Flip Flop Trends
People wear flip flops for comfort, style, and accessibility.
- Let’s face it, we all want to be comfortable. Flip flops are easy to put on with almost any outfit. They provide a casual look without the aches and pains of a typical shoe.
- Flip flops are the perfect completion to any outfit. From beachwear to jeans-wear, flip flops can dress up or dress down any outfit.
- Accessibility is key. From dog walks to pedicures, flip flops are easy to put on and take off and can show off your pretty pedicure.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Kim Ruoff Photography for my 2012 catalog photo shoot. AJ Designs has been working with Kim for years now. What I really love about her work is that she captures a natural image and makes the model feel comfortable, she’s casual but professional. Here are some of the teasers from the most recent shoot that you will find in the catalog.
Jewelry and Makeup by AJ Designs
Photography by Kim Ruoff Photography
Models from left to right: Lauren H., Chelsea D., DeAnne R., and Masha S.
Spring Cleaning: Orginization A MUST
Pin Up Makeup & Hair| South Florida Pin Up Photo Shoot
Today I had the pleasure of working with the talented Mark Vacker and the beautiful Natalia Knaj. It was a pin up style shoot. Mark told me prior to the shoot that Natalia’s hair would be done and I would only be doing her makeup. I get to the shoot with my makeup case, see the model, and her hair wasn’t done and we didn’t have a hairdresser. With teamwork, I used the Natalia’s brush and curling iron. Mark provided the hairspray and bobby pins, and I was able to create a successful 40′s hairstyle. Afterward, I created a fun makeup application to match the rockabilly look. I had so much fun and was so fortunate to work with such a great crew.
This was the first sneak peak to the shoot. The work is amazing from the models pose to the photographers professionalism.
Amazing how so much animation is shown in Natalia’s expression. She was a natural at fitting the role.
As Natalia was getting prettied up, Mark offered us drinks and cookies. My lightbulb went off and I thought of a great photo opportunity to fit the “naughty” 40′s look with milk and cookies. Here was the gorgeous result…
Daily Jewelry Wear| Spiritual Jewelry
I am frequently asked about the jewelry I wear. My recent “go to” bracelet has been this hamsa sterling silver bracelet. I feel that spiritually it is important and when things get difficult we look for strength… ANYWHERE (including jewelry). I have given this bracelet to the females in my family to give us strength and hoping for a happy and healthy year for us all.
This bracelet is fun, shiny, and feminine. The stones in the hamsa are cubic zirconias. I have it available with black CZ’s as well.
Catalog Photo Shoto Model Search| South Florida Models
Our catalog is almost done but we still need some more pages to complete it. Therefore, we need some new models to give it a fresh look. We are looking for someone who represents AJ Designs.
I need your help. Please vote for one person in each category. Simply post a comment or send an email. These models are gorgeous and all have a unique look. As a thank you for voting, you will receive a $10 gift certificate towards your next purchase. Voting ends on Friday, January 20th.
Blonde Models
Brunette Models
Black Models
Cookie Countdown| Easy Baking Cake Pops
When Branson first approached me to join the group in providing a cookie recipe, I thought it sounded great. After I committed to it, I started to think how busy things have been prior to the holidays and concerned about my availability. My mom always said, “Give a busy person something to do and they will get it done.” This isn’t a typical blog post for me, but I thought it was important to share how easy it can be to make good desserts for the mom on the go or the busy worker who doesn’t have time for themselves.
So I had to think of something quick, easy, and above all YUMMY! I have made cake pops in the past but they take forever. This is the easiest way (I thought to do it) and took less than 30 minutes. Even though it’s not a cookie, it’s bite sized like a cookie and seems to be the latest trend with desserts.
1. I took the only box of cake mix I had, FUNFETTI. (I have been running around so much and realized I never went to Publix.)
2. Added the eggs, oil, and water to the mix and prepared it.
3. Then I poured a dollop in my cake pop cookware (took under 3 minutes which does a dozen at a time).
4. Melted milk chocolate and covered the cake balls.
5. Put the cake balls on the lollipop sticks and spread the sprinkles.
6. ENJOYED the yummy pops and will be sharing them for the holidays!
Making Jewelry| It Pays to Fly
After a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend in the windy city, I was heading back to the sunshine state. As I was sitting on the plane, and making a pair of the green tea earrings, the stewardess walked by and asked about my work. I saw her gorgeous bling on her left hand and the first thought that entered my mind was “she’s engaged.”
To the average passenger on flight they would probably think “big whoop.” However to the person who can’t stop working (me) I thought business. This was a perfect opportunity to share about the custom jewelry aspect of my company that I provide for brides-to-be. She was so interested and said “What a unique concept! Do you work with people out of your area?” and I responded “yes! And further explaining with a deposit i send pictures and with a full payment i can send samples.” giving her all of the details and ending the conversation with passing my card along.
Newsletters| New Marketing
This weekend I saw my cousin who lives in Chicago. She is a fellow artist except she does totally different work; she is into water color paintings and mosaics. Although it is a different line of expertise, artists have many commonalities. As we continued talking about the field of work and personal business she was telling me how she loves my marketing. Not only does she learn the latest about me but she also learns more about my art: my jewelry. She even pointed out some specific newsletters that I could see her genuine interest. It was inspiring to keep me motivated to keep writing. She reminded me of the old days of marketing through snail mail and the yellow pages being the form of contact. Fortunately, through social media and online marketing I have reached more people throughout the country than I would have otherwise.


















