Beautiful YOU!

The blogging muses hit me.  At 11:30pm.  I ought to be sleeping.
I generally don't do double posts, but I realize that I have different followers on my blog and blogfrog community than I do on facebook (so follow me on facebook too!!!!) 

I was briefly chatting with a business associate.  She shared this note/image with me.  It is powerful; I had to share.


As women (and moms) we can get so bogged down about who we are.  Perhaps guys do it and don't let on, but I know women are always comparing.  I do it too.  I didn't want my mom to take a picture of me for our family calendar with no makeup on.  Isn't that silly?!  There are all sorts of oughts, or shoulds, or whatever.  Then as a mom, there is mom guilt - you know it.  Stinks.  Then if you run a business, or work outside the home (or inside) there's that guilt too.  It's all around.  And it seems like there is no way to escape.


But I want you to know that you are LOVED.  L-O-V-E-D.  You are who you were created to be.  You were made for greatness!!  I don't care where you are spiritually (I don't really fit the mold either).  I'm not here to shove anything down your throat, or win souls.  I think that's tacky.  (Frankly, I think God thinks it's tacky too.)  I just want to share with you how much you are loved.  You are a PRINCESS!  You aren't loved because of who you know, or what you do, or where you've been, or anything else.  You're loved because you are you, and there is no one else like you.  Dr. Suess said it really well, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

 

You are an awesome woman!

 

Goodbye Turquoise, Hello....Honeysuckle?

2010 is drawing to a close...2011 is right around the corner.  Each year Pantone (the leader in color, and really an industry standard for colors) releases a color for the year.  

Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

I don't know about you, but 2010 was a bit of a roller coaster for many of my friends (I resemble this comment).  But 2010 also held optimism.  Hope for the future.
Many stylist forecasters are calling for Honeysuckle to be the color of the year.  Pantone has not released the official color of the year, I'm confident it'll be a stellar color, if it's not Honeysuckle.  

Have you ever been shopping and wondered, "I wonder if this color is going to be in season next year..." or, "Is this color a fad??" or "What do I wear this with?"  I have designed a neat-o tool for you to keep in your purse and whip out when you need it.  I have printed 1 full year of colors (Fall 2010 and Spring 2011) on a wallet sized card.  It's a great visual so you can have a heads up on what is in currently, and what will be coming.  Bear in mind that some states are more 'beige' than others (compare Colorado to New York.)  No, I'm not talking about the flora an fauna, but the colors people are safe wearing.  

Printers vary (trust me, I've learned this the hard way), so if you'd like a hard copy of this to schlep with you, send an email to rpparklane [AT] gmail [DOT] com.

Oh, Honeysuckle is the first color on the bottom.  You can see that there are several variations of Turquoise in 2011 (that means you'll be safe with the colors you purchased in 2010!).  And really the Spring 2011 colors are an extension of the Fall 2010 colors

Bows, Bows, Bows

Well.  I'm holed up at home for the next little while.  I ran full force into the coffee table (not for the fun of it, mind you), and either broke my toe, or severely sprained it.  yuck!  Just in time for Christmas parties.  I find it quite ironic that I'm in the fashion industry, and will not be appearing in normal cocktail attire.  Uggs are fashionable, right??! :D  Don't worry!  I won't wear Uggs. hehe...though it is tempting!

I've been perusing a few online jewelry stores, and blogs and have noticed a few trends.  Bows!!  I'm not the frilliest girl, so bows are a new thing to me (like layering necklaces a year or so ago).  I hope this fad sticks around for a bit because I'm going to jump on it!  A friend sent this cute Juicy Couture pic to my in box, and not so surprisingly, Park Lane has one that looks very similar, with a few extra perks.  PL's is less expensive, and you can get 2 more (or something else) for $12 each, and another for free...for the same price as the Juicy one.  

This is a pretty simple and very inexpensive update you could do to any bracelet.  
- You could tie a few pearl bracelets together with a cute bow.
- Add a black bow to a black and white bracelet.  Or red to make it pop.
I was at the Dollar Tree a few days ago, and picked up a spool of satin ribbon for $1.  Talk about fashion on the cheap!! :)  I didn't need an expensive spool, I just needed a pretty bow.  Always check the bargain bins at Michael's - they always have something cheap too.  Or Target, in their dollar section are sometimes great little spools of ribbon.  I like to stock up on these.  You never know when you might need a bow. ;)

You could add a bow to St. Tropez, or any other necklace that has several strands.  If you use satin, like this one, you'll want to make sure you do a little twisting so the shiny side it out. 

You can put a few necklaces together, and tie them with a bow too.  It's in, so you really can't go wrong. 
Wrap a long necklace around your wrist, and tie it with a bow too.

How would you wear a bow on an existing piece of jewelry?

Little Black Dress

It’s a must in every woman’s wardrobe.  Hopefully you already have your LBD tucked away, awaiting it’s next unveiling.  But in case you are one of those ladies who doesn’t believe in the necessity, or your ‘Little Black Dress’ is from a few sizes ago,  let me give you a few tips on buying the perfect LBD and the reasons why this is such an important article to have in your fashion arsenal.

  When picking out your Little Black Dress here are a few things to remember:

1.       Stay away from fads!  Pick something simple and classic. You want this piece to be timeless.

2.       Don’t buy into the glitz and glamour.  Try to avoid anything too flashy.  Though I am always a fan of over the top glamour, think of this dress as a blank canvas ready to be decorated in many different ways depending on your mood.

3.       Think practical.  I know it’s called a LITTLE Black Dress but make sure it’s not too little. You don’t want to wear this baby to a funeral and have your boobs pop out when you give Granny a hug!  On the flip side you don’t want to look like a nun so avoid floor length, shapeless, long sleeves or tight collars.

4.       Comfort is key.  You want this dress to make you feel like you look good.  Choose a cut that truly flatters your body style (not the body style you wish you had).  Make sure you can sit in it comfortably, lift your arms all the way, wear a comfortable bra, bend down and dance in this dress.

Overall pick something simple, sleek, timeless and comfy.

 

Now it’s time to have a little fun!  

• Add some killer heels, bright dangly jewelry, maybe a bright bolo or purse and you’re ready for a date or girls night out.
• Mix some pretty flats with a matching wrap and you are ready for a wedding.
• Black heels, pearls for a funeral.
• With a smart gray blazer and nylons you’re ready for interviews.

The possibilities are endless and because the dress itself is not memorable you can wear it over and over by simply switching accessories.

Thank you to Bradi from Marlaesk.  Bradi is an amazing designer of modern, one of a kind, green (eco friendly) clothing for men and women.  She has an amazing eye for design, and will make clothes to fit your taste and style.  When I found out she did custom work, I thought certainly I wouldn't be able to afford her.  Turns out she is within my frugalista budget!!!!

I Need an Elf

During the holidays, I know so many families are looking for a debt free way to pay for Christmas gifts, or perhaps you just plain need some extra cash! 

As an extension of my business I have a gift giving service, and I would like to hire you as an “Elf” to help!  I have outlined a little bit about what it entails, but it is straight forward. 

As an “Elf” you would talk to you family and friends, and coworkers and ask them to do some of their Christmas shopping with Jewels by Park Lane.  You may be thinking one of two things.

1. I’m not a sales person
2. We are still in a struggling economy. 

My answers to both of those:  1. I’m not either.  I’m perfectly fine if people don’t want to purchase gifts with me.  We have a deal they can’t refuse, that if they go shop somewhere else, they’ll pay twice as much.  Keep reading for details on that.  And 2, jewelry is always the number 1 gift giving item!!!  You might as well earn some money – people are going to buy, it might as well be from you J

There are tons of jewelry companies out there, why Park Lane?  I may be slightly biased, but my background is jewelry.  I have worked for fine jewelry stores (I’m certified to sell diamonds by the Diamond Council of America), my minor was art with an emphasis in jewelry making, and before I owned a Park Lane business, I owned another jewelry company where I made the jewelry.  Here are some reasons I settled with Park Lane.

-         They have been in business for 55 years.  They started in a recession.  Their heart is for women to be able to stay home with their families.  Jewelry is their only product – they are the leader in high fashion jewelry.

-         Because they have been in business for 55 years they can offer a customer sale I have never seen anywhere else.  They are able to offer 80% off to customers and the customers don’t have to “buy in” to a club or a membership.

-         55 years later they are STILL owned and operated.  If you call them, you’ll speak with one of the grand children.  This means that you are treated like family, not a number. 

-         They love Jesus.  I hesitate to say they are a “Christian” organization.  They are Christ followers in business.  There is no favoritism to other Christ followers.  They treat every one the way Jesus did when he walked the earth.  That means a great deal to me in the midst of Christians having a bad name.

So the nitty gritty:  I am paying out of my pocket for you to be able to earn some money during the Christmas season.  I’m paying 15% per order collected – regardless of the size.  

I’m not a hound.  You can sell as much or as little to you want.  It’s completely up to you.  I expect that when you have an order, you’ll give me the info, I’ll submit it, and send have the jewelry sent to the customer.  Then I’ll follow up after the holidays.  By the way, my ESP is not so great ;)  (joke there)

You will make more money, and your friends, family and co-workers if you can help ‘work’ their wish list.  The sale is really confusing when you are getting used to it, because it's sooooo backwards from every other sale.....so erase what you know ;)  Rather than purchasing an expensive piece and getting a cheaper one for free, you purchase all your little pieces to add up to a larger piece.  When you spend $90 or more (little pieces) you get 3 items each up to the amount you spent (retail) for $12 each, and 1 more up to the retail amount for free.  Here's the example I like to use.  Say you get 5 pairs of earrings, each pair is $20.  That = $100.  You can get 3 items up to $100 for $12 each, and 1 more for free.  So you are getting $500 in jewelry for $136.  Make sense?  There are two other levels, but that's the BEST deal.

Ok so those are all the details.  Let me know what questions you have, and if you are interested J  NOW is the PERFECT time!!!!

HELP WANTED: Inquire Within

So I originally posted this, and then deleted it, but Networked Blogs still picked it up.  I'm so sorry for any confusion.  I had to delete it because the coding wasn't working correctly.  ACK, oh well.  Here is the post again!

Jewels by Park Lane is currently looking for a select few to fill available positions for our Holiday Selling Season.
Our people help make Jewels by Park Lane a successful, energetic, forward-moving organization.
Time after time, Jewels by Park Lane has turned the direct sales industry upside down through its innovative services, its use of technology and its continual push to stay the No. 1 choice for In Home Designer Fashion Jewelry.
Picture a career where you manage a multi-million dollar territory for an innovative company with a receptive customer base on the cutting edge of fashion.
Redefining the jewelry industry since 1955, Jewels by Park Lane, is the largest Designer Fashion Jewelry Company in the United States.
Working with Jewels by Park Lane means having the opportunity to work part time, full time or embark on a new career path and the chance to work with diverse, bright colleagues in an innovative, dynamic Fashion Industry atmosphere.
Essential

• A love of jewelry, fashion and fun.
• An enthusiastic people person.
• Wants part-time work with flexible hours. (no long term commitment...just through the holidays)

For more information on how to apply for the available positions please fill out the form below or contact Rachael at rpparklane[at]gmail.com (be sure to put the @ symbol where it belongs).
This is where the form was to go...but alas, it's not working properly...so an old fashioned email will have to suffice.
If you know of someone who needs some extra income, please send me their contact info.  When they start, I'll send you $100 in free jewelry!

Bound Together by Love

Welcome to another review by Amanda Nicole.  (Howdy, everyone!)  Once more, I do not get paid.  I do not get the jewelry for free.  I don’t get anything from this, except the joy of spending my husband’s money on Park Lane Jewelry.  (He’s less than happy, but I can tell you what the family is getting for Christmas!)  The following review is my true and honest opinion.  Rachael is not involved in the review process.  Thank you FTC for understanding I am following the law here.

Today’s review: Indulge Necklace

Okay, does that need words?  Yeah, because this is a review!  The Indulge necklace is a two heart necklace.  The larger heart lies at the base of the neck.  Two inches up on the left lies the next small heart.  There seems a Spanish/Southwest influence to this piece.  I’m not sure where they came up with the name.  I can think of a few better names.  I think you’re supposed to think you are indulging yourself while wearing this lovely piece.  Perhaps they are trying to say indulge yourself in love.  Maybe the artist wants to indulge  I have given up trying to understand where artists come up with the names for their work.  Instead, let’s take a closer look at this beautiful necklace. you in love, which doesn’t make sense.

You’ll notice the red crystal is surrounded by lots of little crystals.  I’m sure I’ve seen this design before.  I just can’t remember what painting I was looking at.  Or was it at a show of royal jewels?  Oh well, it isn’t important.  What goes around comes around.  This definitely has a Spanish Royal feel to it.  I could see Queen Isabella wearing something like this as she waved goodbye to Columbus.  (“Bye!  Bring me back chocolate!”)  I think this would work great with an outfit that has a Spanish/Southwestern feel to it.  This would be the piece I would wear to go to a salsa.

The deep red works well for the heart.  After all, isn’t that the color of love?  The crystals allow the piece to shine and sparkle.  Isn’t the heart supposed to shine?  Especially a heart in love?  The Austrian crystals are like those around us that we love.  Their love helps us sparkle when they are near.  Our heart shines by itself, but the addition of their love truly brings out that shine.  The Indulge Necklace does just that, reminding the world of the shining heart within the woman who wears it and her friends and family.

The second heart is smaller by a lot.  It has only one row of crystals surrounding the red crystal in the middle.  Does this take away from the second heart?  No, I think the designer was trying to send a subtle message.  If you ask me, the designer added the second heart to remind us that we can never truly shine on our own.  We must have the love of others.  While their hearts do not look as big as ours when someone is looking at us straight on, the hearts are just as large.  It is just a simple case of depth.  Two trees can look different sizes when they are not side by side.  I think that is what the designer was going for here.  (Or, I am just gonna be a romantic and put this idea out there for the artist to go “Yeah, sure, that was my plan!”)

The chain may throw some people off.  It is rather heavy and leans towards chainmaille in my opinion.  At first, I was not sure about the chain.  Another glance told a different story.  The Indulge Necklace is not just one heart, but two.  Both hearts are attached to the chain links so the hearts cannot move.  Isn’t that love, though?  A chain binding two hearts together?  Each stays separate, yet they are tied by a bond that outlasts time?  When you think about it, the chain works better than any other design I could think of for the piece.

Buy the Indulge Necklace for the special woman in your life.  She doesn’t have to be your wife.  (Hold on, girls, before you attack me.  I think that anger will quickly melt away in to“awe, sweet idea, Amanda Nicole.”)  Think of your mother, guys.  She’s done an awful lot for you over the years.  It was her love that saw you from birth to today.  Your mother’s love deserves recognition.  What better way to recognize that love than a necklace with two hearts and a card to tell her you will always be her little boy?  Write these words down: “Mom, just as these two hearts are forever joined together with a chain, so a mother’s love forever joins her with her son.  No matter how far away I may be, it is your love people see in me.  Thank you for all the love you have given me; making me in to the man I am today.  Love, (Your Name)”

Fathers, what about that little girl in pigtails and her mother’s shoes and makeup?  That little girl you remember sitting in your lap sleeping with her head on your shoulder?  The one running up to you as you come home from work?  The one you just dropped off at college in August?  Yeah, same girl you swear was wearing pigtails she walked towards the dorms?  Or that little girl holding her favorite teddy bear while wearing her mother’s pearls?  The one standing in a white dress and a veil draped over her hair?  Why not give her the Indulge Necklace as a gift of your love?  Trust me when I say my favorite ring (the one the photographer thought was my engagement ring at the wedding) is the one my daddy gave me.  Daddy & his little girl have a special bond.  Give her the Indulge Necklace this Christmas or for her birthday as a way for Daddy’s little girl to always have a piece of you close.  Believe me when you ask a woman about her favorite jewelry she will always include something special her father gave her.

I’m sure Rachael has some other ideas about the subject.  She seems to be big on buying jewelry for yourself.  I think she’s missing the point on the Indulge.  (Ducking so Rachael can’t hurt me!)  Seriously, at $149 (plus tax and S&H) the necklace isn’t that bad of a price.  Rachael always has sales.  And you needed to buy a lot of Christmas presents.  Do you want to be that guy trying to figure out what to get his mother, wife or daughter on Christmas Eve as the mall is closing?  Okay, stupid question.  You guys always like waiting until the last moment.  You are just waiting for the best price.  I get it.  Still, give Rachael a call or email her today for help shopping for the women in your life.  She’ll mention a guarantee that if they don’t like it, you can return it.  But that won’t happen with this piece; especially when you print this blog up, grunt and go “Read!  Me mean this!” in some form of grunt.

I mentioned one of my last orders in the Juliet review.  Let me tell you of another order I bought lately.  Three (3) pieces of jewelry valued at $315 for a mere $104.  That’s not too shabby.  (For you guys, that is less than the cost of Madden 11 and StarCraft 2.)  Rachael is always running deals.  Talk to Rachael today by emailing her rpparklane@gmail.com.

On a personal note, you’ll notice a nice little poll that has been going on here at Sparkly Jewels.  Do me a favor?  Vote for anything but more reviews.  Your only other option is to feed the reviewer.  I do quite well on comments.  Comments keep me healthy and happy.  Comments are free to feed.  I’m not asking for much.  What did you think of the review?  Do you own the Indulge Necklace?  Did you buy it after reading this?  What did you think?  Come on, people!  Feed the reviewer!

Your blog is yours again, Rachael.  Do tell us about the bonus item deal, or any other deals you have going at the moment.

WOW!  Amanda, you have such a knack for words - absolutely beautiful!!!!

This necklace, I've included in the 12 Days of Christmas gift giving deal...you can get 12 gifts for someone special (mom, grandma, sis, wife, daughter).  You're receiving $860 in jewelry for only $200.  When you think about each piece coming with a lifetime warranty, it's a gift that keeps giving.  I recently heard from a client that she had purchased a necklace for Christmas, and it broke THAT NIGHT!  She took it back to the store she had purchased it from, and they wouldn't return it or exchange it or give her store credit.  She was out $100.  I hear stories like this nearly everyday.  When you purchase with Park Lane, you don't have to pay extra for the unconditional guarantee - it comes free of charge.  Isn't that peace of mind???

I hate to sound cliche, but don't put off waiting until the last minute.  Be sure to get your order in as soon as possible.

The 12 Days of Christmas gift giving starts on Dec 13th.  To avoid paying rush delivery, order before November 22nd.  If you place 2 or more 12 Days orders, I'll foot the shipping!!

Ladies, you can also send me your honey's contact info, and I'll put a bug in his ear