Survival of
The Hippest

St@tus Symbol Necklace

Retail: Silver from $49.95 and Gold from $89.95

So, I’m totally geeked to write this post. I came across Survival of The Hippest (SOTH) and ordered a gorgeous St@tus Symbol Necklace customized and everything. SOTH offers an incredible opportunity to network, make a statement, and be the envy of every person at Tweetups.

SOTH offers a variety of accessories:

1. Necklace
2. Two Name TweetHeart Necklace
3. Keychain
4. Bracelet
5. Anklet
6. Pin
7. Tie Clip
8. Broken “Best Cyber Friends” Heart Twin Necklaces

I’ve already received so many compliments on my necklace and have made a few new Twitter friends. Purchasing any accessory from SOTH is a great way to identify yourself to already existing Twitter friends and new followers. I love my necklace and haven’t taken it off since I first received it.

If you’re interested in SOTH, please send me an email and I can send you a link to receive a VIP discount. Offer expires on May 31st, so take some time to think about what you want and hurry up and order!

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Ubbu
Scrabble Pendant
Retail: $5-$8

When I was contacted by Bhavna, Creative Officer of Ubbu, I was thrilled! Her pendants are beautifully handcrafted and the best part? They’re made out of Scrabble pieces. Scrabble pieces. How unique and creative is that? When I received my pendants, they were nicely wrapped, which is important. (Remember, packaging is just as important as the product!) They came in a cute, jewelry pouch with a necklace chain attached to one of the pendants.

These pendants are the definition of versatility. They can be worn as a necklace, attached as a zipper pull, or used as wine charms. The possibilities are endless so trust me when I say you’d never go wrong purchasing several pendants. I’m currently using one as a necklace and the other as a keychain-they’re absolutely perfect!

If you’re interested in these wonderful pendants, please visit ShopUbbu.com! You can also check out their Facebook and Twitter page. I love my pendants and I know you will, too!

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Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

Pittsburgh + Two years = Me. You’d think I’d receive some kind of metal for braving the Burgh, but to no avail, I’m metal-less. I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, but let me tell you, it’s not easy. *fingers crossed* that I have some great epiphany and everything falls into place because that’s what happens in the movies and the movies are always accurate.

I purchased a Kindle Touch *moment of silence* and I absolutely love it. I started buying e-books left and right and a new addiction has formed.

I’m turning 28 on May 25. I’m not excited about this because I’m old. Let’s move on.

For a week in June, I’ll be headed to Huntington Beach, CA to visit friends and attend my friend/former roommate’s wedding! I haven’t been to SoCal in years and I definitely miss my friends and of course, the beach. I. Am. Stoked.

That’s all I have to say for now. I hope you’re all doing well!

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I don’t like my iPhone. I love it.

I know it’s the day after Valentine’s Day (candy is half off!), but I decided to list seven apps that I love and use daily. Remember, the cost of apps are subject to change so don’t come cryin’ to me when a free app is $1,000,000.

1. AllRecipes.com Dinner Spinner Pro - $2.99 – The main thing I dislike about cooking is figuring out what to make. Kind of a big deal, huh? My absolute favorite part of the app is the spinner, which is comprised of three parts: Dish, Ingredient, and Ready In. Choose what kind of meal you want, the specific ingredients, and how long you’re willing to spend cooking. The choices are endless! I’m also able to save each recipe for future use and a list automatically generates to make grocery shopping a breeze. If you’re looking for new recipes, give this app a spin!
2. Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker - Free – I refuse to starve myself because I love food way too much for that nonsense. With this app, you’re able to track your calorie intake. Just make sure to add your height, weight, and other pertinent information. You’re able to add friends, write status updates, and my (un)favorite, weigh in. It’s a great tool to keep you accountable and honestly, I’m seeing results so this app is a keeper!
3. Clear – $.99limited time offer – I just read some reviews and people clearly (see what I did there?) don’t understand that Clear just launched. There’s still room to grow, which I’m very excited to see and be a part of.  Now, it’s not the typical list organizer. It’s taking me a few tries to get the hang of things, but it makes crossing things off your list pretty awesome. I believe this app has a long way to go, but it’s great as is. To get a better understanding of the app, make sure to watch this video.
4. Instagram – Free – I joined Instagram back in the day, never used it, and now can’t stop using it! What throws me off is that it’s absolutely free. There are a lot of filters and neat features to make everyone look like a photographer. You’re able to add friends from Facebook, Twitter, and your contact list as well as search names and usernames. I spend most of my day liking and commenting on photos. It’s a great way to keep in touch with friends as well as make new ones!
5. Temple Run – Free – I’ve purchased my fair share of iPhone games. I actually got rid of my DSi because 1) I’m not 7 and 2) I use my iPhone for everything including games. Temple Run has kept me from sleeping because I can’t. stop. playing. You have different objectives and there’s this little voice in your head telling you to keep going. (If you don’t hear voices, ignore me.) Bottom line, Temple Run is so much fun to play and it’s free! Check it out; you’ll be instantly addicted!
6. Tweetbot – $2.99 – I recently removed all my Twitter clients because I’ve been using Tweetbot for almost a year now. There was no sense in keeping other Twitter apps. Tweetbot has a beautiful interface and so many features that actually enhance your tweeting experience. I’ve never experienced any problems with Tweetbot making this Twitter client a winner.
7. Weather HD – $.99 – I know there are plenty of weather apps, but Weather HD is unlike any other. It has “highly accurate current and forecast weather in stunning high definition videos”. I’m amazed at the videos and always check back to see if it has changed. I added random cities just to see the different graphics. It’s a neat app worth checking out!

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eShakti
Ruffled New Two Tone Dress
Retail: $54.95

I’m a lucky lucky girl. I was asked to review a dress of my choice from eShakti.com. I was able to customize it so it’d perfectly fit my body. I thought I was dreaming! Let’s be honest. Most women struggle with finding a dress that complements their body from head to toe. If you’re like me, you have to purchase a bigger size and use some kind of accessory to make up for the extra material. Ladies, I’m here to tell you there’s a solution: eShakti.com.

On eShakti.com, you can find a variety of affordable dresses, tops, skirts, and more! I was overwhelmed with the choices and actually spent a few days looking through pages and pages of awesome overload. Also, you’re able to purchase clothing at standard sizes so there’s no pressure to customize your dress. However, if you choose to customize, make sure to have measuring tape handy.

When I received the dress, I immediately tried it on. It was a perfect fit. I’ve never purchased a dress that was flattering without some kind of trade-off. I’m done shopping for dresses at department stores because I’m sold on only using eShakti.com. Give it a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed!

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Goodeelicious Sweet Shoppe

Uhmazing. I know I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again. Uhmazing. Dee took the time to meet with me during the holiday rush. She’s honestly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. It was truly a pleasure to spend some time with her.

Dee’s wonderful shoppe is wall to wall packed with candy and other delectable treats. I was in heaven! To my surprise, Dee took the time to make me the awesome platter on the right. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Chocolate covered Pringles, Oreos, Pop-Tarts, bacon and so much more. I couldn’t stop sampling everything because it was all so good! Especially the bacon.

Please visit and Like Goodeelicious on Facebook. Again, if you live near the Pittsburgh area or could use a road trip, I urge you to stop by Goodeelicious and have a sweet time!

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Peggy Li
As seen in Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, Without a Trace, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, and publications such as Oprah Magazine and Lucky.

Clustered Circle Necklace
Retail: $44.00

I’ve been a fan of Peggy Li’s work for a while now. All her pieces are beautifully designed and crafted. Everything on her website is decently priced especially for what you’re getting.

I purchased the Clustered Circle Necklace and absolutely love it. It’s simple and goes with any outfit. I chose the necklace in sterling silver (gold-filled available for $5) and unlike most necklaces that claim to be sterling silver, this one hasn’t discolored. The standard length for the chain is either 16″ or 18″ and if you want 20″, it’ll be an extra $5.

Coming from someone who doesn’t wear necklaces often, I fell in love with this particular one. I’m also interested in a lot of other designs from Peggy Li so I’m sure I’ll become a regular on her handcrafted jewelry site. Check it out; You’ll probably become one, too!

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UPDATE AS OF 12/7/2011

I received an email from the Operations Manager who told me the item on the right was a guest designer’s piece, which has since been removed from Shabby Apple. As a peace offering, they’re sending me a complimentary jewelry item, which I have yet to receive.

Also, I gave Shabby Apple another chance and was letdown yet again. I ordered earrings that arrived damaged and the earring backs were loose and kept falling off. You need to know that I literally tried them on, took them off, and put them back in the package. I will never shop at Shabby Apple ever again.

Posted on November 18, 2011

Shabby Apple
Small Silver Pendant Necklace
Retail: $32.00

I don’t like giving negative reviews. At all. If possible, I try and find the good in anything and everything, but when nothing comes to mind, I’m not going to lie.

I was on a friend’s blog and saw a banner for Shabby Apple. I was instantly drawn to the clothing and jewelry to the point where I knew I’d end up purchasing something. I stumbled across the Small Silver Pendant Necklace and thought it would go perfectly with several outfits. Well, I ordered the necklace on the 2nd of this month and received it a week ago. I take care of all my jewelry so I made sure to never wear it in the shower and remove it before bed.

As shown below, the clasp started to rust. I tried polishing it but ended up with a very shiny, rustic-looking piece. I realize that people don’t see the clasp, but that doesn’t mean it should start deteriorating in a matter of a week. (Also, if I wear my hair up, people could see it so ha!) To make matters worse, customer service/shipping is handled by one person and that doesn’t help when someone needs a prompt answer to a simple question.

I’m returning the necklace not for an exchange but a complete refund. I rather pay a lot of money for a necklace that will last.

ck.

Two Sisters Jewelry Boutique
As seen in Real Simple Magazine

Sterling Silver Hoop Pearl Earrings
Retail: $40.00

I checked the mail and saw a package from Two Sisters Jewelry Boutique. Enclosed was the item on the right — gorgeous, huh?

Often times I struggle with finding jewelry that will complement my outfit and won’t come across as overbearing. My rule of thumb: Avoid looking like a celebrity at a red carpet event. I was happy to find that even with a pair of jeans, the Sterling Silver Hoop Pearl Earrings provided a simple yet elegant look. Also, I was also able to take off the pearls and wear the earrings as hoops for a more casual look. However, I realized the pearls add so much to the earrings that it didn’t feel right separating the two.

As far as price, I know many of you think $40.00 is fair for sterling silver while others have already stopped reading this post. If you want cheap jewelry, I’m sure Claire’s and The Icing will be to your liking. However, if you’re able to spend more money on jewelery that will last, I suggest Two Sister’s Jewelry Boutique.

To sum it up, everything crafted from TSJB is classy and chic. You will receive so many compliments that you’ll want all your jewelery to be from TSJB — I know I do! Please check out the website; I know you won’t be disappointed!

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Too Faced
Shadow Insurance
Retail: $18.00

The more I buy products from Too Faced, the more I fall in love. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about the item on the right, but I was skeptical to try it. $18 for a little tube? I thought people were insane, but really, I’m insane for not purchasing this sooner.

The purpose of Too Faced Shadow Insurance is to provide coverage against “fading, creasing and smudging”. Often times, I was unhappy with how my eye makeup looked midday. After applying Shadow Insurance, that was no longer an issue. My makeup was still as flawless as when I first applied it and even received compliments. Now, you only need to apply a small dot’s worth on each eye. (That’s why the little tube lasts so long!) The consistency is very smooth so you won’t struggle with the application.

Now, I want to make sure that you purchase the original Shadow Insurance. Too Faced makes three other eye shadow primers that can be seen here. I haven’t personally tried them, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about each one.

I highly recommend purchasing Too Faced Shadow Insurance if you struggle with keeping your eye shadow fresh from sunup to sundown!

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