July 31- the last entry has been recorded

and the summer of luxury contest entry period has ended. We are amazed at the response, so many entries have come in, I worried that the database would fill up. Fortunately, it did not, and we have heard from the hosting service that the final entry was recorded at 11:59:23 tonight. The excitement of the contest has livened up what has been a strange summer in new york.

My friend Janice Huff, meterologist at WNBC TV tells me there has been almost 20 inches of rain in june and july, which is not a record, but it is a lot of rain. There have been floods, and if I was in the umbrella business I'd be a millionaire. You see these guys all over manhattan the moment a drop of rain starts to fall, with their cries of "ummm-brella, ummm-brella 3 dollars, 3 dollars". Rain does keep you indoors, so that means my place is cleaner than usual, we've watched countless netflix, read every book on my reading list, all the things one does when they are not outside enjoying summer.

But, being August, we're happy that the horses are running at Saratoga Race Course. Our favorite race track is known as "the august place to be". I didn't get any reservations this year, though, so likely won't be going up- this is a track where you really want to have reserved seats and have your meals planned well ahead of time, otherwise you sit on benches and eat hot dogs. If you plan ahead, it is so much fun as it is one of the few race tracks I've been to where you can walk right up to the horses and say hi to them before the race. As a handicapper who decides who's going to win by the cuteness of the horse or the color of the tail, Saratoga is really the perfect track for me.

So, we will be staying close to home for a while, maybe visiting friends and relatives and just enjoying new york city. Next week, I've got an appointment with the folks from the Wendy Williams show, she is coming on strong and it seems she likes my jewelry. If I get the chance to work with her that will be really exciting. Meanwhile, check out this week's issue of OK magazine, they are featuring my medium emerald CZ earring, one of my favorites. I've got my magazines and am going to relax, waiting for the sun to come out. Ciao!

Excel-lent !

I can't believe it- I just finished checking the website to see how the contest is doing, and I am really amazed. The summer of luxury contest is attracting people from all over. It is fun to have a contest, I always enter ones whenever I want the prize. Thomas Nguy has provided the designs associated with the contest (chicklet talked him into it), he is one interactive designer who is a great art director, too. I've also got a new camera setup to take better photos of all our jewelry.

But, really- we are thrilled people are entering the contest, the number of people entering is just amazing. During the day, and now, late at night, my favorite activity has become checking the Excel entry database, seeing how many entries have come in each day. The web department gave us a link so we can see the number of entries on an Excel spreadsheet.

It's amazing to see what hard work will do. Unfortunately, here in New York, the state government has gone nuts. Check any newspaper, things are not right in the Capitol.

So, you guys- many of you are there for years, you should end this embarrasing chapter and finish your work. The rest of us are working, whether or not we all get along so you guys should get back to work and stop this silly fighting. Most senators should know what does and doesn't work, get focused and figure it out. Do the right thing and get back to work. My brother goes to Albany, he could tell you a few things!
If you senators get together to finish the legislative session, maybe I'll reward you with a chickie girl or a sweet pear. It might help to break the tension if you put on an earring or bracelet. I don't think we care if you like each other or not, you ran for the job as our representative- so represent us already! I know that one of you pictured here (with the sweet pear earring on) has useful experience, represents his district well (and he really does live here, I've met him). We feel he has a reputation as a really hard-working guy, a leader. I hope you are doing all that you can to get this sad chapter over and done with.

I guess while you are not governing, you can check out our site and order some stuff, our buy 2 get one free sale is still going on till the end of the month. It's hard to believe that while everyone knows things are expensive, income down, taxes up, etc. you can still find some jewelry, made in america, that tickles your fancy.

It's summertime, and there are so many bright new jewels on the site. And, if you look at the magazines, like Family Circle, OK, inTouch, People style watch, and more, you will find beautiful and affordable things you must have. Don't you love this headline? And don't froget to enter the contest while you are there. Ciao!