We all know that Google is the king of search and tracking of web content, along with a smorgasbord of other tools.

Did you know you can even use Google to keep track of your own business on the web? Let Google tell you what it knows about you and your business, as soon as it finds out!

"Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic."

You set up alerts based on your desired search keywords, the same way you would search on google.com. As soon as Google finds something new relevant to that keyword, it will email you of its findings. Or, you can choose to have daily or weekly alerts too. You can even choose to receive notices as a feed for your RSS reader, instead of email.

How handy! Now you'll always be the know whenever someone gives you some cred or rats on your back. Use it to keep track of happenings, specific news topics, shopaholism—so many uses. What was the world like without Google?

Just go here to get started: http://www.google.com/alerts

Lots of exciting stuff has been happening!

For one, hyperart sewing patterns is now available through YouCanMakeThis.com. It was a long approval process to get in, but I'm glad we're in! YouCanMakeThis.com is a great retailer that sells "eBooks" for sewing, quilting, and various other crafts. Go check 'em out!

They were nice enough to feature me in their latest newsletter too.

Aside from that, I'm also working on a few new patterns, including that tote bag tute (harhar)l I've promised to offer free on the blog! So many ideas, so little time! Please continue to stay tuned.

On to other topics. Lately, E and I have been dealing with a lot of "life decisions". Good ones, but tough ones. It's consumed a lot of our thoughts lately. One of those decisions involved working with a great jeweler named Beth Cyr Jewelry. She makes simple, but elegant pieces that are well priced. She was lovely to work with and communicated with us well throughout the whole process, including our particular demands. Highly recommended, A+++!

Source: Beth Cyr Jewelry

Man I wish I had my own jewelry studio for doing the "real stuff". I've been dreaming about making jewelry a lot lately. Of course I can wirewrap and PMC and stuff, but that can only take me so far. I want to be a pro jeweler! That's one of my dreams. But for now, I can only dream, not until I can afford a studio and have my own garage!