More Than Just Beauty

 I am by no means a beauty influencer, however, some products deserve a shoutout. I recently heard about Rare Beauty, a company started by Selena Gomez, not only is it a conscious company, but proceeds go towards supporting youth and mental health awareness. I viewed a recent YouTube video and the colors were so gorgeous, that I decided to order some products for myself.

Literally, everything from how the products were packed ( wrapped, then placed in tissue paper and in a lovely linen pouch), to the actual products was just a pleasure. It was done right! I purchased the Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush in Joy, and Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Talented. The blush is hand-polished for an extra glow, and the highlighter is indeed built in for a dazzling gleam on the cheeks. The lip color is a soft, creamy caramel. They are affordable (less than $30) and a percentage of the proceeds go towards providing resources for young adults, there's even a care hotline.

Special thanks to beauty guru Robert Welsh who did an amazing video on these products. Rare Beauty, you've earned a customer for life. I NEED that PR box, pronto! *non sponsored

Until Next Time~

Hugs and Hearts

BellevueGrl

Season 20- Project Runway, My Take On The Season (So Far)

 

                    (Photo by Los Muertos Crew: https://www.pexels.com)

I'm so grateful that you asked for my feedback, I'm a long-time fan of Project Runway, and All Stars is my favorite. After a long absence, we finally get to see some of the best talents, and I'm so glad to see familiar faces this season. I have a slight edge because I actually got to meet and view Bishme's collection at LAFW (2017) from the front row, as a fashion blogger. I adore Brittany's designs, as well as Fabio's. It is going to be a wonderful season, and I can't wait to see which designers make it to the top. I have so much respect for Christian and of course Nina, there's some valuable input there and I hope this team listens to the suggestions. These challenges are meant to bring out the best of the best, refine those skills and push you to be who you can be.

-- Let's talk about Episode 3

OMG, I almost got giddy, All Stars, and an unconventional materials challenge? Yes, please!! $2,000 at FAO Schwarz, let me at it! 

I don't want to give too much away for those that haven't watched yet, but I do have something to say (of course I do!) 

Fabio, Bishme, you need to be more than safe, I'm still rooting for you both.

I love you, Brittany, that ruching is spot on! Seriously, girl, my own Mom would be proud. 

Viktor, wow! Now, kids, that's how you do an unconventional challenge. 

The other designers are still in the race, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the (sewing) table. 

Let's go, designers!! 

Until next time ~ 

Fashionably yours! 

BellevueGrl

                                                                                                    

Zaharoff Signature ROSÈ

 As an occasional blogger, author, and community contributor, I often get the opportunity to dip a toe or two back into the world of fashion and designer fragrance. In a previous post, I introduced you to the world of all things Zaharoff and had to revisit to give a review of George's latest that is about to rock the world once again. 

This starts off with a yummy drift of rose and vanilla, then melds into a delightful waft of red poppy, that gives it a little spice, you'll pick up hints of incense and oud. What's really unusual about this fragrance is that you don't notice the jasmine and there isn't a heaviness about the scent, it just lingers mysteriously on the bottom note. 

The original scent was used as a base, but the lavender was replaced with rose. Make no mistake, this is not a flowery scent, but it is a celebration and tickles the nose as you pick up hints of a carefully crafted smokey rose. I received so many compliments and the wearability is wonderful. I have odd body chemistry and prefer something with a musky, amber base, this lasted for a full eight hours without touchup and a bit lingered into the next day, like a trail of incense left from a burning stick, or the memory of a night well spent. 

I'm enchanted with it, and will definitely be purchasing a bottle to cast my own spell. This is a keeper. There's a waiting list, but keep your eyes peeled. Perfect for men or women, there's enough spice to make it appealing for both of you. Tres sexy!! Special thank you to George Zaharoff who sent me a generous sample, he is a total sweetheart of a person. I love wearing something created by someone I know, and I'm honored to be part of the Zaharoff fragrance reviewer family. This is going to be a huge seller.  

Pre-order: https://www.zaharoff.com/collections/zsph/products/zaharoff-signature-rose-waitlist

Zaharoff Signature ROSÈ (pronounce Roe-zhay)

Zaharoff Signature Pour Homme 

AND

Olibanum Resine

Rose Absolute

Tutmost Rose Florabsolute

Red Peony

Jasmine Petals

 Gold Amber

Sexy Musk

Sugar crystals

Vanilla Beans

Until next time~

Hearts and Hugs,

BellevueGrl 

Scent-sational Buys (Favorite Scents To Sample)

Reviewing two fragrances over on Influenster today. These samples were sent to me and I just decided to do a quick scent of the day rundown. I really liked both of these, but if I had to choose one, the most long-lasting was the Tom Ford Black Orchid. 

If you're a beauty and fragrance enthusiast like me, I would highly recommend joining Influenster. It is a community of gals and guys who are passionate about all things in the industry. 

YSL Libre Perfume has quickly become one of my scents of the day. At first, I wasn't sure if it would be as long-lasting as I had hoped for. I have unusual chemistry and some scents just don't last, or the top notes just turn me off. This one warms on the skin nicely, and it isn't just fluff. This comes off a bit citrusy at first, thanks to top notes of Mandarin, Lavender, and Black Currant then drifts into a deeper dreamy note of Orange Blossom and Jasmine and a sweeter version of Lavender, then leaves behind a memory with Vanilla. Musk and Cedar. It is a fragrance that makes a very flirtatious statement. This is pricey, and like most of the newer scents out there, I'd be lucky to afford the body lotion, just being honest here, but it is well worth investing in. Overall, beautiful scent. 

Tom Ford Black Orchid. Oh, this one is nice! Once again, I've fallen for a scent at first spray. This one is definitely on my "make sure to buy" list. I love OUD fragrances and this one is dark and seductive. perfect for a very special evening. 

The reviews of this perfume have been done to death, but let me just add that this one will help you slay, and in a very good way. I was pleasantly surprised when I spritzed on just a bit and it lingered till the next day. Yes, it is that rich. The Mexican chocolate, Patchouli, Vanilla, Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, and Vetiver play nicely together as a bottom note. This is really like a dark blooming flower, that unfolds a rich beguiling scent. Magical! 

Check out all of my reviews here https://www.influenster.com/    and my latest men's fragrance review below. http://bellevuegrl.blogspot.com/2020/11/standout-fragrances-reviewing-world-of.html

Until next time~

Hearts and Hugs 

BellevueGrl 

 

Standout Fragrances - Reviewing The World of Zaharoff

 It's been a bit since I've done a review here. Life has taken me in quite a few different directions and I've been away for a while from the beauty community. This particular review and the person that I'm writing about is more than enough to take this gal out of blogging retirement and set things on fire again. 

I first met designer and fragrance creator George Zaharoff many years ago through a very close friend in journalism, had it not been that I was in the fashion industry and that he designed a coat for her, I would have never known his name, thanks to the Twitterverse at the time, we forged a friendship and met face to face at a design launch, and years later, here we are. 

With two new fragrances that just launched, NOIR and ROYALE, George is once again blazing a trail for himself. Always the gold standard, I first wanted to introduce you to his original scent, Zaharoff Signature Pour Homme (EDP)  described by Zaharoff himself, "it is sweet lavender, clean blue cypress and spicy black pepper that unfolds into an earthy, smoky woods and floral heart of Oud and Balsam, finally settling into a trilogy of warm, spiritual and sensual Myrrh, Sandalwood and Frankincense."

Oriental Wood fragrances are some of my favorites (for both men and women) When George said that his scents were the "Elixir Of  The World", he wasn't kidding. From Coriander from the south of France to Mandarin and Bergamot from Italy, Ginger Roots from India, Anise from Egypt, Frankincense, and Myrrh from Ethiopia and Oud from China, Mr. Zaharoff has indeed put together the gold standard. NOIR is a pure spell of seduction. This warms on the skin like a sensual cashmere sweater. Make no mistake, this one is for when you're wanting to set the night ablaze and make someone crave more. Dare I call it "sex in a bottle" yeah, it's that good.

Have you ever felt a buttery soft suede, or smelled that perfect combination of leather? There's just something about it that stirs the senses. That's what ROYALE reminds me of. This dries down to that indescribable concoction of Amber, Musk, Cedar, Patchouli that is like a comforting throw on a chilly night while sitting by a fire. Gentlemen, if you want to make a statement, this is the one to choose. A man always wants to stand out, and this one will make heads turn. While deeper than the original Zaharoff Pour Homme, (while in itself is sophisticated), this takes classy to the next level. Think well dressed, polished, and on the playing field ready to conquer.  This is woodsy, rich on the sandalwood, but also fresh with crisp apple, juniper, and cardamom, and you guessed it, this one is also a passport around the world, from Guatemala, Indonesia, and Italy, all the way to my beloved Washington state. 

I love how each scent differs from the other and goes a level deeper. They are not a repeat version, and they are long-lasting, a spritz goes a long way. I love discovering all the layers of a fragrance from top note to the final rendition when it melds with your own body chemistry. From a female point of view, these leave a memorable statement behind. 

 Since these reviews have been done to death and on every channel, I wanted to do something a little different and offer up a complementary women's fragrance.  The fragrance notes in Estee Lauder's Aerin Rose de Grasse are a perfect pairing to Zaharoff Pour Homme, Royale goes well with Estee Lauder's Beautiful Belle, and the magic of NOIR completes the spell when paired with Estee Lauder's Cinnabar, Olibanum, Sandalwood, Patchouli is a perfect mate, yes, you can thank me later. Think of it as a couple pairing.

Both of these fragrances were sent to me for review. Special thanks to my dear friend George Zaharoff. For more information please visit zaharoff.com, and for fragrance notes for the women's fragrances, please see  esteelauder.com. 

Until next time ~

Hearts and Hugs

BellevueGrl 

Catching Up

It has been a very, very long time since I've posted on here. I wanted to catch everyone up on what's been going on over the past year, and rather than make a long-winded social media post, I thought I would just make a long-winded post on my beloved blog.

I have indeed been busy. I've published two books, and have been in the process of writing my third, which, I may scrap, as I don't like the voice or direction it was going in. All hell kind of broke loose in my life whilst writing it. I was hospitalized while on vacation for pneumonia, which basically put me on my rear in (almost) the ICU for about five days. When I returned to normal life I had a hard time focusing on the premise of the book and well, it's been sitting here stewing in its own broth for awhile. To quote the words of a very close friend, I was "a sick sickie"

I have been busy writing elsewhere, both as a contributor for a publication on the Medium platform, and I recently threw my hat into the ring as a contributor for Thrive Global. I am having a very difficult time hitting the send button on my first post.  Even as a seasoned writer, I feel somehow inadequate alongside those with "Dr" or "Ph.D." in their name. I'm just a gal eating burritos for lunch while they are eating caviar (on toast, no less) While I may be sitting on the patio with a glass of rosé and watching the sunset, they are 37,000 feet in first-class watching the clouds roll by. I'm a working girl who juggles words, photography and social media, then comes home to feed the cat and herself, then settle down to her hobby of writing on the side. Glamorous, right?

Truth be told, I am intimidated about the big leagues, even though I've written here for ten years, covered front row fashion, and lived to tell about it, I find myself stumbling. I'm still figuring out a way to make words flow when it really counts.

How do we get past that initial stutter, that slip of foot on what we thought would be steady ground? Do we just jump and hope we land firmly, or do we fall, and use it to teach us how to use our wings? I'm about to take that step.

Stay tuned, and I'll let you know!

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Book And Happenings

It's been quite awhile, and I wanted to catch up with everyone and announce the launch of my new book.

I decided to bite the bullet and put together a collection of short stories that I have written over the past year.

Most of these stories are about the heart, emotions, both positive and negative. There are stories of love, insight, inspiration, whimsy. They aren't meant to be taken literally, they aren't about anyone, or even for anyone. They are simply like poetry, to make one think, to appeal to the senses, perhaps to remember a moment or two of your own.

There is a passage, one that I like to refer to as a parabal for the heart. I was feeling very uncertain of my path. Every now and then, we all feel a little stuck. We want to be remembered, to matter, to be heard.

The heart is like a book. It holds memories. There are chapters that we like to re-read now and then. The storm in my story is a metaphor for life. It can be gentle, or it can be fierce and make us question everything. There are dog-eared pages in my book (heart), well loved moments, people, friends.

The character is feeling unsettled inside, is walking in the rain.  I liken the world to a diary that was carried by someone, dropped carelessly along the way, perhaps into a puddle, the pages are drenched. Someone finds it, and tries to see if they can salvage what was written inside.

As you read this story, I hope that you can relate.

The following is an excerpt from "And Then God Smiled" by Elaine Hamilton


                                                  The Book And The Storm

Feeling stormy today. There's a quiet roll of thunder under my calm surface. Seeing with my grey eyes today, there is no sun that can warm me enough to feel anything but disdain. I almost like the feel of rain on my face, I've come to welcome it some days, because it just feels good to to become part of the wildness of nature, just let go. Walking, feeling the wind, no one can see the pain behind the sardonic grin. I hide it well.

Raindrops hide tears, wrapping my heart with rubber bands again. Words, memories surface, almost like an old journal that is treasured. Scrapping everything I know once more. The pages of this book are getting old and tattered, a few are dog-eared because I tend to revisit them now and then. I carry this book with me, keep it close, but one day, I'll let go, and it will be consumed by the puddles that are left after the storm passes, pages will be drenched, and the words will be erased, and the book will lay forgotten.

Maybe someday, someone will find it, and wonder about the story it might have held. Maybe they will carefully dry out the pages , and see what was written, try to decipher the story within, the things that might have been, the wistful fairytale, the long forgotten dreams, and treasure it.



The book is available in the Amazon Kindle Store. Check out this link if you'd like to know more.
https://www.amazon.com/Then-God-Smiled-Collection-Stories-ebook/dp/B07F49GYS4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8


Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

BELLEVUEGRL EVOLVED

I've been missing in action for awhile. There have been so many changes going on, and I just wanted to update everyone on that.

When I first started BellevueGrl back in 2009, it was to support local business and local fashion. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful business owners, local designers, makeup artists, and entertainment personalities. I have bonded with so many people, and I am so very honored to call them my friends.

I've photographed hundreds of shows, attended front row fashion events, met some of our wonderful Seahawk players, and dined on some of the best fare from all over the city.

BellevueGrl started branching out to go beyond just the local city and Seattle. It soon incorporated designers from Project Runway, personalities from Sally Beauty, friends from LA. I started writing for a few online publications, became a brand ambassador for AHAVA, did some visual merchandising, and immersed myself in the field of fashion completely, once again.

I most recently became a fashion and lifestyle writer for a digital magazine in Beverly Hills, and attended LAFW where I was able to go backstage and capture all of the behind the scenes action, watch models rehearse for shows, be able to watch hair and makeup teams work their magic, I met with emerging designers that were of a global outreach, and so BellevueGrl evolved once again.

Evolving implies change, and that's kind of the beauty of things. When something grows, rises up from the ground to become something that can make an impact outside of it's normal boundaries.

BellevueGrl will soon become a new entity "Just A Girl In The City Too", a new digital fashion spot featuring emerging women designers, interviews, photos and more. I will be doing mentoring, as I believe in developing talent and inspiring others to reach their goals and giving back, and I will be embracing more of an entrepreneurial role, and hopefully, putting my book out on shelves in 2018.

Writing a mission statement for a new publication was once a dream, and looking back on the past few years, I feel so very blessed.

Will you come along on the journey with me?

Thank you all for your support, friendship, comments. To all who are out there, never underestimate the power of your talents or voice. One article, one photograph, one painting, can make an impact on someones life in a moment.

You never know who's watching! 

Until next time~
With so much love
BellevueGrl

ENCHANTÉ

If you've never been to New Mexico, you're missing out.

Dubbed "The Land Of Enchantment" this beautiful southwest spot definitely lives up to it's name, with gold and watermelon sunsets and a sky full of stars.

Not only does it sport the wonderful capital of Santa Fe, but there is a certain charm to Old Town in Albuquerque.

I had a chance to visit a few months ago, and was impressed by the galleries that it has to offer.

One that caught my interest was GhostWolf Gallery, where I  had the chance to meet with local artists.

Tucked into a cozy corner, one feels the ambiance of walking into a friend's home with speciality pieces made to make you immediately smile.

Usually, there is an art crawl or special event going on, a chance to do a little champagne or wine tasting, and mingle with the creators of copper, clay, and canvas works.

There's plenty to catch the eye as one strolls from room to room, and always a bright blue sky to gaze up at while meandering the patio outdoors.

I was able to chat with Amy M. Ditto, Owner about her work and the pieces that she is most proud of.Hearing her speak, you can really pick up on  the energy of her creations.

Amy's favorite work is her "Dia de los Moo-uertos" the poster, which to her surprise, won at the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival. Another favorite piece (mine too) is "Meanwhile Back In Kansas" which depicts a very calm "Dorothy" during the raging storm.

This piece is printed on dye infused aluminum, and gets rave reviews from everyone. There are so many who see this as a symbol of strength.

The Gallery is open from 11am-6pm, and is closed on Tuesdays.

If you're traveling anytime through the southwest, be sure to put this on your "to do list". The memories and the warm atmosphere of friends gathering will last forever.

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits: Elaine Hamilton
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

" READY TO PAAARTY "

What's a birthday without a few glam presents, right?

Especially when the treats come from Tarte and Sephora! This years #BeautyInsider treat from Sephora was this fabulous duo.

Inside is a full size Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in a limited edition shade "Paaarty" which is a peachy nude shade, teamed with a mini tarteist creamy lip paint in "Birthday Suit" a sweet confection of peach and beige.

This set is perfect for the gal on the go (like me!)

Grab yours at Sephora, and get ready to dazzle. #BeautyInsider membership is free, and you can earn points per purchase for all kinds of treasures.

"Paaarty on! "

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

"IT'S IN THE JEANS"

If you don't have a denim jacket as part of your wardrobe,grab one!
I adore the versatility of this Old Navy distressed denim jacket.


Shown here is New Medium Authentic for $36.94 view at:http://oldnavy.gap.com

This jacket will pair with anything for those cool,breezy days or evenings.Dress up or down,shorts,slacks,sundresses or even a little black knit dress ,add sneakers or your favorite sandals.

There's plenty of choices out there from Maurice's ($39.00) to Free People.
Try the Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Denim Jacket for $98.00  log onto www.freepeople.com for further information.

These styles are pack-able,toss-able,easy wearing! Grab your sunnies and go!

I feel a summer road trip coming on!

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

THESE LIFE LESSONS

I posted a portion of this the other day on Facebook,but knowing me,I had more to add to this story,and the writer in me simply had to expand on those ideas. It is a bit like an earworm,something just tells you to keep on writing.

On Life...

You never really know how precious and short life is until you are faced with almost losing it. People can tell you a million times,but unless you are forced to step into those shoes,we remain blind. Cherish those that you care for,tell them every day how much they mean to you. Find the words,the time,to let them know. Even if you feel silly.Don't waste a moment. Celebrate life,even if it's one small thing a day.Celebrate love,it returns what we give to it.Never take it for granted. Celebrate friends and family,because that is our greatest treasure.Take the time to "smell the roses" because you might not be here the next day to do so. Enjoy the wind in your hair,the sun on your face,the smell of the rain,the starlight after the clouds have passed. Find room in your heart to make others who are hurting smile,you never know whose life you may touch!

On Love:

Often,we are too afraid to accept love,as if we are afraid that the real thing would be our un-doing.We are afraid of the cost,of hurting someone,when instead we should be embracing that connection,that welcoming smile,the comfort in knowing that someone else will stand beside you through thick and thin,have your back,see you through your visions,and help you achieve your dreams. That uncanny connection is there for a reason.Trust it! If they haven't walked away through the tough times,they arent going to. They are a foundation,a sounding board,and a forever friend. When something is right,no distance,time,no amount of good times or bad will change that.


On Our Heart:

We are so used to rejection, so used to having people take advantage,that we almost accept that as a norm,that when we find acceptance,we are scared of it. What we dont see is that that person,or those people are brought into our lives for that very purpose of re-connecting our souls,our hearts back to the universe,bringing joy,laughter and purpose into our lives,inspiring us to think,often to think beyond ourselves,and to reach out to others in turn. At least the right person should do that,inspire us to become better versions of ourselves.

Compassion is always in fashion!

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

"YOU GLO GIRL"

Get ready for the warmer months ahead with these no-sun tips for a healthy glow ...

Start by Faking It! Use a self tanner for a few nights before you go to sleep to wake up with a fresh,hint of color.

Apply loose powder makeup two levels darker than your usual shade to give a healthy "spent the day at the beach" look.

Shown here, Laura Geller in Golden Rose and Honeysuckle ,and Baked Blush-N-Brighten in Tropical Hues.

Try adding a peach or rosy blush to your makeup,sweep a highlighter just slightly above your cheekbones,and brush over shoulders and collar-bone.

 Extend the life of your natural tan by applying a tiny bit of Tantalizer by LORAC to your temple,forehead,cheekbones,and bridge of nose. Think where the sun would naturally "hit",blend well.

 What are you waiting for? Get "Glowing!"

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

HAND IN HAND

I absolutely fell in love with this hand cream! Everything from the lovely packaging to the incredible smell,even the paper insert inside the box smelled  heavenly.

I was asked to review this product by the folks over at Beautystat.com,and couldn't have been happier with the results.


I have used this for over a week now,and my hands feel soft,and comfortable. I really adore the surge of moisture that it gives my hands at the end of the day. I keep this one in my bag so that whenever I need a little lift I can reach for it!

I didn't expect this to smell so wonderful! The Prickly Pear and Moringa go hand in hand so well! The price for such a large tube is so affordable, you will want to keep more than one ready for use.
($24.00 at https://www.ahava.com/mineral-hand-cream-prickly-pear-moringa )

For all things beautiful,stop by Beautystat.com

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

*** Disclaimer***
This was a sponsored post by Beautystat.com. All opinions are my own.
Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

YOU KEEP "LIFTING" ME

Leave it again to the great plant power of AHAVA!

I was asked to review this product from Ahava,courtesy of the folks over at Beautystat.I was simply delighted with the results!

 I love the non-sticky formula! It left my skin feeling soft and smooth,even with just one application,after a few days of use,my skin did feel a little more "lifted".

The scent was floral,not overpowering,just fresh and light,and the consistency of the cream was fluffy and generous! It felt luxurious slipping on,and I could get dressed right away,no waiting for the cream to sink in. No harsh chemical smell, great for my super sensitive skin!

 I would definitely purchase this product again! Oh,and the tube size is huge,this will last a long time! (Firming Body Cream $42.00)

For more information,please go tohttps://www.ahava.com/firming-body-cream  and for all things beauty,hop over to Beautystat.com


Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

*** Disclaimer***
This was a sponsored post by Beautystat.com. All opinions are my own.
Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

"PEARLS OF WISDOM"

It has certainly been wet and cold here in Seattle! It is a bit unusual for March,we have even been seeing some snow from time to time,along with thunder,and even a day (yesterday) where it snowed and the sun was out!

Mother nature has been up to her tricks. Either that,or someone bribed that old groundhog back in February to keep winter going on our side of the states.

Lately though, I have not minded the rain,It is as if somehow it has washed away the past,and I cannot wait to step out into the sun again in more ways than one.

Our lives get so cluttered,that we have very little time to stop and breathe.Often,we do not notice the things that are right there in front of us because our focus is elsewhere.

Sometimes,we are faced with having to take a leap of faith,to go for it! Our hearts say yes,but our brains stop us. Our brains try to protect us from perceived harm and that is where the negativity comes from. The "I can'ts ,the but what if's ,the need to dis-engage and distance ourselves. Fear is a killer of dreams. It keeps us from reaching our true potential,what we can have in our lives,vs what we are willing to just simply live with because that is what we are used to.

I wanted to feature these pearls today on the blog, because they were given to me by my Grandmother (They are from Saks Fifth Avenue,NY) where I grew up as a child. They have survived the years,a bit shop worn,but like us, they have endured.

Do you have some well loved pieces?

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl


Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

GOOD FOR WHAT "ALES" YOU !

On a recent trip to Black Raven Brewing the other day, I just happened to discover the most amazing product!

 Who knew that they carried anything other than beer? Right! (If you dont know about their beer,you must visit,it is so good!)

Black Raven Brewing in Redmond,WA

This Pepo Park Soap is natural and uses the spent grains from the beer made at Black Raven! 

This lavender soap smells so heavenly!  

The soap is made right here in Kirkland,WA,is carried by Herban Wellness in Kirkland,and Black Raven Brewing (Redmond,WA) and they even have a distribution showroom in Park Place in Seattle! Visit, The Handmade Showroom.

They also make lip balm,salve,salts and more! 

As you can see,the bar is a super generous size!

Please checkout their website for more details http://www.pepopark.com/

Until next time~

Hearts and Hugs

BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:

All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.

BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

"STACKED"

The odds will definitely be stacked in your favor with these wonderful little treasures from Charming Charlie!

I cant get enough of the versatility of these gold and silver stacked bracelets. These can be worn with anything from jeans and a sweater to your favorite little night on the town dress.

Every time I walk into this place,I walk out the door with something fabulous!

Perk up your spring wardrobe with a set of stacked bracelets. Prices range from $10.00 and up. Mix and match sets for a look thats all you!

You can check out their selection in store,but warning, you will walk out with much more than you expected,or at: http://www.charmingcharlie.com/jewelry/bracelets.html


Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl


Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

DIAMONDS AND PEARLS

It feels like it has been a long time since I have posted. I am just catching up after all of the holiday season,and this was originally intended to be a Valentine's Day post,but I never made the deadline.

Some of my favorite little accessories are the ones that go with just about everything from casual to career wear.

 These Honora Pearl earrings are just the thing for a casual brunch out on a Sunday,perfect for the nine to fiver,or for a night out on the town with your sweetie.

Shown here, are two perfect styles,a diamond and pearl drop earring featuring freshwater cultured pearls and 10K yellow gold,and something fun, red freshwater pearl earring studs. These are the perfect size,not too overwhelming!

Did you know that Honora carries pearls in just about any color you want? It's true! Blue,Gold,Green,you name it,even lovely lavender pearls. Check them out online at https://www.honora.com/  (right now,their website is being updated,but please check back)

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl


Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.