It’s here.
Finally.
I have been wearing mine every day since it landed in my mailbox. When I opened it I gasped. It’s beautiful… and I still can’t believe this little seed of an idea has turned into a tattoo and now a real necklace that we can all wear together. I feel like we all created it together.
I know.
Cheesy.
But I can’t help it. You’ll understand when you see it.
I know that if each of us wear this necklace we’ll find strength and comfort in knowing we’re not alone – the premise of my entire blog.
I took the features you loved about each one and merged them together. The price is right in the middle because of the extra leaf, the packaging, taxes and PayPal charges.
My New Leaf… and some big news
I Quit My Day Job (Oh, holy hell, people – look what you made me do!)
No seriously. It’s not your fault.
I’ve been thinking and stewing on this for months and months. I may end up working at a gas station or something in a few months but at least I can say I tried to break free – to live a dream of mine, to work for myself.
You may have noticed a crop of new ads on my site. It’s no coincidence. If you like me, it would be cool if you’d click on one or two right about now because I’ll be needing the extra pennies. I’m going to be a full-time blogger/ freelance writer/ stay at home working mommy/ totally broke crazy lady who quit her perfectly good day job.
It’s a risk. I know. And I’m a bit petrified but I believe in this blog, I believe in my readers and I know that we can grow our little community here even further. The more single moms we can find and inspire, the better.
The necklace is just a piece of this.
A symbol of my new leaf thanks to all of you turning over your own.
You are all my inspiration – in every day and in every moment. This is just the beginning…
—–
NOTE: There are only 100 and I won’t actually be shipping them out until June 8th, so this is like a pre-order, okay? But it’s best to reserve yours now, if not you’ll have to wait until next month’s order. Eventually if the demand is high enough I’ll have a ton in stock and this won’t be an issue.
Who Won?
Over 100 of you left a comment to win one of these beautiful necklaces and over 300 of you cast your vote on what it should look like. I randomly picked the winner and she is… ALEXIS.
Congratulations… you will have an e-mail from me soon.
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{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
The necklace is beautiful! Congrats on taking such a HUGE leap! Best wishes.
I am so proud of you for taking this huge leap. I have a feeling nothing but great thigns are coming for you this year.
Go, mama, go!
That is absolutely gorgeous! I cant wait to get one.
oh well not everyone I suppose
And OMG just up and quit, for whatever reason, because you are so punctual with your posts, I had somehow wrongly assumed you WERE a freelance writer and didnt have a 'day job' but that is a big leap! Congrats and good luck.
and how could you not be a dog person..
WOW! You are my heroine!!
Holy socks….I'm speechless. I know this risk will pay off in a HUGE way for you!! Way to go, mamacita!!
I dream of having the guts to quit my day job. For me that would be silly at the moment. For you – well done and good luck with it all.
Congratulations! Trust me, you will get exactly what you put into working for yourself. Which I imagine will be greatness!
That's pretty tough. Quitting your job. Good luck to you. Now, about that kiss.
?
Not as tough as quitting smoking. Thanks for stopping by… really, that's rad that you did.
Holy crap, MSM!! Full time blogger? I'll definitely click on some ads every time I visit just for you. I wish you best of luck with this venture…if anybody can do it, it's you!!!
Thank you SO much.
Wish I could comment – too busy clicking linkys.
Best of luck to you – and I'll live vicariously through you, as it's a dream of mine too 
The design is gorgeous! Had to order one (birthday present to myself) seeing how my life is in a forced "do over" the representation of the leaf really hit home!
Best of luck and success on your new venture you are an inspiration!
Thank you!
Bought one. Though I am a married mama, not a single one, I have my own new leaves that need turning, and I so totally admire your attitude, your writing and your jumping out the window (in the sense of–one door closes, and a window opens, and you just jump). Congrats. And can't wait to wear my beautiful new necklace.
Yes… this necklace is for every mother, or even single woman. Everyone has their leaves. Thanks so much for being here and for buying a necklace! Means so much.
You can do this!!! I too am a single mom of two girls. I too will be quiting my job in two weeks to move hours away for a new start. I do not have another job lined up yet but am confident that I will find one shortly after the move. Either way I will be okay and so will you. We both have put a lot of thought into our moves. This will be good.
Wow the necklace is really pretty! Great job designing it! Good luck with your new career! You will do really well I am sure!
http://sprucehill.typepad.com/
Hey Single mama – I am a newly single mama and am feeling so overwhelmed at starting over. I am going to order one and I hope this will help me begin my new life – one that was never expected but could be the best yet
Saba
This will definitely help… hang in there. It gets easier.
Congrats to you! I am so excited to see where this whole thing goes for you. Endless possibilities….
I ordered my necklace…if you knew how much jewelry I don't have, you would laugh and laugh…I cannot wait to put it on and hear all my friends say, WTF…you, with a necklace!?!?
May the adventures continue…
Oh I just LOVE IT!!! And major kudos and props to you on quitting the day job! I hope this works out for you and takes you on an exciting and wonderful new adventure!!!
The necklace is beautiful. Congrats on taking the leap to self-employment. You'll be fine. Better than fine. It will be wonderful. I took the plunge at the end of Jan. and it's scary as hell some days (I'm lucky to be married to the best hubs in the world which helps too) but it will work. You will figure it out as you go. And you'll love it almost all of the time ! In fact, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
If I can help in anyway, let me know. I am happy to – really.
Phyllis
Just ordered mine. Here's to new beginnings!
Yay!!! New beginnings – cheers to that.
Leap and the net will appear. You've so got this, Girl.
Clickety-clicking your ads. xoxo
I sensed that your blog was taking off in that direction – I wish you everything you need to keep this going and make your living from it.
Best of luck to you, Alaina. I know you can do it!! There are days that I want to just quit and try to realize my dream (of owning a gourmet pantry) but it's just not doable right now…someday though. You have a great spirit and enthusiasm….it shows in your writing. : )
Love the necklace…
Gorgeous necklace!! Wow!!
And I love that you closed your eyes and took a leap. Go girl.
Thank as always for your inspiration!
Love the necklace.
And it's awesome that you were brave enough to chase your dreams. Go for it!
You are amazing you know that?! I admire your courage!! You're not the only one who believes in this blog…I do also. This whole blog addiction is because of @mattlogelin….which is where I found you and thus became a huge fan & found @modernsinglemom, @missive etc…until finally I was so moved and inspiried by you & the others that I started my own blog. Started writing again for the first time since my daughter was born. Im so glad I did! Im so glad that I found you & your blog…you remind me daily that no i am not alone:) Sometimes thats all a momma needs!
Best wishes in your newest endeavor! I love your blog & will be by daily to click each & every one of those lil ads:)
Take care & KNOW that you have touched a life~Mine
MissCriss0830
Thank you so much…you are awesome for writing all of this.
your blog reached me like no one elses, when i first moved out and was on my own, pregnant and with a toddler. i know it sounds cheesy but finding your blog was like this beacon of light and hope when i was in this vast darkness of misery and loss. this is important work you are doing, and i am so glad you can devote yourself to your passion. because it doesn't just sustain you, it sustains to many of us, too. xox
So happy to have helped in some way. You have no idea how much strength that gives me.
Congrats on quitting your job. I did the same thing last year and it was the best decision I ever made. I love being self employed and working from home!
I can't wait!!
I have to say that I hesitated before buying one, even though I knew I wanted one the moment I saw it. Love, love, love the design, its beautiful. I didn't know if you would want a happily married mama to have one as there was a limited number and I didn't want to take away the possibility of someone purchasing one that really needed that symbol of hope, promise and strength. I don't usually wear a lot of jewelry but I saw it and was moved by the story behind its creation and love that I can wear something that has such a soulful meaning. I bought one and I will wear it proudly and share its story
congrats on going full time with your blog!! you'll be great, i know i can't stop reading it
It's gorgeous!
And quitting your job to work from home is so exciting!
Way to go mama, you inspire us all!!
The necklace is beautiful! I think collaborating with an etsy seller is such a fabulous idea!
Have you ever thought about creating a shop with Skreened for t-shirts with single mama slogans? If you don't know, Skreened.com is a local Columbus company that prints American Apparel Ts with user created designs. If you open a store, you can set your own commission which might be a nice source of income and it costs nothing.
Congratulations on starting a new leaf in your life! My experience is that working from home with a 3.5 year old is harder than I ever expected but I love that I am 1) not paying for childcare and 2) able to stop my work and be there for critical moments. Maybe we central Ohio mom / bloggers should start a co-working childcare co-op?
Hey congrats! this is so meant to be. As a freelancer single mamma myself I tell you: Welcome to this new world. I´d never change my independance for a sure amount of money everymonth (though of course I need it). It´s a hard work anyway but you seem to be a good player and very focused in your projects. Its a new era, we don´t need to go to a office everyday to have a good job, and it is not a benefit, it´s a fact. We have to use the tools that are given to us and change the paradigma. And single mammas, and mammas in general are the first "community" that is rocking this style. Something better is coming for all of us, I can tell. And I want the necklace, to replace the ex ring, Ja. But I will write to you because I guess the shipping o southamerica is super $$: So when I know it I preorder.
Congratulations! But the planner in me as to ask, did you plan for this financially? Do you have a fully funded emergency fund? Are you debt free, especially credit cards? Are you earning enough to fully fund your 401k, IRA, and Benjamin's 529 for the year?
I earn money a nice sum of money blogging too, but it's nowhere near enough to sustain the lifestyle that I'm accustomed. I don't mean to rain on your parade, but if you haven't considered the financial impact to your life as a single mom, I really hope you have a plan B.
Congratulations! So happy for you!
Singla Ma, I like your style. You read your mind. I'm ridiculously obsessed with knowing where my money is coming from. May have something to do with being married to a man who is 'self-employed', but who spent more time playing than working. Self-employment takes a hell of a lot of hustle.
I've been out of work for 3 months now, just doing some freelance work and living on my severance pay. It's great for being more present as a parent, but not great for my bank account.
I absolutely love it! And for me to say that about jewelry in gold is a HUGE thing, trust me…LoL
I'm a silver girl through and through, but this is so gorgeous.
I really do love it and I cannot wait to get it, wear it, and take it with me to surgery so that you all are with me while I undergo surgical torture for the 3rd time. ha hahaha
Hey, I'm just as cheesy as you are. *wink*
This really is beautiful, I will be proud and honored to wear it, thank you so much.
I'm so glad you like it Kat… so glad. And we will all be there with you during your surgery.
And totally WOW on quitting your day job.
I have a feeling that you will be ok though, you have a good head on your shoulders, you're a planner, so I know that while you closed this door, you've already got your foot in another door somewhere with big plans for whatever is in that room.
I am honored to have won the beautiful necklace…and have been reading what you wrote it symbolizes for a few days now and will always keep it close to my heart. Congratulations to your new beginning, fresh start, and for turning over your new exciting passionate leaf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!