Sorority Tree Photos

You know those sorority tree photos...yes, you do. The ones where they take the headshot in front of a tree and post them in the big sorority photo frames on the walls of the sorority house. Well, that's what this photo shoot felt like. I'm repping my main girl's top--Whitney D.--and some pretty awesome jewels from Excessory Exchange!

They are currently setting up their website to start selling more jewelry via their website; in addition to their facebook page.

I'm particularly found of their turquoise bracelet they sent me. You can literally wear turquoise with ANYTHING and it looks great! The bracelet is thick enough to wear it provides that extra pop of color for any outfit.

The necklace sports three layers of gems hanging down; which is pretty popular nowadays. I've seen similar ones at Francesca's and other boutiques but I know that Excessory Exchange has it at a better price. Did I mention that they are getting all of their Fall jewelry in! Stop on over and check them out here.

Looking in the Mirror

Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and wonder where all the time has gone. Then I realize it's gone to the beginning wrinkles on my face, the puffiness under my eyes, and the stress knotted up in my lower back. 

When working with younger, college age girls all day, I find myself constantly realizing how old I actually am. In order to bring my confidence level back up at work I eagerly accepted the opportunity to review one of Bioque Skincare's products, Serum XL.

Top is before, bottom is after.

They were kind enough to send me a bottle of Serum XL, a botox-like formula for fine lines and wrinkles. I mean, who am I to pass up an opportunity like that?! Plus, after looking into the product, celebrities like Kate Winslet and Halle Berry. In addition, Elle Magazine stated - "This is the hottest beauty product in Hollywood: age-delaying Serum XL by Bioque."

I would highly recommend looking into Bioque Serum XL if you're looking for a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. When I put Serum XL on my crows feet (start of them), I could feel it working almost immediately after. I felt a slight heat sting then running my fingers over it, I could feel it almost lifting the wrinkles up. I think the heat might have been just because I have extremely sensitive skin and use other dermatological creams at night as well.

If you aren't necessarily looking for an age-delaying serum, Bioque offers many other products you might be interested in looking into:  an eye restore, a moisturizing cream, rejuvenating night and day cream, body cream,  a firming gel, skin cleanser and skin refinisher.

What kind of Bioque product would you be interested in? 

Providing Sustainable Employment

A couple of days ago Lydali contacted me to partner with them in giving my readers insight into what they are all about. I jumped at the opportunity after reading up about them. Here's a little tidbit about what I learned about them:

Lydali partners with artisans around the world to offer one of a kind pieces of jewelry, household items, and other miscellaneous items, all hand-crafted. In addition, they provide sustainable employment for these individuals. Prior to Lydali these artisans would most likely be stuck selling their products in solely their respective towns. With Lydali, they can now sell their unique products across the globe.

Now, back to the jewelry! The green Miriam necklace is made in Nashville, TN by ladies being employed from off the streets ($36). The Hand-hammered Bombshell Bracelet is from Cambodia and crafted from melted down bombshells ($38). The Purple Agate Drusy Earrings are made by artisans in Brazil and plated with 18k gold ($48).  The Monogram Necklace is hand stamped by the ladies in Nashville and is covered in gold with a 17" chain ($30).

If you're like me, you absolutely adore each of these pieces and can think of several outfits that each will pair perfectly with. If so, please use this code "TOBYTAILS15"for 15% off your purchase today through August 10th!

What's your favorite piece from Lydali? 

Sweet Pea's Party

When my bloggy friend, Lauren, emailed me about doing a product review of one of her new Important Dates Customized Chalkboards, I jumped at the opportunity. She recently opened an Etsy shop called Sweet Pea's Party and they have TONS of cute stuff. 

How cute is this?! I mean, for real! Despite Chris' face, he even said that it will look great at our wedding. In addition, Sweet Pea's Party has several other items in their shop that are just adorable. One of which, is a wreath for the door. I will probably be buying this one soon for Chris and my new apartment together.

Seriously y'all, just imagine this with a custom frame.  It will be perfect on one of the tables at our wedding reception! I have seen projects like this on Pinterest, and know that I couldn't make my own and it turn out this good, so if I wasn't doing a review, I would have definitely ordered one anyway. You can't really see this from the picture, but around the sides it lists all of the places Chris and I have been together!  After the wedding, you best believe this bad boy will be hung up somewhere in our house.

If you haven't already checked them out, you should do so! Oh and by the way, just for being the lovely readers that you are, Sweet Pea's Party is offering all of you 10% off any purchase using the code: jaime10. 

What's your favorite thing from their shop???

Whiten those Chompers

Alright, do NOT judge me because I brush my teeth at least twice a day if not more. Sometimes you just need that extra little push to get them as white as they can be. In order to freshen them up before my engagement pictures, Smile Brilliant was kind enough to send me a LED Teeth Whitening kit.

To say that I'm happy with the results is an understatement. Nothing looks better on a woman than confidence and nice, white smile. Now, I have tried using the Crest White Strips and they work, but with sensitive teeth, I can't use them for the full duration without discomfort. I was worried about this when I received my Smile Brilliant kit; however, a couple days into it and using it for the full duration of time I realized that there was no discomfort or sensitivity. I can't tell you how relieved I was.

As you can see, I didn't have "yellow" teeth to begin with, but if you look at the top of my teeth (where they meet the gums) there is a bit of yellowing that can't be avoided even with brushing so often. Looking at my teeth now, I am thoroughly impressed and can't wait to show them off for my engagement pictures next week.

Did I happen to mention that the entire kit only costs $39.95?! Yeah...mind.blown. Hop on over and get yours ordered here.

What do you think? How would you like to win your very own kit?

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*winner will be verified.
*ships to U.S. and Canada only

The Gift That Just Keeps Giving

Poo-Pourri was kind enough to respond to my tweet and send me a box full of goodies to try out!
I sincerely considered taking "in action" pictures but Chris told me that was severely inappropriate so I decided to spare you the pictures and you will just have to take my word on it!

These were a God-send for the little stinkies at work that decide to do the "do-do" in our shared bathroom. Pee-yew! So, in an effort to reduce the stench, I placed some of the Royal Flush in the bathroom. Needless to say, there is no longer a smell when I go in there after someone and our bathroom doesn't have to smell like Febreze all day long.

Can't deny that I've used both the Deja Poo and the Poo-Pourri at home. It's literally a breath of fresh air afterwards. I don't have to warn Chris before he enters, and he doesn't have to warn me after using the Heavy Doody. I mean, seriously you guys, this stuff works and I think we all know how stinky a guy can be on his morning poo...let's get real, it was like Toby diarrhea-ing all over the walls sometimes. Thank God for Heavy-Doody Poo-Pourri! (Sorry, Chris).

If you're looking for that perfect gift-that just keeps giving- for Father's Day, look no further, you want  need to get him some Heavy Doody Poo-Pourri, and possibly some of their Shoe-Pourri. Chris used it on his Sperry's he mowed the lawn in and you couldn't smell the sweat or lawn smell anymore. Heck, while you're at it, why not give them something for both ends, some Heavy-Doody and some Potty Mouth.

Using the code "TOBYS15" you can save 15% on your purchase through July 31st! Make sure to visit their website here, and check out some of their other products, including those for your stinky pets!

Don't forget to enter to win some of this fabulous jewelry here and also, there's a nail polish giveaway going on here.

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Peach and Florals

So, I ordered this top and shorts from Impressions as one of my engagement picture outfits. I had Lenae snap a couple of pictures of it after I tried it on because I LOVED it, but it just didn't fit me right. The top was a little snug, as were the shorts. I'm sending it back and am going to just go with a dress for the engagement pictures to be on the safe side, but I wanted you to see how adorable this outfit was and let you know where I bought it from! 

Check out all of this AMAZING jewelry- courtesy of Excessory Exchange (minus the kick-a engagement ring...thanks Chris)!

The earrings, necklace, two bracelets, and the green ring are all from Excessory Exchange and, if this outfit had fit, would have gone PERFECTLY with it for future occasions. I can't say enough good things about this company. The owners are awesome and get back to any questions in a prompt manner.

Y'all know me, I can't pass up a good deal and when I came across their company and saw that all of their jewelry was under about $25, I was thrilled! It might be hard to tell but the necklace is adorable with it's little bee on the flower. In addition, the gold bracelet is magnetic, therefore staying in place all day long. The ring actually fits any finger, which is hard to find nowadays, and the coral bracelet- I mean, let's get real, anything coral or mint is HOT, HOT, HOT this season! Grab them before it's too late!

Hop on over and check out all of the other pieces they have to offer! They are currently working on getting their webpage up and running, so get your pieces before they are seen by millions over the web!

Don't forget to enter to win some of this fabulous jewelry here and also, there's a nail polish giveaway going on here.

Linking up with Style Sessions, What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, and Trending Pretty Wednesday.

Red Lips and Necklaces-DS Beading

Recently, Darla of DS Beading was kind enough to send me three pieces of her handmade jewelry.

The first necklace, the globes and tassel clear crackle necklace, and matching earrings are FABULOUS! I've had her jewelry for a couple days now, and have had the opportunity to wear this set several times. Each time I've worn this, I've gotten multiple compliments. Since the globes are clear, I can wear it with anything and between me and you, I LOVE the tassels on the end--they give me something to do while sitting at my desk.

The second necklace, the wire wrapped handmade banded stone necklace, is so eloquently made. This one can only be found on Darla's Etsy shop. I love the fact that she sent me a colored one because the light purple stone looks great against this dark top. 

The best part of these gorgeous handmade pieces would have to be the price. All of her pieces, including the sets, are less than $25. I'm a jewelry fiend, therefore, I can attest that jewelry, especially handmade jewelry, priced under $25 is a steal.

Go check out her website and Etsy shop for more amazing pieces of jewelry! And if you have the chance, stop by her blog and let her know I sent you! :) Thanks friends!

Marital Mondays: Custom Wedding Planning Binder

 

 

 

Sara, over at PerfectPlans, was kind enough to send me a custom wedding planning binder, equipped with a lightweight, wedding planning notebook. 

This binder came included with the following pages:

* Wedding Events at a Glance
* Vendors at a Glance
*12 Month Planning Timeline
*12 Month Blank Calendar
* Budget Worksheets
*Reception and Ceremony Considerations
*Vendor Payment Schedule
*Registry
*Reception Music
*Wedding Party Information
*Wedding Day Timeline

In addition, there are business card sheets, eight pocket dividers, sheet protectors for contracts, and an envelope on the inside of the cover--to hold pens, swatches, receipts, etc.

This binder is perfect for my jotting down all of my wedding planning notes. I am a huge paper printing fiend, so having somewhere to organize all of my notes, receipts, menus, contracts, etc. is a blessing! Sara was awesome too! She was quick to respond to any questions I had for her and she had my binder sent out within 2 days. Great turn around and even better customer service.

For all of my engaged readers, or those with friends/family members that are newly engaged, Sara is offering one lucky reader a free, custom wedding planning notebook or $10 of store credit. Make sure you go check out her shop for examples of other custom binders she's done.

 

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Linking up for I Love Bloglovin', Monday Mingling, The GFC Collective.
 

Peplum and Mint- Excessory Exchange Review

 

 

 

 

 

 Pants: Loft

Top: Francesca's

Shoes: Target

Jewelry: Excessory Exchange

Dog: c/o Lenae

 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...mint is the must have color for this year. Excessory Exchange was kind enough to send me a couple pieces of jewelry to review and I was more than happy to see these mint pieces in the mail.

 

Excessory Exchange operates on Facebook and runs great deals on accessories and jewelry daily! The owners are wonderful to work with and the best part is that you can shop great deals from Facebook. Hop on over there and check out their new spring and summer products!

 

I am LOVING this mint and brown braided necklace paired with the small, mint teardrop earrings. I love statement necklaces but have trouble with the heavier ones hurting my neck. This necklace was perfect. The weight was just right and it hung right where I like them to hit on my chest. The mint teardrop earrings are exactly what I look for in my everyday pieces. They are just the right size and the color is to die for.

 

In addition, Excessory Exchange was kind enough to send me two other pieces, a gold braided bracelet and a pair of lime green large teardrop earrings. The gold is a great statement piece when a necklace is not necessary. Yellow and rose gold are making a come back and I had to jump on the band wagon with that trend. The lime green earrings are adorable! I can see myself wearing this out this summer. Date nights, pool visits, drinks with some friends. The pop of color is perfect!

 

 

Stay tuned for a large jewelry giveaway from Excessory Exchange and make sure to check out their Facebook page here.

 

 

Linking up with Style Sessions, What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, and Trending Pretty Wednesday.