Low cost advertising with perks!

I just found this site called IndieSmiles and I love it because it is so affordable. I don't have a huge budget for outside advertising, so finding a site that not only is not expensive there are perks to it! So I submitted my information and my link and picture was approved. Great, so now what? I've advertised in Craftopolis and CraftCult but never knew how many people were actually checking out my site. I have google analytics but I don't always depend on that.

So I received an email from indiesmiles that showed a link to see my how my ad was doing? The other sites certainly didn't do this. Not only that but the ads were more expensive and therefore not for me. When I saw that a two week ad would cost only $12, I couldn't believe it! A one month ad would cost only $20! I thought it was a trick or something so I entered in my information and went to paypal and paid. It was fast and easy and best of all, in my price range. I decided to join up and be an affiliate and help out others by offering 5% discount when you sign up under me and buy an ad.

Just click the link above marked indiesmiles and sign up today for low cost advertising! In case that link does not work try this one:

http://www.indiesmiles.com/?ref=9

Black Friday Sale!!

Starting midnight Thursday, Katdesignsnyc will have Free Worldwide shipping until Monday November 30!! That's right anywhere in the world will be free shipping no matter how much you order! There will not be a need for a code because all the listings will be set to 0 for the shipping charge. This is a great opportunity to pick up some items for yourself and for others just in time for Christmas. Check out my shop:

Katdesignsnyc Jewelry

New York City

I am super lucky to have a pretty view from my apartment. I love that I can see central park, well partially and I can see the big beautiful buildings like Times Square and the GE building. Since most of you are in other states thought it would be kewl too see a picture!

As you can see, I have a pretty great view and that's often difficult in New York unless you live super high up. Of course, I have this view because I'm on the 18th floor!

In other news, lol I was reading Vogue Magazine trying to keep up with trends. The only things that caught my eye besides the shoes, is how green eyeshadow is now the new black. As much as I like fashion (because I make jewelry I have to know something lol) it's as though we can never really be ourselves unless we continually reinvent our look. I'll admit it, I'm a jeans and t-shirt type of girl so wearing name brand anything is not on the top of my list. However, I love it when they start speaking about big and chunky. I like big clunky jewelry because they are not only kewl, but it's a statement all on its own. Wearing anything chunky looks horrible with too many pieces depending on how wide it is.  Three bangles not so wide look great together,  thin necklace connecting to a large wide pendant.  Big chunky smooth sophisticated rings are the thing for winter!  Read about that here:   http://www.vogue.com/voguedaily/2009/06/1912/  and check out the amazing photo gallery for a tremendous amount of inspiration.

Here is my little bit on big and chunky. Silvertone three stand bracelet with a toggle clasp.

Some other new pieces.....

Labradorite and Honey Necklace

Amethyst and Yellow Jade

Color Symbolism

What do colors mean to you? I was always a big fan of wearing black mostly because it goes with everything and simple to put together. I've never been able to just mix and match different colors together so I've been learning about that! Anyway, purple is my favorite color because it evokes a sense of calm and relaxation. My walls are light purple which everyone says makes them fall asleep quickly. They say that wearing certain colors does things to you like wearing blue makes you feel relaxed and blue symbolizes meditation. Red is for fiery people and usually makes the wearer hyper.  Orange symbolizes creativity and best worn by those who love to craft? Isn't that everyone in the world?? Yellow is for communication, which is great for getting information from people or if you want to get someone speaking to you. So what color is your favorite and why? While your thinking about that check out some new pieces I made!

Amethyst Wire Wrapped Pendant and Chain

Labradorite Wire Wrapped Pendant and Chain

Green Aventurine Wire Wrapped Pendant and Chain

For those who wanna see my mixed up dog!

Max my half chihuahua and half rottweiler

Just Born

Two years Old

New Earrings Added!

I have so much fun making jewelry, most importantly earrings. I've always believed that if you have to make a statement with jewelry, make it with earring. Earrings can take the place of necklaces and ultimately take your outfit to the next level. Especially when your hair is tussled or tied up, a bold pair of earrings lenghtens your outfit and face.

Here are some new pieces! Click on the name to take you straight to the shop!

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Briolettes

The Raven, Nevermore.......

AAA Amethyst Wire Wrapped Briolette in Sterling Silver

14K Gold Filled Emerald Isle Briolette

Quick, easy, and healthy dish!

I work during the day for an accounting firm and from time to time I have to stay late. So my kids 12 and 13 come home super hungry. So it's now 6pm and they are driving me nuts for food! So I couldn't figure what the heck to make. Luckily I had some chicken breasts, whole wheat pasta, and canned garlic tomatoes. So here is my super quick 30 minute recipe.

Feeds 4 maybe 5       15 minutes prep 20 cook time

1box whole wheat penne pasta
1 1/2 lbs of chicken breast sliced thinly
1can diced tomato, garlic, and onion
2 tbs olive oil

Prepare water with salt and olive oil put the top on pot so it boils faster.  While the water is boiling, thinly slice the chicken. Slicing thinly helps the chicken cook quicker. I like to clean my meats with apple cider vinegar just a few dashes. After a few minutes, wash the acv off the chicken and set in a bowl. You can use whatever herbs you prefer for the chicken however, I like to sprinkle basil, garlic, and some pepper for a kick!  After you do that add the box of pasta in the pot, take your spoon or whatever and swirl the pasta around in the pot. Put the top back on. Put the flame on high and add 2tbs of oil, add the chicken and cook until no longer pink. Open the can of tomatoes and pour into the pan when the chicken is cooked all the way through.  Allow the mixture to simmer so put the flame to low and cover. Turn the fire off the pasta when soft enough but not too soft. Pour the pasta into a collander and wash with cold water.  Set this aside and check on chicken mixture.  After five minutes pour the pasta into the same pan as chicken and toss together.
Voila!

My kids loved this dish and it's even better when you make some garlic bread.  If you try out this dish let me know how it goes!