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.

Earlier book by Crystal Paine "Say Goodbye to Survival Mode"

I feel fortunate in that I have not been in "Survival Mode" in a very long time.  But what I do love about this book are the exercises at the end of the chapters.  My favorite was to take 15 minutes and make a list of all the good habits you want to develop in your life and the bad habits you want to reverse.  

I expected that I would have some sort of overwhelming list of items.  But I was wrong.  Instead, my list ended up with 14 habits and it took at least an hour to come up with that many. I guess that I expected to have at least 25 -30 since I can manage to scold myself about so many things.

What did I learn from this?  I learned that, as Crystal says, keep it simple (you don't have to be perfect) and stay focused. 

"Making short-term sacrifices in order to accomplish long-term goals can be very rewarding - especially if you're willing to stick with it when the going gets tough."

I am in the process of REALLY learning how to play the guitar.  I decided to take a class at the local community college - which ended up as a private lesson one day per week.  The first class was painful.  I hadn't played in awhile and was very self conscious about playing in front of someone, especially an instructor.  

She gave me some homework and the next week, I showed incredible improvement.  The third class was embarrassing.  I had not improved much over the previous week and reverted to that self-conscious, self-depreciating state of the first class.  I thought that it was because I had not practiced enough.

I entered the forth lesson confused.  I had practiced every day and yet I had very little improvement.  This lesson ended up involving more talking and less playing.  I learned that I was reinforcing my mistakes by the way I was practicing.  I needed to slow down, notice where I am making the same mistake and make a focused effort on that area until I reinforce the correct fingering.  

My enthusiasm is out the roof now and I enjoy practicing, knowing that if I stick with it, I am going to meet my goals.  My lesson this week taught me that the practice is starting to pay off and my level of playing is moving forward.  I was also pushed again out of my comfort zone by her insistence that I sing the guitar part of a new song.  I was surprised that not only am I getting over my shyness of singing in public but was also able to read music with my voice as the instrument (not something I thought that I could do).

And I know that I can approach my list of 14 habits the same way.  One at a time, with focus and effort, consistently improving, even when the process is slow.  Thank you Crystal for sharing.

Messages in the Sand

Having had a jewelry business for over 17 years, I have spent my Valentine's Days helping others find the perfect gift.  Usually our own celebration was deferred to a later date, after we were rested and ready for our own special time.  We typically did this with Christmas also - resting after the holiday rush then celebrating the first week of January.

This year, despite the surge up to the last minute of mail orders, we celebrated Valentine's Day on the actual day.  It helped that this year, Valentine's Day landed on a Sunday with the President's day Monday holiday linked in.  It was also important to the new man in my life, who wanted our first Valentine's Day to be extra special.

He booked us in a lodge on the beach - a special place that I have always loved.   We also included some hiking which that day included visiting some other wonderful Pacific Northwest beaches.

What stood out was that because it was Valentine's Day, people were putting messages in the sand.  

Some were simple I LOVE YOUs.  Others were elaborate images and cartoons from playful families and friends.

All were temporary images of permanent love shared on a day when we are reminded to tell others that they are special to us.

Creating Raving Fans Instead of Customers

Tony Robbin's, in his Business Mastery instruction, talks about creating "Raving Fans", instead of just customers.  I lost the raving fan feeling with one group and never came close to gaining it with another.  

The first instance is with a spiritual group that I have been a member of for 28 years.  When I joined, I truly became a raving fan of the organization.  Over the years, it has been waining - not because I don't believe in the fundamentals of the teaching, but because I am no longer in love with the way I am being treated as a "customer" of this group.  To put it another way, I feel that I am just being taken for granted.  There is fuss made when new people are interesting in joining but a lack of support for those who are long-time members who serve this group.

My second instance has occurred in the past several months.  I moved to a new town with my two dogs (Rosie - boxer/blue heeler and Tasha - black lab) and two cats (Paka and Ellie May).  I didn't have a vet so I picked one in town that offered free initial exams.  I figured it was a good way to tell if I'd like them and my dogs needed a vaccine.  

During this first visit, I noticed that I was being charged for services that I didn't want - upselling without my permission.  The exam was free but in addition to paying for the vaccine, they were trying to add a page full of other services they would add to the visit.  I had to request that these other services not be performed - first red flag.  

One of the vaccines needed a booster dose so I brought Rosie and Tasha back in after a month.  They got their boosters but then I was charged for a wellness exam.  Did they just have one.  They explained that they require that the dogs be examined before every vaccine.  In addition to the exam, they were trying to add other charges and upsells and once again, I had to be careful to check off these additional services that I did NOT want.  Second red flag.

Two months after this second visit, I received notices by email and snail mail that Tasha was due for a wellness exam.  It was a laugh out loud moment - three wellness exams in less than four months!  Red flag three and strike three in my book.  

But it was serious in that Rosie developed a small tumor on the side of her face.  I didn't want to take her in to this vet, not trusting them to be honest with me.  I was feeling that they were all about the money and that I had to enter their clinic with my defenses up.

There is a Petco in a neighboring town that I popped in on, asking about local vets.  A woman there suggested a vet that was more my style (one who puts the animals and their owners first) and then recanted her own bad customer service experience with my now former vet. 

There are many ways to create raving fans for your products and services.  The first step is caring for your customer.  This means, understanding your customer's needs, doing your best to meet those needs and having their back if anything goes wrong.  

The last is most important for me as a customer and I have tried to do my best in that area for those who purchase from me.  I replace or refund customers when the post office loses their packages, which happens a couple of times each year.  The packages eventually arrive - sometimes months later.  When they do, I tell the customer to keep the item or pay it forward.  It is a small gesture but one that not everyone does to protect and care for their customer.

Raving fans trust.  Raving fans give support back.  Raving fans are proud to tell others.  I want raving fans and I want to BE a raving fan.  

www.aldajewleryauctions.com

www.aldajewelryandgifts.com

New Inventory Clearance Sale starts today

ALDA Jewelry and Gifts

Starting today, ALDA Jewelry Auctions, our eBay store is having an Inventory Clearance sale with discounts on charms, pendants, earrings, vintage pins and some rings and bracelets.  Discounts range from about 20-40% depending on the item.  The sale will run through mid-March but most of the items have limited stock so shop early for the best selection.  

Just Read - Money Making Mom by Crystal Paine

I love my local library - especially the new book section.  Several weeks ago, I found the book, "Monday Making Mom" by Crystal Paine.  My favorite reading is about small businesses that learn to succeed and this book tells not only Crystal's story but also shares stories of other small businesses or products.  The table of contents tells the story about what this book is about than I could summarize as briefly.  

1 First Steps to Financial Freedom
2 What Makes You You
3 The 8-to-5 Cure: Working for Yourself
4 Get Moving, Start Building
5 Expand Your Thinking, Expand Your Wallet
6 Growing Your Business
7 What Gets in the Way
8 Live Generously
9 How to Give? Let Me Count the Ways!
10 Here's to Your Success
The book ends with her Money-Making Mom Manifesto

Crystal has created one of the most popular blogs on the web, MoneySavingMom.com, and in this book as well as on her blog, she shares her knowledge and resources.  

This book was one of my recent influences in starting to share on this blog weekly.  It is one of the ways that I have found to give back to the community which is to share my discoveries.  I am glad to have discovered this amazing woman.

Accidental 20% off Sale

A few days ago, as I was editing Markdown Manager on my eBay store, I managed to put my entire eBay stock on a 20% off sale.  I decided to go ahead and let it ride out until Feb 3rd.  So if you do follow my store, this is an optimum time to purchase. 

I am a believer that accidents happen for a purpose.  This sale accident is actually helping me work towards a goal that I have for this coming year - to reduce my online inventory to 200-300 items.  I currently have over 2500 items just on eBay. 

By knowing my outcome, events will naturally move my business in that direction.  

Rescued Raccoon & Life Missions

Having just gotten back from Tony Robbin's "A Date with Destiny", I realized that the mission in my life (past and future) has been to be an explorer, enjoy the adventure and to share the discoveries.  It is that reason that I decided to use Friday mornings as a time to share the discoveries.  

What I didn't realize that I would discover this last week was a small raccoon using my outdoor cat bed on the back deck.  The raccoon is the same color as my cat, Paka, who uses the bed whenever she stays out at night.  I often just reach down and pet her as I pass by when I cross the deck.  What a surprise when I heard a low growl from the bed as I was leaning down!  

There was several minutes of havoc as I was trying to keep my dogs away as a frightened, bundle lumbered out of the small semi-enclosed bed.  I soon realized that my small friend was blind in one eye, had an injured tail and seemed frail as it crawled up the deck railing then carefully moved along the top of the wood fence until it could climb on top of my garage roof.  

There it rested, spent quite some time cleaning himself like a cat and finally came off of the roof and disappeared down the alley.  I am new to the area and didn't know of any nearby animal shelters that could help this poor animal soul.  

The next morning, there he was, in his cat bed but he knew that when I get up, so do the dogs and he moved with more conviction off of the deck and out of yard.  He didn't look hungry but I suspect his been around for several weeks since the noticed that the cat's outdoor water bowl seemed to empty quickly during the night.

I had decided that if this fragile guy needed a place to live his life, I would accept him into our fold, as long as he was not dangerous to my other pets.  I let the neighbors know about him.  Since the weather has warmed up a bit, I see him in the neighborhood but he has not needed the warmth of my deck and Paka's bed.  

But what did this experience teach me?
I learned that sometimes we are frightened by an idea or situation.  In this case, I was initially frightened by an animal that could hurt my pets.  But if we take the time to look closer, we may see that it is not really a threat.  Then we can take the next step which is to treat it with love and acceptance.  

Think back to your favorite Valentine's day.  Was it a quiet evening alone with someone special or an extravagant night out or one of many variations in between?  After selling jewelry for 18 years, I've been amazed at how men buy Valentine's Day gifts.  There was the occasional man who knew exactly what his wife liked. Shopping for jewelry was very easy for these men and they would brag that their wives often wore the pieces they bought.

There were others that bought their wives or partners what they like (not what she likes) then complained that she never seemed to wear any of his gifts.  

Most often, I'd see panic and confusion so I'd ask the men, what types of jewelry does she wear each day.  Is her ears pierced?  Does she wear small or large earrings?  Have you ever seen her wear a necklace or bracelet?  Does she prefer gold or silver?  Rings are the trickiest - they need to know style AND size. These questions helped some and confused others more since they couldn't remember what she wears.

Back when we were doing shows and festivals, I noticed that dolphins were a favorite especially among women.  They make us smile, they open our hearts and they are fun to wear.  In the next day or so, we will be adding two styles of sterling silver heart shaped dolphin pendant necklaces to our eBay store.  They make a fun Valentine's Day gift for a new romance, for a friend or for a young girl.  And if that someone special loves pendants and loves silver and loves dolphins - you've hit the jackpot.

This a whole New Year for ALDA Jewelry & Gifts.  We will continue to offer clearance sales on most of our old sterling silver charm stock as well as many of our one-of-a-kind offerings on eBay.  Its time to make space for some VERY interesting collectibles that we have been sitting on. 

I've been watching the old episodes of "ThirtySomething".  Its humorous to watch the self-indulgent behavior of that group of "boomers".  I do miss how powerful shoulder pads made me feel back then!  What I am surprised to notice this time are the earring styles of the main characters as well as Elliot's creative use of vintage lapel pins.  These are styles that I have sold this past year.

You'll see more vintage, more classic jewelry and resurrecting old fan favorites.