♥ Not Eating Meat Won't Kill You.

Photo Credit - Veggienumnum

As some of you maybe aware, I'm a vegetarian and I haven't eaten meat for the past 10 years.
Today when I was browsing the internet I came across this amazing site called ‘Veggienumnum.’
As you will find (read) in the about section, the site is dedicated to vegetarianism and vegetarian food and recipes.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you will love some of the recipes that this site has to offer.
So many people fail to understand that vegetarians have a delicious variety of foods on offer and that a meal can be complete without meat.

- Ree ♥

♥ New Beads For September!

Photo Credit - ZoeAndBruno

Loads of new beads have appeared in my store within the last couple of weeks, with more yummies to come!

- Ree ♥

♥ Embracing Life

Photo Credit - CassiaBeck

Today I was given another article from my dad, who continues to show his support by giving me inspirational articles to read.

The article reads the following;

'Too often the everyday stresses and struggles of life drag us away from the things that make life fun. These may be family travel, or the simple pleasure of gardening. In the fast-paced 24/7 world, it can take real discipline and commitment to make sure that we take the time out to do what we really enjoy.

Like with many other things in our lives, having fun can take some planning. First of all, we need to discover what it is that makes us tick - where our passions and pleasures lie. Once this is figured out, we need to think about what we'll need to achieve this.

1. Prioritize - We often spend too much effort on the things we think need to be done, but which could probably be done less frequently. Think about shifting your priorities so that things that make you happy are a priority and not an afterthought.

2. Take small steps - It may not be possible to get where you want to be straight away. Try to set smaller goals along the way to keep yourself motivated.

3. Be disciplined - Competing demands will inevitably make enjoying life difficult from time to time. Try to make sure that even when times are tough you still find the time to enjoy yourself, even just a little' - Source unknown.

- Ree ♥

A Taste Of The Old

It has been forever since I have made a treasury on Etsy.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Etsy, a treasury is a list you can create which brings together a collection of your favorite handmade items, supplies, vintage finds or colors. If you're lucky enough, your treasury may end up on Etsys home page.

So, here is my latest treasury...


A Taste Of The Old

I hope this week finds you well,

- Ree ♥

WIN! $20 Worth Of Beads!

Everyday, I am reminded that there are more than a handful of suppliers on Etsy selling beads, that is why I am eternally grateful for those who continue to support my little bead store. My bead business has given me a new lease on life.

So to thank those who are regular customers I would like to offer them the chance to win $20 worth of beads for the month of August. Simply make a purchase between the 1st-31st of this month (no minimum limit) and you go into the draw.

- Ree ♥

What Is Aperture You Say?

Photo Credit - Kevin&Amanda

Well I have had my SLR camera for just over a year and it is only now I have taken the time out to really learn what my camera is capable of.

For some time, I have only been using the auto settings to take photographs of my beads.
As the naive armature I am, I didn’t realise how important shutter speed and aperture were.

Just to clarify, shutter speed determines how sharp your photos will turn out.
Aperture defines the detail or the area you would prefer to focus on.
Large apertures (low f numbers) reduce the depth of felid blurring the background behind and in front of the object. Small aperture (high f numbers) can increase depth of field focusing on the picture in whole.
Both settings come together to create a better photo.

It seems large aperture (low f numbers) are better for my etsy store, to blur the background and show the detail of the beads I have on offer, whereas small aperture is perfect for portraits or landscapes to bring all that’s to be seen into focus.

I'm looking forward to photographing my latest bead order now!

- Ree ♥

♥ Good Things In Life Never Come Easy.

Photo Credit - Sparksoffire

My dad bought home a news paper article the other day with some positive words of wisdom which I thought I would share...

"I've come to realise that, without motivation, goals can remain pipe dreams.
You need to care about and really want a certain outcome, then pour your heart and soul into achieving it.

I've seen in others, and learnt myself, that the human body can endure more and perform better than we give it credit for. But it's not the body working alone. The body is just the nail being driven in; the mind is the hammer, the driving force that will push a person far beyond their own expectations and on to success.

I think what stops some people is that they fear the act instead of focusing on the outcome. Only occasionally does my mind let go and I catch myself thinking "what if?" But then I give myself a mental upper-cut.
Life is here to be lived. And with the right attitude and willingness to deal with the hurdles. it really can be bloody awesome!" - Source unknown.

A great article for those in indie or like-minded businesses.

- Ree ♥