eShakti.com
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 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.

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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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Let’s remember why we go together so well.

Favorite holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas

Favorite seasons: Fall and Winter

Being born in the Midwest, I learned to appreciate the cold weather and avoid the grouchy, Summer folk. The fondest memories I have are from when I lived in Chicago. Leaves changing colors, bonfires, snow days, hot chocolate, sledding, snowball fights, movie marathons. I was young and had no responsibilities. Life was perfect.

I’m not as young anymore and I have many responsibilities. Still, this time of year makes me think of family, friends, and everyone I’ve met along the way. With a thankful heart, I reminisce and I encourage you to do the same.

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I usually don’t find divorce humorous but I have to admit, this was funny. This event was compared to The Royal Wedding and all it turned out to be was a 72-day trial of the obvious. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and maybe one day, both parties will, too.

5 LASERS – Lupe Fiasco

4 The Lady Luck (EP) – The Cab

3 Everything In Transit – Jack’s Mannequin

2 All Death Cab for Cutie albums

1 Sigh No More – Mumford & Sons

The Body Shop
Tea Tree Collection | Retail: $65.00 Paid: $20.00

The last time I purchased anything from The Body Shop was years ago, but when I saw a Groupon, I thought I’d give it another go. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against The Body Shop, but I’m just used to shopping at Target and Ulta for my skin care and cosmetic needs. The deal was buy $40.00 worth of stuff for only $20.00. I also learned that The Body Shop was having a deal: Buy 3, Get 2 Free; Buy 2, Get 1 Free; Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off.

Back row: Sample Bag
Second row: Facial Buffer, Skin Clearing Facial Wash, Face Mask, Oil Facial Blotting Tissues
Front row: Oil, Blemish Gel

I’m satisfied with my purchase. Truth be told, without the Groupon, I wouldn’t have given The Body Shop another look. The prices are a bit much for the quantity/quality of products. I will say that I enjoy the Face Mask because it doesn’t dry out my skin and adds a cooling sensation that completely relaxes me. The one item I loathe would be the Facial Buffer that I have named the Facial Scraper. It hurts. A lot. Now, I know that it’s an exfoliant and it’s supposed to hurt a little, but it’s painful to even hold the darn thing. From the online reviews, I was going to use it everyday, but I think every month will do.

To sum it up, The Body Shop wouldn’t be my first stop for all my skin care or cosmetic needs. I believe they’re overpriced and would be happy shopping elsewhere.

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