Latest Fashion Craze: Wear Your Own Geodes

Do you remember those break your own geode kits from growing up? You'd see them at the science store or in museums. I always always wanted one. It was at the top of my "must have souvenir" list, but my mom always said no. I don't know why, I had a rock collection for a long time. I loved to put them in one of my jewelry boxes and take them out at least once a week, look over them, and decide which were my favorites. I always thought about what I'd do with them if I could make them into jewelry. Certain ones for earrings, rings, necklaces, etc. And now, someone has finally had the bright idea to do just that with all of these rocks. And you can't go to any fashion store these days without seeing tons of their accessory carts filled with them. Makes me wonder what happened to those stones...if I knew how to make jewelry out of them I could save a fortune on things for myself and gifts.

Recently I've been pretty crazed about this new fashion trend and I have been searching high and low for something to add to my collection of accessories. So far I haven't had much luck as the things are either super huge (I've got tiny fingers so big stone rings don't work for me) or super expensive. I did just start working at Anthropologie, but even with my discount who can afford the things there? I mean, I've love to be able to buy these earrings or this ring:

But my God that's a lot of money! I don't think I could afford that ring even when I had a job.

At any rate, I did find a few more affordable options out there (and as usual H&M has cheap ones too, they just don't have a website for shopping).

Express


Mod Cloth


Forever 21

Word to your Mother

Is it my imagination or is Mother's Day early this year? For those of you who forgot just how early it is, here's some gift ideas for your mommy. My mom is gonna be jealous I didn't get her any of these things. She just wanted flowers for her garden, how boring!


Banana Republic

With 25% discount (BRSale25 or TAXBREAK25) - $40

Old Navy



*When you shop at stores in the Banana Republic family (which includes Old Navy, The Gap, Athleta, and Piperlime) you pay one flat shipping fee.



Etsy.com
For those of you who do not know about the website Etsy, it's everyday people who make crafts and sell vintage things online. Some of the stuff is really high quality, and one of my favorite vendors is Mylavaliere. If you buy multiple items from her, there is one low flat shipping fee.


Crate and Barrel
I think this vase with some big white flowers would be gorgeous.


Sephora
Don't forget there's free shipping on orders over $50, and the three free samples with each purchase.

$23.00


$25.00

Gift baskets are always fun too, although they can get pricey. If you want to buy a pre-made one, Wine Country Baskets has some really great ones that are under $30. If you want to make one yourself, it always helps to give pieces that can perform double duty. For example:

Pier 1

$12.00 - This can be your basket, but it can also be used to hold bread, or your keys, etc.

And some other yummy treats to put in there!

William Sonoma


Stonewall Kitchen

$6.95


$6.50

Some other good ideas: packets of flower seeds, her favorite candy, cute little note cards or writing pads, trial size toiletries from Bath and Body works.

Happy shopping!