tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60607123831487972152024-03-12T22:30:05.818-05:00truly claireWith a purpose for living imaginatively and developing personal style through creative design join claire lynette on her style blog as she writes about her adventures in fashion and home décor design and diy, entrepreneurship, and more.claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-21843070385789860752014-04-06T18:10:00.001-05:002014-04-06T18:10:34.428-05:00A Little Ta-ta For Now<div style="text-align: center;">
This blog can't even be considered to be on life support. Like my GigaPet gold edition kitty that couldn't make it through the end of my sixth grade year I fear the worst has come for the little blog. As much as I'd like to devote more time and energy to it I just don't seem to make it the priority I want it to be. I have lots of post written in drafts but they don't inspire me. If they don't inspire me how could they possibly inspire any reader who just happens to come across my tiny space in the net universe?</div>
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...But because I want it to be something eventually someday I can't let it go completely. So consider it on an indefinite hiatus. If you just so happened to be a regular reader who lurked waiting patiently for a new post my sincerest apologies to you for letting you down. I hope to come back to this space soon, but until then I bid you a fond "see you later" because around here we just don't say goodbye.</div>
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Truly,<br />
Claire Lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-71279601730486618462014-02-21T11:59:00.001-06:002014-02-21T11:59:25.190-06:00Wedding Bolero Update<div style="text-align: center;">
A little update... Yet another post that has been wasting away in my drafts folder.</div>
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<a href="http://www.trulyclaire.com/2013/11/new-project-on-horizon.html" target="_blank">The bolero was finished with time to spare before the wedding. </a>The bride seemed happy though I had a sneaking suspicion from the beginning that she wouldn't need wear it despite her fears of being cold on her big day. There's just too much excitement and dancing to be done to bother being cold and I was right. Because I was so right and because the bolero was taken to its home only minutes after it received its final press I have no pictures of the final project. Not yet anyway. Once I have them I will share them here with you. Can I say the project was a success? Considering the amount of time I had to create it I'd say 'yes'. Would I make changes being the finicky designer that I am? 'Of course'. Did the bride seem happy regardless? 'Yes'. Is that all that matters? 'Yes'. Am I okay with that? 'Trying to be.'</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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claire lynette</div>
claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-23995040569729367982014-02-18T17:59:00.001-06:002014-02-19T10:53:25.085-06:00Pink Pants!<strike>That two week long hiatus?</strike> Three week hiatus (after having this post in drafts for ages). Definitely not intended this time. So my sincerest apologies. Horrendous weather and an even more horrendous illness kept me from you. The skies are a <i>little </i>brighter and I'm feeling much, much better.<br />
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I finished the pink pants well before my birthday only to have my birthday plans canceled thanks to a <a href="http://theadvocate.com/home/8214974-125/more-snow-ice-and-possible" target="_blank">little sleet, ice, and snow</a>... Ahem, but festivities were postponed to the following weekend and much fun was had. I don't have any pictures of my pants from that night so I restyled them here for you today. I'll do a proper review of the pattern in another post but for now let's just say Simplicity did several things right. Here they are in all their bifurcated glory!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/12622773165/" title="Simplicity 1696 pink by clairelynette"><img alt="Simplicity 1696 pink" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/12622773165_bba4ebe5ac_c.jpg" height="800" width="465" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/12622892003/" title="Slim Pants Simplicity 1696 by clairelynette"><img alt="Slim Pants Simplicity 1696" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/12622892003_a8bccc242e_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/12622890743/" title="Pink Argyle by clairelynette"><img alt="Pink Argyle" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/12622890743_94319c55b4_c.jpg" height="800" width="534" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/12623204094/" title="Janet Collection Mommy Wig by clairelynette"><img alt="Janet Collection Mommy Wig" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/12623204094_8b137d7a9e_c.jpg" height="800" width="513" /></a><br />
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<b>Sweater</b>, Mossimo, Target; <b>Earrings</b>, Forever21; <b>Pants</b>, pattern by Simplicity 1696, sewn by me; <b>Pumps</b>, "Faryl" by Delman</div>
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<b>Wig</b>, "Mommy", Janet Collection</div>
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<b>Weather</b>: High 76º, Low 60ºF. Overcast, breezy.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynette</div>
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claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-66163494007670632302014-01-26T12:29:00.000-06:002014-01-27T05:09:27.697-06:00Create Anyway | Mad Birthday Project<br />
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Every year I become the epitome of indecisive during the month leading up to my birthday. I can't decide on a cake, where to have dinner, if I should throw a party, what to wear, nothing. Nothing that is until a few days before then suddenly I know what I want for EVERYTHING and usually by then it's too late to do all the things I dream up especially if it involves sewing.</div>
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Despite my history of starting projects too late and being dissatisfied with the (rushed) end results I've decided I need pink pants to wear on my birthday. I can't tell you why. The idea just popped in my head so here we go. I can't buy them off the rack and have them fit properly (be long enough and wide enough in the thigh) so they must be made. Let's hope it works out. I promise I'll let you know how it turns out ;)</div>
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Truly,</div>
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claire lynette</div>
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claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-42129190436228542332014-01-14T04:51:00.001-06:002014-01-14T04:51:57.600-06:00Of Course There Are ResolutionsLong before the streets became littered with dying/dead/used/spent Christmas trees, before the ball and<a href="http://www.redstickrevelry.com/" target="_blank"> red stick dropped</a>, and long before there was a polar vortex whirring across the North America I wanted to write about the coming new year and the one we all were getting ready to leave behind us. Because of my focus elsewhere that hasn't happened until now. These are a few of my resolutions for the new year. Some are continuations of old ones that just are good to keep in mind.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <i>Accept things and people as they are (especially myself)</i></span></div>
My dad was great at this and perhaps he was so good at it because before I came along to witness his awesomeness he had a whole lifetime before me to perfect it. He would always tell me that it's much easier to change how I react to things than to change the thing I am reacting to whatever it may be. To meet people where they are and not where you wish they could be is a better way to live life. I can appreciate them for everything that they are right now: flaws, hopes, dreams; and learn and grow from that. It's wonderful when you can do that especially when you do it for yourself. I think doing this one thing as contributed to the constant serenity and happiness that I've been experiencing these past few months. It doesn't mean not to work on improving and doing my best to inspire that in others but it does mean not allowing myself or others to fall by the wayside in a pit of judgement. After all you can't judge a painting until it's finished and as far as I'm concerned we are all works in progress.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <i>Let go of what has let go of me</i></span></div>
I've lost friends this past year and each time it was incredibly hurtful and emotionally difficult as anyone can imagine it would be. I've always been a deeply loyal and supportive friend and I am reluctant to let people leave my life too easily, but I've learned that if someone wants to be in yours they will act like it. Two were people that I thought would be in my life forever and the other a new relationship that started with great promise and happiness. One I had to show the exit after a nearly unforgivable betrayal, another let go of me for reasons I still don't comprehend but have learned to accept (the new relationship), and another cut me out of their life completely when I was honest with them about what I needed from their friendship. The best thing is that though I've lost these three I've gained many more and have reconnected with old friends. Nothing can replace the good things I've had with those friends I've lost, but I am ever grateful for those I've made since.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <i>Maintain patience</i></span></div>
I don't pray to God often. I find that I don't need to. The tools he's given me already are far and a way more than sufficient to accomplish any goal set before me. I keep his guidance in mind as I go about my days and I believe he and I are both very cool with that. However, about six years ago I asked him to give me patience and he certainly did. I am much more patient now than I've ever been, but it's only because my patience has been tested more than it has ever been and because of my desire to be better I withstood the temptation to rush through things. Everyday I think my resolve grows deeper and deeper. I keep looking on the brightside and I do my best to accentuate the crap out of the positive. It works and it keeps me happy.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <i>Create anyway</i></span></div>
I started this blog years ago as a way for me to chronicle things I create, mostly in the name of fashion, but now I want to share all my little passion projects and pursuits. Since I started <a href="http://www.thornandlaurel.com/" target="_blank">Thorn & Laurel</a> money has been tight and until I'm financially stable again it's difficult to buy materials. Though I have all the time I could ever want now to make things if I had the materials I needed. The irony slays me since before I had the money but not the time. Yet, there are some things I can do and I will share them here with you since I am saving a little here and there when I can. In the mean time I'll have to settle for creating things that are relatively free: writing stories, sketching, painting, photographing, and using up the materials I already have on hand. Embracing my need to create is something that I think will help me become better. I don't know in what way better, but just better all around perhaps.<br />
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Life is ever changing and that just may be one of the best things about it. I change. The people and places around me change too. Sometimes the changes are hard, like losing once very close friends, and sometimes the changes are good like discovering you have a knack for something you never considered before. I know there are no regular readers of my blog so it's more of a vanity project than anything else, but keeping it going despite my personal setbacks and inconsistent posting (The blog has been rebooted twice and redesigned several times. After years of blogging I'm only just now reaching 100 posts) helps me keep focus of the things I care about. I hope that there is something in your life like that for you. Something that helps keep your eye on the prize, whatever that prize may be, and helps you move forward. We can't ever go back so we must make the most of going forward.<br />
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I wish you a very, very happy New Year and I will see you in the next post.<br />
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Truly,<br />
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Claire<br />
<br />claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-46442541366043706812013-12-09T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-09T10:00:06.827-06:00Finished Project | Lingerie Bag<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11290851356/" title="DIY lingerie bag"><img alt="DIY lingerie bag" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/11290851356_0db57839fc_c.jpg" width="537" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11290811895/" title="lingerie bag tassels"><img alt="lingerie bag tassels" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/11290811895_b50e259767_z.jpg" width="503" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11290882664/" title="lingerie bag lace"><img alt="lingerie bag lace" height="421" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/11290882664_cf02f74847_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials</b>: polyester taffeta, upholstery rope cord, tassels, polyester wrapped cotton thread, polyester lace trim<br />
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There are more pre-wedding customs these days than I ever knew about. One in particular: the lingerie shower. Is this a new thing? As in the last 15 years new? I have no idea but it is a cute idea. Kind of a mix between a bachelorette party and a bridal shower. Perhaps that's how they were born. At any rate since I can ill afford to buy nice lingerie for anyone including myself, I thought the next best thing was to make something. I decided a lingerie bag would fit the bill. I could have have used materials I already had on hand but that would just go against my nature. Essentially, I felt nothing I had in my stash was quite right at least not for this bride. It went over well at the party and all of the ladies in attendance encouraged me to make more to sell online. I'm considering the idea.<br />
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Construction is simple and I can make a tutorial for you if you'd like. Just leave a note down in the comment section and I'll start on it right away. It is patternless and an easy 2-hour project for someone with basic sewing skills. The material I chose makes it an easy care bag. All it ever needs is spot cleaning.<br />
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Wishing you a beautiful start to your week.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-63362288698766472472013-12-06T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-09T09:09:43.474-06:00Thrift Store Windfall | Goodwill FindsTwo weekends ago my family held a long awaited garage sale (it has been on the schedule of things to do for about a year and a half now). We've never done one before so it was definitely an experience for us all. I was surprised we sold anything because I forgot to check the weather forecast before placing the ad in the paper. Garage Sale day morning was cold, misty, and blustery and after a day outside in it I was sent to the bed for the next two days with upset sinuses resulting from an allergy attack. Still, it was worth it to clear the house of things we didn't need or want anymore. With some of my share of the earrings I decided that I should go to an old favorite, the Goodwill, and look for a few things to fill out my closet. That way I could save my pennies and still find quality clothing while satiating my shopping jones. The friend of mine whom I'm <a href="http://www.trulyclaire.com/2013/11/new-project-on-horizon.html" target="_blank">sewing a bridal bolero for</a> is hosting a tea party as a "thank you" to those who've helped her out with the wedding, so I also hoped to find a cute, unusual little something to wear. I didn't quite find anything that said "tea party" to me but I walked away with these sweet little treasures.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11238536545/" title="Black and white polka dot blazer"><img alt="Black and white polka dot blazer" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/11238536545_86efa0d342_z.jpg" width="511" /></a></div>
1.<b> Black and white polka dot blazer</b> | Label: Focus 2000 | Price: $4.99<br />
I'll need to take it in at the waist for a perfect fit but I'm so glad the sleeve are long enough! We tall girls don't always have it so easy. I may add contrasting binding around the lapels so the line of the jacket isn't so lost in the print and swap out the black buttons for white ones.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11238557784/" title="long pink blazer"><img alt="long pink blazer" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/11238557784_18163ca212_z.jpg" width="433" /></a></div>
2. <b>Pink three-button long blazer</b> | Label: Morgan Miller | Price: $4.99<br />
Another destined for the tailor's shop, just a little big. It was one half of a suit, but the skirt wasn't available and I probably would't have kept it anyway. It looks really good style with a white button down and blue jeans. I can't wait for it to be wear ready!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11238567216/" title="window pane print shirt"><img alt="window pane print shirt" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/11238567216_f36f68bfae_z.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
3. <b>True blue window pane print long sleeved button down shirt</b> | Label: Gianna | Price: $3.49<br />
by far my favorite find of the trip and I almost missed seeing it in the store! All this late 80s/early 90s glory can't go to waste but I'll probably nix those shoulder pads. Isn't it amusing how trends always come back around? I wanted a window pane print blouse after seeing them start to pop up last year. So glad I snagged one and I like that it's in a blue print instead of the ubiquitous black and white that's so popular these days.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11238635963/" title="gold pearl necklace thrifted"><img alt="gold pearl necklace thrifted" height="301" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/11238635963_81a5dafd7b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
4. <b>Gold and peal chain necklace costume jewelry </b>| Label: Unknown | Price: $3.99<br />
My mother said it resembles a necklace my grandmother used to wear so I'm tickled by our shared taste. I'll need to clean off the tarnish but once that's done it will be quite the looker. Apologies for the not so clean clipping, doing chain is tedious and you get the drift I think.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11238635843/" title="Calvin Klein green polka dot print dress by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="Calvin Klein green polka dot print dress" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/11238635843_a1c4fd63d7_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
5.) <b>Green polka dot a-line sundress</b> | Label: Calvin Klein | Price: $4.99<br />
I remember seeing this bad boy at Dillard's a few seasons ago (maybe Spring 2009?) for $128. I really wanted it then but I couldn't bring myself to do it. It can still be<a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/Dresses-/63861/i.html?_dcat=63861&Brand=Calvin%2520Klein&Pattern=Polka%2520Dot" target="_blank"> found on ebay for around $30- $50</a>. I'm still amazed that I found it in my size, though I suppose I might wear a 2 in Calvin Klein as this 4 is a bit roomy in the waist and bit finicky to get into thanks to those immobile straps.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11238636093/" title="express silk color block skirt"><img alt="express silk color block skirt" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/11238636093_6b9ce333e6_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
6.) <b>Silk black and grey colorblock pleated A-line skirt</b> | Label: Express | Price: $3.49<br />
I remember seeing this maybe Fall/Winter 2012 or Spring this year and thinking "what a lovely little skirt and silk too, but not for $70". I almost didn't try it on since I saw it was a size 4 (I measure an industry standard 8 on bottom but in the age of vanity sizing I've bought clothes labeled 2, 4, and 6 so I can never be sure) but I followed the rule of thrifting: If you like it try it, and it was a perfect fit.<br />
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<b>TOTAL AFTER TAXES</b>: $28.28<br />
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The next morning after my shopping trip I played for an hour or so styling my new finds. I'm flummoxed with how I'll work in the polka dot blazer since I didn't like a lot of what I came up with. I feel like I need more colors on bottom and prints to play with. In time :) I'm down to one pair jeans, a few grey slacks, and some ill fitting twill pants (they grow in the waist throughout the day and lazy design flaw) that I was determined to make work. I couldn't and was faced with the age old truth that if it doesn't fit properly it never works. I barely wear them so they'll be making a trip to the Goodwill once I find replacements.<br />
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This year I've had to maintain a tight budget in order to get the ball rolling on <a href="http://www.thornandlaurel.com/" target="_blank">Thorn & Laurel</a> while I wasn't working. I'm so grateful to have had the this time to focus on my store and the next direction I'd like to go in life. Though I may have a had several headaches that accompanied a fair amount of frustration along the way I know I am truly fortunate. Because I've been such a penny-pincher (a lot more so than usual) I haven't bought anything for myself these past 12 months outside of the basic necessities.No new clothes, cosmetics (okay, the occasional $1.00 lipstick), shoes, electronics, music etc. I scaled back considerably on dining out and what I'd order when I would go and I limited my entertainment to the occasional movie. I haven't missed much buying what I like when I want it simply because I don't tempt myself by going shopping: not brick and mortar shops, not catalogs, and not online. I even put my favorite fashion magazines down for a while because these days they are essentially nothing but nicely edited books of advertisements. I keep my eye on the prize knowing that making these few sacrifices from what I've been accustomed to will pay off in the end. Knowing that I can live well on a lot less is a very, very comforting thought.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-86663843597136084742013-12-04T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-04T10:00:06.162-06:00Little Updates<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11207213244/" title="claire black and white"><img alt="claire black and white" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/11207213244_9ed73fd0c7_b.jpg" width="683" /></a></div>
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1.) <b>I got a part-time job working overnight doing stock replenishment for a beauty supply store here in town.</b> My first night was last night and it was a breeze. I love having something to constantly do where my mind is totally focused on the task at hand; it's like meditation for me. Plus, I'm already accustomed to the schedule. It may only be a seasonal position, I'm not entirely sure, but I'm happy to have it. Hopefully they see my work ethic and ability to learn quickly and decide to keep me on permanently. (I've had to remind myself that even if you are competent, have common sense, and are skillful most people will still treat the "new girl" like an idiot until she's proven herself to them which unfortunately you have to do at any new work environment no matter your level of position or authority. It's a reality that I accept.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11206828636/" title="sock loom and yarn"><img alt="sock loom and yarn" height="311" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/11206828636_6266ec2384_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2.) <b>The sock knitting loom is a trial of patience.</b><br />
It took me two hours to get just this far because of the tedium of pulling the loops over the small pegs. The fabric I've knitted so far bare extends the height of the loom. I do think that knitting looms are ideal for folks who have <i>never </i>knitted before and are just learning concept so they can be very useful. However, after two hours I think I I would have had a finished or nearly finished sock using traditional knitting technique of knitting in the round with four needles. I've decided to test this theory out and continue to finish the sock on the loom and then create its twin using traditional knitting needles. I'll post my results later. Sadly, this means no sock loom knitted Christmas gifts for anyone this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/11206818714/" title="birthingelephant book by"><img alt="birthingelephant book" height="251" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/11206818714_701497f2f2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3.) <b>I've slowed down a lot.</b><br />
For the past year I've been going quite hard with getting <a href="http://www.thornandlaurel.com/" target="_blank">Thorn & Laurel</a> up and running. I realized that though I loved this new endeavor it was wearing me out. I have a book that is really helpful in deepening my understanding of the emotional and psychological part of starting a business (lots and lots of ups and downs). It's titled <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Birthing-Elephant-Go-For-It-Overcoming-Challenges/dp/1580088872/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386166889&sr=8-1&keywords=birthing+the+elephant" target="_blank">Birthing the Elephant, The woman's go-for-it! guide to overcoming the big challenges of launching a busines</a></i>s by Karin Abarbanel and Bruce Freeman and I recommend anyone even thinking of becoming an entrepreneur to read it woman or otherwise. I've gone back over the pages and assured myself that it's okay to take a breather before I head into the next phase of the business. Giving myself a chance to recharge my batteries and regain focus I think will really help. Of course I have lists and lists of new ideas and my original business plan to serve as my road map, but one person can only do so much before she has to sit down for a minute. Doing so has helped me balance my stress, expectations, and time better. I'm looking quite positively towards the future.<br />
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4.) <b>Wedding Project</b><br />
I'm making stellar progress on the project I<a href="http://www.trulyclaire.com/2013/11/new-project-on-horizon.html" target="_blank"> told you about here</a>. I <i>would </i>ordinarily post pictures but since we don't want the groom accidentally seeing the bride in her gown before the wedding day I'll have to wait, but I will show you some muslins that I've done up in a later post. It's so exciting!<br />
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I hope everyone has had a beautiful past few weeks and if you've celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend I hope it was a happy and safe one.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
<br />
claire lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-1963180495635260332013-11-15T12:00:00.000-06:002013-11-15T12:00:05.366-06:00MS. RITA: Working to Fund My Dream<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="girl at window" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/10871880835_4245f0bcca_b.jpg" title="girl at window" width="575" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My old friend Boo always knew how to cheer me up | Taken Jan. 2010<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>I had a feeling that the store might not do so well in the beginning. I didn't think it'd be going this poorly but I had a contingency plan in place if it came to be. Now it is time to put that plan to action and I've started searching for a part time job this week. Hopefully I find something with flexible hours or ideally night time hours so that I can still have time to work on bringing my store to where I'd like it to be. Just searching through the want ads is more than enough of a reminder to me of how much I want to work for myself. There are so many vague postings and so many scams it's a bit overwhelming. Especially since I don't live in a town where my degree would be useful to anyone except another retailer I find myself stuck in the very same place I was five years ago when I moved home. The idea of leaving again crossed my mind but for right now my place is here until I can be more established and financially stable again.<br />
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I'm okay with taking a job outside of my field of study. I've done it for the last four years and it's not so bad until that stifled feeling creeps up as it always does when you aren't doing the thing you are meant to do. This time though I want to stay closer to my roots if I can. And while I work for someone else I'll still pursue ways to bring income in on my own. Not just through the store but through other ventures such as writing books and developing sewing classes.<br />
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To be completely honest with you I'm so very tired. The insomnia is better but emotionally I'm drained. So many other things, not just the store, aren't going the way I thought they would or would have liked them to. Many times I feel as if there is no one I can talk to and that people have very little concern for where I am or how I'm feeling because they "know that I'll be all right". While they are most likely right and I do agree that eventually I'll be just fine, it still feels very lonely to be the only one who seems to care. Still, I press on. The best thing for me to do when I'm feeling like this is to create something. The project I'm working on for my friend's wedding is a much welcome distraction. It will help me to focus on something other than how miserable I've been lately and how alone I feel. Creating something that can put a smile on her face is so important to me and I want to make sure it's just right.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
<br />
claire lynette claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-36894657934909170232013-11-13T10:00:00.000-06:002013-11-13T10:00:06.095-06:00Window Shopping: I Need Glasses<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10826544976/" title="MD8875 by clairelynette"><img alt="MD8875" height="186" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/10826544976_83ccd3f00c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10826798803/" title="Editor Oscar by clairelynette"><img alt="Editor Oscar" height="186" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/10826798803_2b7a19b8a2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10826510195/" title="Sergio by clairelynette"><img alt="Sergio" height="186" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/10826510195_ccb0db3b79_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>top to bottom</i>: <a href="https://www.eyemartexpress.com/product/m&d%208875" target="_blank">M&D 8875</a> | <a href="https://www.eyemartexpress.com/product/editor%20oscar" target="_blank">Editor Oscar</a> | <a href="https://www.eyemartexpress.com/product/sergio%201" target="_blank">Sergio</a></div>
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I've long needed to wear my glasses. I don't because I break them, forget them places, and they make the tops of my ear itch. My driver's license renewal is coming up and I'm required to wear my glasses while I drive even though my vision isn't that bad but according to my DMV it's not good enough to go without lenses. I have a pair but the prescription is wrong and was wrong when I got them. Sometimes doctor's don't listen very well and when they don't listen you end up with blurry lenses. I'm looking to get new lenses and those above are the frames I'm considering putting them in. I picked them from the <a href="https://www.eyemartexpress.com/shop/gender/women">website of the place I'll most likely go to get a new pair</a>. I wish I could afford to have prescription lenses in a variety of different frames but my pocketbook isn't full like that so I have to choose just one. Or I can do the rational thing and find (of course they're lost at the moment) and keep the frames I have now, which I like, and save some dimes.<br />
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Which do you like best? Let me know in the comments!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-67775638561844469942013-11-11T12:00:00.000-06:002014-01-14T05:17:46.267-06:00New Project on the Horizon<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfRf0KXYBoI/TxfsWxGuB4I/AAAAAAAAAIk/Ndr12xqL7ck/s1600/bridal-jacket-wedding-bolero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gfRf0KXYBoI/TxfsWxGuB4I/AAAAAAAAAIk/Ndr12xqL7ck/s320/bridal-jacket-wedding-bolero.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9u7ron2TL-o/UtUaiYldk_I/AAAAAAAABVA/iXI9GCbXkjE/s1600/southern-weddings-fur-wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9u7ron2TL-o/UtUaiYldk_I/AAAAAAAABVA/iXI9GCbXkjE/s320/southern-weddings-fur-wrap.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Over the weekend a dear friend called me with a fashion emergency. This emergency wasn't like any other though as it had to do with what she was going to wear for her wedding day so I was more excited to help than I usually am (and I'm usually pretty damn excited anytime someone thinks to ask me my opinion). She's having a winter wedding which is in just over a month and has everything set: the dress, the bouquet, the hair, etc... except for something to keep her warm. She realized she wanted a shawl/shrug/bolero of some sort to wear that would be elegant and go well with her gown. So she went searching for one thinking it'd be an easy fix and was met with a lot of disappointment: the wrong color, the wrong size, or if ordered it'd arrive too late to be useful. In a moment of either great genius or desperation she called me and asked if I could make one for her. Ordinarily when people ask or allude to me making them something my answer is "no". Point blank and period. I find little satisfaction in sewing for other people because usually the effort it takes to create it goes under-appreciated and/or it's a headache making something to someone's ever changing specifications. Not fit issues mind you but suddenly changing the color or top stitching of a thing. This time my answer was different. I gave her a resolute, "Yes, absolutely!" because</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span> 1.)I've been wanting to do something for her for her wedding but didn't know what<br />
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2.) She has impeccable taste and knows exactly what she wants so in the 11th hour she won't suddenly change her mind about color or design details;<br />
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3.)She would appreciate it so much (it's for her wedding for crying out loud!) and knowing that would keep me at ease while I put it together and inspire me to put forth my very best through the end.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmwIbr1PFgo/UoEarINEkgI/AAAAAAAABTE/8AVvKH63WWc/s1600/palomablanoc+bolero.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmwIbr1PFgo/UoEarINEkgI/AAAAAAAABTE/8AVvKH63WWc/s320/palomablanoc+bolero.JPG" width="216" /></a>Most likely what we come up with won't be an original design. I don't have the time really and I wouldn't want to give her anything that was half-cocked. But there are lots of lovely patterns out there that I'm sure I can adapt to make what she's thinking of come true. I'll be chronicling the progress of its creation here. Right now I'm waiting on pictures from her to get an idea of what she's looking for and searching the internet for inspiration. To the left are photos I've found so far that set the mood for where I think this project will go. I'm so excited and I hope that I'll be able to take away one less thing for her to stress about leading up to her big day.<br />
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<i>Source</i>: <a href="http://bridesofadelaide.blogspot.com/2012/01/boleros.html">1<span id="goog_986255810"></span><span id="goog_986255811"></span></a> | <a href="http://southernweddings.com/2012/01/05/ask-the-experts-a-southern-winter-wedding-part-ii/">2</a> | <a href="http://www.onewed.com/blog/savvy-scoop/category/bridal-accessories/2011/06/03/paloma-blanca-bridal-boleros-sophisticated-elegance-defined">3</a><br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynette<br />
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<br />claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-54782343684726201502013-11-06T10:00:00.000-06:002013-11-06T10:00:42.878-06:00A Little Makeover<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Style Method</i> is now <i>Truly Claire</i></span></div>
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you can still access the site using the old address: http://clairelynette-stylemethod.blogspot.com or</div>
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use <strong>http://www.trulyclaire.com</strong></div>
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Like the new blog design? I hope you do! Designing it took very little time at all; however implementing it on Blogger's fickle platform and fiddling with Internet Explorer's odd and unnecessary parameters provided more than a few headaches. There are still some issues with browser resizing but most screens should view it just fine and on all (as far as I know) modern browsers.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxm96tgHkFM/UnpTAknXOPI/AAAAAAAABSw/BwstAqUxhdI/s1600/old+design.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxm96tgHkFM/UnpTAknXOPI/AAAAAAAABSw/BwstAqUxhdI/s320/old+design.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKul9gQXRzI/UnpRfGySQNI/AAAAAAAABSk/McoEJoKv7a0/s1600/trulyclaire+mockup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKul9gQXRzI/UnpRfGySQNI/AAAAAAAABSk/McoEJoKv7a0/s320/trulyclaire+mockup.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIRST MOCK UP DESIGN</td></tr>
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I illustrated the layout in <a href="http://inkscape.org/">Inkscape</a> and put everything together over a period of two weeks. (Shout out to <a href="http://www.w3schools.com/">W3Schools</a> and <a href="http://webdesignerwall.com/">Web Designer Wall</a> for their tutorials.) It shouldn't have taken more than a day to create the markup, but I learned after several days frustration and lost edits that <a href="http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/blogger/S_uVwRQQrOY[1-25-true]">Blogger's HTML editor doesn't like to save changes in Firefox</a> so I had to switch to Internet Explorer; and Blogger templates (at least the one I modified) use Internet Explorer display parameters from version 7 of the browser which won't display any HTML5 markup thus making the page thoroughly unusable. <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-US/library/jj676915(v=vs.85).aspx">I figured this out just yesterday and made an easy change</a>.<br />
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There are few other changes I plan to make for later but they aren't integral to the layout of the site and I decided I could take my time coding them so I can get them just right for use on the Blogger platform. You may also notice in the markup I have links for Facebook and YouTube...those are coming soon. Yes a YouTube Channel! Exciting!<br />
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Let me know what you think of the makeover in the comments!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynette<br />
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claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-63770965855003075712013-11-01T10:00:00.000-05:002013-11-06T09:31:55.212-06:00MS RITA: Disappointment and the Recovering PerfectionistI didn't want to have two Ms Rita posts back to back, nor did I want to have two hair style posts so close to one another which served as part of a sad reason why I hadn't posted in two weeks. The real reason is during my favorite month of October I'd been stumbling over one disappointment after another in both my professional and private lives and all together I've slipped into a kind of mild depression. Or as my father would call it a case of the blues. If only I was skilled enough to wail away about my troubles while I strum a Gibson ES-355 in a smokey nightclub. <a href="spotify:track:4TkJOgmgixXZFdFR6awGTO">Oh Lucille</a>.<br />
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Perfectionism reared it's ugly head again and I realized I was setting up arbitrary and unnecessary goals for myself. My inflexibility for some things is sometimes overwhelming and at times disabling so when I'm trying to overcome my rigid tendencies and then these things happen:<br />
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Professionally:<br />
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1.) A license that I applied for according to instructions given to me from the powers that be still hasn't come in. This license is required for me to run my business and it if I'm found to be operating without it I can be charged with a misdemeanor and a fine which I can ill afford to pay. The fact that the application fee was deposited but the application lost boiled my blood. After finding out they sent the wrong application for me to submit, sending in a new one, waiting nearly a month for something that should have been completed in 7-10 business days; several phone calls and e-mails later I received word that they might process the application next week. I received this news this past Friday. Nothing is more disappointing than doing everything by the book and still being screwed. Nothing. As I have made no sales this month (another disappointment) I'm not worried about visiting the nearest cell block, however it's lead to the next problem.<br />
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2.) My saved funds are disappearing at an alarming rate and it's unsettling not having any revenue coming into justify the costs and the time put in so far. The fact that a simple piece of paper that I don't have yet is keeping me from reversing this problem just compounds my frustration.<br />
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3.) The recent government shut down was responsible for throwing off plans for a photoshoot because a scouted location was taken of the table thanks to being a part of the National Park Service. I had no idea it was national park. Still I opted to regroup and attempt to do the shoot anyway, perhaps in studio, but yet another obstacle reared it's ugly head (see point 2 above) and I canceled it completely.<br />
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4.) The fall lines for affordable clothing are pitiful in my opinion and I've had a hard time picking what to carry in the shop. I'm well aware that my emotions brought on by everything I've mentioned so far are probably clouding my ability to make decisions. I hate admitting it, but it's the truth. That and I hate providing what I feel are sub-par products. It's a vicious catch-22. In the mean time I've narrowed the list down to a few viable styles and with all determination will be placing orders at the end of the week. I have faith that my local government will get its act together and I'll have my license to operate in my hands soon. It's a gamble though I believe a reasonable one.<br />
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and Personally:<br />
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1.) I won't go into much detail here but the essence of it can be summed up in <a href="spotify:track:4I3KMa9p00MJwWbT0vi5iX">Track 9 on Adele's <i>21</i></a>. I laughed when I heard it because before I was feeling more like <a href="spotify:track:0tYwBs0EBdDVbag3msTjTN">Track 9 on Lily Allen's <i>It's Not Me It's You</i></a>. Since I heal through music I've been avoiding these tracks after I first heard them this past week. Especially the one from Ms. Adele. She plucks those heartstrings like a master.<br />
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2.) Insomnia is happening. I've never had it before. As a matter of fact I am writing this after waking up after having gone to bed about four hours ago. This has been the program that has gotten steadily worse this month. When I do sleep I'm met with either disturbing, unsettling, and/or nightmarish dreams. I rarely wake up rested. This could be due to a new medication I'm taking meant to regulate issues with my thyroid. Though I believe stress and anxiety has a lot to do with it too. Breathing exercises usually help get me back to sleep but only after a few hours wakefulness. This can't go on much longer if I still want to be a functioning human being.<br />
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3.) I'm still mourning the loss of a person I thought was a friend. They aren't dead so it's not that type of loss but I'm nevertheless going through all the stages of grief. I was betrayed and manipulated by this person who was very close to me. They used to be a big part of my life and now they are out. I don't miss them so much as I miss the fondness of the memories I had with them. Now that all of those memories are tainted after learning of their betrayal I'm left with a bitter taste. I forgave them but they can never be in my life again. I've never had this happen before so I'm learning how to deal. It probably means that I'll have an easier time letting people go should this happen again but unfortunately that also means it will be harder for me to hold on to those people in the first place. I'll work on that because it's not how I want to be. Everyone deserves a chance and that means that sometimes you get stomped on.<br />
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...all of it makes me want to hide in a hole and give up but...<br />
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In spite of all the this and becoming less productive in some areas of my life I've managed to still get a lot done in other ways. I've started exercising regularly again which always helps me feel better and I hope helps with the insomnia, I've learned how to use Spotify and have discovered some great artists and songs from others I've long admired I've never heard before, I've done a lot of coding for this blog and have learned some new things in the process, I've gotten better at cornrows where I actually feel okay with going out in public with them, and I've developed a new shopping program for Thorn & Laurel which I hope to start soon (waiting on that license).<br />
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Even though now I'm feeling blue I have joy. That may be difficult for some folks to understand but for me it makes perfect sense. I may not be happy but there is a lot in my life that is right. I know if I focus on that it makes things easier and will help bring me out of my funk. I cried a lot of tears in October and have had a lot of sleepless nights but it will get better. It always does.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-30540584344181829622013-10-31T10:00:00.000-05:002013-10-31T10:00:09.912-05:00Little Surprises<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10591692276/" title="sock loom by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="sock loom" height="381" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/10591692276_5a850c1802_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm such a lucky lady. My mother surprised me with my very own sock knitting loom! I hadn't realized how much I had talked about making my own socks, legwarmers, and mittens but apparently it was quite a lot that this is what first came to mind when she was looking for a little present. I haven't been doing all that well this month, which I'll elaborate on in a later post, so this was my mom's way of bringing me a little cheer. If I can get the hang of it I know what everyone will be getting for Christmas this year!<br />
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We'll be going on a little trip together to select sock yarn that I can use to practice. I hope I can share my creations with you! If it doesn't work out forget this post was ever written because I'll never mention it again.<br />
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Wishing you a Happy and Safe Hallowmas!<br />
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claire lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-66790291825747750442013-10-29T10:00:00.001-05:002013-11-06T09:41:12.233-06:00Simple Protective Hair Style: Elegant Cross Twists<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10556567374/" title="protective hair twists by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="protective hair twists" height="900" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/10556567374_3e4373127a_b.jpg" width="657" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10556572294/" title="elegant protective hair by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="elegant protective hair" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/10556572294_eb47aaab64_b.jpg" width="709" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10556526556/" title="elegant side twists by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="elegant side twists" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/10556526556_9cf88c2516_b.jpg" width="660" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10556764683/" title="protective style updo by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="protective style updo" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/10556764683_11f75ba537_b.jpg" width="690" /></a></div>
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<b>T-shirt</b>: Gap Perfect Tee<br />
<b>Difficulty</b>: Easy</div>
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<b>Durability</b>: Two night maximum, total 3 days</div>
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<b>Time</b>: Approximately 15 minutes</div>
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<b>Supplies</b>: bobby pins, smoothing cream or hair wax</div>
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This rope twist style is super easy and was more of an accident than anything. I wore it a few weeks ago and liked it very much. I found it to be quite versatile. To recreate the style side part hair at the front, leaving a section of hair out above the hair and create two separate twists in the front. Wind the twists into a pin curl and pin in place at the top of the head. Take the section of hair that was left out about the ear and twist, secure out of the way. On the other side of the front part section hair into two and then twist each section, secure out of the way. At the back take two sections of hair behind the ear and pin to the side. Section the rest of the back into three and loosely twist each section and pin and arrange however you like and pin in place. Take the remaining sections behind each ear and twist. Cross each section towards the back and pin in place. Finally take the sections at front and pin towards the back tucking the ends into the larger twists. Cross the twists from the front on the short side of the part before securing into the back.</div>
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Follow the jump to see what this style looks like (not quite a total wreck) after two nights and two vigorous workouts later. The pictures are right after a workout and I took it down shortly after.</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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claire lynette</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10556900634/" title="elegant protective style after by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="elegant protective style after" height="491" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/10556900634_7294bba6e9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Let me know what you think in the comments section and share any hair ideas you have too!claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-63975024581062992192013-10-07T10:00:00.000-05:002013-11-06T09:41:12.228-06:00Simple Protective Hair Style: Cross Front French BraidsThese next few weeks I'm wearing what I like to call short term protective hair styles: styles that can be worn at least through two to three nights at a time and still look halfway decent. The goal is keep my hands out of my hair and my hair out of my way for a good while. This is the second of those styles <a href="http://clairelynette-stylemethod.blogspot.com/2013/09/casual-weekend-layered-tunics.html">the first you can see here which is just this style in reverse</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10137373755/" title="Protective Style French Braid Cross by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="Protective Style French Braid Cross" height="1024" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/10137373755_c9d7276b70_b.jpg" width="683" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10137272644/" title="Protective Style French Braids by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="Protective Style French Braids" height="1024" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/10137272644_b27219ae52_b.jpg" width="683" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10137495023/" title="Simple French Braid Protective Style by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="Simple French Braid Protective Style" height="1024" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/10137495023_89d46763a6_b.jpg" width="683" /></a></div>
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<b>Blouse</b>, Bella Tees; <a href="http://clairelynette-stylemethod.blogspot.com/2013/10/simple-beaded-necklace-and-bracelet.html"><b>Necklace</b>, made by me</a><br />
<b>Difficulty:</b> Easy<br />
<b>Durability</b>: at least two nights or three days<br />
<b>Time</b>: approx. 10 min<br />
<b>Supplies:</b> bobby pins, smoothing hair cream or wax<br />
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Admittedly I forgot to take a picture of the back as this was intended to be an outfit post and I rarely take pictures from the back. This was shot a few days after I braided my hair so it's a bit frizzy since I didn't use the smoothing wax or cream in the beginning. The hair is parted down the center with the braids being frenched towards the front on each side and kept loose (unattached) starting at the ears. Each braid is crossed in the front to the other side and pinned in place with a bobby pin. I arranged mine so they wouldn't lie flat and stood up a bit kind of like a tiara. I was able to wear this style for four nights or five days, only rebraiding the front loose sections once after the second night.<br />
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I have a new protective style in now and will share the process of that one with you once I wear it out. It involves all kinds of twists.<br />
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Wishing you a beautiful start to your new week,<br />
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claire lynette<br />
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P.S<br />
How do you like the larger picture size? Groovy, no?claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-20107527821803436572013-10-04T10:00:00.000-05:002013-10-04T10:00:01.138-05:00MS RITA: Fear, Worry, Anxiety, and Other InconveniencesThese past two months I have had the great displeasure of encountering undue amounts of fear, worry, and anxiety thanks to this new journey I've embarked on. The emotions took me by such surprise that I still wonder if I've fully checked back into reality yet. Since opening the store I've been so hard on myself that I've worried me into a little dark abysmal hole where I'm nearly convinced I'm going mad and that everything I've done for the past eight months has been an utter mistake and waste of time. I don't tell very many about how I feel because I'm one of those people that others assume will be all right and on top no matter what I do so if I start lamenting about a problem I'm having I get shut down pretty quick with a, "You'll be fine." It's nice to know that others have such faith in me because it's their faith that I'm relying on now as mine is whisper thin and just as transparent. My sincerest hope is that in a few years I'll be able to look back on this post smile and think, "You silly girl. Everything worked out even better than you had hoped now didn't it?" It usually goes that way but it's so hard to keep in focus on a positive outcome when you feel as if you're blinded and trapped in an unfamiliar room and can't find the door to get out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10085340443/" title="perfect tal ben shahar books by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="perfect tal ben shahar books" height="358" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/10085340443_0a92588200_c.jpg" width="700" /></a></div>
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Library books and journal on my nightstand</div>
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I know that fear is inevitable. There is no such thing as living without it and when people say they have no fear they are either lying or crazy. Acknowledging fear and still being able to work through it is the important thing. That's what I believe bravery is: doing something despite being afraid. I'm plenty scared and I'm well aware of it so at least I have that much going for me. My greatest fear is of failure and it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy if I can't get my act together and move past my fear. Welcoming failure is a concept that I have a hard time with. <br />
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It has only been recently that I've embraced the idea of optimalism instead of perfectionism so I'm still a rookie and there are years of kinks to work out. I've always been a fairly optimistic person to the point that it seems to annoy others but because I haven't found a consistent way to work through my fear and hence my perfectionism I have worry. So what happens when fear and worry get together in my head and take up all of my available brain power? Sleepless nights fraught with rapid mental gymnastics happen: my imagination is my greatest asset and my worst enemy. Anxiety sets in, mania takes hold, and I end up out of bed pacing the floors. Never before have I been this unsettled about any goal. Perhaps it is proof how much I want it, not as though I needed it as this kind of all night activity does me absolutely no good.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Nixie One; font-size: x-large;">"<i>Optimalism allows for failure in pursuit of a goal, and expects that while the trend of activity will tend towards the positive it is not necessary to always succeed while striving to attain goals.</i>" - Tal Ben-Shahar</span></div>
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Since knowing is half the battle I've been working to channel this anxious energy into positive productivity as best I can. What point is there in spending time worrying about what might or might not happen when I could be doing something - anything - to effect change and develop progress? So I've taken a few steps to help move me in the right direction:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.</span> <b>Starting small. </b><br />
Even if it's something small like making a to do list, drafting an e-mail to a potential client, or browsing new collections I do it because it matters. Doing the little things and doing them well encourages me to take on the bigger, scarier things. I know that when I break it down those big scary things aren't so big or bad. It's all in my mind.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. </span><b>Taking frequent breaks from work.</b><br />
Now, when I realize that I'm no longer enjoying what I'm doing and am only focusing on the outcome, I force myself to take a step back and do something else like take a walk, <a href="http://clairelynette-stylemethod.blogspot.com/2013/09/september-2013-favorite-things.html">make bracelet</a>s, sort through laundry, etc... I want to enjoy the process and learn and grow from it not just check it off the list.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. </span><b>Turning down the inner critic</b><br />
There is no way I'm not going to be concerned about the quality of work that I do, but there is a distinct line between being reasonably self-critical and wanting to open a vein because something isn't going perfectly according to an arbitrary set of self-imposed rules and expectations. When I start to become anxious about whatever it is I'm working on because "it just isn't right yet" I take a moment to appreciate what I did get right and if everything I'm trying to do is necessary for it to be a great project. That way I can start focusing on the most important aspects of the project and leave the rest for improvement later. Very rarely does anything ever come out "perfectly" the first go-round. This is the hardest one for me to do so far and I expect it would be hard for a lot of other people. </blockquote>
Looking on the outside in I'm sure I sound like a total nut but it's a process I need to go through to be better. I have a business to run and don't have much time for hand-wringing so I borrowed a book from the library this weekend titled <i>The Pursuit of Perfect: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living a Richer, Happier Life</i> written by positive psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar who is a proponent of optimalist thinking. He taught a class at Harvard on happiness and <a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-august-9-2007/tal-ben-shahar">you can learn more about it here </a>(for those of you with short attentions spans or little time) and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-RVECUWOGQ">here for those of you with an hour to kill</a> or great interest. I need to get a grip; hopefully reading this book will give me one or at least get me on my way. I wrote the first draft of this post before I read the book but now I'm nearly done with the book and it confirmed a lot of suspicions I already had about my perfectionist tendencies. So I'm feeling better about the perspective I have and the changes I've made to modify my behavior so far. In the book Ben-Shahar gives exercises and tools to use to help a person cut through the curtain that's keeping them from reaching their potential. I highly recommend it and will be checking out his other titles once my public library acquires them.<br />
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All said I don't mean to imply that I'm unhappy because in general I am quite happy. When I think of it, there is nothing else I'd rather be doing than working towards realizing my goals. It's the bit of not knowing if what I'm doing will work that gets me since I've never done this before. This where I must be brave and soldier on because it truly is the journey that counts the most.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-37543312140999540762013-10-03T10:00:00.000-05:002013-10-03T10:00:02.520-05:00Simple Beaded Necklace and Bracelet<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10069495996/" title="black and smoke beaded necklace-bracelet by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="black and smoke beaded necklace-bracelet" height="416" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/10069495996_38fae2cdc9_c.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
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This is the necklace and bracelet I made that I mentioned buying supplies for in the last post. The necklace is very simple <u>construction</u>: tie a knot to a closure, tie a knot around the fist bead, string the beads, tie a knot around the last closure, snip the excess cord, and ta-da! The <u>bracelet is even simpler</u>: beads strung on a stretch jewelry cord to the desired length, knotted three times, cut the excess cord, tuck the knot inside a bead and ta-da! My mother liked my necklace so much she asked me to make another one in a 20" length for her.</div>
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For supplies and pattern info follow the link below.</div>
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I hope your October is getting off to a lovely start and that your week is going well. Until next time,</div>
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claire lynette</div>
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<b>NECKLACE</b></div>
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<u>Supplies for a 34" necklace:</u></div>
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218 seed beads in jet</div>
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36 mini bicone glass bead in smoke</div>
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9 large faceted oval jet beads</div>
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1 metal round clasp and closure</div>
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39" nylon monofilament</div>
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<u>Necklace Pattern:</u></div>
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20 jet seed beads, 1 smoke bicone, 1 jet seed bead, 1 smoke bicone, 1 large facet oval, 1 smoke bicone, 1 jet seed bead, 1 smoke bicone | repeat entire sequence 9x then finishing with the last 20 jet seed beads</div>
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<b>BRACELET</b></div>
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<u>Supplies for 7" bracelet:</u></div>
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20 seed beads in jet</div>
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16 mini bicone glass beads in smoke</div>
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4 large faceted oval jet beads</div>
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12" stretch magic jewelry cord in .5 mm diameter</div>
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<u>Bracelet Pattern:</u></div>
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1 smoke bicone, 1 jet seed bead, 1 smoke bicone, 3 jet seed beads, 1 smoke bicone, 1 jet seed bead, 1 smoke bicone, 1 large faceted oval | repeat entire sequence 4x</div>
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The products I used all came from Joann Fabric and Craft Store. The sizes were not given for any of the beads however the exact products I used were:</div>
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/-metal-clasps-ext-round-1-silver-6-pkg-asst/9722471.html#q=blue+moon+beads+round+metal+clasp&start=7">Blue Moon Metal Clasps</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/clear-8lb-monofilament--100-yards/2737864.html#q=nylon+monofilament&start=2">Darice Clear Nylon Monofilament 8lb test 100 yds</a></div>
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Stretch Magic .5 mm clear jewelry cord</div>
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/strnd-mini-crystalline-smoke/10912921.html#q=mini+crystalline&start=4">Mini Crystalline Glass bicone beads in Smoke</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/blue-moon-strung-glass-seed-bead-hank-jet-black/1745678.html#q=jet+seed+beads&start=3">Blue Moon Jet Seed Bead Hank</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/jet-faceted-oval-glass/1776517.html#q=jet+faceted+oval&start=3"></a><a href="http://www.joann.com/jet-faceted-oval-glass/1776517.html#q=jet+faceted+oval&start=3">Bliss Beads Jet Faceted Oval</a></div>
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You can find similar products to these at just about any decently appointed craft store. I have enough supplies left over to make a few more trinkets and when I do I'll share those with you too!</div>
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claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-66090597176133823322013-09-30T10:00:00.000-05:002013-09-30T10:00:04.633-05:00Casual Weekend Layered Tunics<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10008455533/" title="tunic layering casual weekend by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="tunic layering casual weekend" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/10008455533_c70d0bdbe3_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10008359325/" title="braid fabric belt by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="braid fabric belt" height="504" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/10008359325_910d70fe12_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10008357555/" title="smiling girl by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="smiling girl" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/10008357555_906a7b2a07_c.jpg" width="505" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10008326154/" title="protective style cross braids by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="protective style cross braids" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/10008326154_ca821f07dd_c.jpg" title="" width="467" /></a><br />
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Protecteive Hair Style: Cross French Braids</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/10008457053/" title="chic black nail polish by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="chic black nail polish" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/10008457053_213fb26f9d_c.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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<b>Tunic</b>, Target; <b>Dress</b>, H&M; <b>Sandals</b>, Gianni Bini; <b>Earrings</b>, old and unknown; <b>Bracelet</b>, made by me</div>
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<b>Lip Color</b>: NYC Big Bold Lip Gloss in "Extra Large Latte"</div>
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<b>Nails</b>: Orly in "Liquid Vinyl"; on toes Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant Glosstinis in "Sangria 515"</div>
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<b>Weather</b>: High 83ºF; Low 69ºF. Cloudy and pleasant.</div>
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I wore this yesterday to run a few errands including stopping off at the library and rummaging around the craft store for a bead sale. I was bored by my closet today until I saw two belts wrapped together. Each f these garments came with its own belt so I intertwined them and wore them together. I think it looks quite nice not to mention super comfortable. I wanted very much a black necklace to finish it off but didn't have one (I've never remembered to look for one before when I went shopping despite always kicking myself for not having one when I need it) so that became the inspiration for what to look for at the bead sale. I also picked up a few other supplies for some other projects I have in mind that I'll share with you later. I almost wore high heel wedges but didn't because I didn't feel like being 6'3" today.</div>
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Now even though it's technically fall as you can see the weather is anything but and won't be for a few more weeks. I can so see translating this outfit to cooler weather with leggings and booties and perhaps even a fun vest with an undershirt or sweater underneath it all to help keep warm.</div>
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Hoping your weekend was pleasant and wishing you a beautiful start to your new week!</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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claire lynette </div>
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claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-73083707913727489282013-09-20T10:00:00.000-05:002013-09-20T10:00:03.257-05:00Welcome to Fall<style>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26313897@N08/9835825956/" title="Welcome To Fall Sketch cropped by clairelynette, on Flickr"><img alt="Welcome To Fall Sketch cropped" height="800" id="specialimage" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/9835825956_fa313d9dbc_c.jpg" width="453" /></a></div>
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I sketched this for you! The first official day of fall is on Sunday and I wanted to make a little sketchy-sketch to celebrate and dust off my illustration skills (needs work). It's inspired by the style of my favorite fashion illustrator extraordinaire <a href="http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/JacquelineBissett/view">Jacqueline Bisset</a>. I hope you enjoy! We won't feel the cool autumn weather here in the South until late October but it's always nice to dream of 73ºF weather days. Wishing y'all a beautiful weekend!</div>
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claire lynette</div>
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p.s</div>
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this image is copyrighted so please show respect and don't use without my permission! </div>
<br />claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-4573989349591204412013-09-18T10:00:00.000-05:002013-11-06T09:42:34.472-06:00September 2013 Favorite Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sharing some of my favorite things from this month. It's always nice to take a moment to appreciate the little things in life that bring you joy. As always nothing I share is sponsored*. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<img alt="memory wire bracelets" border="0" height="323" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i4jfSsYm9q4/Ujm9lx_VgcI/AAAAAAAABLY/GPUZW4hBqP8/s400/Memory+Wire+Bracelets.JPG" title="" width="400" /></div>
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<b>1. Memory Wire Bracelets</b></div>
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Making them helps me deal with anxiety by causing me to focus intensely on something other than worry for a little while and I get a "pretty" when I'm done! I made these over the last two days when I was feeling overwhelmed with the <a href="http://www.thornandlaurel.com/">store</a> and they really helped calm me and get my mind back on the right and positive track.</div>
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<b>2. Wet N Wild Megalast Nail Polish in " Candy-licious"</b></div>
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Lately this has been my go to pedicure color and these bad boys really do last and last. A manicure easily lasts a week and a pedicure nearly a month but for pedicures I change mine before then because the color has grown out and doesn't look as nice.</div>
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<b>3. Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste</b></div>
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If you can't afford or don't feel like using whitening strips this has been the only whitening toothpaste I've used that actually seems to brighten my smile. Generally, I'm a Colgate Total girl but I was too tempted not to try this. I love it! However I keep my Colgate nearby because it's my first love.</div>
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<img alt="NYC Extra Large Latte EOS lip balm" border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfk9U-tjMeQ/Ujm-P1Wx5NI/AAAAAAAABLw/SLc7bgfyb_Y/s400/NYC+Extra+Large+Latte+EOS.JPG" title="" width="400" /></div>
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<b>4. New York Color Big Bold Gloss in "Extra Large Latte" and EOS Lip Balm in "Strawberry Sorbet"</b></div>
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I've long loved the EOS lip balm; it makes my lips feel so nice and yummy. The lip gloss is new to me (I'm a lipstick girl at heart) but I really do like it. I'm not a fan of the tingling in plumping lipglosses and never does any plumping occur, but this doesn't tingle too badly and the color is the perfect nude for my skintone. It's so easy to wear! I will definitely check out more colors from this line in the future. Together this duo keeps my lips soft, supple, and beautifully glossy.</div>
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Hoping your September is shaping up to be a beautiful one and if not I hope that great cheer and good times come your way. Until next time,</div>
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claire lynette</div>
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*except for the shameless <a href="http://www.thornandlaurel.com/">Thorn & Laurel</a> plugs!</div>
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claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-85208651950040787912013-09-16T10:00:00.000-05:002013-09-16T10:00:05.786-05:00Happy Hour Happy Shorts<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="polka dot Francesca's Blouse" border="0" height="800" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgq-1MnelQc/UjZcTxauJ3I/AAAAAAAABKU/sP8w9jFXZ_4/s640/Polka+Dots+Side+Bun.JPG" title="" width="533" /></div>
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<img alt="MM Couture Shorts Casual Look" border="0" casual="" couture="" height="800" me="" miss="" outfit="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnvlfo7nvSk/UjZcU_ENZ8I/AAAAAAAABKo/cFDMvwGtYRk/s640/Polka+Dots+and+Orange.JPG" title="" width="503" /></div>
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<img alt="gathered detail MM Couture Shorts" border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CPMEAVF5r4/UjZcR90UxjI/AAAAAAAABKQ/Q-IkwjJyvoQ/s640/MM+Couture+Shorts+Details.JPG" title="" width="640" /></div>
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<img alt="side bun and casual polka dot outfit" border="0" height="800" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYccolzUBBE/UjZcUOjPuVI/AAAAAAAABKk/xKhybeO_AQM/s640/MM+Couture+Shorts.JPG" title="" width="533" /></div>
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<b>Blouse</b>, Francesca's; <b>Shorts</b>, MM by Miss Me Couture; <b>Wedges</b>, Paprika "Garzon" Wedges; <b>Necklaces</b>, gifts/thrifted; <b>Earrings</b>, Versona</div>
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<b>Lip Colors</b>: Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain in "435 Flirty Nude" and L'oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss in "154 Watermelon Crush"</div>
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<b>Nail Color</b>: China Glaze Nail Lacquer in "Swing Baby"</div>
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<b>Weather</b>: High 91ºF; Low 71ºF. Bright and sunny, balmy.</div>
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Last night I went with a good friend to happy hour where we shared drinks, appetizers, and laughs. I don't have a very large circle of friends, but the relationships I have are close and very dear to me. Spending time with my friends gives me so much energy. I feel so blessed to have the people I have in my life; if only everyone could be so lucky to have friends like mine I think the world would be a better place.</div>
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This outfit kind of happened by accident since these shorts have been out of commission since I first bought them. When they came in the mail the hook part of the hook and bar closure was falling off, something I don't expect from a brand of this caliber. I still haven't sewn it back on because it's not a priority and I'm irked that I have to in the first place. Still, the shorts are great. They are lined and made out of some pretty sumptuous peachskin fabric. I want to make a pair sort of like this but a bit longer and in colors and fabric better suited to the upcoming fall season. I imagine wearing them with tights and cute ankle booties...a sketch is in order.</div>
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Hoping your week is getting off to a good start. Until next time,</div>
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claire lynette</div>
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claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-47149557525060641332013-09-13T10:00:00.000-05:002013-09-16T06:01:00.773-05:00Serious Business in Color<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Green Wear to Work Outfit Lucy Paris" border="0" height="800" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poX8az3nSOg/UjIrySF0KsI/AAAAAAAABJs/zNPEOLQHvUo/s640/wear+to+work+pencil+skirt.JPG" title="" width="512" /></div>
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<img alt="color for the office green blazer" border="0" height="800" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AS51mxVXco/UjIryeTXQhI/AAAAAAAABJw/yd5xoZcRGuw/s640/green+military+blazer.JPG" title="" width="503" /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMoIQ_DeF-I/UjIry-ZTv9I/AAAAAAAABKA/tdXxRXN20-4/s1600/green+blazer+work.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="military jacket style at work" border="0" height="800" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMoIQ_DeF-I/UjIry-ZTv9I/AAAAAAAABKA/tdXxRXN20-4/s640/green+blazer+work.JPG" title="" width="533" /></a></div>
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<b>Blazer</b>, Lucy Paris; <b>Blouse</b>, H&M; <b>Skirt</b>, Have; <b>Necklace and Earrings</b>, Versona; <b>Heels</b>, Dani Black "Channing Pump"; <b>Bracelet</b>, gift, unknown.</div>
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<b>Lip Color</b>: Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in "Captivating Coral"</div>
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<b>Weather</b>: High 93ºF; Low 73ºF. Balmy, hot, sunny, and beautiful.</div>
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Yesterday we hosted model interviews <a href="http://www.thornandlaurel.com/">for the store</a> for our upcoming campaigns. I wanted what I wore to say to the girls coming in for auditions that this is serious work and I'm a serious businesswoman. (It's hard to do when you're just starting and working with non-agency models because everyone is a skeptic!) Pretty sure I accomplished that by toning the green down with white, beige, and hints of gold; and being absolutely prepared for the meeting.</div>
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The only thing that would have made this look better would have been if there was any evidence whatsoever that I bothered curling my hair that morning, any evidence at all. Two minutes outside in this Louisiana humidity and my curls vanished from the scene. I laugh at you Garnier Fructis Anti-humidity Hairspray...you failed me and horrendously so. Instead of lovely cascading curls I had big straight hair (funny it looks shorter in these pictures than it seems in my mind) which is just as well because tomorrow I will be back in buns and sweats cozied up in the studio going over my notes from the interviews. </div>
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Hoping you're having a beautiful Friday and wishing you a beautiful weekend, until next time,</div>
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claire lynette</div>
<br />claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-72997304403802644582013-09-11T10:00:00.000-05:002013-09-15T20:37:44.227-05:00Wishing for: Michael Kors Small Madison Watch <style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img id="specialimage" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xqK8CaKKm0/UjBzavbbN4I/AAAAAAAABJU/YxmZkMsN4DQ/s400/michael+kors+madison+watch.jpg" width="260"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Michael Kors "Small Madison" (MK5403) Watch in Rose Gold, $225</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I've wished for this watch for over a year. I'm not big in to watches (<a href="http://www.npr.org/2010/11/08/131163403/its-time-the-wristwatch-makes-a-comeback">really most people haven't been for a while</a>) because I have a bad habit of breaking them, but I'm in love with this one! I like it because it has 24 hour markings. Twenty-four hour time is my primary method for telling time though frequently I have to translate it for friends who aren't very familiar with it. I also like the rose gold since I think it's a beautiful "neutral color" and looks great against my skin. <a href="http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/apparel-price-point-categories/">Although this watch isn't considered a luxury watch</a> in the industry, right now my wallet would certainly disagree. So I just admire it from afar and hope that it will be available when I can afford it. If I find another rose gold watch with 24 hour markings and a white face for less then I'll happily take it but so far I haven't found a single one.<br />
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Wishing you a beautiful Patriot Day, until next time,<br />
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claire lynetteclaire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6060712383148797215.post-71357231155197416932013-09-06T10:00:00.000-05:002013-09-06T10:00:08.126-05:00MS. RITA: Chase Your Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1P8mAZzb_g/UinXUJGr4KI/AAAAAAAABI8/_xYvT_0VsU0/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1P8mAZzb_g/UinXUJGr4KI/AAAAAAAABI8/_xYvT_0VsU0/s640/IMG_1842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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inside the Thorn & Laurel studio, what once was a carport, then a game room, now a creative space</div>
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I mentioned on Monday that I started <a href="http://www.thornandlaurel.com/">my own online store</a> and that's why I haven't been posting for the last few months. I didn't mean to go on such a long unannounced hiatus, but in a way it was good because I was able to focus on getting the store launched and I had time to brainstorm on the direction in which I'd like to take this blog (more on the blog in a later post). It was a very good break because I learned a lot about myself and what I'm capable of.<br />
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The store came about because I've always wanted to be my own boss because I like the buck stopping with me. Still, I'm scared out of my mind. The only thing that keeps me from being paralyzed with fear is the intoxicating idea of it actually working. The store has been open only a month and a half. I've had two sales exactly and both came from dear friends. I'm grateful for friends and family since it's they who are usually the ones who help me out and prop me up and keep on encouraging me when I feel run down and crazy.<br />
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my little card table desk in disarray<br />
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Even if the store fails after I've given it my all I'll be all right. I'd rather have tried and failed than live with the regret or wonder of what could have been. I didn't choose an easy path. Do you know how many online clothing retailers there are for women? Thousands if not hundreds of thousands. And of those very many, all of the ones that can offer more than I can? Most of them. I'm not discouraged because I believe with all my heart that there's room for everyone at the table. My goal is to be open and transparent with my customers and the people I work with. What you see is what you get, there's no filter or filler. It's just me and just this. This is what I've got and I'm hoping that being honest and earnest, having good products, and working my tailbone off is enough. Plus I wouldn't admonish a little luck coming my way.<br />
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I'm chasing my dreams and that has made me happier than I've been in quite some time. Being fearful comes with the territory and as I asked other self-made business owners what it was like when they first started they tell me the fear never really goes away it just becomes different I began to feel better about doing all this. They promised that I will learn and grow and be challenged everyday and you know what? I can't think of a better way to live than constantly improving and making things better for myself and the world around me.<br />
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With that I complete the inaugural MS. RITA (<b>M</b>over <b>S</b>haker, <b>RI</b>sk <b>TA</b>ker) post. It's what I'll tag future posts such as these along with "Thorn & Laurel Stuff". Oh and you can visit the store here: <a href="http://www.thornandlaurel.com/">Thorn & Laurel</a><br />
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Until next time,<br />
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claire lynette<br />
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<br />claire lynettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07594309498350629566noreply@blogger.com0