Nicole's Creations- June

Hey everyone! I'm still reviewing my gorgeous jewelry from Nicole's Creations, but I've moved the reviews over to Beeju Boxes! Head on over there to see what I received this month!
You can find the review HERE!

Nicole's Creations: December

 

 Ah! I'm so behind with sharing my subs! I just got notification that my next shipment is en route from Nicole's Creations and I haven't written about December yet! Sorry! Better late than never!

For those not in the know, Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 per month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and let me tell you, I get MORE than my moneys worth. Not only do I receive beautiful hand made items each month, but Nicole pops over here to the blog to see what my style is currently. I love that she takes the time to personalize the sub for me. 

As per the norm, I absolutely LOVE what I received this month in December. Here, I'll show you!

Please excuse the pug hair in the photo... that did not come with the bracelets! I LOVE these colors both on their own AND together! The bottom is a gorgeous purple with gray beads, and the top is the reverse. Nicole's work is so precise these almost look like they were made on a loom or by a machine. So impressive! Here they are individually:

These photos looked a whole lot better on my phone than they do here... I really need to get that fancy new camera up and running!

I say it every month (literally), but I'm really impressed with how Nicole personalizes this subscription. She does a great job designing pieces she knows I will love. Not only that, but she's such an artist! Everything is extremely well made and fits PERFECTLY!

What do you think of my new bracelets from Nicole? If you would like to try out the sub, or even just browse the shop online, head over here to see what Nicole's Creations is all about!

Nicole's Creations: November

Nicole made something BRAND NEW and sent it to me first! I'm super honored, and also excited to share these new beauties with all of you! If you've been thinking about trying something from Nicole, you should head over to her site as soon as you finish reading my post. For real. The holidays are coming after all!

For those who don't know, Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 a month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and I have to tell you, I'm MORE than getting my money's worth! Nicole goes out of her way to read this little blog to get an idea of my style. And she completely delivers each month with a piece (or pieces) that I've totally loved!

Ok, enough blabbing, here's what I received this month:

BANGLES! These are wire bangles, wrapped in hemp (Nicole's signature medium). I received a set of three wth leaf charms. beads,  and gold rings attached. I love this idea, and never thought to wrap wire bangles. So creative! Here are some more shots of them:

My photos are a bit dark, but the colors are gorgeous, you'll have to trust me. I actually ordered a second set of these from Nicole. Funny story, she sent these to me, but they took their sweet time filtering through the postal system. I saw the other set on Facebook and claimed them before I had even gotten this set! The second set are different colors and have gemstone charms. They can all stack together which is really fun.

I say it every month (literally), but I'm really impressed with the personal feel to this subscription. Nicole does a great job of designing pieces that she knows I'll love. Not only that, but she's excellent at her craft. Everything is so well made and fits perfectly. PERFECTLY!

What do you think of my new pieces from Nicole? If you'd like to try out the subscription, or even just browse the online shop, click here to head over to Nicole's Creations and see what she's all about! 

Nicole's Creations: October

I'm totally behind on sharing my Nicole's Creations pieces for October. But believe me, it's worth the wait. Before I reveal them though... For those who don't know, Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 a month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and I have to tell you, I'm MORE than getting my money's worth! Nicole goes out of her way to read this little blog to get an idea of my style. And she completely delivers each month with a piece (or pieces) that I've totally loved!
Let's see what I got this month!

These bracelets are GORGEOUS! I'm really loving the wide bracelets Nicole has been making. This one has an extra special Halloween surprise... It glows in the dark! How cool is that?! You would never know just by looking at it in the daylight. So neat!

Seriously, this bracelet is amazing. It's so tightly woven and perfect. And as is always the case with Nicole's jewels, it fits me PERFECTLY!

As if this bracelet wasn't enough, it came with this adorable little braided guy to keep it company:

It's simple and cute all on its own, but it's even better with the wider bracelet:

I really can't believe the value you get with this subscription. I hope Nicole loves making these pieces as much as I love receiving them!

I say it every month (literally), but I'm really impressed with the personal feel to this subscription. Nicole does a great job of designing pieces that she knows I'll love. Not only that, but she's excellent at her craft. Everything is so well made and fits perfectly. PERFECTLY!

What do you think of my new pieces from Nicole? If you'd like to try out the subscription, or even just browse the online shop, click here to head over to Nicole's Creations and see what she's all about! 

Nicole's Creations: September

Woohoo! I received my Nicole's Creations September Surprise last week! (Sorry I'm a little behind on things...) I love this sub so much. For those who don't know, Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 a month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and I have to tell you, I'm MORE than getting my money's worth! Nicole goes out of her way to read this little blog to get an idea of my style. And she completely delivers each month with a piece (or pieces) that I've totally loved!
Let's see what I got this month!

I LOVE these colors!!!! My photos do zero justice. But it's a light colored natural hemp with turquoise and olive colored beads. The little pendant-like bead in the middle is also that sort of olive color. SO PRETTY!

LOOK AT IT ON MY ARM!!! Sorry for yelling. But could it fit any more perfectly? I really don't think so. Nicole is awesome.

Matching ring! I love these little macrame rings. They're so cute, and they get softer the more you wear them.

I say it every month (literally), but I'm really impressed with the personal feel to this subscription. Nicole does a great job of designing pieces that she knows I'll love. Not only that, but she's excellent at her craft. Everything is so well made and fits perfectly. PERFECTLY!

What do you think of my new pieces from Nicole? If you'd like to try out the subscription, or even just browse the online shop, click here to head over to Nicole's Creations and see what she's all about!

Nicole's Creations: August

It's Nicole's Creations August Surprise time! I love this sub so much. For those who don't know, Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 a month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and I have to tell you, I'm MORE than getting my money's worth! Nicole goes out of her way to read this little blog to get an idea of my style. And she completely delivers each month with a piece (or pieces) that I've totally loved!
Let's see what I got this month!

Ahhhh!!! PINK! Love! As summer winds down, I'm not ready to embrace fall and winter colors. NOT READY. So this was perfect.

These bracelets could either be worn alone or stacked together. I love the rose quartz beads! Nicole's pieces are so high quality and the semi-precious beads definitely reflect that. I especially love how Nicole personalized the one bracelet to me by adding the pony charm. OBVIOUSLY I love that!

I say it every month (literally), but I'm really impressed with the personal feel to this subscription. Nicole does a great job of designing pieces that she knows I'll love. Not only that, but she's excellent at her craft. Everything is so well made and fits perfectly.

What do you think of my new pieces from Nicole? If you'd like to try out the subscription, or even just browse the online shop, click here to head over to Nicole's Creations and see what she's all about!

Truthful Tuesday

This is completely random. But I have what I guess you'd call a nervous habit of playing with my necklace. I'm always grabbing for it, sliding the charms around, bringing the clasp back around to where it belongs. That sort of thing.

Well Sunday I had to take my necklace off. The one I've been wearing is only silver plated, and after many wearings in the shower, the pool, and to ride it now is pretty much just nickel or stainless steel or whatever was under that silver coating. It's making my neck break out in hives, so off it had to go. Problem is, I haven't replaced it with anything yet. So now I'm just grabbing at my neck like some kind of mental patient.
If you see me do this... just ignore! Ha! Do you have any habits like that? Have an article of clothing or accessory that you have to wear all the time?

Nicole's Creations

Guess what time it is!!! It's Nicole's Creations July Surprise time! I seriously love this sub so much. For those who don't know, Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 a month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and I have to tell you, I'm MORE than getting my money's worth! Nicole goes out of her way to read this little blog to get an idea of my style. And she completely delivers each month with a piece (or pieces) that I've totally loved!
Let's see what I got this month!

 Ah! So in love! This one is pretty much in my farm colors (green and tan) so what's not to love? Plus, Nicole mentioned in her note that it will stack well with some previous pieces I've gotten from her. She's totally right! (You can see past ones here, here, here, here , and here.)

Bracelet:

I'm not sure if it's meant to be reversible, but I actually really like both sides, so figured I'd show them to you. I love this bracelet. It fits perfectly! Nicole is so creative with her designs. I can make friendship bracelets, but I have maybe 3 stitches in my repertoire. Nothing like what Nicole can do!
Ring:

So cute! It matches the bracelet, and fits perfectly!
I say it every month, but I'm really impressed with the personal feel to this subscription. Nicole does a great job of designing pieces that she knows I'll love. Not only that, but she's excellent at her craft. Everything is so well made and fits perfectly.

What do you think of my new pieces from Nicole? If you'd like to try out the subscription, or even just browse the online shop, click here to head over to Nicole's Creations and see what she's all about!

Nicole's Creations

Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 a month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and I have to tell you, I'm MORE than getting my money's worth! Nicole goes out of her way to read this little blog to get an idea of my style. And she completely delivers each month with a piece (or pieces) that I've totally loved!

I know I JUST showed you my gorgeous necklace from my May Nicole's Creations subscription, but I was so late writing that post, June is already late too! And I think it's my favorite one yet! Here's what I received this month:

I LOVE THESE COLORS SO MUCH!!!! I didn't even realize at first that this gorgeous set is done in Nicole's colors! I love the lime and purple so much. SO MUCH! Yay! This is a bracelet and ring set. And they fit absolutely perfectly.

I've said it before, but I'm really impressed with the personal feel to this subscription each month. Nicole does a great job of designing pieces that she knows I'll love. Not only that, but she's excellent at her craft. Everything is so well made and fits perfectly.

What do you think of my new pieces from Nicole? If you'd like to try out the subscription, or even just browse the online shop, click here to head over to Nicole's Creations and see what she's all about!

Nicole's Creations

Nicole's Creations offers a monthly subscription service that delivers handmade jewelry to your door each month. There are two options, $10 a month or $20. I went with the less expensive option, and I have to tell you, I'm MORE than getting my money's worth! Nicole goes out of her way to read this little blog to get an idea of my style. And she completely delivers each month with a piece (or pieces) that I've completely loved!

I'm so late in sharing my May Nicole's Creations piece with you all! I got it WEEKS ago, but haven't had the chance to organize a post. But here it is finally:

Something a little different this month! I'm generally more of a bracelet person, so for the most part Nicole sends me bracelets. But this month I received this beautiful necklace! Here are some close ups:

 I love the antique-y feel of this pendant, and the pink stone in the center is perfect!

 The added seed beads in the macrame is such a nice extra touch!

Here it is on:

It really sits perfectly! I'll have to plan a night out to wear this one soon!

What do you think of my May piece from Nicole? If you'd like to try out the subscription, or even just browse the online shop, click here to head over to Nicole's Creations and see what she's all about!

Nicole's Creations Came Yesterday!

My second delivery from Nicole's Creations arrived yesterday! For those who don't already know, Nicole makes gorgeous string jewelry up in Maine. She has a web shop so you can find anything available that she's created on there, but you can also opt for a monthly subscription. There are two options, $10 or $20. You will be surprised by Nicole with what you get, but I did select that I prefer bracelets. I also chose the $10 option. I love that Nicole visits this little blog to get a sense of my style and preferences. She really hit it out of the park this month! LOOK:

Gorgeous, right?!  The olive green... the gold toned filigree... Nicole really gets me. I so love that she included this adorable ring this month too! I would not have thought to make a macrame ring, but it's adorable and so comfortable!
I had asked if I could get the bracelets made just a teeny bit bigger since last months were a little snug. Nicole obliged, and this bracelet is a perfect fit. Like seriously perfect. It clearly was made for me.
I'm so happy with this subscription! It's quickly become one of my favorites.

Would you be interested in subscribing? If so, head on over to Nicole's Creations to get started! If you're kind enough to mention me (Stacie from Amateur at Large) I'll get an extra surprise with my next month's delivery. Which would be super awesome. No pressure though! 

What do you think of Nicole's Creations? What's your favorite sub box?

The Struggle is Real: A post about the misery of extended cold temps. And how to entertain yourself despite them.

This was what I woke up to yesterday. At least the sun was out? Ugh. It was so cold, my truck stalled in the middle of the highway. So scary! Thankfully I was able to guide it to the shoulder before it shut off completely. The cause? Diesel fuel will congeal in the extreme cold. Seriously, spring where ARE you?!
Other things that happen when it's cold? Rodents will chew their way into your home. I'm not even kidding. I live in a very old house (256 years this year!) so I've come to terms that the occasional mouse family moving in. A few years back I had a terrible flying squirrel infestation. I'm talking like 60 of them living in my walls, and eventually just hanging around the house. It was the most disgusting thing I've lived through. They're nocturnal, and they enjoy making a lot of noise at night. Well, the most recent invader is, I think, a gray squirrel. I had one once before (during the flying squirrel debacle actually) so I'm somewhat learned in what to look for. This was my first piece of evidence:

I did no bite that apple. Ugh. Thankfully, I know a guy who specializes in trapping these guys. He also finds where they are getting in and fixes it. But if I had a choice, I wish it wouldn't happen at all! Critters do not belong in my house! (Unless the critter is a pug. Those are all welcome.)
Another side effect of extended cold temps? This one is very closely related to the truck incident. My farm equipment won't run. My Gator runs on diesel fuel, just like the truck. Obviously, it's not running at all. It also somehow has a flat tire. So off it went to the Gator Hospital on Monday night.

I'm attempting (not very well) to not be a complete Debbie Downer despite my disdain for the arctic life I now lead. So I've been trying to keep busy.

 Sunday was a little bipolar, and despite it snowing until late morning, the afternoon warmed up to 35 degrees. (It's a sad day when 35 feels amazing.) I decided to have some fun with the ponies and build them a snow jockey.

When it gets too cold to stay outside, I've been getting some beading projects completed too.

Shoveling snow and all the extra lifting of things that goes along with it, is a great way to stay in shape in the winter. But it doesn't really offset all the eating my feelings I do...

I accidentally went to Five Guys on Sunday evening for dinner. This one just opened not too far from where I live. It's the only Five Guys that serves milk shakes! (I'm assuming it's a test market, and I also think it's because they opened up about 1000 feet from Jake's Way Back Burger who serves amazing shakes.) So, I've been making good use of that treadmill I got!

Admittedly, I'm STRUGGLING with getting my fitness back. STRUGGLING! But I know it takes time. In an effort to ease my frustration I've been running with intervals. Run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute. I think I may find that frustrating outside having to watch my time constantly, but on the treadmill it's actually great. Obviously my times are slower, but I feel much stronger and it's a lot more bearable. I plan to lengthen the run time on the intervals over the next few weeks and work my way back up to running longer distances without walking. I have that half marathon coming up in May, so I have to get to work!

So that's about it from here. The rest of my time I spend thinking and talking about how much I hate winter. What have you been up to? Do the cold temps have you down? Have you been enjoying any hobbies lately? Tell me what's up in the comments!