PEARLS

I mentioned in my post here that my wonderful friend and her husband are renewing there wedding vows in November.  I'm going to be designing and creating the bride's necklace and she wants it filled with pearls.   Her dress is all lace and will look even more beautiful and elegant paired with a pearl necklace.  I've found 10 stunning pearl necklaces from talented Etsy artisans to help us design the perfect piece for her. Take a look at these beautiful Swarovski pearl wedding necklaces in all these shops! 

Five Little Gems

All Things Tinsel

Treasures570

White Dahlia Designs

Bantam Lake Studios

FiveLittleGems

Royal Gold Gifts

Marolsha

JW Jewelry Box

DivineJewel

A PHOTO A DAY CHALLENGE

I love this photo a day challenge! I'm two days behind but I'm going to start this tomorrow and just make up for the two days I've missed.  I'll be posting my pics daily on Instagram....search for CalypteCollection.

Anyone else want to do this with me?! Tag me on Instagram when you do : )

FALL FASHION INSPIRATION

Even though it's technically Fall, here in Southern Cali it is still soooo hot. I've been itching for the weather to cool so I can wear warm cozy sweaters, boots, and jewel tones. While I wait, I've been collecting outfit ideas that are cool enough for summer but can easily be transformed for warmer weather. Here are a few of my favorites outfits and accesories for the season. Enjoy!

Les Composantes Blog

Gotham Polish Grey Gradient Mani

Kendi Everyday

Middle Child Complex

Love this Nikon Tortoiseshell watch

Love the Teal dress Leather combo!

Awesome UGG Booties!

DailyLook

Rib & Hull Cognac Heirloom Tote

DAILY WORKOUT ROUTINES

Working out is one of those necessary evils. As much as I would rather sleep in and not work out,  I love the results and how it boosts my mood and energy level.  So I've decided to buckle down and make working out a daily priority.

The start of my routine begins with a morning stretch. I've been practicing yoga inconsistently for around 5 yrs and I found this awesome sequence that I've been loving. It really helps work out all the kinks and prepares me for the hard work ahead.  

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[Photo Credit]

After loosening up with this yoga sequence I move on to a circuit workout for cardio.  I'd love to be able to do this entire sequence but I'm just starting out so I'm at the half way point before I need to stop.  I find it hard to get motivated to work out so I've discovered that gym memberships just wont work for me.  Eventually I stop wanting to drive to the gym, wait for machines, etc.....So being able to work out at home is key.

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[Photo Credit]

Strength training with weights is also important and I alternate cardio days with weight lifting routines...but that's a post for another day.

• What are your favorite ways to workout from home? Workout DVDs? Walking outside? Circuits?
• What websites are your go-to websites for quality at-home workouts?

HAPPY MONDAY

My weekend adventure...What did you guys do?

Marathon shopping at Nordstrom Rack for a new wardrobe.  I was there for 5 hours!! I bought a TON of great pieces, which I'll share more on later.

Toured the farmers market with the boys (Koa & Jasper). I love going to the farmers every weekend.  I'm a big fan of buying locally especially when it comes to produce.  Organic makes it even better! 

Koa checking out the market

Koa has flowers in his beard

How was your weekend??

MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING

Vow Renewal actually!

My best friend, since we were 14, and her wonderful husband are renewing their vows and I get to be a bridesmaid!!  AND I get to design the bridal jewelry!!  I'm most excited to make the bride's necklace! (blog post to come).

Her wedding theme has an elegant garden feel and it's taking place in this beautiful outdoor venue called The French Estate...oolalaa

After two short trips to Davids Bridal and Alfred Angelo we found her dress! A beautiful gown in elegant lace. Next was the hunt for my bridesmaid dress.  I was unsuccessful at finding a dress at the bridal stores so on a whim we decided to pop into Nordstrom and take a look at their wedding section.  The wedding colors are sage and lavender and my dress needed to be in sage.  Happily, within seconds of entering the wedding section we find my dress!! The only sage dress on the reduced rack, it was kismet!!

 
I'm having tons of fun looking for bridal necklace ideas on Pinterest and Etsy.  My bestie wants pearls to match the classy elegance of her lace dress.  Right now I'm looking into styles and Swarovski pearls to create the perfect statement necklace for the big day. Any ideas??

AMAZING AUGUST

Hi Everyone! It has been a while since my last post, August was crazy busy, busy, busy!  So many fun and fantastic things happened this August and have spilled over into September that I'm excited to share with you!


I had an amazing time working with a group of talented people on a goth themed Graffiti Photo Shoot for the StyleHashtag blog.  We spent the day shooting in L.A. using crazy awesome graffiti as the backdrop. My Calypte Collection spike necklaces and chunky chain jewelry went perfectly with the talented fashion designer, Michelle Hebert gowns.  After all the fun, we went for lunch at the delicious Urth Caffe! A perfect ending to a perfect day.

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Thanks to Garone Africa Photography for the amazing photos and Michelle from the StyleHashtag blog!  

Last, but definitely not least, my jewelry line, Calypte Collection has partnering with the XCVI fashion pop-up shop at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks!! A bohemian-chic clothing line that pairs beautifully with my boho-chic jewelry pieces! The shop is open now until October 2nd. Go check it out!

Fashion Night Out was a lot of fun!  I met many wonderful people and had the most amazing red velvet cake of my life! If your ever in Calabases, CA (check the website for other locations) you have got to try Susie Cakes Bakery!

August was wonderful and September will be just as great.  I'm working on tons of new designs that I can't wait to share with you.

♥ Carol

PIN IT TO WIN IT BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!! $25 CALYPTE COLLECTION JEWELRY

In celebration of my august birthday,

   Calypte Collection is hosting a giveaway!!! 

A $25 gift credit is up for grabs!! 

How to Enter:  

1. Browse www.calyptecollection.etsy.com and pin a minimum of 5 favorite jewelry pieces to your Calypte Collection pinboard that you create on your Pinterest account. Include the link to your board in your comment below(If your not currently on Pinterest let me know and I will invite you or you can do it here www.Pinterest.com).

For Additional Entries: 

1. Follow the Calypte Collection blog(log in via Gmail, Yahoo, Twitter or AOL account).

2. Like the CC FB page www.facebook.com/thecalyptecollection and say a friendly hello and also tell me what item you hope to use your credit on.

3. Follow CC on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway  www.twitter.com/calyptec just be sure to comment with your Twitter handle and @calyptec

4. Favorite the calyptecollection shop on Etsy www.calyptecollection.etsy.com 

Don't want to wait?

Enter code "PINIT" for 10% off at checkout!

HOW TO ENTER: Just use the simple form below to enter.  Giveaway is open to everyone, worldwide! Closes August 15th at 1201AM EST.  Only one person per household/IP address may enter. Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 ORGANIC MAKEUP FINDS FROM ETSY

I have super sensitive skin so I find that wearing natural organic makeup works best for me.  I've found a few shops from Etsy that feature organic, natural makeup that I can't wait to try.  

I've been looking for a face primer that doesnt have all the chemicals, this one sounds amazing!

Borneminerals

If you're a one-stop shopper, this wonderful shop has a beautiful Summer Glow kit for your entire look!

BeneficialMineralCo.

Perhaps your a liquid foundation kind of gal, I've been waiting for my current foundation to run out so I can give this lovely shop a try. 

Oh Sudz

This lipstick is the perfect neutral shade for summer and I love the shiny, sleek packaging!

JustPureMineralsShop

If your a lip balm kind of girl, this Summer Citrus Lip Balm from UnaBiologicals sounds divine!

UnaBiologicals

I think my first purchase with be the liquid foundation and the summer citrus lip balm!  Let me know which ones you try and what you think!!

EASY BRAIDED SUMMER UPDO's

Summer is heating up in sunny southern California and it's getting REALLY hot!! I have thick hair and instead of pulling up into the usual ponytail, I've decided to incorporate fast, easy braided updo's into my look.  I've found four tutorials that I'm excited to share with you! Perfect for those days by the pool, at the beach or that weekend bike ride!

This first look incorporates a mini french headband braid, mini french twist and bun into a Braided Boho Updo!

I love how easily this style transitions from day to night! An elegant side swept french braid and bun.

This super fast and easy milkmaid braid is perfect after the pool!

I love this last look because it incorporates a colorful scarf into your braided updo!

Enjoy!!

What kind of updo's are you loving for the summer?  Post or link your pics or tutorials below!!

5 Fabulous Finds For the Fashionista

...on Etsy of course....I want to share with you all 5 fabulous fashion related items perfect for every fashionable girl....

I adore this amazing summer dress from marcellamoda, beautiful lace cut-outs circle the neckline, embodies simple, classy, modern elegance AND part of your purchase get donated to UNICEF....

 

These super cute wedges come with a set of 7 colorful ribbons of your choice, totally perfect for summer, best of all there VEGAN by Mohop

Kaisa from Finland creates recycled leather bags, clutches and more for the practical minimalist, see this design at her shop Exleather

Martine from 2fillesdunord creates eclectic and upcycled jewelry, I love the powerful pop of color from this turquoise chrysanthemum ring!

Lastly, this Pyrite Sterling Silver bracelet is so beautiful and unique!  To me it encompasses so many styles, a mix of Boho-Mod meets Urban-Exotic!

Hope you enjoy this post, I plan on showing you guys 5 wonderful Etsy finds every Thursday!!
♥ Carol

ORGANIC SEA SALT SPRAY & DIY RECIPE

When I was a kid I loved going to the beach, getting in the water and swimming in the waves.  I also loved how my hair had awesome beachy waves when I got out of the water!  As an adult, I still love the beachy wavy hair look and I want to share with you a product that I use and absolutely LOVE. John Masters Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray

I try to only use all natural, chemical free, organic face and body products whenever possible and I use this one almost daily!  My hair is now super thick and very straight so  I primarily use this spray to give my volume and that extra touch of texture necessary for styling.   I've tried other sea salt sprays but I keep coming back to this one because it has organic lavender in it which is great for protecting your hair from the dryness salt gives you.  Also, I try to only wash my hair every other day, so on the second day I just add a few spritz of my sea salt spray to absorb any excess oil and I'm good to go.

 

 Now if your anything like me, your thinking "...hmmm salt, lavender and water, I can do that!" Being the crafter, creater and penny pincher that I am, I often make my own sea salt spray cause it's sooo easy! Here's all you need:

 SEA SALT SPRAY RECIPE
♥ 1 clean spray bottle. 8 fl. oz. to 10 fl. oz.
♥ 8 fl. oz. of distilled or filtered
♥ 1 tsp. finely ground sea salt.

♥ 3-5 drops of essential oils: I used lavender to condition and add shine, however other oils have several wonderful benefits. Ylang ylang works great for sensitive skin and problem scalps. Rosemary is great to help deepen the color of brunette's hair and chamomile brightens blonds. Use 3-5 drops.Tea Tree Oil is great for sensitive and oily scalps. If you have oilier hair, this is the great because it won't make your hair oilier or weigh it down. Use 3-5 drops.
♥You can add a little more sea salt if you have oilier/thicker hair. However, the more salt you use, the more it will dry out your hair. BUT the more you use, the "beachier" your hair will look.  Only add 1/4 tsp at a time until you reach the desired level. 

♥ Lastly, make sure to take notes so you know how much to add when you want to make more!

My favorite store for herbs is my local organic health food market, however, if I need something online or in bulk, I go to Mountain Rose Herbs, I also use Celtic Sea Salt Brand because of the purity of there product.  Not just for cooking!

I hope you all enjoy this post, show me your beachy waves and share below what oils and scents you add to your own recipes!!

♥ Carol

CHOCOLATE PUDDING RAW VEGAN STYLE

This is my favorite chocolate pudding recipe!  Super rich, creamy, decadent! This chocolate bliss is so good it's hard to believe that its made with avocado!!  Say what!?  Yep, what makes this dessert so rich and creamy is the beautiful buttery avocado.  When flavored with chocolate cocoa the pudding comes to fruition (no pun intended). To keep this dessert as whole food as possible I've sweetened it with homemade date paste and vanilla.

Steps:
1. Scoop out 2 medium avocados

2. Add your cocoa powder, date paste* and vanilla extract

3. Place all ingredients into your food processor until its smooth and creamy and your done!

It's that easy!!  Awesome all on its own but I love to top with fresh strawberries or sprinkle with a touch of sea salt.  Your entire family will love this and your kids wont even know that its good for them ; )  

Recipe:
2 medium avocados
5 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 Tbsp date paste (or more if you like things sweeter)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract or 1 whole vanilla bean

*Date Paste
1 Cup pitted dates
1/2 Cup filtered water

Blend in food processor until completely smooth

CALYPTE COLLECTION: SMOKE & MIRRORS SPIKE EARRINGS GIVEAWAY WINNER IS.....

Though I wish everyone could win the blog giveaway, there can only be one. I will be having giveaways often so be sure to check back in! And the winner is...

YULYA SHENKA!! 

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 I will be in contacting you to arrange for you to receive your earrings!  Enjoy! 

Thanks to all the blog readers for participating, keep following Calypte Collection, more giveaways coming your way!

Weekend Food Truck Fun

Food trucks have been all the rage here on the west coast.  Gone are the days when food truck meant the white van  that stops outside your work for 10 minutes when the noon bell has rung.  I could not be more then thrilled that truly tasty, handmade, gourmet, food from wonderful down-to-earth entrepreneurs travel the streets all the time!!  What's even better is when they all congregate in a central location and call it a festival!!!

Here I have just enjoyed scrumptious bites from all kinds of unique food vendors! My favorite was the chocolate covered strawberry ice cream on top of the best I've ever had waffle!!

I chose to wear my latest chunky chain necklace creation that I like to call THE LYNX a totally versatile and fun necklace! I colorblocked two different shapes of chunky chain in monochromatic colors  to make one continuous infinity necklace. An interesting and fun twist on ombre!

Have a great weekend!!! ♥ Carol

SMOKE & MIRRORS GIVEAWAY!!! ALMOST OVER!!

The official start to summer is almost here and I have decided to hold a giveaway for these stunning spike earrings!!  Subdued sparkle with lots of personality, these earrings are perfect for showing off when the weather gets hot!!

For a chance to win this gorgeous pair of spike earrings this is what you've got to do to enter:

1. Follow the Calypte Collection blog(log in via Gmail, Yahoo, Twitter or AOL account) and leave a comment letting me know what you love about these earrings. Include your screen name and which entry items you have done.

2. Like my FB page www.facebook.com/calyptecollectionjewelry and say a friendly hello and also tell me you would like to be entered for the giveaway. (I’ll be cross-referencing names, so leave your Facebook name in your comment too)

For Additional Entries:

1. Follow CC on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway  www.twitter.com/calyptec just be sure to comment with your Twitter handle and @calyptec

2. Favorite the calyptecollection shop on Etsy www.calyptecollection.etsy.com 

Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you when you win!!

 Giveaway opens June 1st and closes June 20th 2012 11:59pm. Good Luck!!

Summer Celebration Giveaway!!!

In honor of the first day of summer,

   Calypte Collection is hosting a giveaway!!! 
We are giving away our SMOKE & MIRRORS Earrings. For a chance to win this gorgeous pair of spike earrings this is what you've got to do to enter:

1. Follow the Calypte Collection blog(log in via Gmail, Yahoo, Twitter or AOL account) and leave a comment letting me know what you love about these earrings. Include your screen name and which entry items you have done.

2. Like my FB page www.facebook.com/calyptecollectionjewelry and say a friendly hello and also tell me you would like to be entered for the giveaway. (I’ll be cross-referencing names, so leave your Facebook name in your comment too)

For Additional Entries:

1. Follow CC on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway  www.twitter.com/calyptec just be sure to comment with your Twitter handle and @calyptec

2. Favorite the calyptecollection shop on Etsy www.calyptecollection.etsy.com 

Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you when you win!!

 Giveaway opens June 1st and closes June 20th 2012 11:59pm. Good Luck!!