Ali.O's Assets: 2014

August 2014

KVK & ALI.O…..

PPS & PPJ….

Horse girls, small town girls, artists with the same creative vision.

I was lucky enough to meet Kerri years ago while we were both working in economic development. Though we were different ages and at different stages in our lives, we immediately clicked! We are small town girls with a love for the prairie and everything it entails and we are both artistic with a chosen medium of jewelry. We became fast friends and have enjoyed attending many gem shows together. Always meeting up at the end of the day playing show and tell with our finds, doing some trading, and creative thinking. Our friendship stretches past the jewelry industry as we have held one another’s hands during the ups and downs of this crazy thing called life.

At one point, we considered starting a line together. The name of the partnership naturally is The Prairie Princesses! Since then, she is PPS, standing for Prairie Princess Senior. This beauty is far from a senior but rather more experienced in life. I am Prairie Princess Junior (PPJ). PPS has a knack for picking herself up by her bootstraps and is always a visionary and cutting edge in the industry. Now, her daughter is living in NYC and in the jewelry industry as well! You can learn more about Kerri here: http://www.kvkjewelrydesign.com/pages/about-us and be sure to like her facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/KvkJewelryDesign

This month-we are giving you an amazing deal. Go directly to Kerri’s site and enter Ali-O20%Off and get 20% any fabulous find on her website!!!!!! Will you go for the mammoth bone, diamonds, buffalo horn, or edgy stones from the European collection of gems that she represents? Its up to you, but hurry, this first time ever deal from KVK ends on August 31^st!!!!

http://www.kvkjewelrydesign.com/

Discount Code: Ali-O20%Off

July 2014

Coming home. While Buffalo, Wyoming was great, it is always nice to be home! We are so lucky that Hastings has such a strong art culture and the downtown is really starting to boom. One of my favorite stops on 2nd street is A Perfect Gift. One step inside the gift/floral shop and you can feel the creativity oozing through the veins of the old, refurbished building. One of the owners, Jocelyn, started to make basic jewelry years ago and through experimentation, her pieces grew into unique sterling silver, wire wrapped pieces of art featuring funky stones. Then, her parents went to vacation in Aspen and her Mother was rocking her pieces when it caught the eye of a boutique owner and he bought every last piece! After that, she started to sell to different boutiques….until Jocelyn, her sister, and Mother (all crazy talented) opened A Perfect Gift and her work became exclusive to her shop. We are lucky that Jocelyn is willing to let us bring Ali.O's Assets to all of you!!!! Nothing better than coming home…..

A PERFECT GIFT

Black Swarovski skulls on sterling silver wire

2.5" Length

$90

CHURCH ON SUNDAY

Crystal crosses on sterling silver chain and wire

5" length

$80

HASTINGS COLLEGE BRONCOS

Red, Black, and Crystal disco balls on sterling silver wire

3.75" length

$70

THE LARK

Gold Swarovski skulls on sterling silver wire

3" length

$80

GRAHAM GALLERY

Black disco balls on sterling silver chain and fish hooks

4.5" length

$80

PRAIRIE LOFT

Clear Swarovski crystal skulls on sterling silver wire

2" length

$80

WINE STYLES

Iridescent Swarovski skulls on sterling silver chain

4.5" length

$120

June 2014

My husband I recently spent time in the western town of Buffalo, Wyoming. We love the area and can't believe what a town of 4,700 has to offer. Its an old historical town but also forward thinking…..without losing the identity of its past. We enjoyed listening to a jam session in an old bar that still has bullet holes from gunfights over a 100 years ago. We were so excited to randomly run into some old rodeo friends who we haven't seen for many years. And I enjoyed the shopping (of course) at places that included a european gypsy's private collection, a potter, a saddle/handbag maker, and knitwear designer who uses local wools (watch for the later two in the upcoming months). Not to mention, Wyoming has some really good breweries, one of my favorite being right in Buffalo.

During a couple of my stops, I ran into a woman from Sheridan and then a store owner introduced us. I fell in love with (and bought) a crocodile bracelet. It was fun to learn her story….an art history major who owned a gallery and taught art then found her calling was making jewelry. She lives in Sheridan with her husband and three busy kids so making funky retro jewelry is her refuge! Each piece is one of a kind and she sells at shows and through Facebook.

The time of the year is upon us where we enjoy outdoor concerts, festivals, rodeos, and parties and these pieces would be a great companion to your wrist for any event!!!! There is just one of each so get yours now and show off your Retro Funk jewelry at your next summer BBQ!

Long suede wrap bracelet with hammered and patina bronze circle and turquoise heart. This is a long wrap that can also be worn as a lariat!

$89.00

Bracelet using a vintage belt with bright, hand dyed, turquoise stingray wrap

$145.00

Burnt sienna stingray bracelet with suede lining

$160.00

Burnt sienna stingray and vintage leather bracelet

$130.00

May 2014

QUESTION:

What do you get when you cross extreme talent with stress, heartbreak and a bead loom named Jimmy????

ANSWER:

Amazing one-of-a-kind, hand beaded headbands!

THE ARTIST: This month, I am featuring a beautiful artist who was raised just two miles down the road from us. We have known Jenae and her family for years and they are a class act, each one as talented as the next. This girl has it all, beauty inside and out, kindness, and an artistic eye.

THE MOTIVATION: Jenae taught herself to bead when she was stressed out with school and needed something to relax herself during the chaos of college classes, work, and exams. Pretty soon, everyone wanted one or her unique pieces (she makes headbands, hatbands and bracelets, and a belt is currently in the works).

THE LOOM: In addition to the stress of school and work, she found herself in relationships with people who were only adding to her stress. So, she ignored the boys and named her bead loom Jimmy. It was a perfect relationship, this guy relaxed her, he was never an ass, and he helped make her some extra cash!!!! Jimmy has helped Jenae produce many fun pieces. I have several and love each one of them-I wear them out at night, during the day to mask a bad hair day, and even when I am working out!!!

THE FAIRYTALE ENDING: Jimmy must have done his job because now Jenae is planning a wedding to a real life man who is a great catch!! Don’t worry though, I don’t see Jimmy leaving the picture anytime soon, those hands have a lot more love to produce for you and I!

As usual, each piece is unique!!!!

Headbands are $ 45 each plus tax

Free shipping!

Cream beads with turquoise crosses

Black and red chevron

Modern aztec

SOLD!!!

Aztec with sequined elastic

Green and yellow stripes

Husker Power!

April 2014

This month, my Dad would have been 77 years old….still acting like he was 25, I have no doubt. But, for the 9th year in a row now, I have not been able to celebrate with him. My Dad is celebrating his birthday in Heaven.

Cancer took the best Dad ever.

Cancer made sure that he never met my children.

Cancer left a hole in our hearts.

You know what cancer? Suck it. My Dad is still with me. Every. Day. And while I hate you (a word that my Dad told me never to use), you bring out the best in people.

One of the many, many, many people who have dealt with you and felt your wrath is a beautiful woman from my hometown, Jennifer Windrum. Her Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer (she never smoked). For six years, Jennifer fought along side with her Mom, blogging every sad, heart wrenching, gut turning moment. All in the name of bringing more awareness to the beast and reducing the stigma. Jennifer's Mom went to Heaven…..and Jennifer went to work! The result: SMAC! Sock Monkeys Against Cancer.

SMAC! Monkeys are true "creature comforts" for those with cancer….reminding them that no one fights it alone. SMAC! monkeys NoMo (the ALL cancer fighting monkey) and Phoenix (the lung cancer fighting monkey) kept her Mom company during chemo, radiation, illness, and long nights. Jennifer developed a social enterprise-a company with social change at its core and sells the SMAC! monkeys online, as well as through partnerships with hospitals and cancer-related organizations and foundations. Read her story here: http://www.smacancer.com/what-is-smac/

This month. Ali.O's Assets presents SMAC! Sock Monkeys Against Cancer. This month, no limited amount. This month, all proceeds go to SMAC!……ready, set, buy!!!! Lets all yell loud and clear together…..HEY CANCER, SUCK IT-WE HATE YOU!!!!!!!

Go to www.smacancer.com to purchase NoMo or Phoenix today! You can: purchase to show your support, purchase and give NoMo or Phoenix to a loved one fighting cancer, or, if you are lucky enough to not know anyone fighting cancer at the moment, you can let us donate a monkey to someone fighting cancer right now! Enter Ali.O at checkout so we know you helped me join the fight!

March 2014

WRAP yourself in LOVE this season……

No, no NO! I’m not referring to the made up fantasy of cupids and hearts-I’m well aware that Valentine's day is behind us for another 11 ½ months (whew)!!!! I’m referring to the season of lent, a time when we prepare to celebrate the ultimate act of LOVE. A time when we calm our hearts and reflect upon the sacrifice that Jesus made for each one of us.

I love going out to the pasture and just enjoying the calm, in the cool air, away from screaming kids and singing cell phones. I am never really alone out there…. as there is usually an ass that wants scratched!!!!! Oddly enough, this too is calming as there is unconditional love that comes from those creatures. Have you heard about “Legend of the Donkey's Cross"? Did you know most miniature donkeys have a dark stripe from the neck to the back and across the shoulders forming the image of a cross? Legend has it that Jesus placed this shadow of a cross on a donkey's back in order to reward him for his loyalty. The donkey not only carried Jesus into Jerusalem but also stayed at the base of the cross, refusing to leave Jesus during the crucifixion.

What better way to hold His sacrifice close to our hearts than by literally wrapping ourselves in a cross or scripture??!?

God rewarded this month’s artist with special talent. Meet Carmen, the beautiful woman behind Wrapped scarves. She uses her hands to scroll inspirational sayings onto the most luscious scarves. I met this former English teacher and stay-at-home mom several years ago through a mutual friend, and she has had me wrapped around her products ever since!!!! Her products are poetic, unique and straight from the heart!!!! I have one around my neck almost daily….

We are so lucky that Carmen was willing to make unique scarves just for Ali.O’s Assets this month!!! She has screen printed some of these soft, bright scarves with a beautiful cross and on others, she has written some of my favorite bible verses. What a great way to keep His word and love close to your heart, all while being fashionable!!! We are also featuring a brand new Wrapped product, headbands to sweat in while keeping our bodies strong!

So, for those of you who don’t have a donkey in your backyard to remind you of the ultimate act of love, wrap yourself in His word or the image of a cross to keep you and your heart warm now and always! Remember, we have limited quantities of each design so don’t miss out!!!

6 fun colors available with a unique screen printed cross

Script scarves available in pink and turquoise!!!

Verses available

Colossians 3:14

"And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it"

Psalm 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God"

Ecclesiastes 9:10

"Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all of your might"

Brand new Wrapped product!!! Workout headbands that are 2-2.5" cotton/lycra stretch! Show your strength as you are working out at the gym or out for a long run!!
$27 each

February 2014

The Story Behind The Find: It was a perfect September day. My husband, kids and I had the pleasure of attending the Blenheim Palace Horse trials near Oxford, England. I was so excited to see the animal athletes as they traveled over the cross country course set on the grounds of Winston Churchill’s family home. But, lets be honest, I was equally as excited for the “shopping village” they had advertised. As usual, things don't always go as perfect as the picture in my mind. One twin hurled in the cab on the way there, there were hills to climb as we walked the course which caused the 5 year old to whine, and it seemed to take forever for me to make it to the shopping village. Once I finally made it there, dragging the twins along with me, I was horribly disappointed. I didn’t need any more riding breeches (since I rarely ride English anymore) and my horses sure didn’t need any more splint boots. THEN, I came upon the most amazing booth with the most amazing designer…..who was also serving champagne. The day was perfect after all!!!!

The Find: Lucy made a few capes for some friends and family for Christmas 2012 and then BOOM, it exploded, everyone wanted one! Each cape is hand made with the finest fabrics and fur (I only believe in real fur but if you don’t, we have a few without fur), each buttonhole is hand stitched and each cape is completed using vintage buttons. EACH CAPE IS UNIQUE!!! They are so versatile, they can be worn with the buttons down the side, front, back, or unbuttoned and used as a wrap. The fur collar detaches so it can be worn with or without the collar making it perfect for almost every season. Every time I wear my cape, I have tons of compliments so I decided it was time to bring them across the pond….you will not find them anywhere else in the United States! I have seven available, all unique and all equally as FAB. Happy Shopping!

PARIS

This cape is a show stopper!!! Pink wool outer fabric with a cotton print on the inside. The fur and hand stitched button holes are off white. Paris would love a stroll in its namesake city or enjoy an evening out anywhere in the world!!!

$375
Free Shipping

PRAGUE

Love the beautiful plum wool against the salmon colored lining. The vintage gold buttons pop and the dark fur make this a posh piece! This cape can go from day to evening anywhere in the world!
$375
Free Shipping

Detail of Prague

LAKE GARDA

Great grey cashmere with pastel print on the inside. Perfect for cool evenings on the water of Italy….or on the prairie!!!

$350
Free Shipping

NEBRASKA

This cape would be perfect while cheering on the Huskers during a cool fall day at Memorial Stadium! Or, wear it inside during winter sports to keep the chill off your back. The black wool is set against a reddish silk lining. The neutral stitching and buttons add a fun contrast. Go Big Red!!

$350

Free Shipping

Detail of Nebraska

BORDEAUX

The wine colored wool and fur is so rich set against the neutral silk lining. We love the white stitching and silver buttons. Perfect for an afternoon of wine tasting!

$375

Free Shipping

Detail of Bordeaux

LONDON

The pink cotton print lining pops against the dark navy wool on this cape. The pink hand stitched button holes hold vintage brown buttons. The dark fur around the collar would make anyone wearing this cape look like royalty!!!

$375

Free Shipping

SOLD

Detail of London

MUNICH

The grey cashmere is a great backdrop for the red lining and blue hand stitched button holes on this cape. Perfect for a stroll through the English Gardens….
$350
Free Shipping

Detail of Munich