Waves of Clarity

One of my favorite places to be is at the beach. I love walking along the shore and listening to the waves, with the sand in between my toes as the water continually washing them off. It is so peaceful. Its a place I always know I can go and clear my head.

*Photo compliments of Alvaro Puentes via Flikr*

Where is your place for zen?

Sunny Saturday...in my mind.

As a Southern Girl I very much enjoy the heat and plenty of sunshine. Now living in the North of France I have had quite a difficult time adjusting to a constant state of cold and overcast, I also feel like a vampire with the serious lack of melanin in my skin!

Yesterday was the strangest weather day of my life. It was raining in the morning, followed by a brief parting of clear blue skies, and then it started snowing...like a blizzard! It was snowing cats and dogs! But that's not all, later in the evening it sleeted! What?! That's right I had 4 kinds of weather in a 12 hour period, no lie.

*Photo compliments of Amy Sneder, Flikr*

This picture felt like a hot summer concert in a park to me. This has only made me realize how ready for warmer weather I am. Bring on the sunshine please, I'm ready for my sundresses, shorts, Rainbow Sandals, and really long sun drenched days!

Anyone else feeling the late winter blues?

Don't forget to enter for free mineral makeup! Make those winter blues a little more sparkly and fun!

January Pondering & Giveaway Winner

Well, January is finally coming to a close and with that comes the established tone for the coming year. How have you done so far on your resolutions? I don't really care for them so much myself as I feel they set you up for failure, but the goals I have placed for myself to accomplish this year in general are shaping up quite nicely. I am increasing my brand awareness for Embellished through buzz marketing and this blog. I have been consistantly running, and getting much further along in my training for a marathon...10 mile runs are what I'm up to now! And I have reached a place where I can enjoy my time here in France and savor the things I have here while I have them!

*photo compliments of mylittlepipsqueek*

Now all I have to do is busy myself over the next little while to pretend that I am not missing the Super Bowl this year! I look forward to it all year, and I don't think I have ever missed the big game in my life, so being in France will be a challenge!

How is your 2010 shaping up thusfar?

Now for the news you want to hear, here's the winner of the Gossimar Wings Necklace Giveaway....

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:13Powered by RANDOM.ORG

...Anastasia of Matt's Crafty Wife!! Congratulations on your unique handmade necklace, I know it will make quite a statement!

If you missed out there is already another giveaway going on that is live for more than another week! Don't miss your chance to win some amazing Mineral Makeup!

Jane Austen Romance

As an avid reader, I have my special stack of books I know I can return to and time and time again be swept away by the timeless story. I adore the characters of Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, etc, and was inspired by their romance to create a few things over the weekend. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Bronte Rosette

Crush satin in aubergine and white lace neatly twisted with delicate vintage black French lace for an exquisitely rich sensation of romance. Topped off with a sprig of black and white feathers for glamor and demure.

The Marilyn Peacock Rosette

Blow passer-bys away with this chic statement piece that is sure to turn heads. Formed by twisting Aubergine crushed satin into a tidy rosette and then adding intoxicating green peacock plumes for allure. Be prepared to be desired!

Which one is your favorite?

Also today is the last day for the Gossimar Wings jewelry giveaway!

Enter HERE and don't miss out!

Eye Popping Peepers Giveaway

I have an absolute obsession with the beauty department! I love learning new techniques for styling my hair or applying my makeup, changing things up makes life a little more fun for me. Sephora is my beauty mecca, I love wandering around discovering new tools and being intoxicated by new scents. Something I have become interested in, in the past couple years is mineral makeup. I hear a lot about it, but what's the big deal? When I discovered Orglamix I was excited to catch up with Cheri and learn so much about Mineral Makeup and her line!

And good news Embellishers...Orglamix is sponsoring an amazing giveaway just for you!

-All photos property of Embellished unless otherwise noted-

*photo compliments of Orglamix*

1. What got you started in making mineral eyeshadow?

I am a self proclaimed ‘product junkie’! From my humble beginnings as the president of the Lip Smacker Club in the first grade to today, I have an insatiable appetite for all things beauty related, so Orglamix was a natural transition for me. It started after the birth of my first daughter in 2004 when my skin (along with my self esteem) freaked out. Seemingly overnight my complexion became sensitive, blotchy and unbearably acne-ridden. Nothing I tried worked, so I began researching ingredients in makeup and stumbled upon mineral makeup. I was instantly captivated by the good-for-you sparkly potions in a rainbow of hues, but once I gave them a try, I was obsessed!

2. What is so important about mineral makeup?

Since I started Orglamix, mineral cosmetics have become much more popular in retail, but I’m committed to keeping all Orglamix minerals strictly au naturel. True mineral makeup contains only all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth, without any of the chemicals, dyes, fillers and preservatives found in traditional makeup. All mineral makeup is not created equal. Read the ingredient labels, know what you are buying. Makeup sensitivity is often the result of synthetic dyes, fragrances, and preservatives, so any makeup that eliminates these is going to eliminate some of the related problems. Pure mineral makeup has many benefits such as: - Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which have natural, anti-inflammatory properties, that have a calming effect on the skin, particularly important if you suffer from inflammatory problems such as sensitive skin, rosacea or acne.

-Non Comdongenic

Unlike traditional makeup products that contain synthetic ingredients that can clog pores and create skin problems, mineral makeup is free of synthetic fillers and oil. It will not clog pores, and it's not going to aggravate an acne condition or cause a flare-up as easily as some traditional makeup can.

- Sun Protection With an average SPF rating of 15

Due mostly to the high content of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide -- two ingredients commonly found in traditional sunscreen, mineral makeup offers natural sun protection. Even so, it’s recommended to use sunscreen under makeup and then use the mineral foundation as an extra boost.

- Preservative Free

The prime ingredients used in mineral makeup are inorganic, (unlike most makeup) which means that bacteria and microbes cannot live in the makeup. The fact that the ingredients are inorganic also means that no preservatives need be included and that the makeup will have a long shelf life, so long as reasonable care is taken to apply the makeup with clean brushes.

- Healthy Glow

Mineral makeup contains a lot of pigment which allows, for buildable coverage that will last all day. It’s well-suited for hiding the skin’s wrinkles, crow's feet and fine lines, due to the fact it reflects sunlight. The result is a very healthy, natural glow with youthful effervescence.

3. What do you love about Orglamix?

I love everything… even if I have to pull an occasional all nighter to get everything accomplished! I love having a platform to release my creative energy in a way that other people can enjoy, appreciate and benefit from. I love the fact that Orglamix brings out the best in women who use it. It’s amazing to see the transformation. I feel very blessed to have such an awesome group of customers. It makes me very proud.

I love the fact that Orglamix is strictly au naturel, yet customers do not have to sacrifice anything-- quality, texture, color or value. You get it all with Orglamix; and I think it’s the number one reason the brand is so successful and growing so quickly.

5. What can we expect to see from you in the future?

Lots, lol! I have so many exciting new products that are going to launch in 2010, I can't wait! Two of them are concepts I've been working on since my initial launch. They are new and different concepts so I am so excited to see how the market --esp my fans-- will react to them. I also look forward to expanding my distribution and bringing Orglamix to select retailers in the very near future.

6. If you could have a super power what would it be?

I love this question! I would like to be able to wave my magic wand (mascara? lip gloss?) and have any women be able to experience beauty. I get so many emails from women who do not feel beautiful. It’s sad. True beauty comes from within, so no matter what someone looks like on the outside, each and every woman should be able to feel and believe in their own beauty.

*photo compliments of Orglamix*

7. Any extra tidbits?

Orglamix Believes:

» Natural beauty shouldn't cost a fortune.

» That six deep breaths a day can improve your life.

» We are all beautiful inside and out.

» That you already make a difference in the world.

» Speak your mind from your heart.

» A good laugh is an essential ingredient to your day.

Ok Embellishers, all this is wonderful but are you wondering how it would actually wear on you? Well guess what? I have tested... and I am a sold out convert! This mineral product line has amazing color and coverage, a brilliant shimmer and stays on ALL DAY! No fading, no creases!

I received the cutest personal package from Cheri to see for myself just how good the product is. I used a starter kit (pictured above) similar to this one HERE. I took the shadows out the complimentary travel bag, got out my trusty shadow brushes and got to work. BTW I love makeup kits, they make life so simple, all the fun without the fuss!

Great Lasting Coverage!

All day strong. No creasing.

Customization!

Cheri will work with your eye color and needs!

Also, she has WEEKLY SPECIALS like this kit for everything from smokey eyes to daywear!

Expansion!

After falling in love with the amazing eyeshadow I can't wait to begin trying the rest of her line!

Orglamix offers foundation, blush, bronzer, AND the brushes (above).

Check out this handy Starter Kit HERE that fills all your makeup needs!

One happy customer!

Make sure to keep in touch with Orglamix for their latest products and special customer deals. Join the facebook fanpage HERE and follow Cheri on Twitter HERE

GIVEAWAY TIME

So here is your chance to win a Mineral Eyeshadow Kit of your own! You have 4 opportunities to enter, but make sure you post a comment below for EACH entry or it won't count when the random number is drawn!

1. Visit the shop and tell me below what is your favorite item

(make sure I have a way to contact you)

2. Become a follower of The Embellished Life Blog

3. Tweet about this giveaway! (tag @fashiondiva304 and @hautebeauty)

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Embellished!

This is a 2 WEEK contest so doors close at Midnight, Wednesday, February 10th, NYC time.

Good luck darlings!

Travel Confession #7 and Giveaway Winner

As I have mentioned before I have a great love affair with music, and I think one of the greatest sounds in the world is when you take your seats before an opera, Broadway, or some live musical program and the orchestra begins to warm up! The flirty, incandescent sound of so many notes hopping around in organized freedom is so soothing.

*photo compliments of Flikr: Chris Halderman*

I was able to attend a Polish Opera in Warsaw on this New Year's Eve and was swept away by the thought that no matter where you go, music transcends all barriers. It needs no language because it speaks to the soul which has no use for words, but rather feeds on emotion. It needs no calendar because it is timeless and is not contained by minutes and hours, rather its effect continues long after its harmonic vibrations cease. And it needs no container because it is impossible to contain, rather it plays through the cars in traffic, dogs barking, footsteps of a runner, rain on a tin roof. Music resides in the hearts of people which can never be governed.

With love in mind...lets see who wins the lovely Je T'aime Ring Dish Giveaway from Chrissy Ann Ceramics!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:9Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats Tessa of T&T Crafts! I'm sure you'll love it, I know many who will be quite jealous of you. But don't be discouraged if you didn't win this time, we have another giveaway already going on for a great jewelry item from Gossimar Wings! Also, be sure to stop in to Chrissy Ann Ceramics; you can still secure your own Love Bird Ring Dish before Valentine's Day arrives. Thanks Chrissy Ann for offering this wonderful gift for the holiday!

Gossimar Wings Giveaway

Don't you just love unique jewelry? A great thing about blogging is the wonderful opportunity to network with truly inspiring people. One of the awesome artisans I've been privileged to meet is Tara. She runs a fun jewelry shop, Gossimar Wings, and the pieces will leave you drooling...and good news, after speaking with Tara and she has offered a giveaway for all Embellished readers!

*all photos compliments of Gossimar Wings*

1. How did you get started making jewelry?

I have always been creative from a young age, making clothes, cards and accessories so last year I decided to go to college full time to study jewelry design.

2. What was the process from hobby to business?

When I was in college I realised that I had found my passion and wanted to share that with everyone else. Then I knew I wanted to make Jewelry making my business.

3. What do you enjoy most currently, and what are you looking forward to in the future?

I enjoy the creative freedom that making your own jewelry gives you, and the passion and feedback I get from my customers. I am looking forward to Gossimarwings becoming more known on etsy and to start doing craft fairs to get more exposure.

4. If you could have a super power what would it be?

Oh I think it would have to be time travel, so I could visit all my inspirations and experience them first hand!

5. Any extra tidbits?

I just want everyone one to know how hard I work to make Gossimarwings, and that all my customers are special to me and I really appreciate their support.

Gossimar Wings has multiple ways to stay in touch! Be sure to stop in to the BLOG and follow Tara on Twitter!

So here is your chance to win this awesome Two Strand Gold Toned Necklace! As usual you have 4 opportunities to enter, but make sure you post a comment below for EACH entry or it won't count when the random number is drawn!

1. Visit the shop and comment below about your favorite item

(make sure I have a way to contact you)

2. Become a follower of The Embellished Life Blog

3. Tweet about this giveaway! (tag @fashiondiva304 so I can keep track)

4. Become a Facebook Fan of Embellished!

This is a 4 day contest so doors close at Midnight, Thursday, January 28th, NYC time.

Good luck darlings!

Dating is Difficult

Dating is difficult. But I think it is for a reason, it it were easy we would stay with our first boyfriend forever and I am quite sure most of us are glad that didn't happen! Dating is difficult because love is special and hard to find, we all have something we are searching for that is our 'ideal' so dating is really a long interview process of many candidates to see who can fill the position of spouse in your life. I know right now is generally a time to have a positive look on love, but not everyone is in a place of Love Zen. So allow me to offer those of you a bit of silver to line those clouds.

*photos compliments of Le Love Blog*

It certainly sucks when something doesn't work out that we had placed all our hopes in, but in my experience when one door closes it is because I am due for an upgrade. Think back on your ex boyfriends that at one time you thought were your future but are now your past: can you now see why they weren't meant for you? I know I can. Dating is hard because you are trying, against all odds, to find one person in several million that you can love, and at times try to put up with, for the rest of your life. You don't want any Joe Schmoe, you want someone that has been through the trenches for you and passed with flying colors! Someone who wants you just as much as you want them, someone that will treat you like royalty, and most importantly someone who deserves you.

So, in honor of this Valentine's Day, pick your head up and start looking to the future rather than dwelling in your past, no amount of worrying or lamenting can change it. What you can control is your outlook on life today. Fix your broken wings now, so that when the right person comes along you are ready to fly, baggage free.

Also, win a little love of your own! Today is the last day to win the Je T'aime Ring Dish so get on it HERE!

Will You Be My Valentine?

While surfing Etsy I found THE cutest Valentine's Day Cards by Fooka Designs and I totally want one!

*photo compliments of Fooka Designs*

So what is your answer?

Don't forget about the Valentine's Giveaway! It ends Sunday night, so hurry and enter HERE!

Je t'aime Giveaway

Something interesting is how romantic anything is, once translated to French, hence why I am over here learning the language! With Valentine's Day coming up you will begin hearing and seeing a lot of "I Love You's" "Je T'aime's" and so on, but how about something unique and handmade to give to your sweetie to tell them how you feel? Well darlings, allow me to introduce you to Chrissy Ann Ceramics!

*all photos compliments of Chrissy Ann Ceramics*

Chrissy Ann is based out of Massachusetts and makes the cutest tappa dishes and ring catchers. They are all so great, I wish I could buy them all! But good news for you guys Embellishers! Chrissy has teamed up with Embellished to offer you the chance to win a custom dish for this giveaway! Lets learn a little about Chrissy Ann Ceramics first.

1. What got you started in ceramics?

I got started with clay as a child through an elementary school project, and have been obsessed with it ever since! We were doing hand impressions in clay for Mother's Day. It was a hit with mom, and with me as well! The clay was non hardening, so I would pull it out of mom's keepsake drawer and secretly make things daily before returning it back to the drawer with a slightly larger handprint! Professionally, my second semester of college, I enrolled in a ceramics class and when I mixed up my first five gallon bucket of glaze, I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life! I then finished my studies in ceramics, and soon after began Chrissy Ann Ceramics!

2. What pushed you to turn your hobby into a business?

After college, I had moved back to my hometown and started renting my own studio. Waiting tables nearly full time, and creating my ceramic sculptures on the side, I decided that I had to start making income through my work. I slowly purchased my own costly equipment thanks to my waitressing gig, which I still have part time. I then began selling my work to local restaurants, consigning at shops, and selling at local festivals during the summertime and holiday season.

3. What is your favorite thing about life now with your shop?

I love being part of Etsy for so many reasons. But mainly, it is really all about the community that makes Etsy what it is. The community of artists is something that many don't have locally in their own neighborhoods, but now you can have that same experience virtually! Etsy sellers generally are super supportive of one another and help each other's shops in so many ways. The buyers are incredible too! The lovely letters I get back from people telling me how they appreciate my elaborate packaging, to the response from a gift recipient makes my day! Etsy attracts such an amazing group of people, it inspires me to work everyday!

4. If you could have any super power what would it be?

I'm not really sure if its a super power.. but I guess it could be. Because I live down the street from the beach, I've grown obsessed with watching birds surf the wind. They are just so lucky to be able to fly and enjoy the world from an amazing perspective. I wouldn't want to be a bird because their feathers sort of creep me out, but I would love to be a super woman of sorts and soar around in the sky!

5. Any extra tidbits?

I would encourage your readers both the artists and the art appreciators to make the time daily to create something for themselves. For simply the enjoyment of being creative. Don't worry about "good art" or "bad art" just create and let go!

"Just create and let go" is right, I couldn't have said it better myself. So here's the 411 on this exclusive giveaway. Above you can see, a sample of Chrissy's Ring Dish... just replace "bliss" with "Je t'aime" and you have your prize!

You can have a max of 4 entries, but remember to get credit for EACH entry you must COMMENT BELOW so that you are counted in the tally via random.org!

1. Visit Chrissy Ann Ceramics and comment below about your fav item

2. Become a follower of The Embellished Life Blog

3. Tweet about this giveaway (be sure to tag @fashiondiva304 so I can check)

4. Become an Embellished Facebook Fan

Be sure to check out the Chrissy Ann Ceramics Blog, or follow her on Twitter @ChrissyACeramic!! This is a 4 day contest so enter while you can and your sweetie will be so impressed you were so thoughtful!! Giveaway closes Sunday the 24th at Midnight NYC time.

Good luck!