Spoke-n For

I have to take a moment to share something that has really intrigued me. The other day, a dear friend and co-worker gave me a special Christmas gift that I have fallen in love with - a Spoke-n For bracelet. Have you heard of this? My friend purchased it in a jewelry store in Asheville (for those of you familiar with Asheville, you know it is known for its eclectic arts and culture). The bracelets are designed by an artist named, Sergio Ruano who grew up in Los Angeles but currently lives in the Virgin Islands. They are made from Wheelsmith-brand, stainless steel bicycle spokes and turned into beautiful works of art with beads. I love mine and I feel like I'm wearing a very cool piece of jewelry having been recycled from a bicycle spoke. They can be purchased at various retailers or ordered on-line and they make great, unusual gifts! 
Check out the website: http://www.spoke-nfor.com/

We're getting down to the last few days of Christmas shopping and I have yet to wrap my gifts. I'm also trying to carve out time to clean my house (this is the one part I hate about living in a huge house - CLEANING IT!) and get it ready for my mother's visit tomorrow. I'm thankful my husband loves to vacuum with our central vac system - just walk around the house with the tube and plug it into vacuum hole in each room's wall. I've been forbidden from vacuuming since nine years ago when I sucked up my son's bib and broke an expensive vacuum cleaner. Hmmm, that wasn't such a terrible loss for me, actually.

I'm so excited about having Friday through Tuesday off to spend with my family. Planning to bake cookies with Mom and the kids on Friday night, which will be loads of fun.