Well, Hurricane Sandy hit the West Haven area full on today. The end of my street was flooded before I was even out of bed. Granted, I stayed in until about noon so... there's that. There was a Frankenstorm outside, what else was I going to do? I did some house work and started knitting a scarf. Watched some fun movies. I was lucky enough to have continuous power. From what I hear 500,000 are without power. So leaving me to my own devices I began to tweek the website I put together over the weekend for Jillian Lyons Designs. I changed the template for a cleaner look, the one I was using was a bit crowded. I think the look works. But what I would really like is some feedback! I'm not sure if I should change or edit. http://www.jillianlyonsdesigns.webs.com Check it out and please leave me a comment!

I've been working hard trying to get together three strong looks to show the judges at the RAW Hartford semi-finals for the RAWards. I have three Facebook friends who have jumped aboard Team Jillian and HOPEFULLY a hair dresser as well! I've been using my Inspiration Pinterest board to help guide me. So far I have some idea of where I'd like these looks to go. For my first model, Sara: For my second model, Krista: For my third model, Jessica:

So after all that hard work.... I GOT NOMINATED! I'm going to the semi-finals for RAWards Hartford CT Accessories Designer of the Year! I am up against two very talented designers. I am very nervous, excited and hopeful. If I win this I will get some amazing career enhancing prizes and move on to the nation wide finals in California. I have never won anything in my life. I have never been nominated for anything. The thought that I'm going to the semi-finals is amazing. It's like a dream come true. I fought so hard for my life when I was diagnosed with Cancer. It's been two years and I'm still alive and Cancer free, fighting everyday to keep my body going despite lingering side effects and pain. So the fact this nomination came now. It makes it feel like everything I fought for was all worth it. Maybe I'll be able to reach those goals, even the ones that seemed unattainable. I am more hopeful then ever. The semi-finals will be judged by three local celebrity judges and the live audience will all vote for each category. I'm so nervous! I'm going to go in confident. Try and make a few new pieces, and walk in ready to do my very best. November 15th, here I come!

This is possibly the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. After doing the RAW Ensemble show in Hartford CT, I decided I wanted to make an attempt at getting nominated for Accessory Designer of the Year. The prizes from this could really take me to the next level with my accessory business. Jewelry is just the beginning - my dream is to delve into all facets of fashion and design! So in an effort to get more votes, I made a campaign video... with Jesus. So now that you know what to do, go vote! :-D

When I did the RAW Ensemble show I did an interview with a videographer. I was so nervous! You can tell because I am looking everywhere except the camera. Even though I am self conscious, I do think this turned out great! And I love that everything on this video was from the show I was in. <3 I'm still very proud of it! Click the link below to watch the video on YouTube! And don't forget to register at RAWartists.org to vote for me for Accessories Designer of the Year! It could be a life changer! http://www.rawartists.org/JillianLyonsDesigns