Wednesday's Word...Or Not..

Not.. would be the chosen one for today...I'm still getting organized from the weekend. I'll be publishing a special post tomorrow night for the Expo along with winners. For tonight..........Baby's do it..why can't we do it more often?



Hope you enjoyed the laugh therapy!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasure - All Things Bags

I'm sure it goes without saying that I found many wonderful little treasures this past weekend, while surfing the Business Women Online Expo. Tonight's treasures were found over at Gold Crest Bags on Etsy. Miriam makes the cutest bags, pouches, clutches, eye glass cases, and more.
She creates out of Montreal and has been designing and sewing for as long as she can remember. Miriam is also a fellow member of UWIB. Please take a minute or two, or ten to stop by Gold Crest Bags and see all that they have to offer.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizer - Copper Eye Candy

As I was quickly scanning over our girlfriends list tonight, this beautiful copper bracelet caught my eye! After searching high and low for this girlfriends shop I finally found her. This beautiful cuff bangle was made by Peggy Whitworth over at Brokenwings2 on Etsy. Peggy makes the most beautiful bangles,earrings and pendants.

Her shop is a must visit when shopping for the holidays!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

The Fall Business Women's Expo has Started!!!

Welcome to the 1st Fall Business Women Expo Online!!

We are so all excited that you've taken the time to join us today in the first of many more Expo's to come. Come right on inside, grab a cup of coffee, tea of beverage of your choice, take a load off and enjoy the many women who have come together this weekend to share a little about themselves and their businesses with you!

The Business Women Expo will introduce you to many great female businesses and get you in the mood for holiday shopping. Not only will you learn about what great female businesses are available to shop from this holiday, but there will be prizes, specials and giveaway's going on all weekend across the blogosphere! This expo isn't about the big retailers, it's about the female entrepreneur's of the world. It's about networking, building your blog followings, sharing your business and a little bit of selfish promoting...BUT most of all it's about having a little fun!! This expo is for everyone, so don't miss out!!

Here's how the Expo works:
After reading this post, register by leaving a comment below. There will be a door prize at the end of the Expo. Once you've left your comment, Vist all the vendors booths listed to the right hand side. You don't have to do it all at once, you have all weekend long!! Leave comments to their posts as you go along, enter any contests that may be going on, and share the experience with your friends. Your visits will be reciprocated all weekend long! What will happen by the end of the weekend is that we'll all be worn out, BUT we will have networked our businesses and built some friendships and followings along the way...and that's what this Expo and Girls Night Out is all about!!

So to that, here's the Girls Night out theme song! "Let's Go GNO!"


Now that you're in the mood...let's check out this Expo one booth at a time and don't forget to register to win this handcrafted necklace made with Amazonite, Quarts, Freshwater pearls and Sterling silver! Drawing to be held Wednesday, September 30th!

Expo Sponsored by Runako Designs. When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

TOMORROW - Fall Business Womens's Expo

Don't Miss it!! The Fall Business Women Online Expo starts tomorrow morning. We're all busy getting our booths set up for you so come back and visit some of the best online businesses owned by even more fabulous women. Create your holiday shopping list, network, pick up some new followers and most of all have fun!! There will be contests and giveaways all weekend long. Meet fellow bloggers as you hop from booth to booth and it all starts right here on Girls Night Out!!

How it works:
Visit Girls Night Out in the morning and all weekend, leave a comment and let me know you were here, then follow the links to the right and visit each booth. Leave comments as you go, enter contests and find new blogs and businesses to follow. Don't forget to create your holiday shopping as you mosey along down the row. If you can't make it the weekend, the links will remain up for a while, just so you don't miss all the fun!

I'll also be sponsoring a give away here for all participants, so looking forward to seeing you in the morning!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thoughts - Haters Wanted!

She's a free spirit, she's a rock, she's a survivor, a dreamer, a doer and a listener...she's your girlfriend! And what do girlfriends do? They talk about life, laugh, cry, reflect on the past and they share thoughts. Grab a glass of coffee and leave a comment or two. For today's thought... Dee say's..

My pastor quoted someone this weekend as saying something along these lines..."If hating is a full time job, I want to keep a lot of people employed!"

Why is it that when you're successful and doing well, there are always those out there that will hate on you? They will hate your shoes, clothes, what you have to say and most of all your success? Don't allow their negativity to bring you down and most of all don't spend time wondering why they hate you.

If you have haters in your life, I say you must be doing something right! Surround yourself with positive people, who will encourage and support you and let the haters wallow in their own misery!

Come back this weekend for The Business Women's Expo, September 26th!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Wednesday's Word...or Not...

Today, I'm opting for a Not...apparently this is circulating as a new fashion phase in Japan...but is it really? According to Urban Legends it's a NOT! Lesson for today...don't believe all the hype ladies and please don't do this at home!

Subject: Crazy ideas from Japan...

Another Crazy Fashion from Japan

What you see below are not see-thru skirts. They are actually prints on the skirts to make it look as if the panties are visible and the current rage in Japan.

Come back this weekend for the Business Women's Expo... don't miss it!
When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Treasures - Charm and Jewels

Today's treasures are brought to you by Charm and Jewels over at Etsy. Crystal Carlton is a fellow EAOC team member and she makes beautiful jewelry. Crystals "handmade jewelry designed with you in mind" is just what the fashionable woman is looking for because she takes feminine to the next level. Visit Crystals shop, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Come back this weekend for the Business Women's Expo September 26th for more great vendors and holiday shopping!
When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Monday's Mesmerizing Beauty -

Today's Mesmerizer is from one of my hitchhiking friends over at Handmade Highway. This beautiful wire crochet ring was handmade by Ilana Diner over at 7Art Jewelry Boutique on Etsy...it's absolutely beautiful and the intricate detail is to die for. Check out Ilana over at Handmade Highway to learn more about her and her wonderful designs.

Don't forget to come back Saturday and check out the Business Women's Expo all weekend!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creaIlana Dinerting jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Business Women Online Expo - September 26th

Come out September 26th and visit the Fall Business Women Online Expo!

The expo will introduce you to many great female businesses and get you in the mood for holiday shopping. Not only will you learn about what great female businesses are available to shop from this holiday, but there will be prizes, specials and giveaway's going on all weekend across the blogosphere! This expo isn't about the big retailers, it's about the female entrepreneur's of the world.

You'll be able to create a gift list early and favorite some shops and blogs you'll want to make purchases from this holiday. You'll also be able to see plenty of awesome artisans and learn about their business and craft. This is an awesome opportunity to network, building your online following and make new friends and learn first hand what Girls Night Out is all about!

Here's how the Expo works:

Come back to Girls Night Out starting at midnight, September 26th. leave a comment on Girls Night out, and let us know you were here, then visit the list of vendor booths on the right hand side all weekend, leaving comments and entering contests as you go and most of all have great fun! We've built our own little following here at GNO, but we want to spread the love around the blogosphere this weekend...so join us in the First Business Women Online Expo this weekend!!

Interested Vendors:
If you're interested in featuring your blog and shop in the Fall Expo click the badge below to find out how, deadline for entries is Thursday, September 24th...Get yours in now!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thoughts - Wouldn't It Be Nice

She's a free spirit, she's a rock, she's a survivor, a dreamer, a doer and a listener...she's your girlfriend! And what do girlfriends do? They talk about life, laugh, cry, reflect on the past and they share thoughts. Grab a glass of coffee and leave a comment or two. For today's thought... Dee asks...

I'll be the first to say I appreciate my family, time spent with family, my business, home and everything about my life, but sometimes,

Wouldn't it be nice.....

To travel wherever and whenever you wanted...

To shop til you drop where everything fits and everything is affordable....

If money were not an object...ever!

Not to have to worry about cleaning your house..it's magically clean, all the time...

If someone could make you a healthy, homemade meal every night and did the dishes when they finished...

To have a home, with enough rooms for everything and everyone...

aaah, wouldn't life be Grande!

I just got back from a three day business trip where no expenses were spared, so I thought it would be nice to dream for a minute longer...before starting dinner, washing clothes and going back to work tomorrow.... leave a comment and share your top "wouldn't it be nice"..I'd love to hear them. Then stop back by tomorrow for another Fun Girls Night Out Weekend!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Fall Business Women Online Expo - Vendors Wanted

I am so excited to announce the First Annual Fall Business Women Online Expo, sponsored by yours truly! I am so looking forward to a successful event that I'm already planning another one in the Spring and don't want to waste another minute without giving you all the details. There's a lot to read, but don't miss a word :).

Purpose:
First and foremost to have FUN!...that's what Girls Night Out is all about. Secondly the Expo is to promote and expose all those awesome women business owners out on the blogosphere just in time for the holiday's. You'll be able to promote your business, gain some new followers and customers, discover some other awesome business women, and network, just in time for the holiday's!

The Event:
The event will start right here on Girls Night Out Saturday, September 26th at Midnight! All participants names will be listed in the sidebar leading up to the event and beyond. On the start of the event you will visit this blog, and begin clicking and visiting the blog links that will be listed on the right side. Have fun reading their posts that will introduce you to their business, check out the rest of their blog if you have time, then leave a comment, letting them know you were there and follow if you have an interest so that you can follow back up later. Once you finish with your first blog, then you'll visit your next and on and on the weekend goes. In return, all other participants will do the same. Don't worry, you won't be pressured to visit ALL blogs in two days. I'll leave the links up for a while, to allow everyone time to visit, and I'll be creating a separate post later with links to all participants as a Holiday Gift Shopping Guide! Are you getting excited?? There's more....

Post Contents:
You'll be able to do some selfless promotion on this weekend and not feel guilty! Post a blog entry that introduces visitors to you and your business or craft. Post photos, videos, links, giveaways', contests whatever you like, but most of all just have fun with it!

What Makes it Work?
What's going to make this weekend a success is everyone's participation. If you post your business, PLEASE take the time to fully participate by visiting all the blogs.

Promotion:
I'll be promoting this event like crazy, and I'll need for you to do the same. Post to Facebook, twitter, Myspace, stumbleUpon, social networks, blog entries, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey (LOL) friends and family, media..the more the merrier! You'll need to grab a badge or two and post to your blog or anywhere else linking it back to this post. If enough of us post or email some of these big names, we may really get noticed!! (another thought just popped into my head, but later) I'll also be posting a separate post again announcing the event as soon as I get a few businesses to list.

Rules:
If you submit your link, you must have an Expo listed on your site by Saturday. If you do not have a post, I'l be removing your link.

How to Participate:
1. please send an email to [ bwoe_info @ yahoo . com]. In the subject heading please enter FALL EXPO. Include in the email, your full name, business name and full blog link. Wherever you email me from, this will be where you receive updates about the event.

2. Grab a badge and place on your blog and link it back to Girls Night Out. Once I have the promotion post posted, I'll email all participants so that you can change the link in the badge to that particular post and promote the event.

3. In your final Post on September 26th..please title your post Fall Business Women Online Expo - Booth #___ . Your booth number will be listed by your business name on the right, just like a real expo! Also, post the larger badge at the top of your post the day of the event.

4. If you do any type of contest or giveaway, I might suggest you extend the entry deadline past Sunday, for those who may not be able to get to all the blogs that weekend.

5. Try to leave your post up at least through Sunday, so that it is quickly visible when the mass will be visiting.

That's it for now...Let do this GNO Style!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Girls Night Out - Dorm Night Feature!!

Welcome to Girls Night Out with....

Hello ladies and welcome back to another weekend and Friday night full of fun! Tonight, we're going to have a dorm party! Well, not like the dorm parties any of us went to of course...clean blog here!! But we're going to be partying with BKD Signature Designs, and she's not only a college student, who just moved back to school, but also a very talented artist.

I've done a little extra decorating around here to give it a little campus feel, so make your self right at home while we wait for everyone to arrive. I found these cool removable wall decals so thought I'd dress up the corners a bit too. And who could ever forget the fabulous crate furniture! I think the every college board must have had stock in this stuff!! But it sure did endure the rough life for years..gotta give it that. Grab a seat! We all can't fit on the futon, so you know what's next...the FLOOR!!

If you all ate like I did in college, you probably already know what's on the menu for tonight...that's right Pizza and Chinese take-out! And for drinks....it's BYOB, so I hope you brought your own, because we're on a tight college budget tonight!

Well, looks like everyone had made it, since I started to show you around the room, so let's get started with a long overdue Girls Night Out! So without further adieu I give you Brianne Durkin of Carmichael, California!! (applaud now)

Brianne, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself.
Well, as you said, I'm originally from Carmichael, California. I'm attending college in McMinnville, Oregon where I am a college student studying to be a Psychology major with a Studio Art minor. I am in a sorority and absolutely love it. My favorite color is blue and I am addicted to Etsy!

So, how did you get started in your business?
I have been crafting all my life and enjoy creating all sorts of new things. I was introduced to Etsy last summer by a friend and decided this year to start selling. I love to create, but don't need all the stuff, so I'm excited to send my creations to loving homes. I'm not sure how I came up with the name - it sort of just popped into my head. I wanted to use my name and another word, just like celebrities do with their line. So my initials and another word that sounded fancy gave me BKD Signature!


I really love your little kitty in your banner. So, What inspires your designs and motivates you in your business?
I am motivated by my love of creating and my passion for handmade. I love learning how to make everything, so I am constantly expanding my skill set. When I see a medium that I like, I strive to learn how to use it. I want to be the person that knows how to do everything. What also motivates me is the fact that I can earn money to pay for college. I am saving up for my Master's and it's very scary and daunting knowing how much I'll have to pay for that!

I can relate to that, just thinking how much it will cost to send my son to college gives me gray hairs, and I don't know how you find the time! So, when you're not working your business and studying, what fun things do you do ?
I enjoy hanging out with friends and being a part of a sorority. I love to read and learn. I also love to bake and cook. I have a million recipes and cook books already, and I'm only 21.

Maybe one day you'll come up with something cool for the cooking arena, like some funky pot holders or cookbook stands. Do you ever get a total "time out" for yourself?
When I do, I set aside a whole day of relaxing, doing only what I want to do. I try not to worry about my To-Do List, but rather enjoy the day off.

yeah, a to-do list is more like a forever list..what are your three favorite online shops for girlie things you'd recommend to the ladies?
Etsy, Bath and Body Works, and Sephora

Who is your biggest crush in Hollywood and why?
Zac Efron. I'm convinced he's my soul mate :)

Watch out Vanessa! I have to admit, he did a great job in his movie and High School Musical and if I were uuggh...younger, I'd fav him as well! What's your favorite Chick Flick?
The legally Blonde series and the Wedding Date

Legally Blonde has been mentioned before...gonna have to Netflix that soon. Can you share with us the silliest thing you've ever done with your friends?
oh, wow...I think those are too many to count.

Ladies...that was a politically correct response in case her parents are reading this... you know that right? Okay, so do you have any specials you'll be offering this weekend to the ladies and visitors of Girls Night Out?
When purchasing in my Etsy shop this weekend, use "GNO Follower" discount code in notes to seller for a 10% discount on all my items!

I must tell you all, that the samplings above are only a small sampling of some of the cute pendants and items Brianne has on her site. I actually have one of her pendants myself and they are too cute....and easily exchangeable too on a necklace.

After tonight you can find Brianne at:
Etsy shop: http://Beegrl88.etsy.com
Blog: http://bkdsignature.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://artist.to/bkdsignature


So, there you have it, another great interview with another great artist and fellow Girlfriend. Perfect weekend to pick up a gift or two for early holiday shopping with a discount. I already have my second pendant picked out!

Now because I'm also celebrating my one year anniversary online, I'm going to be giving away a few things this weekend to some lucky girlfriends, and here's all you have to do to be entered in the drawings:

1. For tonights drawing, Visit Brianne's Etsy shop before 11:00 pm, come back here and let us know your favorite item in a comment...easy peasy! Winner will be announced in the comment section Saturday morning. If you follow Brianne on Facebook or her blog, you'll get another entry for each follow, just leave a seperate comment and let us know. You must leave seperate comments for the follows or they will NOT count.

2. For Saturday's drawing...come back and look for my quiz question under comments and leave your answer before 11:00 pm and, your name will be entered for another prize Saturday night.

3. For Sunday's drawing,...come back and look for one more quiz question under comments from me, leave a comment by 7:00 pm and your name will be entered in the final drawing for the weekend.

And nooooooooo, I didn't forget to tell you what the prizes were...but you must know I wouldn't let any of you down! And as always, don't forget to check back, because someone just may be talking to you!! spread the word and have a fabulous weekened!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Two Winners for Business Card Giveaway!!

We have two lucky WINNERS tonight in the Business Card Giveaway sponsored by digital room.com !! The winners will receive:

500 Business Cards

Choose size: 2x3.5”, 2x3”, 2x2";

Choose paper: 14pt cardstock (matte or gloss coating) & 13 pt cardstock uncoated

Choose Color: (4/4) Color both sides; (4/1) Color 1 side , B/W backside; (4/0) Color 1 side, black backside

alright, alright....so the winners are Rebecca and Maria!!....Yeaahhh!!! I was able to find email addresses for you both on your blogs; however, please contact me immediately to confirm that they are correct, so that I can send in a change if need be. Digital printing will be contacting you directly with your coupon codes, let me know if you have any issues.

Congratulations to you both and thank you for participating in this exciting event and for visiting and following Girls Night Out!!

For anyone who didn't win tonight, please come back tomorrow and this weekend, when I'll be featuring BKD Signature Designs and I'll probably have a few more neat gifts under my heat...see you all then!!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday Treasures - Cool Head Gear..and More!

Boi or boi... did I stumble upon a cool shop tonight! I'm a sucker for cool winter head gear and I struck gold tonight! Maybe that's why I like winter so much...I get to wear my hats! So, Renaissance Austin over at Rag House International makes the coolest crocheted caps and tams. She makes other fabulous accessories too, but I was stuck on the hats...you'll have to visit yourself for all her other cool designs like jewelry, scarves, headbands and more.... She even knits shoelaces...how cool are these??You can alo find Renaissance on her Myspace page or blog the Artful Chatterbox.

Don't forget to come back Friday Night and the weekend to see our featured Designer BKD Designs!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Hope in Soap for Two Little Girls

Tonight I don't have a mesmerizing beauty to show you, only a message with the hope that you will add two very special little girls to your thoughts and and prayers and/or support an effort to help their family. I read a post over at a friends blog this week about two little girls, ages 1 and 2, who lost their mother in a car crash, in North Tulare County in California August 20th. The children were with her and unharmed, unfortunately the mother, 24, did not survive.

Desert Maiden Bath an Etsy shop, is donating 40% of her sales starting this month towards a $2,000 treasure bond for the two children of her friend until the goal is reached. If you're in need of soap this month, please consider purchasing from this shop.

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Weekend Escape and apologies...

I owe all my girlfriends and visitors an apology for not posting this weekend, but I had an opportunity for the perfect weekend and I couldn't resist. Thanks to everyone who checked in on me, I truly appreciate your concern and friendship. I didn't leave town, but I admit, I took a break from the net to spend some time with my favorite guy. You can read about my perfect weekend here. Things should be back to normal Monday night.

This weekend we'll be back to features and our weekend host will be BKD Design's. join me Friday to learn more about this wonderful artist and student!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Thursday's Thought - Remembering School

She's a free spirit, she's a rock, she's a survivor, a dreamer, a doer and a listener...she's your girlfriend! And what do girlfriends do? They talk about life, laugh, cry, reflect on the past and they share thoughts. Grab a glass of coffee and leave a comment or two. For today's thought... Dee asks...

What were your best school days?

As kids and young adults all around start back to school, tonight has me thinking of my own school days. Life was fun, carefree and wild..well not so wild, but you know what I mean. I think my best school days were when I was in college. For me it was like a whole new world. I went to private school all my life, so there were a few things I may have missed out on. I went to a local college, but first opportunity to move away from home I was on it! I was a peer counselor on campus for my second summer, then on to an off campus apartment complex as an RA for three years...wow..life was fun! I learned so many things during those years that have carried over in my life today as a Resident Assistant and met some of my most dearest and still closest friends while there. College life taught me a lot, some good and some bad, but I wouldn't trade living on campus for anything in the world.

What about you...what were you best school days?

Come back tomorrow for a fun, and carefree weekend with Girls Night Out!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com

Tuesday's Give-a-way Treasure

A recent poll done by Uprinting revealed that the most popular giveaway from their site would be business cards, so lucky for you I'm a sponsored blogger for Uprinting.com, who in partnership with digital room.com is hosting a giveaway. And right here on Girls Night Out, TWO, not ONE lucky winners will receive a slick new set of 500 die cut business cards from Digital Room, and if you win, you can choose between 3 different business card sizes, customized to your business.

If you have your own business, business cards are a must. They can be used for a multitude of purposes, mainly to promote your business of course. Other great ideas include promoting your websites, blogs, and crafts. They can be used for networking, advertising and coupons too. The possibilities are really unlimited if you think outside the box.

2 Prize Winners will Receive:

500 Business Cards

Choose size: 2x3.5”, 2x3”, 2x2";

Choose paper: 14pt cardstock (matte or gloss coating) & 13 pt cardstock uncoated

Choose Color: (4/4) Color both sides; (4/1) Color 1 side , B/W backside; (4/0) Color 1 side, black backside

*Regular UPS Shipping must be paid by Winner. Offer Valid for UNITED STATES SHIPPING ONLY*

How to be Entered in Drawing:
Enter by leaving a comment and letting me know how you would use your new business cards if you win!

For two extra entries, blog about this giveway on your blog and link back to Girls Night Out!
For another extra entry tweet this Giveaway URL and copy @runakodesigns

Dealine for entries:
All entries must be submitted no later than September 9th, 2009. Drawing will be held September 10th, 2009.

Girls Night out, where having fun is FREE!

When I'm not hosting Girls Night Out, you can find me creating jewelry at www.runakojewelry.com