People I Recommend and *heart* They are who spend your hard earned pennies with!

The holiday shopping is happening all around us.  Let's help other good people make their sales goals and take care of their families. If you are going to spend please spend them with these artists and sales people.  I have a few artists and all around fabulous people I would recommend.  In no particular order, they are below!

Find Candy's pieces here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/candychicshoppe Candy is an unique artist, no pieces are the same. She is a great friend (totally one of my bests) and fabulous Auntie, check out Janine's Corner for some cute rubberband jewelry with charms. :-D She is based locally in the SF Bay Area and everything is handmade. Her customer service is spot on, as her turn around time.  She is a quick shipper. PLUS she has 15% off right now: NOEL15  Some of my favorites from her Shoppe.

Breath Taking Beautiful Rosary. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/170195354/mixed-pink-and-white-natural-freshwater?ref=related-5 

Teapot Earring and Necklace Set!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/170699737/teapot-set-necklace-and-earrings-ceramic?ref=shop_home_active

Check out Beth! http://www.peldyn.com/ As far as good human's come...this one is up there. A California lady as well! She is currently raising money for Team In Training. Make a donation to her HERE. She also makes the most gorgeous handmade pieces and the quality is beautiful.  I already have this lovely piece. (Which I received in RECORD time for shipping.) :-D The combo of leather, teal bead and stamped letters makes this so ME! 

Feeling Leafy? Life In Green is the bracelet for ya!

Which leaves me with Vivi! http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpeeSheez  I love her lightweight earrings.  I don't wear very many earrings because I don't want my ear holes to strech and get droopy! :-( Her's I can wear all day, because they are made from hand dyed lace!!!!! Yes, lace earrings. I met her at a farmer's market here in San Ramon, and instantly fell in love with her and her art. <3 

Bones and charms? Sign me up! Check out http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/NocturnalSoul# Amanda lives in Livermore! With belly button rings and charms galore! Though I'm gonna need a new piercing to wear it..I'm IN LOVE with this piece! 

Do you like earning free jewelry? Or hosting parties? Not only is she freaking gorgeous, Karlie is an amazing momma and all around a good human! You let her have your living room for an evening and you (plus a few lucky ladies) can have your own fun private jewelry show! Check out her jewelry in her picture below from East Bay Photographer at http://karlieb.mypremierdesigns.com/ <3

Check it out online then to purchase go into Stoneridge Mall and ask for:  

Melissa at Brighton. http://www.brighton.com Brighton is a jewelry and collectible art boutique. Some retro and vintage sass, mixed in with class and elegant pearls! Get off the main elevator on the second level and turn left. It's right before BEBE. Melissa is phenomenal. Brighton is lucky to have her. She has superb customer service.  If you want it, she will do everything within her power to find it.  She's a momma and takes care of her customers as if they were part of her family.  If you are stuck and don't know what to buy for someone, go find her.  She will ask the right questions to help you figure it out. Everytime. Do it!

http://www.brighton.com/product/coin-purses-pouches/36956-102195/fashionista-flash-pouch.html

Want more handmade artisan gorgeousness? Also local in Vallejo! This couple makes delightful treats. Katie accessory pieces! http://www.luludeuxmillinery.com/shop.html

Her art has a fun whimsical twist on hats and hair pieces! I absolutely adore this one: 

Chris, I've known since I was a child! :-) He has an amazing calm and kind spirit about him.  He makes fun glow in the dark shirts and sweatshirts! http://www.etsy.com/shop/glowees I mean WHO DOESN'T LOVE GLOW IN THE DARK...ALICE!

Dina, I've known for years! She makes beautiful roses, floggers, Rose of 9 out of leather. Plus fleece hats and scarves. http://www.etsy.com/shop/RosiesLeather Lovely work! I would covet this light turquoise rose. 

Beautiful environmental headshots. David Mathisen is  at www.lifeishowyoulightit.com and www.facebook.com/lifeishowyoulightit He a local dad and uniquely uses natural light and studio lights.  A kind human with understanding, take him your ideas and genius will happen.  You are super lucky because he happens to be doing a giveaway at 500 likes! :-) 

Get ON IT people! Two of my absolute favorites are below!

 

Don't forget to take care of you this holiday! Message Talia at i_do_faces@yahoo.com. She is fun to be around and has impeccable taste and make up design. You can book her to do your make up for a holiday party or wedding! 

To purchase make up ask for Sarah! I've known her for a number of years.  She is so sweet and honest!  :-D Her style is flawless natural beauty, with a hint of retro. I <3 HER!!!! She always knows what I need, even if I can't find the words to say it exactly! Find her at Sephora in the Stoneridge Mall.  She is an amazing person and has awesome customer service.  

Of course, I cannot gush enough about my Lizzie, an Evy's Tree sweater.  I love it's soft and fuzzy inside.  Seriously feels like you are wearing a blanket all day..without the guilt or fashion of actually wearing a blankie!!! :-D <3 I wear it almost every day. I need another...for when this is in the laundry.  http://www.evystree.com/

If you need YA fiction: https://www.facebook.com/tia.bach.author I just met Tia while working at Yogurtland! Her and her daughters are the sweetest people! Go at least like her page! If you can buy and read her books! Depression Cookies (written with her mom) and Chasing Memories! http://depressioncookies.blogspot.com/p/ordering.html

Baked Goods! If you are local and love gooey and soft cookies. $5 for 6 and $8 for a dozen with Erika Valarde! All proceeds go to her local church fundraiser. :-) https://www.facebook.com/prettyful

If you love CUPCAKES! and are super local or can pick up in San Ramon check out Cat's Cupcakes! http://www.cat-s-cupcakery.com/ You need to place an order 12 to 24 hours prior to needing them....I'm told they are to die for! Totally something I need to try this holiday season! 

If you are feeling naughty, please enter Jamie's drawing! She is selling tickets for a Passion Parties basket valued at over $200! One ticket for $2.00 and three tickets for $5.00, you know the drill. The sooner the tickets sell out, the sooner she can give the basket away! 

Message her here: Jamie's Passion Parties! to buy! Also feel free to shop for the holidays at http://jamied.yourpassionconsultant.com/

Other things! Health Science business or USANA: Michael Skelton and Computer Repair: Christopher Razo 

Thankful Monday: What Love Looks Like - From Fearlessly Female's Prompt - Feb 2013

Givo I can find it, watch it and be reminded when needed. <3

Click here for a slideshow of LOVING PICTURES! <3

It's a long one.  
To me love looks like making sure someone else has a little sunshine in their day.

In my home life, spreading sunshine is my small and simple way of giving back daily. My small thoughtful things include opening a door for someone who has their hands full, actively listening instead of talking, simply saying Good Morning either with text to a friend or passerby on a morning walk, laying out clothes for my guy before he goes to work, letting the old man sleep in his favorite chair and occasionally finding that special image for someone and posting it to their Facebook wall just to make them smile. I think the little things matter and are sometimes overlooked. These are the little things that make someone's day smoother, if I can help I see no reason not to. There is not any amount of “I love you” that will take place of the small things that are done daily for others. I do them because there are many people around me, who have helped me with or without knowing the full impact they have my life. Trying to give back in small ways to anyone I come across is how I try to repay my thanks.

A few people know this, a few years back I had an accident. I fell impacting my head as if I was in a car crash. The last thing I remember is staring at the ceiling and hearing my momma's voice “If you are ever falling, breathe and relax. It will hurt less.” and with that exhale most of my 12 year old – 22 year old life gone from memory. This left me scared and with many questions, as well as with a clean slate for me to relearn, rebuild and figure out who I really am. I am beyond thankful for the love and support my family and friends have shared with me. Originally, my middle name Sunshine was given to me, because of my optimism when working in stressful environment. Though it will never take the place of my given birth middle name, Elisabeth. It has now taken on a whole new meaning, posting as Julia “Sunshine” Reyes is now a constant reminder to myself. That some days even the sun hides in the clouds, however sunshine will always gracefully navigate through them to reach it's destination.

Without viewing the thousands of pictures after my accident to relearn and remember bits of my life, I would not be where I am today. That is why I teamed up with my closest people to start a photography business. Photography to me is not about just any moment in time that's posed or cute, but one that is going to bring sunshine into a room and touch the heart of anyone who views that portrait. As a photography team, we strive to make the clients relax and be as natural as possible. All on it's own that one simple task is a challenge, breaking down the wall of protection that is a "CHEEESE" smile. To do this we show love and encourage laughter during our sessions, this alone chisels away at that wall of “CHEESE” to show the true human. For 1/125 of a second is all any one member of our photography team needs to snipe an honest portrait of love. It is that captured love that will brighten the day of whoever views our work.

I choose to love and show kindness, regardless of the past I have lived through. The simple phrase “I have lived through” shows I have strength in being here, in being alive, and in sunshine no matter how small that day, makes me more fearless than the day before. There is no one person who knows what tomorrow will bring, so embracing and capturing the “now” is vital. Everyone has their story of conquering and of reasons why they strive to be victorious. Creating, capturing, and sharing the raw emotions and reactions of “What Love Looks Like” is why I do what I do. Everyday.

Thank you Fearlessly Female for giving me the opportunity and outlet to express me! Familia and Friends...Seriously, I love all of you from the bottom of my heart thank you! 

Scattering Love & Sunshine,
Julia

https://www.facebook.com/photojuba/posts/189484727842119

https://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfemale

Thankful Monday: Yogurtland San Ramon Team!

I would just like to say... I am thankful. 

Specifically for having one of the greatest teams at Yogurtland. I've managed and been a part of a few awesome teams over the last 7 years...but this team. Lemme just say the potential for greatness is all over the place. I don't know if they know how epic they are everyday. I appreciate all they do. 


In the last month, this store went from good to great! I know this not just because of the positive nod corporate gave us this past week, or just because customers are noticing and asking regularly, "Hey did you get new management here?! You guys are so much more fun. Or This place is so clean!" It is because you fabulous guys and gals are wanting to come to work, being willing to improve and try new things, smiling and putting up with my sillyfaces and colorful posties, working your butts off every shift to keep the store shiny! Everyone is noticing all of your hard work!!! 

Thank you for being here and letting me be a part of this team! Go Blue and Red Teams!!!

<3

Thankful Monday: Spirit of Giving

Mood: Chipper

Sounds: Jason Aldean - Dirt Road Anthem

One of my close friends said this weekend "You are so Mexican, feeding everyone. Not that I'm complaining!!! :-) Just saying..."  At the time, I didn't know what to say exactly, because well...it's just what I do.  After a few days of thinking while working and A LOT of sleep.  I've come up with an answer.  

It's not a "me" thing.  It's an "US" thing.  

It's not a purely "Mexican" thing.  It's a few generations of the "Spirit of Giving" and "Lifestyles of Kindness".  

What do I mean by that? Well from all that I can remember, I've been surrounded by giving and kindness. 

My great-grandma Nana Julia.  The first part of my namesake.  I remember her always in the kitchen or garden.  Cooking for whoever came over.  I remember running with my little huarache sandals up the brick steps, whispering "Shhhhhhh...let's surprise them!"  Only to be loudly greeted (I'm now thinking that they were never really surprised, but I know the pure joy on their faces from seeing us was real.) Getting big enveloping hugs from my Papa Mateo and taking my shoes off by the front door, only to feel the raise horizontal stripes on the plastic mats that ran from the front door to the kitchen.  Then the game of trying to guess what Nana Julia was making...and what we would be eating.  Little did I know then, that Nana Julia would slip my parents a $20 for gas or a Taco Bell treat later.

My grandparents, Nana Angie & Papa Ernie...it doesn't matter what time or what day it is.  I probably don't even have to call or text first...(hehe yes my Nana text messages now. So proud of her! :-D)  I know they will feed me and whoever I bring over.  Most of the time, I'm spoiled rotten and get sent home with goodies!  It's not just me that's gifted with kindness from them.  Ask any family and anyone who knows them, they give unconditionally.  They've done things like raised money to help missionaries and their families, invited a young family over for thanksgiving or really anyone who didn't have a place to go local, give away so much fruit we could probably have a family fruit stand, if they see a need, they will find a way to fill it. 

My Nana Louise.  My mom's mom, was just as giving.  I remember one Tuesday, (Tuesdays were always Nana Louise days.) my siblings and I had just finished with STAR testing, so we were getting to spend the night at her house.  We were at the "Y McDonald's" where Mission Blvd. and Jackson St. meet.  A young man sitting out front had asked her for change.  She politely asked if he was hungry.  He said he was.  A few minutes later we had all our food and were pulling away, when an employee came out with a bag and a soda and gave it to the young man.  He smiled and waved to us.  She said, if you see someone hungry offer them some food.  

Not to mention all the things each of our parents, family and friends have done for Justen and I.  

I have learned from Justen that no matter what "YOU" have lived through, valid as your hurt may be, someone else always has less than you.  That is powerful way of thinking.  The phrase "See a need, fill a need." from Robots sums up this whole entry and our approach to life together.  I know I can not walk by or pass by a need without trying to come up with a way to fill a need.   There are a lot of things in this world I know we cannot fix, single or together.   

What I CAN do, is if I hear you say that "you only have $5 until payday" is when I go to lunch ask you what you would like from where I'm going to lunch.  WE CAN say "Hey come over, we are having turkey sandwiches when we get home."  I CAN give a homeless man my apple and small back of peanuts.  I CAN help an elderly handicapped lady out of her car and give her my now empty cart.  WE CAN hug you!!! I'm thankful that I've been surrounded by love, kindness and the spirit of giving my whole life.   Perhaps someone we help, WILL be able to fix some of the needs we cannot.  

With all that love, I leave you with

A cute kitten! <3