Clearance Auctions of ALDA Jewelry Items on EBAY

Some of you may have noticed that we have been discounting and repricing many of our "older" stock on EBay.  This is to make room for new and vintage items that we are preparing to list this Summer and Fall 2016.

Visit our EBAY store.

This is a slow process as we update the listings as they are being discounted.  There has been an increase in International shipping so you will notice update in the revised items.  We still have free shipping in the United States for almost all of our jewelry items.  

Most of our clearance items will not be in the "Clearance" category yet and the original asking price will probably not be shown.  Just know that most of these items are being discounted 50-80% of their retail price.

The Upside of Being Down with a Cold

Boy, it has been a very sickly month for me.  I don't usually get sick or when I do, I can stop the cold after a few days.  So it was a surprise to be laid up with a sinus infection and cough for over a month.  It knocked me so hard that I could barely get out of bed several days and most days, could only function for a few hours.

As I laid there, day after day, I wondered what this was telling me.  Am I not eating healthy enough?  Am I stressed?  Is there something in my environment compromising my immune system?

Being a spiritual person, I had to look at what I am supposed to learn from this experience.  I realized, as I spent so much time in bed, that I was giving my self time to make some important decisions.  Most of these were financial and have to do with inherited money.  

I am very decisive with my own money and investments but the inherited money was different for me.  I don't want to use the money for myself, except perhaps any interest or dividends, and I want to keep the money safe for now.
With the current market, safe is easy enough but the low interest rates make me cringe.  

So here I am, laying in bed, day after day, feeling miserable but realizing that I need to make some decisions on what to do.  Being a fan of Tony Robbins, I ordered the audio version of his latest book, Money - Master the Game.  I own two copies of the book but I really wanted to review over and over the asset allocation strategies of some of the wealthiest individuals in our country.

When I finally decided on my own strategy for how to invest the inherited money, I got better.  OK, this is what I needed to do.  I started putting together my new strategy but as I felt better, I also got distracted with catching up on the day-to-day that had been neglected while I was ill.  

Then a funny thing happened. I started to relapse.  It was a wake up call to get my money decisions finalized and in process.  No more delays.  And you know what?  When I finished what I had started, my health improved   I finally feel better and actually feel that I will get completely well. 

Lesson: Sometimes we don't take time to really get in touch with what is a priority in our lives.  We allow ourselves to ignore those issues that we don't want to deal with at the moment.  In my case, being ill gave my mind a chance to look at my life from a different perspective and to focus on that area that I had been avoiding.

Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone

There is a Tony Robbin's quote that I keep on my kitchen counter.  It reads: "Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone."  This place beyond is where we grow and become stronger and where we learn about life and living and others.

The new man in my life noticed and read aloud that quote last weekend.  My response was, Yes.  I am a normally chatty person but didn't have anything to add at the time.  He did not ask or say more - not unusual since he is a quiet person.

But I have been looking at that quote closer this week.  Perhaps because it was a week where I was stretched even more.  It was uncomfortable - on the edge of painful - but I realized that getting through this week will result in a greater ease in previously demanding situations.  And I am not even through the week yet - I still have a stretch to my comfort zone later today.  

I am learning to embrace the difficult and realize that it is fun and exciting to push at my self-imposed limitations.  Why not just smile, hug myself and step forward - even if it feels like there might not be a step there?  There is a step even though I might not see it right away.  It takes trust and faith and some days will be easier to do that than others.  But that is okay.

Book Review USE THE FORCE - A Jedi's Guide to the Law of Attraction

USE THE FORCE - A Jedi's Guide to the Law of Attraction by Joshua P. Warren

I checked this book out of the new book section of my local library but am now reading it for a second time which means that its time to purchase a copy for myself.  

In preparing to USE the Force, the author simply states that we should stay away from things that make us feel bad (especially people). His ideas are simple and profound at the same time.  

One example for me is:
"....energy flows where attention goes" - quoted from Hawaiian philosophy is linked to Obi-Wan explaining to Luke, "The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded."  The author goes on to say to only pay attention to that which strengthens us and avoid that we makes us feel weaker - physically and mentally.

I personally have been working with Tony Robbin's Mastery courses and events, learning this mentally.  It can also relate to eating and drinking that which makes us physically weaker.  This is a lesson that I am still wrestling with but am close to winning.

I'll continue to add more personal insights from this book.  I love this author's style and message.

Celtic Dragonfly 14K Gold over Bronze

A dragonfly was once a spiritual messenger to comfort me when my husband had passed away suddenly. They are special Souls on our planet.

This Celtic style dragonfly pendant necklace is now available in our eBay store.

Celtic Horse in 14K Gold over Bronze

Its been awhile since I have purchased jewelry other than in solid sterling silver but this design in 14K gold over bronze is fun, intricate and works for men or women.  We offer this design in our eBay store but may consider putting a few on Amazon also.

This Celtic horse design is called Epona.  My eBay listing is here.  Stock is limited and will not be replaced.  We offer it for a special price of $19.50 which includes a gift box and free shipping.  

Please visit us at our website or eBay store.

Gateway to the Olympics - Eating in Port Angeles, WA

Scott and I love hiking and eating.  Sometimes the exercise from the hike doesn't quite balance the calorie count of the food but we are working on making that work better.

Recently, we have been trying out several restaurants and coffee houses in Port Angeles, Washington - our gateway to the Olympics.

Here are three recent discoveries:

Creme Brule' at Bella Italia in Port Angeles, WA

Creme Brule' must be in fashion again because it is on the menu almost everywhere we go.  Many have been good, one was burnt and one was outstanding - that was the one at Bella Italia in Port Angeles.  It was a lavender flavored, deep dish Brule' that was heavenly.  This is the type of place that we exchange our muddy hiking boots for dress shoes and clean up a bit before hanging out there.

Baked goods at the Blackbird Coffeehouse in Port Angeles, WA

The Blackbird is our go-to place for coffee, tea, soup, sandwiches and special treats with their baked goods.  I personally like the funky interior and the people are playful and fun.  I never feel self-conscious in our hiking boots here.  Since we are finding that many restaurants in Port Angeles have limited hours - especially on the weekends - the Blackbird has been our consistent haven, especially before a hike.

Downtown Port Angeles Coffee and Goodies at Bada Coffee Bar

We are new to using Bada Coffee Bar as a back up to the Blackbird for morning coffee and carbs.  Like the Blackbird, they bake their own goodies.  Although the selection is somewhat limited, we have enjoyed their chicken potpie pastry for a quick filling breakfast.  I am not a coffee drinker but enjoy it here.  Seating doesn't encourage long conversations but we don't want to hangout - we want to hike.