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.
  

Spring 2012 Catalog Photo Shoot| South Florida Makeup & Jewelry

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

     The other day I was talking to a friend of mine and she was talking about how she loves to organize things and I was saying how much I disliked it.  Let me correct that… I love things to be organized but sometimes I wish I can twitch my nose and it would just happen.  After the conversation, she referred me to “Clutter Busters.” Not because I’m messy but to be honest, I work a lot and like to keep my place clean but sometimes the drawers get, well… a little cluttered.  I’m good to organize when others are around but when I’m by myself, I’d rather be spending my time doing other things.

     I called “Clutter Busters” and they came to my rescue.  Their company is family owned and operated.  To be exact, they are in-laws and have an amazing relationship, they even finish each other’s sentences.  They have been working together for about 5 years and started this business about 6 months ago.  In addition to organizing spaces, they also stage homes for sale, do room make overs and organize and operate yard sales and estate sales.

     Lillian and Eileen came on a Thursday morning to help organize my drawers to AJ Designs.  They were punctual, efficient, and fun!  The ladies stayed for 3 hours and within that time they helped organized the drawers, made better use of space, and took inventory of the items.  They even emailed it to me on a spreadsheet that day!

     I would for sure use their services again and recommend them to anyone looking to get organized and need the extra help.

     Contact Eleen Parker (954) 605-2635 or Lillian Thomas (954) 662-1481 for more information about their services.

     Pictures below are before and afters of their work (not of my place).

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!

AJ Designs Giveaway with A Bloggy Mom

We’re doing a giveaway with A Bloggy Mom. Check it out and good luck!

We are giving away a fabulous piece from AJ Designs Studios! 

One A Bloggy Mom reader will win their choice of one of these beautiful rings…

To Enter the contest:

Mandatory Entry!

{1} Visit AJDesignsStudio.com and leave a comment below telling me which ring is your favorite!

Extra Entries:

Remember to leave a new comment for each entry! {This is how I keep record of each entry}

{2}    Follow A Bloggy Mom on Google Friend Connect, located here.
{3}    Follow A Bloggy Mom on Twitter @ABloggyMom
{4}    Follow Bloggy Moms on Twitter @BloggyMoms
{5}    Follow Bloggy Momazine on Twitter @BloggyMomazine
{6}    Join Bloggy Moms.  If you’re already a member, just let me know!
{7}    Follow Bloggy Conference on Twitter @Bloggy_Con
{8}    Like this post on Facebook {Facebook ‘like’ button located just below}
{9}    Like A Bloggy Mom on Facebook
{10}   Like Bloggy Moms on Facebook
{11}   Like Bloggy Conference on Facebook
{12}   Like Bloggy Momazine on Facebook
{13}   Add a link to A Bloggy Mom on your blog {Example: on a blog roll widget}
{14}   Add a Bloggy Moms badge/button to your blog
{15}   Tweet this giveaway. {Remember to leave a comment below, each time you tweet!}

I just entered to win a ring from AJ Designs Studio at @ABloggyMom! http://ow.ly/7Q1QD

{16}   Leave a new comment on another A Bloggy Mom post.  You can leave a comment on as many posts as you like {one entry per comment}!  Remember to return to this page to let me know!
{17}   Leave a comment on Bloggy Momazine.  You can leave a comment on as many posts as you like {one entry per comment}!  Remember to return to this page to let me know!
{18}   Sign up for the Bloggy Conference 2012 Newsletter to receive updates about the conference!
{19}   Sign up for the AJ Designs Studio Newsletter
{20}   Follow AJ Designs Studio on Twitter @AJDesigns1
{21}   Like the AJ Designs Studio on Facebook

Rules:

{1}  Giveaway ends December 13, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST.

{2}  Giveaway open to U.S. residents only. All entries must have a valid email in blog profile or leave email address in comments. Winner will be notified by that email address.

{3}  Winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified.  Winner must present a valid US mailing address.  Winner will receive their prize directly from the company.

Good Luck!!!

 

Making Jewelry| It Pays to Fly

Green Tea Earrings by AJ Designs

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.