Why You Should Like Us On Facebook

I know, I know. There's been no new blog in a terribly long time. Can you say "blogger's block?"

Well this one is a quickie. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK :-)

Why?

We are posting links to our latest Etsy listings, previews, and maybe even discounts. We will also be offering BUY DIRECT. These are items that are not listed on Etsy. And you'll find specatcular prices!

See something on Etsy you want? You can buy direct if you prefer by posting on our Facebook page. It's also the place to ask about items you may be looking for, or custom work.

So come by, check out us, give us a like, and maybe come buy.

ChezChani on Facebook. For all things ChezChani AND ChezChanisupply.

Why Does It Take So Long To Fill A Seat?

Generally I prefer to leave my day job where it belongs, in the poker room. But eventually (aka, when I retire) I may have to write a book about it. I have one page done so far and since I haven't blogged in awhile, what the heck. Here it is. Along with pictures of some of the poker/gambling related jewelry I've worked on. These are pieces that can be found at ChezChani.

So, Why Does It Take So Long To Fill A Seat?

Short answer:
Table changes

Long answer:
“John , I have a seat for you on table 9, would you like it?.”

“Oh, I just played my blind, let me play to my button.”



Tick Tock.

“John are you going to take that seat?”

“Oh right, let me look at it.”

Tick Tock. Tick Tock.



“John, you taking that seat?”

“Yes, I’m just racking up.”

Tick Tock. Tick Tock. Tick Tock.

“John, what’s up, are you moving??”

“You know what, I think I’ll just stay here for now. But leave me up for the next one.”

eBay Fever!

I'm getting the "sell sell SELL" fever again. My reasons are twofold. It helps me get rid of some really nice things that I just don't wear/use. And now, it is helping me with my Buy A Used or Refurbished DSLR fund.

I love cameras. Don't know why. Had a lovely Nikon SLR when I was in college (still have it) that I rarely used. I did take a photography class but discovered my favourite part was being in the darkroom. Once I moved to LA, I never got back into the darkroom.

Then the age of digital brought me my $1200 Sony digicam. I'm frugal but sometimes, I just want it and I get it. Never really learned how to use that one properly. Still have it, could fetch $100 on eBay on a good day. Might end up there soon. Mostly right now I'm using my little Kodak Point and Shoot.

But I got hit with a yen for a DSLR. I learned from the Sony though, don't spend so much! I figure a two or three year old DSLR would be fine for me. Real camera buffs probably upgrade and update fairly often.

Long story short, check out my ebay auctions. Currently I have a really great suit that I don't wear because skirts don't look good with Shape-ups, and some perfume that is very popular but smells like bug spray to me.

Oh, and if you have any recommendations on good cameras, or places to buy used or refurbished, let me know. Thanks!

Altered Nation For Awesome People

"Altered Nation offers alternative clothing, accessories, art & gifts for awesome people. All of the designs are unique because they are handmade, upcycled & handpicked vintage.

Altered Nation is an emerging collectable design line based in fabulous Las Vegas that also offers semi-custom orders and wholesale.

This unique design line has recently been featured on Fox News, ABC's Morning Blend, numerous print & online publications including the Las Vegas' Review Journal & Offbeat Bride. Altered Nation hosts avant garde fashion shows and photo shoots to showcase the emerging talent in Las Vegas."

This is from Altered Nation's shop announcement,and I couldn't say it better myself.

Handmade. Upcycled. Vintage. Only a blend of all the things I love.

Check out Altered Nation on Etsy, website, facebook, blog and Twitter.

VIKSTER'S CRAFTS

I'd like to introduce you to Vikki, a fellow member of the Handmade In Vegas Etsy Team.




Vikki is a native Las Vegan who has been crafting most of her life. A retired grandmother, she now has lots of free time to flex her creative muscles. And you can see (and reap) the rewards of this time at her Etsy storefront, Vikster's Crafts.




Like most crafters, Vikki does not limit herself to one thing. She's got a wonderful collection of Christmas items, glass tile pendants, bottle caps and more.




Her shop is ever changing and worth visiting on a regular basis.

You may also follow Vikki on Twitter.

Las Vegas Crafters Guild Holiday Boutique & Craft Show

Inaugural Las Vegas Crafters Guild
Holiday Boutique & Craft Show

Lakes Lutheran Church

8200 West Sahara Avenue(at Cimarron, between Durango & Buffalo)

Friday, November 12, 9 a.m. –5 p.m.
Saturday, November 13, 9 a.m. –4 p.m.

Handmade artisan jewelry, baby accessories, custom clothing, aprons,gift items, home & holiday decor, paper crafts, polymer clay, hair bows, upcycledcreations, hand painted gourds, and much more!Free admission & parking.
Lakes Lutheran will sponsor a bake sale.
Bring a friend!

Henderson ArtWalk Third Thursday

Weather permitting, ChezChani will be at the Henderson ArtWalk craft show. This monthly show takes place the third Thursday of the month. What a great way to slip in a little fun during your week.

Info can be found here. Hope to see you (weather permitting weather permitting weather permitting please don't rain please don't rain please don't rain.)

Las Vegas Crafters Guild Fall Boutique

You're invited!! And bring a friend or 2 or 3...

Friday Oct. 1 10AM - 5:45PM
Saturday Oct 2 10AM - 4:00PM

Sahara West Library
9600 W. Sahara Ave (between S. Ft. Apache & S Hualapai Way)
Las Vegas NV 89117
702-507-3631

As you know, the LV Crafters Guild features some of the finest artists and craftspeople in Nevada.

It's not too early to think about the holidays.

We'll see you there!!

(I will not be there, but ChezChani will be represented, with a table manned by Roz. You'll find we have some really fun and affordable stuff.)

Some Things are Harder To Sell

I made these cufflinks awhile back but kept putting off listing them.


Why? I don't know. Some things are just harder to part with.

These happened to be made with mismatched cufflinks I got in a jewelry bag of odds and ends. The oval one is engraved 4-18-59, leading me to believe it's probably gold. Yes, this one is older than I am (yikes!).

Do men even wear cufflinks anymore? If they don't, they should...

Poker Mania at ChezChani

Just for the heck of it, I've been making fun pokerwear. Check it out...and keep checking because I'm pretty sure I'm not done.

Out With The Old In With The New (Year)

First off, I don't do New Year's resolutions. If there is something in your life that needs to be resolved, do it right away. Do NOT wait for a New Year.

I have set my mind to getting back into the whole Etsybloggers swing of things. That means monthly blogs, the subject to be determined by the Etsybloggers. First one of the year:

1) Now that 2009 has come to a close, what will you remember most about last year?

2) Now that 2010 is here, what do you have planned/look forward to/hope to accomplish this year?

I don't know what I'll remember most about last year, memory has become fleeting. I know in the future I'll remember things but not be sure which year it happened.

The good stuff, I adopted AC. I saw Snowball, my sweet little kitty I had to leave behind when I left LA. It was fortunate too because '09 was also the year she died. I got into contact with Tom again, one of the people in my life I was closest too but lost touch with when I came to Las Vegas.

I came back to the strip after 2 years working in locals casinos. For the most part, tourists come to the casino to have fun, locals come to complain.

As far as what I want to accomplish this year? Again, I don't make these decisions by the year. I will continue to work on eating healthy, exercising, enjoying my crafts and my kitties. And one big one, it's on a note in my bathroom where I can see it everyday "Keep Your Mouth Shut."

Again?

I have just given notice at my job. I will be working in a brand new poker room in a brand new casino in a brand new multi-building, multi-purpose complex.

The new City Center features 5 different buildings, hotels, condos, restaurants, entertainment, and one casino called Aria.

And I am leaving my current place of work, a small locals casino in North Las Vegas, to go there.

For those counting, that's poker room number 8 in 6 years.

Am I doing the right thing? Of course nobody can see what the future holds. And even if it doesn't work out, does that automatically make it wrong to have tried? Is it ever wrong to try?

Everything is scary in today's Las Vegas. A new property means uncertain success, 90 days of probation, fear of overhiring...
Staying where I am means the fear of the room closing (business is very slow) and new people in upper management (they are already closing Keno in December.)

So...I don't know.

It's Summer Time Summer Time Sum Sum Summer Time

EtsyBloggers carnival time agains. Summer's here. Tell us about summer in your neighborhood. Do you have permanent sunshine and palm trees or do you cherish every little ray of sunshine?? What is your favorite part of summer?? Do you barbecue?? Do you wear dresses and sandals?? Are you out of school already??

Summer in Las Vegas.

I get really really hot and complain about it alot. Then I go into the casino where they are blasting the air, get very cold, and complain about that.

I go to the pool on my day off, in the afternoon, to get out of the heat of my craft room which faces west and is sweltering by 3:00 despite the window film I paid a pretty penny on to keep out some of the heat. Of course I bring projects with me to the pool because as with all seasons, I spend every spare second I can working on my stuff.

I polish my toenails so they can be treated to daylight and fresh air.

I can't set up the gas tank for my BBQ because the place where I have to put my bbq gets no shade and I'm afraid of it bursting. I called the gas company and they said it should have some shade to be on the safe side.

Did I mention I complain about the heat alot???

Your French Market

There is a new, wonderful, outdoor market in Las Vegas. It's called "Your French Market" and there you will find unique vendors such as...ChezChani!!! Your French Market is every other Saturday 9AM-1PM and this Saturday, June 13, we will be making our debut.

Village of Centennial Springs Park
7565 Norman Rockwell Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89143

Las Vegans, I hope you treat yourself to a visit. And don't forget to stop by and say hi!

DEAR HUNTING

From time to time, I gather small thoughts for my blog. They are too small to warrant their own post, so I put them all together in one crazy, mixed up blog. This is that blog.

1. This title came to me in a dream. Since I have Anthony, I’m not dear hunting (unless you know someone really rich?) and could not come up with anything to go with it. But I really really wanted to use it anyway. (I suppose if I Googled it, I’d find it’s been used, but I don’t even want to know. For now, it’s all mine.)

2. I worked with someone who, every Sunday, would go to the gift shop and buy a newspaper. At the time, I had a subscription so I started bringing in my paper so she’d save a few bucks. Eventually my subscription ended and I did not renew, so I could save a few bucks. Then, I noticed she went back to buying the newspaper on Sundays, and I would find it in the garbage. She’d never even ask if I’d like to read it. So what is that? Inconsideration? Selfishness? Self-centeredness? What???

3. It’s 10 steps to the garbage. Why, poker player, must you throw your trash under the table???

4. Corporations have RUINED Vegas! ‘Nuff said.

5. Sun City, please build in Reno.

Tagged for Life

Theresa, a fellow Las Vegan, has tagged me. As the rules state, I must reveal 7 random facts about myself. At the end I'm supposed to tag 7 people HOWEVER given that I've tagged almost every one of you once, I'm not going to name names. Anyone reading this, and you know who you are (right?) consider yourself tagged. C'mon, share a piece of yourself with us on your blog! I don't know about you but sometimes I just don't know what to blog about, so here's something...you you you. And check out Theresa's blog and her really wonderful Etsy shop.


Here are my random facts:

I Yesterday I was shopping at Goodwill and I purchased a pair of ADORABLE baby Ugg boots. Or maybe they're toddler boots, what do I, a childless spinster, know about baby boots? This random fact reveals a couple of things about me. I thrift shop (religiously). And I buy completely useless things. But they were so cute!!! And now they are sitting in front of my fireplace, and I could use them as bookends. And I just love Uggs and can't afford a pair to wear but now I OWN a pair of Uggs!!!

II I have two (2) high school diplomas.

III I would way rather send/receive an email than talk on the phone.

IV I love Melatonin-induced dreams.

V I miss Knot's Landing but have found that Desperate Housewives fills the void.

VI I once sat in the lobby of a hotel in Los Angeles, just because I knew David Bowie would be walking by. And he did.

VII I think roman numerals are cool.

Weird White Stuff Falling From the Sky!

We interrupt our irregularly unscheduled blog to bring you...SNOW! What's the big deal you say? Well this is Las Vegas, home of 110 degree summers and cactus and wind. Not snow! The last time I saw snow here was when I first came to town and camped out in my mom's guest room. I slept through it actually falling from the sky but I did see on the ground and cars. Snapped a quick picture from the window of my guest room. It's still coming down and no sign of slowing down. I'm so excited.

I actually miss snow...who'd have thunk it.

Craft Show Dec. 7 & New Listing

Pictured is one my latest works, now available in our Etsy Shop. It's a bracelet inspired by the Leather Pride Flag. I'd never heard of this flag, but someone looking at my gay rainbow bracelet suggested it. We found pictures of it online and I had to give it a go. I think it came out very true to the actual flag. I'm not going to go into details about what the flag represents (partly because I'm not sure I'm clear on it.) I will say that while it's not for everybody, it sure is for somebody.

We are only doing one show this holiday season. It's this Sunday, Dec. 7 9AM-3PM at Temple Beth Sholom in Summerlin...Las Vegas NV (Town Center, 1 block north of Desert Inn. 10700 Havenwood Lane.) Given that our only show is at a Synagogue it's just as well I never got to my Christmas specific designs. Next year I'll have to plan earlier for that. I have no excuses for my lack of preparation, I'm pretty sure this season comes around the same time every year.

Hope all you Americans had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was fortunate in that it fell on my day off and nobody cooks a turkey like my mommy!!

Customer Disservice

I work in the Casino Industry in Las Vegas. Just got an email from a friend who works at a major strip property telling me about all the layoffs.

Businesses panic in times of recession but one has to ask oneself, is laying people off really for the greater, and long run, good? What will make one casino stand out from another in a time when there are less players to fight over? A. The company that has better deals and B, (and maybe B. should be A.) Customer service.

Granted smaller companies may not be able to make their payroll these days, and laying people off may be their only chance of survival.

I am an Embarq customer. Have been for some time. I also have dish network. Wondering if a switch to something else will save me money. Perhaps Cox Cable though I've never cared for their advertising practices. If I should switch my TV service, perhaps I could get the best deal by switching my high speed internet as well. But last week I had a problem with my DSL. It took just a phone call to get it resolved, Embarq made some changes, got me back online and promptly sent me a new modem. A small mention of this in my blog led to a comment by an Embarq customer service rep, letting me know to contact them if there is any problem. Then, an Embarq guy started following me on Twitter, also telling me to let them know if there is any problem. And you know what? As a result, I will not even consider leaving Embarq. Why? CUSTOMER SERVICE!

I was working in a large poker room of one of the largest casino companies. A customer was trying to get through on the phone, to the front desk to see if his room was ready. Not having any luck I offered to call the Diamond Lounge to see if they could find out (that is the lounge for higher limit players.) I could not get through either. The man said “this is ridiculous, I’m never staying here again, I’ll stay at the Wynn.” So this major company saved, say $8 an hour on an extra employee at the desk or lounge, but lost a big player. Now this company shoves the customer service concept down it’s employees throats like I’ve never seen anywhere else, but doesn’t provide the manpower to achieve it.

Eventually, things will get better, but the customer who did not receive the service they deserve, will already be gone and comfy in the place that treated them properly. And they will not come back.


And Now For Something Completely Different. The holidays are approaching faster than a speeding bullet. I'd like to make a suggestion for your gift giving this year. Buy from ChezChani. Well that's one idea. Here's another. Why not buy a gift that will surely make your friends/family happy as well as supporting a fine charity? Best Friends is an amazing animal sanctuary. Check out their store for some affordable fun gifts. You can really make a difference and at no extra cost to you. You're buying the gifts anyway, right?

Catching Up

Finally made my first Julie Ann Smith designed bracelet. Took a long time and was not easy to do but I think it was worth it. I just love her colourful fun designs. I have 3 more to try. Minor adjustments must be made as the patterns are in odd count Peyote and I prefer to do even count (want to know why...inquire within.)

Anthony and I went to see the tiger cubs again at The Secret Garden. They are out of the nursery and have a lovely area of the garden. We were lucky to catch all 5 of them out there. They were getting their bottles when we arrived. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't think there is anything cuter than a tiger cub.

I guess the jury is still out on the success of the e-poker tables at the Excalibur. I have not gone over there yet, I get most of my info on the message board at twoplustwo. We did go to opening night of the Eastside Cannery. First new casino in that area in ten years I believe. They did a very nice job, I wish it much success. The poker room is in a premium location, right by the front door. Cannery North, take notes. We didn't play because the players cards from the old Cannery didn't work there and the line was too long for new cards.

There is hope that the temperatures will drop out of the hundreds soon. Not soon enough for me.