A Quick Hello - Maybe I'm Back

It's been well over a year since I've blogged so I thought I would just pop in to say hello. My last post was on November 24, 2014 and I mentioned how I would make a video to explain why I've been absent. Well, that didn't happen and I went all of 2015 without making one post or youtube video.
The short story is, I became a wife and part homeowner (that means mortgage) at the end of 2014 and my priorities changed a bit. I was also  plenty busy with my etsy shop and I was a vendor at  Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar  almost every month last year. That means I was making lots of jewelry. I was also taking on some temps jobs. Last year was pretty full year so blogging and making videos took a back seat.

 I can't say how often I'll blog and/or youtube this year.  Though I have been trying out some pretty cool products lately. Especially the Korean beauty stuff which really blew up last year. I've bought my fair share of sheet masks, essences, and ampoules and some of them are really fantastic. Most of my purchases have come from Memebox but I've tried a few other shops too.

 I've also been experimenting with different hair products and I think I've found a couple of holy grails including TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask; my hair LOVES it.  FYI, tgin products are buy 2, get 1 free at Sally Beauty Supply through January.

So, perhaps I'll post here and there with updates and some of my latest faves. We'll see! Stay tuned until then.












Photo sources: sallybeautysupply.com, memebox.com

The Makeup Show Chicgo 2014 - Random Footage

Here is a little bit of footage from The Makeup Show Chicago 2014. Actually it's more like a walk through. The show was about to end and it was starting to empty out a bit. So, I thought it'd be a great time to film a quick video.
Also, check out my hauls from The Makeup Show here:
Part 1 - Blogger Swag Bag
Part 2 - My Purchases

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video

 

New in my Etsy shop - Silver Stainless Steel Hoop Earrings

I've been getting so many request to add some more silver to my Etsy shop. Especially for the hoop earrings. Well, I've finally added them and I decided to use stainless steel. I've used aluminum in the past but I like working with stainless better. I have them available in small, medium, and large, just like the brass and copper versions. Click  the photos/links  below for more info.

Large Hammered Hoops

Medium Hammered Hoops

Small Hammered Hoops

January 2014 @Birchbox Unboxing

Here's my first Birchbox of the year! Check out what I got. And it was starting to get a little dark, so please excuse the lighting. Please watch in HD.

Join Birchbox HERE!

From l to r clockwise

Nail Rock Nail Velvet (Full Size ) $7.00 value 

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream (1.6 oz) full size retails for $19.99

Juicy Couture Couture La La (.05 oz sample vial) Full size retails from $70-90

Inika Mineral Eyeshadow - eternal marine  (Full size .04oz) $20 value

Burt Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion (0.25oz) full size retails approx. 17.99

Featured On Etsy Finds!

Yesterday, I woke up to a few Etsy sales. Then I looked on the Esty app and noticed an unusual amount of views for my shop and a couple items. Way more than I usually get in a day, week even. Then I got an email from  Etsy that said one of my items (Small Brass Hoops) was popular because it was getting so many views. The email mentioned that maybe my earrings were featured on Etsy or somewhere else. So I did some research.

Checked the front page - nothing there. Did some searches online, twitter, instagram, pinterest, and there was nothing. Analytics only led me to Etsy's homepage. I had no idea where the traffic was coming from. So, I asked a few of the customers how they found me.  Two people responded and told me I was in the Etsy Finds email. OMG. WHAT?

Yep! I was featured in a daily email that Etsy sends out to it's gazillion subscribers. And guess what? I wasn't a subscriber so I missed it *womp*. I couldn't find a link or anything that would lead me to this feature. I thought maybe they had archives but there were none. So today, I asked around on social media and someone came through with a link. YAY. I got to see it and was so excited. Here it is and my earrings are under the title 'May The Circle Be Unbroken.' Woot! Now off to do some hammering!
And below is just a screen shot I did a lil tinkering to.

December 2013 Birchbox Unboxing

Hi all! Hope your new year is getting off to a great start. Here's my Birchbox from December 2013. I wanted to upload it sooner but I my internet was down.  So here it is now because I don't like wasting a video.  FYI, my hair was styled using Curls products. Review coming soon!
Join Birchbox HERE.


.

Happy 2014!

Hi all! Popping in to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I wanted to make this post sooner but the last few weeks of  December, through today, were like a whirlwind. I had temp work, jewelry orders, holiday stuff, etc...And then my internet went out for a little over a week. . So, I'm just now kind of winding down from all the holiday hoopla and getting settled into the new year. I haven't even really set any resolutions, goals, intentions for this year yet. And I want to do some sort of vision board and/or list. I just haven't had to time to sit and focus. Hopefully I'll be able to some writing and planning within the next week. Anyway, just wanted to say Happy New Year. I wish you all the best and I'll leave you with a couple of highlights from December 2013.

                                                  Afrobella.com Sun-Times Splash Feature

Patrice Grell Yursik of Afrobella.com included my jewelry ( Brass Hoop Earrings) in her Suntimes Splash Feature! EEK! I had no idea she was doing this it so was an awesome surprise. When I first learned of the feature, I thought it was only online. It wasn't until later that day when I found out this feature was also in the actual Sunday Suntimes Newspaper. Can you say geeked? So I had to run out and grab the paper. 

I was and will always be grateful to Patrice for her support. She's been so kind and sweet since I first met her. She has such major influence and celebrity ties but is still always down to earth and always looking out for the small businesses, artists, and brands. 

I Got Engaged!

The beau proposed to me on , New Year's Eve, December 31, 2013 and it came at a total shock to me.

There was no fancy dinner or night out. He wasn't acting weird. It was just another normal day. We'd just got in from working out. He took a shower first then I took mine. I came out of the bathroom - all the lights were off and two candles were burning. I asked him what he was doing and he just smiled. I smiled, laughed and asked him what was going on. See, I thought he was being silly  as we both can be sometimes. I still didn't suspect a proposal. I then sat on the couch, laughed, and asked, once more,  what was he doing. Then he held out a box and asked me to marry him. I said yes! And I totally did the OMG, fanning, cry thing. We plan to get married this year. And we want something simple and ...ahem...budget friendly. We're both not real physched about the planning.  We'd totally do city hall but the fam would never, ever, ever,  forgive us. And my dad's excited about walking me down the aisle. So a small simple ceremony it shall be. I'll keep you posted and I'm accepting any and all suggestions.  

November 2013 Birchbox Unboxing - #MoreGood

Check out what I got in the November 2013 Birchbox! I also have another box to show you, which I received at the screening of Delivery Man, starring Vince Vaughn. View the video to see what I got in both boxes.
Also, there's only a few days left to enter my jewelry giveaway!
Check it out here: http://bit.ly/1gxdsVS

Jazjewelz Earrings Giveaway!

Giveaway time! Enter for a chance to win a pair of hoop earrings.  Winner will choose between a pair of hammered hoops (metal and size of winner's choice) or beaded trade bead hoops (winner chooses size). 

Check the link for more details and Good Luck! 

 Enter HERE---> http://bit.ly/1gxdsVS

Hammered Hoops are available in brass, copper, and aluminum. Sizes, small, medium and large (shown below).

Trade Bead Earrings are available in small,  medium,  and large (shown below). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Natural & Curly Hair Care Essential Kit

I picked up this little Jane Carter kit in Target, tried it out several times,and decided to do a review. I have not done many reviews for hair products but I plan to do more soon. Check out the video and let me know what you think.

                                                     

                                                          After taking out my braids

After separating 

Close-up

October 2013 Birchbox Unboxing #BBbeautybuzz

I'm a little late posting this, but here is my October 2013 Birchbox unboxing. And while I'm satisfied with my box, I saw a few items (in other unboxings) that I would have loved to get. Especially the Pop Beauty gloss and the Liz Earle skincare. I'm cool with my box though. Check out the video and let me know what you think. Don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe!

from l to r

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation  

full size retails for $42

Bain de Terre Macadamia Oil Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner (1.7 oz travel sizes)

full sizes retail for $12 and $13.50

*Birchbox Find: Chapstick Hydration Lock Lip Moisturizer (full-size) 

Evologie Stay Clear Cream (.33 oz sample)

full size retails for $62

*Birchbox Find - items that are in addition to, never in place of, usual samples

                                                                   

Favorite Things Etc on Twitter and Facebook!

Hi all! I created a Facebook page and twitter account for FavoriteThingsEtc blog. I hope you'll join me on those accounts. And if you haven't already, please join me on Youtube as well. I have not decided if I want to do a separate instagram yet but I'll keep ya posted.

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

New Jazjewelz Etsy Shop Items and Discount Code UPDATED 8/2

Update:
So, added a couple more pieces to the shop today and thought I would just add them to this post. They are the first 3 pieces and the coupon below is still live and will be valid until 8/4.

Here are the newest pieces in my shop. Please use the discount code NEWPIECES to get 15% off of your order of $20 or more thru Friday 8/2. Shop HERE.Oh, and just as I was creating this post the first two items sold (Shout out to Yolonda B). I'll show them anyway.

Event: Art+ Sol Flea Market

Art + Sol Flea Market returns this Saturday, 7/27, on Howard Street from 10am-6pm. And I'll be there selling my jewels. Please stop by and support your local artists and vintage vendors. By the way, 7/27 is my birthday :) Yes, I'll be working on my bday. And I don't mind one bit. Hope to see ya there!

Etsy Shop Updates - New Jewelry

I've been a little bust lately with several different projects, I haven't had much time to update my etsy shop. Until now! I've only added a few pieces. And I plan to add a few pieces more frequently, instead of a bunch of pieces at once. So here's what I added.and make sure to check out the rest of my shop HERE.

                                        

Crystal Quartz Brass Bangle

Hammered Hoop Earrings

Agate and Brass Necklace

Titanium Crystal Ring (adjustable)

Hammered Copper Earrings

June 2013 Birchbox Unboxing

Check out what I got in this month's Birchbox. Feel free to rate, comment, and subscribe! Join Birchbox for $10/month HERE

Birchbox postcards

Davines OI/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion 3ml/0.10oz sample
full-size retails for $40

Davines Love Smoothing Conditioner sample 12ml/0.41oz

Davines Smoothing Shampoo 2.5oz
full-size retails for $24

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss full-size Shade: Quick Kiss
full-size retails for $26.55

Color Club Polish 7ml-0.25oz mini
Wanderlust collection with 4 minis retails for $8

Oscar de la Renta Something Blue sample vial
retails for $85-$115

Upcoming Event: Art & Sol Flea Market

This Saturday, I'll be vending at the Art & Sol Flea Market from 10am-6pm. There will other local vendors selling handmade goods, art, and vintage items. If you're in the Chicagoland area, please stop by and support your local artists.

Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox May 2013 Unboxing

I got my Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox a couple of days ago. Below is  a video of everything I got in the box.
I received this box for free from Influenster! It is an invited community. I have a few invites-let me know if you want one.  Here is little info from the site:

"Influenster is a free -to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products."

Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox May 2013

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant/deodorant
retails at 4.59

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm
retail for $2.99

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure
retails for $5.99-$7.99

Osis Gelastic gel
retails for $18.00

Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes
retails for $4.49/box

Out and About: Green Festival Chicago 2013

On Sunday, 19, 2013, the beau and I went to the Green Festival which we've done for the past 4 years. It was held at Navy Pier and we were having lovely weather that day. So it felt great on the pier. When we entered the exhibit we saw one of the beau's former co-workers at the Nature's Conservancy booth. We chatted with her for a minute and then we took a photo for their All Hands On Earth Movement and got a free t-shirt afterwards.

The dry erase board says we're eating less meat to help the environment

Next, we just walked around checking out all of the booths. Especially the food/snack booths which were all sampling their products. And I, of course, had to see all of the health and beauty exhibitors. And there were quite a few but only one of them really captured my attention. And my wallet. Browsed the photos below to see what we checked out .

                                                                                 

There were plenty of food/snack items to sample but the one I enjoyed the most was from Luna & Larry's Organic Coconut Bliss which is an alternative to ice cream. I've tried this product before but they had some new flavors. I sampled the Mocha Maca Crunch variety and it was delicious. 

Manitoba Harvest was there with samples of their Hemp Hearts and their new Hemp Pro 70 protein powder. I picked up a couple of samples but I also bought some Hemp Hearts which I have had before. They also had a twitter contest going on which I entered. And guess what? I won! Yaaaay. I got a twitter mention this morning letting me know that I won. The prize is a $100 gift certificate for Manitobaharvest.com. So, I'll be doing a little shopping soon. 

I won?!

As I mentioned earlier, I checked out all of the beauty companies and only a few captured my attention; Shea Terra Organics was one of them. I was familiar with this brand before the show and have always been intrigued by their products. This was my chance to sample and sniff all they had to offer. 

As I made my way around the booth, I saw the sign. 50% off of body creams and oils * faints* so I instantly grabbed the items I wanted most (below) and checked out. 

l-r Marula Whipped Shea Butter, Frankincense Meditation Whipped Shea Butter, Honeybush Peach Body Nectar Spray. FYI, use the code May2013 to get 30% off of your Sheaterra.com order thru 5/23. I think I'll  use that code to get a few more items. 

We needed to break for food and decided on this veggie chili and kale salad. It was from a restaurant called B' Gabs Goodies. We had never heard of this place before though it's near the beau's place. We'll definitely check out the restaurant soon. After finishing our salad we walked around a little more to see if we missed anything. Then we headed out to enjoy the rest of our day. Overall we enjoyed the festival and I'm sure well attend next year. 

Here are the samples that we picked up. l-r clockwise

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro 70 protein powder, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts, 

Shea Terra Organics Rose hips Black Soap

Shea Terra Organics Moroccan Argan Oil

Raw Revolution Live Food Bars

Wholesome Sweeteners Fair Trade Cane Sugars and Agave Nectar

Dr. Bronners Lavender Coconut Lotion, Shikakai Soap, and Castile Soap