Here's why real pearl jewelry is the ultimate holiday gift:

1. Timeless Elegance

Pearls have long been associated with sophistication and grace. Their natural luster and soft glow have an allure that transcends trends, making them a gift that never goes out of style. Whether it’s a strand of pearls, a delicate bracelet, or a pair of pearl earrings, these pieces exude a quiet elegance that enhances any outfit. Giving pearls as a gift is like giving a piece of timeless luxury.

2. Versatile and Adaptable

Real pearl jewelry is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect accessory for any occasion. Whether dressed up for a formal event or paired with casual attire, pearls seamlessly adapt to different looks. They can be worn by people of all ages, and their simplicity means they can be styled with ease. A pearl necklace or set of earrings can become a staple in anyone’s jewelry collection, ready to be worn for years to come.

3. Symbol of Purity and Love

Pearls have been admired for their symbolic meanings, often associated with purity, love, and wisdom. In many cultures, pearls are believed to bring good fortune and peace. When you give someone real pearl jewelry, you’re not just offering them a beautiful item but also a token of deeper meaning and emotion. It's a gift that expresses thoughtfulness and a connection that goes beyond material value.

4. Unique and Naturally Beautiful

Unlike other gemstones, pearls are created organically, formed inside mollusks through a natural process that can take years. This makes each pearl unique, with its own subtle variations in size, shape, and color. When you give real pearls, you’re giving a piece of nature’s artistry. The imperfections of a real pearl add to its charm and uniqueness, making the gift even more special.

5. An Heirloom Gift

Pearls are known for their durability when cared for properly, making them a gift that can be passed down through generations. Real pearl jewelry has an heirloom quality, which adds a sense of legacy and tradition. Imagine gifting someone a beautiful pearl necklace that can one day be passed down to their children or grandchildren—this turns a simple holiday gift into a treasured family keepsake.

6. A Sustainable Choice

Real pearls are also an eco-conscious choice for those who care about sustainability. Many pearl farms today follow ethical and environmentally friendly practices to cultivate high-quality pearls. Unlike synthetic jewelry, which can contribute to pollution, pearls are a renewable resource with a low environmental impact. By choosing real pearls, you're giving a gift that aligns with eco-friendly values.

7. A Touch of Luxury Within Reach

Though pearls are often associated with luxury, they come in a variety of price points, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets. Whether you’re looking for a single pearl pendant or an extravagant multi-strand necklace, there’s something for everyone. This flexibility allows you to find a high-quality, meaningful gift that suits your financial comfort while still offering the recipient a luxurious experience.

Conclusion

Real pearl jewelry combines beauty, elegance, and emotional significance, making it the perfect holiday gift. Its timeless appeal ensures that it will never go out of style, and its versatility means it can be cherished and worn for years. Whether you’re giving it as a symbol of love, a piece of natural beauty, or a family heirloom, pearl jewelry is a gift that will leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to receive it.

This holiday season, surprise your loved one with the enduring beauty of real pearls—a gift that’s as unique and special as they are.

1.Reflect on Your Achievements: Take a moment to acknowledge the effort you put into making the holidays special for your loved ones. Reflect on the smiles, laughter, and warmth. Recognize and celebrate your role in creating those magical moments for your family and friends. You made it through Thanksgiving and Black Friday!

2.Indulge in Rest and Relaxation: The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can leave even the most energetic person feeling drained. Treat yourself to some well-deserved rest. Whether it's a cozy night in with a good book, perusing Websites that have beautiful things YOU LOVE, a bubble bath, or a peaceful walk in nature, find what brings you calm and relaxation.

3.Nourish Your Body: After the indulgence of non-stop holiday feasts starting with turkey day, focus on nourishing your body with wholesome foods. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water into your diet. A well-nourished body contributes to a positive mindset and increased energy levels.

4.Pamper Your Senses: Engage your senses in activities that bring you joy. Whether it's listening to your favorite music, lighting scented candles, or enjoying the texture of soft fabrics, pamper yourself in simple yet delightful ways that cater to your sensory preferences.

5.Cultivate Gratitude: Take a moment each day to express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude has the power to shift your focus from what may be lacking to what you have. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take mental notes of the things you are thankful for. Practice yoga!

6.Set Boundaries: Establishing boundaries is a crucial aspect of self-care. Communicate your needs to those around you and don't be afraid to say no when necessary. Protect your time and energy, ensuring that you have the space to recharge.

7.Engage in Activities You Love: Rediscover hobbies or activities that bring you joy. Whether it's painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, make time for the things that light up your soul. These activities are a powerful way to express self-love and nurture your passions.

8.Connect with Loved Ones: While you've spent the holidays ensuring the happiness of others, don't forget to connect with those who bring you joy. Schedule quality time with friends or family, whether it's a video call or an in-person gathering.

9.And after you consider all these important ideas, let us know if we can help you cultivate joy in your self-care journey. Our pearl necklaces, bracelets, and earrings may be just the self-love gift you deserve!

As the holiday decorations come down and the pace of life returns to normal, remember that the spirit of giving extends to yourself. Embrace the journey of self-care and self-love, weaving it into the fabric of your everyday life. Every moment dedicated to your well-being is a gift that keeps on giving, ensuring you enter the new year with a heart full of love and a spirit ready for new adventures.

1.The Timeless Beauty of Pearls: Pearls have an ageless appeal that transcends fashion trends. Their pristine, lustrous sheen and understated elegance make them a classic choice for women of all ages. Whether it's a string of pearls, pearl stud earrings, or a pearl bracelet, these gems are universally adored for their timeless beauty.

2.Versatility for All Seasons: Pearls are perfect for all seasons. They complement any outfit and can be worn year-round. In spring and summer, they add a touch of sophistication to lightweight dresses, while in the cooler months, they bring warmth and richness to your ensembles. This versatility makes pearl jewelry an ideal choice for women looking to enhance their style throughout the year.

3.Affordable Luxury: Pearl jewelry is often considered a luxury item, but it's more affordable than you might think. While natural pearls can be quite expensive, there are excellent alternatives, such as freshwater and cultured pearls, which provide the same opulent appearance without the high price tag. Naughton Braun, the real pearl jewelry online store, offers a wide range of affordable options for women who want to indulge in the luxury of pearls without breaking the bank.

4.Every Woman Deserves Pearl Jewelry: Every woman deserves to feel elegant and confident, and pearl jewelry is a perfect way to achieve that. It's not just a fashion statement but also an expression of individual style and grace. Regardless of your age, background, or personal taste, pearls can enhance your beauty and boost your confidence.

5.Naughton Braun: The Home of Real Pearl Jewelry: For the best in pearl jewelry, look no further than Naughton Braun. Their online store offers a stunning collection of pearl jewelry, from classic to contemporary designs. With a commitment to quality and affordability, Naughton Braun ensures that you can own and cherish the finest pearls.

Conclusion: Pearl jewelry is the epitome of timeless elegance and can be enjoyed by women from all walks of life. Its versatility, affordability, and enduring beauty make it the perfect choice for every season and occasion. Every woman deserves to have pearl jewelry in her collection, and Naughton Braun is your trusted source for authentic and affordable pearl jewelry that allows you to look and feel your best. Elevate your style and embrace the world of pearls – they are a woman's best friend, now and always.

Pearl jewelry is often associated with elegance and timeless beauty, making it a meaningful choice for personal transformation and self-expression. If you're interested in purchasing Naughton Braun's pearl jewelry, you can explore their collection to find pieces that resonate with you and symbolize the beautiful change you deserve in your life.

Elevate your style and embrace transformation with our demi-fine pearl jewelry. Explore our exquisite range of pearl necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designed to mirror the change you envision for your life. Make an impact and feel luxurious while doing it. You deserve to shine bright like the pearl you are! Visit us anytime, we're open 24/7 to assist you in finding your perfect pearls. Your journey of change starts here!

Are these some of YOUR holiday gift-giving questions?

How do you know what they might like? How can you choose? How do you order? Are pearls the answer?

We have ALL THE Answers! And we're willing to bet every Woman on your holiday shopping list would be smitten with the gift of pearl jewelry this season! Whatever budget you're working with, we've curated a pearl jewelry guide guaranteed to please every Woman on your list. Shop our 2021 Pearl Jewelry Holiday Gift Guide, but fair warning: These pieces are seriously stunning!

Let's face it after almost 2 years of pandemic we're ready to gift and give something wonderful, pretty, and totally awesome. A piece of pearl jewelry that SHOUTS re-imagined! No single white strands here. Something with staying power that will be worn over & over with tender thoughts of your lovely, generous, & truly thoughtful pretty pearl gift.

Q1. How do you know what they might like? Simple we've broken the 2021 Pearl Jewelry Holiday Gift Guide down into 6 great gifting categories:

1. Gifts with Glitz (pearls with shiny pretty CZs, brass, or pavé)

2. Stylish Stocking Fillers (pearl & gemstone jewelry that's priced to meet even the budgets of 5 yr olds)

3. Chic Contemporary (conversation starter pieces blending great modern design with flair and personality)

4. Demi-fine Delights (the hallmark pieces of the Naughton Braun collection made to be worn from the soccer field or tennis court [or pickelball if that's your thing&91; to the boardroom or those infamous ZOOM call meetings)

5. Something Truly Timeless (show-stopping, elegant pearls that WILL BECOME the centerpiece of her collection, worn over & over)

6. THE Gift of Choice (an e-gift card in any amount)

Q2. How can you choose? We can help! A hint, if you can, peek the current jewelry box to "see" what the "style" you loved one likes and then either email (HiPretty@naughtonbraun.com), text us (251 290-2416 [side-note, if you first text VIP to that same number you'll get 10% off by joining the ONLY Pearl VIP Club on the Web), or call us at 980 257-9220.

Q3. How do you order? Online at naughtonbraun.com. We accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express, AMAZON Pay (makes shopping SUPER-EASY [just use your Amazon login&91;) and PAYPAL.

Q4. Are pearls the answer? See below to find out!

Find these here:

Longwood Mums - Pearl & Shambala Bracelet

Rudas - White Pearl Earrings

Truilli - White Pearl Necklace

St Chapelle Pearl & CZ Pendant Necklaces

Captiva Collections Edison Pearl Earrings

Pennsylvania Avenue Ombre Pearl Necklace

Find these here:

Kensington Pearl Tassel Necklace

Lions Bridge Pearl Drop Earrings

Painted Ladies Pearl & Gemstone Bracelets

Crystal Coast Pearl & CZ Necklace

Cotton Club Hematite & Pearl Necklace

Find these here:

Plumeria Pearl & Carved Shell Necklace

Garima Keshi Pearl Earrings

Little Gold Crown Pearl Tassel Bracelet

Moraine Lake Citrine & Pearl Necklace

Sand Dollar Sand Bar White Coin Pearl Necklace

Find these here:

Magnolia Edison Pearl Necklace

Magnolia Edison Pearl Earrings

Tokoriki Edison Pearl Earrings

South Beach Pearl Bauble Necklace

Peachtree Street Keshi Pearl Triple Strand Necklace

La Fortuna Coin Pearl Earrings

Find these here:

Musée d'Orsay - Gold & White Edison Pearl Necklace

Azores Peacock Edison Pearl Necklace

Obi Seed Pearl & Lapis Lazuli Tassel Earrings

Rainbow Row Pearl & Tourmaline Gemstone Necklace & Earrings

Appalachian Spring Pink Edison Pearl Necklace

So let us know if we can help you with any of these pretty yet meaningful pieces from our curated 2021 Pearl Jewelry Holiday Gift Guide. But please note, many of our selections are limited and we would hate for you to set your heart on something only to find out that we are out of stock. So shop early and I'll be here to help if your need me. You might want to read some comments from our customers (See What Naughton Braun Customers Think About Their Pearl Purchases) at naughtonbraun.com (bottom of the page).

Stay well & enjoy your holiday shopping experience! Reach out if you need me ;)

Stacie

In 2021 inquiring minds want to know why shop @ Naughton Braun? 

3 BIG Reasons:

1. Beautiful STYLE that is meant to stand the test of time

2. Unusual & unique REAL pearls, no faux pearls, no colored glass beads

3. Prices well below what others are charging & independent gemologists

love our quality, nacre, silk knotting, magnetic clasps, and multi-hued 

semi-precious gemstones accents! They tell us our demi-fine pearl jewelry

is the finest they have seen!

What does this mean? It means that if you want something different, special, 

unique and limited JUST LIKE YOU, Shop With Us. BUT, if you want a white

single strand, DM me and I can tell you where else to go because there are 

hundreds of jewelry stores that sell that, but we don't. And we won't. We only 

offer beautiful STYLE!

Do You Need Help Understanding Types of Pearls? What to Buy? Read Our 

Guide to Pearl Types to learn more and to see for yourself that we offer more 

than round white or pink balls...

https://naughtonbraun.com/pearl-beauty-blog/do-you-need-help-understanding-types-of-pearls-what-to-buy-2020-guide-to-pearl-types/

How can we do that??? 

1. We do all own designs, marketing, and eCommerce

2. We work exclusively with Women artisans who string & knot our designs

3. We have a proprietary arrangement with a family of pearl farmers

4. We are a really small business so we have no middle-people to pay. 

SO we are able to offer you the very best prices & our pearls always appraise 

at a minimum of 30% more than the price you pay (independent gemologist).

Caveat: Many of our designs are really limited and once they are gone we 

can't just magically make more because like all good things, they come to an end. 

You're a limited edition and so are our designs...

So if you want jewelry that is handcrafted, unique, nothing your girlfriends will 

have, and available (although often VERY LIMITED) only from our online store, 

not from Amazon, or Target, or Kays, or Jareds or any local town store, you need 

to shop with us. It's just that simple. This is our pledge to you.

Stay Well and Shop Smart,

Stacie

Naughton Braun Pearl posts as templates for Pinterest!

And we were the ONLY PEARL Jewelry featured. Whoo hoo!

Thank you! We are honored to be among such lovely company! 

(Read to the end to get your earring tip, so important when wearing masks. I promise this is a short read and the tip will save you heartache.)

If you want to know more about how you can instantly generate and customize perfectly branded social content using Tailwind Create click this link: www.tailwindapp.com/templates and let us know how long it takes you to find us! Honestly, Tailwind is one of the best tools I use for social media creation and scheduling on Pinterest and that's the truth. I wasn't paid to say this. I just feel that it is really helpful. Email us if you want unvarnished advice about Tailwind or pearls.

PS Follow us on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/naughtonbraun to see great pins, including the 2 above and ideas about evening, work, and casual wear as well as learning more about pearls, jewelry, style, and one of fav past-times, travel! And there's even a board about uplifting quotes and another about champagne becuase pearls just go naturally with bubbly becuase pearls are bubbly!

And to learn our about the ONLY Pearl Jewelry VIP Club (featured in the pin above) on the internet that you can join for free: 

Text VIP to (251)290-2416 and we'll even give you a code for 30% off on your first pearl order. Pearly delightful!

PSS And that promised tip: be sure when wearing your favorite earrings with masks you add an extra tight fitting silicone backing (even if you already have an earring back) so that when you remove your mask, you don't inadvertently remove and loose your earring when tugging on the mask. Ask me sometime about how long I sat in my car looking for my pearl stud earring after I ripped off the mask, and my favorite Tahitian pearl earring went flying away in the car... Lesson learned.  As a side note, since COVID-19, all Naughton Braun earrings come with those 'extra' silicone  backs because no one should be as sad and upset as I was. :(

But there is light; sunlight and hope-light.

The sunlight is so welcome, because this winter has been dreary and snowy and cold and rainy.

The hope-light?

Because the COVID-19 vaccines are here and soon everyone, including kids will be able to get the shot(s) so that maybe, just maybe, we can begin to venture out again and never again take those outings for granted.

We can hug again, visit with family and friends again, and go on adventures. Hence be #BetterTogether again!

We will still need to wear a mask for a while, maybe even a long while, but at least we will rest assured that our vaccinations will keep us from spreading this horrible contagion and getting deathly ill ourselves. Too many family and friends have perished or have gotten ill and stayed ill. We are ready for something more! In my day job, I am a Public Health Scientist who has worked for the past year in helping to publish articles that help other scientists, corporate professionals, industrial, farm-workers, health professionals, and service sector people get back to work in the most safe way possible. And I love my day job!

And I love my pearl job even more! Especially when I can brighten someone's day for free.

Recently I have received my fist dose of the vaccine and I have felt a small sliver of hope.

So in the spirit of caring for one-another, sharing the hope-light, we will give everyone who orders from us, now through the end of 2021, a free pair of earrings if you #GetYourShot.

Let us know when you place your order with us that you have gotten your shot and use code:

GotMyShot

to receive the earrings with your purchase. We’ll try and choose earrings that compliment your purchase, but the best choices will go fast so #GetYourShot and get your earrings!

The small print: $50 purchase minimum before tax and everyone around the world will receive earrings, but only US based customers have free shipping. No refunds on earring choices and the choice is up to us, subject to availability. Many of the earrings are complimentary to our necklaces so get your shot to get the best choices!

This means you may not be feeling like yourself right now — maybe even for months now! But you don’t have to let anxieties and uncertainties keep you from embracing life. You also don’t have to settle for anything less than feeling your best. You just need to find simple ways to boost your mood, health, and senses of optimism. Some may even be surprising, including these helpful pandemic self-care tips from Naughton Braun.

Turn Your Home into a Retreat From Stress

Remember when everyone was discovering the joys of de-cluttering? Well, it turns out that they were onto something! Research shows that organizing and tidying up your home can help get rid of stress and other forms of negative energy. Fix your feng shui!

Need a few more ways to refresh your space in lock-down? If weather permits, you can open some windows and let fresh air in, or you can try smudging your home with calming herbs. You can also use the downtime to work on a few DIY home improvement projects, like getting your bathroom in order.

If you’re having trouble sleeping lately, like many during the pandemic, you may also want to give your bedroom some extra attention. You can try simple improvements, like changing your sheets and fluffing up your pillows more often, or you can invest in a better mattress.

Lift Your Mood With Retail Therapy

Feeling down or stressed lately? If the answer is “yes,” you could benefit from a little retail therapy. Although stress-shopping can get a bad rap, studies show that indulging every once in a while can have a positive impact on your mood. During stressful times like this, such effects can be more powerful.

While online shopping is highly encouraged (to a certain degree), there are also expert-backed precautions you can take to keep yourself physically safe in stores. Try to shop early and during non-peak hours to avoid crowds, and take advantage of contact-less payment options when possible. And when out and about, always wear a mask!

If winning free jewelry sounds like an amazing mood-booster to you, you should check out Naughton Braun’s collections. To lift up spirits during the holidays, Naughton Braun’s free earring giveaway is still ongoing. Be sure to check out the contest rules and entry guidelines here while you shop the pearlcollection.

Take Your Morning Cup of Coffee Outside

You know that too much sun can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer. But did you know that too little sunlight can have negative effects too? That’s right, you’re more like a plant than you think, and your body needs a healthy dose of the sun’s rays to stay healthy. Think Vitamin D!

Spending a little more time outdoors has other benefits for your health and well-being too. You’re likely to find it easier to focus and you may even begin to feel more hopeful. If you prefer to stick closer to home, the good news is that you can get these perks in your own backyard. Try taking your morning coffee outside for just the right amounts of fresh air and sunlight.

If you feel up to it, you can also double those benefits by exercising outside. Exercise is also a powerful mood-booster, and there are some simple ways to keep yourself safe when working out outdoors. Like shopping, try to get out early to beat the rush and practice social-distancing when possible. You can also wear a face mask for added protection.

When the world hands you uncertainty, you have to find ways to keep on living and make the best out of things.

That’s why it’s helpful to have a few self-care tricks in your toolbox — to help you get through these hard times, whether you’re staying home or heading out safely.

If you think of anything else that you find helps you during these time, DM us! We'll include your thoughts in this blog :)

Every Sunday starting Nov 1st we will be announcing on our Facebook and Twitter pages as well as on our Instagram Story page what 3 earrings 3 lucky people will win!

Entry is simple and easy!

3 Steps to Enter:

1.Like our Facebook and Instagram pages (search Naughton Braun)

2. Email us at HiPretty@naughtonbraun.com with the "Color of the Week" in the subject line

3. Finally, tell us which 1 piece of jewelry you like best from the naughtonbraun.com Website in the body of the email.

We'll choose 3 lucky winners and mail you the earrings. No catch just joy, a little gift for a friend or to sneak in your own stocking...

2020 has been so hard. We've all missed so much but we hope that we can spread a bit of simple joy. It's better to give than receive....

The fine print: Winners can only win once and you must be over 18 years of age. Winners chosen from random numbers and winners will be notified by email and their first names shared on social media. Chances of winning depend on number of entries. You must be a US resident with a US address to receive this free gift. If chosen as a winner you must provide an address and phone number so that we can ship the earrings to you and agree to be part of of our VIP Text Messaging Club. Delivery by Christmas is not guaranteed. No replacements, exchanges, repair, or credit. Thank you. Share the joy!

Many of you don't know this, but I also wear another hat, and pearls. In my day life I'm a Public Health Scientist who trained at Johns Hopkins University. I currently spend lots of time in ZOOM meetings and over the past many months dealing with back-to-work and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) issues associated with COVID-19. Surprised? Don't be.

So while science is a bedrock in my life, my heart belongs to pearls and travel, the foundation of Naughton Braun.

My COVID-19 activities include return-to-work and PPE issues which dominate my days, but pearls and return-to-travel musings invigorate my evenings and weekends! Like many of you, our travel has been at a standstill and I can say that missing our families wedding in Yosemite this summer was downright heartbreaking, as well as the two planned pearl travel photo-shoots which were delegated to the oyster shell pile of history....

But, being a half-full kind of girl I'm looking forward to 2021! I'm planning amazing adventures, near and far, once the vaccine to end this international nightmare becomes widely available, as well as packing up the new pearls for on-site photos, good wine, and hugs.

I miss hugs.

So before the 2020 COVID-19 upheaval happened, friends and interested people would always ask how we travel with the pearls for photo-shoots; you know, keeping the jewelry in pristine condition, free of knots and scratches, getting them through customs, dealing with inclement weather, and packing the pearls.

So with out further adieu, here are my 6 pearl traveling tips:

1. Pearls scratch easily, so when you travel they need some cushion to keep from rubbing against themselves or even worse, other jewelry. When considering what to use as a cushion, consider your scarves for lariat or long necklaces and your silken undies for smaller necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. I don't recommend socks.

2. Once you've wrapped up the individual necklaces, bracelets, or earrings, they need to be packaged in a soft pouch that you will add to your carry-on. We never recommend putting any jewelry in your checked luggage. The pouch that we provide with every Naughton Braun purchase can accommodate several pieces of pearl or other jewelry. In addition, our free velvet pouch is water resistant and closes tightly via the double pull ties assuring security if your pouch falls out or is removed during a TSA check.

3. We also recommend taking along cell phone copies of your Naughton Braun purchase receipts, as well as actual pictures of the pearls you are traveling with, so that there is never a customs issue. Although this has never happened to us, we have had a few cases where our customers were traveling internationally and ended up contacting us via WhatsApp, frantically requesting copies of their purchase receipts so that their pearl necklaces were not confiscated by customs. Can you even imagine how stressful that must have been? 

4. So now you have arrived at the holiday you have been dreaming about. We always recommend that you utilize a safe, either in your room or at the concierge to safely store your pearls while on holiday, again keeping them wrapped securely until you are ready to wear them. And please, never leave in a hot, tropical sunny window because pearls really hate to be cooked! Or frozen.

5. And so that brings me to where to wear your pearls. I know Instagram always shows Women on the beach frolicking in their pearls. And while the pearls came from the sea, they are more happy on dry, salt-free land and the same goes for chlorine or salt water pools. So is it absolutely forbidden? No, but after that picture perfect pearl moment passes, you might just want to bring out that ever faithful bottle of Dasani, or if you're like me (my ever-faithful stainless filter water bottle) and rinse your pearls before continuing with your adventures.

Remember I mentioned the pouch, the free velvet one? 

It's really soft and versatile and it comes free with every necklace or bracelet purchase from us. So fill it with your favorites and happy travel planning!

A filled pouch from a Customer who won't leave home with her pearls!

Finally our colleagues at Money have published an interesting article with tips regarding travel insurance. At Naughton Braun we always recommend having your pearls appraised in case of loss and we also recommend travel insurance in these uncertain times. Their article, Best Travel Insurance of 2020, outlines the real benefits of insurance especially related to unexpected medical expenses. Check it out and be safe out there!