Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Skincare 101 !
Skincare, boy is that a maze! So, I will say that I'm in my forties and I have sensitive,dry to combination skin. However, most of what I use can be for oily skin as well. I read way to much information, but it's been helpful. I will also add review to products from time to time and update you on my current regime.
Washing your face, make sure you do it every night to take off your makeup and every morning to balance the pH of your skin. For my p.m. routine I use philosophy purity face wash ( 5yrs), for my serum I use Nature's Pearl Muscadine 20 (www.grapes4life.com) and for a moisturizer I make my own face oil, I will make a new posting with the recipe. Now, I absolutely love Philosophy Retinol product, which I use 2 night a week. I have heard ROC is good, but so far the Philosophy hasn't irritated my sensitive skin.
A.M. - Wash with Avalon Vitamin C facewash, follow with NP grape seed extract and face oil. I swear by strivectin eye cream, this stuff is amazing!!! I've been using it about 10 years, just unbelievable results!
Now for foundation, I love Bare minerals, but when I feel dry I use Clinique Redness solutions foundation.
Once a week or more, I give myself a real facial. I open my pores with a facial steamer I bought at Sally's beauty supply with a drop of lavender oil. I then use Avon's re-texturizing pads (glycol peel) - follow with a moisture mask from replechage or a clay mask from dead sea. After I'm done ( 15mins tops) I feel and look like I have new skin!
Washing your face, make sure you do it every night to take off your makeup and every morning to balance the pH of your skin. For my p.m. routine I use philosophy purity face wash ( 5yrs), for my serum I use Nature's Pearl Muscadine 20 (www.grapes4life.com) and for a moisturizer I make my own face oil, I will make a new posting with the recipe. Now, I absolutely love Philosophy Retinol product, which I use 2 night a week. I have heard ROC is good, but so far the Philosophy hasn't irritated my sensitive skin.
A.M. - Wash with Avalon Vitamin C facewash, follow with NP grape seed extract and face oil. I swear by strivectin eye cream, this stuff is amazing!!! I've been using it about 10 years, just unbelievable results!
Now for foundation, I love Bare minerals, but when I feel dry I use Clinique Redness solutions foundation.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
HAIR
Hair or lack there of. I have fine, thin, stick straight hair with a tiny little cowlick at my front part. In my early years and teens, I permed that hair, picked that hair, LOVED that hair!
Fast forward to hair in your 40's - yuck.....smell scalp and workout head.
I have a trial and error complex going on, more trial than anything. To make this a short and sweet explanation of what is working, see pictures below.
1. shampoo- alternate mint shampoo and volumizng shampoo (yes, I wash every day)
2. conditioner - Aveda / other days Amika oil
3. smooth infusion style prep
4. Amika blow up spray
5. thickening cream
6. finishing spray
Blow dryer from Amika, styler from Amika
2 round brushes, 1 wide tooth comb
Hair cut - every 8 weeks at Pure Aveda Salon Spa and partial highlight every 24 weeks
Fast forward to hair in your 40's - yuck.....smell scalp and workout head.
I have a trial and error complex going on, more trial than anything. To make this a short and sweet explanation of what is working, see pictures below.
1. shampoo- alternate mint shampoo and volumizng shampoo (yes, I wash every day)
2. conditioner - Aveda / other days Amika oil
3. smooth infusion style prep
4. Amika blow up spray
5. thickening cream
6. finishing spray
Blow dryer from Amika, styler from Amika
2 round brushes, 1 wide tooth comb
Hair cut - every 8 weeks at Pure Aveda Salon Spa and partial highlight every 24 weeks
Spring and Summer Shopping in NYC
Frommer's NYC Free and Dirt Cheap (Frommer's Free & Dirt Cheap)
Frommer's New York City 2010 (Frommer's Colour Complete Guides)New York (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Ohhh, Manhattan. New York City beckons me several times a year, for many different reasons. First and foremost, my oldest daughter lives in NYC in Gramercy Park ( I need to see her face every few months). Second- big city lights -museums, culture.........Third - SHOPPING....
I used to stay in a hotel prior to the free digs my daughter has to offer. My personal favorite is the Warwick, it is a boutique luxury hotel at reasonable prices. Make sure you book direct online, it is always a better deal than a travel site. The Warwick is located in the best part of town - Mid-town 6th and 54th area. You are in walking distance to the theater, Central Park, 5th Ave shopping, and tons more. Second tip - Fly on Jet blue if you can, book directly on the website, they have great deals. I prefer to fly in and out of JFK - yes a taxi is more, but.... there are a lot more flights to choose from and Jet blue has a private terminal that is AMAZING!!!! Trust me, you will fall in love with flying again.
Now, even if you have been to NYC before, the double decker bus tour is the best way to see everything. Do the 48 hr with uptown-downtown and Brooklyn night tour. I love the subway and buses, get one of the books I have linked and you will have a good map for public transportation. I love the unlimited 7 days, you can use it on both. Cabs are great for getting somewhere in your fancy shoes or a quick ride to the play you are running late for.
Shopping......I know we all have different styles, habits and budgets, but expose yourself to new and different places while in the big apple. Don't go for the "usual" Gap-Abercrombie-Ann Taylor. You can get those at HOME! Take this list with you : Chelsea Market, China Town, Soho, Greenwich Village, 5th Avenue.
Here is my list that I always visit, ALWAYS....I will organize them by sections of town they are located. I will also throw in some eateries you cannot miss and won't waste shopping time. I try to get my major shopping all done in 1 day, then it's out of the way of CULTURE...lol
Downtown:
Century 21, China Town (short time), Pearl River, Anthropologie (1of2),Dean and Deluca for a coffee. Greenwich Village:_Street (Magnolia Bakery-
(Two Boots Pizza and Rice to Riches- lunch). ABC HOME(this is amazing - check out every floor), Union Square street artists, Loehmans, Daffy's, Macy's.
Uptown: These stores are for inspiration and maybe a cute shopping bag!
Bergdorf Goodman's, Tiffany's, Henry Bendel's, H&M, Zara, Anthropologie, Sephora, Bloomingdale's (Serendipity for dinner, make reservations)
Frommer's New York City 2010 (Frommer's Colour Complete Guides)New York (Eyewitness Travel Guides)Ohhh, Manhattan. New York City beckons me several times a year, for many different reasons. First and foremost, my oldest daughter lives in NYC in Gramercy Park ( I need to see her face every few months). Second- big city lights -museums, culture.........Third - SHOPPING....I used to stay in a hotel prior to the free digs my daughter has to offer. My personal favorite is the Warwick, it is a boutique luxury hotel at reasonable prices. Make sure you book direct online, it is always a better deal than a travel site. The Warwick is located in the best part of town - Mid-town 6th and 54th area. You are in walking distance to the theater, Central Park, 5th Ave shopping, and tons more. Second tip - Fly on Jet blue if you can, book directly on the website, they have great deals. I prefer to fly in and out of JFK - yes a taxi is more, but.... there are a lot more flights to choose from and Jet blue has a private terminal that is AMAZING!!!! Trust me, you will fall in love with flying again.
Now, even if you have been to NYC before, the double decker bus tour is the best way to see everything. Do the 48 hr with uptown-downtown and Brooklyn night tour. I love the subway and buses, get one of the books I have linked and you will have a good map for public transportation. I love the unlimited 7 days, you can use it on both. Cabs are great for getting somewhere in your fancy shoes or a quick ride to the play you are running late for.
Shopping......I know we all have different styles, habits and budgets, but expose yourself to new and different places while in the big apple. Don't go for the "usual" Gap-Abercrombie-Ann Taylor. You can get those at HOME! Take this list with you : Chelsea Market, China Town, Soho, Greenwich Village, 5th Avenue.
Here is my list that I always visit, ALWAYS....I will organize them by sections of town they are located. I will also throw in some eateries you cannot miss and won't waste shopping time. I try to get my major shopping all done in 1 day, then it's out of the way of CULTURE...lol
Downtown:
Century 21, China Town (short time), Pearl River, Anthropologie (1of2),Dean and Deluca for a coffee. Greenwich Village:_Street (Magnolia Bakery-
(Two Boots Pizza and Rice to Riches- lunch). ABC HOME(this is amazing - check out every floor), Union Square street artists, Loehmans, Daffy's, Macy's.
Uptown: These stores are for inspiration and maybe a cute shopping bag!
Bergdorf Goodman's, Tiffany's, Henry Bendel's, H&M, Zara, Anthropologie, Sephora, Bloomingdale's (Serendipity for dinner, make reservations)
All Things Mary - Top to Bottom
After retelling and explaining so many things to so many people, I am back to blogging! I figure if I write it down, put together the pictures and make a great presentation, I can refer people to my blog. All they have to do is read it and hopefully, I will not have to explain so much about my routines and regimes any more or any less. lol
I am going to go from top to bottom, literally from the top of my head to my toes. In between will be filled with funny ideas and cool things I come across (which is a lot). I will try not to run on and if you have a question or comment, I will try my best to answer in a timely manner.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy the blog : )
I am going to go from top to bottom, literally from the top of my head to my toes. In between will be filled with funny ideas and cool things I come across (which is a lot). I will try not to run on and if you have a question or comment, I will try my best to answer in a timely manner.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy the blog : )
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Missoni for Target Sold Out
O boy, I have been anticipating this launch of Missoni like other fashionistas for months! Every magazine, article and fashion blog has been talking about it....Well, it's simply gorgeous! I went to my local Tarjay and scored: silk scarves, poncho, cardigan, winter scarves and hats, the flats, rain boots and a lovely velvet throw!
I have loved Missoni forever and didn't know if the quality would be cheap like so many other designer launches at Target. Considering the average shopper can't even afford Missoni on sale, this well priced line will even be a bargin on Ebay, for most.
I have to say, I didn't get the dresses I wanted, but I am a happy camper. Of course by now you know the Target site crashed and almost everything is sold out. I have to laugh at the reporters, about restocking, have you ever tried to get designer goods at Target? Once it's gone, it's gone, so long suckers. I begged them to check for more plates, only 4 left not enough for me, I begged them to check for a few other items, nothing, nada, zip. Will you get more I pleaded? Nope, Sorry....Manager 1, 2 and 3 confirms.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Ideas on becoming a spend thrift
Time to share my money saving tips and tricks. Yes, I understand you have heard some of these before, implement some everyday, or don't care to work so hard to save money. I am writing this blog to all of my friends and family that think I spend a lot of money. What they don't realize, is how thrifty I am every day and able to leverage my cash and goods to even out in the wash.
1. Sell your old clothes, jewelry, purses, dolls, etc on Ebay or Etsy to pay for your next wardrobe. You can buy almost all of your designer goods at the Premium Outlets (sign up to get coupons online) and usually resell them at a profit when you are tired of them. Make sure you take extra good care of leather, hang all of your clothes instead of using a dryer and only by classics or limited edition styles that become collectible.
2. Pre-plan your trips and vacations! Spend some real time online researching where you are going and what there is to do and see. We usually take a 4-5 day vacation, which saves a lot of money, opposed to 7-10 days. I shop extensively for the best prices, sign up for deals and join frequently fliers email lists for sales. Buy discount tickets online, look for coupons you can use while on the trip and always have a budget. We usually have a garage sale to earn extra money to pay for our trip. We only take cash to pay for things, and keep a daily budget. Consider getting snacks, drinks and small meals from a local grocer for your room, it will save eating out 3 times a day.
3. Always look polished without breaking the bank! I do at home facials, give myself pedicures and manicures weekly. Once you buy your supplies, they will last 6-12 months.You can learn how to do these services online or from magazines and books. Get rid of tired, faded, old clothes! Freshen your wardrobe with tshirts and accessories from Walmart, Target, Forever 21, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's and Sam's. Clean your shoes, yes, condition leather and clean off dirt on a regular basis - nothing looks more unkept than a person with dirty old shoes.....
Never buy anything that doesn't make you look good! Know what colors and cuts look good on you. Make lists of what you need for updating your wardrobe, and never buy something just because it's cheap! It's better to shop for a bargain on something you need than buy something cheap you will never use or wear. Buy basics!!! You can wear basics for years with a few updates, belts, shoes, etc.
4. Cook your own food! Stop wasting money eating out several times a week. You should only dine out if it's a special occasion, or you have a gift card. Plan your meals and shop only once a week, using coupons from the newspaper, online and the store fliers. Stock up on sale items you use frequently, avoid buying the "deals" if you wouldn't normally buy it at full price. Stop wasting money on junk, pre-packaged and frozen meals. Make fresh meals from whole food, you will save a lot of money, have better health and lose weight. Budget your shopping, know how much a meal will cost, make sure to include several cheaper meals 3 or 4 days a week. Such as: soups, sandwiches, pasta, gourmet salads. I think if you can make a fresh meal for 4 under 10.00 you are a great cook! It's not hard, just do a little research on "the food network", they have amazing recipes.
Never buy bottled water, unless you are traveling or it's necessary. Buy a home distiller and make your own distilled water, carry your own bottled water with you. (I use a Waterwise 9000)
1. Sell your old clothes, jewelry, purses, dolls, etc on Ebay or Etsy to pay for your next wardrobe. You can buy almost all of your designer goods at the Premium Outlets (sign up to get coupons online) and usually resell them at a profit when you are tired of them. Make sure you take extra good care of leather, hang all of your clothes instead of using a dryer and only by classics or limited edition styles that become collectible.
2. Pre-plan your trips and vacations! Spend some real time online researching where you are going and what there is to do and see. We usually take a 4-5 day vacation, which saves a lot of money, opposed to 7-10 days. I shop extensively for the best prices, sign up for deals and join frequently fliers email lists for sales. Buy discount tickets online, look for coupons you can use while on the trip and always have a budget. We usually have a garage sale to earn extra money to pay for our trip. We only take cash to pay for things, and keep a daily budget. Consider getting snacks, drinks and small meals from a local grocer for your room, it will save eating out 3 times a day.
3. Always look polished without breaking the bank! I do at home facials, give myself pedicures and manicures weekly. Once you buy your supplies, they will last 6-12 months.You can learn how to do these services online or from magazines and books. Get rid of tired, faded, old clothes! Freshen your wardrobe with tshirts and accessories from Walmart, Target, Forever 21, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's and Sam's. Clean your shoes, yes, condition leather and clean off dirt on a regular basis - nothing looks more unkept than a person with dirty old shoes.....
Never buy anything that doesn't make you look good! Know what colors and cuts look good on you. Make lists of what you need for updating your wardrobe, and never buy something just because it's cheap! It's better to shop for a bargain on something you need than buy something cheap you will never use or wear. Buy basics!!! You can wear basics for years with a few updates, belts, shoes, etc.
4. Cook your own food! Stop wasting money eating out several times a week. You should only dine out if it's a special occasion, or you have a gift card. Plan your meals and shop only once a week, using coupons from the newspaper, online and the store fliers. Stock up on sale items you use frequently, avoid buying the "deals" if you wouldn't normally buy it at full price. Stop wasting money on junk, pre-packaged and frozen meals. Make fresh meals from whole food, you will save a lot of money, have better health and lose weight. Budget your shopping, know how much a meal will cost, make sure to include several cheaper meals 3 or 4 days a week. Such as: soups, sandwiches, pasta, gourmet salads. I think if you can make a fresh meal for 4 under 10.00 you are a great cook! It's not hard, just do a little research on "the food network", they have amazing recipes.
Never buy bottled water, unless you are traveling or it's necessary. Buy a home distiller and make your own distilled water, carry your own bottled water with you. (I use a Waterwise 9000)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Nudist - Well Sort Of....
I feel like a nudist in this palette, but fresh! Yes, white and nude combined sound like a fleshy deal. Don't fret this look is not void of color or style. Verymary Jewelry has amazing gemstones to compliment your nude palette and many fun styles. My love of white has continued for 26 years, since my high school days. I found that I could use white to "tone down" some of my crazy get ups and make them more stylish, instead of costumish. I have a very pink undertone, so white looks amazing on my skin tone. If you have trouble wearing white next to your face, wear a pair of white pants, a skirt or a white jacket. Shades of nude and white can cross over to any event, workplace or day of the week outfit. The great thing about white, oxiclean will get out ANY stain. Dress shown is available on Ebay - Halston, Shoes- BCBG, and Brahmin handbag, Brahmin.com
Thursday, February 3, 2011
My Love Affair with Nine West Shoes
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a shoes fanatic. I call it collecting...eh em..www.ninewest.com
As we all know, it's in the materials and fit when it comes to shoes. The smell of the leather, the texture, the sole, the heel and the comfort. I used to find that good shoes were comfortable, but not always stylish. So, I suffered to wear "hot" shoes or looked dowdy to wear comfortable ones. I officially fell in LOVE with Nine West shoes about 6 years ago. I was on a trip to NYC and bought 4 pairs at the great sale they were having. They proved to be the most stylish and comfortable shoes I had ever worn. OF course I wear other shoes that are comfortable and stylish, like Vince Camuto (used to be with Nine West), Calvin Klein, Sam Edelman, Unisa and Mia. But, the first place I always look for new shoes is online or stores is Nine West. I actually have my eye on a new pair of Vince Camuto's for spring/summer - just need the perfect sale : ) I am loving all the nude shoes, they have been a staple in my wardrobe for most of my life. I am hunting a great pair of turquoise sandals/flip flops. (IF you see them, please post on here where I can find them.) There is an amazing shoe store in NYC called, Shoegasm .....The smell in that place is amazing and the selection of European imports is to die for.
Boutique 9 is exquisite, stylish and very high quality and my first choice when in my budget. 9 West shoes fit a nice medium size 8 foot like a glove! They don't pinch, not too wide or narrow, don't scuff up, heels wear evenly and long. In fact, when I finally get rid of a pair of 9 West, they still look close to new! Yes, my friends love my cast offs. So the next time you need a great pair of shoes to make your look more up to date and want style-comfort-affordability, look at 9 West! BTW, if you sign up for emails, you will get the most amazing deals ever!
Your feet will thank you and so will your ego, from all of the compliments....
As we all know, it's in the materials and fit when it comes to shoes. The smell of the leather, the texture, the sole, the heel and the comfort. I used to find that good shoes were comfortable, but not always stylish. So, I suffered to wear "hot" shoes or looked dowdy to wear comfortable ones. I officially fell in LOVE with Nine West shoes about 6 years ago. I was on a trip to NYC and bought 4 pairs at the great sale they were having. They proved to be the most stylish and comfortable shoes I had ever worn. OF course I wear other shoes that are comfortable and stylish, like Vince Camuto (used to be with Nine West), Calvin Klein, Sam Edelman, Unisa and Mia. But, the first place I always look for new shoes is online or stores is Nine West. I actually have my eye on a new pair of Vince Camuto's for spring/summer - just need the perfect sale : ) I am loving all the nude shoes, they have been a staple in my wardrobe for most of my life. I am hunting a great pair of turquoise sandals/flip flops. (IF you see them, please post on here where I can find them.) There is an amazing shoe store in NYC called, Shoegasm .....The smell in that place is amazing and the selection of European imports is to die for.
Boutique 9 is exquisite, stylish and very high quality and my first choice when in my budget. 9 West shoes fit a nice medium size 8 foot like a glove! They don't pinch, not too wide or narrow, don't scuff up, heels wear evenly and long. In fact, when I finally get rid of a pair of 9 West, they still look close to new! Yes, my friends love my cast offs. So the next time you need a great pair of shoes to make your look more up to date and want style-comfort-affordability, look at 9 West! BTW, if you sign up for emails, you will get the most amazing deals ever!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
My latest Shoe Passions......Ooooo Gorgeous Shoes ;)
My biggest passion: SHOES! Ever since I was a small girl of 3, I have been obsessed with shoes! I would love to visit my Aunt Joy, she had the closet of shoes and purses every girl dreamed of having. I would play for hours at her house in her shoes and purses. As I am told, by the time I left, there was a trail through the entire house of matching shoes and purses. Then comes the real reason (Freudian reason) I am obsessed with shoes. When I was 4 or 5 my mother threw out my favorite blue suede lace up shoes while I was asleep one night! Apparently she didn't have any idea where they could have disappeared to???? "News Flash Mom", They didn't just walk away by themselves..... When we discuss this incident, she assures me she doesn't remember the shoes, but assumes they looked and smelled bad, so she had to get rid of them. (I think she just didn't like them)
From that point in my life until I was a teenager, I would sleep with my shoes under my bed, for fear of the "shoe monster". I would dream about my shoes, the sound they made when I walked in them, the smell of the leather, the feel of my feet in them and how great my outfit looked paired with them.
Today, at 42, I am still obsessed with shoes! I really haven't counted lately how many pairs I own, it might be embarrassing to know. The most magical thing about shoes, is that they always fit! You can go shopping and not find one dress, pants or shirt that fits right, but shoes.....they fit! You can transform an outfit with gorgeous shoes and boots. You can make yourself taller with a nice heel or platform! I am "unofficially "5'8 with my magic lifts on!
With the perfect pedicure and the right walk you can get everyone to pay attention to your jeweled up feet and forget that you gained weight. That's right "shoes are magical"! I even buy shoes as a souvenir from my travels! No more plates, buttons, thimbles or postcards, SHOES are the best reminder of that fabulous trip or vacation.
So the next time you feel fat, can't find anything to fit, or feel short, go buy yourself some nice leather high heeled pretty shoes!
My new favorites won't post, so if you go to look, the one's I want don't ship until November....Boooohooo
www.ninewest.com
From that point in my life until I was a teenager, I would sleep with my shoes under my bed, for fear of the "shoe monster". I would dream about my shoes, the sound they made when I walked in them, the smell of the leather, the feel of my feet in them and how great my outfit looked paired with them.
Today, at 42, I am still obsessed with shoes! I really haven't counted lately how many pairs I own, it might be embarrassing to know. The most magical thing about shoes, is that they always fit! You can go shopping and not find one dress, pants or shirt that fits right, but shoes.....they fit! You can transform an outfit with gorgeous shoes and boots. You can make yourself taller with a nice heel or platform! I am "unofficially "5'8 with my magic lifts on!
With the perfect pedicure and the right walk you can get everyone to pay attention to your jeweled up feet and forget that you gained weight. That's right "shoes are magical"! I even buy shoes as a souvenir from my travels! No more plates, buttons, thimbles or postcards, SHOES are the best reminder of that fabulous trip or vacation.
So the next time you feel fat, can't find anything to fit, or feel short, go buy yourself some nice leather high heeled pretty shoes!
My new favorites won't post, so if you go to look, the one's I want don't ship until November....Boooohooo
www.ninewest.com
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Missing my White Jimmy Z skirt!
I don't know if I am mourning my youth or truly missing my JimmyZ skirt......
I have been having dreams of myself in the various JimmyZ skirts I owned in my teens and twenties. My very first skirt was a knee length white JimmyZ wrap, looked awesome with my neon shirts and my bikini top! It was comfortable to dance, walk and bike in. O' man I have visions of myself in my little red Mazda truck, surf board and beach bike in the back, heading to Ponce Inlet in my JimmyZ skirt! I was stylish and RAD and felt free and sexy in that long white skirt! My next skirt was a light denim color with white Velcro bands, ooooo so chic! And for my 22 birthday I bought a black one, extra short that matched my swim suit. I recall visiting Michigan that summer and wearing my JimmyZ skirts, everyone was quite impressed and perplexed. As a surfer, I assumed everyone wore surf ware, but not in Michigan! I was quite the center of many conversations and was stopped quite often in public to be asked what I was wearing and how could they get one! Yes, JimmyZ was awesome, comfortable, versatile, flattering and coveted. I recall going dancing in my JimmyZ, it was the most versatile piece of clothing I think I have EVER owned in my 42 years on this earth. I call recall all of the trips, dates, and fun times in that long white skirt, I was some type of magical cotton that transformed me into someone really cool! I really wish I would have saved those skirts, even though they wouldn't fit my 40's figure today, I would still have the found memories of youth and style to pull out and reminisce. sigh......I love and miss you JimmyZ......
I have been having dreams of myself in the various JimmyZ skirts I owned in my teens and twenties. My very first skirt was a knee length white JimmyZ wrap, looked awesome with my neon shirts and my bikini top! It was comfortable to dance, walk and bike in. O' man I have visions of myself in my little red Mazda truck, surf board and beach bike in the back, heading to Ponce Inlet in my JimmyZ skirt! I was stylish and RAD and felt free and sexy in that long white skirt! My next skirt was a light denim color with white Velcro bands, ooooo so chic! And for my 22 birthday I bought a black one, extra short that matched my swim suit. I recall visiting Michigan that summer and wearing my JimmyZ skirts, everyone was quite impressed and perplexed. As a surfer, I assumed everyone wore surf ware, but not in Michigan! I was quite the center of many conversations and was stopped quite often in public to be asked what I was wearing and how could they get one! Yes, JimmyZ was awesome, comfortable, versatile, flattering and coveted. I recall going dancing in my JimmyZ, it was the most versatile piece of clothing I think I have EVER owned in my 42 years on this earth. I call recall all of the trips, dates, and fun times in that long white skirt, I was some type of magical cotton that transformed me into someone really cool! I really wish I would have saved those skirts, even though they wouldn't fit my 40's figure today, I would still have the found memories of youth and style to pull out and reminisce. sigh......I love and miss you JimmyZ......
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Fashion Forward Spring 2010, For REAL Figures over 40
O' Yes, I am a fashionista at hear! I used to make my own clothes, doctor up my shoes and accessories and just have fun with fashion. I was an 80's girl, neon, label wearing hip chick always toting around Vogue, Elle and W magazines. I would make outfits to wear to school, some were from scratch, some were repurposed, and usually sold the outfit by the end of the day! cha ching....I made it all the way through art school and studied Graphic Design and Fine art. My dream was to attend a fashion school, but the costs at the time were far more than I wanted to borrow. After having my first daughter in my twenties, I made almost all of her clothes and accessories and for that matter, most of my own. Fast forward 20 years and 2 kids later, nothing quite fits right! I have dropping everything, rolls in all the wrong places and a very odd figure. O sure I workout every day, watch what I eat, but I am over 40 yrs old after all.....I wish I had been blessed the "skinny jeans" or at least anorexic tendencies like most southerners, but I am a full German gal with a German body...:) My husband is not complaining, so in that race, I am winning. I am going to be posting my favorite outfits for the season along with jewelry, shoes, handbags and other cool accessories. Sometimes classic pieces are the way to go, with amazing pops of color and style! I also highly recommend the book "What Not To Wear" from Amazon.com It is Amazing......!!!This particular dress and pair of shoes are from Anthropologie. The dress is figure flattering on everyone and the wedges elongate the leg and are comfortable to wear, the bag is by :arebycdesigns.etsy.com and the jewelry from verymaryjewelry.etsy.com
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Phantom Sites??? Online shoppers beware!
Here's what really ticks me off, phantom sites! Yes, ladies and gentleman, they exist! Here's the lowdown, a company creates a site that looks like they don't sell anything, just "reviews" products on your behalf. Now, if you are not the wiser, you would think GREAT someone is doing the hard work for me! NOT. I was recently researching products at Christmas time like: a new shower filter to remove chlorine, a camera, photo software, wii games, and found sites that bashes its competitors to get you to buy their products???
I sell my jewelry online, I don't bash anyone, I don't mislead anyone. I am an honest seller that backs up what I sell. Verymary Jewelry wants everyone to LOVE their pieces.
They are also paid advertisers of products; they are only reviewing the paid products. And there are tons out there! Don't be fooled by sites that are titled with "comparison" or "info" in the site title or link, like waterfiltercomparisons or electroniccomparisons, digitalcamerainfo, etc.
I am currently relying on Amazon.com for real reviews! I read the good and bad, and understand there are difficult hard to please consumers, read between the lines. If many of the reviews say the same problem over and over again, I really take that review for what it’s worth. I recently bought some photo software, after looking at several on Amazon; I chose the one with the least amount of problems and a great review score. Buy Beware is alive and well, especially on the internet! I recently was taken on EBay, I have been buying & selling on EBay for 10 years, and still I was sold bad merchandise. Stick with companies or sellers that have been around the longest, there is a reason they are still in business. I love buying online and I am sure most of you reading this do as well; we just need to know what we are getting ourselves into to avoid disappointment!
I sell my jewelry online, I don't bash anyone, I don't mislead anyone. I am an honest seller that backs up what I sell. Verymary Jewelry wants everyone to LOVE their pieces.
They are also paid advertisers of products; they are only reviewing the paid products. And there are tons out there! Don't be fooled by sites that are titled with "comparison" or "info" in the site title or link, like waterfiltercomparisons or electroniccomparisons, digitalcamerainfo, etc.
I am currently relying on Amazon.com for real reviews! I read the good and bad, and understand there are difficult hard to please consumers, read between the lines. If many of the reviews say the same problem over and over again, I really take that review for what it’s worth. I recently bought some photo software, after looking at several on Amazon; I chose the one with the least amount of problems and a great review score. Buy Beware is alive and well, especially on the internet! I recently was taken on EBay, I have been buying & selling on EBay for 10 years, and still I was sold bad merchandise. Stick with companies or sellers that have been around the longest, there is a reason they are still in business. I love buying online and I am sure most of you reading this do as well; we just need to know what we are getting ourselves into to avoid disappointment!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Make a fresh bay leaf garland
•Rotary tool such as Dremel Stylus, $69.97, by Dremel, from Home Depot
•Dried pomegranates, $26.99 for 20, from Curious Country Creations
•Fresh bay leaves
•Twine
•Big craft needle such as Jumbo tapestry needle (No. 44758582), $2.59, by Clover, from createforless.com
•26-gauge floral wire (No. 82822306), $2.29, by Panacea, from createforless.com
Current as of 10-23-2009
Step 3
Fill in the spaces between the pomegranates with bay leaves: Cut 6-inch sprigs, poke the ends into the hole in the pomegranate, and use one or two short pieces of floral wire to secure the sprigs to the twine. Continue, adding bay leaves between all the fruit. The "tassels" at the ends are leaves inserted directly in the holes.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Make Your Own Awesome Leather Belt - thanks Martha Stewart!
This fashionable leather belt achieves the look of a very expensive one -- for a fraction of the cost.Tools and Materials
Measuring tape
Leather
Utility knife
All-purpose cement
15 grommets
Grommet tool kit
Ruler
Jax solution
Plastic spoon
Belt buckle
Leather Belt How-To
1. Measure your waist over your clothes with a measuring tape.
2. Cut two rectangles of leather that measure the size of waist plus 2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Cut the two rectangles a little bit larger, since it is difficult to cut a big piece of leather perfectly. Using all-purpose cement, glue rough sides of these two leather strips. Stick together back-to-back and trim down to your true measurements.
3. Making the belt extender: Measure the crossbar of belt buckle. Ours was 1 3/8 inch. Make a smaller double-sided rectangle strip the same way as before so that it will measure 1 3/8 inch by 12 inches.
4. Using a plastic spoon, drop brass grommets into jax solution to give them an antique patina. Remove after 2 seconds and let dry.
5. Using your grommet hole punching tool, create 11 holes on top of the extender piece, each spaced 1 inch apart down the center. Fasten 7 grommets in 11 of the holes.
6. For the piece of leather that holds the buckle, cut one more strip of leather exactly 1 3/8 inch by 12 inches. Punch a hole in the center of the strip. Glue rough ends of the strip leaving one inch on each side of the hole free of glue. Pass the ends through the belt buckle.
7. Stick the prong of the belt buckle through the hole of the strip. Fold the strip in half onto itself, matching up the ends of the rectangle. Enclose the buckle.
8. Center the buckle to one edge of the larger rectangle and secure with glue and 4 grommets. On other end of the rectangle, center your extender piece 8 inches from the edge with the unfinished hole on top of the large rectangle. Glue area where the two pieces will be connected (about 4 inches).
9. Punch four holes through both layers. Put grommets through front and secure to back.
Resources
The 2.5 ounce chap hide leather is available from tandyleather.com, or you can go to any leather store and buy scraps from the "scrap" bins. The grommets and grommet hand tool used can be purchased from dritz.com. We used a 3/8-inch brass 8CT (9mm) grommet. The belt buckle (style # 37231, in Antique Brass) is available from M&J Trimming. The Petronio's all-purpose cement glue is available from instantshoeshine.com. Jax Brown Brass, Bronze, and Copper Darkener can be purchased from metalliferous.com. Martha also used a Fiskars clear ruler and a Breakaway blade knife.
From The Martha Stewart Show, April 2007
Make your own feather headband, thanks Martha Stewart!
Adorn basic headbands with beautiful feathers for a one-of-a-kind accessory.
Tools and Materials
Scissors
Fabri-Tac fabric glue
Scrap of ribbon
Needle and thread
Button
Plain headband
Clothespin
Hot-glue gun and hot-glue sticks
Feather pad (hackle) or selection of feathers to create one
Nonstick surface, such as a hot-glue mat or leftover label-backing paper
Fashion Headband How-To
To make a feather pad (hackle)
1. Select nice-looking feathers. Snip excess fuzz from around quill with sharp scissors.
2. Place a small dab of Fabri-Tac onto a nonstick surface. Arrange feathers with quills meeting in the dab of glue. Let dry for one hour. Peel feathers from nonstick surface.
To create a ribbon flower
1. Sew a running stitch on one side of ribbon with a needle and thread.
2. Pull thread while sliding ribbon down to create flower.
3. Hot glue button to center of ribbon flower.
To Assemble Headband
1. Look in mirror with headband on to determine placement of feathers. Mount feather pad to headband with Fabri-Tac or hot glue, and secure with clothespin until dry.
2. Add ribbon flower at base of feather hackle with hot glue and secure with a clothespin until dry.
Resources
All tools and materials available at most crafts stores.
From The Martha Stewart Show
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pretty Multi Colored Sapphires
September's birthstone is sapphire, but not just blue sapphire! This precious gem comes in a plethora of colors, such as pink, yellow, orange, light blue, dark blue, purple blue. I was never a big fan of the traditional dark blue sapphire, I loved the expensive medium blue, which is priced out of most people's reach.
I have begun making sapphire jewelry, in the multi colored sense. I love love love the micro faceted briolettes in all different colors and shades. The multi faceted brio's, sparkle more than diamonds! I have been combining them with different large stones to compliment the sparkle. So far the favorite center piece stones have been yellow topaz and praisiolite. I have made some great pieces, that are not cookie cutter styles. When I see friends, family and clients in these sapphires it takes my breath how beautiful they are on the ear and neck.
Your birthstone might not be your favorite color or gem, but keep this in mind, you can buy gemstones in different colors, cuts, facets and settings. I challenge you to look beyond the local jewelry store and look at designers online, such as Etsy, Ebay and 1000 markets. You will be pleasantly delighted to see how different your gem looks in different ways.
Most designers like myself, welcome custom orders from clients. We make a piece to your specifications, metal and size, and you are not obligated to purchase that design until it is perfect for you. Check out my Etsy site at www.verymaryjewelry.com and my personal favorite picks, I take the time to mark my favorite designs and designers.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
New Jewelry Designs
Fabulous new designs coming! Check out my latest earrings and bracelets for summer. Almost all items have free shipping. I am also have a Super Sale, click on the category for sale items up to 50% off.
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8sbukifj65
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