Pulling double duty

This Goody 2-in-1 headband/necklace is one of those items that every woman should have in her purse at all times. It could possibly even TRIPLE and QUADRUPLE as a double-wrap bracelet and ponytail holder. I don't remember what I paid for these but I'm sure it was less than $5. That's a bargain when you figure your price per wear. Every item in one's wardrobe should have to earn its spot and this item does just that. (BONUS: There are 2 headbands so you can use them doubled or keep one in your purse and one in your travel toiletry bag.)

Tiny trinkets

I love the tiny jewelry trend that's going on right now. It's so soft and feminine and delicate and maybe even a little romantic but you can still add a little bit of edge. Plus it can be worn at any age. I was browsing the Lulu's website and found these adorable earrings and I absolutely fell in love.



First up, we have the small cameo earrings. I love cameos. These remind me of a powder bowl that my Mom had on the back of her toilet for years. It had a cameo on the lid. Anyhow . . . Cameos are very classic pieces. You can wear them with classic or romantic outfits.


Next up, we have the rose gold colored spike earrings. The rose gold color gives them that touch of softness but the spike makes them edgy. These can be worn with pretty much anything - classic, romantic or edgy.



Then we have the rose gold colored heart and arrow earrings. These are just adorable and so delicate and romantic.


Finally, we have the rose gold colored rose earrings. These are also very delicate and romantic. They're a rose gold colored rose. That says it all!

And the best part??? They are all available online at Lulus.com for only $10 so this trend is extremely affordable AND if you have multiple ear piercings, you can afford to get an assortment of small studs and mix them.

My Man Rocks!

The Hot Tamale went on a business trip not too long ago. He usually tries to bring me back a little something. This particular trip he came home with these - gunmetal angel wing earrings with crystal accents. My Man totally rocks!!! I was extremely impressed because he picked them out all by himself and I love all things angels. They're quite substantial, almost like pewter, and the detail in the feathers is quite intricate. Every time I wear them, I get alot of compliments so I always take the opportunity to compliment my Hot Tamale on his impeccable taste.

Bllliiinnnggg!

I'll admit it - I am easily distracted by shiny objects. It's true! I looooove jewelry. So I was really excited to see what Kate Middleton was going to wear for her royal wedding. So here is a picture of her wedding bling.

The tiara is the Cartier "Halo" tiara that King George VI purchased for his wife in 1936 and was given to Queen Elizabeth for her 18th birthday. The Queen loaned it to the Duchess of Cambridge for her special day.

The earrings were a gift from Kate's parents. The dangle in the middle of the earrings is an acorn - from the Middleton family crest.

And, of course, there is the ring. The beautiful 18-carat saphire and diamond ring that Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana for their engagement. It was then presented to Kate Middleton by Prince William as his "way of making sure that my mother didn't miss out". I haven't heard anything about the actual wedding band that the Duchess of Cambridge wears but I believe it to be either a gold or platinum band - simple and just like Diana.



The Duchess didn't wear any other jewelry for her wedding. She is truly a classy, elegant, yet simple lady.

If your necklace is too small . . .

I was talking to a girlfriend of mine last week and she was telling me that she had purchased a stunning pearl choker but when she got it home, she discovered that it was too small. She went on to tell me that she wasn't going to be able to wear it.

I had one word for her - EXTENDER. What is an extender you ask? Well, it is a little piece of chain that you attach to the fastener ring of your necklace and it extends the length of your necklace by about an inch or inch and a half. It has a ring at the end of it so you still have a way to fasten your necklace.

This handy little item can be purchased at any jewelry store or it can also be purchased at your local Wal-Mart. The ones at Wal-Mart are sterling silver and cost less than $5.00.

Don't let a little thing like fit stop you from wearing your favorite jewelry pieces!

Did you know . . . ???

Alot of people may not know this. It's a very useful piece of information that I got from someone I once knew.

Did you know that you can clean your sterling silver jewelry (or any tarnished metal) using a pencil eraser? Its true. I have cleaned many pieces that were showing some tarnish by just rubbing them with a regular pink pearl pencil eraser. It makes the jewelry look brand-new. After rubbing the metal with an eraser, you may want to rub it with a soft cloth such as a soft washcloth or old t-shirt and Voila! Good as new.