Through the Lens...

We all love taking photos, right?
Heck, most phones now have a darn good camera in them.
Add an app for $1.99 and you have access to some
pretty sophisticated editing your phone photos.
I'm here to encourage you to use your phone (or actual camera)
to capture some fun and unexpected photos.

 Sometimes it's not having the most advanced photography equipment...

it's about an being there in the right place at the right time to 

capture a feeling or thought in a fraction of a second.  

Moments like these may be organic or 

they may come about through setting the stage.  

These are some creative photos meant to inspire you 

to use your viewfinder in a new way.

Shift your perspective, think outside the box and click away!

Explore. Dream. Discover.

As I stand in line at the grocery, I am reminded how many people who are here 

this time of year are simply visiting Southwest Florida.
 Our locale is a destination on a journey.  
Being a "stranger in a strange land" can ultimately change your life if you let it.
 Some travelers may leave here never to return.  Others may fall in love 
with our small slice of paradise and ultimately move here.  


Life is in the journey.  Where are your adventures taking you next?

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do 

than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, 

sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

 Explore. Dream. Discover.”  

Mark Twain

Hello...May I Please Speak with Wonder-Woman?

Who is Your Heroine? 

You know...who is that woman that inspires you to do more, go further and push harder than you would ever imagine without them.  Who do you not only admire but encourages you to aspire to become all that you can be?


When I was MUCH younger, Wonder Woman was the end all be all!  As a brunette little girl living in a Barbie world, I was over the moon to find that blonds may have more fun, but brunettes kick bum and with style!  She reminded me that hair color was not destiny and knowledge is power.

Star Wars came out and I just thought Princess Leia was the cat's meow!  Here was a princess that could open up a can of serious whoop-ass and still be "your royal highness".  Talk about a game changer!  I learned that taking calculated risks was necessary to evolve as a woman and just because you are fighting a battle doesn't mean you can't do it with style.

Over the years I've learned so much from many heroines.  Some from Hollywood, most from my everyday life.  I consider them my entourage of inspiration.  When I'm down feeling like the statue rather than the pigeon, I remember that for which I'm grateful.  I may not have an invisible plane or a gold bikini but I have faith, hope & love.


Faith makes things possible, not easy.  Whether or not you know it now, you already are the woman you aspire to become.  Have faith.  Keep hope.  Know that you are loved.  Seek to be that for other women.  Make a difference.  Become all that you are!

Wonder Woman Photograph: Allstar/Cinetext Collection/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext Collection

Pearls of Wisdom...

Care of Pearls:

Pearls are quite soft and should be treated very delicately. Never use ultrasonic cleaners or steamers as they are harsh and can damage the pearl. Wipe gently with a soft cloth after each wearing or, for more thorough cleanings, use mild soap and water. If knotted, make sure cord is completely dry before wearing.

Meaning of Pearls:
It is thought by some that pearls promote sincereity, truth and loyalty. The inner glow pearls is thought to soothe, calm and focus attention. Pearls are also believed to signify innocence and faith.

Girls Love Pearls!

Pearls never go out of style and never disappoint! They are a staple in every woman's wardrobe from elegant and chic to edgy and sexy.




Pearls are one of the earliest gemstones found, most likely along the coastline of India. They've been used for personal adornment and enjoyed throughout the world for thousands of years.

Most pearls today are cultured. Marine and freshwater mollusks (oysters and mussels) are collected and a small shell bead placed inside. The mollusks are then returned to the water where they make the pearl. It takes approximately 3 to 7 years for mollusks to produce a single pearl!

Let us know what you think about pearls!  How do you wear your pearls? Long and multi-layered or big and chunky? Any way you choose to rock your pearls, we "Love That!".

Steff's Stuff blog about women business owners...

Steff's Stuff: gryphon jewelry designs#links

I met Heather Clegg of Gryphon Jewelry Designs on line back when Dinkybird Boutique was just beginning. I was immediately impressed by her beautiful jewelry and honored that she was interested in possibly using my flowers in her designs. Heather is heavily involved in charity work, especially services that deal with women in need, which is very cool.

Check out her "Birds of a Feather" piece made with indigo ribbon, silver plated pins, Swarovski bicones, and peacock feathers:

And these cluster earrings sorely tempt me:

This piece is called Sugar Plum: Swarovski pearls and rounds on sterling silver.

Heather answered my questions so eloquently that I'm just going to let her speak for herself here on out.I officially began Gryphon Designs, LLC in May 2010. The road getting there has taken more than a decade. Sometimes life happens, plans change, and you have a choice...Life is really how you handle Plan B.

I’ve always had an “artsy side” and developed my business skills over the years through lots of blood, sweat and tears. I have to say that my husband’s genuine encouragement, ability to honestly critique, and his unwavering faith in me and my abilities really propelled me forward. I started small, learned (and keep learning) from mistakes and learned to improvise at a moment’s notice.

I am, at my core, driven by having a sense of purpose. Before starting my business, my identity was mostly defined through my job title and what I did for a living. As a business owner, that sense of purpose and identity has dramatically changed. I gain a tremendous amount of satisfaction in taking on and overcoming challenges that I never dreamed possible. My sense of accomplishment/sense of purpose is no longer tied to a job title or a promotion; it comes from a stronger sense of self and my abilities to handle whatever comes my way.

You may laugh, but my biggest frustration is directly related to what I gain the most satisfaction from as a business owner. Most business owners will tell you that they wear a multitude of hats each and every day. Small business owners’ hats get multiplied immensely! Everyday, when I wake up I have the roles of Public Relations/Media director, Advertising Agent, Photographer, Book-keeper/Accountant, Shipping Department, Web Designer, Inventory Manager, Head of Logistics, Wholesaler, Corporate Strategist…and somewhere in there I have to make time to come up with the designs and then make them a reality. And that’s only the business part of my life.

I work all hours of the night and day in a variety of locations (my office, home, car, restaurants, etc). Curiously, one can’t plan when creativity hits so you just have to go with it if your eyes fly open at 3:00am. I’m grateful for Bluetooth headpieces, strong coffee, Google calendar and good red wine as they all help me through each day.

At the same time, I have to say that I’m incredibly blessed that my schedule is so flexible. Owning my own business allows me to work with my husband on his business, take care of our home, contribute to my local community through service and still have time for my family & girlfriends. Does everything happen smoothly? Absolutely not. That’s part of the journey I’m continually learning to embrace.

My husband, Bill, and I live in Bonita Springs, Florida. We love the outdoors so we take advantage of living in the sunshine state!

I am a true Florida native, raised in Gainesville and completed undergraduate and graduate school at Florida State University.

I’m actively involved in several charitable organizations and passionate about giving back to the communities where I live and was raised. I developed a “Sweet Charity” jewelry line within Gryphon Designs where proceeds go to non-profit organizations assisting women and children in the state of Florida.

When I have a moment to spare, I love to cook, fish and golf with my hubby and spend time with family and friends.

And finally, Heather shares some inspiration:

When I was going through a very difficult time in my life, I spent a lot of time alone reading. On a whim that I cannot explain, I purchased an over-priced bookmark at a local Hallmark store. Very simply, it changed my world and how I choose to look at it, even today. I keep it out to remind me of two simple things: 1) Even the simplest idea can be transformational if you let it…2) Well, the second one has everything to do with you and what you do with this uncomplicated knowledge you are about to receive.

The bookmark reads: She believed she could, so she did.

Bravo! I love that thought! And thanks to Heather taking time out of a very busy schedule to share some insights on her business with us!