Inspired

I have found myself inspired from being around all this jewelry all the time, and by my two jewelry designing friends Marcy (of course from Marcy's Designs who many of you know is the jewelry line that I share and just LOVE) and April of Beadcentric in San Carlos with her gorgeous designs (thanks Marcy and April, and April..I hope you bought those very cool 'glow in the dark' beads!). The result of this is that my daughter Kasey and I have started to design and make some jewelry of our own. I set up a table for the two of us with all our supplies, she on one side and I on the other, and we have been enjoying ourselves!  I have always done a bit of beading, but only for myself or for friends, and my kids are suprisingly good at. (My son, when he was 10 or 11 spent some time jewelry making and I was quite impressed with his design skills. He has since moved on to designing web sites ;).
Well, the other day I found myself googling for the next bead and gem show in the area and, lo and behold, there was one just one week away.
So today, off we went to spend three hours exploring all the glittery, shiny baubles. And goodness, we had to take a few breather breaks so I wouldnt get over stimulated with rows and rows of beading vendors! Phew!
I thought you would like to see what we ended up with for our days haul:

Glass pendants with coordinating swarovski and czech cyrstals, I wish you could see the sparkle here!

I am thinking a ribbon added to this would be beautiful...What do you think?

Howli beads, and beads that look like those little chewing gum rocks. Do you remember those?

Turquoise, pearls and crystals. I just had to have those rainbow crystal beads. Can you imagine the possibilities? I can not wait to sit down and play.

If you see anything you would like or have any ideas for me, please comment below. More inspiration is always good!

Black onyx, garnet and cherry quartz crystal

I am really enjoying reds right now...

I dont know where this is taking me, but you just may find a few of these beads turned into jewelry on my boutique shelves or on my online catalog (or, I just may keep them for myself ;).

By the way, I have also felt the tug to make my own makeup....hmmmm.....

Style-Essentials.org
Contact me through the above link

Be sure this ingredient is not in your cosmetics....

Have you been purging your parabens? Keep going, it is well worth it. 

The next ingredient on the list to avoid is Triclosan. Triclosan is an artificial antimicrobial chemical (say that three times fast) used to kill bacteria on the skin and other surfaces. It is the most comon ingredient found in antibacterial hand soaps and you will find it in skin care and cosmetics as well. In skin care, it tends to show up in your facial cleansers. You will also find it in a number of everyday items such as dishwasher detergent, toothpaste and deoderants.

Because Triclosan is stored in the fat cells and can build up in our bodies over time, it is important to avoid it where you easily can. Your cosmetics and skin care is an easy area to start. Recent studies indicate that the thyroid function is effected by Triclosan and potentially other hormone systems can be disrupted. There is also evidence that it can react with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform, another suspected chemical that can be damaging to our health. 

Blech.

The Environmental Working Group is working hard to share this important health wise information. Please check them out at www.ewg.org
Another nasty ingredient will be shared on the next post...be on the watch for what to stay away from..but for now some Style Essential News.

Come see the gorgeous silk, cotton and wool scarves, in many styles. Some warm and cozy for those chilly days coming up, others stylish & light enough to wear around your neck all day. 

Join me at the San Carlos Art and Wine Festival on October 10th & 11th downtown San Carlos.
Saturday I will join Yesi's Imports, a new womans & kids clothing store at 653 Laurel Street and will be doing makeovers with the natural minerals. This is a good opportunity to have a fun day out and try the minerals on, or try on a new look. To book your appointment contact Yesi at 650-394-4690, or me. The $15.00 appointment fee is refundable in product.

You know, it occured to me that Dash Minerals are so new to California, there are only three woman who sell it direct here and Yesi's Imports is the first retail store to be carrying the line. You get to watch it grow with me ;)

Sunday I will be sharing my jewelry at the fair, exact location to be determined, either Yesi's Imports, Glinda's Fudge and More, or Bloomingayles. All on Laurel Street in San Carlos and all my wonderful friends!!  

Please come say hello.
Pink Agate with Smoky Quartz & Pearl. Chunky and Funky! Necklace $36.00, Earrings $12.00

Other News...

Style Essentials on line catalog is now open and ready to use for your convenience! I am very excited about this and we have been working very hard to make this happen because so many folks have asked for it. So, please, take a moment to look through the website shopping (currently only the full line of mineral makeup that I offer can be purchased on line, but more is on the way) pages and tell me what you think.
We are really in the 'beta' phase and wanting to improve as we go along so we welcome your suggestions and loving comments. My wonderful son has done a great job on the storefront so when you see him, please congratulate him on his work. Thanks!

Gift with Purchase through the holidays.

Purchase $35.00 with Style Essentials and receive this silver cosmetic bag (or 'anything' bag!) as your gift. After the holidays, if there are any bags left, they will retail for $12.50. Quite a steal!  The bags measure 6 1/2 by 3 1/2, have a nice soft feel, are 'pleather' and can hold quite a bit of stuff! They make sweet & gift giving with say... a lip gloss or pair of earings inside.

Tidbit of essential style: I have taken to carrying a fabulous pink or purple pen with me whereever I go to use when signing or writing anything. 

What about you? What is your style essential?
www.style-essentials.org
Contact me here