To Each Her Own

Most of us have had a woman as a role model from the time we were very young, usually she is the one who strengthens us and gives us the confidence to be all we can be. She often sees our potential before we do!!

Of course you have heard me speak on numerous occasions about my grandmother “Briggs” and how she shaped me as a person.  Although she passed away many years ago, she was and continues to be my very special role model. She was to me, a woman whose fashionable side matched her practical one. My grandmother influenced my sense of style as well as my drive and ambition. For all of my girly-ness I can honestly say I am very much like Briggs: No Shrinking Violet!

Who do imagine you are when you get dressed each day? We all wear lots of hats and our jobs very often influence our fashion choices. Frilly and feminine? Power dresser? Natural & earthy? Which type of jewelry emphasizes you? Whether you are a Southern belle, high-powered executive or a garden club enthusiast – your jewelry can enhance your style. Being almost 6 feet tall, I prefer grand – scale pieces that make a statement. However a more petite gal may want to step out in one of my huge honking necklaces to say, “Hey, look at me! I’m here!” A more tailored, corporate dresser can impart confidence in a board room by wearing a classic triple strand pearl necklace. A nature girl may find herself drawn to my critters like spiders, bees, birds and butterflies and of course my many floral designs.  Pins in this genre can dress up a work shirt, adorn a sun hat or hold a scarf in place.

I don’t know which one of these types best describe you – but I can honestly say I am all of them, and I wear my jewelry to express whichever look I wear that day. Being true to ourselves is what makes us unique. I will leave you with my favorite quote from Oscar Wilde:

“Be Yourself, everyone else is already taken”

This month, and throughout the summer I will be bringing to all of my “Heidi Girls” new designs in incredible colors. I know you will find something that is JUST PERFECT FOR YOU!

Much love,

Heidi

Xoxo

April In Paris

Dear friends,

I’ve so many people to whom I am grateful for that I don’t know where to begin. This past month during a prestigious gala, HSN honored me with an award, which I covet: Curator Of The Year. So there I was in front of a room of 500 people, standing on a stage and thanking all of my colleagues for this recognition. My heart was so full thinking of all of my devotees out there who watch me each month on HSN and who eagerly await my new designs that I delight in bringing to you. Without your loyalty, your energy and your beauty, inside and out – my work would be in vain. Since the awards event was private and limited to my industry colleagues, my blog is one small way I can reach out you gals to say thank you. I so appreciate you and will continue to bring the “best of my best” your way!

On the topic of thanks and unwavering appreciation, I am putting my employee of the month spotlight on Laiman Wong. We have been working together for at least 10 years now and I can only describe her job at Heidi Daus LTD as “mission control”. This teeny little 5 foot nothing expedites tens of thousands of pieces of jewelry from design to manufacturing to final delivery of the product. Girls, this is NO EASY TASK! Laiman is familiar with the number, the sizes, the shapes and the colors of each stone in every piece I create. She makes sure all of my product complies and meets the utmost of standards.  When I need to count on someone, I turn to Laiman – not to mention she looks damn good in a choker! Thank you for all you do my friend; you are nothing short of a magician!

For all of my Web customers, this month I will be offering amazing savings on special items. My Bridal Collection will be featured at significant savings! Soft and dream-like simulated pearls in platinum toned settings are the perfect solutions for your bridal party needs, mother-of-the-bride and of course the bride herself. Matching sets available!

We also have “Tuesday’s Treasures” items each week with great prices and special discounts just for my web customers so be sure to check the website each week!

My friend and colleague Barbara and I will be traveling to the U.K this month when I air on QVC London – and then off we go to Paris on the Eurostar (my first time ever on this train) to gather inspirations for new designs. Did I ever mention that I love what I do? Enjoy your April and the spring weather that comes with it!

Much love,

Heidi xoxo

A Breath of Spring

Hi Girls,

Here we are on the cusp of spring! It’s in the air – we can all feel it.  The days are indeed getting longer and we are in a thaw here up north.  While I wait for warmer days and my garden to start “popping” I am deep in design mode in my new studio here at Heidi Daus headquarters.  I am surrounded by corkboards and pushpins, sketches, renderings and technical drawings by day – and then I dream about the finished pieces at night.

And can I ask you, how much do you love social media? I get such a kick out of reading my blog comments and my Facebook messages and posts. The suggestions for design ideas are so inspiring and helpful. Girls, it is not easy to come up with a quota of new designs each month.  No matter how passionate I am about jewelry, sparkle and color, the demand can be rigorous. Much like a writer I can get blocked! Not often, but it happens.  That is when your ideas can be so helpful to my creative process and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only being fans, but part of my team.

Speaking of teams, I want to begin introducing you to some of my teammates here at the headquarters each month so you can be a fly on the wall.  Karen and Rachel help me keep all of my ideas in order and assist me in the acquisition of concepts, materials and most importantly to keep me on schedule.

Thank you again for all of your comments on my blog and Facebook page. Keep ‘em coming!

Happy spring,

Heidi

xoxo

From The Heart

Happy February dear friends! While some may grumble about the winter doldrums – and believe me the dark skies and downright cold temps can get to us all – I happen to love February. It is the only month of the year where I have a little “down time” and I get to spend it with my family and most importantly with my little guy Shane. He brought me home a Valentine card that he made in school (this was last year’s Valentine) and from his perfect, little drawing I designed a heart-themed set of jewels; a beautiful necklace, bangle and earring ensemble that I call my “Queen of Hearts” collection. It’s comprised of classic cream pearls and rich Siam (red) colored crystals. It’s a must-have for any woman’s jewelry box!  Trust me girls, you will feel like a queen when you don these pieces.

As I contemplate February, this dormant month, I think of life’s gifts from the simple to the sublime; chocolates and roses, the love of my family and the faintest whiff of spring in the air.  Of course we are about to get pounded with a snowstorm in the northeast – a last gasp of winter – but after that I have faith the crocus’ will push through! In fact I was recently visiting my middle son Alexander in North Carolina and the pansies are blooming there already so I know it’s coming this way!

Although February is a short month, I’ll take it…having a month where I’m not on a plane is truly a treat and believe it or not, I Heidi Daus, have been cooking!  Perhaps some of you may know that I am a vegetarian and cooking for me can be a challenge. The boys are easy as all I must do is throw on a steak and a potato and they are happy. As for myself I got to a point where my palate needed a little more excitement. My son Alexander happened to see a juicer/blender demonstration in the local supermarket and came home enthusiastically proclaiming the benefits of this machine. So now I am a proud owner of a Vita-Mix blender and I am experimenting madly with all sorts of healthy concoctions.  February is also a big detox (a.k.a. diet) month for me so needless to say I am getting my money’s worth from the Vita-Mix!

I look forward to bringing you my latest new creations in the upcoming months so do check my website for newly added designs and of course SALES which will offer you great values. Stay warm girls!

Much love,

Heidi xoxo

Dear Friends,

As we roll into 2013 I think of the past year and the years before and try to think of what I would work on improving in my life. Better know as “resolutions” I like to think of these as “achievable goals”.  For one, I’d like to spend more time with my friends and my family. Time is something we cannot get back – so think of how you would like to spend yours! I recently moved my design studio to my corporate offices and I often bring my youngest Shane in after school. Here he can see how “Mom” works and can even be a part of it. Shane is quite interested in stringing beads and has a special talent for pattern and color – I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! This is just one example of how I can turn my busy work schedule into a family activity.

Having fun and playing in the workplace is also something that I feel brings unexpected results to the end product. I’ll never forget the day when my son Alexander video taped a parody of the song “Call Me Maybe” in our office. We had everyone wearing my jewelry and dancing – even the local paving contractor got into the act and wore my “Breathless” necklace! What is life without fun? Goal #2 – HAVE FUN!

I believe that resolutions stick by perseverance and by not setting the bar to high. Want to lose weight? Don’t try and lose it all in a few months – give yourself a year! Get out of debt? Chip away at it! Results are much more gratifying the harder we work. And speaking of hard work – my team and I have been designing up a storm these past few months and have we got surprises for you?

The jewelry just keeps getting better and better and I am positive it is because I get such a kick out of making it. I promise you won’t be disappointed with what’s coming next!

Lastly, I so enjoy seeing and hearing from you on my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/HeidiDausJewelry

We have so much fun, don’t we?

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2013!

Much love,

Heidi xoxo

Heidi Daus HSN Hours Wednesday, December 19

Happy Holidays GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just can’t believe that the holidays are upon us!!!!!!!!   Well…if you have the chance..please try to join me on HSN this Wednesday for a couple of presentations that were designed with you in mind….It is called our “Guest List Event”. Sure there will be some wonderful gift ideas to share…but most of the pretties were designed for you in mind…to be the most stunning creature at your holiday party!!.  I’m sure you have been so busy taking care of everyone on your list…but these presentations are ALL ABOUT YOU!!!

Please try to join me for some pretty jewelry and a ton of holiday fun!!!!!

HSN Hours Wednesday, December 19th:

2:00pm – 4:00pm

10:00pm – 11:00pm

HoHoHo,

Heidi

xoxoxo

Finishing My Year with Gratitude

Dear Friends,

It seems that I have been on so many airplanes in recent months and talking to Heidi girls all over the United States, Canada and even in the United Kingdom! Girls it has been HECTIC! But mostly it has been a huge year for growth for me and I have all of you to thank. New jewelry designs have been abundant here at Heidi Daus Designs and it is you and your love of beautiful things that inspires me. I will be offering you discounted prices on many items during the holiday season. Gorgeous last minute gift ideas and some treats for your very own holiday attire.

Whether it be a accessory staple like a pair of earrings that you can throw into your bag to just grab and go, or a pull-out-all-stops necklace that only makes an appearance on your neck once a year – you will be sure to find it on my website!

As our year races to a close we find ourselves racing too. The sometimes frantic pace we keep to achieve certain deadlines can be overwhelming while making room for large family visits, planning meals, finding time for holiday shopping and going to parties. It all sounds fun so why are we so tired? Probably because this is a season that makes us strive for perfection. To find that special something, tie a bow around it and make it perfect. This is when I take time to remember that nothing is more perfect in my life than the people I share it with. It is not the gift you are giving that is special, but those you are giving it to. Those you cherish, admire and respect. The people who surround you with love and never judge you. Speaking of judging… let’s not forget that one of the many reasons we love dogs is because they love unconditionally! Some of you may know my good girl Maizey – pictured here in a Rose Elegance necklace for the holidays!

I know that I will be grateful this year for not what I get or what I give, but for what I already have. Thank you so much dear friends for a wonderful year of memories; exuberant phone calls while I was on the air - some of them poignant, some of them funny - touching letters, cards and homemade gifts sent to me at my office and for all of your support and kind words left on my blogs and on Facebook. You are all a necessary part of my life and my passion, creating jewelry. Thank you!

Enjoy your holidays. Whether they be quiet or grand, may they be filled with joy.

Much love, Heidi & Maizey xoxo

Thanksgiving, a Time to Share

Here we are on the second day of November, a month where our country acknowledges the caring and generosity of others by giving thanks at a dinner table. We thank one another for sharing the riches of life with bountiful food and good company. We are grateful for prosperity and good health. It is a great American tradition to give thanks this way – and one that requires very little commercial input. All it requires is a hearty meal, friends or family, and a little reflection on what gives us peace, purpose and makes us feel whole.

This past week the northeast experienced the wrath of Mother Nature in the form of Hurricane Sandy – the likes of which this region has never seen. And so we find ourselves being grateful for things we never dreamed of; electricity, heat and clean water. While some find it challenging just to get to work, others cannot stay dry and have lost their homes completely. Sharing in these times takes on a deeper meaning when providing essential needs for neighbors and strangers.

I find my life is enriched when I can make people feel good – which is why I make jewelry. As trivial as that comparison may seem in desperate times, it is exactly that ingredient of spreading happiness that motivates me to create my designs. Especially in hard times…the jewels must go on!

My parting sentiment is to share a homespun, holiday recipe handed down to me from my grandmother “Briggs”. A tradition at the Daus family Thanksgiving table, I’ve been making this for a million years, and never with a recipe in front of me. I must confess this is the way I cook, “a little of this, a little of that” So try and make sense of my instructions below!

My grandmother “Briggs” Turnip Fluff Recipe

1 large turnip
1 large onion
1 pint of heavy cream
1 T Cream Of Wheat
1 stick of butter
2 eggs

Peel and cube turnip and throw it in boiling water until soft, meanwhile I melt the butter and sautee the onion until translucent. Drain turnips and get out my handy-dandy blender and start blending batches of cooked turnip, melted butter and onion, egg and heavy cream and sprinkle in Cream Of Wheat, Blend until light and fluffy like whipped cream. Pour in buttered souffle dish and cook in preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes. This is SOOOOO Yummmy! Enjoy!

xoxo Heidi