Weekend Wishlist: Franco Sarto Handbag, 3-D Light-Up Crystal Puzzle, Wireless Headphones, and More!

 It's Friday!  That means I've been browsing the new sales on Zulily.  I love shopping on the weekends because I only pay shipping on my first order and get free shipping on everything else from Friday through midnight on Sunday.  I have already done quite a bit of holiday shopping on Zulily over the past few weeks.  I found some fun fashion items for my mother-in-law and some great deals on some toys.  In case I've never mentioned it, I always check the price of an item on Amazon before I purchase it on Zulily and it is almost always significantly lower.  I bought a few toys this month that were each selling for $10 to $15 more on Amazon.

What's new on my Zulily wishlist today?

1.  Global Amici 248-Oz. Meloni Jar - $16.99 (Originally $25)

2.  DIY Kids Flashing Castle 3-D Crystal Puzzle - $11.99 (Originally $21)

3.  Sterling Silver Crown Pendant Necklace - $10.99 (Originally $21)

4.  Black Wireless Cushioned Headphones & Receiver - $26.99 (Originally $100)

5.  Upper Bounce 7.5-Foot Trampoline & Enclosure Set - $199.99 (Originally $285)

6.  Franco Sarto Leather Teal Delancy Crossbody Bag - $55.99 (Originally $119)

7.  b.o.c. Black Suzi Mule - $44.99 (Originally $85)

8.  Oatmeal Basket Weave Infinity Scarf - $8.99 (Originally $18)


If you haven't already, be sure to checkout my post "6 Tips for Shopping on Zulily"!  What's on your weekend wishlist from Zulily or somewhere else?

Sphere of Life "Bring me Spring" Sterling Silver & 18k Gold Necklace

Sometimes I feel like I am on an endless search for the ideal necklace.  I do not change my jewelry daily like some people.  I want to wear jewelry that I love, is unique, tarnish-free, and looks great with just about anything I wear.  That way I can put the jewelry on and forget about it.

I recently discovered Sphere of Life necklaces and am now wearing their Bring me Spring spherical necklace, which is very close to being the ideal necklace for me.  If you are looking for a unique piece of well-crafted sterling silver jewelry to gift for Mother's Day or to add onto your own Mother's Day wishlist, I highly recommend that you visit SphereOfLifeJewelry.com to see what they have to offer.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

Before the recipient even gets to the necklace, she will be floored by the presentation.  The necklace is carefully placed in a drawstring mesh gift bag, which is then nestled in a bed of satin inside a silvertone sphere with "Sphere of Life" engraved on the outside.  This sphere sits inside a sturdy ready-to-wrap gift box.  Opening this gift will be an experience of anticipation, luxury, and feeling loved combined.

Although Sphere of Life offers several other jewelry collections, the Sphere of Life Silver collection alone has over 70 styles of necklaces and earrings to choose from.  Each sphere is made of highly polished sterling silver and comes with an 18" silver chain that can be adjusted to a 16" length.  Although it may take awhile, you will be sure to find the necklace that exudes the right sentiment for you or the person for whom you are shopping.  Each necklace actually has a small gift tag enclosed with a message printed on it.  I chose the "Bring me Spring" necklace because I have always admired the grace and beauty of butterflies.  In fact, I even have a butterfly tattoo.  The message that came with this necklace was "It's your time to blossom."  What a wonderful gift this particular necklace would make for someone who will be graduating from high school or college this Spring!

The only thing that kept this necklace from being the ideal necklace for me is the length.  At the 16" length, the sphere does not seem to sit right on me since it does not really dangle.  At the 18" length, the sphere sits perfectly with high or low necklines, but it sometimes sits on the neckline of the tops that fall in between.  I think this necklace at 17" would be ideal for me.  Although this necklace is adjustable, it does not have large rings for the entire length of the extender.  There is a ring at the 18" mark and one at the 16" mark.  I would love it if they added a third ring at the 17" mark.

In the end, this necklace is just lovely, from the presentation right through to the workmanship.  You can shop online or find out more about Sphere of Life jewelry, by visiting www.SphereOfLifeJewelry.com and Sphere of Life on Facebook.

Thank you to Sphere of Life for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

Holiday 2010 Giveaway: Twilight-Inspired Fire and Ice Necklace [CLOSED]

I am a huge fan of artisan jewelry and am always proud to wear a special piece that shows off a jewelry crafter's imagination and skill. I wore this Twilight-inspired Fire and Ice Necklace from Bella Bejeweled to go out to dinner to celebrate my husband's and my 10th wedding anniversary. I only had it on for a few hours and received several compliments about it, including ones from our preschool-aged daughter and our server at the restaurant.

Bella Bejeweled offers handcrafted rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in sterling silver and other metals. The jewelry is artistic and unique, especially the Twilight-inspired jewelry collection. You may also be interested to know that Bella Bejeweled also offers one of a kind jewelry pieces, as well as custom orders. If you are planning on giving jewelry this holiday, keep in mind that knowing yours is the only piece of jewelry of its kind adds quite a bit of value to a gift and makes it that much more special.

My sterling silver Fire and Ice Swarovski Crystal necklace came in a ribbon-tied pouch that was wrapped and ready-to-give. This is perfect for anyone who needs to ship a gift directly to the recipient.

I am not a fan of high-glitz jewelry (unless a special occasion calls for it). I actually asked for a smaller diamond solitaire for my engagement ring. In my opinion, Swarovski crystals catch light beautifully and offer a subtle brilliance. I love my Fire and Ice necklace and think that it will be the perfect necklace to wear to any Christmas celebrations I will be attending this year. Considering that red is my favorite color, I suspect I will be wearing this necklace all year round.

This 17" necklace can be created in a custom length. In silver-plated, the Fire and Ice necklace retails for $34.99 and for $44.99 in sterling silver. Visit BellaBejeweledShop.com and Bella Bejeweled on Facebook to view the entire selection of artisan jewelry.

Thank you to Bella Bejeweled for providing us with a complimentary sample necklace to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive one Bella Bejeweled item up to a $50 value (Winner's choice).

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of artisan jewelry offered by Bella Bejeweled. Then leave a comment telling me the name of the item you would choose as your prize if you won this contest. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, sign up to receive the Bella Bejeweled newsletter by email (on left sidebar). Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did so.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Bella Bejeweled on Twitter and/or "Like" Bella Bejeweled on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile. You may also earn an extra entry by following Bella Bejeweled on Google Friend Connect (on bottom left sidebar) and leaving a separate comment telling me that you did.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, November 15th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Holiday 2010 Giveaway: Teagan and Mack Child's Freshwater Pearl Bracelet [CLOSED]

Even though my daughter is only 3-1/2 years old, I rarely put any jewelry on her aside from sterling silver pieces. I just do not want to worry about tarnishing. She has worn a few different silver necklaces, but has only had one bracelet in the past. It was a cuff bracelet that she found to be very uncomfortable and always asked to have it taken off. That is why I love these children's and baby bracelets from Teagan and Mack, an online boutique that specializes in eco-friendly baby clothing and accessories. They are lightweight, flexible, and sit comfortably on my daughter's wrist.

We received a girl's freshwater pearl bracelet that was custom-sized for my daughter's wrist. The pink pearl bracelet without silver beads is what I selected for her, since pink is her favorite color. She was absolutely delighted when I presented this bracelet to her.

These bracelets are perfect for a birthday or Christmas. Each one is presented so nicely and is ready to throw in a gift bag for gift giving. You also have the option of adding an eco-friendly gift box and note adorned with ribbon to your jewelry order for just an additional $4.00 .

Our little girl has worn this bracelet for almost two months now without taking it off even once. At first I was worried that an active preschooler would break a bracelet, such as this, but I could not have been more wrong. Because of the perfect fit, it has not been at risk of catching on anything. It also looks as polished as the day we first put it on her wrist, even though it has gone through some hot and humid days and many baths.

These girls and baby pearl bracelets retail for $38.00 on TeaganAndMack.com . For a limited time, you can receive Free Shipping on U.S. orders totaling $50 and up or $3 Flat Rate Shipping on orders under $50. You can also receive a 5% discount as a thank you for signing up for the Teagan and Mack Newsletter.

Thank you to Teagan and Mack for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon and for providing a second product as our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a baby or child size Freshwater Pearl and Silver Bracelet from Teagan and Mack.

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of eco-friendly infant/toddler products offered by Teagan and Mack. Then leave a comment telling me the name of one item you think would make an excellent gift (aside from the item reviewed in this article). You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, sign up for the Teagan and Mack newsletter. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post. (If you use a different email than the one you are using to enter this contest, please include it in your contest entry. All entries will be verified.)

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Teagan and Mack on Twitter and/or "Like" Teagan and Mack on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, October 25th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Giveaway & Review: Things Remembered Silver "Miracle of Life" Necklace [CLOSED]

Right in time for Mother's Day 2010, Things Remembered has a long list of Mother's Day gift ideas to offer. One of my favorite gifts to receive is personalized sterling silver jewelry, so I was very excited to be able to review the Sterling Miracle of Life Necklace, which is adorned with CZ crystals and comes with a free keepsake box.

This is the filigree keepsake box that comes free with this and many other jewelry pieces from Things Remembered. It even has an engravable oval plate that can be personalized and added for an extra charge. This ornate jewelry box could even become a separate gift if you have more than one mother to buy for this year. The necklace itself comes in a Things Remembered logo velvet pouch.

I am not usually one to wear heart-themed jewelry unless it is a unique piece. I think that the center of this pendant is well-designed to represent motherhood and love that the heart behind it can be personalized.

The product photo on the Things Remembered website shows the engraving on the heart to be located on the front. Mine is personalized on the back instead. I'm uncertain if this was done in error or if you are able to specify when placing your order online or at your local store. I chose to have my 3 children's names engraved on the pendant, which I think is a safe option if you cannot think what to use for the personalization.

This sterling silver pendant comes on an 18" box chain and retails for $55. If you'd like to order this necklace online, make sure you check the shipping estimates which are shown on the bottom left of each product page. You can also visit your local Things Remembered store to make the purchase.

Want you and your kids to be featured in a Things Remembered e-mail?

In addition to my giveaway, Things Remembered is asking moms to submit their favorite family photo in the Mom Memories Picture Contest, along with an engraving they’d pick to go with it on a picture frame. Ten moms will receive free personalized frames, and the best photo/engraving will be featured in a Things Remembered e-mail!

Thank you to Things Remembered for sending us a sample necklace free of charge to base this review upon and for providing a second necklace as our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a personalized Sterling Silver "Miracle of Life" Necklace (ARV $55).

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing. You are not eligible to win this contest if you have won another Things Remembered giveaway in the past 90 days on this or another website.

How to Gain Entries:

Brows the Mother's Day gift ideas available from Things Remembered. Then leave a comment telling me what item you would love to give as a Mother's Day gift (other than the necklace reviewed in this article) AND tell me how you would have it engraved. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 2 extra entries, "Like" Things Remembered on Facebook AND post the answer for your mandatory entry on their Wall. Then leave a separate comment with the direct link to your post or to your Facebook profile.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 2 extra entries, follow Things Remembered on Twitter AND Tweet the following:

“I'm following @Tremembered thanks to @_Karen of 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires.”

Then leave a separate comment with the direct link to your tweet.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, May 10th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Giveaway & Review: Mother/Daughter Necklaces by Jizo & Chibi (ARV up to $170) [CLOSED]

For me, if a piece of jewelry is not personalized, then it needs to have a unique design. It has been quite some time since I've come across a jewelry collection that has struck me as truly unique. Jizo & Chibi is such a collection.

Valerie S. Johns, the artist behind Jizo & Chibi, was once a resident of Japan. That is where she first discovered these Buddhist characters and began developing the concept for this line, which extends beyond jewelry. Valerie also offers limited edition photographs, watercolors, sculptures, a children's book, and more.

Since Jizo & Chibi handmade jewelry can take on a special meaning for a parent and child, I thought some of these pieces would make a wonderful gift idea for Mother's Day. I received the Sterling Silver Standing Jizo Necklace for myself and the Silver Tiny Chibi for my daughter to review as mother/daughter necklaces. I chose these two pieces because I love the idea of the Jizo holding the tiny Chibi to his chest close to the heart as pictured in the artwork. Of course, any combination of these pieces would take on their own special meaning for you.

Jizo: "I am a teacher. I protect all children and travelers and I will be here until all souls are finished suffering. I hold Chibi safe."

Chibi: "It means "little one" in Japanese. I can be your own child or your inner kid. "

As you can see, both pieces are done in a brushed satin silver. These pieces are available in both the small or larger sizes. They are also offered in 18k gold vermeil and with special accents, such as a pearl or a white topaz. The small pendants come with a 16" chain, but the larger ones offer a choice of a 16" chain or a 16" or 18" long leather cord. I opted for the 16" silver chain. As you can see, although both chains are the same length, the one that accompanies the smaller pendant is more delicate to match the pendant size. The Standing Jizo is actually solid and I am extremely impressed by its weight. It definitely warrants the heavier chain.

Since my daughter is only 3, I've always purchased 12" to 14" chains for her. I was worried that the 16" would be too long, but it actually looks perfectly fine and it is much easier for her to keep the necklace from getting hidden inside her clothing. She was absolutely delighted for us to have necklaces that represented our bond as mother and child.

Currently you are able to purchase Jizo & Chibi art, jewelry, and gifts right on JizoAndChibi.com . You can also learn more about this artist by fanning Jizo & Chibi on Facebook and following Jizo & Chibi on Twitter.

Thank you to Jizo & Chibi for sending us sample necklaces free of charge to base this review upon and for providing another pair of necklaces for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive one "Big Chibi" necklace and one "Tiny Chibi" necklace. (Winner's choice of silver or 18k gold vermeil. Both do not need to be the same finish.)

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the Jizo & Chibi Jewelry Collection and other gifts offered on this site. Then leave a comment telling me what one item you would love to give or receive as a gift (other than the two necklaces reviewed in the above article). You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND JizoAndChibi.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Jizo & Chibi on Twitter and/or fan Jizo & Chibi on Facebook. Then leave a SEPERATE comment with either the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile. If you do both, then you should leave two separate comments.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, April 26th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Shop 'n' Share: Boys Silver Shark Tooth Necklaces

Awhile ago, both my sons expressed interest in having necklaces after they saw their sister receive their first necklace. In fact, I think it was last Easter. So for almost a year, I had been searching for the right necklaces for my two sons. I wanted them to be boyish and still match with most everything. I had a really hard time finding anyone who made boys necklaces small enough for preschoolers and kindergartners in a style that was not too babyish.

I finally came across these Boys Surfer Shark Tooth Necklaces made with Heishi wooden beads plus a sterling silver shark tooth charm, lobster claw clasp, and extender. These are made and sold by the Etsy shop owner of Butterfly Gem and sell for $17 each plus shipping. The owner Alicia was very nice to deal with and she helped me figure out what sizes I needed for each boy. The extenders make these necklaces adjustable and should last for quite a few years if my sons take good care of them.

We ended up giving these necklaces to both our boys in January for their birthdays. Our 3yr old was thrilled to have the same necklace as his big brother.

This shopping experience was based on a purchase I made personally. I was not compensated in anyway for sharing this experience with my readers.