The Budget Bracelet

October 15, 2008 – 7:17 pm by Jen
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If there’s one thing on everyone’s mind right now, it’s the budget crunch that we’re all feeling.  Finding money to splurge on clothes and accessories sometimes seems impossible!  But, if you make your money really count, you can freshen up your fall wardrobe with just a few inexpensive accessories.  To help you out, I’m starting a new series of blog posts dedicated to budget finds, like this one, called The Budget Bracelet.

For some of my favorite inexpensive bracelets, click the pictures below.  The best part is, all of these bracelets are less than $5 each!

Lucite Bangle Bracelet Off White Beaded Bracelet Bali Beaded Bracelet

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Swarovski Crystal Bangles for Fall

October 14, 2008 – 9:40 pm by Jen

There’s no doubt that Swarovski Crystal bangle bracelets are one of the hottest jewelry trends this fall.  But I’m really amazed at all the different styles that are popping up!  I’ve seen just about every color in the rainbow, as well as some super classy (and expensive looking) sterling silver bangles featuring Swarovski crystals.

Check out some of my favorite Swarovski Crystal Bangles below:

Swarovski Crystal Bangle Blue Swarovski Crystal Bangle Gold Lucite Swarovski Crystal Bangle Bracelet

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Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness

October 11, 2008 – 2:24 pm by Jen

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a wonderful opportunity to promote Breast Cancer Awareness in your community and workplace.  Not sure how you can help?  Here’s some ideas that anyone can do:

  • Make sure your employer takes Breast Cancer Awareness seriously.  Form a committee at work to evaluate your current health care plan to ensure that it allows adequate coverage.  Distribute life-saving information to every employee regarding the importance of self-exams and regular mammograms.  Many employers even work with a local clinic or mammogram facility to offer free mammograms to every employee on a certain date during October.
  • Join a local Race for the Cure in your area.  See the Komen.org website for a complete list.  You don’t have to be in great shape or able to donate a lot of money.  Just a little time can make a big difference.
  • Save one life at a time - your own!  Make sure you know the risk factors, and are getting regular mammograms as recommended by your physician.  For a list of mammogram facilities in your area, check out this site.
  • Pass out free information at an event, local store or mall, or your office.  Get some friends together and have fun working for a great cause.  Check out this site for a list of free Breast Cancer Awareness materials.
  • Become an advocate for Breast Cancer.  Write a letter to your local law makers or a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.  Check out the Cancer.org website for ways that you can become a cancer advocate.
  • Every donation counts! Even if you don’t have a lot to give, making a donation will help a great cause and make you feel great, too.  You can donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation online.  Also see if you employer offers matching donations!

So pick one idea and go for it!  Have other ideas?  We’d love to hear them!

For more great ideas on how you can help, visit the Breast Cancer Awareness Month website.

And in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, add a pink ribbon to your daily wardrobe!  Maybe it will start up a conversation with a stranger, or simply remind someone that she needs to schedule her yearly mammogram appointment.  Here’s some of my favorite budget-friendly pink ribbon jewelry:

Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet Breast Cancer Angel Pin Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet

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McCain and Obama’s Stance on Breast Cancer

October 8, 2008 – 9:07 pm by Jen

One of the few things that both Presidential candidates agree about during this election is that the battle against cancer needs to be stepped up.  Both Obama and McCain have personal experiences with the disease: McCain has survived multiple skin cancers and Obama lost his mother to Ovarian Cancer.

During difficult economic times, it is critical that you voice your concern for funding for cancer research.  1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year…There’s simply no time to lose in our battle against cancer.  Sign the I Vote for the Cure petition to make your voice heard.

To read more about Obama and McCain’s stances on cancer research, click here.

Spread Awareness for Breast Cancer with some of my favorite Breast Cancer Awareness products below:

Breast Cancer Awareness Tote Bag Breast Cancer Ring Breast Cancer Awareness Earrings

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Unique Sorority Lil Sis Gift Ideas

October 6, 2008 – 6:47 pm by Jen

Looking for a unique sorority Lil Sis gift?  Here are some of the most unique Lil Sis gifts that I’ve found:

  • Order custom M&M’s in your sorority’s colors
  • Candles and vases decorated with your sorority’s letters, her name, etc. Try using stickers or window decals
  • Pass something down through your family (lavaliere, stuffed animal, etc.)
  • Start a charm bracelet and for each special occasion add a charm (letters, symbols, or just something you have in common)
  • Hand-make some scrapbook pages with spaces for her to add her favorite memories
  • Decorate a bulletin board with letters and symbols to hang in her dorm
  • Purses, tote bags, and backpacks decorated with your sorority letters - she’ll use it every day!

If you have any other creative Lil Sis gift ideas, feel free to post!  And for some quick and inexpensive gifts, check out some of my favorite sorority Lil Sis gifts below:

Sorority Picture Frame Sorority Messenger Bag Sorority Slippers

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Fall’s Passion for Purple

October 1, 2008 – 11:38 pm by Jen

Purple is a very hot color for Fall 2008, and I have to say that I’m loving the royal elegance of the purple handbags, clothing, and jewelry that I’m seeing emerge this fall.

Check out this Keeping Up Appearances blog article regarding the greatness of purple this season.  Kristen recommends pairing purple with the season’s hottest neutral color, grey.

And I absolutely love Shopinchic’s article packed with ideas and suggestions for wearing purple this fall.  I like her her idea about pairing purple with black to add elegance to this royal color.  And she offers great advice about not pairing purple with another bold color, like red.

For some of my favorite purple jewelry, click the pictures below:

Purple Jewelry Set Purple Beaded Bracelet Purple Bangle Bracelet

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Peace Sign Jewelry

September 25, 2008 – 2:48 pm by Jen

They say that all fashion trends recycle years later, and Peace Sign jewelry is the perfect example.  This 50 year old trend is being worn by celebrities everywhere, and we’re getting tons of requests for this hot new trend.

So check out some of my favorite peace sign jewelry below by clicking on the pictures:

Peace Sign Earrings Peace Sign Necklace Peace Sign Earrings

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Fall Wedding Themes & Ideas

September 24, 2008 – 12:37 pm by Jen

Fall weddings set the scene for the perfect combination of romance, elegance, and natural beauty.  For those of you planning a fall wedding, I’ve compiled a list of top themes, ideas and tips for fall weddings:

  • Locations: old churches, apple orchards, vinyards, or even an old barn
  • Colors: Jewel tones will add elegance and aren’t too bright or dark.  Warm rich colors, as well as metallics, also look great at a fall wedding.
  • Decorations: corn, pumpkins, wheat, feathers, acorns, cornucopias, apples
  • Linens: Try textured linens in off-white with your wedding colors as accents. Or experiment with a touch of velvet.
  • Table Decor: Rather than many small items, try decorating your tables with several large, dramatic props, like large pillar candles
  • The dress: Off-white is very common.  Rather than a highly-embellished gown, go for a simple soft satin dress.  Gold embroidery or other small touches will add elegance
  • Food:  Heavier meals are more common.  Don’t feel like you are stuck with turkey and mashed potatoes, though.  Try beef, venison, or any other main dish that will pair well with hearty side-dishes. Harvest vegetables also make a nice touch.

Fall Wedding Favors Fall Wedding Favors Ivory Guest Book

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Fall Fashion: Chandelier Earrings

September 23, 2008 – 6:35 pm by Jen

Well it’s officially Fall and everywhere you look the latest Fall styles are hitting stores.  One of my favorite fall trends for accessories are chandelier earrings.  These dangling earrings vary widely in size and material.  You can dress up a more casual outfit quickly just by adding a pair of chandelier earrings.  And of course they always look stunning with formal gowns and your little black dress.

For some of my favorite chandelier earrings, click the pictures below:

Chandelier Earrings Chandelier Earrings Chandelier Earrings

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Planning a Fundraiser Dinner to Benefit Breast Cancer

September 19, 2008 – 12:36 pm by Jen

Breast Cancer Awareness month is less than two weeks away, and I know many of you are busy planning a variety of events to raise funds for and awareness of Breast Cancer.  One of the popular events is a fundraiser dinner, perhaps to spread knowledge about Breast Cancer or held in honor of someone whose life was touched by Breast Cancer.

If you are planning or would like to plan a fundraiser dinner, the key is early preparation.  Of course it’s not too late if you still wish to hold your event in October, but a fundraiser dinner can also be a success any month of the year.  To help you get organized, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to do to get started:

1.  Set your goals and objectives: What is it you wish to accomplish with this fundraiser dinner?

2.  Who, what, when & where: Determine a date and time for the event. Then set deadlines for each step in the process such as dates by which tickets must be purchased or dates by which items must be donated for the silent auction. You may want to set a few variations and allow for a bit of  flexibility.  What kind of things will be happening at this event?  Where will the event take place?

3.  Get started early!  No need to wait, dive into the work right now!  The sooner you get started, the most successful your event can be.

And if you are looking for table favors for your fundraiser dinner, check out the pictures below for three beautiful and unique Breast Cancer Awareness favors:

Pink Ribbon Picture Frame Pink Ribbon Favor Box Pink Ribbon Flowers

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