How to Safely Clean Your Fine and Costume Jewelry!

Real pearls can't be treated the same way to clean as gemstones.

Sparkling gems flashing a ribbon of colors from within a jewelry box are something we can never get tired of. Yet, in time those precious gemstones, diamonds as well as any gold, silver, pearl or turquoise pieces that you love will eventually lose some of that shine and brilliance.  In order to return their beauty, you want to make sure to clean them properly like with these tips that I’m about to share.  

Whether the dazzling stone is a diamond, gemstone, gold, silver or even more inexpensive pieces with rhinestone or crystal, all can be immersed in about a cup of warm water that you added a tablespoon of ammonia.  They don’t need to stay in the treated water long just briefly before wiping dry with a soft cloth. Since some jewelry such a rhinestone or a crystal brooch can be set in with a glue instead of held in place with prongs to secure it unlike a more costly, pronged piece, the stones could also loosen.

Jewelry pieces vary and so do their cleaning methods.

Pearls need a different sort of tender loving care. Forgot about soaking them in any cleaner if you want them to maintain their luster because they are porous and could be damaged.  In fact, the skin’s natural oils benefit pearls and help make them more beautiful the more they’re worn. However, you still need to occasionally wipe them with a soft cloth that has a bit of a mild dish detergent only. 

Turquoise and opal jewelry also need a gentle touch when cleaning since they too are porous stones.  Just wipe those off with soft cloth and a mild dish detergent is all that you should do to keep them in their best shape.

One last pointer that I have to care for your jewelry is remembering to finish your beauty ritual completely first before fastening or pinning jewelry on if you want to keep them in great condition.  Things like hair spray or perfumes can harm their beauty.  Therefore, follow this simple rule–jewelry last!  

If you keep these jewelry care tips in mind, your jewelry will look as priceless as you do!

Introducing the LovePendants Collection by Robert Leser--Symbols Pendant Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

My Symbols Green Quart Pendant in yellow vermeil with metallic engraving ($268)

An easy way to evaluate your style is with the right piece of jewelry like the lovely Symbols Pendant award-winning jewelry designer, Robert Leser sent me from his new LovePendants Collection of natural gemstone jewelry.  If you aren’t familiar with his work, he is the talent behind the Color Story and the Blue Nile jewelry collections.

What is distinctive about his latest collection is that you pick a style of pendant, charm or a bracelet along with a natural gemstone, metal choice and use either words or symbols to customize it with engraving.  The process to create an individualized piece is easy.

For example, I decided on my gemstone choice first from their list. Green Quartz seemed like a winning choice after reading about its metaphysical properties of healing, helping with creativity and attracting prosperity.  With all that going for this stone, how could yours truly resist?   

Though those chunky, oversized necklaces are around everyone’s necks now, I do think that a delicate necklace can be timeless with the right outfit, despite what fashion critics may say.  From my choices of metal, I selected the yellow vermeil since it was the closest to gold.  It measures 16 to 18-inches and has a lobster claw clasp.  You can order a border to frame the stone, but I wanted nothing like a frame to compete with the stone.

Being the romantic that I am, I went with the heart in the Symbols choice.  To me, the design, engraved in my preference of metallic engraving, said a lot more through its simplicity than words. 

Once my finished Symbols Green Quartz Pendant in yellow vermeil ($268) arrived, I did fall in love with the charming delicacy that it had when placed around my neck.  Though I am not superstitious, this pendant with its supposed metaphysical powers might just stay around my neck while I give it a thorough testing to do its thing, in the name of research, of course.  

Seriously though, the LovePendants Collection by Robert Leser is a nice way to immortalize a feeling, a person, a cause, etc. through a beautiful piece of jewelry.  Do check the company’s website out!  

Review: Joseph Nogucci.com Is the Place to Look for Some Beautiful Bracelets!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Joseph Nogucci bracelets as they arrived.

Like any woman, I can never have too many shoes or pieces of jewelry. After all, an attractive piece of jewelry is the easiest way to set off or update any outfit.  Therefore, when the Joseph Nogucci PR reached out and offered to send me some new pieces, I was more than happy to take them up on their kind offer.

I received three stunning beaded bracelets that I instantly fell in love with.  When I explain and show you what these Nogucci creations look like, I am sure that you too will want to explore this jewelry designer’s website for these as well as their other beautiful bracelets, necklaces and timepieces.

Double Your Beauty With Rita Alarcon and Jewelry In Candles!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

What a fun way to beautify your home and lovely self with Rita Alarcon and Jewelry In Candles!

By now, you probably know that I love fragrance in whatever form that I find it.  Jewelry is another thing that I can’t seem to have enough of.  Those that are close to me know that they can surprise me with those types of gifts any time to see an immediate sparkle come through my eyes.  Ladies, you know what I’m talking about with that satisfied rush you get when you find something sensational that you really love.  Of course, you can relate to this feeling.  This is why I’m so thrilled about finding Rita Alarcon's Jewelry in Candles. 

Browsing at this shop can be addictive because it is such a fun way to buy jewelry and scented candles, warmer tarts to body butter because it is a unique experience.   

Kushyfoot Fall-Winter 2015 Legwear Review and Assortment ($50) Giveaway!–Ends October 27, 2015

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Looking stylish and staying warm is easy enough with Kushyfoot legwear.

What I love about Kushyfoot’s Fall-Winter 2015 collection of legwear is that you can look stylish while keeping warm.  With choices like the fishnet tights, textured tights, opaques, shaping tights, fleece trousers or the opaque crew-anklet sock, your fashion bases are covered for whatever you decide to wear as those temperatures continue to drop.

To wear with dresses, suits or skirts, I received a pair of the Shaping Tights ($9.99), Fashion Textured Tights that are black-ribbed ($7.49) and their Opaque Tights in gray, which are nice and cozy for blocking out the cold.  For those warmer cold weather days, I got a pair of their black Fishnet Fashion Tights ($7.49).

For those times that I wanted to go more casual and wear trousers, I got a pair of Fleece Trousers socks ($5.99) and their Microfiber Crew socks in black.  

In addition, I got a pair of their Flats to Go slipper-like, flat shoe that is great to change into at work when wearing clunky boots or having on hand when your shoes are making you uncomfortable.

You need to wear legwear, so you might as well do it right.  With this Fall-Winter 2015 Kushyfoot collection, you will be assured your legs will be fashionable as well as properly protected through the Winter season. To learn more, visit Kushyfoot and check out what they have to offer.

Thanks to Kushyfoot, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins six assorted legwear styles from this Fall-Winter 2015 collection ($50 value)!

Giveaway details and how to enter–

Prize: One (1) winner from the USA will win six pair of assorted legwear styles from Kushyfoot’s Fall-Winter 2015 collection ($50 value)!

Dates of entry: 10/09/15–10/26/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA residents only.  No PO Boxes. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Subscription Box Review: Dapper Box for Men

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Dapper Box for Men

A well-groomed man knows the importance of your image when it comes to succeeding in a competitive world.  Dapper Box is a men’s subscription box that might save you the trouble of shopping for accessories each month.  The company asked if I would like to review a box to see what my guy thought.

This subscription runs $29.00 a month with free shipping.  Of course, the price drops depending on how many months you sign for such as $27.00 for a three-month commitment, $25.00 for six months, and as low as $23.00 a month for a year.
  
What was included in the box that arrived here was a royal-blue tie with small polka dots, a handkerchief with matching blue trim for a suit jacket pocket, a pair of socks with huge acqua, cornflower blue, and pale yellow dots with the same royal blue background shade as the tie along with a small 5 ml bottle of Stirling Soap Company’s Frozen Tundra Aftershave Splash.  

My guy felt that if you want to make a strong statement you could wear the playful socks.   The tie, jacket pocket adornment and the Aftershave Splash were more up his alley.

If what I described sounds like your cup of tea and you hate wasting time shopping, then do check Dapper Box for men.  

A Few Vital Tips to Remember When Following Style Trends for Fashion and Beauty That Fits YOU!

These few tips can help add to your beauty, fit, and overall confidence with just a bit of forethought before shopping.

Of course, it is important to keep up with fashion and cosmetic trends each season.  However, it is just as critical to know what styles, color and techniques work for you at the same time instead of blindly following dictates that may be exquisite on some but ridiculous on you. Let’s face it, but the average woman is not a lanky, bone-thin, baby-faced model walking a runway with the same height, weight, features, and proportions to carry some of those fashions or makeup looks off.  Instead, we come in a variety of ages, shapes, colors, and sizes with different working environments that can also affect the image we need to present.  If we intend be beautiful and stylish, there are a few essential tips that would be to your advantage to remember.

The first order of business is learning to be true to what you are born with and adapting new trends to your particular assets and flaws.  Lock yourself away in a room with a full-length mirror.  Now strip and take a realistic look of those figure flaws.  Just remember, everyone has them–-even top models and celebrities.

For instance, if you have heavy, beefy thighs and are carrying a big caboose, then a tightly fitting pair of pants, especially leather that adheres to you like a second skin will only draw the eye to your figure flaw as you stuff yourself in. Throw some bright colors, widely spaced and detailed set of back pockets, or a wild design along with that fit and it will flatter you the same way as it does a floating blimp, especially if wearing one with a designer’s name, perhaps, on an ample backside. Being the case, you just may want to wear a straight, but looser fit.  What’s important here is to buy clothes for your body--not the one you wish for that was pictured in the latest fashion or beauty magazine.

Another prime example is jewelry.  While a  large, chunky piece of statement jewelry is still the rage, it can swallow up a small-breasted woman in how much room it takes up on her chest.  A slightly smaller piece can still possess enough detail to compliment an outfit but also focus less attention on that chest.

Take time to root through your closet and examine your outfits.  After all, they are an expression of you–-of your individual taste by the choice of your favorite colors and pieces.  The more you learn how to mix new pieces with treasured past purchases and accessories, the more you can keep your look current but also individualized.

You can even expand that individuality further.  Depending on the function, you can mix it up by incorporating several styles for one special, unique look.  This can be fun, edgy and a way to spark a new attitude as you reinvent yourself.

As to makeup trends, I personally do not see some of them as attractive.  For example, bright eyeliners not lining the eyes themselves but applied beneath looks bizarre even on young eyes. Just as silly is scribbling color on the lids like a child learning to draw shapes, if you ask me.  I feel makeup is meant to help make most of our natural beauty.  Yet, those two examples are so farfetched in how they exaggerate beauty, the techniques are better suited for clowns in the circus instead of real women who are expected to look professional in the workplace.

Think carefully before you randomly adopt just any new fashion or makeup trend.  Perhaps, the “latest” thing may not have the fit or style that expresses your beauty in its best light.

Review: Style Up With JORD Wood Watches Sully Natural Green Women’s Watch

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

JORD

Those that are close to me know my love of unique wooden jewelry and have brought me back some gorgeous pieces from around the world whenever they traveled.  However, I never had a wooden watch or was even aware such stylish timepieces even existed until a rep from JORD sought me out for this review.

I  wasn't kidding about my passion for wood jewelry. 

Though I was debating over a few possibilities, I finally went with the Sully Series Natural Green women’s watch because it looked trendy with that bigger face that is so hot for now along with that carved and detailing around it, giving it striking character that further attracted me.

You can have a wood link or two or how many you need removed to fit, if you need it.  JORD adjusted  mine and you get the links back as well or you can get this done at your jeweler.

The thick wooden natural green band was fresh and unusual with its striped look that would set off an outfit to give it a playful vibe.  I knew that I would have fun with that aspect.  

Here's a close up of my Sully Natural Green wood watch.  Look at  how big those numbers are for easy reading.

This chunky watch was so versatile and flattering that in my rush to try it on, and I forgot to take off the tiny wood disc with their logo attached to the band.  It had a deployment buckle that you had to push in two places to secure it on your wrist.  

I love how fashion-foward this JORD Sully Natural Green wood watch is.  Look at what it does for my wrist.

Yet, this watch was more than a bold statement piece to amp up almost any outfit. My new JORD Sully Natural Green wood watch was a classically styled timepiece built with precision and a Citizen Miyota Quartz Movement.  Though it was waterproof, this watch also could survive if accidentally splashed or if I got caught in the rain with it on without worrying that it would be ruined.  

Anyone that appreciates standing out in the crowd needs a JORD watch.  I know that I love the originality of wearing that piece that will garnish the most attention from how different it is from the ordinary.  I already have my eye on their Cora series Koa & Rose Gold watch, which is somewhat smaller. 

What about you?  Are you ready to turn some heads?  If so, you can take my lead and follow me to JORD's website to do more browsing! 

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Cratejoy Subscription Box Marketplace–Five Unique Boxes to Explore (Review)

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Cratejoy

I am fascinated by subscription boxes because they are a fun way to shop and become acquainted with products.  When Cratejoy asked me to become one of their subscription box reviewers, how could a subscription box addict like me refuse such a tempting offer?  

With a company like Cratejoy Subscription Box Marketplace that has some 200 boxes, I knew the selection had to be good.  Inside my first shipment, I got five different types of subscriptions appealing to various interests.

Urban Organic Gardener was something I really loved.  This collection of goodies will help you eat healthier will the organic food that you’ll be able to grow.  Each month a subscriber gets five packets of pure 100% non-GMO garden seeds plus there is always a bonus gift included.  

Urban Organic Gardener (May 2015)

I got a packet of Kale (Red Russian) with 50 seeds, Dill (Bouquet) with 100 seeds, Tomatillo (Large Fruited) with 10 seeds, Kohlrabi (Purple Vienna) with 50 seeds, and a packet of Oregano (Greek) with 1,000 seeds. The bonus was something I had always wanted to experiment with 10 soil packs that you soak in warm water to start the seeds in for quicker growing.  This box starts at $10.  

If gardening is not your thing, then maybe art is.  Let me tell you about another monthly box that you may like called Sketch Box.  This one will bring you five to 10 different premium art supplies to help inspire your artistic creativity. 

Sketch Box (May 2015)

For example, I found a 12 pack of Koh-I-Noor Woodless Color Pencils that are nice for illustrating, a Kum magnesium sharpener for extra smooth sharpening, and a Prismacolor Premier trio kit of erasers along with a sample post card of art work using those products.  The cost of this subscription starts at $25.

Perhaps, you are more the outdoor type.  If so, you might like the BackpackerBox.  Each month you can get five to seven eco-friendly products to help heighten your hiking and camping fun with an estimated monthly value of at least $30.  Sign up for either a Classic or a Vegan Box subscription.

Backpacker Box (May 2015)

My BackpackerBox included a Vapur Runway Collapsible Bottle, Epic Bison, Bacon and Cranberry Bar, Granite Gear 5L Air Bag, and an Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips Falcon Guide.   The cost starts at $19.99 a month.   

Ladies, if the thought of dressing up is more appealing than trekking through the woods, then Cratejoy has you covered with a box like Cate & Chloe VIP.  This subscription brings you two pieces of jewelry and a bonus gift each month.  Each box has an estimated retail value of $200 according to Cate & Chloe.  

Cate & Chloe VIP Box (May 2015)

May 2015 brought me their Addison “Innovator” Bar Necklace.  This necklace is silver featuring a bar, hanging from its chain that you can wear alone or layer with other jewelry to style it up.  The second piece was an Emery “Brave” Bracelet.  This piece is a gold chain centered with an amber-like crystal.  As a bonus, I found a silver-toned patterned design Drew “Wise One” Ring, an adjustable fits all cuff ring.  This subscription starts at $32 a month.  

Calling all beer drinkers, I have something just for you.  Last of all, I got Cooler Can Monthly.  This is a subscription where you’ll be sent a unique new beer koozie every month from places you never heard of before.  I got a green Welcome to Weiner, Ar. The cost starts at $4.50 a month and includes free shipping.  

Cooler Can Monthly (May 2015)

If you hate to go out shopping and prefer doing it the easy way without traffic and crowds, you can’t go wrong by using your computer to buy.  Visit Cratejoy to find any of these and more.

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

The Best Fashion Advice for Projecting an Expensive Image

Regardless of the cost of any outfit, the most important rule to dressing like you already have arrived is the fit you choose.  Look for pieces that have more structure instead of being oversized and shapeless. Expensive looking clothes have better figure flattering lines and form even when displayed from a hanger. The point is the outfit needs to drape over your body perfectly like it was made exclusively for you instead of off the rack.  Try looking at pieces that have stretch to the fabric like heavier weight knitted fabrics or wool blends for an easier time with that goal.

Do avoid the sales rack and buying something marked down that is the wrong size because that decision may cost you more than you thought.  Oversized clothes can be taken in, but buying a too tight outfit is nearly impossible to salvage.  Therefore, unless you’re a talented seamstress and can do the alterations yourself, you will have to pay to adjust the item for an ideal fit.

Examine the workmanship of the item carefully.  Are all the seams finished?  Clothes with a pattern should line up properly instead of being mismatched.  Buttons are also crucial in this equation.  Replace the cheap plastic ones with classier materials such as a mother of pearl, bone or metal, which lend added elegance to the piece.  

Strive to keep your outfit simple and streamlined.  For example, look for tailored jackets or long cardigans with detailed piping that will stay closer to your body for wearing with a slim-cut jean, pants, or sleek skirt. The combination will provide you with a more elegant line.

A smaller handbag, which has a sense of form, adds a certain polish to the outfit.  An oversized one that lacks structure can’t pull off that same sense of style!

Jewelry can make or break an outfit.  However, one statement piece per outfit can accomplish more than overloading.  

You might have paid a lot for a new designer item such as a scarf, sunglasses, belt, or whatever, but resist the urge to load your outfit with several of those pieces just to flaunt the logo, especially the larger they are. This desperation to show off those logos cheapens your look.

Before You Buy Your Next Handbag, Read This!

My Bulga Studded Leather Satchel

Let’s face it handbags and shoes are both something that a girl can never have too much of.  However, this addiction can run into considerable money, especially if you’re drawn to those outlandishly gorgeous designer handbags. Therefore, I thought I would pass along some helpful tips to keep in mind before you decide to buy your next handbag.

The first thing to inspect is the bag’s closures.  If the manufacturer makes security too complicated a process with how the bag opens, it might take you longer than you care for undoing straps along with another metal closure, perhaps, just before you reach inside.  Ask yourself how much time you want to spend before getting into your bag.   

On the other hand, some manufacturers are too lax about securing a bag with no real closures.  Closures serve a purpose of keeping your valuables safe whether from potential thieves or if your handbag accidentally takes a tumble. 

Examine inside your new handbag

Look at the bag’s construction carefully.  Check for neat, even stitching with no loose strings or glue showing, which can give you a likely clue to how it will hold up to wear or if it is authentic.

It's important to inspect the entire bag.  This is the bottom of my Bulga Studded Leather Satchel.

Test out the handbag for comfort.  How does the weight feel?  If the bag already feels heavy empty, then you can imagine how much heavier it will feel when you load it up with your stuff.  In my opinion, I would rather look for a lighter bag than suffer unnecessarily.

The straps are also critical when thinking of comfort.   A chain strap may look trendy, but they can also get very cold on your shoulder as well as leave welts.  Length and thickness of a strap also deserve thought.  A heavily padded wider strap with beautiful stitching that you envisioned looking so sensational hanging from your shoulder could end up being too bulky or a tight fit under your arms.  

It’s good also to keep size and function in mind.  Remember that the shallower the bag is, the easier it is to search through.  Whereas, the deeper the bag, the longer you will hunt for whatever you’re searching for inside.  If you consider yourself impatient and highly organized, it might be better to opt for a bag with lots of sections and pockets more than one such as a hobo bag.

Another important point to consider is the hardware of the bag.  Ask yourself what you wear more of gold or silver jewelry?  After all, you don’t want to clash every time you go to your jewelry box if you can help it.

Moon Cats Blue Velvet Shawl Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Moon Cats Blue Velvet Shawl

The trend is toward incorporating more scarves and shawls into our wardrobes than ever. They are functional besides lending an exciting fashion element to what we wear.  When Moon Cats, the scarf company, reached out and asked if I would be interested in reviewing something from their collection, I was more than happy to oblige.

With all the beautiful possibilities at their website, I had a challenge.  I debated between one of their lightweight scarves that I could tie like their Principessa to drape stylishly around my neck or a shawl.  I thought the long scarf would look spectacular to dress up a pair of jeans or basically anything.

Then, my eyes kept drifting back to their lovely shawls.  Honestly, all styles in that section appealed to me, but my top choice was between the Aztec Blanket since that design is quite the rage now and the Blue Velvet shawl. 

Finally, I selected the Blue Velvet because I love black as well as that glittering royal blue detail woven through this shawl and its finished scalloped edging.  It also looked cozy.  This shawl is 100% acrylic, washable by hand,  and is also a shorter length at 56" over the 78" Aztec Blanket with a wide cape-style sleeve.

I was pleased when I took my shawl from the box and got a good look at this piece.  It really was lovely with nice workmanship for a $49.95 shawl.  The even nicer part was cuddling up in it because it was soft and warm to grab on a chilly winter day.

If you’re hunting for new scarves and shawls, I think you would like what Moon Cats has to offer.  In fact, you can save 20% on all their scarves from now until January 15, 2015 when you enter NUTSFORSTUFF20OFF.   Scarves and shawls do make a great gift as well so check their site out!

Pack A Hat From Cappelli Straworld Offers Portable Sun Protection (Review)

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Cappelli Straworld Pack a Hat with Zippered Totes

Summer will be here in a matter of weeks.  If you’re intending on safely enjoying the sun and those outdoor jaunts to the beach, park, garden, or wherever the mood takes you, then it is always a good idea to protect yourself.  

When I know that I will be spending a lot of time in that hot sun, I like to wear my straw hat that has a wide brim and decorated with an attractive, ornate ribbon.  However, packing my pretty hat requires knowing ahead that I will need it.

Other times when it becomes a last minute decision to do something outdoors and you find yourself hatless, then it’s great to have what I received on hand in the car to save your head and hair from burning.  A prime example is this Pack A Hat from Cappelli Straworld that comes in a small striped, zippered bag with a foldable, matching pre-treated cloth hat with a wide brim and UPF 50 sun protection.  

You may look a bit wrinkled at first when you pull it out, but when your head is at stake and you're suffering in the hot sun, this hat will be your new best friend.

To find out more about Pack A Hat and where to buy, do check out their website.

Pack A Hat retails for $25 and is available in twelve shades.

*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

The Fastest Way to Look Chic Now--FRAAS Spring-Summer 2014 Collection Dottie Scarf Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

FRAAS Spring-Summer 2014 Collection Dottie Scarves

What woman can live with just one scarf?  An eye-popping scarf can be the perfect fashion accessory you need for Spring.  A beautiful example is the latest Dottie Scarf collection from FRAAS for what it can do to update your wardrobe and sense of style.

Measuring 28 x 76-inches, these white, dotted polyester scarves can be worn several different ways from just draping around your neck.  You  can wear them as waist wraps, shawls, head wraps, sarongs and fashion into a halter top, if so inclined. 

The colors available are fresh and vibrant such as turquoise, yellow, pink, and green in the somewhat sheer polyester, fitting for the warmer weather. 

Taupe is the last shade, and the one I requested, which is more neutral.  In the photo, taupe appears practically an orchid.  In reality, taupe is a soft gray with a hint of brown.

A Dottie Scarf retails for $32.  FRAAS products are sold worldwide via department and specialty stores as well as online retailers.  You may also order from the company by calling 212-575-0191. Select styles are available on fraas.com and amazon.com

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Give Your Heart This Mother's Day With Lisa Hoffman Beauty's Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl Bracelet! (Review)

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl Bracelet

I was delighted to hear that Lisa Hoffman Beauty expanded their scented jewelry with the new Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl Collection to house her exquisite fragrances.  When asked if I cared to review one of those dazzling bracelets the reason I was thrilled was because the heart-shaped filigree charm dangling from those lustrous seven inches of pearly beads are not only gorgeous to dress up your wrist, but able to hold more of her captivating fragrance beads!

This is the bracelet opened.

Deciding on one of the five available fragrance choices was difficult since I do adore them all.  Nonetheless, I went with Tunisian Neroli, a bubbling fruity-floral with gardenia and fresh neroli warmed elegantly with golden amber, buchu leaf, and orange nectar.  This scent embodies everything feminine and romantic with style and sophistication. 

Wearing scented jewelry is another beautiful expression of how you present yourself to the world.  After all, women can never have enough jewelry.  

This collection comes in either Crystal Creamrose with Gold-Plating or Crystal White with Oxidized Silver-Plating.  I chose the gold.  Packed inside is a small pot with fragrance beads to keep that magic alive.

This bracelet is stunning, shimmering with that line of 8mm Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearls, on your wrist.  I loved how the scent moved with me and circulated, especially with my habit of talking with my hands.  

You don't have to worry that you'll be overpowering because the fragrance gracefully floats with you.  In fact, you can layer with the matching eau de parfum, if desired, to reinforce this fresh bouquet or wear alone.

What woman wouldn't be happy receiving such a gift?  Find these Swarovski ELEMENTS Pearl bracelets for $85 on Lisa Hoffman Beauty or watch for its launch on HSN on April 29 at 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  and April 30 at 3:00 a.m. and 10:00 am.

My suggestion is to go make Mom or your wife smile this Mother's Day!  Take it from yours truly, she will.

Bananas for Handbags Mackenzie Shoulder Bag Review and Hobo Handbag Giveaway!--Ends May 14, 2012

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Bananas for Handbags Mackenzie Shoulder Bag

What is it about the right accessory that can completely change an outfit?  A great pair of shoes or the perfect handbag can add style as well as function to really shake things up fashion wise like the beautiful selection of reasonably priced handbags from Bananas for Handbags.

I was sent the Mackenzie Shoulder Bag in black.  As I examined this bag and its construction, I thought it looked much more expensive than their selling price of $55.95.  This is a very spacious faux leather type of bag (17" x 10.5" x 6.5") that has a deep compartment that you can easily stuff a sweater with wonderful room, an interior wall pocket with a zipper and a cell phone holder complete with secure zippered closure.  What else I loved about this bag was changeable handles that it came with that gives me the freedom to carry it in my hands instead of on the shoulder and was a comfortable lighter weight.

I was so impressed with the quality of my bag that I wanted to see what their other bags were like and the prices.  And let me tell you what I found out in my exploration of their website will please you too.  Wow, Bananas for Handbags knows how to please us, ladies.  They had everything from gorgeous animal print bags, business bags, clutches/evening bags, crossbody bags, hobo bags, satchels, shoulder bags, tote bags, and even backpacks to suit all our womanly whims!

Are you still confused about what would be a good gift to buy Mom  this Mother's Day or something for yourself?  I highly recommend a visit to Bananas for Handbags because you'll find a nice handbag at a very affordable price.  I know I intend to go back!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion. Although I received a free product to facilitate this review, I was under no obligation to write a positive.* 

Thanks to Bananas for Handbags, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the continental United States wins their choice of any hobo bag from that category ($49.95 value)!

Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, INCLUDE your *EMAIL* with the NAME you follow me by in a comment.

2.  Follow Bananas for Handbags on Twitter and tell me with your Twitter id in a comment.

Extra Entries:

(Provide proof once with email when doing each form of entry and number the rest):

Tweet  #Follow @bforh for a chance to #Win #HoboHandbag #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/JoqUr5 Ends 5/14 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Bananas for Handbags on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in 2 separate comments. (Leave a message on their wall that you came from Nuts 4 Stuff)

Go to Bananas for Handbags and tell me which hobo bag you would pick if you won--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments.

Share Bananas for Handbags on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

Follow Bananas for Handbags on Pininterest--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Check out Bananas for Handbags video of YouTube and tell me something you learned--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments)

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--3 extra entries to leave in three separate comments

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--3 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in three separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--3 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in three separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where with proof in one)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where with proof in one)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in a comment)

Enter EatSmart Precision Get Fit Digital Body Fat Bathroom Scale Giveaway--1 extra entry to leave in a comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the continental United States.  No PO Boxes just USA-based street addresses. 

***Any entries that contain a link or website address for redirecting readers to your site to sell your products will be deleted when found.  I am giving you a chance to win, not advertise for free.*** Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends May 14, 2012 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.