Bella Joy Creations is coming to Dallas Oregon!

About two years ago I went to a craft fair and was introduced to Bella Joy Creations.  The jewelry caught my attention.  At the time, it was only the square and rectangle pieces of jewelry.  This was the beginning.  The next summer I went to the same craft fair and Bella Joy had expanded to the various shapes, sizes,  plus rings, earrings, and bracelets.   I took a business card so I would have access to order on-line sometime.  This fall, they also started adding some home decor items and just recently started doing another style of jewelry using washers.  Bella Joy is on facebook so I found it when I got home.  I just love the jewelry.

I talked to the owner of Bella Joy Creations a few times using e-mail.  Her name is Megan.  Megan hand-makes each piece of jewelry and take great pride in creating something unique and beautiful.  The name "Bella Joy", means "beautiful happiness."  What an appropriate name.                                                    Megan generously donated two necklaces as give-a-ways to two of my coupon classes and yet another one for a local 5k I was putting on to raise funds for "Stop Child Trafficking."  I gave the first place female the running necklace that Megan donated.  There were other female runners who liked the necklace too.  It was such a fun gift for the winner.

Just last month Bella Joy Creations had a facebook challenge so I entered.  I was very excited to win and get to pick out a piece of jewelry for myself.  I picked out a really cool ring.  I was even more excited when it came in the mail.  It is such a fun ring.

Bella Joy Creations  was featured on groupon back in February.  It was really fun for this small, online business, and it did very well selling a little over 100 groupons that day.  Megan also has her necklaces in two stores in Florence, OR.  On Your Feet and the The Herb Jar.  She is hoping to soon approach some local businesses and get some interest.  She also sells off her website here along with facebook here.  Bellas Joy Creations does custom orders whether it's her photo jewelry, or special requests.  She also does some beautiful bridesmaids sets, etc.

I was excited to find out her first show this summer will be "Art in the Park" coming July 31st in Dallas, OR City Park from 8-4. If you are in Dallas, come see Megan with Bella Joy Creations during her time here.  Be sure and tell her "Simply Julie" sent you!

You can e-mail Bella Joy Creations with any questions at ... info@bellajoycreations.com

My Children's Closet....Dallas, OR!...Consigner's wanted!

Dallas friends.....there is a new consignment shop in town.  Michelle has opened a store tentatively called "My Children's Closet" in Claire's Mercantile.  The address is 240 SW Washington St. Dallas, OR.   Right now, Michelle is trying to get stocked up for Summerfest coming the end of this month.
She is asking you to bring in your children's good quality clothes (no stains, spots, tears, etc).  She would like you to bring in summer and fall clothes, right now .....especially girls clothing. 
Michelle is currently working Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday's in the mornings. So stop by with your kids outgrown clothing and start earning your credit for new school clothes!
Don't forget to tell her "Simply Julie" sent you!

"16 Years"

Today is Jerry's and my 16th anniversary. The "anniversary gift for 16 years is Silver Holloware.  I didn't even know what Holloware was so I looked it up....
"Holloware (or hollowware^[1]) is a term that refers to table service items such as sugar bowls, creamers, coffee pots, teapots, soup tureens, hot food covers, water pitchers, platters, butter pat plates and other metal items that went with the china on a table. It does not include flatware. Holloware was constructed to last a long time. It differs from some other silverplated items in being made with thicker walls and more layers of silverplate.
Holloware is the traditional gift in the UK^[2] and the modern gift in the US^[3] for the 16th wedding anniversary. Holloware is the traditional gift for jubilee or wedding in Russia. Holloware from Bulushoff is elite gift of political and economic establishment in Russia and France."
........"Holloware was constructed to last a long time", 16 years is a long time, but it's been a great 16 years.  I am stronger than I was 16 years ago.  Jerry has helped me see myself in a much more positive way.  He balances me out so-to-speak. "Holloware does not include flatware."  This is a good thing, because most of our flatware has goon missing over the years.  When we moved to Dallas, Jerry was very irritated that we hardly had any forks...lol!  I picked some up at Goodwill.  Now we have a nice variety of mix-and-match flatware.  I've noticed our spoons and table knives are diminishing!  Might need to pick some more up before the year is over...hehehe!

Marriage isn't always easy, but nothing in life that comes easy is worth fighting for.  My marriage is worth fighting for, in the good times and the hard times.  In the hard times, we have always come out closer and stronger. 


Thank you for loving me Jerry!  I love you!

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

— I Corinthians 13:7

"I got gaps; you got gaps; we fill each others gaps."

— Rocky

"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences."

— Dave Meure

^"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." 

                                                                                                                            -    Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)