Complete Randomness

Lately, I've come to realize that I don't share too much about my personal life, which I feel is a shame as I want my customers and followers to know that I am a real person with real emotions, not just some shell of a person looking to sell my products. So, I've decided to start letting you all in on more about me and my life. So, get comfy, grab a glass of tea, as this may get a bit long :). Here goes!

Almost three weeks ago, I had to take my husband to the hospital for severe back and leg pain. Turns out, he had to have an emergency surgery the next morning. I was at the hospital with him through the entire week-long stay (which is where I should be, right?). Almost immediately after the surgery, he started having horrible pain in his right shoulder, rendering his right arm pretty much useless and his leg was still in horrendous pain. The day before he was released, they did another MRI to check out the leg problem. Turns out, he needs another back surgery. He hasn't fared too well with this recovery, so we decided to put this next surgery off and try injections. We'll see how that goes. Today, I had to take him to the hospital for an MRI on his right shoulder/arm. Hopefully, he won't need a surgery on the arm. We will find out the results of the next MRI in a few days from his surgeon.  I'm not telling you this to make you feel sorry for us or have pity on us. Please don't. Ronald is doing better by the day and I feel like a very lucky woman to have him in my life. I am telling you this to explain my absence from the blog, my store, twitter,  facebook , and my facebook fan page. Be sure to follow me on these sites, because I will often post secret sales, and only my followers will know the code for the sale!

Not all has been bad the last three weeks. I did get a couple pieces of great news. Number one, I was contacted about showing my jewelry at an art show in April. I will be the *only* jewelry vendor there, so I am pretty stoked about that! If you live in the Jacksonville area, please come and check it out. It will be on the first Wednesday in April, in the evening. I will update with specifics later, but please do mark your calendars for this fantastic milestone in my business!

The next piece if fantastic news came when I learned that I had won a contest on NaturallyCurly.com's Facebook Fan Page! My prize, you ask? A $250 gift certificate to NaturallyCurly.com's store, Curlmart.com! That's right! Two Hundred and Fifty smackaroos to indulge in my hair habit, and indulge I did! For those that don't know, I have (and love) naturally curly hair. I straightened it for a couple of years until I found Naturally Curly and started learning how to properly take care of my hair. If you decide to visit the site, be sure to check out their forum, CurlTalk, which has a TON of information on taking care of your hair.  I have learned so much about my hair from that forum, which has led me to love my curly hair!  I have been a product junkie ever since I decided to start wearing my naturalcurls, in July '07, so this gift certificate really helped the wallet! I bought a few staples and got several new products to try. I didn't think I could do it, but I spent the whole $250 (and then some) all in one order! The sad thing is, I could have kept going, but I figured $300 plus was enough for one sitting! I am now (not so) patiently waiting for my huge order to arrive!

In Dixon Jewelry  news, I've started working on chainmaille jewelry. This stuff is absolutely amazing and simply beautiful to look at. I have gotten so many compliments on the personal pieces I've made and worn and I can't wait to start releasing pieces to the store (which will be very soon, I promise)!

Until that time, please subscribe to the blog and follow me on facebook and Twitter. The more followers and subscribers I get, the more sales I'll have (secret sales, of course...for my supporters!)! I'll also have more contests and give-aways, so don't forget to follow me and subscribe to the blog! I promise I won't load you up with spam and all that annoying crap!

I have many more ideas in mind and projects in the works, so keep a look out for them. I can't wait to finish it all and get it out into the world!

Until next time, love one another and love me :). The more love and support you give, the more I give!!!

Much love,
Vanessa

P.S. Any idea how I can keep my poodle out of my Hershey's Nuggets? If she keeps this up, we're gonna fight! :-D

Much ado!!!

Hi, guys! Sorry it's been so long since my last blog. I have had so much going on in my life. Now, I'm taking the time to catch up, lucky you!

I've been doing a lot of research on a lot of stuff. What can I say, I'm a dork and researching is my "thing." I've also been working on a LOT of new jewelry designs that should be hitting the store soon, so be sure to keep an eye out! You won't want to miss it!

I've also been considering adding handmade crafts to the store, mostly cards and handmade purses, etc. What do you think about that? Should I have a separate store for that type of stuff, or just it's own section?  Maybe I can name that section "boutique" or something? I mean, the store is 'Dixon Jewelry And MORE,' so maybe crafts could be the 'more' part? I'll still be specializing in jewelry, just adding a few crafts here and there. What do you think?

I've been researching ways to improve the store and this blog. I want more followers on here. I want more people visiting the store. I want, I want, I want! I have researched until my brain hurts! So, I've decided to come to you, my loyal readers, those that matter most, and let you tell me what to do. What ideas do you have? How do you think I can improve Dixon Jewelry And More? What do you think I need do to improve the blog? Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. So much appreciated that I will reward you for them!

That's right! By critiquing me, you'll be rewarded! How awesome is that? All you need to do is leave me a comment with your suggestion (be sure to include your email or email me once you've left the comment) and follow my blog. Just click 'follow/subscribe to' to the right. It's that simple. Once you've done that, I will email you a coupon code that will give you 15% off your next order at Dixon Jewelry And More! You're sure to use it with all the new items coming out!

Even better than that, view my store, and in your comment, post what your favorite item is and I will send you a coupon code for 25% off!  It doesn't get any better than that!

What are you waiting for? Get to commenting!

Until next time,

Vanessa Dixon

It's my birthday week and YOU are being rewarded!!!

Okay, guys, as much as I hate to admit it, I will be turning the big 3-0 this week (well, 29 and 12 months)! 

Fortunately, for you guys, my fabulous supporters, this is fantastic news!  Until Friday, 1/14/11, I will be having a 30% OFF sale for all of my twitter, facebook, and blog followers ONLY!  That's right, your ENTIRE order will be 30% OFF!!!  Use coupon code BIRTHDAY30 at check out to receive 30% off of your entire order at http://www.dixonjewelryandmore.etsy.com/ !!!

So, head on over to my shop and buy those items you know you've been wanting!  I have also added several new items, and will continue to do so on a near-daily basis, so keep checking back often.

Until next time, happy shopping and let's make this a fantastic birthday for me!!!

Love, Vanessa :)

Bring on the New Year

Let me start by saying that I am not that person who says at the end of every year "in the coming year, I'm making changes!" I'm just not that person. However, in the coming year, I'm making some changes! I'll be making some very exciting changes, as a matter of fact. I am going to expand my store to include items other than jewelry, such as crafts, hand-made cards (who doesn't love those!), and some art, in the form of photography.

Speaking of photography, I am also going to start pursuing my love of photography by utilizing my photographer skills. Throughout January and February, I will be working on my portfolio, which is fantastic news to you all! In order to expand my portfolio, I will be offering free photo sessions to you! These can be family photos, photos of your children, engagement photos, or anything you may need! Photos will be taken outdoors. I have several beautiful places in mind! You will get a CD of the prints, which you will be free to develop as you wish. That means no print costs to me! Everything will be absolutely free to you. The only "catch" is that I get to use the photos in my portfolio. That's a pretty great deal, huh? So, be sure to contact me quickly to reserve your spot. At prices this low (FREE!!!), spots will fill up quickly! If you're not in my area, I'm sorry :( . I still love you guys, and you can still shop my store!

Until next time, Happy New Year!!!
Vanessa

I have a secret...

I can't go to sleep without it. I love the way it makes me feel. I look forward to bed time every day, just so I can have it. I love the way it swishes around in my mouth, so hot and creamy, and glides ever so smoothly down my throat. I am getting chills right now just thinking about it. I am addicted!

Chocolate. Yes, chocolate. More specifically, Hershey's Nuggets. In a pinch, a Hershey's Candy Bar will suffice. The plain Milk Chocolate kind, no almonds, nuts, or anything else.

So, why am I writing about chocolate? Because I am down to my last bag and it tastes weird and I am completely aggravated.  You know when chocolate begins to melt then hardens back up? I believe that's what happened to this bag.  It tastes weird.  It makes me angry because it doesn't melt right.  I let them melt in my mouth when I go to sleep.  It helps me sleep.  That's my story, at least.  I have found, though, that if I hold the chocolate in my hand a few minutes, it melts properly.  Still doesn't taste quite right, but it will have to do until I can get to the store to buy a replacement bag...first thing in the morning!

Until next time, take time to enjoy the small stuff!

Vanessa

You call THAT music?

I have always considered myself a pretty "hip" person, always knowing what is in style, especially when it comes to music. Just saying that sentence qualifies me as old, doesn't it? Anyhow, I have always listened to all genres and appreciated good quality music. You know, the kind of music with meaning. Don't get me wrong, I've always come home to my country roots, but I've explored other types as well.

So, can someone please explain to me what this song means? What is the purpose of this song?

"It's a dirty, dirty world that we live innnn"

You must draw out the "in" to make the song effective.

WTF is that? It's a beautiful day and I'm riding along with my husband with the windows down, just enjoying the day when this little punk-ass kid drives up to the red light with *that* blaring. What is that?!? The only words that I could understand were the ones that I typed above. I can't bring myself to type it again. I may get sick. Am I seriously that old, or does that "song" truly suck? That's not music!

You want music, get yourself a Reba CD. Invest in a Johnny Cash CD. You want rap, download some Eminem from i-tunes. Is rock what you're craving? A little Linkin Park will do you some good. Maybe some Metallica if you really want to rock. But, please, for the safety of everyone's ability to appreciate real music, and the comfort of my ears, turn that crap off!

Until next time,

Vanessa :)

I guess it's that time!!!

Now that I have bombarded you all with links to find me and my jewelry store (links are on the right, in case you missed it :) ), I guess it's time that I properly introduce myself and let you know all about me :)

I am Vanessa Dixon, jewelry designer and owner of Dixon Jewelry And More.  There, that's it!

Nah, just kidding.  There is much more to me than that!

I am 29 years old, and ALWAYS will be!  Remember that! In 10 years, I'll be 29 and 120 months, got it?!? I just recently (October) married the most absolutely perfect man.  That's right, women... he exists!  Unfortunately for you, I snagged him up!  Unfortunately for you men, he snagged me up, so I am no longer on the market :).  He is,without a doubt, my best friend and at the risk of sounding too clique', my soul-mate.  He makes me a better person and I have never felt so loved!  I didn't know this feeling exist until I met him.  Okay, enough of the gushy stuff.  Can you tell I'm still a newly-wed? :)

Other than designing jewelry, I enjoy photography, singing/songwriting/playing my guitar, and spending time with my loved ones.  I lead a pretty simple life with as little drama as possible.  No soap opera here.  Sorry :(.  My husband is a truck driver, and I enjoy riding along with him out on the road.  Next time you see a semi out on the road, be nice to the truck driver.  You have NO idea how hard it is to drive SO much.  Seriously, it's a rough life, but someone's got to do it.  They are the modern day cowboy, so treat them with respect.  Without them, you would not get all that stuff you just have to have at Wal-Mart because no one would be delivering it to the store!  Don't cut them off.  It takes a LOT to stop an 18-wheeler, especially when it is loaded.  If you are going slow and a semi tries to pass you, let him.  Don't be stupid and speed up just because you can't stand the thought of being passed by a semi.  That kind of stupidity is what gets people killed!  Can you tell I'm on the road with him now and am sick of people's lack of respect for truck drivers?  I'm sorry.  I'll step off my soap box now :)

Anyhow, where was I?  Oh, yeah.  I was talking about me...my favorite thing to do!  I have a small, yet fabulous group of people that I can truly call my friends and for that, I am grateful.  Not many people have true friends these days.  It's a shame.  I am one of the few lucky adults to still have all four of my grandparents still living.  That may change soon, as we just found out that my grand-father is terminally ill.  He is a strong man though, and I don't think he'll go down without a fight, so who knows...he may out-live us all!  At least that is what I am hoping for!

Enough about me.  I've never been too great at describing myself.  What you see is what you get.  I promise you'll get to know me much better by subscribing to my blog and following me on twitter.  The real me always comes out when I write!

Until next time, love like there's no tomorrow and, for good-ness sake, respect truck drivers!

Vanessa :)