Sseko Birthday Sale - Day 2

Organization Matters

I never leave home without my purse in order.

It’s time to shake things up (okay little pun to the earthquake in the PNW that’s all over the news) with some organization, brought to you by Sseko small accessories on sale today. Wallets, notebook holders, yoga bags, cute moon purses to hold everything from essential oils to all of those little things now residing at the bottom of your purse and so much more!

This sale runs for only 24-hours - but you could see benefits for years!

And you know when sales come up, you have to start thinking of ways to take advantage of deep discounts. How about that gift list that you’ve got tucked way back in the back of your mind? Birthdays, back to school teacher gifts, Christmas gifts for friends, teachers, nail artists, hair stylists, co-workers, etc.

Click the link to shop today … right now actually because after midnight it will be too late!

Sseko Birthday Sale - We're Turning 10!

It all started with a pair of shoes …

So it’s appropriate to start our 1st day of sales with shoes!

Today marks the first day of the Sseko birthday sale! Get ready for some big deals this week - but today we’re starting off with the items that started it all

With our small batch production and intentional practices, sales don’t come along very often.

Our current sale day will run through tonight at midnight PST and a new sale will pop up every day for the next 7 days, running 24 hours each. Discounts will be deep because turning 10 is a big deal.

Stay tuned and have fun!

Life - a constant state of change

Special or crazy

who knows …

It takes a special kind of person (or a crazy one) to make a career change after 25 years in one industry. I must be really special because not only did I leave the legal field and my work with the Superior court in order to stay home with nearly adult children, but seriously took a left turn when I joined the healthcare industry as an Executive Assistant to a hospital Chief Operating Officer, Board of Directors (and now for the Chief Nursing Officer as well).

This is literally the first time I have ever worked in a corporate setting. Where budgets and FTEs and decisions coming down from many many levels above me is a strange experience. But, I have to admit, I love the human interaction and the idea that for right now, I’m happy working in my community and not tied to downtown Seattle or what the jurors are doing. Learning a set of new Executive Assistant skills don’t suck either!

It’s a very different world filled with words and acronyms that I don’t understand. Titles and organizational charts. Executives and the knowledge that I am a tiny cog in a very big, national healthcare wheel. I also have received more immunizations than I’ve ever had in my life! Big changes - but I’m enjoying the change. I like the executives that I get the honor of working with daily and I love meeting new people. At court, the staff wasn’t entirely concerned with customer service. It wasn’t part of our job description and although I tried greeting everyone with a smile and a helping hand, our department wasn’t evaluated on customer experience. The fact was that we were one of the friendlier departments and known for our relaxed and customer service orientated demeanor. In healthcare, it’s all about patient experience, which allows me to smile and invite conversation. You know, customer service! I’m at my desk most of the day - but when I need human interaction, it’s just outside my door.

My mom always said that learning new things is a great way to keep your mind active. She loved hanging out with my daughters because the constant calendar and having to remember which bag went with which kid helped keep her sharp. I think she’d be proud of my change of career and would immediately change all her doctors to ones I support. Just because … that’s how she rolls.

For now, I’m very much enjoying life with my husband during our much more frequent date nights, trips to our vacation home to enjoy the sunshine on the river and visiting with friends and most especially the opportunities I have to enjoy my daughters as adults and seeing how very much they are just like Dave and I. Sarcastic and kind with a side of laughter at all times.

Happy belated Fourth of July and cheers to a summer where the weather hasn’t been horrible and the Columbia River current takes all my worries away.

Gabby

Piece of History

Chloe + Isabel

It’s all how you see it …

Last week, Chloe + Isabel announced it would be closing its doors on July 31st. Unlike many other direct sales companies who announce their closure and shut the doors immediately, C+I is giving it’s faithful customers and merchies an opportunity to help them clear the racks with a great Semi-Annual sale and eventual clearing of all inventory.

A few of you who reached out when I quit my constant jewelry posts and combing for hostesses know that I saw this coming over a year ago.

When I discovered C+I following my mom’s death in 2013, it was my way of picking myself back up and putting my sorrow aside. I found wonderful new friends like my first leader, Amanda Nelson and my merchie sisters, Clara DiGuiseppe, Katie Wascisin-Hathaway and so many others. I got to be on the front lines of cool leaders like Gina Lucas, Jensine Reyes, Erin Dodd, Faye Calangian, Stefani Jacobsmeyer, Edlin Escobar, Malia Adams, Katie Johnson, Mallorie Corcoran and so many others. And of course, who can forget the woman who started it all, Chantel Waterbury.

We were a great group of women who ran successful businesses without the stress of recruiting, devaluing the jewelry constantly with sales and nearly impossible incentive trips. I loved the days when the Kate Spade purse or exclusive designs were gifted for my own personal sales, rather than tied to recruiting. My last SOAR conference, a few of us could see the writing on the wall when Chantel was replaced as CEO and suddenly all the cool girls were exiting stage left.

Many of these women are still my fashion icons in their bohemian style and savvy business sense. I’m still watching their success stories with other companies and of course Chantel’s new endeavor. I jumped in with both feet when Gina and Stefani started their monthly fashion box business.

I can’t begin to express how grateful I am to all of the wonderful friends I have met during my time as a merchie. There’s no way I would’ve met my friend Lisa Dusapin without her being a friend of a woman I met when I was booking a booking off an original connection. She will always be a friend - and I thank C+I for the mode of creating all of these special opportunities.

While I don’t have much inventory left, and some will always stay with me, I have taken a few minutes to place one last order. I borrowed the Queen Anne’s Lace set from my friend for my last trip to Vegas - but I always dreamed of owning it! I picked up the statement necklace and earrings for 40-50% off and I can’t say I’m that sorry about it.

Has there been a collection or piece that you’ve always dreamed about? You may want to check to see if it’s now on sale!

I can promise you one thing - I don’t think we’ll see the last of Chantel Waterbury. She’s one of the brightest women who understands the need for a great business base - and partnerships like the one she’s nourished with Ashton Kutcher and Jen Atkins. You may just decide to invest in a piece of history - and when you hear Chantel’s name you can say “I have a piece of her first business adventure!”

I love my life right now, even with my mom being gone, I feel stronger, happier and successful. I owe much of that to Chantel, my merchie sisters and new friends.

Much love,

Gabby

All You Need is Love

All You Need is Love

20% of all orders go to Erin’s Kids in Burma

Tomorrow marks the last day to purchase from Sseko Designs under Janet Rosen’s Trunk Show. Sseko Designs and I will be forwarding 20% of every purchase to Erin Terzieff’s foundation … All You Need is Love.

On Sunday, Erin shared the beautiful story of how she made the decision to travel to a small village in Burma to see the conditions families were living in. She started working with a lovely young person in California who also saw the need and whose family started the effort to start a school in Thailand - just across the river from this tiny town.

Some of the things Erin spoke about touched the hearts of all our guests who attended the event. How a simple meal for 1 child costs as low as a US quarter, and how their most important funding need are uniforms. Not so the children can have nice clothes, but because on their walk to school and home each day, kidnappers would pass them by because simply by wearing a uniform it shows someone will be looking for them if they go missing. A uniform costs $2.50.

You may be thinking, “I don’t need another purse” or “I just don’t have a lot to spend right now”. But let me help you factor in how you can help …

Buy a $29 Leather Tassel Clip = 2 uniforms and 4 meals

Buy a $49 Leather Tassel Clutch = 4 uniforms or 40 meals 

Buy a $34.99 Makeup bag = 2 uniforms and 8 meals

Every little bit helps! Not only are you helping Erin’s kids in Burma, but also the ladies of Sseko Designs in East Africa! Keep in mind, you may not need anything for yourself right now, but any of these lovely items above could be a gift for your next friend, sister, mother, co-worker, niece, graduation gift … give a little and get a little.

All sales need to be wrapped up by 8pm tomorrow (Friday, February 22nd). If you need help choosing your favorites, shoot me a message! You know where to find me.

Seattle Snowmaggedon

Snowmaggedon Shopping

Something to chase away the snow storm blues

A foot of snow dumped at our house within 18 hours yesterday. My day includes laundry, catching up on new movies On Demand and keeping the snow off our dog Homer’s hair (I’m not sure why our Shiz Tzu’s hair doesn’t collect snowballs like our Maltipoo.)

Are you looking for something amazing to do while you’re sitting around catching up on your Netflix series? How about a little online shopping?

Both of my beautiful businesses just launched their Spring collections! I received my Sseko Designs spring collection and everything I received is so gorgeous. The Sseko story is completely inspirational and making a purchase benefits women in Uganda, Ethiopia and India. Chloe + Isabel’s spring collection was inspired by Lisbon and although small, has tropical hints that make me think of summer even when stuck in a foot of snow.

Airbnb Decisions

SunDaze and Airbnb

Putting my investigative skills to work

SunDaze has been getting alot of hits since December. Concert goers for the Gorge Amphitheater are attempting to secure rental spaces for their groups - and Crescent Bar is the perfect location! I’ve been very selective in the approvals this season and have declined more than accepted. 2018 was a very successful year for rentals with only 1 guest leaving the place as you generally would a hotel room, rather than someone’s home. I spent most of the summer driving back and forth mid-week which I loved! Unfortunately (well and fortunately at the same time) I am now working full time so mid-week travel is not an option. Planning is the key for 2019 summer season.

To date, I have had 4 reservation requests for a particular weekend in June. It just happens to be a weekend-long dance party at the Gorge. In reality, we weren’t even certain we wanted to rent that weekend because of the crowds and whether we’d be able to get our home turned around again. But our last Airbnb request pushed us to block out the weekend.

I received back to back requests for the same weekend. The first guy told me he was traveling to town with 5 people to attend a family wedding from out of state. Under normal circumstances, this would have been acceptable. However, when I looked at his Airbnb profile, he had one extremely negative review. I was pleased to see that he had cancelled his request, so I moved onto the other.

This woman also was also traveling with 5 people to attend a family wedding from out of state. She had 1 positive review on Airbnb, but upon closer inspection of the photo, it was the SAME family as the previous request! Same couple, same baby!

Needless to say, I declined her request too because I can’t afford to have my home destroyed or my friendly neighbors upset by our Airbnb business.

It’s always a bit of a crapshoot when you rent to strangers. I’m proud to say that I believe doing your due diligence always works out in the end.

Winter Vibes

Don’t let the Artic air get ya

The Winter air is blowing in - well, not technically here in Seattle - but some parts of the US is waaay too cold for me. But if you are enjoying the snow and the sweaters and boots, then I have just the thing for you!

A few years ago, Chloe + Isabel featured the Northern Lights collection and several pieces from that collection have stood the test of time. Unlike those sweaters and boots, jewelry is seasonless! This pendant necklace is going to look just as beautiful with your summer dress or your tank top and shorts.

There’s only 2 days left until the end of the January. And then only 14 days until Valentine’s Day! Pick yourself up something pretty to wear out to dinner with your LOVE, or just because you need to spoil yourself a little. Either way - you can’t go wrong with a little sparkle.

Facebook Live on Thursday

Cross Your Fingers

Facebook Live Unboxing

Join me on Thursday for a Sseko Facebook Spring/Summer Unboxing

If the stars are aligned I will receive my Sseko Spring/Summer 2019 shipment by Thursday! It’s all up to the shipping company at this point and with all of the new weather happening in the midwest, there’s a big chance that it could be delayed. BUT even if I don’t get the shipment in my hot little hands by the party time on Thursday, there’s still plenty of graphics to share with all my guests! And of course, I’ll have lots of time to answer all your questions about fit, quality, impact and help you place your orders.

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and Sseko shipping generally takes less than 4 days for customers.

I’d love to see you online on Thursday!!

Party Starts at 6pm on Thursday, January 31st!

Contact me if you’re not already invited to my Facebook Event!

Home Body by Joanna Gaines

A wonderful source of inspiration

I received this as a birthday gift from my brother (he knows me so well). Sometimes I wake up really early - so one morning I sat down with Joanna and a pack of sticky tabs. I spent some time looking around my house and trying to find those rooms that could use a little more thought.

I’m tackling our entry first. It’s painted the same pale grey as the rest of the house, with a semi circle black table, some greenery, a nondescript flat ceiling light and dark stone floors. We also have to consider our home needs to be handicap friendly. The best characteristic of our entry is the set of beautiful double doors! Lots of gorgeous light comes in during the day - but gets sucked into all the darkness.

So I asked, “What would Joanna do?”

Lighten it up! A large new area rug to go over the dark tile will be a pretty greeting for family and friends. A bonus will be that it may stop some of the gravel that makes it’s way into our home on the wheels of our daughter’s equipment. We’ll use carpet tape to hold it’s edges to the stone so it won’t come up when our daughter drags her toes along the floor.

I’ll be on the lookout for an antique bench. Something that can be used more for decoration than anything else. But lighter with a bit of texture would be lovely.

The Jacobsen men are a tall lot … and unfortunately we purchased our home for it’s layout and lack of stairs, not for its ceiling heights. So I can’t do much in the way of a hanging chandelier. There’s a chance I can find something that will put off a bit more light and make it pretty (without someone bumping their head on it).

My search begins! Carpets can be awfully expensive, so while I save up money for that, I’ll run over to Wenatchee next weekend and see if I can find a table or bench in one of the antique shops that will serve the purpose. I think it’s likely that we could find a different lamp at Target or Home Depot, it’ll just take a little creativity.

One room at a time! Next up - the spare bedroom. (We’ll need a little warmer weather to repaint.)

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!! It begins with a healthy chapter of ways to identify your design style. I am a mix of Farmhouse-Modern.

Farmhouse

Casual - Organic - Inviting - Simple lines - Distressed - Shiplap - Wide planks - Porches

Casual

Midcentury - Retro - Contemporary - Monochromatic - Minimal - Textured

You’re going to have to take a peek in the book to uncover all the variety of home styles, but my current home is The Humble Abode. The soft grey color palette, decorated trim work, and classic light fixtures throughout this house establish it to a traditional style. Accents, such as distressed wall decora nd ticking-stripe upholstery, also give it a nod to a classic farmhouse style.

My dream house? The Eclectic Farmhouse! The farmhouse is rich with original detail. A modern, Moroccan style is incorporated in the form of jewel-toned textiles and distinct patterns for antique combination of charm and authenticity. And a porch … with a swing … my ultimate dream.

Our lives have always centered around comfort and calm. We want people to be welcome in our home. As of late, you all have followed my transition from a more family-centered color scheme to one of soft greys, clean whites and simplicity. So it only seems natural that I’m enlisting the help of Joanna Gaines!

Get Joanna’s book - You’ll love it!