Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Lovable Labels Review & Giveaway!

I was lucky enough to be able to review Lovable Labels. Have you heard of them? They have the absolute cutest labels, ranging from clothing labels, to stationary labels, to bag tags (OH MY!).

Personally, I love labels (weird, right?). Well..I'm a bit weird... we know that.

I love them for my company. I label everything with our name and cute fun labels. I think it adds a bit of uniqueness to a standard box or envelope.

I was thrilled to be able to review these labels, the "Think Pink" Labels from Lovable Labels. They have a breast cancer awareness ribbon on the label. If purchased through Loveable Labels they will donate $0.50 of each order to Research and Cure for Breast Cancer.

We know how passionate myself (and my mother) are with donating. I feel like every other day we are adding new causes to our website. So these labels are absolutely perfect for us!!!!




With Breast Cancer Awareness month coming up in only a couple of days, I cannot wait to use these labels! We have a TON of craft fairs coming up, and I think this will be the perfect little touch to add to our boxes and packaging.


Doesn't it look great!

The writing on the labels is so pretty and classy I think it is just enough. I know when I try to make my own labels- I sometimes tend to put WAY too much stuff on one tiny, itsy bitsy label and it looks too overcrowded. This is short and sweet and to the point. Just our name with the ribbon. Perfect.

Well.....
Lovable Labels has generously supplied us with a pack of "Think Pink! Labels" for one lucky winner!  Thanks, Lovable Labels!

Now... let's get to the giveaway!

This is open to both U.S. & Canada Residents.






** The product in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% my own and were no way influenced by monetary compensation **

Dressing the Part with Express!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Express

I'm a workin woman now! As discussed in one of my recent posts... I finally got a job! Yes, it is part time for now- but hey.. a job is a job.

Now the only issue I have is.. WHAT TO WEAR!!!

I haven't been working since January and didn't have much "business attire" to wear to my previous job (that job was much more laid back- more of a "jeans and t-shirt" gig.)

What I love about working is what outfits I can wear. Really though, I love shopping for work outfits. Have you checked out the women's suits from Express ? I know I continuously talk about shopping (yes, I feed my addiction) but this is something that is actually useful and can help my career! Because we all know if you have nice clothes and look very "put together" that is always a positive for any business atmosphere.

 

EXPRESS

I love this!!!

Do you love business attire? I feel nice when I get all dressed up and look fashionable yet professional. It makes me feel good. What do you think?

What are you favorite Express items for work? Tell me, tell me, tell me! I love "oooohing" and "ahhhinnnggg" over new outfits!

Speaking of new outfits? Have you entered the Express sweepstakes yet? Express, so generously, is giving away the chance at a $500 suit makeover! Woo Hoo! How can you not love that?  Go an enter- and if you win.. you must come back and tell me- I would love to see what you get!!!

 

Visit Sponsor's Site

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Tresemme= Love

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TRESemmé for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

So... I have a huge mop of hair. It is more like "cousin it" hair. I have accepted it and embracing it. I normally have very curly, untamable hair. It gets in the way a lot and doesn't look that professional.

When I go on interviews, I like to straighten my hair so it looks a bit more sleek and put together-- rather then wild and horse-hair like. It takes me about 3+ hours to straighten my hair to make it actually look good. Crazy, right? So we know I am not going to wash my hair out the next day- after taking ALL OF THAT TIME to straighten it. Oh, no. That won't work.

I have used  TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo and I am in love. I have never used a dry shampoo before so this was my first time using one. It actually was amazing. I had used it  3 days after straightening my hair to see how it would react and how it would make it look.

My hair looked so much better. Before putting it in, it kinda looked like it was on the verge of being disgusting (yes, I'll totally admit it with no shame. C'mon ladies, you know where I'm coming from).

I had to shake the can a lot before using it. Then did it in sections- rather then all over like a cloud of mist is covering my head. I let it sit for a couple of minutes and then brushed it out. To see how to use it, click the link :) 

Surprisingly, my hair looked "fresh". Really, that is the only way I can describe it. It didn't look dull and nasty anymore. I was able to get another 2 days of use out of it.

The only bad part about this shampoo is that it is great for all hair types--- which meant my sisters took it from me lol. They use it more then I do now. Their hair is less "horse-like" then mine. It is finer and their hair gets greasy much more quickly then mine does--- so they feel this dry shampoo is a godsend for them! Next time.. I'm hiding it.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Disappointing Craft Fair

So yesterday we had our craft fair. The craft fair I was really looking forward to.

BIG. FAIL.


We didn't even make our table.

I know craft fairs are always an up and down thing. All depends on the day, people, everything. Some years you do great, and some years you don't. This year was a not great year.

I think what upset me most was not even the fact that we didn't really make money. I think I was most upset with how rude the people were.

I understand that everyone has different opinions and not everyone likes everything. I know for sure I don't like everything I see at craft fairs. But I WOULD NEVER walk up to someones booth and scream "OH, I DO NOT LIKE THIS AT ALL" and then walk away.

Excuse me, but are you FREAKIN kidding me?


How rude are you? I was baffled!

Then other people would come up to our table, look at the sign I have on there (stating we will be in the Oscars & Golden Globe gift lounges)--- and then they would snicker and roll their eyes.

DO PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WE CAN SEE THEM?

I am standing right in front of them.

I would never do that to another vendor. I would never outright say something mean or hurtful. These people have a lot of freakin nerve in my opinion.

It really hurt to see people acting so rude and outright disrespectful. Even when this was not happening to me, but to other vendors, I felt disgusted. How can people be like this?

It was ridiculous. Is this something I am just being crazy over, or do you feel the same way to? Are you a crafter... has this ever happened to you? I would love to hear other people's thoughts on this.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Craft Fair Tomorrow!

So, tomorrow we have a HUGE craft fair that I am super excited about.


The Fine Arts Festival in Southbury. It is going to run from 10-4 and I am hoping for a great turnout! We were there last year and we did really well.

Last year though, I still had my gal bladder issues. I had just had surgery like 1-2 days before this fair- I felt like crap but didn't care, I was going to this fair whether it killed me lol.

I love going to these fairs and helping my mom out. I think it's fun (for the most part). It's nice to meet new people and try and sell our items.

So if you are in the area tomorrow, STOP BY! COME SAY HELLO! It should be a great day with good food, good crafts, and *hopefully* great weather!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

I got a job!!!

You are now looking (well, not technically, but you get it) at an employed woman!

Yes, you read that correctly... I am officially employed!

*sigh of relief*

I have been on countless interviews... some good and some bad... and this job was one of the good ones! I had the interview earlier this week, and ever since all I have been saying to everyone who will listen is... "I WANT THIS JOB!" The people there were so. incredibly. nice. 

It was refreshing to actually meet very nice people and not be scared to death uncomfortable with the interview.

I start on Monday. It's a part time position for now- but that is actually perfect for me... I get a steady income, work a couple of hours... and then I get time to work on jewelry and get ready for the GBK Gift Lounges for the Golden Globes & Oscars. WIN/WIN.

What is the job for, you ask?

A marketing assistant. Yes. Amazing. Finally getting some experience in the field I graduated from. I am excited to finally go back to work. and the best part?

I can now pay my bills. Well.... some of them. That's a start right?

Besides, when Jewels for Hope becomes rich and famous.. (yes, I'm saying "when" because it WILL happen <3)I won't have to worry about paying my bills or deferring my student loans (yet again..... *cough*).

So I hope you all put good, positive thoughts out into the universe for me on Monday morning. Hmmm... now... the big issue. What to wear?

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Rafflecopter Round Up Giveaway! $100 Jewelry Package!

RafflecopterRound Up Giveaway

Welcome to the Rafflcopter Round Up hosted by Simply Stacie and Makobi Scribe
Woo Hoo! Are you excited? I love rafflecopter and hope this is a great hop! 

My package is all sponsored by me, Jewels for Hope! So you will get the opportunity to win some fabulous jewelry and other goodies :)

My prize package is valued at roughly: $100




Blue Crystal Pearl Necklace- $40


Pink Beaded Necklace- $20


Two Adjustable Rings- $10


Black Bracelet with Silver Heart- $12


Black Headband with White & Black Design: $13

Along with all of these fabulous goodies, I will also be throwing in a couple of things I have won over time that I have no use for- somewhat a hodgepodge of gifts :)



 Please fill out the Rafflcopter form below:






Now hop around to the other giveaways that all have Rafflecopter entry forms and prizes valued at $25 or more!




Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Glitzy Cheer Bows

I am someone who is not afraid to ask someone for help/advice/anything.  I am not ashamed or embarrassed. But we all know, sometimes when asking for help, it doesn't always go over well.

Over the years while being a crafter I have noticed that not everyone in the "crafting" community is so willing to share their knowledge. I know I am willing to share anything with anyone- even if I don't know the right thing, I will do my best to help.

Well, I had emailed Jeanne from Glitzy Cheer Bows asking for advice. She is one of the good ones folks.

She started Glitzy Cheer Bows only about a year ago and she has been doing amazingly!! She originally started by making bows or wreaths outside, and then someone saw them and asked for a cheerleading bow-- and everything just started tumbling from there! (get it- tumbling--- cheerleading. Oh, I'm good. haha)

Jeanne has made bows for TONS of school sports teams and has been sending her bows all across the world! How cool is that? One of my favorite bows she has is zebra print (obviously).



Isn't that adorable?

She does Soccer Bows, Softball Bows, Holiday Bows... ALL THESE BOWS!

Here is a great pic of some cheerleaders (I think?) wearing her bows.



So if your daughter is on any team in need of some Glitz.... contact Jeanne. She is so sweet and was helping me out in any way she can. She gave me some advice and was just so sweet. Not a lot of people are these days... and it really touched my heart that she was so willing to help. I was actually asking her about getting products to these cheerleading teams since I am trying to get my aunt's scarves into teams. So we'll see how that works out......fingers and toes crossed for me please.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Emmy's Gift Lounge- You could win some swag!

Friday and Saturday was the Emmy's Gift Lounge hosted by GBK Productions.

Now, I have been going on and on about the Oscars and Golden Globes since we are actually having items in those lounges, but for the Emmys we supplied our business cards.

I have been glued to my computer for the past two days. The lovely ladies who run The Artisan Group, so kindly gave us updates from the Gift Lounge. *EXCITING!*

Here are some of the people who received Jewels for Hope Business cards!!!

Ana Gasteyer, Kathryn Joosten, Robert Morse, Christa B. Allen, Scott Adslet, Rex Lee, David James Elliott, Virginia Williams, Tony Denison, Loretta Devine, Cloris Leachman, Hector Elizondo, Jennifer Carpenter, Jeff Probst, Wes Ramsey, Lorraine Bracco, Eric Stonestreet, Allen Cumming, Penny Marshall, Mayim Bialek, Niecy Nash, Beau Bridges, Kevin Eubanks, Aiden Quinn, Beverly Mitchell, Lorraine Bracco, and SO SO SO many more!


This is super exciting! All of these amazing actors/actresses have our business cards!

Well, in honor of this amazing gift lounge....

WE ARE HAVING A TWITTER PARTY TONIGHT!

Yep, you read that right. And at this amazing twitter party, you have the chance to win some SWAG! The Artisan Group members will be giving away amazing handcrafted items- some of which was in the bags that went to the celebs themselves!

What you need to know?


TONIGHT at 9pm EST 
- Make sure you're following @theartisangroup, @sweetstellas, @atutudes, @ajsweetsoap on Twitter.

- Follow #artisangroup on Twitter.

- Answer trivia questions about your favorite Primetime shows, actors, moments, what shows and actors YOU think should win an Emmy this year (be sure to respond directly to @sweetstellas, @atutudes, or @ajsweetsoap).

- Win prizes for correct answers, drawn at random!


 So, circle your calendars, and join us for our final Primetime Emmys Twitter Party on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)!





Check out Diana from Bellaroma and her post about The Emmys and her experience!!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Redone, Part Two.

So, I redid our website... again.

I just want to be completely happy with it. I want to have a professional looking website- even though I am surely not a professional in designing websites.

So I did this best I could. I am really trying here. So let me know your opinions- anything to make it better or if you want to give me praise, anything lol. Just be gentle.

Also, if you are looking at the website with 100% page view- you are good. If it is anything less than that, then everything is not lined up perfectly. I cannot FOR THE LIFE OF ME figure out how to do that. So I'm sorry. No matter what I try, I cannot get it lined up on 75%.



Thoughts? Opinions?

Thanks!!!!! <3 <3

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Jewels For Hope Photoshoot Featured on Wedding Chicks!

A couple months back we were working with some amazing vendors for a photoshoot they were doing in New York. We were thrilled to be asked to participate in this and today I get to share these amazing photos with you!

The photoshoot is being featured today on Wedding Chicks - a must read for all of you ladies out there who love weddings! Would love it if you guys checked out the shoot- tons more great shots there!


 











We are so happy about how great these photos look! We are thrilled we were able to be a part of this! A big thank you to everyone who worked on this, as well as a big thank you to Wedding Chicks for featuring this!!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Kristen Cusato & Ann Nyberg, Wearing Jewels for Hope!

We have had a busy couple of weeks here folks! We have been doing craft fairs and working on the designs for The Oscars & The Golden Globes!

Well, along with all of this, we actually had an interview with Ann Nyberg from WTNH News Channel 8 and Network Connecticut!

She interviewed us for her website. It was amazing! She is so incredibly nice! Seriously, such a sweetheart! She even bought a necklace and wore it on the 6:00 news last Thursday! AH!

Here is a picture of her in our house with the necklace on :)


Ah, doesn't she look great in it!

She did a fabulous piece on us on her website, Network Connecticut. Go there and tell me what you think!!!

Along with talking with Ann, another WTNH newscaster, Kristen Cusato, has been in touch with us and we are donating an item for raffle at her event coming up this Thursday for The Walk for Alzheimer's. Kristen, so graciously, took a photo with the necklace we will be donating. Take a look!


Don't both women look so pretty! They are both so nice and I am so happy we were able to work with them.
Kristen's event will be held at Bar in New Haven this coming Thursday. If anyone is interested in attending, please find more information here. All proceeds go to a great cause, and you could even win this necklace in the raffle!!!!

I've been MIA

All my amazing followers, I am sorry I have been a bit MIA. I have had SO much going on with Jewels for Hope and getting everything ready for the Oscars/Golden Globes. Along with that, we have been doing tons of fairs. Insane.

And right now, I am about to head to an actual job interview. YES! Wish me luck. I need a job, asap.

Once I get home I'll show you the fabulous Ann Nyberg wearing one of our pieces! She interviewed us last week and put it up on her website. She also wore one of our pieces on the 6:00 News Thursday Night! YAY!

So stay tuned. and send me some good vibes at 10:30 today - I could use all the help I can get <3

Friday, September 9, 2011

A Blog from Blackpool- BlogShop!

A Blog from Blackpool redid their website!





This blog has been a favorite of mine for some time now. I love Dani's fashion sense and her love of nailpolish. She redid her blog and I love the fresh look of it.

Along with redoing her blog, she also set up a blog shop! Um, if I wasn't unemployed right now, I would seriously be looking into purchasing some of her items. She has clothing, makeup, shoes, jewelry, and nailpolishes (of course!) up for grabs.

Go look! She has this amazzzzing sunflower dress- I'm in love. She has the funn-est (is that a word?) fashion sense!

This outfit she rocks here- makes me smile. Blue & White Polka Dot skirt, HELLO? Love.

100_7546

So if you have the chance, go say hi! <3 And if you buy that flower dress she has for sale- you better take pictures and let me see how you look in it!!!!

Win a Kindle - BSMB Giveaway!

BSMB Kindle Giveaway

I am happy to be a part of this BSMB Giveaway! One lucky winner will get a Kindle! Woo Hoo!
There are a ton of fabulous blogs participating!
Giveaway runs from Sept 9th- Sept 30th!


Win a Kindle from the Blog & Social Media Boosters! Fill out the Rafflcopter Form Below. The first entry is to like all of the Facebook pages and counts as 50 entries. Like buttons for Facebook can be found here to make it easy. All of the Twitter buttons for 50 entries can be found on The Reynolds Mom
Please enter on the Rafflecopter form below:

MAKE SURE YOU CLICK THE "HERE" LINK ABOVE FOR EASY FACEBOOK BUTTONS!

WHEN YOU GO TO THE REYNOLDS MOM FOR TWITTER NAMES, IT IS LOCATED UNDER THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM! :)


Good Luck!!!!!



Thursday, September 8, 2011

Did You Sign Up?! You could win a Macbook Air!!!

Did you guys see my post about Coupon Cabin's 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveaways? Did anyone sign up? It looks like it will bring a TON of traffic to your blog, plus you get a $20 gift card to target for everyone you refer to sign up! And along with all that, you possibly could win a Macbook Air, Ipad 2, $250 Visa Gift card and more!



What are you waiting for? CLICK HERE and say Jewels for Hope referred you! Let me know if you sign up- if anyone is worried about finding a sponsor--- I will sponsor a piece of jewelry if you use my name as referral- don't get crazy now, that will only be for a max of 4 people :) :)!

So go Enter! It will be great- there are already 140 blogs signed up.This event will be HUGE!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Coupon Cabin's 25 Days of Giveaways! You could win an Ipad2!

I just signed up for the Coupon Cabins 25 Crazy Days of Giveaways, hosted by Simply Stacie, Makobi Scribe, Sassy Mama in LA and Coupon Cabin!


This is going to be a crazy giveaway!

Not only will entrants enter to win a Macbook Air, Ipad 2, and $250 Visa Gift Card, BUT ALSO every blogger that is participating can enter to win that!

Click Here to fill out the form to be a blogger in this event! It is a $5.00 Fee. BUTTTT If you get people to sign up and join, you get a $20 Target Gift Card for EVERY. PERSON. YOU. REFER. *please note, you cannot refer yourself.

So if you join this giveaway extravaganza, please say Jewels for Hope referred you. :) I can so use a target gift card! Then once you join, write a post and tell people to put your name in! Easy peasy!

And if you are the top blogger to refer people- then you win a Macbook Air. The 2nd person to refer the most bloggers wins an Ipad2! HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THAT!

This event will run November 1st through November 25th!


So fill out this form and say Jewels for Hope sent you. You have to send the $5.00 payment to SassyScorpYM@gmail.com  Which it states on the form.

For EVEN MORE information about the giveaway, view Simply Stacie's post :)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

I Have No Choice...

The minute I saw these shoes I knew I needed to write about them.

I have never seen a pair of shoes so gorgeous. I need these shoes. They are so funky and unique, I can't stop looking at them.



These shoes are made by TAYLORSAYS on Etsy.

The way she creates these weird (amazing) designs on the bottom of the shoes, make me smile. I feel I would walk taller with these shoes on. Feel more confident. Which really is the whole point behind great shoes.

I don't know if you read, but the fiance ordered me a really expensive pair of shoes for my birthday. We got them in, and funny- they're damaged. The inside sole pealed up completely. Sad. Well.... we are trying to return them for a full refund.

When that happens, I plan on talking to this Etsy shop owner to see about getting a pair of these shoes! My only concern is, I am a complete clutz. I would break my neck if I walked in these. I would need something a smidge smaller. Oh, I hope that is possible!

Amazing.

Breaking the bank for a pair of shoes is not something I am used to. But these shoes.. would so be worth it. Oh, they definitely would be worth it.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Heart Kristel's Beauty Giveaway!

Look at this amazing giveaway going on right now until Sept 23rd on Heart Kristel's Blog!! All the makeup you could ever want <3 Love at first site for me!

One Day Only Sale! 15% OFF & FREE GIFT!

Since we have a ton of festivals to attend this weekend for labor day- we want to give all of you current fans and friends a coupon code valid today until tomorrow morning!

This code will end tomorrow morning when we leave for the fair (8:00ish Eastern Time)

USE CODE: FESTIVAL15
You will receive 15% off AND a FREE SURPRISE GIFT!

We have necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cards, belly rings, charms! We love sparkly!
Stop by! <3



Friday, September 2, 2011

Updating Our Shop

So for the past 3 days, all I have done is take picture after picture to redo our entire Etsy shop. Since we have the new website up and running, I wanted to make everything look a little more uniform, a little more welcoming.

I had no idea what work this was going to be.

I got a brand new camera for my birthday (thanks fiance) so I was really looking forward to all of my new pics and seeing how they looked.

Well, I ended up taking around 700 pictures of jewelry. 700. I am crazy.

I went through each shot on photoshop. I have never used photoshop before and it was fun learning. I know there is a million more things on photoshop I should have done to these pictures, but since I'm learning I only did the basics. But I love the way they came out!

Our Etsy shop isn't completely finished yet, but for the most part I am done lol. There are some earrings on there and belly rings I couldn't take shots of because for our craft fairs we have coming up, we have them packaged on cardboard cutouts then inside sealed plastic bags. And since we have two fairs this weekend I wasn't taking all of those out haha.

Here are some of my favorite pictures. Let me know what you think!!!!!!