• Welcome to the blog of The Glistening Pearl!


    You'll find my inspirations, behind the scenes, sneak peeks, and upcoming events.
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Monday, October 17, 2011

SBCC Surf Fest & Swap Meet

Santa Barbara City College Surf Fest & Swap Meet
Saturday, October 22, 2011
9:00am - 3:00pm
Lower Level SBCC parking lots (across from Leadbetter Beach)

***

Surfboards, wetsuits, beach wear,skate gear, my ocean-inspired jewelry, and anything else related to the outdoors (new and used) will be available for viewing and for purchase.

Ongoing activities include Brazilian jui-jitsu, hula hopping, balance competitions, and more!

Enter the raffle for a chance to win great prizes from businesses like Trader Joe's, Paragon Jui-Jitsu, Silvergreens, and Blenders.

Live music by Nate Latta.

*All proceeds from space rental and raffle benefit SBCC Women's basketball*


P.C. RT
October 2011
Oahu, Hawaii

I'm so excited for this event since it's the perfect audience for my ocean-inspired jewelry.

**UPDATE**

It was surprisingly foggy, but the event was lovely. I decided to participate in the raffle, and I actually won something! I feel like I never win anything in things like this. I got a gift certificate for a tandem kayak rental or a stand up paddle board rental for two hours from Paddle Sports of Santa Barbara. I can't wait to use it! I'll be sure to post some pictures from my little adventure.


A customer appreciation photo - Thanks, M.P.! One of my newest designs that I haven't been able to put on Etsy yet. Pearls, pearls, and more pearls, with a sprinkle of crystals and quartz.


I appreciate all of you who stopped by to visit!


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Treasure Hunt

There's something about a treasure hunt that's so addicting...

P.C. RT

(maybe that's why my parents keep going back for more!)

I know that I love a treasure hunt... especially when it comes to scoring an amazing deal. My addiction started with shopping at Ross. I've been shopping at Ross for years now. I've found clothes that were still being sold at full-price at Sears or Macy's. I have two beautiful maxi dresses from Ross, both of which were under $25 each and probably from Macy's (i.e.. City Triangles). And I thought those were great finds... until I was introduced to thrift store shopping by the boyfriend. About a month ago I found a brand new (with tags) Mossimo Supply Co. black cocktail dress, a brand new (with tags) black maxi dress (brand affiliated with Target), an American Apparel Le Sac Dress in evergreen/black, and Champion cropped running pants for a total of $21. What a steal, right?!

P.C. RT
October 2011
Oahu, Hawaii

 ... It just takes a little bit of luck, patience, and sifting through. What unexpected things have you stumbled across lately? (:


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Local Artist Market @ Whole Foods

I can't believe one month has come and gone and it's already time for another Whole Foods sale this Saturday! See my "Upcoming Events" column on the right side of the page for more details about where and when I'll be there. A comfortable 72 degrees is forecasted (:

On a side note, my adorable parents have been picking sea glass for me!


So unexpected! They're so sweet. I can't wait to browse through these pieces in person. I think I spy some pretty good ones!


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Catalina Crossing

:: Catalina Channel Crossing ::
2011 US Outrigger Championship Race
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Newport Beach, CA to Catalina Island
:: 26 miles ::

My last 6 months of training have been building up to this race. We were up before the sun, struggling to down food that we knew we needed to sustain us for the arduous journey ahead. This particular Saturday morning greeted us with thunderstorms and lightning, and the scheduled start time was pushed back an hour. 8:45am rolled around and 60 outrigger canoes lined up in two rows facing the edge of the earth, waiting patiently in the grey, tumultuous water for the start flags. Shivering incessantly from my quick dip in the ice-cold ocean and the breeze against my drenched jersey, I attempted to take cover within the canoe. It's too late - flash of red, flash of green - the flags go down - GO GO GO!

Newport Beach, CA
September 10, 2011
PC: C. Silvester

40 minutes later I'm sitting in the Andale - soaking up the adrenaline high of the start, guzzling down more water, ripping open my pouch of beef jerky. Another 40 minutes pass and it's time to get back in - I'm dreading the leap off the support boat into the frigid open ocean that relentlessly attempts to flip our canoe over. "Ready.... GO!" Splash - splash - splash! Three paddlers are in. I wanted to scream; the icy water pierced through my bones. "SEAT 1! SEAT 1!", I yelled, trying to concentrate on the canoe charging at my head. I grabbed on and swung myself in. "One, two, three, four, five", I counted to myself trying to make sure I set the pace at a high enough rate.

40 minutes later, and I'm back on the support boat again to recuperate. I hear over the radio - 2 paddlers have succumbed to hypothermia... no, 3 paddlers now have hypothermia. And it's only just the beginning...

PC: H. Cole

5 hours, 41 minutes, and 35 seconds later we cross the finish line at the mouth of Avalon Harbor at Catalina Island. Little did we know our canoe had just placed 10th in our open co-ed division. Six months ago when I joined the club I intended on being a recreational paddler. And here I was on the racing team, exhausted and pleased after 26 miles of paddling, finishing in the top half of our division even if our crew was comprised mainly of novice paddlers. What a way to end the season.

PC: C. Silvester

What's next, you may ask? More jewelry time? Perhaps... if I didn't suddenly decide to train for my first ever half marathon in less than 8 weeks!


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Green Dog Jewelry

I participated in a Jewelry Boutique at Reds a few months ago and happened to set up next to Green Dog Jewelry. At one point we started chatting next to her rings so I decided to try some on for fun - nothing struck me in particular, at least not in the display tray - but I have been interested in finding another ring to wear everyday. As I tried a few on, I came across a dainty sterling silver ring with a light green translucent gemstone. The faceted prehenite glowed in the sunlight when I picked it up and looked radiant against my skin tone. The delicate band had etching detail and overlapped at one side - very unique. I was sold.


Unfortunately, the band was too large for my fingers! While I was wearing the ring, another seller wandered over and took an interest in it as well. It fit her perfectly, so I reluctantly let it go. Green Dog Jewelry told me that she could make another ring at some point if I didn't mind waiting a few months. I don't think I've ever fall in love with a piece of jewelry so quickly and unexpectedly - so I told her that if she ever had the chance, I would love to purchase a 4.5-5.5 size ring.


Four months go by and I receive the email I've been waiting for. Green Dog Jewelry stopped by the September Whole Foods Local Arts Market event to drop off my ring. The 5.5 fit perfectly on my index finger and looked wonderful with the other two rings that I like to wear. I was ecstatic. I've been wearing this little beauty every day since.

Within/Without Chalcedony Sterling Band Ring (similar)
SHOP
Within/Without Carnelian Sterling Band Ring (LOVE!!)
SHOP
Within/Without Sterling Band Ring (simple band only, very pretty)
SHOP

Green Dog Jewelry is talented, isn't she? I hope she makes it out to a Whole Foods event soon!