Happy Halloween!

Alright, so I lied. Well, not exactly. BUT, along with Mojitoes & SE Asia, I love Halloween & the 80s. Yes, I was born in the middle of that decade & didn't really live through it (the girls at work cringe when I put on Flock of Seagulls or Wham!), but I love it anyway.

This past weekend was my friend's annual Halloween party and I wanted to be something original. Finally, I figured it out... 80s Prom King & Queen! Perfect! So I dug through closets and consignment stores. The hot pink dress I found was absolutely perfect! The hardest part? Begging my boyfriend, who hates the holiday, to wear the outfit. One week of bribes and we were ready! (However, the deal is, we can only dress up every OTHER Halloween... works for this year, but some serious bribery will have to go on next year!) The party was super fun and the best costume I thought, was Hall & Oates... total 80s!

Anyway, enjoy the candy and the holiday!

-Kristen

Hello From Hollywood!

Happiness and gratitude. That is what I am feeling, right this moment. A gentle breeze and the sound of rustling leaves outside the open window of Room 66 at the Chateau Marmont- and everything is just perfect.
Yes, its me, Rachel! On my annual (or more) "treat" trip when I take myself to my favorite place in Los Angeles, spend the days in sunshine, and the nights, seeing my West Coast artists, meeting new ones, and spending time with dear friends. Oh and checking out what is hot! But I don't really want to talk about jewelry.. not today . .tomorrow, for sure, because BOY do I have some fun news for you!
Today however, I just want to let you know that so so many of you (our customers, lets call you friends from here on out) mean so much to me. I never thought email could connect people the way it has. But it has. And I have made the best friends through my business. I just wanted to take a moment, from this beautiful place, to say thank you for being in my life. I am sending so much energy to you, Maggie, Tina, and Ellen, (as well as all the love in my heart) and to everyone else that makes me smile SO big.. every time I hear from you. Thank you!
OK, check back tomorrow, because the party I went to last night (for Glamour 'Reel Women' film shorts) was out of control.. and you will never believe who our new Giving Tree shoppers (and artists!) are.. Stay tuned!

Prayers for Maggie...

Her bright smile and sweet personality are doubtlessly what draws people to Maggie. Ironically, her last name just happens to be Smillie, which suits perfectly. She came to the Giving Tree this summer to help in the gallery with her good friend Jessie, who we had the pleasure of working with for a few years. Maggie has Cystic Fibrosis; her strength and courage in battling it is both incredible and inspiring. The few months we spent with her, we quickly learned that Maggie has a gift; she can see the light even her darkest days spent inside hospital walls. She finds the humor in situations where most of us could never, and brings joy to those around her even when she is not feeling 100% herself. Although, at times, you can hear the frustration in her voice, she never complains about it. It occurred to me, as someone only a few years older, that a 19-year-old girl shouldn't be talking about these things. She should be talking about boys and girlfriends and clothes; or at least that's what I thought SHOULD be on all young girls’ minds (which now, in retrospect, seems so silly but normal I suppose). Fortunately, I have not had any first hand experience with such an illness, although I am thankful for my health, Maggie’s story and unyielding strength has stuck with me. Unfortunately, we did not get the chance to know her well as we had wished, but we do get frequent updates about her health from Jessie, Facebook and CarePages. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maggie and her family and wish for her to return home in good health and spirit.

-Kristen