Runako Designs Girls Night Out

Changes for the New Year...

2010-01-17T21:18:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,

These wishes come late, but I hope each of you had a wonderful Holiday season and wishing each of you a Happy Happy and prosperous New Year.

This year I'm having to make some changes and reflections on how to stay above the water and keep things on track. Girls Night Out, was a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting each of you and sharing and traveling the world. However, for now I can no longer continue to keep up two active blogs with my current life's challenges.

My intentions is to keep the blog active, and use it as an extension of my original blog Runako Designs and do some occasional special features throughout the year. I will continue to recognize and feature new designers and special things I run across on my Runako blog, and link to Girls Night out for those special events that are deserving of a space of their very own, like trips to far away places, Business Expos, blog parties and special features.

Each of you are very welcome to follow Runako Designs where you'll be able to keep up with what's happening on Girls Night Out and where we'll be able to stay in touch. I value each of your following and appreciate the support during the months we were hanging out and having fun!

Best wishes to each and everyone of you and I hope to see you next door!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me blogging and creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizer - Catch A Star

2009-11-16T21:35:00.002-05:00

"Wonders never cease and possibilities are endless over at Catch A Star Creations. Sara Kay makes the prettiest sun catchers and mobiles. Sara says that sunshine makes her happy and that's evident in all of her designs. These 3D Butterfly sun drop catchers are gorgeous! You can also catch Sara on her blog, twitter and facebook take a visit enjoy a little sunshine with her!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Internet woes....Thursday's Thought

2009-11-12T22:22:00.002-05:00

I wonder if big corporate cares anymore.....Apologies for the Station Break in Posts, but my internet service has been down for three days and the provider appeared to be dragging their feet on getting things repaired on their end....again!! So in trying to catch up, things will not be back to normal until Monday's post. I'll try to find some quick fun for the weekend . Happy Friday!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizer - Chocolate and Champagne

2009-11-09T21:28:00.004-05:00

I tumbled across yet another mesmerizer today. I put in a search for holiday glass and this is what popped up! The beads are handmade and simply gorgeous. This was found at a little Etsy shop called Java Beads. Java beads is a collaboration of Lampwork bead artists, Fuser and designers who sell beads, jewelry and findings all in one location. Stop by Java Beads and see what other goodies they have, I'm bookmarking this one as a favorite!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thought...Time To Shop!!

2009-11-04T22:38:00.003-05:00

It's Shopping Time Girls!!

That's right! The Holiday's is just around the corner...literally! Can you believe it's already November? I was at the bookstore today and the lady in front of me was buying Santa Gifts...it really dawned on me at that moment, that I need to get my self in high gear and finish my shopping list.

This year, I'm committed to purchasing handmade gifts or making gifts myself. There are so many unique items available right online, I could probably do it all from the comfort of my desk and computer. The quality is better in most cases, the products are unique and I have so many choices to choose from. The other factor that is swaying my opinion these days is that in most cases, believe it or not....I've found handmade to be less expensive and better made! And if I made my purchase through Artfire and Etsy, I get a deal on shipping.

Join me this weekend on Girls Night Out, I'll be going on a Shopping Spree and sharing my unique finds with you!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word ....Or Not!

2009-11-04T18:30:00.003-05:00

I Just want to know....where... where are they going to wear these?

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasure - Why Not Brag About It!

2009-11-03T18:31:00.000-05:00

Why not brag about something special, with these sterling silver treasures. I found these great gift ideas over at what else... Brag About It on Etsy. You can have her custom make something special for you or someone else. Why not give something unique and distinct for the holiday's and say it with a memory. My favorite by far is My Family Tree featured below.

Visit this great shop and find something special to brag about, then follow her on Facebook to keep in touch with what's new, make sure you let her know you're a girl friend from GNO!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizer - Blue Highway

2009-11-02T19:09:00.002-05:00

I found this mesmerizer over at Piedra Designs on Etsy. The artist Gretchen Simons of Denver, is so talented, that not only does she make beautiful pieces like this "Blue Highway", but she also makes the beads herself...can you say unique designs?
Okay, I deliberately only showed you half the bracelet, you must check out her shop to see the rest, where she has more beautiful eye candy.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Post Card Winner!!!

2009-10-29T21:41:00.005-04:00

We have a winner in the Uprinting Postcard drawing!!! Danielle Caylor of Charcoals by Danielle has won 100 FREE postcards just in time to send holiday greetings to her customers!! Congratulations Danielle!!
Don't miss out on your opportunity to win some great FREE business products during our fun Giveways sponsored by Uprinting.com, and if you can't wait for what you need, please visit their website, they have great offerings at great prices. Nothing but quality for my girls! If I don't believe in it, I won't promote it!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word ....Or Not!

2009-10-28T21:03:00.002-04:00

I choose to remember tonight. One of my favorite songs and a total classic. Each time I hear it I get chills...how about you?

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasure - Too Cute for Cute!!!

2009-10-27T21:01:00.004-04:00

GI Jo's, wrestling men, footballs, soccer balls, Leggos, dinosaurs, robots and cars! That's what I've been buying for the past 12 years, but boy, what I wouldn't give to be able to purchase a few of these cute little outfits for some little girls cute little doll! Christine Broach over at Lavenderlore on Etsy makes each of these and more little outfits by hand. Christine is a lifelong Crafter with a passion for needlework. She combines her beading and sewing skills sometimes as well. She loves custom orders and as you can see, she does beautiful work!!

So, if you're a doll collector or need some cute ideas for one, two or three little girls this holiday, check out Lavendorlore and see what more she has to offer, at great prices!!!...Too cute!!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizer - Sunset Dream

2009-10-26T18:43:00.004-04:00

I absolutely Love this painting! I could just sit around and look at the colors and movement all day long. This beautiful work of art was created over at Color Blast on Etsy. This artist uses both Eastern and Western patterns to create her stunning work. In her own words, she creates art that connect to the inner soul and change the tone of our living space. I can certainly agree with that!

Please visit Color Blast and check out all of her other works, I'm going to sit here and look at this one a little bit longer!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

100 Free Postcards for One Lucky Winner

2009-10-20T21:07:00.004-04:00

I am very excited and happy to announce that I will be sponsoring a giveaway right here for 100 FREE postcards from Uprinting.com. One lucky winner will be drawn on October 28th, just in time to send your order in for holiday postcards. Uprinting offers Eco-friendly printing at affordable prices, and they would like to introduce you to their business by giving away a free set of 4x6 cards. As a sponsor, I will also be receiving 100 Free postcards, just for introducing you to this wonderful company. Their products are wonderful, and I have business cards to prove it!

Uprinting Postcards are a wonderful way to introduce your business to potential clients and/or customers. They also make great invitations, thank you cards, note cards and more!

Giveaway Details

Size: 4x6
Paper: 14pt Cardstock Gloss
Printing: Full color both sides
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US (Canadian residents pay shipping and taxes. Offer not available to residents outside of the US and Canada at this time)

Drawing will be held October 28th, here on this blog.

Giveaway Directions
You can join this giveaway by leaving a comment to this post, along with how you would use the postcards if you win. You must tell me what you plan to do with your winnings for an official entry.

For extra entries, you can tweet this post and include an @runakodesigns so that I can receive a copy each time you do so. If your use of the postcards is really original, your name will be entered an extra time in the drawing.

Good luck!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

We Have a Brilliant Winner!!!

2009-10-19T21:56:00.003-04:00

This weekend I challenged my girlfriends to blog about 5 things you were going to be doing to reignite your genius and find your brilliance. Each entry would be entered into a drawing for a free e-book from Simon T. Bailey and a special brilliant gift from me.

Congratulations to Trish Austin for winning this weekends drawing!!!

special appreciation goes out to Phenessa Jones for participating and posting a blog entry as well. Both ladies wrote great posts, that I encourage each of you to take a minute to read. Trish please contact me with your mailing information and email address for your winnings!

So, I didn't get to post my entry this weekend, but here goes my 5 things below:

1. To get serious about getting some tutorials or jewelry pieces publicized in at least one professional publication. I will submit at least 4 entries before the end of the year.

2. Design one new Signature piece of jewelry before the end of the year.

3. Complete my third Simon Bailey book "Release Your Brilliance" before the end of October..I have to keep thinking brilliantly to make this all work..

4. Sit for my SPHR certification exam in January 2010. This will enhance my professional career as well as complete a personal development goal towards brilliance in my HR profession.

5. Help my son find his brilliance in his first year of Middle School. The start has been a l-i-t-t-l-e bit challenging, but I believe in him and his capabilities. I just have to help him find his genius and allow it to shine!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Make it a Brilliant Weekend!!!

2009-10-16T22:24:00.005-04:00

I'm still pumped from Simon T Bailey's conference presentation and I'm going to carry on Thursday's Thought through the weekend with a fun little meme.

I don't know about you, but when I think of brilliant, a big shiny diamond comes to mind. What's more brilliant than a perfectly cut "rock"! Simon Bailey says that the potential for assessing and releasing your brilliance lies in the 4 C's, hence the "rocks"! That my friends would be Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat. You can read more about the 4 C's here.

You can also purchase "Release your Brilliance", Simon's latest 5 star book on Amazon for ONLY $15.56! It's a small book packed with powerful information. Simon is a celebrated author and speaker who went from a career at Disney to build the Brilliance Institute, and has shared his powerful message and system with over a quarter million people around the world.

In the meantime, I'm going to challenge you this weekend to think about 5 things you plan to do to reengage your own genius, reignite the fire that fuels your talent and recharge your desires that will lead to the releasing of your "Brilliance".

Here's the weekend challenge:
Post about your 5 things on your own blog this weekend, then come back here leave a comment and then leave the link to your post. You can post with pictures, words or whatever inspires you, I just want you to begin thinking about releasing your own brilliance! After leaving your own link, visit any other links that are listed and see what they have to say.

On Sunday night, I'll draw a name from the list of comments for a winner for my very own special little Brilliant gift and it just might include a special Rock! The winner will also receive a free email book from Simon himself entitled... "Meditate on Your Professional Brilliance"..now how cool is that for a Brilliant weekned I ask?
I'll be back later to post my 5 things, but don't wait on me to begin...have fun. And if you get a chance, stop by Simon's blog and leave him a message!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thoughts - Be Brilliant

2009-10-15T19:08:00.004-04:00

"Be Brilliant"

I recently had the opportunity to hear Simon T. Bailey speak at a conference, and since returning home, I've thought of myself no less than Brilliant. Hey, If I don't who else will? Thinking of yourself as brilliant is a mindset, and becoming brilliant is a process as Mr. Bailey puts it. It's something that happens over time, you polish it, work on it, perfect it here and there, and on and on. If you don't continuously look at yourself as something more AND work towards becoming what you envision, you'll never reach your goal or attain something more for yourself. But if you reengage your genius, and relight those fires that fueled you when you were twenty and follow some of Simon's advice, I bet you'll be introducing yourself as "Hello...I'm Sally the Brilliant One" someday soon!!

Simon has just released his newest book entitled....Release your Brilliance (4 steps to transforming your life and revealing your genius to the world), he also has a blog

and an e zine. Visit Simon's website and learn about releasing your own brilliance, because if you don't...nobody's going to do it for you!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Treasures from my hometown...

2009-10-14T21:10:00.005-04:00

I stumbled across a great little Etsy shop this week, called Artistic Creations, and it's owned by a designer right in my own back yard! Andrea lives in Richmond, Virginia and she makes the most adorable designs out of PMC Silver Clay. The thing that caught my eye, other than the fact that her pieces are simply adorable, are her descriptions and the stories behind the designs. Two of my favorites are The Swan and the Bea uty Within Necklace as well as her Queen Anne's Lace Trio.
In Andrea's shop you'll find other jewelry designs and more of her PMC work. Now, take a stroll across the street to another little shop on Etsy called Artwork by Andrea , and what you'll discover is that her second talent is painting!
Pair that with taking care of a spouse and two boys, you can easily see that Andrea is one busy lady! Please take the time to visit Andrea's shop, and bookmark some favorites for later when you start your holiday shopping. You can also keep up with her latest happenings on her blog, here.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizer - Red Bean Chili

2009-10-12T23:49:00.002-04:00

I'm back!!! And while I was away I Found this beautiful bracelet over at Risky Beads on Etsy. Lori makes the most beautiful "risky" bracelets! The color selections are to die for. Lori describes her designs as beads + soap opera tucked inside a fortune cookie that's masquerading as a greeting card which is then accidentally run over by the Scooby Doo Mystery Van. Not sure what that means, but it equals beautiful eye candy to me!
Lori is also the mastermind behind Handmade Highway, "a living, dynamic directory of handmade sellers". After visiting Lori in her Etsy shop, stop by Handmade Highway and see what all the talk is about and become one of the hitchhikers. You'll get your own Exit while you're at it. Tell Lori hello and let her know I hitched you a ride!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

I Want To Party....But I can't !

2009-10-07T19:38:00.003-04:00

A girl can't party when she's down and out with the Flu. Please excuse the lack of posts while I get over this bug I brought back from the beach. Guess it's true in that as careful as you are with your own hygiene, it's the others you come in contact with that you have to worry about.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Let's Celebrate Pink This Weekend!!

2009-10-02T22:34:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone...Let's Celebrate Pink!

This is the first weekend in October, so I felt it most fitting to celebrate this weekend in Pink, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Many of us, if not all of us have known or know someone who has been affected by this disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer to American women according to the American Cancer Society. It's probably the most common in most places, but these were the most readily available statistics. While incident rates have been on the decrease, this is still a very wide spread disease that affect thousands of women each year.

In memory of the many women who have lost the battle, are still fighting the battle and those who Celebrate life each year, I would like to Celebrate Pink this weekend on Girls Night Out, by holding an Awareness Party...Blog Style! Is there any other way on GNO?

Here's How:

All you have to do is blog about Breast Cancer awareness this weekend on your blog. It could be a blog about your experience with the disease, offering of statistics, an educational post, an awareness post, an organization or non profit that you support, any past or future expected experience, a link, an online event or even a special awareness product that you have for sale in your store this month. All I ask... is that if you decide to participate, please make it a meaningful post that you link to. And don't post your link, until you're post has been published.

Once your post is up, please leave your name and the direct link to your post (not your blog) below in the Mr. Linky box, then take the time to check out others posts. If you're early, do take the time to stop back by later this weekend to check out other bloggers posts. And don't forget to leave a comment to let them know you stopped by...oh and I love to know my visitors were here, so please leave your comments for me too :).

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

We Have an Expo Winner!!!!

2009-10-01T22:32:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Expo this past weekend, vendors and guests. It was a great first event, that has opened up the opportunity for bigger and better ones to come. I really enjoyed visiting and learning about the participating shops. We don't get to toot our horns like that too often. I Picked up some fun and interesting blogs to follow and met some very savvy business women!

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit some of the booths to the right, they'll be up at least another week. Please take a stroll and visit when you get a chance.

So, I guess you really dropped by to see if you'd won anything right? well, the door prize goes to (drum roll please.................) Patricia Vener!! Congratulations Patricia. Please contact me with your mailing information and I"ll put your prize in the mail.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word...Or Not..

2009-09-30T22:45:00.001-04:00

Not.. would be the chosen one for today...I'm still getting organized from the weekend. I'll be publishing a special post tomorrow night for the Expo along with winners. For tonight..........Baby's do it..why can't we do it more often?

Hope you enjoyed the laugh therapy!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasure - All Things Bags

2009-09-30T00:02:00.005-04:00

I'm sure it goes without saying that I found many wonderful little treasures this past weekend, while surfing the Business Women Online Expo. Tonight's treasures were found over at Gold Crest Bags on Etsy. Miriam makes the cutest bags, pouches, clutches, eye glass cases, and more.
She creates out of Montreal and has been designing and sewing for as long as she can remember. Miriam is also a fellow member of UWIB. Please take a minute or two, or ten to stop by Gold Crest Bags and see all that they have to offer.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizer - Copper Eye Candy

2009-09-28T22:52:00.003-04:00

As I was quickly scanning over our girlfriends list tonight, this beautiful copper bracelet caught my eye! After searching high and low for this girlfriends shop I finally found her. This beautiful cuff bangle was made by Peggy Whitworth over at Brokenwings2 on Etsy. Peggy makes the most beautiful bangles,earrings and pendants.

Her shop is a must visit when shopping for the holidays!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

The Fall Business Women's Expo has Started!!!

2009-09-26T01:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the 1st Fall Business Women Expo Online!!

We are so all excited that you've taken the time to join us today in the first of many more Expo's to come. Come right on inside, grab a cup of coffee, tea of beverage of your choice, take a load off and enjoy the many women who have come together this weekend to share a little about themselves and their businesses with you!

The Business Women Expo will introduce you to many great female businesses and get you in the mood for holiday shopping. Not only will you learn about what great female businesses are available to shop from this holiday, but there will be prizes, specials and giveaway's going on all weekend across the blogosphere! This expo isn't about the big retailers, it's about the female entrepreneur's of the world. It's about networking, building your blog followings, sharing your business and a little bit of selfish promoting...BUT most of all it's about having a little fun!! This expo is for everyone, so don't miss out!!

Here's how the Expo works:
After reading this post, register by leaving a comment below. There will be a door prize at the end of the Expo. Once you've left your comment, Vist all the vendors booths listed to the right hand side. You don't have to do it all at once, you have all weekend long!! Leave comments to their posts as you go along, enter any contests that may be going on, and share the experience with your friends. Your visits will be reciprocated all weekend long! What will happen by the end of the weekend is that we'll all be worn out, BUT we will have networked our businesses and built some friendships and followings along the way...and that's what this Expo and Girls Night Out is all about!!

So to that, here's the Girls Night out theme song! "Let's Go GNO!"

Now that you're in the mood...let's check out this Expo one booth at a time and don't forget to register to win this handcrafted necklace made with Amazonite, Quarts, Freshwater pearls and Sterling silver! Drawing to be held Wednesday, September 30th!

Expo Sponsored by Runako Designs. When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

TOMORROW - Fall Business Womens's Expo

2009-09-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

Don't Miss it!! The Fall Business Women Online Expo starts tomorrow morning. We're all busy getting our booths set up for you so come back and visit some of the best online businesses owned by even more fabulous women. Create your holiday shopping list, network, pick up some new followers and most of all have fun!! There will be contests and giveaways all weekend long. Meet fellow bloggers as you hop from booth to booth and it all starts right here on Girls Night Out!!

How it works:
Visit Girls Night Out in the morning and all weekend, leave a comment and let me know you were here, then follow the links to the right and visit each booth. Leave comments as you go, enter contests and find new blogs and businesses to follow. Don't forget to create your holiday shopping as you mosey along down the row. If you can't make it the weekend, the links will remain up for a while, just so you don't miss all the fun!

I'll also be sponsoring a give away here for all participants, so looking forward to seeing you in the morning!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thoughts - Haters Wanted!

2009-09-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word...or Not...

2009-09-23T20:07:00.001-04:00

Today, I'm opting for a Not...apparently this is circulating as a new fashion phase in Japan...but is it really? According to Urban Legends it's a NOT! Lesson for today...don't believe all the hype ladies and please don't do this at home!

Subject: Crazy ideas from Japan...

Another Crazy Fashion from Japan

What you see below are not see-thru skirts. They are actually prints on the skirts to make it look as if the panties are visible and the current rage in Japan.

Come back this weekend for the Business Women's Expo... don't miss it!
When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasures - Charm and Jewels

2009-09-22T18:00:00.002-04:00

Today's treasures are brought to you by Charm and Jewels over at Etsy. Crystal Carlton is a fellow EAOC team member and she makes beautiful jewelry. Crystals "handmade jewelry designed with you in mind" is just what the fashionable woman is looking for because she takes feminine to the next level. Visit Crystals shop, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Come back this weekend for the Business Women's Expo September 26th for more great vendors and holiday shopping!
When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizing Beauty -

2009-09-21T19:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Mesmerizer is from one of my hitchhiking friends over at Handmade Highway. This beautiful wire crochet ring was handmade by Ilana Diner over at 7Art Jewelry Boutique on Etsy...it's absolutely beautiful and the intricate detail is to die for. Check out Ilana over at Handmade Highway to learn more about her and her wonderful designs.

Don't forget to come back Saturday and check out the Business Women's Expo all weekend!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creaIlana Dinerting jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Business Women Online Expo - September 26th

2009-09-20T19:13:00.003-04:00

Come out September 26th and visit the Fall Business Women Online Expo!

The expo will introduce you to many great female businesses and get you in the mood for holiday shopping. Not only will you learn about what great female businesses are available to shop from this holiday, but there will be prizes, specials and giveaway's going on all weekend across the blogosphere! This expo isn't about the big retailers, it's about the female entrepreneur's of the world.

You'll be able to create a gift list early and favorite some shops and blogs you'll want to make purchases from this holiday. You'll also be able to see plenty of awesome artisans and learn about their business and craft. This is an awesome opportunity to network, building your online following and make new friends and learn first hand what Girls Night Out is all about!

Here's how the Expo works:

Come back to Girls Night Out starting at midnight, September 26th. leave a comment on Girls Night out, and let us know you were here, then visit the list of vendor booths on the right hand side all weekend, leaving comments and entering contests as you go and most of all have great fun! We've built our own little following here at GNO, but we want to spread the love around the blogosphere this weekend...so join us in the First Business Women Online Expo this weekend!!

Interested Vendors:
If you're interested in featuring your blog and shop in the Fall Expo click the badge below to find out how, deadline for entries is Thursday, September 24th...Get yours in now!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thoughts - Wouldn't It Be Nice

2009-09-17T19:10:00.003-04:00

I'll be the first to say I appreciate my family, time spent with family, my business, home and everything about my life, but sometimes,

Wouldn't it be nice.....

To travel wherever and whenever you wanted...

To shop til you drop where everything fits and everything is affordable....

If money were not an object...ever!

Not to have to worry about cleaning your house..it's magically clean, all the time...

If someone could make you a healthy, homemade meal every night and did the dishes when they finished...

To have a home, with enough rooms for everything and everyone...

aaah, wouldn't life be Grande!

I just got back from a three day business trip where no expenses were spared, so I thought it would be nice to dream for a minute longer...before starting dinner, washing clothes and going back to work tomorrow.... leave a comment and share your top "wouldn't it be nice"..I'd love to hear them. Then stop back by tomorrow for another Fun Girls Night Out Weekend!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Fall Business Women Online Expo - Vendors Wanted

2009-09-14T22:27:00.007-04:00

I am so excited to announce the First Annual Fall Business Women Online Expo, sponsored by yours truly! I am so looking forward to a successful event that I'm already planning another one in the Spring and don't want to waste another minute without giving you all the details. There's a lot to read, but don't miss a word :).

Purpose:
First and foremost to have FUN!...that's what Girls Night Out is all about. Secondly the Expo is to promote and expose all those awesome women business owners out on the blogosphere just in time for the holiday's. You'll be able to promote your business, gain some new followers and customers, discover some other awesome business women, and network, just in time for the holiday's!

The Event:
The event will start right here on Girls Night Out Saturday, September 26th at Midnight! All participants names will be listed in the sidebar leading up to the event and beyond. On the start of the event you will visit this blog, and begin clicking and visiting the blog links that will be listed on the right side. Have fun reading their posts that will introduce you to their business, check out the rest of their blog if you have time, then leave a comment, letting them know you were there and follow if you have an interest so that you can follow back up later. Once you finish with your first blog, then you'll visit your next and on and on the weekend goes. In return, all other participants will do the same. Don't worry, you won't be pressured to visit ALL blogs in two days. I'll leave the links up for a while, to allow everyone time to visit, and I'll be creating a separate post later with links to all participants as a Holiday Gift Shopping Guide! Are you getting excited?? There's more....

Post Contents:
You'll be able to do some selfless promotion on this weekend and not feel guilty! Post a blog entry that introduces visitors to you and your business or craft. Post photos, videos, links, giveaways', contests whatever you like, but most of all just have fun with it!

What Makes it Work?
What's going to make this weekend a success is everyone's participation. If you post your business, PLEASE take the time to fully participate by visiting all the blogs.

Promotion:
I'll be promoting this event like crazy, and I'll need for you to do the same. Post to Facebook, twitter, Myspace, stumbleUpon, social networks, blog entries, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey (LOL) friends and family, media..the more the merrier! You'll need to grab a badge or two and post to your blog or anywhere else linking it back to this post. If enough of us post or email some of these big names, we may really get noticed!! (another thought just popped into my head, but later) I'll also be posting a separate post again announcing the event as soon as I get a few businesses to list.

Rules:
If you submit your link, you must have an Expo listed on your site by Saturday. If you do not have a post, I'l be removing your link.

How to Participate:
1. please send an email to [ bwoe_info @ yahoo . com]. In the subject heading please enter FALL EXPO. Include in the email, your full name, business name and full blog link. Wherever you email me from, this will be where you receive updates about the event.

2. Grab a badge and place on your blog and link it back to Girls Night Out. Once I have the promotion post posted, I'll email all participants so that you can change the link in the badge to that particular post and promote the event.

3. In your final Post on September 26th..please title your post Fall Business Women Online Expo - Booth #___ . Your booth number will be listed by your business name on the right, just like a real expo! Also, post the larger badge at the top of your post the day of the event.

4. If you do any type of contest or giveaway, I might suggest you extend the entry deadline past Sunday, for those who may not be able to get to all the blogs that weekend.

5. Try to leave your post up at least through Sunday, so that it is quickly visible when the mass will be visiting.

That's it for now...Let do this GNO Style!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out - Dorm Night Feature!!

2009-09-11T18:37:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Girls Night Out with....

Hello ladies and welcome back to another weekend and Friday night full of fun! Tonight, we're going to have a dorm party! Well, not like the dorm parties any of us went to of course...clean blog here!! But we're going to be partying with BKD Signature Designs, and she's not only a college student, who just moved back to school, but also a very talented artist.

I've done a little extra decorating around here to give it a little campus feel, so make your self right at home while we wait for everyone to arrive. I found these cool removable wall decals so thought I'd dress up the corners a bit too. And who could ever forget the fabulous crate furniture! I think the every college board must have had stock in this stuff!! But it sure did endure the rough life for years..gotta give it that. Grab a seat! We all can't fit on the futon, so you know what's next...the FLOOR!!

If you all ate like I did in college, you probably already know what's on the menu for tonight...that's right Pizza and Chinese take-out! And for drinks....it's BYOB, so I hope you brought your own, because we're on a tight college budget tonight!

Well, looks like everyone had made it, since I started to show you around the room, so let's get started with a long overdue Girls Night Out! So without further adieu I give you Brianne Durkin of Carmichael, California!! (applaud now)

Brianne, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself.
Well, as you said, I'm originally from Carmichael, California. I'm attending college in McMinnville, Oregon where I am a college student studying to be a Psychology major with a Studio Art minor. I am in a sorority and absolutely love it. My favorite color is blue and I am addicted to Etsy!

So, how did you get started in your business?
I have been crafting all my life and enjoy creating all sorts of new things. I was introduced to Etsy last summer by a friend and decided this year to start selling. I love to create, but don't need all the stuff, so I'm excited to send my creations to loving homes. I'm not sure how I came up with the name - it sort of just popped into my head. I wanted to use my name and another word, just like celebrities do with their line. So my initials and another word that sounded fancy gave me BKD Signature!

I really love your little kitty in your banner. So, What inspires your designs and motivates you in your business?
I am motivated by my love of creating and my passion for handmade. I love learning how to make everything, so I am constantly expanding my skill set. When I see a medium that I like, I strive to learn how to use it. I want to be the person that knows how to do everything. What also motivates me is the fact that I can earn money to pay for college. I am saving up for my Master's and it's very scary and daunting knowing how much I'll have to pay for that!

I can relate to that, just thinking how much it will cost to send my son to college gives me gray hairs, and I don't know how you find the time! So, when you're not working your business and studying, what fun things do you do ?
I enjoy hanging out with friends and being a part of a sorority. I love to read and learn. I also love to bake and cook. I have a million recipes and cook books already, and I'm only 21.

Maybe one day you'll come up with something cool for the cooking arena, like some funky pot holders or cookbook stands. Do you ever get a total "time out" for yourself?
When I do, I set aside a whole day of relaxing, doing only what I want to do. I try not to worry about my To-Do List, but rather enjoy the day off.

yeah, a to-do list is more like a forever list..what are your three favorite online shops for girlie things you'd recommend to the ladies?
Etsy, Bath and Body Works, and Sephora

Who is your biggest crush in Hollywood and why?
Zac Efron. I'm convinced he's my soul mate :)

Watch out Vanessa! I have to admit, he did a great job in his movie and High School Musical and if I were uuggh...younger, I'd fav him as well! What's your favorite Chick Flick?
The legally Blonde series and the Wedding Date

Legally Blonde has been mentioned before...gonna have to Netflix that soon. Can you share with us the silliest thing you've ever done with your friends?
oh, wow...I think those are too many to count.

Ladies...that was a politically correct response in case her parents are reading this... you know that right? Okay, so do you have any specials you'll be offering this weekend to the ladies and visitors of Girls Night Out?
When purchasing in my Etsy shop this weekend, use "GNO Follower" discount code in notes to seller for a 10% discount on all my items!

I must tell you all, that the samplings above are only a small sampling of some of the cute pendants and items Brianne has on her site. I actually have one of her pendants myself and they are too cute....and easily exchangeable too on a necklace.

After tonight you can find Brianne at:
Etsy shop: http://Beegrl88.etsy.com
Blog: http://bkdsignature.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://artist.to/bkdsignature

So, there you have it, another great interview with another great artist and fellow Girlfriend. Perfect weekend to pick up a gift or two for early holiday shopping with a discount. I already have my second pendant picked out!

Now because I'm also celebrating my one year anniversary online, I'm going to be giving away a few things this weekend to some lucky girlfriends, and here's all you have to do to be entered in the drawings:

1. For tonights drawing, Visit Brianne's Etsy shop before 11:00 pm, come back here and let us know your favorite item in a comment...easy peasy! Winner will be announced in the comment section Saturday morning. If you follow Brianne on Facebook or her blog, you'll get another entry for each follow, just leave a seperate comment and let us know. You must leave seperate comments for the follows or they will NOT count.

2. For Saturday's drawing...come back and look for my quiz question under comments and leave your answer before 11:00 pm and, your name will be entered for another prize Saturday night.

3. For Sunday's drawing,...come back and look for one more quiz question under comments from me, leave a comment by 7:00 pm and your name will be entered in the final drawing for the weekend.

And nooooooooo, I didn't forget to tell you what the prizes were...but you must know I wouldn't let any of you down! And as always, don't forget to check back, because someone just may be talking to you!! spread the word and have a fabulous weekened!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Two Winners for Business Card Giveaway!!

2009-09-10T22:40:00.003-04:00

We have two lucky WINNERS tonight in the Business Card Giveaway sponsored by digital room.com !! The winners will receive:

500 Business Cards

Choose size: 2x3.5”, 2x3”, 2x2";

Choose paper: 14pt cardstock (matte or gloss coating) & 13 pt cardstock uncoated

Choose Color: (4/4) Color both sides; (4/1) Color 1 side , B/W backside; (4/0) Color 1 side, black backside

alright, alright....so the winners are Rebecca and Maria!!....Yeaahhh!!! I was able to find email addresses for you both on your blogs; however, please contact me immediately to confirm that they are correct, so that I can send in a change if need be. Digital printing will be contacting you directly with your coupon codes, let me know if you have any issues.

Congratulations to you both and thank you for participating in this exciting event and for visiting and following Girls Night Out!!

For anyone who didn't win tonight, please come back tomorrow and this weekend, when I'll be featuring BKD Signature Designs and I'll probably have a few more neat gifts under my heat...see you all then!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday Treasures - Cool Head Gear..and More!

2009-09-08T23:14:00.003-04:00

Boi or boi... did I stumble upon a cool shop tonight! I'm a sucker for cool winter head gear and I struck gold tonight! Maybe that's why I like winter so much...I get to wear my hats! So, Renaissance Austin over at Rag House International makes the coolest crocheted caps and tams. She makes other fabulous accessories too, but I was stuck on the hats...you'll have to visit yourself for all her other cool designs like jewelry, scarves, headbands and more.... She even knits shoelaces...how cool are these??You can alo find Renaissance on her Myspace page or blog the Artful Chatterbox.

Don't forget to come back Friday Night and the weekend to see our featured Designer BKD Designs!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Hope in Soap for Two Little Girls

2009-09-07T21:23:00.005-04:00

Tonight I don't have a mesmerizing beauty to show you, only a message with the hope that you will add two very special little girls to your thoughts and and prayers and/or support an effort to help their family. I read a post over at a friends blog this week about two little girls, ages 1 and 2, who lost their mother in a car crash, in North Tulare County in California August 20th. The children were with her and unharmed, unfortunately the mother, 24, did not survive.

Desert Maiden Bath an Etsy shop, is donating 40% of her sales starting this month towards a $2,000 treasure bond for the two children of her friend until the goal is reached. If you're in need of soap this month, please consider purchasing from this shop.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Weekend Escape and apologies...

2009-09-06T23:23:00.002-04:00

I owe all my girlfriends and visitors an apology for not posting this weekend, but I had an opportunity for the perfect weekend and I couldn't resist. Thanks to everyone who checked in on me, I truly appreciate your concern and friendship. I didn't leave town, but I admit, I took a break from the net to spend some time with my favorite guy. You can read about my perfect weekend here. Things should be back to normal Monday night.

This weekend we'll be back to features and our weekend host will be BKD Design's. join me Friday to learn more about this wonderful artist and student!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thought - Remembering School

2009-09-03T20:58:00.002-04:00

What were your best school days?

As kids and young adults all around start back to school, tonight has me thinking of my own school days. Life was fun, carefree and wild..well not so wild, but you know what I mean. I think my best school days were when I was in college. For me it was like a whole new world. I went to private school all my life, so there were a few things I may have missed out on. I went to a local college, but first opportunity to move away from home I was on it! I was a peer counselor on campus for my second summer, then on to an off campus apartment complex as an RA for three years...wow..life was fun! I learned so many things during those years that have carried over in my life today as a Resident Assistant and met some of my most dearest and still closest friends while there. College life taught me a lot, some good and some bad, but I wouldn't trade living on campus for anything in the world.

What about you...what were you best school days?

Come back tomorrow for a fun, and carefree weekend with Girls Night Out!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Give-a-way Treasure

2009-09-01T20:59:00.006-04:00

A recent poll done by Uprinting revealed that the most popular giveaway from their site would be business cards, so lucky for you I'm a sponsored blogger for Uprinting.com, who in partnership with digital room.com is hosting a giveaway. And right here on Girls Night Out, TWO, not ONE lucky winners will receive a slick new set of 500 die cut business cards from Digital Room, and if you win, you can choose between 3 different business card sizes, customized to your business.

If you have your own business, business cards are a must. They can be used for a multitude of purposes, mainly to promote your business of course. Other great ideas include promoting your websites, blogs, and crafts. They can be used for networking, advertising and coupons too. The possibilities are really unlimited if you think outside the box.

2 Prize Winners will Receive:

500 Business Cards

Choose size: 2x3.5”, 2x3”, 2x2";

Choose paper: 14pt cardstock (matte or gloss coating) & 13 pt cardstock uncoated

Choose Color: (4/4) Color both sides; (4/1) Color 1 side , B/W backside; (4/0) Color 1 side, black backside

*Regular UPS Shipping must be paid by Winner. Offer Valid for UNITED STATES SHIPPING ONLY*

How to be Entered in Drawing:
Enter by leaving a comment and letting me know how you would use your new business cards if you win!

For two extra entries, blog about this giveway on your blog and link back to Girls Night Out!
For another extra entry tweet this Giveaway URL and copy @runakodesigns

Dealine for entries:
All entries must be submitted no later than September 9th, 2009. Drawing will be held September 10th, 2009.

Girls Night out, where having fun is FREE!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Labor Day Give Away -EAOC

2009-08-31T22:06:00.003-04:00

Etsy Artist of Color is a one of Etsy's Street Teams, it's a global village of minority artists and crafters. They are sponsoring a Labor Day Give Away starting this week and all you have to do is tweet your heart out to enter and win some fabulous handmade products. Visit this link to learn more about how you can participate EAOC Labor Da y Give Away.

Here's a glimpse at a few of the great shops with give away's, so don't miss out, tweet tweet!!

BeinspiredDesigns.Etsy.com

SydneyAustinDesigns.Etsy.com

NikkiCandles.Etsy.com

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out - Deserted Island Getaway

2009-08-28T13:47:00.007-04:00

Welcome to another Girls Night Out weekend. We'll be taking a break from features for a couple of weeks as I personally get ready for back to school. So, I thought I'd incorporate some other fun things into these wonderful weekends, that will inspire you with something to post about on your own blog if you have one and give you a break from thinking as well.

This weekend, we'll be doing something different and we'll just call it a Blog party until I come up with something else. I'll do all the thinking, you just enjoy the writing and comments. I'm going to give you a blog theme to post on your blog for the weekend, you blog about it, then post your link in Mr. Linky below. You can blog with word, pictures videos or whatever you come up with. Come back during the weekend and visit the links below for other bloggers posts and leave comments on their post...that's it! Oh, and grab a Girls Night Out badge to the left and post it at the heading of your post, so all will know that you're participating in a Girls Night Out event.

What's the point? We'll get to learn about all other girlfriends, find some interesting blogs and hopefully have some fun. so, on with the party and I'll start to get us all going, leave your comments then visit everyone else.

Girls Night Out on a Deserted Island

"If you had to plan to be stranded on a deserted island for a month , what 10 things would pack or take along with you besides clothes and toiletries?"

1. without a doubt, there would be a man involved...for warmth of course :) (clean blog here, LOL) and that man would be Idris Elba..he's British and he's HOT!!

2. Of course I'd have to have some nice wine, water would be nice, but that would bring me down to 7 remaining things. With this fella coming along I think I could live off of fish and island plants..Gilligan did it! LOL

3. My camera. I imagine there would be plenty of beautiful things to take pictures of and I could incorporate into some jewelry designs.

4. Sleeping bag or blankets just in case we're fighting the elements

5. matches, can't imagine trying to remember my Girl Scout skills for making a fire.

6. a book...who am I kidding!

7. Some rope. It would have to be useful for something, not sure what, but the Robinson family had some!

8. A knife, again would have to be a useful tool for something

9. a Carpenter and his tools!

10. jewelry and tools...I rarely go anywhere without them!

Don't forget scroll down to leave your comments, post the link to your blog below link after you've posted to your blog, then come back and visit other blogs this weekend..have fun!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thought - Football

2009-08-27T21:43:00.003-04:00

"It's all about a little give and take on both sides"

Okay, so all this football practice with my son has me thinking about relationships in the months to come. If you're already a football fan, great, no worries, appetizers and Sunday's will be chill time for you and your mate. But if you're not a die hard football fan, how will you survive football season?

I'm not Dear Abby, but I'd definitely say this is one area where there needs to be some give and take. Give on his part in recognizing that he needs to make sure that he does what he needs to do during the week, and that he's definitely taken care of your together time before Sunday comes, that allows him the "get out of jail" card that he needs to hang out with the fellas or relax on the couch.

And to you my girlfriends...I suggest you either learn the sport, find your own Sunday thrill the next six months or why not.....................sit down and watch a few games with him!! That's right I went there! Remember, its all about give and take, I promise you, he'll appreciate your interest in a silent way...just don't ask a million questions during the game! LOL.

Let me know if you're a football fan and what you do on Sunday's during the football season.

Dee

Come back tomorrow for some fun on Girls Night Out..No Feature, just a fun weekend of posts!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word - Farewell

2009-08-26T21:38:00.004-04:00

Thought's and prayers go out tonight to the Kennedy Family as they mourn the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. May he rest in peace and may they find comfort in knowing that his suffering has come to an end.

1932-2009

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasures

2009-08-25T18:25:00.003-04:00

Since it's a little hot here in Virginia, thought I'd check out some refreshing soaps tonight. I've featured Patrice over on my other blog before, but thought I'd share her nifty little shop with my girlfriends. Patrice over at The Soap Seduction, makes the most adorable soaps I think I've seen yet. Her inspiration comes from food that that is cleary apparent in her awesome soaps. I've featured a few that I've had my eye on, but I know I better get them soon, because they don't stick around long and Patrice doesn't really like making repeats. So, check 'em out and get them while you can!You can also find Patrice blogging daily on her blog and she's the head blogger over at EAOC, you've heard me mention them before too!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizing Beauty - Earth Friendly

2009-08-24T18:39:00.004-04:00

I found these dynamic earrings over at Kizzmit on Etsy. Aku makes the most beautiful handcrafted earrings and pendants from paper clay. She hand shapes and paints each one of them to create adorable, unique pieces of jewelry to adorn your ears. Her earrings aren't for the faint at heart, but if you enjoy wearing them bold and large, Kizzmit is the shop for you! I have a couple pieces of her work myself and I always receive compliments when I wear them.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Two Weekend Winners...

2009-08-23T19:39:00.003-04:00

We have another two weekend winners from out Girls Night out with Melinda Mae. Delilah of Gloria Jewelry Box won our Saturday drawing for a package or blank note cards and Davina from Dove Chocolates won the lovely clutch bag. Delilah, please contact me with your information so that I can mail you your cards and Davina, please get in touch with Melinda for your pouch.

Thanks again for a wonderful weekend and to everyone who took the time to visit Melinda's wonderful website and to learn more about the awesome designer.

We're going to take a break from designer features for a couple of weeks and do a few fun things coming up, then we'll be back with more awesome features, of more awesome women! Stay tune for more fun!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out Weekend with Melinda Mae Handbags!

2009-08-21T19:00:00.004-04:00

Welcome to A Girls Night Out Weekend hosted by...

Melinda Mae ...Handbags for playful days and soulful nights!!

Hello, hello and welcome back or welcome to Girls Night out weekend. A place where we laugh, party, win prizes and find great buys all weekend. If you miss us Friday night, don't worry, we're here all weekend long, drinking, chatting and leaving feedback. So check back because someone may be talking to you. Well, please come on in and stay for a while or at least say hello to our hostess....WAIT...anyone beyond this point, must put on their imagination hats...we're a crazy bunch beyond the threshold...

Once again, Davina is indulging us with her D ove Chocolates. She just got back from a convention and her recommendations for this evening, which I'm just too eager to try will be Pina Colada Smoothies and Strawberries dipped in Merlot Fudge Sauce......mmmmmm, I'm drooling just saying that...let me say it again, slow..Straw-berries dipped in Mer-lot Fu-d-ge Sauce...that's an education for the palate as Dove puts it, and I'll be the first to agree that wine does go with chocolate. Help yourself to all the goodies. We fired, I mean, we hired new bartenders for tonight, so the line should be shorter in the kitchen this week!

Looks like everyone is here, so lets get the party started..please allow me to introduce to you Melinda Mae Chu-Yang of Melinda Mae Handb ags (applaud now)........

Hello, I'm Melinda Mae, thank you for all visiting tonight. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and I have always loved crafts and art. I work full time as a Health Educator, but I love to express myself creatively through my handbags and other crafts. I love to appreciate others creative expressions through music, photography, jewelery, fashion, dance, spoken word and other means. I started my business in 2007. I have always loved to see and create clothes and handbags. I love carrying various handbags depending on my mood, so I wanted to create "handbags for playful days and soulful nights" for others.

Melinda where do you sell your bags?
I sell my handbags online at my website and at various vendor/craft shows in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm also planning on setting up my Etsy shop soon!

All artists are inspired by something, what inspires your designs and motivates you in your business?
My handbag designs and fabric choices are inspired by celebrating "playful days and soulful nights." I love lazy care-free days on the beach, but I also love going out and listening to live music, so I try to incorporate both sides of my personality in my designs, fabric choices and combination's. I really am motivated by satisfied customers and helping them to celebrate their personalities and unique styles.

Well, I can definitely see the playfulness in your designs, there are several I really adore. When you're not working, tell us what fun things you enjoy doing, besides going to the beach.
I love to dance, listen to live bands, go to concerts and watch movies. But above all, I love spending time with my family and close friends.

What do you do, when you need a "time out" for yourself?
I love "time outs!" It's a great time for me to relax and reevaluate what I am doing. I love to get massages, relax with a good movie or eat desserts!

okay, speaking of desserts, you guys have to to see Melinda's trip to New York, and her dessert binge she blogged about. Her sugar intake level will blow you all away...I promise!! sorry Melinda, that answer triggered a post that had me drooling! ...oh, excuse me...*can someone hide the chocolate please* Soo, we know you like desserts in New York, now tell us about your three favorite online shops for girlie things.
I love Etsy because I can always find a million things that I love. More specifically, I go to A Hui Hou jewelry for all my Hawaiian jewelry, Angelina Fong Designs for adding elements of beautiful design to my home and The Soft Movement for trendy outfits that are super comfortable.

Did you catch that Tara..A Hui Hou jewelry for Hawaii!! Now tell us some juicy things about you. Who is your biggest crush in Hollywood and why?
I would say Ryan Reynolds because he is hilarious and super goofy!

I'd say goofy is a safe answer, we'll let you slide with that one just in case your boyfriend is reading! How about chick flicks?
I love chick flicks! My favorite move of all times is Dirty Dancing! My other favorite films include Just Friends, When Harry Met Sally, Brown Sugar and Notebook.

I'll agree, that Notebook was a great film, definitely a chick flick as well. Can you share with us the silliest or funniest thing you've ever done with your girlfriends?
One weekend my girlfriends came to visit me, so I took them to SF to try a bunch of new restaurants. So I met them for breakfast, where we had a full meal of waffles, eggs and sausage. Then we had mussels and fries, Beard Papa's cream puffs, congee, chocolate truffles, boboa tea, roast duck and egg tarts all in one afternoon! And guess what? We ate dinner at Chili's after all of that! I'm pretty sure we were craving clam chowder bread bowls too!

Good grief, that's enough food for an entire weekend! And you had room for dinner too? My goodness!.. but I shouldn't be surprised after all the sweets I read about you eating in New York! So, Melinda, are you offering the ladies anything special tonight and this weekend?
Yes, for the Girls of Girls Night Out, I will be offering 15% off all Melinda Mae handbags on my website. Just enter the code "GIRLS15" at check out.

That's very generous of you, thank you! I think I already know what I'm getting, I think your bags are fabulous!...oh, your not finished?.....
Nope, I am excited to be giving away my Pastel Sakura Clutch below (value=$35). It is not yet listed and is made of one of my favorite fabrics! All the ladies have to do is visit my website and look around, then come back and leave a comment telling me their favorite bag and why to be entered in the give a way Sunday night at 7:00 pm!
For extra entries they can do any of the following:
follow me on Facebook, tweet about this post, or follow my blog. Come back here and let us know where you've posted. For each action, you'll gain one extra entry. In your tweet post use #GNO after your tweet so we can find you! And, anyone who makes a purchase this weekend will get three extra entries in the drawing!

WOW, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that Melinda is offering us ..or rather you all a great opportunity to get her designs at a great price and to win a brand new clutch design! Thanks Melinda for being such a great hostess! And once again, I'm offering a drawing for those who post before Saturday morning. If you post your comments tonight, you're name will be entered in a drawing Saturday morning for a FREE set of blank note cards, just because...I like the girls of Girls Night Out!!

After tonight you can find Melinda Mae at any of the following venues:

Blog: www.melindamaehandbags.worpress.com

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/melindamae
Website: www.melinda-mae.com

Unveiling,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thoughts - Listen UP!!

2009-08-20T18:20:00.003-04:00

Listen UP!

Are you listening in your relationships? Is your partner telling you things that you aren't hearing? The biggest problems in most relationships is we don't listen to each other. We want to be heard, we want the other person to know and understand what WE'RE feeling and what's going on with us, but are we taking the time to really hear what they have to say? Ineffective listening causes frustration, misunderstandings and hurt feelings and wrong conclusions.

Most of us, men and women are looking for someone who will listen to us in a relationship, someone who understands what we're thinking or feeling or saying. If you're in a relationship now, think back to when you first started dating, you were on the edge of every word, because you wanted to learn about this person to see if they were a fit, you wanted to know all there was to know about your future mate. What happened?

Start looking at your partner each day as a new date, and lets stop taking one another for granted. The next time your partner starts talking... LISTEN UP!

Tomorrow....Melinda-Mae will host Girls Night Out..with her fabulous handmade bags...I'll be here, where will you be?

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday Word...Or Not...

2009-08-19T19:03:00.004-04:00

You did pretty good last week figuring out the photo, lets see what you got for me this week. Odd fashion speaks again....

Come back Friday when Girls Night Out will be hosted by Melinda-Mae Handbags

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasures

2009-08-18T21:58:00.003-04:00

*sliding in to the sound of squealing breaks!!!!!!!! Apologies for late posting this Tuesday's Treasure, but football practice got in the way. Tonight, I thought I'd tickle your taste buds with a little art from a few great shops on Etsy. Not just any shops, but shops of some incredible artists from Unique Women in Business.
The artists featured in this mini, offer some beautiful fine art prints, cards, and minis for those who enjoy it in smaller doses, as well as their originals in larger sizes. You can find these and more at the following Etsy shops:

Kristen Stein Fine Art
Robin Maria Pedrero
Sew Danish
Cesart64

Come back Friday when Melinda-Mae Handbags will be the hostess of the evening!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizing Beauty

2009-08-17T19:56:00.002-04:00

I found this over at our girlfriend Davina's Stella and Dot Boutique. It's call Charlize Bib Necklace and it's definitely one that a Celebrity like Paris Hilton would wear! Featuring Stunning Turquoise resin beads and 14kt gold plated accents. Stella and Dot has plenty of other great celebrity style pieces to fit any budget.

You can also find Davina at her Dove at Home website, where she has plenty of the chocolate desserts we've featured right here on Girls Night Out, or visit her blog where you'll find specials and new styles and deserts often.

Come back Friday, when we'll feature Melinda-Mae Handbags....ooh la la!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

We Won an Award...Thanks Academy!

2009-08-17T00:14:00.005-04:00

Tara over at KMT Graphic Design, has bestowed an award upon us this weekend. This award is for up and coming blogstress', who've been blogging for less than 3 years and one of the next generations super bloggers! Well, Tara has definitely put the pressure on but I'll gladly accept the challenge.

"Now I'd like the thank the academy, my friends and family and all my followers for making this possible. Without each of you, I wouldn't be on this stage, eerrr page tonight"...Thank you KMT!!

Now the rules are I must pass this award on to other bloggers. If you have been nominated for this award, you must pay it forward! You must post an acceptance speech on your blog (feel free to thank the academy!) and then nominate as many other blogs as you wish, and, if you have been nominated, feel free to post the above award proudly on your blog! I nominate the following:

The Soap Seduction
Cooking at Home with Vicki Bensinger
Robin Maria Pedrero Pocket Full of Colors
Gingerbread Crumbs and Company

Thanks,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

2 Weekend Winners

2009-08-16T22:17:00.002-04:00

That brings a close to this weekends Feature. Hope you had fun. We had two winners again this weekend. Brooke over at Shopmollyd won the Desperate Housewives music CD for posting comments before Saturday night and Robin Pedrero has won the Sunday night drawing for the Angelina earrings!!! Tonight's drawing was done by my son!

See you all next Friday when we'll party with Melinda-Mae handbags!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out Surprise Friday Feature!!!

2009-08-14T19:00:00.017-04:00

Welcome to Girls Night Out with..........

Hello hello hello and welcome to another Friday night and weekend with Girls Night Out!! If you enjoy fun chatting, give-a-way's, and discovering new things then you've stopped by the right place.

Before I get started, I need to explain why I'm hosting tonights event instead of BKD Signature. Welllll, Brianne got called away to an exotic, tropical locale this week, and won't be able to attend tonight...but who could blame her for choosing champagne, cute cabana boys, and little paper umbrellas? Brianne was pretty bummed over not being able to be here tonight, but we'll be rescheduling her in a couple of weeks, so...you have the pleasure of getting to know a little bit more about me this weekend...so lets get started.

Come on in, there's plenty of food to choose from, and as always sweets galore. Refreshments have been provided by Davina over at Dove Chocolates again...girls love their chocolate. Unfortunately, I'm all out of Chocolate Martini's...for now... but Tara and Brooke agree to make up some Pineapple-Orange Margarita's for us all. Don't rush the kitchen all at once, they've had a couple already, so they're moving a l-i-t-t-l-e slow!

So I tried to get in touch with Tara Banks to see if she'd interview me, but she was all tied up this weekend in New York. Oprah had plans already with Gail and well, Barbara just laughed at me...oh well, tonight, you're going to have to put that imagination cap on a little extra tight, because I'll be interviewing myself...well...this should be fun! so lets get started...I give you...me..Dee Gordon of Runako Designs!! (applaud now).

So, me...I mean Dee...tell us a little about yourself.
well, ladies, It's a pleasure to be here with you all tonight. I was so excited when I asked myself to do this feature! My name is Dee Gordon and I am the owner and creator of Runako Designs. I work a corporate job from 9-5 as an HR Manager and by night, I'm a soccer mom, football mom, Scout mom, jewelry designer and blogger. I enjoy reading, writing (go figure), listening to music and spending time with my son. I've been making jewelry now for 5 years and started my online business last year. I'll actually be celebrating my 1 year anniversary next month..yeah me!

I have a ...I mean, you have a lot going on Dee. How did you get started in your jewelry business?
Well, it all started out as an innocent hobby taught to me by a very nice lady. Then I started giving gifts for Christmas and I found out pretty soon, that this hobby was addictive, I couldn't stop buying beads...literally!! I was really enjoying what I was doing and people were actually asking me to make them things. So, I decided to make it official. Then about a year ago I decided I needed to be online to capture some sales there and to reach my customers and friends out of town. I renamed my business and launched Runako Designs last September!!

Every creative person is inspired by something..what inspires us?
I'm mostly inspired by the fact that people love my jewelry. My customers inspire me first and foremost. Secondly, I'm inspired by nature, ethnic beauty, especially African and Asian, and art that surrounds around me.

Tell them what motivates us while your at it?
Well, I'm motivated once again by my customers. Their continued purchases of my pieces inspires me to create different and better things. I'm also motivated by the fact that the extra income, has allowed me as a single parent, to do a few more extra things for and with my son. I'm also motivated by the fact that I have this entrepreneurial spirit and running my business lets me live that dream. And last but not least, I'm motivated by giving. I'm able to give through my business to some great organizations like Kiva, Beads For Life and Relay for Life.

Seems we're always working, but when we aren't What fun things do you enjoy, when your not working our business?
hmmm, that would consist of going to movies with my son..we love watching movies and eating popcorn..he definitely got the popcorn thing from me. It's nothing for us to eat a bag a night. I also enjoy reading, and hanging out with close friends. When I'm alone, it's all about a movie, a nice glass of wine and a chill pill!

I must say, I love it when we chill, but what's a time out just for Dee?
A time out for Dee is a weekend alone...all alone at the beach in the fall or spring. If I can't have that, it's a weekend at home with nothing to do. I'm talking pajama's all day folks...that's a real time out!

Yeah, when you do the pajama thing, I must say it scares me a little, not used to that all day...lets tell them about our three favorite online shops for girlie things?
Would that be this month or last?? Geezz, I've met sooo many wonderful handmade designers I don't just have a favorite, shop. Okay, I'm going to cheat right now...recently it's definitely been shopping with the unique women of UWIB. Browsing through the members shops has been amazing, they all have great girlie things and unique talent. Another favorite group shop are the artists of EAOC, and third would have to be Bath and Body Works, I could start a side business with this stuff!!

I must say, those two groups have been amazing finds, I hope everyone takes a look at the artists listed. I know who I enjoy watching, but who's your biggest hollywood crush?
I can't say I have just one. I probably can't say just two, but I'll limit it there tonight. If I had to really say who makes me swoon and who's movies I've watched over and over again, it would have to be Sean Connery and Morris Chestnut. I can't tell you how many times I've watched old James Bond movies and The Best Man, just to see these two. And Sean has definitely gotten more handsome with age. Another I"ll sneak in is Matthew McConaugh ey...he's just a sexy man..I just love his smile and Texas accent!

Trust me folks, when she says over and over again...she means it, if only I could hide The Wedding Planner...geezz...okay, Favorite chick Flick?
Would have to be Waiting to Exhale and Pretty Woman, I've watched them both a million times and the underdog of a woman always comes out ahead..love it..both great movies if you haven't seen them.

If she doesn't know, I surely do...tell the nice guest about our Silliest thing we've ever done with girlfriend(s)...
well, I don't know if you'd call this silly, but its' definitely on the list of what were they thinking. I was a Senior in High School I believe, and a friend and I were suppose to be going to a show choir competition...yeah, I can sing a little bit too...so, we lived in Richmond, Virginia and the competition was in Harrisonburg Virginia, I'll give you a hint...Harrisonburg is mountain territory. So, I don't remember why we drove, but we did not leave with the rest of the show choir. All I knew was Harrisonburg, in the mountains, Interstate 64, 2 1/2 hours. I can't tell you what my girlfriend knew, but we drove about 1 1/2 hours until I kept seeing water and knew we were headed to Virginia beach, still not really registering with me other than the fact that there were no mountains coming up anytime soon and we only had 1 hour to go in drive time. We stopped at an information center only to find out that we were suppose to be headed 64 west, not 64 east!! We turned around and headed back up 64west..missed the competition, met some guys, drove back to Richmond, then turned around and drove back to Harrisonburg that same night to hang out with the guys!!!...If our parents only knew!! I can't even remember why we drove back to Richmond, I only remember going to someone's house she knew, then driving back...I wonder if she remembers this????

I still shiver to this day over that crazy event, but we turned out okay. Here's the fun part, tell them quick what specials we came up with for this surprise weekend!
Well, we decided that since we had the opportunity to do this unexpected feature, why not celebrate our anniversary tonight ...early!! So here's the special deal. This deal applies to my Etsy shop and my jewelry website...here goes from... *special does not apply to the Giving Necklace*

7:00 pm-10:00 pm Friday, August 14th - Everything is 35% off plus FREE shipping!

10:01 pm Friday August 14th - until midnight Saturday August 15th - Everything is 25% off

Midnight Saturday, August 15th - until 7:00 pm Sunday, August 16th - Everyting is 15% OFF

On both shops enter, GNO Guest in the comments section and the discounted difference, plus shipping if applicable will be refunded the night of your order.

Wow, that's probably next to the craziest thing you've ever done..but I love it..well there you have it ladies, we've spoken. But that's not all...tell them Dee...
For following along and being great girlfriends, we also decided to do a a couple of give aways this weekend too. All you have to do is: 1. Follow Girls Night Out blog 2. Visit both shops, then come back and let me know what your favorite piece is and why.
when you do two things above, you're name will be entered into a drawing Sunday night for these gorgeous earrings. If you purchase over the weekend, you'll get two extra entries for these earrings.
Etsy Shop
Runako Designs
For even more entries you can tweet this post, follow me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter or follow my other blog Runako Designs. If you do these, you'll have to leave a comment and tell me where or send me a tweet @runakodesigns.

I'll also be doing an extra drawing Saturday morning for all commentors for this great music CD from Desperate Housewives, just for getting your comments in early..and that about wraps it up!I don't know about yall, but my head it spinning! I think we've officially gone all out this weekend. I'm glad Dee's the one who's going to have to explain this to the bookkeeper!..... Tara and Brook, are we ever going to get those Margaritas?

After tonight you can find Dee and me at any of the following venues:

Blog: www.runakodesigns.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/runakodesigns
Facebook Fan Page: http://companies.to/runakodesigns/
Etsy: www.runakodesigns.etsy.com
Website: www.runakojewelry.com

Now go out and tell your friends about Girls Night out, grab a badge to the right and shout about it to all you know, and don't forget to check back throughout the weekend, someone may be talking to you. okay, now my head is hurting from too many personalities, I need to find some chocolate! Looks like I might have to make my own Margarita too!

Unveiling,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thought

2009-08-13T19:07:00.002-04:00

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word Or Not....Odd Fashion Shows

2009-08-12T18:00:00.000-04:00

Okay ladies, I'll let you figure out what they are wearing! post a comment if you know....Come back Friday for BKD Designs...

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasures - Femme Petal

2009-08-11T18:00:00.001-04:00

Today's treasures were found over at Femme Petal, the shop of Erin Keys and mastermind behind Unique Women In Business. Erin makes lovely jewelry for every feminine woman alive. Her necklaces are beautiful and so eye catching. Here's a few favorites from her Etsy shop.
She also has some specials going on this month, so take a look and don't be shy.
Also if you consider yourself a unique business woman, join me in this special group of women who support one anothers business through promotions, inspiration and ideas. Just visit her blog to find out more. If you decide to join, please let her know that I sent you! Then come back Friday for BKD Designs Feature!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

2 More Winners - Girls Night Out 8/7/09

2009-08-10T23:49:00.003-04:00

We have two more winners this week from this past weekends Girls Night Out Event!! Donielle of Design Knit Fun and Maria Paray of Maria Paray Designs. Donielle has won a custom ad package of 3 125 x 125 ad badges from KMT Graphics and Maria has won 2 packages of blank thank you notes. Donielle, please contact Tara of KMT for your designs and Maria, well you lucky girl, I already have your information......Congratulations ladies, and thanks for participating.

Come back Friday when we feature BKD Designs..more fun, more give-a-ways and maybe some Margaritas!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizing Beauty - Uban Sterling

2009-08-10T18:00:00.000-04:00

These pretty Sterling earrings caught my eye a while back, and I ran across them again recently. Not only does the photo speak to me, but the swirls themselves are just different and mesmerizing. I found these pretties over at Epheriell Designs on Etsy for only $15.00! Jessica makes other pretties that can be found in her Etsy shop and she also blogs weekly at Epheriell Designs..check her out.

Coming up this Friday is BKD Designs on Girls Night Out..come back then!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out - Features KMT Graphic Design

2009-08-07T19:00:00.009-04:00

Welcome to Girls Night Out with.....

"Hello ladies and welcome back to another night of Girls Night Out of fun, chatting and give-a-ways. Come right on in and get comfortable, because we're about to have a fabulous time once again. Tonight's party is being hosted by non other than Tara Shenson of KMT Graphic Design. If you've never been to one of our Friday Nights into the weekend events, you're in for a treat; but, first you have to put on your imagination hat, there's no entry and no fun without one."

"Treats and drinks are being provided by Davina James over at Dove Chocolates. The chocolate martinis from last week were to die for!! This week Davina sent us some Creamsicle Martini's and some Bon Bons! There's still a few chocolate Martini's left, but you better beat me to the kitchen if you want one!! While we're waiting on a few other's to arrive, I'll get started telling you a little about our hostess for tonight."

"I was trying to remember where I actually met Tara the other night, but I was drawing a blank. The best I could remember was either I was following her or she was following me at some point when it came to joining all the "in" social networking sites. At some point we hooked up and she created my first set of website banners for my new Etsy shop and the rest is history! Tara has a brilliant business mind and a vibrant personality to match. She's talented, friendly patient and funny and will help and give advice to anyone trying to make it on Etsy. I am honored tonight to present my friend Tara Shenson owner and creator of KMT Graphic Design....."(you're suppose to applaud now)

So Tara, tell us a little about yourself.

"Well, I live in Long Beach, California, work full time 9-5, and the mom to two rescued greyhounds, and I am a self proclaimed computer geek and owner of an online blog and Etsy shop and The Ad Directory. (click banner on left side to find out more) I've always been "artsy. The capricorn in me led towards busines, so when I discovered graphic design AND Etsy, it was the perfect combo for me!.

How did you get started in your business and what does your shop offer?

"I've done other graphic art type things before KMT, and had my hand in it a little at my day job. I'm pretty much self taught because I've never had any formal training. My mom was the first one who told me about Etsy and the online handmade community. She suggested I open a shop and market there and the rest is history!"

"I currently sell my design work out of my Etsy shop. I design banners, backgrounds, blog designs, html codes, postcards, flyers, and more. You can also find recent designs on my blog."

For those of you who don't know, Tara's mom is Brooke over at Shopmollyd..they are quite the creative pair aren't they? So, Tara... what inspires or motivates your designs?

"I consider myself more of a marketing gal, and so my designs are inspired by my customers shops and what is best going to promote their products. I look at it from the perspective of what's going to help them sell their products. That's what makes me different. I spend a lot of time in their shops or websites looking at their products, as opposed to what looks pretty on the computer screen. I take into consideration their ideas, and try to blend in my mind what they are picturing with what I think will work to help sell their items. "

Working full time, owning two dogs, running a business and marketing..how do you do it all?

"I'm still trying to figure that one out, if someone has some advice for me, I'll gladly take it! I'll say, it is hard. I'm up at 5:30, back home at 6:30, and in bed by 9 or 9:30, I squeeze a lot of work into those 3 hours, but I communicate with my customers up front."

Well, I know anything work you've done for me has been timely and well communicated so....When you're not working your business, what fun things do you enjoy doing?

"I love being with my pups. I'm also a wanna-be-gardener (still learning), and I used to hula dance. I don't have much time for that anymore, but I hope someday I will!"

Maybe we can get Tara to Hula dance before we leave this weekend? Tell us, how in the world did you get involved in Hula dancing?

"I've always been drawn to everything tropical. In my past life I think I may have been Hawaiian! LOL... I love everything about the State and it's culture. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm very spontaneous and I'll try anything once. So I did and I loved it! The culture takes Hula dancing very seriously from height to complexion to hair color, so needless to say I had to improvize...I'm taller than your average Polynesian, my hair is brown, so had to die that black and I had to drench in fake tanning bronzer!"

Oh dear, well that definitely explains the red flower you wear in your hair. So, what do you do when you need a "time out" for yourself?

"Shopping!! I really like scouring the LA thrift shops for buried treasure. In LA, celebrities donate to thrift shops, and I have found some unbelievable deals!"

WOW, have you ever met any Hollywood stars while out shopping?

"Well, I've SEEN a few but the most memorable were, Hugh Heffner and Madonna . I saw Madonna when I was on my way to an interview in Beverly Hills, she was walking towards me coming down the street and I started flipping out and talking to myself like.... "there's Madonna, there's Madonna"!"

I'm laughing, but I probably would have done the same thing. I remember meeting Dewayne Wayne in New York from "A Different World once, and I also remember flipping out! What are your three favorite online shops for girlie things?

Bejewelled Bespoke: "I seriously want one of those bib necklaces"
DNA Creations: "I just bought a wallet from her, it's gorgeous!!"
Greyhound Threads: "because I think it is OK to dress up big dogs too!!"

okay, tell us...who is your biggest crush in Hollywood?

"Hugh Jackman...do I really need to explain? He's HOT!!"

Do we still have that ice water from last week? I must admit, Hugh is HOT and he's from Australia..remember Australia ladies? Do you have a favorite chick flick?

"Legally Blonde. Smart people come in all different packages. And, Elle is a great reminder to alwas be kind to people. If you've never seen this one, you need to ASAP!"

Share with us the silliest or funniest thing you've ever done with your girlfriends.

"When a friend of mine and I would go out to bars, we were realizing that guys were suddently losing interest when they found out what we did for a living. She was a speech pathologist and I work in the corporate world for a large company. So we decided to start telling guys we were flight attendants, they started sticking around longer!"

hmm, I could probably take some notes from you and your friend and last but not least...Any closing advice for anyone starting on Etsy or starting thier own online business?

"Yes...Believe in yourself! I hear people all the time say or think no one will every buy thier items. You have to believe in yourself or your customers will see right through you. Also, research your competitors stores for things like pricing, products, ets. See what you're up against and make yourself stand out!"

well, I personally know you've designed a couple of new blogs recently tell us about them.

I recently gave my own blog a facelift here, and of course there's the new Shopmollyd blog you featured Wednesday, I also did a background for Spring Colors on her Twitter account and last but not least, I recently re-did Girls Night Out.

Are you offering any specials to the ladies this weekend?

"Any girlfriend who stops by my Etsy shop this weekend, can receive 25% off of any item of her choice!"

WOW..that's a great deal Tara!! Ladies, if you have any online presence, you need to chat with Tara this weekend! Her prices are already incredible, so with this special, there is no reason you can't at least get your own shop updated or styled out this week with this great deal. That includes banners, avatars, postcards, backgrounds, customized blogs, etc.

There you have it! You couldn't ask for a better person to work with on your Graphic needs. I'm not just plugging girls, Tara is awesome to work with, and I just can't say enough good things about her. Tara is also hosting a give a away this weekend for all of those who have stopped by to hang out with us. She will be giving away 1 Design package of 3 125 x 125 custom ad boxes, to use on any advertising platform..that's a $60 dollar value! Here's all you have to do:

1. Visit KMT Fan page photo section and pick out your favorite design, come back here and tell us what it is and why.

Now...For additional entries, you can tweet about this give away, follow KMT Blog, follow Girls Night Out, follow Tara on Facebook, follow her on Twitter or join The Ad Directory. Just let us know in your comments, what you've done and the name that you can be found under, as well as the link to your tweet if applicable. Also, if you make a purchase this weekend let us know, because you'll get 3 extra entries for supporting one of the girls AND your name will be entered in a second give away from me! I'll be giving away 2 packs of blank stationary cards and of course I don't have the photos ready yet! If you have something else you'd like to give away in the name of your business, email me and let me know we'll blog about that too!! Drawing will be held Sunday night at 7:00 pm, Eastern time. And don't forget to stop by all weekend, someone may be talking to you!!

Once you have your Ad box, you can check out The Ad Directory for places you can list your ad. You can even list your busines here. I'm running an incredible special right now, so check out the pricing above to the right and to the left of this blog.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out Tomorrow- KMT Graphic Designs

2009-08-07T02:20:00.002-04:00

It's tomorrow ladies!! KMT Graphic Designs will host Girls Night Out!! Incredible treats, chatting and several give a ways...I can't wait..it's going to be fun fun fun bring a friend and lets have a grand time!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thought - Is This Love?

2009-08-06T20:34:00.004-04:00

she's a free spirit, she's a rock, she's a survivor, a dreamer, a doer and a listener...she's your girlfriend! And what do girlfriends do? They talk about life, laugh, cry, reflect on the past and they share thoughts. Grab a glass of coffee and leave a comment or two. For today's thought... Bob Marley says...

"Is this Love that I'm feeling?"

How do you know when you're really in love? Is it a condition or state of mind or is it just knowing? When you are in love, there is no question, no doubts, but acceptance. Acceptance for who you are or who that person is. When you are in love you give, expecting nothing in return.Too many times we get into relationships and we think we are in love, yet at the same time we are trying desperately to change a person or change something about a person. On the flip side, women will often times stay in relationships that aren't healthy. Love is not controlling, protecting or taking care of someone. When you do these things that person is not free and you are not in love.

Look at your own relationship and ask yourself..."Is this Love that I'm feeling?" Leave your comments and tell me what your thoughts are on love.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow night for KMT Graphic Designs Girls Night Out Feature Friday....It's going to be Hot!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word or Not...

2009-08-05T17:52:00.005-04:00

Today's word is...one of our girlfriends has a NEW blog!! Remember our midnight run-away from Paris? Well Mollyd (pup) with the help of Brooke (mom and run away) have started their own blog and it's headed in the direction of fabulous!

Brooke is the owner of Shopmollyd over on Etsy and she designs wonderful handcrafted dog and dog lover purses and accessories. She and Mollyd are passionate about supporting no-kill shelters and rescue organization through their business. With each purchase from Shopmollyd, you can help support these great groups as well.

Mollyd is a special pup, with her own little story to tell. She and Brooke will be providing information and news for all their anipals and two legged friends. They will also have advice about fashion, food and fun for dogs and their parents. So, please stop by shopmollyd's new blog and welcome her to the world of blogging and follow along to stay current on what's happening in doggie world.

One last thing..while you're their, scope their new home, from top to bottom, because it was designed by non other than KMT Graphic Designs!! Then stop by this Friday to see what Tara has in store for us on Girls Night Out...I'll be there...will you??

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasure - Say It Through Greetings

2009-08-04T18:24:00.002-04:00

Today's found Treasure is another one of our girlfriends shops on Etsy, called Mocha Child's Greetings. Christine makes handmade greeting cards and stationary and she's good at what she does. Most of the cards in her shop are one of a kind, but she'll do special orders to create something special for you, be it Thank You cards, a special greeting or custom stationary. Christine also running a special this month to customers or potential customers who provide constructive feedback on her shop. Nothing like a great business woman listening to her customers. Christine is offering FREE shipping on all order over $15.00 if you contact her with feedback. Read more about this promotion on her blog.

Friday,August 7th... KMT Graphic Designs, 7:00 pm...a Must See

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizing Beauty - Classic in Black

2009-08-03T20:28:00.002-04:00

This black necklace caught my eye right away. The photo makes it seems as though it goes on and on and on. There's nothing like a classic black necklace that goes with anything. I found this pretty over at Fashion Touch on Etsy for only $15.00. She also makes the most beautiful knitted scarves, that are a must see. Let me know...are you mesmerized?

KMT Graphic's right here, Friday night at 7...where will you be??

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

We Have 2 Girls Night Out Winners!!!

2009-08-02T18:08:00.007-04:00

I had so much fun this weekend, hope you did as well! So, here's the run down of what went on this weekend. Angelina of Angelina Fong Designs was our featured hostess this weekend. Angelina was able to achieve the following by hosting a GNO :

1. Made a few sales
2. Gained some new followers on Facebook, twitter and her blog
3. Gained some new Fans of her designs
4. Got a great new product idea for a new product or should I say redesigned product from feedback from visitors.
5. Had fun
6. Not set the Fondue pot on fire!!! (hee hee)

That is what GNO is all about, so I'll say in a wrap...this was a successful weekend!

Our winners this weekend in the shoe box drawings are:

Lori Storrs of Dirt Road South - Set of Markeesh Coasters by Angelina (4 piece)
Maria Paray of Maria Paray Designs - Jewelry Box

"Lorri, please contact Angelina with your information, so that she can send you your coaster. Maria, contact me with your information, so I can send you your jewelry box!"
Congratulations Ladies and Thank You, Thank You... Angelina for hosting a fabulous Girls Night Out!!!

This coming Friday, our hostess will be Tara Shenson of KMT Graphic Designs...Tara is a fabulous graphic artist and full of surprises, so who knows what we'll be in for next week...but I'll be right there...will you???

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out with Angelina Fong Designs!!

2009-07-31T17:53:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Girls Night out with....

"Welcome ladies, and do come right in. Tonight's hostess is Angelina from Angelina Fong Designs! I'd like to first thank Angelina for hosting this lovely event tonight and secondly thank all of you for stopping by."

"As you already know, no event starts here unless you have on your imagination caps. So let's take a minute to put those on before we get started. We'll get started shortly, but scroll on through the pages and see who's here first. There's appetizers and drinks in the kitchen. As you can see I still have some Macarons left from Paris. I also decided to stick with the theme and go for some Chocolate Martini's from Dove Chocolates. They are to die for...seriously! Mingle a while while we wait for everyone to arrive. Angelina's from Bay Area, California, so you never know who might stop by tonight. "

"Okay, well, it looks like everyone is here, so lets get this party started! I would first like to introduce our host tonight, Angelina Fong and her wonderful designs. I met Angelina through blogging and she's become a wonderful friend. She' funny, talented, and an amazing artist, I'm so happy she's agreed to be here tonight..so without further ado....."

Angelina, please start by telling us a little bit about yourself

"I'm a member of the corporate work force by day, designer/artist by night. A lover of good food, fine wine, great books, and all kinds of music - classic hip-hop, soul, R&B, and jazz. I love to laugh and have fun. People who know me, would say I'm quite outspoken (always speak my mind) and sarcastic. My mother once told me, "You can do anything you set your mind to." Her words have served as the foundation for my approach to life. I never look at a challenge as impossible. It's just a matter of how hard I am willing to work to achieve what I want."

How did you get started in your business?

"I've always loved to create beautiful things through a variety of creative mediums - sewing, knitting, crochet, and painting. Friends and family have been telling me for years, "you could totally sell this stuff!", but I always thought they were just being nice. After receiving more and more requests from friends and co-workers to buy my work, I decided to go full force and turn my hobby into a business!"

What inspires your designs or motivates you in your business?

"I draw much of the inspiration for my work from various elements of the Asian arts, jazz music and nature. What motivates me in business is just my love to create beautiful products. I'm always challenging myself with each new design or piece of art I create."

When you're not working your business, what fun things do you enjoy doing?

"I enjoy cooking, knitting, working out, reading, and shopping!"

What do you do when you need a "time out" for yourself?

"I sip on a nice glass of Cabernet with a good book or my latest knitting project."

Well, I've seen a few of your knitting projects and the socks are fab! Hopefully, you'll be selling them soon in your shop. Since you love to shop, I know you do shopping online, what are your three favorite online shops for girlie things, you'd like to recommend to the girls tonight?

Runako Designs (of course) - Jewelry to unveil your inner beauty
Melinda Mae - handbags for playful days and soulful nights.
Mocha Child Gree tings - handcrafted cards and stationary

I'm honored Angelina!...I swear ladies, that plug was not a contingency to be featured!! Okay, so we all have a Hollywood crush, who's yours and why?

"Larenz Tate!! I've had a crush on Larenz Tate ever since I first saw him in that short lived TV show, "South Central". Then I saw "Love Jones" and that just did it for me. As for why, well if you've seen "Love Jones", you'll know why! If you haven't, go rent the DVD!! I'm glad to see he has made a return in recent films like "Ray" and the FX series "Rescue Me". He's still looking good!!"

Can someone pass Angelina an ice cold drink so she can finish this interview! I think talking about Larenz got her worked up a bit don't you? So, what's your favorite chick flick?

"It's a tie between "Love Actually" and "Brown Sugar." I love them both evenly!"

Share with us the silliest or funniest thing you've ever done with your girlfriends.

"After college, my then roommates and I decided to throw a classy cocktail party at our house as a sign of our new found maturity and sophistication (or so we thought!). We went all out planning the hors d'oeuvres and cocktail menu. I even painstakingly cut off all the crust on the little cucumber sandwiches! We requested that all our guests dress in appropriate "cocktail" attire and greeted each of them at the door with loungey jazz music playing in the background. Everything was going quite lovely throughout the evening until someone forgot to keep an eye on the fondue pot and it suddenly burst into flames, taking half the hors d'oeuvres table with it!! All of a sudden, everyone started running around frantically trying to put out the fire. So much for sophisticated and classy!"

what a great story, I wouldn't be surprised if one of those old roommates showed up this weekend! So, what specials do you have for the ladies tonight?

"I'll be offering 15% off all purchases from my Etsy shop this weekend. All they have to do is mention Girls Night Out in the message to seller at checkout."

Well ladies, there you have it...Sophisticated and classy Angelina Fong, and a special discount to go with it!!

Angelina will also be hosting a give-a-way this weekend for all those who have stopped by to party with us. She'll be giving away a set of her newly created, not yet listed, Marrakesh coasters (set of 4). All you have to do is be a follower of Girls Night Out, then visit her Etsy shop and look around, come back here and post your favorite item and why you like it.
Now...For additional entries, you can tweet about this give away, follow angelina's blog, follow her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter. Just let us know in your comments, what you've done and the name that you can be found under, as well as the link to your tweet if applicable. Also, if you make a purchase this weekend let us know, because you'll get 3 extra entries for supporting one of the girls AND your name will be entered in a second give away from me for a wooden jewelry box, you reap the benefits of my de-cluttering last week... It's brand new! Entries must be in by 5:00 pm Sunday.
After tonight you can find Angelina at any of the following venues:

Blog: www.angelinafongdesigns.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/afdesigns
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/angelinafongdesigns
Etsy: www.angelinafongdesigns.etsy.com

Now go out and tell your friends about Girls Night out, grab a badge to the right and shout about it to all you know, and don't forget to check back throughout the weekend, someone may be talking to you. okay, now my mouth is dry, I'm going to make me a Martini..."hey, where's that ice cold drink for Angelina?"

Unveiling,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out Tomorrow- Features Angelina Fong Designs

2009-07-30T23:45:00.005-04:00

This Friday's Girls Night out event, will be hosted by Angelina Fong Designs . Angelina will host her event right here on this blog, so you don't have to leave home. We'll learn a little about Angelina and her business, there will be "Girlfriend" only specials, and give-a-ways and maybe a game or two. so come back tomorrow and say hello to Angelina. She makes beautiful and unique hand sewn accessories and paintings.

So, we've traveled abroad and now its time to have a few hosted parties. One of the other reasons I started this blog was to help promote other women businesses, by exposing them to a different venue of women, helping them to make a few sales and build a following. I hope this blog will grow and be beneficial to us all. I also hope that you will also consider purchasing from some of these featured hostesses, following their blogs or fan pages or bookmarking them for future purchases because that's what girlfriends do to help support one another.

Grab a badge, post a quick event notice, tweet about it, post to facebook and tell all your friends about Girls Night Out, the more the merrier, lets help one another grow! And if you'd like to be featured, I'm still looking for two more businesses for August, email me and let me know.

Unveiling,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thought - LENT

2009-07-30T18:44:00.003-04:00

LENT - Lets Eliminate Negative Thinking

Ever purchase a new car, and notice that the day after you drive it off the lot you begin to see everyone in town has your new car? Well, that's the awesome power of the mind. Negative thinking works the same way. When you think negatively, you begin to attract negativity in your life, whether it be friends, actions or thoughts. When you approach every day with these thoughts, you begin to live and experience life negatively. You begin to think that the world and people around you are doing negative things that impact your life, when in actuality, it's your own thinking that's harming you. In order to free yourself and begin to truly live life as it is meant to be lived, you have to move past this. Get rid of the anger from the past, forgive those who have hurt you, open your mind and release the shackles that bind you; start accepting and stop denying, and love more and hate less. When you do all of this and more, negativity will disappear from your life.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow after 7 for a Girls Night Out with Angelina Fong Designs, we're going to have a great time!!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wedneday's Word - 25 Ways To Save Money

2009-07-29T18:31:00.009-04:00

The word for the day is coming straight from Oprah's site. If you're like me, you're looking for ways to save some money this summer without giving up shoes, new dresses, new hair cut and a manicure? Check out 25 Ways to Save a Bundle When you're friends talk about the recession, you can say.."what recession", I hadn't noticed!!

Oprah has connected us with great information and links so that we can enjoy this summer, even during these difficult times. Follow the link above and you'll find out information on:

1. Sample Sales - Hautelook.com and Gilt.com's 36-72 hour sales with 70-75% off
2. Flights for 1o bucks
3. Save those weekly Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons and use them at Buy Buy Baby
4. Return 6 get one free special at Mac Cosmetics
5. Don't pay full price for spa treats save $15-25 dollars

and 20 others!! When you finish reading those, click this next link for 25 MORE ways to save money.

Now that's a Girlfriend's word for Wednesday! By the way...Hautelook.com is a pretty cool site!!!

Come back Friday for our Girls Night Out with Angelina Fong Designs!!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasure - Envy These!!

2009-07-28T17:33:00.004-04:00

Tonight's featured Treasures are from our girlfriend Leandrea over at BlaisededENVY. They carry the cutest ribbon wrapped bracelets in the beautiest of colors...okay, is that even a word....NOT, but I can say that here!! Leandra takes special care in wrapping her bangles and guarantees all of her work. Her ribbon choices are beautiful! You can find the these hot envious items at her Etsy Shop for only $10.00. Leandrea also makes other envious jewelry items, so check out the rest of her shop and show her some love before you leave. Click the photo, it will take you straight there.
When Leandrea is not making jewelry, you can also find her blogging about fashion, finance and relations at her blog called..guess what...BlasedENVY.

Don't forget to come back friday to see our featured Girlfriend Angelina for a fun Girls Night Out!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmorizer - Beyond

2009-07-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Mesmorizer is Art created by our girlfriend Robin Maria Padrero. Robin creates beautiful art that just makes you stop and think for a while. Her Etsy shop is full of memorizing artwork. I was drawn to this piece and thought I'd share..it's called Beyond.
You can see more of Robin's art in her Etsy shop and catch her blogging at My Secrets. She also has a Christmas in July sale going on, so check her out this week!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out First Hostess July 31st - Angelina Fong

2009-07-26T23:48:00.004-04:00

So, we've traveled abroad and now its time to have a few hosted parties. One of the other reasons I started this blog was to help promote other women businesses, by exposing them to a different venue of women, helping them to make a few sales and build a following. I hope this blog will grow and be beneficial to us all. I also hope that you will also consider purchasing from some of these featured hostesses, following their blogs or fan pages or bookmarking them for future purchases because that's what girlfriends do to help support one another.

So, This Friday's Girls Night out event, will be hosted by Angelina Fong Designs. Angelina will host her event right here on this blog, so you don't have to leave home. We'll learn a little about Angelina and her business, there will be "Girlfriend" only specials, and give-a-ways and maybe a game or two. so come back Friday and say hello to Angelina, she makes beautiful handsewn accessories and paintings.

Grab a badge, post a quick event notice, tweet about it, post to facebook and tell all your friends about Girls Night Out, the more the merrier, lets help one another grow! And if you'd like to be featured, I'm still looking for two more businesses for August, email me and let me know.

Unveiling,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Treasure Hunt Winner!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-26T23:27:00.002-04:00

There is none!! That's right, there is no winner this week to report.

Sooooo, I'm feeling the love here, because my real girlfriends would have given me the truth too, not so quietly, but they would have definitely said..."have you lost your mind?, "who has time for this?, "you couldn't come up with something easier?"...but it really was easy :)... You guys sent a very clear message this weekend...Treasure Hunts are never coming back!! I know you looked though, because the numbers show it, so thanks for peeking in. This weeks GNO was like thinking you're going to the Emmy's and you ended up at a High School Graduation; however..I do hope you did take the opportunity to read through the posts and when you get a chance, do check out the links if you've ever thought about going to Australia.. it is a wonderful vacation idea.

Thanks to everyone who did RSVP to say that they read the post, but just didn't have the time to play along or to let me know they were of town and lacking on time. Okay...so, I'll be posting the answers tomorrow, or not...haven't decided yet, I'm pouting............NOT! Maybe I'll just leave it up and if someone decides they want to post answers, I'll hold the necklace as their prize for now.

So, let leave this as the Girls have spoken and Treasure Hunts are not welcome. Stay tune for our Featured Girlfriend for next Friday night!

Unveiling,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Fantastic Treasure Hunt Voyage!!!!!!

2009-07-23T20:00:00.005-04:00

Fantastic Treasure Hunt Australian Voyage

"Ahoy Mates!! Welcome to the second Girls Night Out online blog party! We continue our traveling ventures this week, while I'm putting together some different party events to come... so, in the meantime, just enjoy the ride and sites to see. If you haven't figured it out by now we're going on a Fantastic Treasure Hunt Voyage to Australia!!! Yes, by the request of one of our girlfriends, I've made it possible...anything for my girls!"

"As always, you'll need to take a minute to put on your imagination hats, close your eyes and get your mind in the right place. Take a minute here..............

"Okay, so here's how the Treasure hunt will go. You'll probably need to take some notes as you go along this weekend. Last week was a breeze, but this week, you'll have to do a little more work. I'll be your travel guide as we cruise along, but you'll have to guess the sites to see. I'll provide clues and links as hints, but you'll have to come up with the answers (click the question to go to the provided link) Okay, okay, keep your girdles on, I won't make it hard...promise :) Take good notes, because the final instructions will be there for you when we dock back in Sydney.

"One of my all time favorite music groups has joined us again tonight and they'd like to open the party with one of their all time hits, so let's get this party started with some music and the lakeside spank!"

WOW!! "I remember loving that song, and it still gets me spanking today, just as much as it did back in the.....okay..maybe I won't go there, but as my son would say, it's an oldie!"

Here we go............

"We have a couple of hours before the ship sets sail, some of you are already looking quite pale. So lets take a walk to the Ferry sea side for a buck or two, we may get a ride; to a place large in scale, with fins of a whale. Here the locals all say that on any given day, music and dance can be heard far away."
What attraction is it?

"I can hear the ship a calling, so it's time for us to sail, to our first destination, so I hope all is feeling well. First on the agenda is New Castle in a day, please enjoy your cabins on this grand 11 day stay; for our ship is an epic poem with maiden voyage in 1997, I chose nothing less than the best as you know, I wanted it to be like heaven. Godchild to Bodil Wilhelmsen, Rock climbing wall and all, pillows fresh with chocolate and petals, good night and sleep well to all." What ship are we sailing on?
ship name, not cruise line

"In New Castle we'll see beaches galore, with sand that reaches way up to the shore. Explored by John Shortland, on his accidental tour, we're bound to see history as we walk out the door. Safe until high tides, we can bask and enjoy the glory, each with it's own character and some carry their own story. Not your traditional shower, no soap in site at all; yet ropes to hold onto as the waves pound the wall. such a magnificent setting, I don't want to go, but we must move on or we'll be left and that's for sho! "
Where are we enj oying the afternoon?

(beautiful picture from M & D Photographic Imaging)

"oh, you all must be so tired from a day of so much fun, we have so much more to see, we are no where near done. But never fear, food is near as we board the ship to dine. what's that? Kangaroo, no I"ll pass... I'll take a salad, some amber fluid then chase it down with wine." What meat goes in the icon ic Australian Meat Pie?

"Hope you weren't fooled by the sweet kangaroo, if so go back and try something new, you have until morning to find the recipe, while the rest of us wil. party and enjoy a nice coldie. We'll party more with Lakeside, do some spanking and a few things new, but tomorrow we dock at Willis Island for another spectacular view."

"Don't blink or you just might miss it, and it's inhabitant of three. Just beyond the great Barrier Reef , there's something unique, you just must see. There's a sea bird on this island, strange some may say, but is he just being protective as you or I just may? Watch closely for his nest for they lay amongst the ground, buried in the sand, yet easily seen and found. If you get too close you'll see that he'll begin to hop away, with a broken wing (or is it?) to entice you, for right now you seem to him a prey. But his trick has worked again today, because he's led another stranger astray."

What species of bir d it is?

"Port Douglas is next in line, the Great Barrier Reef site is divine. A favorite holiday destination for many, with resorts and hotels that cost a good penny. The Four Mile Beach, seaside cafes, I could stay here for a couple of days. Fishing villages are the mainstay here, but there's another site I think that you'll endear. There's a restaurant back home that's named after this place, in 13 states across the USA. The walk will be dense, but not dry, there's your hint so give it a try. On this tourist site, you'll find a list of seven, but only choose one place for day 4 out of 11. "

What will we be explorin g at Port Do uglas today?

"Cairns ,Australia is further up the sea they say, It's the jewel of Australia where most Aussies take holiday. Casinos, woodlands, bungee jumping, beaches and more; skyrails, camping, volcano lakes, and zoos, all waiting for us to explore. Our main destination is a place filled with sights and sounds. the top is smooth, unlike that of a crown. We'll be safely enclosed at the top of the tower, so no worry the weather, but we have only 3 hours. "

What attraction wil l we visit in Cairns?

"oh, did I tell you guys I had a dream on the ship last night about the cricket team we saw?...................... Focus Dee!!

"Okay, so this dream must have been a prelude to today, for Airlie Beach is not far away. We'll travel a while so hang out and relax, the ship will send a signal when it's time to lower the hatch. Grab your bathers, sun lotion, hat's and glasses, don't forget. We'll be here for a while, at least until sunset. Maritime floss guides of there, side by side we shall be, thousands swarm for a glimpse, something just bumped against my knee. The blue light, the clear atoms all too much to take home, silence all around but we are not alone."
What are we d oing at Airlie Beach

White Sunday Islands discovered by James cook is a group of 74 islands on the Coral Sea, that were reportedly found on the seventh Sunday after Easter, known as White Sunday.

wish you were here mom,
Dee

"So, back to the ship for our last nights of fun, Brisbane is coming up then our travels will be done. Capital here we come, shopping, night life and sites galore. But feasting and dancing all tonight is what the ship has in store.""Wake up sleepy heads, no hangovers for us today, Brisbane awaits our arrival if you miss, it will be to your dismay. For the capital of Australia is all glitz and glam they say, it's easy on the eyes and t, we don't want to miss any of this day. The Queen Street mall is not far away, South bank and of course China Towne, xxx Ale House, Story Bridge and hearding of sheep, we'll have so much excitement, we may not be able to sleep. Last on the list is some place we'll all enjoy, home to special creatures, and I know you'll all want a toy. Tan and white are their signature color, search the world over and you'll find no other. Their home was a first, built in 1927, the largest of its kind, chop, chop, they bus pulls out at Eleven."

Where is out last stop of the day?

This little fella told me to give you a big hint for making it this far!

So back to the ship, we're finally heading home, Sydney here we come, where next...Maybe Rome?

WOW!! what another exciting and learning adventure of a trip that was. I learned so much about Australia this week, I feel like a big book of knowledge. I hope you enjoyed the sties and I truly hope you took a minute or two to read some of the interesting sites you searched. Australia is a beautiful place, I had no idea. From the movies I envisioned, crocodiles, heat, kangaroos and dry land, but what a surprise!

So, here's the rules and instructions:

1. To participate in the give away- you must be a follower of Runako Designs and this blog.
2. You Must leave two comments, one with your answers and a separate post with your experience of the treasure hunt. for this, you two entries for correct answer and one entry for just posting, and one for posting your experience.

3. For additional entries: blog about this Treasure hunt (3), tweet about this treasure hunt and copy me @runakodesigns (1) follow me on Facebook (1) Post the Girls Night Badge on your blog (2). If you do either of these, please leave me a comment telling me what you've done and a link to your blog if it applies.

The lucky winner in the drawing Sunday night will receive this beautiful handmade necklace. Made with sterling silver components, Aventurine, Smoky Quartz and Freshwater pearls.

If you have something you'd like to feature as a give a-way this weekend as well, email me and we'll do it all on Sunday.

Unveiling and pooped,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thought - Don't Follow the Path

2009-07-23T19:00:00.001-04:00

She's a free spirit, she's a rock, she's a survivor, a dreamer, a doer and a listener...she's your girlfriend! And what do girlfriends do? They talk about life, laugh, cry, reflect on the past and they share thoughts. Grab a glass of coffee and leave a comment or two. For today's thought... an Ashanti Proverb says...

"Do not follow the path. Go where there is no path to begin the trail"

It takes courage to go against the most traveled path. But just about everything you can think of, someone had to do it. Whether it be, electric cars, hazelnut coffee, roller blades or toe rings, someone had to go against the grain or we wouldn't have them. Trying something new is always scary. We want support from others, encouragement, followers and sometimes just a little feeling of comfort. But, really...if we don't get these things, should we put a halt on our dreams? Of course not! I'm sure that people laughed at the Wright brothers, and if not, there had to be doubt. But did that stop them? You'll find signs along your road to success, whether it be warnings, signs of directions or even obstacles. But, when you start new with courage, conviction and self esteem, the only thing stopping you is YOU! And if it that doesn't work... get over it, let it go, shake it off and try something different!

Leave your comments, then come back tomorrow for a Grand 'ol Treasure Hunt!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Friday's Treasure Hunt Teaser!!!

2009-07-23T02:12:00.006-04:00

WOW!! I'm having so much fun getting everything ready for Friday! I'm seeing so many exciting things as I prepare for your arrival that my head is spinning with facts and such. But I can't tell you where I am until Friday, but I can give you a little hint, that will help you pack for the trip. Make sure you bring your bathers, as we'll be spending plenty of time on the beach, and I think you'll be stoned with the plans. Lakeside agreed to stop by and play us a theme song that should give you a pretty good idea of our traveling plans...G'day Mates.

Don't forget, spread the word, grab the button below, and invite your friends because we're going to have an Ace of a time!

(link button to blog url: http://rdgirlsnightout.blogspot.com)

Unveiling just a little,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word...or Not...

2009-07-22T19:00:00.002-04:00

What every woman wants...the perfect shoe and the perfect bath.....

Check back Friday for a Girls Night Out Treasure Hunt!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasures - Kick your bad soap habit!

2009-07-21T19:00:00.002-04:00

From your lips, to your body, and all the way down to your feet, our girlfriend Sara over at Soap Rehab has something just for you! Her made from scratch cold process soaps, lotions and bath and body products are made from time honored methods with a modern twist. Detergent free and paraben free, you can be clean and feel good about it.
You can visit Sara at her Etsy shop and follow her on her blog where she keeps you in touch with what's good for your skin.

Don't forget to come back Friday for the next Girls Night out...we'll be Treasure Hunting!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmorizer - Dig In Danglies

2009-07-20T19:00:00.000-04:00

Feast your eyes on these two for one dinner specials...literally!! I found these cute little earrings at one of very own girlfriends shop. They are called Dig In Danglies by Lori over at Dirt Road South on Etsy and priced just right at $8.00! Perfect conversation starters at your next dinner party. Lori has Lot's of other cute items in her shop this month for her July in Christmas sale, so stop by.

Don't forget to come back Friday for the Girls Night Out Treasure Hunt.

When I'm not hanging out with the girls, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

We Have a Slumber Party Winner!!!!!!

2009-07-19T20:39:00.006-04:00

WOW! What a great turnout this weekend and what fun I had in Paris all week. Thanks for taking the time to leave your comments and guesses. I Wish you ladies could have joined me for more than two nights, but I'm delighted to have spent the time I had with each of you! There were soooo many more beautiful places I visited earlier while looking for the perfect spot for us to hang out, that I am just in awe of the city and all the sights I saw. I read that a few of you have visited Paris before, so hopefully this weekend brought back some great memories for you.

I must tell you though, we had a "runaway" Saturday night. That's right.... Brooke (Shopmollyd) snuck out while we were all sleeping and had some fun with a couple of handsome local guys! She said it was all good, clean fun, so we won't tell her husband on her this time, but we'll definitely have to keep an eye on her in the future. The Jury is still out on whether or not she took the Maserati for a spin too!

Well, some of you were pretty close on the prices, and some were pretty dead on, so lets see:

Laduree Box of Chocolate Macarons $49.00 each

Yves St. Lauren Cage Boots $2,242.28 on sale for $1,267.81

Hotel Plaza Athenne suite per night $28,204.80
(room included the Maserati)

Girls Night Out $PRICELESS!

I hope you enjoyed this imaginary trip as much as I did. I don't know about you, but my head hurts just looking at these prices....Incredible!!! The hotel stay is 1/3 of my mortage!!

And now the moment you've all been waiting for. I had to do the drawing the old fashioned way with scissors and paper, and of course I drew the names from a shoe box....what else would do?

Our winner this weekend is our one and only, creeper of the night:
Shopmollyd!!Brooke has won these cute pair of earrings made with Kazuri beads from Kenya, Bali Silver and Freshwater Pearls. Congratulations Brooke!!! Please send me your mailing information via email. This was an honest drawing girls, I laughed when I pulled her name out myself. If you like these earrings, I have a few more pairs available on my Etsy shop for sale in two other colors.

Thanks again and I hope you all had fun. Tell your friends about us and tweet when you can. Next week we'll be going on a TREASURE HUNT, but I can't tell you where until Friday...see you then!!

Unveiling,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Slumber Party in Paris - Girls Night Out

2009-07-17T03:56:00.027-04:00

Welcome to.....Girls Night out In Paris

Welcome to my Slumber Party in Paris! Thank you so much for joining me on this weekend abroad. I've gone all out, to make this a special trip for all of you. I hope you brought your favorite pajamas, and if not, you can pick up some along the way, because we'll be shopping and bopping about town having a merry old time.

Now, I must stop here to say....if you don't have an imagination, there is no need to go any further...seriously. But, If you can close your eyes for a moment or two and imagine no limits to spending, total relaxation and a weekend away from kids, work and family to hang out with the girls, then this party is for you!! Take in each photo and close your eyes and let it take you to this wonderful place called Paris (Pa-ree). This is probably as close to Paris as I'll get, because I refuse to fly, so you can imagine that I have one heck of an imagination!!

Follow me as we stroll along to our hotel. I think you're going to be pretty happy with our stay for the weekend. It may set me back for a few years, but nothing less for my girlfriends on our first Girls Night out!

Don't you just love the streets of Paris. I've been in awe all week at the sites to be seen, the shopping galore and Hollywood Stars I've bumped into along the way. Paris just seems to come alive at night and there is always something to do.

aaahhhh..We're here...at the Hotel Plaza Athenee....

Breathtaking!.......and our room...

Welcome to the Royal Suite .......

4,480 sq ft in size, with a view of the Avenue Montaigne the courtyard and the Eiffel Tower! Everything you need will be at your fingertips this weekend. Antiques and silk accessories, gold threaded drapes... this place will make your eyes spin and all the fabrics are from the leading designer houses in Paris. It's like owning our own little corner of Paris for a couple of days!

No fighting for the bathroom this weekend, we have two turkish baths and, two remote controlled showers, with Italian marble mosaic engraved in glass...I can't even say that without taking a deep breath just thinking about it. And let me not forget the steam shower jacuzzi, and plasma rotating television.

Security...no problem!! We will each be scanned for digital finger prints for access to the room...Annnnddd... when we're ready to roll....we have access all weekend to this!!!....... A Maserati Quattroporte!! We are definitely invading on the secrets of the rich and famous this weekend...don't think I'm not paying for all this luxury, you bet I am...I won't even tell you how much. Lets just say a LOT!

I've already had drinks and appetizers brought up...

I hope you're hungry, but snack light ladies;
because, we'll be heading downstairs shortly for some pampering at....

The Dior Institute

...okay, I lot of pampering..hey, it's a slumber party!!....I have some facial and body treatments already picked out for us....This is where you may need to close your eyes for 10-20 minutes and send the children to the neighbors!

After the spa, we'll head back to the room for a fun night of catching up and enjoying the wild side, because tomorrow we'll......

Visit the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris...

Shop on the Avenue Montaigne where we may see a few Stars...
stroll through the famous Passages of Paris for more shopping.

And yes we have a mission, this weekend is all about....

purses and.....

and shoes.....

And in case you're wondering...yes, these shoes were for sale, but I'll tell you where later...

And before each of you take your leave I'll be gifting you with one of my favorites to nibble upon, on your flights back home....
French Macarons

Thank you, thank you so much for joining me. I'll be taking names and numbers for a place to live the next couple of years to pay for this little trip, but I wouldn't trade a minute of if for anything else.

Now if you made it this far, you are a true girlfriend with a deep imagination and I'd like to give you a chance to win something special just for hanging out with us on this first Girls Night Out! All you have to do is:

1. Leave a comment and list your best estimate of prices for the shoes, the hotel room and the candy from our weekend. Everything comes straight from Paris, and be a follower of Runako Designs blog.

For an additional entry, you can:
1. blog about Girls Night Out for three extra entries before Sunday Night.
2. tweet about this post for 1 extra entry
(leave a post with links to these posts)

I'll be drawing a winner Sunday Night for a pair of Kazuri Beaded earrings!!! And who knows, I may just have so much fun, I'll be giving away a few other things. We're no regular group of Girlfriends here and this isn't your typical blog, so if you're interested in hosting a give-a-way this weekend, email me and we'll do a drawing for your gift too!!

Bon jour my friends we're just starting out, it will only get better!!
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thoughts...

2009-07-16T20:03:00.004-04:00

She's a free spirit, she's a rock, she's a survivor, a dreamer, a doer and a listener...she's your girlfriend! And what do girlfriends do? They talk about life, laugh, cry, reflect on the past and they share thoughts. Thursday's Thoughts will be meditations and thoughts that will make us all take some time out to reflect. Reflect on your business, your family, life, work, relationships, marriages, ambitions or whatever. Hopefully we'll all grab a glass of coffee and leave a comment or two. For today's meditation, St. Francis De Sales says...

"Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and to be that perfectly"

Many of us put too much energy into trying to be something we are not. This is the most damaging habit many of us have. We try to fix who we are, get what they have and all this before we've actually taken the time to really come to know who we are ourselves. Life is short, we should not be wasting it trying to fix what is not broken. Life is about taking what we have and doing as much with it as we can in the short time we have. So go out my friends and be willing to learn and grow, only then will your true perfection begin to show and before you know it, the script will flip, you'll be the on the other side as the Jones'.

Don't forget.....The First Girls Night Out party launches tomorrow night at 7:00 pm and will run through Saturday night. Don't forget to stop by and check out what's happening.

"When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com"

Wednesday's Word...

2009-07-15T21:50:00.005-04:00

If you have a website or blog or belong to a social network, you have to have a banner or an avatar..its a must!! And you don't just want any banner or avatar, you need one designed by KMT Graphic Design. Tara Shenson is our Girlfriend of the evening, she does amazing things with graphics and customized templates. She'll work with you until she gets it right and you won't break the bank! Check out her amazing talent:

You can also find tara blogging daily about running your ownline business on her blog, and she's the mastermind behind The Ad Directory!

Don't forget to come back Friday for Girls Night Out!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasures - All Things Dog

2009-07-14T21:00:00.002-04:00

Too cute not to share!! Our Girlfriend over at Shopmollyd creates the most adorable items for dog lovers. With each purchase you support no kill shelters and rescue organizations.Don't forget to come back Friday for Girls Night Out!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at Runako Designs

Monday's Mesmorizer...Caramel Flower

2009-07-13T21:25:00.006-04:00

This beauty was found on one of our Girlfriends Etsy Shop. It's called Caramel Flower by Gloria's Jewelry Box, on sale now for $38.00.

Don't forget to come back Friday for Girls Night Out!!!

Unveiling,
Dee

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating my own jewelry at Runako Jewelry

Let's Go GNO!!!

2009-07-12T00:10:00.004-04:00

5 more days until the first Girls Night Out!!!...so lets start getting in the mood with this Girls Night Out Video from from Miley Cyrus..I think I've found a theme song!!

If you're just visiting the site, follow this link to find out about Girls Night Out and how you may be able to get featured!

So..Let's Go G.N.O!!!!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girl's Night Out Launches July 17th!

2009-07-09T17:33:00.009-04:00

What's better than hanging out with a bunch of the girls on a Friday and Saturday night having fun? Nothing in my book! That's why I've come up with what I think is a pretty cool idea that will be featured on Friday's, and I'm calling it Girls Night Out. Fella's you're welcome to tag along, but you must follow the rules.

We'll be traveling the world, shopping, having Spa nights, Scavenger hunts, etc. all weekend from the comfort of your home. Commenting as we go along, and having a hoot of a time!..and my hopes is that we'll build some great relationships, support each others businesses, catch some great deals and most of all have fun!

So, what's the point you ask? My hopes is that readers will comment through out the weekend as they can, visit some of the great links, participate in some of the fun activities, shop, travel, meet some new folks, follow some new blogs, relax and have some fun! I'll be featuring other Indie artists and business owners and we'll have some great give-a-way's as well.

So, if you're ready, I'm ready, and my first feature will be July 17th! grab a badge on the side of the blog, and post on your blogs or websites and link back to this post, that will always explains the details and invite your friends and customers to join a Girls Night Out!

Wanna Be Featured?
If you're interested in being featured, please email me and let me know, there are no fees at this time, but there are a few rules:

1. You must be a follower of Runako Designs and Girls Night Out blogs.

2. You must either have a website, blog or other official online store to be featured.

3. Your website or blog, must be about handcrafted or handmade items or other retail items that are of interest to the female shopper or the theme of this blog.

4. If you own an online store, or make handcrafted items, you must be willing to offer a give-a-way, special or discount to guest during the event.

5. If you have a blog, you must be up to date with current posts for the past 3 months.

6. If you are requesting to be featured, you must post the hostess badge above to your sites, and promote the week leading up to the event once notified of your feature date. If you don't begin promoting your feature by Sunday the week of the event, your name will be removed and your spot passed along to the next person.

7. If requesting to be featured, you must have all information for your post to me no later than the Saturday 8:00 pm Central time, before your feature, or someone else will take your spot, to include photos, specials, shop information, links, etc. I'm a busy gal, so I will not be sending out reminders for this information.

8. Your featured shop will remain a permanent post on this site for as long as you are a member.

Well, that's about it for now! (guidelines subject to change as we go along and I learn). Pass along this exciting event and let's start having some FUN!!

Unveiling,
Dee

COMING SOON!!

2009-07-05T22:17:00.001-04:00

The next best thing to being out on a Friday night with the girls when you can't leave home!