semiprecious stuff

new year starts right!!

2012-01-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

2011 was not my best year so I was more than looking forward to a trip to Cancun to start 2012.
I got to relax and rejuvenate!!!

READY FOR 2012!!!!!!

2011-12-24T09:39:00.000-08:00

every morning I walk my dog Ruby along Ocean Avenue and then back past the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. Even though she makes me walk way too early for my taste(6:30am), I love it once we're out. It's so serene and beautiful at that time. I smell the ocean and watch the waves and it's the perfect start to my day. But at holiday time it's extra special because the hotel which has the most spectacular fig tree on its grounds decorates that very tree. They don't just throw on a bunch of lights, they adorn it like you would a beautiful woman.

The lights drape and swing like precious jewelry around the neck of a grand dame.

goin' to a party...

2011-12-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

this is the time of year to pull it all out: the sparkles, the sexies...the stops!!!

make it a super sparkly holiday season!!!!

thankful n thoughtful...

2011-11-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

kate register...

2011-11-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

I am lucky. I have a little shop that not only feeds my own creativity but allows me to help others find their own.
One added bonus though, is that I get to hang the works of local artists on the walls of the shop. Tonight we're celebrating those of Kate Register, an artist that I was fortunate to meet through my friend Karen Hopkins, who has introduced me to many talents(thank you Karen!).
Not only is Kate a wonderful mother and all around great human, she has inherited the amazing talent of her father, the celebrated artist John Register.
If you're in Santa Monica please stop by tonight, November 10th from 6-9 for a glass of wine or 2 and meet Kate!

time...

2011-11-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

as I get older this becomes more and more true

remember to turn your clocks back this Saturday night!!!

got the blues...

2011-10-07T09:59:00.001-07:00

2011-09-30T09:35:00.001-07:00

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fallin"

2011-09-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

the autumnal equinox is September 23rd this year.

this is the day when light is equal to dark and balance is created between them.
enjoy...

goodbye summer...

2011-09-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

I love summer, especially in Santa Monica where the days are never too hot and the nights have that yummy scent of ocean and flowers. The end always comes too quickly and I think this summer has gone by faster than most...

so goodbye summer...I'll miss you

don't give up...

2011-08-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

this quote really resonates with me. it applies to just about anything...a job, a relationship, a project. if it stays with you day after day, then there's something to be learned or something to glean or something to be done. so do it.

shooz...

2011-07-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

It just seems like the right moment to strap them on and walk!!!!!!

left my heart...

2011-07-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

in San Francisco!!!!!
from the Ferry Building to the Picasso exhibit to Balenciaga to the Kabuki baths...
we walked it all and saw it all and ate it all!!!!

what a wonderful way to spend the 4th!!

4th of July in San Francisco!

2011-06-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

I'm going to San Francisco with a friend over the weekend of the 4th.
I want to eat and walk...walk and eat...and drink!!

Hope your 4th of July is fun and festive!!!!

life is strange...

2011-06-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

someone said that to me the other day.
It sounds so simple, so obvious but I heard it differently this time.
It encapsulates all of the dreams and dreams lost, all of the love and love lost, all of the hope and fear...

and hope.

Dad....

2011-06-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

that's my Dad with me many many years ago

puppy love...

2011-05-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

I'm going out of town this Thursday and leaving my dog, Ruby with some friends(thank you Laurae and Kristen!). I'm excited for a little getaway but I'm gonna miss my baby!!!!!

come on summer!!!!!

2011-05-26T08:36:00.001-07:00

how rude!

2011-05-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

what is it with rudeness????
a woman came into my shop yesterday. I wasn't there but one of my employees and a customer both told me that this person rushed in front of another customer demanding service and acting very obnoxious. I have dealt with this woman before and she's always aggressive but has never been this bad. I think it's time to tell her not to come back. SemiPrecious is a happy place and someone like that is not welcome.

mom...

2011-05-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

what more can I say???

a new attitude...

2011-05-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

life would be much easier if I could take on a bit more of this!!!!!

whatever your religion...

2011-04-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

celebrate the earth today!!!!!

birthday love...

2011-04-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

there's nothing like a birthday to remind you of the love...HUGE love!!!!

birthday time!!!!

2011-04-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

I opened SemiPrecious in 2005 on my birthday. I knew my little "gem" of a shop would be opening sometime around then but it just happened that everything came together on April 16!
It's that time again and after 6 years, it's still such a gift!

Happy Birthday SemiPrecious!!!!

I'm a joker...

2011-04-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

April lovely!

2011-04-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

it's April! The month of renewal and revitalization.
It's also my birthday month so it's my favorite month!!!!!

Palm Springs for a day...

2011-03-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

March 2011. It's been, well, interesting.
I fell and smashed up my face and it's been raining non-stop. So when I was invited to spend the day in Palm Springs with friends, I jumped at the chance. When I left Santa Monica it was raining, as it had been all night. Suddenly, when I was @20 miles from Palm Springs the sky was blue and gorgeous!!!!
We had brunch at the fabulous Parker Hotel, with bloody mary's, light and lemony griddle cakes and egg's benedict.

After lunch we stopped at the Viceroy Hotel. It is so small and intimate and gorgeous!

Then back to the house and napping in the sun...perfect day and just what the doctor ordered!!!

rain...

2011-03-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

I've never been a fan of rain...it always felt cold, uncomfortable, annoying.
Suddenly it seems beautiful and renewing...I'm going with it!

a bad bad week...

2011-03-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

so last Friday started off beautifully. I had my cereal with almond milk and raisins...yum. Then I taught a rockin' spin class with fun music and great energy! I went downtown to pick up a few things for the store. When I started feeling a little woozy, I sat down. I decided I should just sit in the bathroom until I felt better and when I was on my way, bam! I fainted and went down to the floor. Unfortunately, I was out cold and didn't put my hands out to protect myself. I landed on my face, yep, on my face!!!!! I had to get stitches in my chin at the hospital and then on to the amazing Dr. Paul Anstey to repair what was left of my teeth. Dr. Anstey was just finishing a 5 hour surgery and started right in on me, which took over 4 hours. He and his assistant, Adrian worked on me until 11:30 Friday night.

Since then, I've had to have 3 root canals and found out that my jaw is fractured so there is no chewing for the next 2 weeks(that may be the worst part for a foodie like me)
I have temporary teeth now and will have to have veneers once everything has healed.

It's been a baaaaad week, to say the least. But one thing that has kept me going is the love and support from my friends and family.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone but I must say it's been amazing feeing so loved and cared for!!!!!
thank you and I love you too!!!!!!

new Adele album out today!

2011-02-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

II
I am a self proclaimed music freak. I teach a spin class and am always searching for new fun music to inspire my students, but I also love finding the stuff that's a bit more low key, that I want to hear at my little shop. When I first discovered Adele I was struck by her talent, insight, heart and soul. Her new album, "21" is out today and is every bit as wonderful as we've come to expect. I downloaded the album and will be playing it at SemiPrecious!!!

so my Dad sent me some old photos the other day...

2011-02-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

explains a lot, huh????

1 word....WOWZA!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

spring is on it's way

2011-02-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

hurry!!!!!!

is it possible to have the winter blues in Los Angeles?

2011-02-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

what's the best way snap your self out of the "not so great days"?

do you make a bee line to the sweets?

do you empty your wallet...not to mention savings account?

I'll tell you what I gonna do...I'm gonna sit up straight, take a deep breath and ask for a little help!

tomorrow is another day!!!!!

computer schmomputer!!!!!

2011-01-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

so I've been working on the shopping page for my website, www.semipreciousbeadsalon.com and it continually shows me how UNtechnological(is that a word?) I am!!!!
thank goodness for my fabulously artistic and talented friend Mitzi Baker, who designed her own site,www.mitzibakerstudio.com and has generously spent hours helping me.
It still has a few adjustments to be made but I think it's just about there! here are a few of the items on the site. what do you think???

no strings...

2011-01-22T00:03:00.000-08:00

I went with some friends tonight to see the new movie "No Strings Attached". The original title was "Friends With Benefits", which I prefer. I like both Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher but I wasn't expecting much. What a pleasant surprise! It was funny and smart(mostly) and sexy and sweet. It asks the question, "can sex friends be best friends?". I think the answer is most likely no....but it could be fun finding out!

party!!!!!

2011-01-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

at SemiPrecious we offer design parties, where guests hang out, have a drink and design.
it's so much fun to see what everyone chooses, and we love making the pieces for them!

this past Saturday we had a very special woman host her 50th birthday party at SemiPrecious and she did something amazing...she invited 25 friends and gave each woman a $50 credit toward the design of her piece. Karen, you are AMAZING!!!!!

reload...

2011-01-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

for some reason January has not been the fresh, exciting start to the new year that I was hoping for so I've decided that today, January 14 is going to be my personal New Year's Day!

who said you can't start over????

January birthstone...garnet

2011-01-12T23:39:00.000-08:00

One glance at the deep red seeds nestled inside of a pomegranate fruit explains why the word "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatus", meaning "grain" or "seed." This name was given to the garnet because of its close resemblance to the succulent pomegranate seed

Wearing one of these beautiful gemstones is said to enhance one's attractiveness and popularity.

I'll drink to that!!!

the best burger...

2011-01-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

there are a lot of things I'm thankful for but one of the yummiest is that my little shop, SemiPrecious, is just a couple of doors away from the best burger in town! Father's Office is known mostly for their huge beer selection but they also have one of the top burgers anywhere!

I have to be careful because the burger is so good that I could easily order two!!!!

more pink...

2011-01-09T19:58:00.000-08:00

feeling a little pink...

2011-01-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

I know it's still January well, early January but I can't stop thinking about pink.

I'm not usually a pink girl but it's just such a happy, vibrant color and it's perfect for a little mid-winter pick me up. Add in a little gold and you're bright and on trend!

one of my favorite restaurants...

2011-01-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

a friend is celebrating her birthday next weekend and I'm so excited that we're going to Gjelina!

it's one of my favorites...east side or west side. if you haven't tried it you should put it on the list!

new year...new look!

2011-01-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

I've had my website for a couple of years now and have never really loved it. cut to-my amazing friend Mitzi came to my-and SemiPrecious' rescue! Mitzi helped me re work the SemiPrecious website and now I truly love it!!!!! the shopping page is not up just yet but we're working on it. thanks Mitzi!!!!!
www.semipreciousbeadsalon.com

Ocean

2011-01-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

this is Ocean, SemiPrecious'...and Jennie's newest addition!!!!!
isn't he adorable? we're going to put him to work as soon as he can work those ginormous hands!!!

a new look is coming to semipreciousbeadsalon.com!!!!

2011-01-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy year...especially the end of it. Jennie had a beautiful baby boy named Ocean.
He's the most precious at SemiPrecious!
I've been working non stop and haven't had a chance to get the new site up and running but it's getting close!!!!
Stay tuned....

July birthstone - ruby

2010-07-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

The ruby is a stone of nobility. The energy of the ruby is intense and vivid and encourages one to follow one's bliss. It strengthens both the physical and emotional heart.

Ruby brings love, confidence, loyalty, and courage. It instills stamina, vitality and strength. A good stone for removing blocked energies in the reproductive system, it re-energizes one after exhaustion and is good for balancing the blood's sugar.

Ruby allows you to love your self and your spirit.

This is a stone that all those who are in service to others should have upon them. it helps you feel more like giving to others and doing so with love and joy in your heart. There is no room for resentment in ones heart who is being of service to others and this stone does not allow that to be a part of your heart. it helps you relax as you caretake others because you can trust you will not be trapped in any way in that role. it helps all to be warm and caring.

2010-06-23T22:24:00.000-07:00

It's already the end of June and we're in full swing of summer at the shop. We have the summer teen jewelry camp this week and the girls are having a blast!

The camps are just as much fun for us at SemiPrecious as for the girls! I love watching young designers in training as they learn different techniques as well as their own sense of style, color and proportion. It's amazing to see a young girl just on the verge of womanhood as she becomes more confident in her skills and, subsequently herself. I'm honored and grateful to be a part of that beautiful process!

We're looking at dates for another session later this summer. Let us know if you have a request.

amy@semipreciousbeadsalon.com

the old and the new

2010-06-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

So my computer died a sad death the other day. I decided to switch from a PC to Mac and wow! I think I'm going to love it but it seems like what was left is now right and what was up is now down.

It made me think about the humble beginnings of SemiPrecious 5 years ago. I opened the shop in a veritable shack-really!!! A shack! The ceiling was almost nonexistent. When it rained outside, it rained inside SemiPrecious. I remember dumping water from the tiny little dishes. It was an amazing time because it was the beginning of what has been-and still is-an amazing journey!
The shop continues to evolve and hopefully, so do I. As I continue to look for beauty in every day of my life, I'm also searching for beautiful elements to become part of even more beautiful jewelry.

2010-06-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

anyone who knows me knows Ruby-my dog.

one of the best days of my life was the day I adopted her!

I'm so grateful for the many wonderful shelters out there that take in dogs and cats and give them another chance at a happy, healthy life.

if it weren't for the shelters, I wouldn't have Ruby!!!!

one way to help the shelters is to go to http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

there's a tab near the top that says "visit the Animal Rescue Site and click to fund food". it's easy and free and you're helping the shelters get food for the animals. once you sign up you'll get a daily email. all you have to do is click! I do it every day and it feels great!!!

2010-06-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

some days are better than others. some days we need a little encouragement. a friend turned me on to a new site that does just this-it's called http://www.momentary.org/

I signed up the other day and now I'm getting 1 or 2 emails per day that are short, sweet and have that one line that helps me remember the things that are important in life. It's great because in the midst of all of the emails that are nothing but sales calls, this is different-it's just for me!!!!

it's normally $20 a year but if you enter "lucky" in the promotional code it's free!!

2010-06-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

what's better than chocolate???
chocolate that's handmade, raw, sugar free and deee-licious!!!!

my friend Liz Marx has been perfecting her recipe (I'm one of her lucky tasters) for months now and
Sweet Nuit is here!
Sweet Nuit ...handcrafted chocolates are Vegan, Raw, Low Glycemic, Organic, All Natural and Exquisite !!!

boxes are $15 and up...... assorted sets are available.... shipping available upon request......

call 310.535.1606 to place an order.....
http://www.sweetnuit.com/
I'm hoping to carry them at SemiPrecious soon-I'm addicted to them!
they're perfect as gifts for friends, family or that much needed gift for yourself!

2010-05-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Saturdays at SemiPrecious are always fun!!! Our customers come from every walk of life-every age. The beautiful thing is that no matter how "uncreative" someone feels when they walk in, they walk out a "designer"!

2010-05-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

I just finished submitting some jewelry for a movie. It's so strange when you don't know exactly what the movie is-they just give a little description of what they're looking for-current but not trendy,hipster high school. You should have seen me taking pictures on the cement floor at the shop-hilarious!

Hope they like it!!!

awesome photos!

2010-05-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

The beautiful space that SemiPrecious occupies was a gallery before we moved in, so we're fortunate to have artists approach us to show their work. We've had some amazing artists but right now we are awestruck by the incredible underwater photography of Gisele Lubsen. She is a true artist!
Gisele's underwater work pushes her explorations of the mystery of the portrait where the surreal leads to existential questions and timelessness.
Gisele investigates the strange, the wonderful and the uncanny.

If you're in Santa Monica you must come check them out!!

SemiPrecious is located at 1028 Montana Aveue, Santa Monica, CA
310-899-0910
http://www.semipreciousbeadsalon.com/

It's wedding season!

2010-05-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

ok-I know I haven't blogged in-well, forever but I'm back now.
We've got all kinds of exciting things happening at the shop-not the least of which is that Jennie is engaged!!! It made me think about all of the beautiful wedding and bridesmaid's jewelry we've made. It's so fun because the bride gets to decide if she wants all of her bridesmaids to have the same jewelry or if she'd prefer each girl have something that reflects her own personality. Some brides send each bridesmaid in to design their own jewelry which is nice because it takes that off the bride's already very loaded plate and each bridesmaid gets something she loves!
We've got stones in every color, shape and size so we can design the perfect thing-come in and see!!!

2009-07-31T23:11:00.000-07:00

picked up some cool new stuff for the shop.
Woven metal ribbon in beautiful colors! It will be fun to use it as fringe on necklaces and earrings. It has a delicate yet rough look to it-can't wait to play with it!

last day of August

2009-07-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

hi everyone!
First off-I can't believe I'm doing this. I am NOT a writer, but I think it's a great way to let you know about the fun happenings and events at my adorable little shop, SemiPrecious.
Well, it's already the end of August and we've had a great summer so far.
We're thinking about staying open late on Thursday or Friday nights since it stays light so long. We might have "adult beverages".
We're also looking at dates for a teen jewelry camp. We had 2 of them in June and they were a blast!
Girls came Mon-Friday for a week from 10 till noon. They learned a different jewelry technique each day and went home with a ton of beautiful new jewelry!!!!! It"s $475 and that includes everything-instruction and all of the stones, chain, leather, silk--everything!