Perhaps blogging about my training will assist in holding me accountable. I walked in the 3day in 2006. I wouldn't call it easy. But I will say that being that 2 of my 3 team members lived with me and the 3rd worked/traveled with me, i was constantly in 3day central. It made fundraising and training a whole lot easier. I had walking partners at a moment's notice. Training has been much more difficult this time. 3 of my 4 team members live out of state and the one that does live here in state, just dropped out. Sooooooooooooo, I promised myself on Friday night that I'd walk 5 miles each day this weekend. I kept my promise yesterday and today. In fact, yesterday - I walked 5 miles on the tread mill at the gym and then walked another mile or so with Joshua & Honey at the park. After my trip to the gym today, I realized that I'm getting my first 3day blister. Normally you don't celebrate blisters - but this one, I celebrated a little. It is a sign that I am on track with getting ready. My legs are a little tight - but all in all, I feel good. Now, if I can just keep this up. Can you (my friends, family, heck...even stranges)...can you please help to hold me accountable? I have to get on the ball or it is going to be a very painful 60 miles.
My Aunt Heather signed up and joined our team this week. I'm SO HAPPY! Since she is a late starter, her main focus is going to be getting enough donations to walk. She only has a short amount of time to raise a lot of $$$. If you have a little extra to give, she will appreciate the donation. Donate Now!
Back to my lovely 3day weekend. Speaking of 3day, I only have a 3day work week and then another 3day weekend. Josh & I are off to visit family in Utah for a wedding. My Mom turns 50 on September 9th. So, we get double the pleasure. We can celebrate the wedding and my Mom's birthday - YAY!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
My latest necklace...
This is the necklace that I was wearing at Beadfest in PA last weekend. I actually created it to wear out at a bachelorette party (my good friend Jenn is getting married on 9/20, I'm a bridesmaid) a few weekends ago but I ended up choosing a different necklace instead. Regardless, I love this necklace.
I got this metal charms (so cute) from Hip Chick Beads at our Soft Flex Glass Art & Bead Festival in Sonoma, CA.In the project shown above, you will need:
- Soft Flex Wire - .019/Medium in black
- 3mm black cz rondelles - qty 130
- black tourmalines in several shapes & sizes
- black czech beads in several shapes & sizes
- charms
- toggle clasp
- 2x2mm crimp tubes - qty 21
- crimping pliers
- cutters
The bride to be....isn't she beautiful? (Jenn)
And her loyal friends.....(me, Marietta & Jaime)
These girls were some of my first friends in AZ when I moved here at the age of 18 (we were so young and carefree). And over 10 years later, we are all starting to settle down and thinking about marriage and children and pursuing our careers. It is neat to watch the evolution of friends over the years. I look forward to standing next to Jenn's side as she gets married in a few weeks.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
My 3day Update
August 28, 2008
My dear friends and family,
I write to you with a heavy heart, Virginia will not be able to participate in the 3day. As we all do from time to time, she has had things come up that require all of her energy and time. She will be missed on this journey, but we (the team) understand her reasons and wish her the best. All donations went to the 3day, have been processed and are still just as important whether Virginia is able to walk or not. We appreciate every single dollar.
My Mom is sending in a donation check soon (if not already) that will put her over the top of her minimum. I'm so proud of her efforts.
Lisa and I are already passed our minimums. However, please feel free to still contribute if you have not already. $5, $50 or $500 - it is all gladly accepted. You can go ahead and donate to my account.
Thank you so much to all for you support! I won't let you down. I will walk all 60 miles, and I'll even do it with a smile on my face.
Donate now
All my best,
Sara
My dear friends and family,
I write to you with a heavy heart, Virginia will not be able to participate in the 3day. As we all do from time to time, she has had things come up that require all of her energy and time. She will be missed on this journey, but we (the team) understand her reasons and wish her the best. All donations went to the 3day, have been processed and are still just as important whether Virginia is able to walk or not. We appreciate every single dollar.
My Mom is sending in a donation check soon (if not already) that will put her over the top of her minimum. I'm so proud of her efforts.
Lisa and I are already passed our minimums. However, please feel free to still contribute if you have not already. $5, $50 or $500 - it is all gladly accepted. You can go ahead and donate to my account.
Thank you so much to all for you support! I won't let you down. I will walk all 60 miles, and I'll even do it with a smile on my face.
Donate now
All my best,
Sara
Giveaways!
What do Laverne Davidson, Sharon Wagner & Chloe Hall have in common? They are all members of Creative Home Art's Club and they are all winners of May/June Great Giveaway. Congratulations ladies!!!
They each won a prize package containing:
Joanne Mamrosch of Pennsylvania won the treasure chest at Beadfest in PA. Her prize included $1,000 in Soft Flex Co. products. Congratulations Joanne!!! I heard that you were quite surprised that you won. :)
If any of you want some inspiration on how to use some of your fun new products, stop by our Free Projects section. I'm sure you'll find something there to inspire. :)
They each won a prize package containing:
- Regular crimping pliers
- Magical crimping pliers
- 2x2 sterling silver crimps
- 2x2 gold filled crimps
- 2x2 copper crimps
- Soft Touch .019/Medium
- Soft Flex .019/Medium - bronze color
- Metallics .019/Medium - copper color
Joanne Mamrosch of Pennsylvania won the treasure chest at Beadfest in PA. Her prize included $1,000 in Soft Flex Co. products. Congratulations Joanne!!! I heard that you were quite surprised that you won. :)
If any of you want some inspiration on how to use some of your fun new products, stop by our Free Projects section. I'm sure you'll find something there to inspire. :)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Be Flexible...
"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape."
~Anonymous
Honey followed me everywhere I went yesterday, making it very clear that she was happy that I am finally home. She helped me clean the house, pay bills, water the flowers...although her version of help is to move from room to room on my heels and then find a nice place to lay down and oversee my operation (in other words, not much help). She got to go to Chaparral Park for a walk. This is a huge treat in the summer. Usually it is too hot, but the rain had brought in some cooler air yesterday morning. She was ecstatic.
~Anonymous
Honey followed me everywhere I went yesterday, making it very clear that she was happy that I am finally home. She helped me clean the house, pay bills, water the flowers...although her version of help is to move from room to room on my heels and then find a nice place to lay down and oversee my operation (in other words, not much help). She got to go to Chaparral Park for a walk. This is a huge treat in the summer. Usually it is too hot, but the rain had brought in some cooler air yesterday morning. She was ecstatic.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Flying home from Beadfest in PA...
How great is modern technology, that I can blog from the airport while I wait to board my flight? YAY!
Beadfest in King of Prussia kept us pretty busy this weekend. I am sorry to say that I missed the last day. I caught a bug and actually went to a "minute clinic" in a cvs pharmacy to get checked out. I was concerned that it was turning into an ear infection and I shouldn't fly home. Thankfully, my ears are fine and after a lot of sleep, I feel a little better today. Not great - but not awful. My co-workers (Thomas, Paula & Jenny) were so wonderful to let me take the day to rest.
Of course, someone will be getting a surprise in the mail soon - $1,000 in Soft Flex products from the treasure chest drawing. I'm using the elusive "someone" because I missed the drawing - so I'm not sure who exactly won. BUT, I know someone did win! So congrats to...."someone".
I got to see some of my friends from the Bead Society of Greater New York. They are too good to be true. I always enjoy catching up with them.
I'm wearing my new necklace in this picture....cz's and some of my Sonoma purchases from Hip Chick Beads. It turned out great - I'll have to post a close up shot when I find time. :)
Speaking of New York, our show in the Big Apple is coming up quick. Do you have it marked on your calendar?!
Okay - it is just about time to get on my flight. So, I'd better hop off my computer and prepare myself for the long flight home. We have middle seats - ARGH!
Beadfest in King of Prussia kept us pretty busy this weekend. I am sorry to say that I missed the last day. I caught a bug and actually went to a "minute clinic" in a cvs pharmacy to get checked out. I was concerned that it was turning into an ear infection and I shouldn't fly home. Thankfully, my ears are fine and after a lot of sleep, I feel a little better today. Not great - but not awful. My co-workers (Thomas, Paula & Jenny) were so wonderful to let me take the day to rest.
Of course, someone will be getting a surprise in the mail soon - $1,000 in Soft Flex products from the treasure chest drawing. I'm using the elusive "someone" because I missed the drawing - so I'm not sure who exactly won. BUT, I know someone did win! So congrats to...."someone".
I got to see some of my friends from the Bead Society of Greater New York. They are too good to be true. I always enjoy catching up with them.
I'm wearing my new necklace in this picture....cz's and some of my Sonoma purchases from Hip Chick Beads. It turned out great - I'll have to post a close up shot when I find time. :)
Speaking of New York, our show in the Big Apple is coming up quick. Do you have it marked on your calendar?!
Okay - it is just about time to get on my flight. So, I'd better hop off my computer and prepare myself for the long flight home. We have middle seats - ARGH!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
That Kristen....
She's a smart cookie....
"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages."~ Friedrich Nietzsche
Well, her and Nietzsche.
Check out Creative Stash!
"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages."~ Friedrich Nietzsche
Well, her and Nietzsche.
Check out Creative Stash!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Themed hotel rooms...
Just when I think I've seen it all. Just when I think every hotel is the same....we were offered "themed" rooms at the Radisson in King of Prussia, PA (Interweave Beadfest). It sounded like a free upgrade. Thomas was even offered a jacuzzi tub in his "theme" room.
Paula and I ended up in the "Kyoto suite". It is sort of an Asian inspired, rustic cabin. There is a main floor with Paula's bed and then stairs up to a loft, where I will be sleeping. Paula thinks it is creepy. I like it. It is sort of nice to have something that is a little different. I've stayed in a 101 forgettable hotel rooms. This is a room that I won't forget. It is definitely surreal to step out of the hotel hallway into a room that is so wildly different in decor.
Now, Thomas was like "Gimme the one with the jacuzzi tub." So, he got keys to the "Cowboy Suite". Oh boy, I've never seen anything like it.
This is seriously a hotel room. THAT is SERIOUSLY a swinging gate and a fake house...and cacti. It is just too good to be true! It was a little too much for Thomas to take. So, Jenny traded her nice normal room for a little piece of cowboy heaven. Yee haw, Jenny!
We meet up at high noon tomorrow for set up. Here are the show details:
Paula and I ended up in the "Kyoto suite". It is sort of an Asian inspired, rustic cabin. There is a main floor with Paula's bed and then stairs up to a loft, where I will be sleeping. Paula thinks it is creepy. I like it. It is sort of nice to have something that is a little different. I've stayed in a 101 forgettable hotel rooms. This is a room that I won't forget. It is definitely surreal to step out of the hotel hallway into a room that is so wildly different in decor.
Now, Thomas was like "Gimme the one with the jacuzzi tub." So, he got keys to the "Cowboy Suite". Oh boy, I've never seen anything like it.
This is seriously a hotel room. THAT is SERIOUSLY a swinging gate and a fake house...and cacti. It is just too good to be true! It was a little too much for Thomas to take. So, Jenny traded her nice normal room for a little piece of cowboy heaven. Yee haw, Jenny!We meet up at high noon tomorrow for set up. Here are the show details:
- Beadfest Philadelphia
August 22 - 24, 2008
Valley Forge Convention Center
1160 First Avenue
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Montgomery County
Attendees can sign up for the Soft Flex Treasure Chest giveaway to win $1,000 in product at the door!
Details:
Friday 8/22, Noon - 7pm
Saturday 8/23, 10am - 6pm
Sunday 8/24, 11am - 5pm
Admission: $10/day, $12/2-day pass, $14/3-day pass
Monday, August 18, 2008
Breast Cancer 3day Update
Picture above is my 2006 3day team! It is hard to believe that we walked 60 miles together.Well Team Beadalicious is buzzing along. Lisa Kan & I have reached the donation minimum of $2,200.
My Mom is getting closer and closer by the day, she only needs $280 more - which she will have in no time at the rate she has been going. :)
Virginia is the only one that REALLY needs HELP!!! She has worked hard to gain $380 in donations, even selling bracelets for donations (smart cookie). However, she still has to raise $1820 to raise. Our walk is November 21-23, 2008. That means that she only has 3 months left. That might seem like a long time - but to raise $1820, it really isn't. So if you had planned to donate to me and didn't yet....please, please, please donate to Virginia so that she can walk too. She can't fundraise at work and isn't really a computer person, so she needs are help.
In other news, my aunt Heather is thinking about joining the team. I encouraged her to join. I have a feeling that the donation minimum will be easy for her to meet. She is super friendly and has a huge network of family and friends to help her out. The more the merrier is my motto! :)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Dreams
"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith, and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember that all things are possible for those who believe."
~Gail Devers
Buy from your LBS
I recently had an opportunity to stop into some bead stores in a few different cities. I've always loved shopping in local bead stores, but I know that there are a lot of different options these days. Chain stores have plan-o-grammed aisle after aisle with beading materials and online stores are offering very competitive prices to the end user, directly. With the current economy not looking so hot, it is necessary to support your local bead store. No one has it worse than a small business in a time of economic crisis. And furthermore, imagine a world with no bead stores? No thanks!!!
Here at Soft Flex Company, we are by all means a small business too. I think that there is sometimes a perception that we are a huge corporation, but that simply is not true. There aren't a lot of us, we just all work very hard. Soft Flex Company was started by a designer (Mike Sherman) who just wasn't satisfied with the status quo of using tiger tail in his designs. He dreamed big and created Soft Flex Wire in .024 diameter. The first year of business was tricky. He and co-owner Scott Clark relied on the support of their local area bead stores in the bay area to get their footing in the industry. They have never forgotten and in exchange their staff has never forgotten just how important the stores were in our destiny as a company.
So having said all that, please put your zip code into our bead store finder and see what local bead stores you might have in your area.
We have featured several stores in Spotlight on... Check our our archives to see who has already been featured and maybe find an LBS in your area.
Here at Soft Flex Company, we are by all means a small business too. I think that there is sometimes a perception that we are a huge corporation, but that simply is not true. There aren't a lot of us, we just all work very hard. Soft Flex Company was started by a designer (Mike Sherman) who just wasn't satisfied with the status quo of using tiger tail in his designs. He dreamed big and created Soft Flex Wire in .024 diameter. The first year of business was tricky. He and co-owner Scott Clark relied on the support of their local area bead stores in the bay area to get their footing in the industry. They have never forgotten and in exchange their staff has never forgotten just how important the stores were in our destiny as a company.
So having said all that, please put your zip code into our bead store finder and see what local bead stores you might have in your area.
We have featured several stores in Spotlight on... Check our our archives to see who has already been featured and maybe find an LBS in your area.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Soft Flex Company Wholesale Showroom
Did you know that we have a wholesale show room that is available by appointment only in Sonoma, CA? We have more rare items in our show room than we could ever dream of having at the trade shows. $350/retail minimum is required, which can be discounted up to 60% depending on how much you buy. Contact Shelley@SoftFlexCompany.com to make your appointment today!
Out and about in Napa
Yesterday, we started our day out right at the Boon Fly Cafe on Sonoma Highway. It was wonderful. Most of us had "Eggs in a hole" - Mmmmm! After breakfast, we made our way down the Silverado Trail and stopped in on some wineries.
It was a really nice day off!!! Paula was there too - but she prefers no paparazzi pictures.
Today, I'm working at the California office for the moment. My plans have changed. I will not be going to the ISGB Gathering this weekend. However, if you are in the Oakland area and are available on Saturday, the bead bazaar is open to the public and well worth your stopping in. You will find some of the most amazing treasures!
August 9, 2008
Oakland Marriott City Center
1001 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94607
RFL of Sonoma Went really well! As of the end of the relay on Sunday morning,Sonoma
Team HUGS raised over $1,200.00, during the Relay selling our Bead Out Cancer Necklaces!!! ….Big Hit!!!!
It was a really nice day off!!! Paula was there too - but she prefers no paparazzi pictures.Today, I'm working at the California office for the moment. My plans have changed. I will not be going to the ISGB Gathering this weekend. However, if you are in the Oakland area and are available on Saturday, the bead bazaar is open to the public and well worth your stopping in. You will find some of the most amazing treasures!
August 9, 2008
Oakland Marriott City Center
1001 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94607
Details:
Saturday 8/9, 11am - 6pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Admission: Free for registered attendees. $5 fee for the Bead Bazaar on Saturday.
In other news, Kim e.'s Relay for Life last weekend was quite successful! Kim e.'s message:Saturday 8/9, 11am - 6pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Admission: Free for registered attendees. $5 fee for the Bead Bazaar on Saturday.
RFL of Sonoma Went really well! As of the end of the relay on Sunday morning,
Team HUGS raised over $1,200.00, during the Relay selling our Bead Out Cancer Necklaces!!! ….Big Hit!!!!
We sold over 100 laces for people to keep track of their laps!
This article came out in one ofthe local papers which releases on-line nightly. (this is just a segment)
Next year I will see if Soft Flex will Sponsor us and buy our beads for us so that we can have a larger assortment of colors next year! Like the Rainbow!!!! I did not ask this year, last year SF donated a beginners beading kit for the Silent auction. Big Hit! (It had advertizing for the Bead Show on it!!!)
It was a long weekend for me; however it was sooooo worth it! I had a lot of fun!!
A big YAY for Kim e. & Team HUGS!Sunday, August 3, 2008
Another successful Sonoma show , come and gone....
Well, it have finally come and passed - and boy was it a fun weekend! Here are some photos that I want to share. First and foremost, there is nothing like wine country in the summer. It is green and lush.
The show is held at a community center (Veterans Memorial Building) about one or two blocks from the downtown Sonoma plaza. There are 2 main halls, 2 large side rooms and a front lawn area full of exhibitors! I took a few pictures of the show before it got too busy and I was booth bound.
Mike Sherman (owner Soft Flex Company) & Lewis Wilson (owner Crystal Myths & Best Bead Show)....both are all around good guys and anyone that crosses paths with them should count themselves fortunate. Gregarious and kind, these 2 are both fun to know!
Stuart Abelman - NICE glass!
Boise Art Glass offered free demos in their booth!
Make-it-Take-its were (of course) a huge hit! Jamie Hogsett had plenty of her new book Stones on sale and was on hand offering her expertise. Our very own Lisa Vernon offered a quick class on how to make earrings using our Metallics Wire. A big thank you to all exhibitors that contributed product and time to make the MITI's special this year!
Jamie Hogsett - getting ready to spread her knowledge.
Trade show manager and all around great friend, Jenny Wilson and I - happy that the show was successful and ready to get started on next year's event!
We are staying in a rental house in Napa. It is gorgeous and affordable, considering there are 9 of us staying here! :) If you'd like to come to the Sonoma show next year, I highly suggest renting a house. It is nice to come home to an actual home. Most homes offer all the conveniences that you are used to in your own home - internet, cable, dvd, washer, dryer, etc. This one even has a hot tub in a beautiful back yard! The dates for next year will be August 8 & 9, 2009.
In a few days, we will head to Oakland for the Gathering. I LOVE the Gathering. If you love glass, the Gathering is the place to be!
It has been a long day - so I supposed I should get some shut eye. I'm excited to sleep in tomorrow and spend a restful day in wine country.
The show is held at a community center (Veterans Memorial Building) about one or two blocks from the downtown Sonoma plaza. There are 2 main halls, 2 large side rooms and a front lawn area full of exhibitors! I took a few pictures of the show before it got too busy and I was booth bound.
Mike Sherman (owner Soft Flex Company) & Lewis Wilson (owner Crystal Myths & Best Bead Show)....both are all around good guys and anyone that crosses paths with them should count themselves fortunate. Gregarious and kind, these 2 are both fun to know!
Stuart Abelman - NICE glass!
Boise Art Glass offered free demos in their booth!
Make-it-Take-its were (of course) a huge hit! Jamie Hogsett had plenty of her new book Stones on sale and was on hand offering her expertise. Our very own Lisa Vernon offered a quick class on how to make earrings using our Metallics Wire. A big thank you to all exhibitors that contributed product and time to make the MITI's special this year!
Jamie Hogsett - getting ready to spread her knowledge.
Trade show manager and all around great friend, Jenny Wilson and I - happy that the show was successful and ready to get started on next year's event!
We are staying in a rental house in Napa. It is gorgeous and affordable, considering there are 9 of us staying here! :) If you'd like to come to the Sonoma show next year, I highly suggest renting a house. It is nice to come home to an actual home. Most homes offer all the conveniences that you are used to in your own home - internet, cable, dvd, washer, dryer, etc. This one even has a hot tub in a beautiful back yard! The dates for next year will be August 8 & 9, 2009.In a few days, we will head to Oakland for the Gathering. I LOVE the Gathering. If you love glass, the Gathering is the place to be!
It has been a long day - so I supposed I should get some shut eye. I'm excited to sleep in tomorrow and spend a restful day in wine country.
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