't seen in a while or have never met before.

Here's to celebrating a beloved mom, sister, grandma, great-grandma, cousin, aunt, neighbor and most of all friend to so many.

Spending time in Norfolk, VA, allowed us to meet so many people close to her.
We were able to spend some time with my two daughters (above right) who lives in the east coast due to military commitments. I've enjoyed spending time with hubby's family as well.

And in closing, I'd like to add this quote: