A Moment To Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is a holiday I have always enjoyed! I think it is because there are no unrealistic expectations. It is simply a time to gather with family and friends and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for. There are no gifts to open, and no expectations of that special item you hope someone remembered to buy for you. There isn't the hustle and bustle of buying all of those gifts then presenting them hoping others will like them. It is simply a time to gather and give thanks.

As Thanksgiving 2014 quickly approaches I am looking forward to that day, to enjoying delicious food with our family, beginning new traditions with the newest member of our family, and focusing on what is important in life. Yes, family, friends, employment, my customers, our home, cars, etc. will be on that list. Also on the list are some of the little things that happen each day that we don't always recognize as blessings such as running late for an appointment and all of the traffic lights are miraculously green so I manage to get to the appointment on time, tripping up the stairs and gaining my balance before falling and breaking a bone, making an unsafe move with my car and  managing to avoid the accident that should have happened, or saying something offensive to someone and being forgiven for it. The little everyday things that happen make me especially thankful.

I get very frustrated by those who bypass Thanksgiving and go directly from Halloween to Christmas. It seems that because there aren't any gifts associated with Thanksgiving that it isn't important. In my mind, it is more important because it is a time to forget about what we don't "have" and focus on what we do have.

I understand the need for stores to decorate for Christmas right after Halloween, as well as advertise for Christmas specials, but is it necessary for them to open on Thanksgiving Day in an effort to remove every last dollar from our wallets? I would imagine that all of their employees would like to be celebrating Thanksgiving rather than working. As a business owner I am all for businesses earning as much profit as possible without gouging their customers, but I also believe that it is important for us to focus on our values at times and forget about the almighty dollar.

So, on this Thanksgiving we will be focused on family and friends, and giving thanks. We will not be focusing on where we will shop on Black Friday, where we can get the best deals, and what will be under the tree on Christmas Day.

So...from Cruisin' Creations...

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Are you looking for a personalized gift for a special girl on your list? Why not purchase one of our birthstone necklaces or bracelets? Made with a soft crisp white nylon yarn the Swarovski crystals sparkle when they capture the light. What girl wouldn't want one of these? 

Simply click on the links below each picture to place your order or click on this link https://www.etsy.com/listing/204089762/sets-birthstone-necklace-and-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_14 and save when you order a necklace and bracelet set.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?ref=shop_home_active_16

https://www.etsy.com/listing/194695617/birthstone-bracelet-knitted-beaded-with?ref=shop_home_active_13

https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?ref=shop_home_active_16

https://www.etsy.com/listing/194695617/birthstone-bracelet-knitted-beaded-with?ref=shop_home_active_13

The special mothers and grandmothers on your list would love a Mother's necklace or bracelet this holiday! These are individually designed based on the birth months you provide. Click on the link below the necklace to place your custom order.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/design-your-own-mothers-and-grandmothers?ref=shop_home_active_15

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We are excited to have been accepted to the 39th Annual Holiday Craft Marketplace at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY on November 29! I'm told this is the event to go to! There are over 120 crafters displaying their original designs for you to enjoy and purchase. Stop by space #19 while you are there and say, "Hello!" There is a $5.00 admission fee for this event. Proceeds benefit the Saratoga Center for the Family.

Until Next Time...

Diane

#happythanksgiving
#cruisincreations
#birthstonenecklaces
#birthstonebracelets
#mothersjewelry
#birthstonejewelry
#grandmothersjewelry

Badavino Creative Studios

Each craft show brings new opportunities to meet new customers as well as new crafters. This past weekend at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Wynantskill, NY I had the pleasure of speaking with Jimmy Badavino and Christy Colangione. Their display of colorful children's books which Jimmy and Christy have authored and illustrated was the reason I stopped at their table. Once there, it was their enthusiasm and wealth of information that kept me talking to them for a period of time. I only wish I had more time to actually read portions of their books. They looked like they were so much fun to read!

Currently there are four children's books, with a fifth soon to be released, in Jimmy and Christy's library. The descriptions for each book are copied from their website.

The Santa Clock

 By Jimmy Badavino

Illustrated by Christie Colangione-B

A young boy searching for his siblings on Christmas Eve finds a wonderful discovery, reconnecting him with a new belief in Santa's magic.

That's Why They're Called Punkins

By Jimmy Badavino

Illustrated by Christie Colangione-B

It is fall, and the harvest is in full bloom. While walking past the local farm, a little boy asks his father how the big orange decorations got their funny name. Set in the time of long country strolls to the post office and fresh farm stands, the beautiful illustrations and charming characters bring to life the father's story, celebrating an exciting fall tradition.Have you ever wondered why they're called punkins?

The Ballerina's First Dance

By Jimmy Badavino

Illustrated by Christie Colangione-B

One night, a young girl quietly listens to her favorite holiday music, and then suddenly begins to dance around like a ballerina. She surprises her parents with elegant toe taps and balanced twirls across the living room floor. 

The Ballerina’s First Dance tells of a little girl’s discovery of a hidden talent, and the shyness she overcomes when she begins her first day of dance school.  

This graceful story, coupled with delightful, soft colored illustrations, sweetly portrays the nervous feelings and exciting surprises that children often find when trying something new. 

Snowy Day Surprises

By Jimmy Badavino

Illustrated by Christie Colangione-B

On a winter evening, a young girl watches the local weather report, and finds that a large snow storm is quickly moving towards her town. She anxiously wishes for a snow day from school, and thinks about the exciting adventures she will have playing in her backyard. 

Can a lot of snow be too much snow?

Set in a traditional era and heaped with gleaming winter landscapes, this soft flowing story illustrates the wonderful fun children can have playing in the snow. Find what cherished memories await when play time is filled with Snow Day Surprises.

Their latest book, Touchdown for Nicky will be released soon. 

The inspiration for these and future books comes from the adventures of Jimmy and Christy's three children.

They have also written an adult organized crime novel, The Fall of South Bridge, based on actual historical events in Troy, NY.

An organized crime novel inspired by actual events in Troy, NY, The Fall of South Bridge tells of the intricate and dynamic relationship that develops between young mafia apprentice Johnny Bellini and his larger than life uncle, Donnie Carelli, who sits near the helm of the Denoboli crime family of upstate New York.

  It is the late 1980's, and the Denoboli's are at their pinnacle of power when they are blind sided by the force of wily DEA agent Rick Mackenzie and his quest to take out the family and their main source of income, cocaine.  His first target is Donnie Carelli, whom, with the help of an informant, he sets up for a futile, yet punishing, city alleyway ambush.  While questioning his longevity, Donnie reconnects with his sister, brother in law, and three nephews, the oldest of which, Johnny, a high school junior, is realizing that his relatives control a criminal empire that has operated for over fifty years.  When Donnie starts pondering retirement, he finds that his boss and uncle, Rocco Denoboli, is plotting a move against him.  As the wheels of treachery begin to turn, college freshman Johnny joins the family, and carries a secret agenda that could destroy the Denoboli's and rock the foundation of the entire  city.  Will he be evasive enough to carry out his ambiguous orders and save his uncle Donnie before it's too late? 

Jimmy and Christy's books are available at amazon.com. barnesandnoble.com, as well as www.createspace.com. If you are looking for gifts this holiday season that are well crafted, but different from the norm check out their website, jimmybadavino.com and order some books for the special readers on your list.

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It's not too late to order your Mother's and Grandmother's necklaces and bracelets for this holiday season! Each piece includes the birthstones of all of the family members you wish to have included creating unique, one of a kind designs. Stunning is the only way to describe each piece which is created with genuine Swarovski crystals! You can place your custom orders at www.cruisincreations.etsy.com or click on the link below.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/design-your-own-mothers-and-grandmothers?ref=shop_home_active_11

Birthstone necklaces and bracelets are also available.

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Saturday is our day of rest this week; however, we will be at the 2014 Soroptimist Craft Show at Gloversville Middle School, 234 Lincoln St, Gloversville, NY on Sunday, November 23. The show runs from 10:00 - 4:00 and benefits Soroptimist International of Fulton County. This show was formerly known as the Hadassah Craft Fair.

If you can't make the show in Gloversville you can still purchase Cruisin' Creations' designs at the Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY. Our one of a kind necklaces, 18" & 22" rope necklaces, flowers for your hair, single and wrap bracelets, necklace and bracelet sets, and winter scarves are available at the Shaker site.

Until Next Time...

Diane

#cruisincreations
#jimmybadavino
#mothersnecklace
#grandmothersnecklace
#mothersjewelry
#birthstonenecklaces
#birthstonebracelets
#shakerheritagesociety
#shakerheritagesocietychristmascraftfair

Repurposing

I've always been inspired by those who see a piece of rope or an old window and can turn it into something new and useful so when I met Marilyn of MgDesigns Second Wind I was quite impressed by her handmade leather journals. Marilyn is always trying to come up with new ways to use old things and has definitely created a niche with these journals that are beautiful and useful.

As Marilyn describes her craft - "I am always thinking of ways to make some old "find" into something different - a garden trellis out of old railings, stepping stones from broken dishes, shoulder bags from old jeans...it's hard to stop. But I love the thought of giving something, old but still beautiful, a new life as something fresh but with visible history that makes you wonder what stories it could tell..."

Pictured below is one of Marilyn's leather journals. You can view more of her designs at www.mgdesignsecondwind.etsy.com

Add https://www.etsy.com/listing/198765060/handmade-square-brown-leather-bound?ref=shop_home_feat_4caption

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November has arrived so it is time to feature the beautiful topaz Swarovski crystal birthstone necklace and bracelet available in my Etsy shop and at the November craft shows. The color is perfect for November; don't you think? These were such a hit at the O'Rourke Middle School show that I have spent the last 3 days and counting making more! They make perfect Christmas gifts for the special girls on your list!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?ref=shop_home_active_8

https://www.etsy.com/listing/194695617/birthstone-bracelet-knitted-beaded-with?ref=listing-shop-header-0

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What a day we had this past Saturday at O'Rourke Middle School in Burnt Hills, NY! Never have I been so busy! Needless to say, my husband and I have been discussing ways to streamline our check out process so as not to take up too much of a shopper's time and discourage those who feel they are waiting too long. We think we have come up with some good ideas and are looking forward to trying them out at this Saturday's show.

Stop by Ballard Elementary, 300 Ballard Rd, Wilton, NY on Saturday, November 8 from 9:00 - 3:30 pm to wittle down that holiday shopping list. The firehouse, which is next door to the school also has a show this weekend so you get twice as much selection at the same location. I'm told it is a very busy show so stop by early for best selection!

If you can't make it to Ballard Elementary this Saturday then stop by Shaker Heritage Society's Christmas Craft Fair, Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 4:00! 

If neither of those are convenient for you there's always Etsy - www.cruisincreations.etsy.com. Special orders are always welcome!

Until Next Time...

Diane

Thank you!

As I age I realize that I wouldn't have accomplished as much as I have in my 61 years without so many who have supported me throughout my lifetime. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them!

Naturally, that support begins with my parents, siblings, and extended family who taught me respect, honesty, the value of a job well done, and trustworthiness. Some also taught me the crafting skills that have permeated my life and led me to several very fulfilling careers.

Friends and classmates who validated and challenged those morals and values from my family deserve thanks for being there to support and challenge me when I needed it. Coworkers also reinforced and challenged those early parental lessons as well and helped form me into the dedicated and devoted employee I spent my entire working career struggling to become.

My customers boost my spirits each time they praise my work or purchase one of Cruisin' Creations designs. They also keep me humble as they unknowingly point out the improvements that could be made.

And while they are family, special thanks go out to my husband and children who have been there to support and assist me in every endeavor I have attempted including Cruisin' Creations. They also put up with a lot of neglect each time my workaholic tendency reared its ugly head until I could get it in check.

Today I thank everyone for being there for me, for teaching me very valuable lessons, and for continuing to assist me with my current and future endeavors. I couldn't have done it without them!

Thank you! You make me a better person!

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Last week I profiled Anita from Basketkase. She sent me some information that I would like to pass on to you. Anita will be a vendor at the Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Thatcher Park Nature Center in Altamont, NY. It takes place on December 6, from 10:00 - 4:00 and December 7, from 10:00 - 2:00. All of the crafts at this event are high quality and beautiful! If you are in the area and see Anita please let her know that you heard about her through Cruisin' Creations blog!

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We've been very busy at Cruisin' Creations prepping for November's craft shows! As my husband strings beads onto the yarn for each design I am creating other pieces on the individual looms. A lot of skill and love goes into the creation of each handcrafted item! Pictured are a few of the accessories we've been working on...Go to www.cruisincreations.etsy.com to view our full line of women's accessories.

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On Tuesday I will be setting up at the Shaker Heritage Society's Christmas Craft Fair. This fair will take place Monday - Saturday from 10:00 - 4:00 at 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY. The meeting house transforms into a Winter Wonderland as each crafter sets up their space. The selection of items to choose from is tremendous. If you've never been to it I recommend that you stop by often as crafters visit frequently to update the inventory in their spaces. Dates for the Christmas Craft Fair are November 1 - December 20.

Previously reduced 18" & 22" rope necklaces will be available at the Shaker Christmas Craft Fair while supplies last. Any special orders will be at regular price. All One of a Kind Necklaces are on sale at $9.00 each. A selection of eyeglass holders, bracelets, necklace and bracelet sets, and waterfall scarves are also available for you to purchase. This craft fair is a major fundraiser for the Shaker Heritage Society which works very hard to raise the funds needed to maintain the many historical buildings on their property. 

From a previous year's show...

I'm also looking forward to this weekend's craft show at O'Rourke Middle School, 173 Lakehill Rd, Burnt Hills, NY. Hours - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, but stop by early, as I'm told it's a very busy show!

Until Next Time...

Diane

#cruisincreations

#ropenecklaces

#shakerheritagesocietychristmascraftfair

#orourkemiddleschoolcraftfair

#basketkase

#womensaccessories

Featured Artists

This past weekend my husband and I participated in the 4th Annual Our Savior's Lutheran School Craft Fair in Albany, NY. While the day was long and attendance mediocre, we met and became reacquanited with several talented crafters. I'd like to feature some of them this week.

Tim Higgins of Higgins Handcrafts never ceases to amaze me with his cutting board designs! On Saturday he showed us a cutting board with a very intricate design that had been sanded and oiled so many times it felt like silk under my hand. Too pretty to use although Tim assures all of his customers that these cutting boards will not show knife marks. I should just buy one to hang on the wall! Tim also makes pens,, magnets, and magic wands. You can view Tim's work and contact him at www.facebook.com/higginshandcrafts.

Have you ever seen baskets woven out of pine needles? I hadn't either! I am always drawn to booths that are selling baskets. There is something about their intricate designs that catches my attention. As I was admiring these delicate pieces Saturday, the designer Anita, began explaining the process and materials that she uses. I was so intrigued! I wish she had a website I could send you to or had taken a picture so that you could see these beautiful creations! If you are in the Albany, NY area perhaps you will stumble upon Basketkase, Anita's business, at a craft fair.

Leanna of Earthly Elements creates some very unique jewelry pieces out of wire, semi precious stones, and buttons. Yes, I said buttons. Her display was beautifully done and so easy to navigate. Unfortunately, I do not wear silver, otherwise I would have picked up a piece or two! You can view a select number of her creations at www.leannasdesigns.etsy.com.

Lisa is another jewelry designer with such sparkly silver and semi-precious stones! She also makes the most adorable fabric pumpkins, just in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving! You wouldn't think the two would go together, but the pumpkins complimented the display so nicely and added a nice homey fall theme to her table. Lisa is an event only seller so hopefully you will catch her at an upcoming event.

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Last March a customer considered using one of #cruisincreations nylon beaded scarves as a shawl. She decided it was not wide enough and moved on to search for something else. Well...that got me thinking about making shawls. After searching for just the right yarn I found exactly what I was looking for at AC Moore. Unfortunately, the supply of this yarn is limited so I recommend ordering early if you want one of these #shawlscarves.

Shawl scarves are now available in my #Etsy shop in four different colors. Each is made from a fine acrylic yarn with blue, gold, and pink metallic yarn running through it and has multi colored beads knitted throughout. Each scarf measures 10" X 55" and stretches over the shoulders to provide extra warmth or to accent an outfit. They can also be worn as traditional scarves. They have attracted a lot of attention at craft shows so don't miss out and order yours today! 

Add chttps://www.etsy.com/listing/202345156/hunter-green-acrylic-knitted-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_4aption

https://www.etsy.com/listing/207289334/rust-colored-beaded-knitted-handcrafted?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/207299171/tan-acrylic-metallic-winter-shawl-scarf?ref=shop_home_active_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/207288188/pink-knitted-shawl-scarf-with-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_2

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On November 1 we will be at the 36th Annual Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake O'Rourke Middle School PTA Holiday Craft Fair, 173 Lakehill Rd, Burnt Hills, NY 12027. Stop by to pick up some design favorites as well as new ones unveiled at our recent craft shows.

Also, from November 1 - December 20 Cruisin' Creations will be exhibiting at the Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY. The Meeting House transforms into a winter wonderland for this event. Stop by often to support the Shaker Heritage Society and pick up handcrafted gifts for all of the people on your list this holiday season. Free admission.

Until Next Time...

Diane

A Shout Out For Superior Service

Our son married the love of his life on Friday evening. As with most weddings the festivities actually started the night before at the rehearsal party and continued until late Friday night. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception a lot of fun, and while I could write this entire blog on young love I have decided to not get too sugary sweet, but rather focus on those in the service industry who rarely receive any recognition. We all hear about a restaurant, bakery, or other service provider when service is bad, but rarely when it is good.

The rehearsal party was held at Canali's Restaurant in Rotterdam, NY. This is a wonderful Italian restaurant which serves the best food and has great service. Of course, it probably doesn't hurt that my aunt worked there for many years and I grew up around the corner from Canali's so going there is like visiting family.

We arrived at Canali's later than planned yet our servers, Jennifer and Regina, were not concerned. The room was ready and the food was served in a timely manner. In spite of our late arrival the food was delicious and not dried out at all!

Jennifer and Regina worked very hard serving the 35 of us, and their smiles never left their faces. They couldn't have been more accommodating from moving serving pieces to different tables, getting special drinks from the upstairs bar, to snapping pictures of the entire group. As parents of the groom we were able to enjoy our guests and not have to worry about timing, serving, clean up, or anything else because Jennifer and Regina so competently handled it all. We couldn't have been more pleased with the way the entire evening went.

The ceremony and reception were held at Riverstone Manor in Scotia, NY. The setting both indoors and out is beautiful and Skip, Patty, and the rest also couldn't have been more accommodating. From late arrivals for the rehearsal to the ceremony getting off to a late start they were calm and polite. And while the chef was concerned that the food would be over cooked, it was not. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection! The servers were very helpful and catered to our special needs, did their jobs very efficiently, yet were so unobtrusive that we hardly knew they were there.

Our son and his bride didn't want the traditional dry white wedding cake with white frosting. They opted for their favorite, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. At their cake tasting it was decided that the layers would be separated with canolli filling. I looked forward to that cake for weeks and Villa Italia of Schenectady, NY did not disappoint! It was heavenly!!! I just wish I could have had more of it. So, I've decided the next time we need to order a cake it will be chocolate with chocolate frosting and canolli filling from Villa Italia. I may just have to make up an occasion to order one soon! :)

Serving the public can be very challenging, and while these businesses have years of experience in dealing with more than we could ever imagine, and could have been very impatient with us, they did not appear to be phased by any of the snags in the schedule, or any other issues we threw at them. They were very flexible and took everything in stride. I will definitely recommend them for other events that people may be having!

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New styles for this winter season are now available on our website - www.cruisincreations.etsy.com!

These collar scarves are knitted with an acrylic yarn. A metallic thread and beads give them an extra shimmer. The flowers are held on with a clip that can be placed in your hair when you are not using it on the scarf. Stop by our stop often to view more new colors that will be unveiled soon!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/202342538/beaded-winter-collar-scarf-knitted-with?ref=shop_home_active_2

Add https://www.etsy.com/listing/202355743/lime-green-acrylic-knitted-beaded-winter?ref=shop_home_active_3caption

https://www.etsy.com/listing/202346296/collar-scarf-teal-blue-knitted-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_4

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Please join us October 18 at Our Savior's Lutheran School's 4th annual fall craft fair. The school is located at 63 Mountainview Ave, Albany, NY 12205. There will be over 50 juried crafters there to help you as you begin your holiday shopping. Christmas is only 9 weeks away!!!

Until Next Time...

Diane

Featured Items At Cruisin' Creations!

While we aren't ready to admit it, #Christmas is only 93 days away! Yikes!!! As you can imagine, this time of year gets very busy for artisans, like myself, who handcraft their items. It is for that reason that I would like to feature a few items that are sure to please the special women in your life and invite you to place your orders early for these items.

Our waterfall scarves are unique and so much fun to wear! They can be knotted in the front, wrapped around the neck, or slipped through a loop. And, they can be worn as a sash around the waist.

The scarves pictured are just a few of the most popular colors that are selling at shows and in our #EtsyShop. Click on the link below to view all of the scarves available!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11483027&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7


An alternative to the bulky jewelry so popular today are our short or cowl scarves. Measuring 6" wide X 22-24" circumference, these scarves simply slip over your head. No clasps to bother with and so light you will hardly know you are wearing them! Again, very popular at shows and in our Etsy shop!

Click on this link to view all of the short scarves that are available in our #CruisinCreationsShoponEtsy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11483027&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7


Our necklets are so versatile! Wear them as a necklace, wrap bracelet, ID badge lanyard, keychain, or attach your favorite pendant to the split double ring. Designed in 23" and 32" lengths, there are so many uses you'll want more than one! Click on the link to view all that are available.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6

October is here! And so is our beautiful October birthstone necklace and bracelet made with pink Swarovski crystals. These are stunning especially when the light strikes the crystals!!! Imagine how beautiful these will look on you or your favorite female! 10% of the purchase of any pink items will be donated to the #AmericanCancerSociety!

Birthstone necklaces and bracelets are available for every month. Purchase the set as one and save!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11483027&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7

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We are taking a few days off for some R&R before the holiday rush and to attend some family events. Our next stop is Our Saviour's Lutheran School, Albany, NY on October 18! See you there!

Until Next Time...

Diane

#birthstonenecklace

#birthstonebracelet

#scarves

#waterfallscarves

#cowlscarves

#swarovskicrystals

#swarovski

#Swarovskibirthstonecrystals