Another Great Norfolk Sunset

Landed in Norfolk, Virginia to enjoy my Black Friday.  It’s no secret I’ve been pinching pennies so shopping this year is pretty much out of the question.  So when I got to the hotel in Norfolk, I already knew what to expect.  Decided to take a walk along the shore and grabbed these shots along the way. Norfolk is a real Navy city. Everywhere you turn, there’s something about the Navy and it’s nice to see. On a future visit I may actually try and visit the Battleship USS Wisconsin (photo above). Putting that on the to do bucket list. 

Believe it or not, as anti-shopping as I was, I did manage to find the mall on this visit.  Thought about going in just to see the frenzy but I figured it would just be way too much temptation to spend money on things I didn’t need.  I opted to watch the priceless sunset instead.  Thank you Norfolk for another great sunset.

Turkey Day in Indianapolis

Landed in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thanksgiving Day.  Not a whole lot to see. Did manage to grab a couple of photos while on a walk in the crisp cool air. Sharing them here.  Otherwise it was very uneventful and that’s probably a good thing. 

Being away from family is something I’ve gotten very used to over the years. I grew up away from my extended family so we didn’t travel much to see them on holidays because of the cost. I honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve ever been at one of my own family holiday gatherings. Over the years, I’ve always joined friends or boyfriends at their family gatherings if I’m invited but when you’re single and have no children, I realize holidays really don’t carry too much meaning. I’ve always welcomed just being at work and this year really wasn’t much different. I was thankful to find my way to Indianapolis.

Happy Cyber Monday!!

Still looking for that perfect holiday gift? Why not try something handmade? As a reminder my entire Etsy store is ON SALE.  As an added bonus for today only I’ve activated a new coupon code.  Upon checkout use coupon code 10MORE and get an extra 10% off the already reduced prices. I don’t normally put things in my shop on sale so now is a great time to dive in and get that piece you’ve always wanted and spring for something else for that loved one.  As always you can visit my etsy shop directly at www.LuvAlisa.com   The necklace I’m wearing in this photo is currently on sale and available as well.  It’s my bronze Peace, Faith and Love charm Necklace which features pink crystal accent and rose quartz beads.  Perfect gift for someone who loves a little meaning behind their jewelry. So why not take a peek into my online jewelry box?  You might just find that perfect treasure you’ve been looking for.  Hope to see you stop in soon!!  Happy shopping! Happy savings!!

Hello Shopping Season!! Hello SAVINGS!! Hello Etsy!!

Welcome to the Holiday madness.  Last year I don’t recall even having a sale on my items.  This year I have a special treat. Pay close attention.  So I’m running a sale in my etsy shop (www.LuvAlisa.com).  All items in store are discounted at 10% Off.  WAIT there’s more.  For 1 week only, you can save an additional 5% off your entire order with the coupon code 5MORE.  Just make sure you place it in the coupon code box at checkout to take advantage of that extra savings.  Coupon expires on 12/2/2015.  So if you’re thinking of picking something up for yourself or a loved one, do it now. With the extra coupon code you will have a total of 15% Off.  Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.  As usual, I can’t wait for you to explore my jewelry box for that special find.  Stop in at www.LuvAlisa.com.  Thanks!!!

Peace and Love Handmade Jewelry!

I’ve been so busy traveling that I haven’t had an opportunity to share my most recent pieces that are available in my etsy shop found at www.LuvAlisa.com.  I’ve been wanting to share these pieces for quite some time. When I sat down recently to create some new pieces, it was at the time that the world watched the horrific events unfold in Paris. Like many others; those events plagued my mind and my heart ached for what those involved went through. As many can agree the world needs more Peace and more love and I wanted to create a piece that would reflect just that.  As I sifted through my inventory of charms, I came across an old dove with an olive branch. I’ve had this charm for quite some time but never found a use for it. Knowing that it is a symbol of peace, I couldn’t think of a better time to put it to use.  I paired the dove with a heart accented by a pink crystal and rose quartz, thus the necklace of Peace and Love was born.  I have it available in both silver tone and bronze tone. 

I also made a version for those of faith who wished to have a cross charm included for the complete message of Peace, Faith and Love.  These new necklaces and many more are currently available in my etsy shop.  Please feel free to stop in to take a look around.  

First Snow in Des Moines, Iowa!!

Let me make one thing straight before I start.  I hate snow and I hate cold weather. What can you expect from a gal that was born and raised in Hawaii and lived in Southern California for the last 12 years? I’ve been spoiled. This is my first year residing in Texas and I’m not a fan either. Keep telling myself I’m moving the wrong direction in the country. Anyway, though I hate snow, there is just something about that first snow that does get me excited.  I probably won’t be jumping for joy in Texas when it happens but when I landed in Des Moines, Iowa and learned it was supposed to snow that afternoon I was excited.  I think I was the only person around who was happy to see the white powder falling. It was my first time in Des Moines, so everything was new to me.  That’s actually a nice feeling - Exploring a completely new place with no expectations. What I loved most about Des Moines (and I wish all other cold cities would do this) was the fact that they have a skywalk in the the downtown area connecting buildings to each other so you don’t have to step a foot out into the cold.  How genius is that????  Anyway, I wasn’t against walking in the snow but the skywalk is so much more comfortable. Found my way down to the court district where I had some comfort food at the Court Avenue Brewing Company. Why is it that I tell myself when I enter a restaurant that I’m going to eat healthy and then end up ordering off the menu a specialty item that isn’t so healthy but oh so good? I’ll put it in writing here, if you’re wanting a hearty meal the Court Avenue Brewing Company has an awesome Meatloaf. Because it was cold outside (yes that’s MY excuse) I also got the bread pudding with ice cream.  Also recommended.  Overall experience at the Court Avenue Brewing Company was great.  No complaints. It’s one of those places I can see returning to again if I ever get back this way.

I did obviously get outside to capture the snow.  I had to.  It was fun to play in it for a bit.  I think I’ve now had my fix and winter can keep the rest of the snow.  I don’t think I’ll be so lucky though.  Have a bad bad feeling that I’ll be seeing more of this cold, wet, powder in the weeks to come...... 

It was fun Des Moines. You’re one city I won’t mind returning to. Hope to see you again one day.....

Detroit and the Perfect Cobb Salad

I’ve been to Detroit Michigan several times now.  Haven’t wandered far enough to say much about it.  I did get outside the hotel in the dark cold windy evening grabbed a shot of the street.  Not a whole lot to see.  I’m waiting for daylight to be able to actually explore an area again.  These short winter days aren’t exactly working for me.  Anyway on this visit I must say, I had the PERFECT Cobb Salad.  I know how exciting is that?  Not much to write home about but any chef might want to take note.  What I loved most about the salad was the fact that it wasn’t put together (pictured).  I could control the amounts of things I wanted to go into it.  It worked out beautifully.  Sadly that’s probably the highlight of Detroit this visit.  When I get back this way, if I decide I want a cobb salad I know where I’m going. Thanks Detroit!