Life-Changing Beauty: Surviving the 100+ Degree Summer as a Realtor

Let’s talk about the summer heat in Tulsa, OK—because it’s no joke! As a realtor, trying to hold open houses in 100+ degree heat definitely presents its challenges. Between the sweltering temperatures and the relentless sun, face-melting makeup was a real concern. I’d leave the house looking fresh and polished, and by the time I arrived at the property, it felt like I was walking into a sauna, and my makeup was practically sliding off my face.

But then something truly life-changing happened during one of my showings. I met a sweet lady who had been at work all day and had just come to the showing straight from her job. Her makeup was still flawless—her foundation looked fresh, and her lipstick was as vibrant as when she first applied it. I couldn’t help but notice these stripes of lipstick on her hand from where she had tested a few colors. And the most impressive part? Those stripes weren’t budging—not even in the intense heat of the day!

Naturally, she asked if I had heard of what she was using, I said, no.. and that’s when she told me about Senegence. I was intrigued, so I went to try it out for myself two days later at her home. After trying the products and seeing how they held up, I was hooked— hook, line, and sinker!

I couldn’t believe how well the products worked, and felt, especially the long-lasting lipstick. I knew I had to share this incredible find with others, so I took the plunge and became an ambassador for Senegence. Now, I’m excited to share these products with as many women as I can, helping them stay fresh and confident throughout their busy days—whether they’re navigating a summer heat wave or just tackling the demands of daily life.

Less than one month later, I had the opportunity to attend a Princess in Training event with Senegence. It was a three-day experience packed with learning, fun, and inspiration. I was blown away by the incredible community of women and the wealth of knowledge I gained. What a fabulous addition to my creative life! It’s been such an exciting journey to rediscover my love for skincare and beauty products, especially after having left the Mary Kay world in 2019.

For 25 years, I had been deeply involved in the Mary Kay business, so stepping away was a big decision. When I took my HRIS position, it became too much to juggle both, so I decided to part ways with Mary Kay. But life has a way of surprising you, and here I am again, diving into another skin care and beauty company that aligns with my passion for helping women look and feel their best.

Life shifts in unexpected ways, and Senegence has come into my life at just the right time. I’m loving how it fits perfectly into my world of creativity and real estate. I’m thrilled to be sharing these amazing products with others, and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter will take me.

Here’s to embracing change, learning new things, and continuing to share beauty with the world—one amazing lipstick at a time! 💄✨

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Bread Life: Giving Sourdough Another Go

This year, I decided to dive back into something I started a few years ago—making homemade bread. Well, to be honest, I’m re-igniting a past attempt. Back in 2020, during the pandemic, I thought I’d become a sourdough and bread-making pro. I had the enthusiasm, but let’s just say my first few loaves didn’t exactly turn out as planned!

But recently, I had the opportunity to take a class with Eden's Roots, and it’s sparked a renewed passion in me. So, here I am, giving it another go—and I’m feeling pretty optimistic about it!

The Latest Loaves…

I’m happy to report that my most recent attempts have turned out not too bad—in fact, they’re both prettier and yummier than before! The taste has been spot-on, and that’s definitely a win in my book. But, of course, there’s still room for improvement. While the flavor is there, I’m still trying to figure out why my loaves aren’t as puffy as I’d like. They have a nice texture, but I’m aiming for that perfect rise and airy crumb.

The class also offered some fantastic tips and great recipes for using the sourdough discard—YAY! No more throwing away that precious starter. The pizza crust recipe is fantastic and has become a new favorite in our household. And, the brownies—oh my goodness, they are to DIE for! Who knew sourdough discard could be turned into such decadent treats?

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my bread-making journey. I’m excited to experiment, troubleshoot, and hopefully perfect my loaves over time. Who knows, maybe this will turn into a new bread life for me!

New Year, New Beginnings: A Reflection on Creativity and Craftmanship

As we usher in a new year, there's always a sense of renewal in the air—a chance to reflect, reset, and embrace fresh beginnings. For me, this sense of starting anew resonates deeply, both personally and professionally. Over the past 20 years, I've had the privilege of working with something that holds immense meaning, not just in terms of its value, but in its stories and sentiment: jewelry.

My journey has been one of transformation, both of the jewelry itself and of my creative process. I’ve spent two decades repairing cherished pieces, turning broken treasures into wearable works of art, and even giving new life to old heirlooms. There's something incredibly fulfilling about taking something once loved, perhaps now a little worn or broken, and breathing life back into it. It’s almost like bringing the past into the present while preserving the essence of what made it special in the first place.

In addition to repairs, I've also created entirely new jewelry from old materials, sometimes mixing metals, stones, and designs in unexpected ways. The beauty of working with materials that already carry their own history—whether it’s a broken ring or a well-worn bracelet—is that they bring a sense of legacy into the new creation. It’s a way of honoring the past while adding something personal and unique to the mix.

One of my proudest moments in my journey as a jewelry maker came when I spent a little over a year apprenticing under two incredibly talented metalsmiths. Their mentorship was transformative. It was more than just learning how to forge metal, set stones, or shape silver. They taught me the language of craft, of patience, of respect for the materials. The lessons I learned during that time not only shaped my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the artistry that goes into every piece of jewelry.

As the new year unfolds, I can’t help but think about the endless possibilities for the year ahead. The creative process is a bit like a journey, always evolving, always changing. Whether I’m breathing new life into an old piece or designing something entirely from scratch, every project feels like its own new beginning. And, much like the start of a new year, it holds the potential for transformation and discovery.

For me, the work I do is about more than just making jewelry—it’s about connecting with the stories and emotions behind each piece, understanding its history, and crafting something that feels meaningful and personal. Jewelry is so much more than metal and stones; it carries memories, it celebrates milestones, and it marks the moments in life that matter most.

As I look forward to the coming months, I am excited to continue this journey of creation. There will always be challenges—whether in the form of a broken clasp or a design that just doesn’t come together as imagined—but there will also be triumphs, those moments when a piece of jewelry comes to life in a way that feels magical.

So, as we embark on this new year, I invite you to think about your own “new beginnings.” What old treasures might you have that could be transformed into something new? What stories are waiting to be told through your own creative endeavors? There’s never a better time than now to start something fresh, whether it's in the world of jewelry, art, or any passion that calls to you. Just as a piece of jewelry can be reimagined and reborn, so too can we.

Happy New Year! May it be filled with creativity, transformation, and the joy of new beginnings.

2023 Creative Retreat with Elizabeth Craft Designs: A Magical Experience in Banff

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This retreat was with Elizabeth Craft Designs in Banff, Canada, and was truly nothing short of magical. I’ve been reflecting on this incredible experience, and honestly, I’m not sure words can do it justice—but I’m going to try anyway!

From the moment we arrived, the beauty of the location took my breath away. Banff, with its stunning mountain views, crisp fresh air, and the peaceful energy of the Canadian Rockies, was the perfect backdrop for creativity to flow. But it wasn’t just the scenery that made this retreat so special—it was the people. I got to spend time with my good friends, make new ones, and be surrounded by such a warm and supportive community of fellow crafters and creatives.

I went into this retreat with the expectation that I would be —learning new techniques, making projects, and getting to know the team behind Elizabeth Craft Designs. But what I didn’t expect was to walk away with a new obsession. We made some of the most amazing journals and pages for journals and cards, and let me tell you—I wasn’t even into journal making before this! Now, I can’t stop thinking about all the possibilities for crafting my own beautiful journals. The entire process, from selecting papers to embellishing the covers, was so much fun and so therapeutic. It felt like I was creating something truly personal and meaningful.

It’s incredible how a retreat like this can open up new creative passions. I never would have imagined how much I’d fall in love with journal making, but now I’m completely hooked. Every session was filled with inspiration, and I walked away with not just a finished journal, but a deep desire to keep experimenting and creating more.

I also want to take a moment to talk about the heart and soul of this retreat—the Elizabeth Craft Designs team. I’ve admired and used their products, since 2019-2020- ish but meeting the owners and team in person was an experience like no other. They radiate kindness, warmth, and love for what they do, and one another. It’s clear that they are genuinely passionate about helping others unlock their creative potential. The entire team made us feel so welcome, and their generosity in sharing their knowledge, tips, and tricks made the retreat even more special.

One of the highlights of this retreat was meeting and rooming with my new friend, Donna. She is such a special person, and we really connected from the very start. By the end of the retreat, it felt like she was an integral part of our group, and I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate. We shared so many laughs, stories, and creative moments, and I truly treasure the friendship that blossomed over the short time we had together. I really hope Donna and I can stay in touch and, fingers crossed, reconnect at next year’s retreat. It would be wonderful to continue the bond we formed and create even more memories together!

Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the amazing swag we received at the retreat! We were spoiled with so many wonderful products, tools, and supplies. It was an incredibly generous gift. Plus, on the last night, we played several rounds of bingo and every winner got a fantastic prize pack! I was lucky enough to win an amazing gift packed with several of the new release items I already had on my to purchase list that night. . It was the perfect way to end an already unforgettable weekend!

By the end of the week, I felt like I really knew most of them—not just as creators of fabulous products, and designers or owners, but as friends. I can’t wait to see them again at next year’s retreat and continue the friendships that were sparked in Banff.

All in all, this retreat was a perfect blend of creativity, learning, connection, and of course, fun. Banff was the ideal setting for such a special gathering, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I left feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and connected—not just to the amazing people I went with, or the ones I met, but to my own creative spirit.

If you’re ever thinking about attending a retreat or event hosted by Elizabeth Craft Designs, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. I already can’t wait for next year! Until then, I’ll be crafting away, making my journals, and cherishing the memories of this unforgettable trip!

Thank you to the **Elizabeth Craft Designs team** and everyone who made this retreat so magical. See you next year! ✨

From Scraps to Beauty

From Scraps to Beauty: Turning Leftovers Into Treasures

One of my favorite things to do is take what many might consider "scraps"—those leftover bits, baubles, and unused materials from various projects—and transform them into something beautiful. Instead of throwing away those small pieces, I love repurposing them into something new, unique, and meaningful. Whether it’s jewelry, cards, or other crafts, I’m always finding ways to turn what’s leftover into something functional or decorative.

This recent project is a perfect example. I gathered up some leftover washi tape, pre-cut shapes, and elements from past projects and combined them into a gorgeous new card. The result? A fun, layered design that I’m absolutely in love with! It’s a great reminder of how a little creativity and a lot of fun can turn "scraps" into something truly special.

The Beauty in the Details

There’s something magical about taking those little forgotten bits and turning them into a cohesive design. Each scrap tells a story—whether it’s a bead that was part of a bracelet or necklace, A button from an old shirt that belonged to someone I loved, or bits of another card, or project from another day…. When I bring them together, it feels like giving new life to these forgotten pieces.

I always think of it as "sustainability with style." Not only am I reducing waste, but I’m also getting the chance to create something fresh and beautiful that I might not have imagined otherwise. It’s about seeing the potential in the things others might overlook and finding ways to make them shine.

A Piece with a Story

What I love most about projects like this is that every piece I use carries its own history, its own memory. And when I combine them, it’s like weaving a new story, one that’s entirely my own. Every element, no matter how small, plays a role in creating something meaningful. This piece, like so many others, feels special because it’s made from the unexpected—something that might have otherwise been tossed aside.

I’m so proud of how this turned out, and I can’t wait to create even more treasures from what others might consider scraps. It’s proof that beauty can come from the most unexpected places!

Do you have any favorite ways to repurpose materials or projects? I’d love to hear how you turn your own "scraps" into something beautiful!

The background for this little card is several scraps glued on the

front of the card base. Such a fun way to use my scraps.

I used a little bit of black nuevo drops on the h and p to give it some dimension. DONE~