{Giveaway} JewelMint *CLOSED*

I am so excited to offer you all this fabulous giveaway sponsored by JewelMint, Kate Bosworth's jewelry company!  Kate Bosworth collaborated with celeb stylist Cher Coulter to be bring gorgeous jewelry to women at affordable prices (only $29.99 per piece).

I am a JewelMint member and have been so impressed with the quality of the jewelry, the unique selection of styles, and the ease of ordering and shipping.  I placed my first order a few weeks ago and everything arrived within a few days and was beautifully packaged with dust bags.  I look forward to what new designs will be offered each month.  And I love that the jewelry is exclusive to JewelMint members, and you can't find it anywhere else.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces...  

JewelMint is kindly offering one lucky Shannon ♥'s reader THREE of their favorite pieces!  How fun is that?

Enter to win:

1. Follow Shannon ♥'s via Google friend connect

2. Go to the JewelMint website & register (completely free to register!).  Choose your favorite item then leave me a comment with your pick.  Please include the email address that your registered on JewelMint with your comment.

Bonus entries:

3. Like Shannon ♥'s on Facebook

4. Follow Shannon ♥'s on Bloglovin'

5. Follow @shannonhearts1 on Twitter

(leave an additional comment for each bonus entry)

Winner will be announced on the Dec. 8th.  Good luck!!!  This is open to U.S. residents only. 

One more sweet surprise from JewelMint!  They are offering all you fabulous Shannon ♥'s readers 50% off your first purchase!  50% off is valid for 1 item, open to new members only, from now – 12/31.  Code: SHANNON.

xo, Shannon

Handmade Holidays

I am a strong supporter of buying handmade products whenever possible, and I especially try to buy handmade gifts during the holidays.  Supporting independent designers, artists and crafters benefits our communities and nourishes our culture.  And you can find the most beautiful and unique handmade treasures, that you just can't find in a store.

My favorite place to shop for handmade finds is on Etsy.  Etsy not only has handmade items, but also amazing vintage finds and supplies if you're feeling creative.  I've bought everything from children's clothing, to jewelry, to beauty products on Etsy.  I'm constantly amazed by the creativity and talent that I find on that site.

I put together some of my favorite Etsy finds. 

1 Tempo Designs | 2 Piper & Paisley | 3 Celeste Lauren

4 Urban Revisions | 5 Kate Szabone | 6 BagNoir

7 Christina Kober | 8 Lupin | 9 Windy City Knits

I'd love to hear your favorite handmade finds.

xo, Shannon

{Look Book} Hello Holidays + Winner Announced

When I think of the holidays, I think of cheery colors and sparkly accessories.  I think of spending time with friends & family, singing campy Christmas songs, and drinking delicious warm winter drinks.  Everything is sweeter and prettier during the holidays.  This time of year just makes me smile.



Dress: Nanette Lepore | Salome Sheath

Shoes: Pilcro via Anthropologie | Sterling Kitten Heels

Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot | La Coco Rope Necklace

Brooch: c/o Stella & Dot | Vintage Starburst

And now to announce the winner of last week's Celeste Lauren Designs giveaway!  The winner is....  #4 Athena!  I will email you today.

Congratulations!  I hope you adore your new necklace!    

Please remember to visit Celeste Lauren's etsy shop to do your holiday shopping, or to find a gorgeous treat for yourself.  I love to support the talented artists on etsy, especially during the holidays.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I had a lovely day with my family, and my tummy was filled with wonderful home cooked goodies.  I felt very blessed to be with those I love so dearly.  These are the days I will cherish forever.

xo, Shannon

{Giveaway} Kate Somerville *CLOSED*

I am a beauty junkie and love to try new products.  I have been hearing rave reviews about Kate Somerville products for quite some time and finally decided to take the plunge and try a few.  I always read reviews before I buy pretty much anything, but even after reading the reviews and product descriptions I was struggling to decide which products were right for my skin type.  I went to the website and noticed an online clinic, where customers can complete a short quiz and get a personalized skincare evaluation.  It took me a few minutes to complete the quiz, and within a few days I received a personalized RX card with detailed recommendations for my skin.  I was impressed with the individual attention and the personal email from a real skin care expert, and not just a randomly generated response.

I decided to try 3 products: Clarifying Treatment Toner, Exfolikate, and Deep Tissue Repair.  Anytime I try a new product, whether it be for my skin, hair or body I always try one product at a time.  That way if I have a reaction (positive or negative) I will know exactly which product is responsible for it.  

I started with the Clarifying Treatment Toner.  This is an alcohol and fragrance-free toner that helps decrease shininess and clarify skin, without stripping or over-drying.  It has a very mild scent and feel.  It doesn't feel harsh or sting, or smell like alcohol like many toners do.  After I applied the product I felt a light tingling and my skin felt so clean and fresh.  It definitely has helped prevent break-outs and my skin is very happy because of this product.   

Next, I tried Exfolikate.  This is an exfoliating treatment mask that clarifies and polishes the skin. I applied it for 2 minutes and then rinsed.  You don't have to rub or scrub this product into your skin.  After I rinsed it my skin felt fresh and smooth, no irritation whatsoever.  I've now been using this for 2 months and it's significantly improved my complexion and has made my skin very radiant.  This is a must-have beauty product.   

 Finally, I tried Deep Tissue Repair.  This is a high-performance, age-defense moisturizer.  It has a wonderful consistency, and is not too heavy or greasy.  I applied it in the morning and evening and it effectively moisturized my skin without causing me to break-out or my skin did not get oily throughout the day.  I have been using this product for about 6 weeks and I am pleased with the appearance of my skin, but haven't noticed any significant difference in the appearance of fine lines.  It might take a bit longer before dramatic results might be present.  Overall, I really like this moisturizer and am going to continue using it and hopefully I will continue to see beautiful results.

 I have been very pleased with all the Kate Somerville products so far, and feel that they have all surpassed my expectations.  I'm looking forward to trying more products from this line.  I'd love to hear if you have tried Kate Somerville and what your thoughts are.

Giveaway!

I am so in love with Exfolikate, that two lucky readers will each win a .5 oz. tube of it!

To enter:

• Be a Google Friend Connect follower of Shannon ♥'s & leave a comment with your favorite skincare product, or just something that makes you smile.  :)  

Bonus Entries

• Follow Shannon ♥'s via Bloglovin'.
• Like Shannon ♥'s on Facebook.

(leave an additional comment for each bonus entry)

Open to my US and International readers.  Winners will be selected on Dec. 3rd.

Good luck!  And, don't forget to enter my other giveaway!

xo, Shannon

This is not a sponsored post.  I will always tell you when it is.  :)


**WINNERS**
Post #10 - David from Sick by Trend said...

Very cool honey! thanks for sharing. I'm following

November 27, 2011 2:35 PM 

Post #37 - Annalisa D. said...

I like Shannon Hearts on facebook
(Annalisa D.)
Champion1953 at aol.com

December 1, 2011 1:28 AM 

I will be contacting the winners today.  Thank you all who entered.

Holiday Shopping List

The holidays are upon us, and all I can say is that I have shopping on my mind.  I've noticed so many amazing things this year!  I'm loving bright colors, cheerful designs and things that simply make me smile.  I put together some of my favorite girlie gifts.  Enjoy! 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

There is nothing better than a personalized gift, and that's why I am blown away by the collection of Rebecca Minkoff monogrammed purses.  There are 4 designs she's offering exclusively this holiday season.  Custom initials are handpainted on the front of the bags.  How cool is that?  I think that would be a pretty amazing gift!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the most gorgeous Druzy & Gold Pendant.  It would make an amazing gift for any woman.

xo, Shannon

{Look Book} Hazy Days

I've been busy getting ready for Thanksgiving, and even more importantly, Christmas.  I get so giddy and excited around the holidays.  I can't wait to put up the advent calendar, decorate the tree, and welcome our elf back to our family.  I've already started Christmas shopping, but haven't made too much of a dent.  Are any of you big Black Friday shoppers?  I have never shopped on Black Friday, so I am curious if it's really worth it.  As much as I love to shop, I love to sleep-in even more.

Today was a perfect day to take some Look Book pictures.  It had a very dreamy quality to it.  The sky was hazy, and filled with soft shades of blue and lavender.  It was such a treat to go down to the beach and enjoy the pretty day.

Top: Rebecca Taylor

Jacket: Elevenses via Anthropologie | Frilled Echelons Peacoat

Jeans: Paige | Skyline Skinny's

Shoes: Poetic Licence | Orient Express

Necklace: Anthropologie | Pinnate Necklace

Hope you all enjoy today!

{Giveaway} Celeste Lauren Designs + Last Weeks Winner! *CLOSED*

I am thrilled to announce this week's giveaway!  Celeste Lauren is so incredibly talented and has the most gorgeous jewelry in her etsy shop.  Her shop features unique gold druzy and gemstone jewelry, made with high quality gold components.  Every piece in her shop is stunning! 

One lucky reader will win this stunning champagne druzy & gold necklace.  Light champagne color druzy slice pendant with gold dipped edges and natural rock back is suspended on long gold chain with a gold filled clasp. The druzy slice is 1" long x 1/2" wide.  The chain is 24" long.  This is a one of a kind piece of jewelry.  Retail value of this lovely pendant is $82.00.

Enter to win:

1. Follow Shannon ♥'s via Google friend connect

2. Visit Celeste Lauren and leave a comment here with your most loved item

Bonus entries:

3. 'Favorite' Celeste Lauren's Etsy shop

4. 'Like' Celeste Lauren's Facebook page

5. Tweet/facebook/blog about this giveaway (include a link)

(leave an additional comment for each bonus entry)

Giveaway is open until Nov. 27th at midnight.  Winner will be announced on the 28th.  Good luck!!!  This is open to U.S. residents only. 

And, now to announce the lucky winner of the Marcie Adary giveaway!  Winner is May Shum.  

May Shum said... Love the Asian Elephant necklace.

Congratulations!  I know you will love owning a gorgeous piece for Marcie Adary's gorgeous shop.  I know I will be doing some Christmas shopping there. 

Happy Monday!  Hope you all have a beautiful day. 

{Obsession} Druzy

I know, I've been quite obsessed lately.  There are just so many beautiful things on my mind, and I love to share them with you.  Druzy is my recent fascination.  You might also see it spelled as Druse or Drusy (from what I understand all spellings are correct).  Druzy is tiny quartz crystals that form within or on the surface of other stones.  Druzy is beautiful and unique and no two are ever alike.  It has the look of crystal or rock sugar candy growing on the inside of a beautiful gemstone.  I love it's organic look and feel.

These pieces are especially dreamy... wouldn't you agree?

(clockwise from left)

Marcia Moran (pic 1 and 2) | Oval Chunky Drusy Oversized Ring

Dara Ettinger via Anthropologie | Gilded Druzy Necklace

Celeste Lauren Designs | Champagne Druzy Necklace

Jewelmint | Fantasia Necklace

(clockwise from left)

Celeste Lauren Designs | Aquamarine Druzy Necklace

Devon Leigh | Dark Druzy Necklace

Marcia Moran | Stackable Rings

Anthropologie | Druzy Pie Drops

Statements by DCK | Drusy Stone Ring

If you like the Fantasia Necklace as much as I do, you won't want to miss this special promotion from Jewelmint.  They are offering all you fabulous Shannon ♥'s readers 50% off your first purchase!  Great time to snatch up that sweet necklace (or any of their other great jewelry).  50% off is valid for 1 item, open to new members only, from now – 12/31.  Code: SHANNON.

If Druzy catches your eye, you are going to LOVE my next giveaway!  Please stay posted.  It's going to be GOOD!  :)

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

 

{Look Book} Cobalt + Herringbone

I have been in love with both cobalt and herringbone this season so I've been experimenting with some outfit ideas.  I've seen a lot of amazing herringbone pants, but I am not quite courageous enough to take that leap, so the herringbone tights seemed like a nice baby step.  I like the idea of taking the menswear trend and giving it a feminine touch.

Dress: MM Couture | V-Neck Dress

Jacket: Olivia Moon | Knit Blazer

Tights: Eloise | Herringbone Tights via Anthropologie

Shoes: Plenty by Tracy Reese (similar or similar)

Ring: Statements by DCK | Drusy Stone Ring

Necklace: J Crew (similar)

I hope you are all having a lovely week.  Don't forget to enter the amazing giveaway!  

{Obsession} Tiny Treasures

I adore dainty, feminine necklaces.  They look beautiful layered with other necklaces, worn alone and even mixed and matched with other metals.  Roberto Coin has an adorable line of petite necklaces called Tiny Treasures.  They are made from 18K gold and diamonds.  Roberto Coin is an Italian jewelry maker and has been making beautiful jewelry since the 1970's in Vicenza, Italy.  Vicenza happens to be known as the city of gold.  Boy, would I love to go there someday!

One thing that I especially adore about all of Roberto Coin's pieces, is that they all have a secret ruby hidden on the backside.  His use of the hidden ruby not only taps into their obvious beauty, but also their cultural and mythical significance.  Rubies have long been thought to have magic powers, such as the ability to offer peace and promote a long life.  Many ancient cultures believed that rubies promoted fertility and Burmese warriors used to insert rubies under their skin to help protect themselves from serious injury while in battle.  Also, according to Egyptian legend, wearing a ruby near the skin promoted a long, healthy and happy life. The ruby was also thought by ancient cultures to banish evil thoughts and reconcile disputes.  Roberto Coin puts a secret ruby on all of his jewelry as a gift of good wishes to every woman who is both lucky and delighted to wear one of his pieces.

For my birthday this year Marty was so incredibly sweet to get me my first Roberto Coin piece.  He chose the little crab because my birthday is in July and I therefore I am a Cancer, and the sign of Cancer is a crab.  He was also touched by the symbolism of the hidden ruby, and the fact that the ruby is also my birthstone made this lovely little necklace a perfect choice.

Throughout the Tiny Treasures collection, there are so many unique and darling little pieces.  There is definitely something for everyone.

(I love the little frog prince!)

Roberto Coin jewelry can be found at most retail jewelry stores, along with Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.  Prices range from $300 and up.

{Giveaway} Marcie Adary Artisan Jewelry *CLOSED*

I am so excited to announce this week's giveaway!  It's presented by Marcie Adary Artisan Jewelry.  Her gorgeous, handmade jewelry is made from only the finest quality materials.  Genuine gemstone and pearl designs in sterling silver and 14 karat gold.  I especially adore her stack rings, cluster necklaces, and feminine dangle earrings.

All her jewelry comes in a lovely gift box, ready for gift giving or for the perfect gift to yourself. Just in time for the holidays!

One lucky reader will win an item of their choice from her shop, up to $45 in value* 

Enter to win:

1. Follow Shannon ♥'s via Google friend connect

2. Visit Marcie Adary's Etsy shop and leave a comment with your most loved item

Bonus entries:

3. 'Favorite' Marcie Adary's Etsy shop

4. 'Like' Marcie Adary's Facebook page

5. Tweet/facebook/blog about this giveaway (include a link)

6. Follow me @Shannonhearts1 on Twitter

(leave an additional comment for each bonus entry)

Giveaway is open until Nov. 20th at midnight PST.  Winner will be announced on the 21st and will be selected using random.org.  Good luck!!!  This is open to U.S. and international readers.    

*If winner's item is less than $45 no cash difference will be provided.

{Look Book} Flame Points

There is rain on the horizon, which makes for a beautiful sunset.  I love the anticipation of the coming rain.  I love having an excuse to stay in bed and drink a warm cup of hot chocolate and snuggle with my babies.  For some reason I feel like rain is enough of an excuse.  Maybe because it doesn't rain all that much in Southern California.  So it is quite a treat.  I love after the rain as well.  When everything is fresh and renewed.  Making a clean slate for a new day.  The leaves look like they have little sparkly diamonds on them, the ground shimmers with a fresh glow, and the smell in the air awakens all my senses.

Sweater: Anthropologie | Flame Points Cardigan

Shirt: Free People | Crochet Cuff Henley

Jeans: Paige Premium Denim | Skyline Skinny Jeans

Boots: Frye | Veronica Slouch in Slate

Necklace: J. Crew | Oval Heirloom Locket

Ring: Stella & Dot | Camilla Ring

Since I am fairly new to the blogging world, I thought it would be fun to get to know each other a little bit better. Here are 10 random things about me. 

1. My family & I have an old and funky Airstream camper trailer.  It's a '72.  It has a lot of character and has been through many adventures.  We love to go camping and try to explore new places as much as we can.
2. I love to read!  That being said, I have a hard time finding books that really captivate me. My favorite book is The Hunger Games.  I've read it twice!  If you have any suggestions of what books I might enjoy, I'd love to hear them.
3. I am the librarian at my kids school.  Just call me Mrs. Shannon.  It's the funnest job ever. 
4. I love to cook (and love to eat).  My favorite type of cuisine is Indian Food.  I crave Saag Aloo and naan bread.
5. My favorite designer is Rebecca Taylor.  She has a gift for creating the most amazing fabrics.  Her clothes feminine and beautiful with such rich detail.
6. I love to sew, although I don't have as much time to sew as I used to.  When my daughter was younger I had a children's clothing line on etsy.  It was a wonderful creative outlet and I look forward to teaching Lily to sew someday.
7. I love movies.  Lately most of the movies I watch are by Pixar.  But, my favorite movie of all time is About A Boy.  I really love movies that are quirky and thoughtful.  Close runner's up are Bridget Jone's Diary and Almost Famous.... oh, and Jerry Maguire.
8. One of Marty & my favorite things to do is go to concerts.  When I was a little girl my parents put forth an effort to expose my brother & I to music and arts.  The first concert I ever went to was Michael Jackson.  I sat on my dad's shoulders and took it all in.  It was amazing.
9. My favorite show is Mad Men.  It's such a fun escape.
10. I've been married for almost 10 years to my soul mate.  Looking forward to so many more wonderful years.

Please share something interesting about yourself as well. 

xo,

Shannon