From My Vanity

Beauty, Skincare, and a bit of Lifestyle

Win a necklace with a coded message! (Giveaway)

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Okay, I’ve got another post for today. But, since this does have a giveaway at the end of it…I’m hoping you won’t mind. Yeah, I know…who wouldn’t want to enter a giveaway, right?? Especially when it is a jewelry giveaway! (I love getting new jewelry!!! ;-D

Today I’m on Etsy once again, this time showcasing Jen’s jewelry business, Arbotique Designs. If you’re looking for beautiful, dainty jewelry…this is the place to check out!! In her own words, Arbotique Designs “…is full of wearable, whimsical art! Every girl deserves a little sparkle, so while my finished pieces are made with only sterling or fine silver and gemstones, you will love the prices almost as much as the jewelry itself! Email me for custom orders and happy shopping!”

My Fringe Earrings!!

For this review post, I got her Modern Sterling Silver Fringe Earrings. I always love this style of earrings, so was very excited about getting them in the mail. From the picture, I personally thought they looked a little on the big side, but when they came in they were pretty dainty and delicate-looking. Which was what I was hoping for! Big earrings are always fun, but sometimes I just want something small, get sophisticated and pretty. 🙂

The earrings came attached to this cute little ‘holder’ that has the Arbotique Designs logo on it. Very unique and cute!! She included three of her business cards, which will come in handy when people ask me where I got my earrings. 😉 And not only that, but the earrings were placed in a velvet pouch. Loved

As you can see from the picture (above), the sterling silver is very bright and pretty. Dainty, too–the chain and beads are pretty small! I like how the beads break up the dangling chains, giving it dimension and style. All the chain, links, and beads feel pretty secure. No visible ‘weak-links that I could detect. 

All in all, these earrings were very well made! They are the kind of jewelry that will last. I love ’em! Thanks Jen for designing and making quality jewelry!!

And my little fringe earrings isn’t the only thing that Arbotique Designs offers. Just check out this necklace (left) that I found today. Too pretty!! I LOVE the light blue with the sterling silver. Very pretty!!

As I said, there are lots of other pieces of jewelry available — earrings, necklace, bracelet, rings…she even has a “destash supply” folder filled with pretty cool-lookin’ rock pendants.

Okay, before we get on to the giveaway…if you are (like me) unable to wait to see if you win the giveaway. Or if you found something else on Arbotique Designs that you just LOVE. Be aware that Jen has offered a 20% discount for all my readers for the month of September. 

Yep! That’s right! Get 20% off your order from Arbotique Designs by using the code “legacy20” at checkout and–BAM!–it’s cheaper. But make sure you use this discount soon–it only lasts until the end of September!!

Places you can keep in touch with Arbotique Design…

So! Now that you’ve read about Arbotique Designs and seen my thoughts on the jewelry…it’s giveaway time!! Jen has very kindly offered her Sterling Silver Morse Code Necklace (customized with up to 6 words) to one winner! 
Follow the instructions in the rafflecopter below to enter! The giveaway ends 9/17 at midnight.

Jewelry from a lady of many talents! (Giveaway)

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I’m a little late getting this post out, but no matter the time, you’ll want to listen up! If you’re a book-lover of Christian fiction and haven’t heard of Casey over at Writing for Christ, then there’s something wrong! Casey was one of the first Christian fiction book bloggers I stumbled upon and the girl who inspired me to begin blogging! So I owe her a lot! 😉

Casey is a girl of many talents, as not only does she blog about books and is in the process of writing her own Contemporary Woman’s fiction, but she also has a jewelry-making business on the side! Yep, she’s the owner of Bug’s Beads on Etsy.

If you’ve been following Casey’s book blog, but have never looked into her jewelry, I highly recommend that you do! There are such beautiful pieces over there! Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets…and she even has a new product line. It’s called “Mother and Me” and right now she has a pair of identical bracelets fit for a mother and her daughter. SO cute!! 😀

My package from Casey’s Bug’s Beads!

For this post, Casey send me this gorgeous bracelet you see on the right. I don’t own anything so delicate-looking and dainty–I just love it! The colored beads are brown, but it’s such a light shade that you can wear this bracelet with many different colors and it’d still go. And just in case you can’t see from the picture, the other beads are a white-pearl color and has silver separators on each side of the brown beads. Very simple, but beautiful, design!

As I said before, it’s a delicate, dainty looking bracelet. But don’t let looks fool you–while it looks delicate, it’s very durable and made with quality items. You can tell just by looking at it. The beads are small, and strung onto a strong and bendable wire.

A up-close look at my bracelet!

The clasps are very securely fastened to the wire. Very clean, too, I might add! No extra wire hanging out anywhere. There’s a little pendent on mine that, I think, says ‘booka’. Not sure what that means, but it’s cute and I like it!

(And, hey, it almost says “books” and since I’m a book-lover…yeah, that’s another reason why I like it! 😉

What else is there to say? Hmm…nothing much, except that I highly recommend Casey’s Bug’s Beads to everyone both for the beauty and quality of the jewelry. This bracelet I received is perfect for adults and (because it’s so ‘dainty’) it would even look great on a young girls arm.

Casey has a lot of other pieces of jewelry over at Bug’s Beads, so I recommend you checking them out. And if you do, keep an eye out for these earrings on the right. I just discovered them…and realized how well they would go with my bracelet!

Hmm…now all I have to do is find a necklace to go with it, and I’m set!

Places you can keep in touch with Casey’s Bug’s Beads…
Etsy  /  Blog  /  Facebook

Guess what?! It’s giveaway time! Yep! Casey has generously (and sweetly!) offered to host a giveaway for one of her bracelets. It’s this pretty brown, pink, and pearl beaded one below. Isn’t it lovely?! Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below in order to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stones (or brass plates! ;-) on string…and you could win it! (Giveaway)

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I apologize for how late this post is! Had a busy morning taking my siblings to see a movie, then the sunshine just called to me…and I succumbed and spent a few hours enjoying it’s rays. 🙂 But! I’m here now, and with a fun jewelry review and bracelet to giveaway, so keep reading!!

Today (or, more accurately, tonight) we are taking a look at Melissa’s Etsy shop, Stone on String—Style for the Body, Beauty for the Soul. Her hobby for making jewelry developed into a business in 2005 and she’s been doing it ever since. Stone on String sells earthy, natural pieces of jewelry that can also be personalized with inspirational words and quotes.

For review (and giveaway!) Melissa sent me this beautiful leather corded bracelet with the words “Faith” inscribed next to a cross. Isn’t it so cute??

As I said, the bracelet is made from a cotton cord. The size is changeable, so it’ll fit many sizes. The brass plate with the word etched into it is good quality and looks great alongside the tan cord. While the bracelet is simply made and adorned, its beautiful and is something you can wear with just about anything. A comfortable and relaxing style, in my opinion.

And bracelets aren’t the only thing you can get at Stone on String! There are necklaces, earrings, and even a some men’s jewelry! And all of the men’s things have a really laid back, comfortable look to them–so something that special guy of yours would wear everyday, everywhere!

Just check out this picture to the right. It’s a “Men’s or Unisex Black Cord Necklace with Hand Stamped Brass Tags & Silver Leaf Jasper Gemstone Charm”. Melissa has it available right now over on Etsy!

As I said, she’s got a lot of really neat jewelry! Have you seen those wrap-around bracelet that make up a nice, thick bracelet once you’ve wrapped it around your wrist several times? It’s over at Stone on String, with several different types of colors/types to choose for your bracelet.

And, as I promised, there’s also a giveaway! 😀 Fun, fun, ehh?? Yep! Well, just enter this rafflecopter form below in order to enter. And be aware–some things you can come back each day to do for additional points. Wrack those entries up. This bracelet is one you’ll want to own!!

Of course, if you can’t wait, feel free to have a shopping spree over at Stone on String. And if you mention to Melissa that you heard about her store through here, just so she knows…that’d be cool, too! 😉

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Leather jewelry made just the way YOU want it! (Giveaway)

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Okay! I know I usually don’t post giveaways on Wednesdays, but this
was supposed to go up yesterday and I wasn’t able to post it. Ah well,
today will work just as well, and I know you won’t care its a day late
when you discover what you have the opportunity to win.

Oh yeah, keep reading! If you at all like the leather/rustic jewelry, then this is the giveaway for you! Michelle V, owner of Custom Leather Jewelry
specializes in leather cuff/bracelets that has messages etched into the
metal plates. Totally cool and makes for such special and unique
jewelry.

And the perfect gift to give someone!!

Michelle sent me a bracelet to review for y’all and give my opinion on the quality, style, and service of Custom Leather Jewelry and, after a lot of thought, I finally decided what I would have etched into my cuff.

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me

Sweet
quote, isn’t it? I loved it the minute I read it, and so had Michelle
etch this into the bracelet she send me. I was so excited when it
arrived in the mail! 😀 The leather is thick and nice quality, as is
the metal plate with the saying etched in. The little ‘nails’ (or
whatever those things are) that keeps the plate affixed to the leather,
adds such a special touch.

In order to get a correct fit, Michelle had me measure my exact wrist
size and give to her. I was a little nervous if it would fit or (as is
often the case with me, since I have small wrists) it would be too big. I
was thrilled when I put it on for the first time and it fit on
my wrist perfectly. Not too tight or too loose. Just enough room for it
to move around on my wrist, but never even get close to slipping off.
Love that!!

The font used was perfect, in my opinion!
Perfect sizing for the letters, too. It’s been over a month since I’ve
received this bracelet and it still looks great. No wear marks and the
words are as clear as they were when I first got it — and I’ve been
wearing this cuff almost daily!!

And cuff’s
aren’t the only thing Michelle has to offer over at her Custom Leather Jewelry Etsy shop! Just check out these other things she makes!

Pretty cool stuff, huh? And there is more at her Etsy shop, so after you get done here, you should go over and check it out! But first, it’s time for that giveaway! Just fill in the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win a custom made cuff for yourself and YOU get to decide what gets etched into it! 🙂

Ways to stay up-to-date on new designs/jewelry…
Facebook  /  Twitter  /  Etsy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a couponer? Here’s a handy organizer that’s a must for you! (Giveaway)

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Glow Girl is a shop that sells Eco-friendly coupon organizers, sandwich baggies, and carry-all totes. Y’all are familiar with Vera Bradley and the 31 bags, right? Well, this Etsy shop reminds me of those companies…except for couponers! 😉

Deb, the lady who owns the shop, sent me one of her coupon organizers to try and out review for you. Here’s a picture to the right. I loved the colors — black swirls against the gray background. The fabric is really good quality, and the double-layers make for a strong bag.

As you can see in the picture, there’s a button and a little elastic band so you can close your coupon organizer. Very handy to make sure those coupons don’t spill out and blow away! The sewing on this bag was wonderful — tight, straight, small stitches make for an all around good-quality product!

The inside is just as well made as the outside. Lined with a black material, it’s durable and easy to keep clean. It comes with dividers and dozens of labels ready-made — all you have to do is decide what you want and stick them on the dividers. Easy-peasy, right? Yep! It didn’t take long to get this coupon organizer ready to go for my family!

And this isn’t the only thing that owns the shop sells, either! She has fabric grocery tote bags, product bags, and snack/sandwich bags, too. If you are at all a “Go Green” person, or someone who enjoys using fabric over plastic…then Deb’s shop is definitely one you need to check out and visit regularly! I really enjoyed exploring her shop.

Go check owns the shop, Glow Girl, out now!

Jewelry crafted with personality by Carmella’s Jewelry

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For today, I have a very cute necklace made by Carmella’s Jewelry! This lady has some talent when it comes to creating pretty and dainty jewelry, with each piece personalized in some special, neat way. When I first discovered her Etsy shop, I spent the good part of an hour exploring, and looking at all the pictures she has of each piece (I love jewelry with personal/unique touches!)

And what I thought was super cool was that Carmella created a new piece to add to her shop, and then gave it to me to review for this post!! How sweet is that?!?! What did she make, you ask? A beautiful Round Photo Charm Necklace!

The Round Photo Charm Necklace is very well made and has a very neat unique feel to it. The etchings around the necklace add an antique/elegant feel to it that really makes Carmella’s jewelry stand out, in my opinion. The sterling silver chain that it comes with is thick (though not too thick!) and strong, which I really appreciated — too often, I purchase a necklace that comes with a chain so thin, it’s easily broken.

And, of course, the biggest plus about this necklace is that it can be personalized! How cool is that, to have whatever picture you’d like put in the middle?? And it’s glossed over afterwords, so no fear of it ever falling out! (Oh, and do you see that I chose a picture of my parents to stick in the middle? Handsome couple, don’tcha think?? :-P)

True, the picture is small–the whole charm is about the size of a nickle–but it’s honestly much bigger then I thought it would be. And it’s not blurry at all–I can see my parents clearly. All in all, Carmella made a very pretty, personalized jewelry that is sure to last a while and totally thrill the person it’s made for. (My mom sure loves it! 😉

If you like handmade, personalized jewelry, there’s no need to hunt around town and waste money in gas — visit Carmella’s Etsy shop! I could spend hours exploring that website! Oh, and other ways to stay up-to-date on Carmella Jewelry‘s new items or any sales she might have going on in the future is to follow her on Twitter, like her Facebook page, or follow her blog! (On her blog she talks about how she makes the jewelry, too, which is SO cool! And posts pictures!)

So, now that you’ve heard what good quality Carmella’s Jewelry makes…you ready for the giveaway? Haha, I know, who doesn’t love jewelry, right??? Well, let’s get right into it! See the picture on the right? That’s what you can win! It’s called Tiny Silver Dot Necklace and is so pretty and dainty-looking, it can be worn for several different occasions from casual to elegant! Have fun entering on Rafflecopter, and make sure you take advantage of those extra entries!
GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Interview & Giveaway: Lisa Harris

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Good morning everyone! I know your probably wondering who has won the two giveaways I have on my sidebar. Well, I will, Lord willing, be posting winners this evening – so be looking!

Today I bring you author Lisa Harris. She’s been on Legacy of a Writer before, but she just released her second book in the Mission Hope series, Blood Covenant. 🙂

I haven’t been able to read it yet, but her first book – Blood Ransom – was really good. I hope to get the chance to read this new one sometime soon, but I’m sure this one is just as good!

~~

Lisa, welcome back to Legacy of a Writer! To start this off, can you tell us a little bit about the book you’ve just published, Blood Covenant?

Blood Covenant is book two in my Mission Hope series. While the first book dealt with the very real issue of today’s human trafficking problems, the second is another fast-paced suspense set in a refugee camp.

“Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert are trapped in an overpopulated African refugee camp where an outbreak of measles erupts and renegade soldiers block their only way out. Desperate for vaccines, they must put their own lives in the hands of God as they fight for the safety of the refugees under their protection.

Ohh! That sounds really good! How do you get the inspiration for Blood Covenant?

When I started writing the series, I wanted each book to be an adventure set against the backdrop of current issues that are facing the continent of Africa. Blood Covenant follows this pattern and takes place primarily in a refugee camp where hundreds of people have recently fled due to political upheaval in the country.

Interesting. What’s your favorite part of the story?

I love the resolution. While the ending wasn’t perfectly tied up in a bow, I enjoyed seeing the characters’ grown through their experiences, something that challenged me in the process.

What was the hardest part to write?

Because most people who read the book haven’t been to Africa, it was essential for me to bring Africa to life in the story. Description has always been tough for me to write so I had to work extra hard to show them this beautiful continent through words.

https://www.shopbackdrop.com/collections/abstract-textured-photography-backdrops

What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

In the story, the main character, Paige, in particular, comes to the realization that she has to admit her weaknesses and fears and rely only on God’s strength. There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther saved her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation, and I could go on and on.

God calls us in the middle of our ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash- and drive-the-kids-to-school routine. So stop and ask yourself this one question. How do you see God calling you to make a difference in your world? He’s the one who will give you the strength to do extraordinary things for Him.

Very true and something very important to keep in mind! 🙂 If Blood Covenant was turned into a movie, what actor(s) would best resemble who you had in mind for your main characters?

This is always tough for me as I’m don’t watch a lot of TV or movies, but I’ll say Angelina Jolie with a softer, more innocent look, and Matthew Fox.

Do you have any other books in the making? Can you give us a lil’ sneak peak of what it’s going to be about?

I’m currently working on a series similar to my Mission Hope series as far as suspense, romance, and current issues, but this time the setting is Atlanta.

😀 Neat! Can’t wait to learn more about their release in the future. Here’s a fun question I wanted to throw in: If you could pick any historical figure from history to chat with, whom would it be and why?

I’ve been studying American History with my kids and have been fascinated by the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country. Because of that, I think I’d choose George Washington.

Good choice! He’s a favorite of mine as well. An amazing guy! What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?

I love writing suspense that deals with real-life issues. My favorite genre to read is definitely suspense novels with a thread of romance, though this past year I’ve also read some historically based non-fiction that I really enjoyed.

Yes! Suspense with a dash of romance is my favorite as well! Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?

Definitely home-schooling. Writing fills in the cracks.

What are two things that people wouldn’t normally know about you as a writer and or person?
Another tough one. 🙂 As a writer, I’ve decided that I’m not near as brave as my heroines are. Someone recently asked me if I based these stories on real life situations I’d experienced. I thought, you’ve got to be kidding! I love writing suspense, but my life is adventurous enough for me without having to deal with the things my characters deal with.
As for my non-writer side, if I had another life to lead, I’d like to be a doctor and return to Africa and work.
Hahaha! Wow! Yes, I’ve read Blood Ransom and can’t see you escaping into a plane and then crashing in the middle of nowhere! 🙂 Anything else about writing, yourself, or your books you’d like to add?

In our church-planting ministry, we are daily faced with the physical needs of those around us. This last year, my husband and I decided that we needed a way to address these needs. With the help of fellow author and friend, Lynne Gentry, we have put together The ECHO Project to help promote Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity in southern Africa. It gives us a way through micro-loans, medical aid, orphan care, and other ways to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8) You can find out more about what God is doing through this project at www.theECHOproject.org.

That’s a wonderful ministry! Where can readers find out more about your books?

I have a website at www.lisaharriswrites.com. My blog, straight from the Heart of Africa is at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about our new non-profit at www.theECHOproject.org. I love to hear from my readers so feel free to stop by and drop me a note!

Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by!

Thank YOU, Lisa! 😀

~~
GIVEAWAY:

Blood Covenant (Mission Hope)Well, it’s giveaway time! Lisa has sweetly offered to give one of my followers a copy of the second book in her Mission Hope series, Blood Ransom. You must be a follower to enter and you must leave your email address. USA only, please.

Manditory Entry: Answer this question – Have you ever been on a mission trip before?

Extra Entries:

– Subscribe to this blog(+1)
– Post about this giveaway on your blog (+1)
– Comment on any of my reviews on Book Reviews by Lady Katy(+2)
– Go here and rate my review(+3) This extra entry can only be earned once. If you have voted on my review of Deadly Ties in the past, you can not get an extra entry.

~ Katy