These are the Kazuri beads the hubby got for my “pasalubong” (present/keepsake) from Kenya. I love them.  These are actually a necklace and a bracelet. I just loved how they come together in harmony even as I wrapped the supposedly necklace together with the bracelet around my wrist.

Kazuri, which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting on making handmade beads. The factory is located in what used to be part of the Karen Blixen Estate (of the Academy Award winning film “Out of Africa”) fame.

What made me love these beads more are the pictures that came with them.  I was practically walked through how these beads were made by the beautiful African women themselves.

The mission of Kazuri is to provide and sustain employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society. Most of their workers are single mothers. In order to sustain these opportunities they are committed to produce top quality hand-made and hand-painted ceramic jewelry and pottery.

The Kazuri workshop in Karen employs over 340 women, which are mostly single mothers.  The workshop is equipped with a clinic, providing free medical care for the employees and their immediate families.

A Kenyan woman shows off finished products that she made herself.  Aren’t those beads lovely?

My husband is not much into this bead thing or anything girly, for that matter.  He often looks at me puzzled whenever I appreciate these things. All of them look entirely the same to him. Men! So I really commended him for the effort that he has put through having to pick the beads he got for me out of these hosts of displayed ones at the Kazuri shop in Kenya. He could have gotten a couple more sets if only he was sure that I would like them.

]]> http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/08/kazuri-beads-from-kenya.html/feed 2 http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/07/no-to-counterfeit-fitflop.html http://www.kikaycorner.net/2010/07/no-to-counterfeit-fitflop.html#comments Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:13:11 +0000 admin http://www.kikaycorner.net/?p=2164

Just when I recently blogged about my love affair with FitFlop, I get this news that counterfeit FitFlop is now widely available all over the metro.

The exclusive distributor of FitFlop brand footwear in the Philippines is Kenrich International Distributor Corp. (KIDC). The public is therefore advised to buy FitFlop brand footwear products from authorized stores and outlets of KIDC.  The number to call in case you have an information of unauthorized sale of FitFlops: 887.4445.

I’ve always been inconvenienced by my having to lug around with a heavy tote wherever. But truth is, I cannot leave home without it or any of the articles therein. After searching high and low, I finally found the handbag hanger that I want. I’ve seen several from accessory shops all over the metro but found none that appealed to me.  Arts Cow did emphasize too that these are sturdy handbag hangers. Definitely nothing cheap like what we locally have.  What is sweet about it is I was able to order customized handbag hangers for only $1.99! That’s $19.97 savings!

This is my third purchase from Arts Cow. My first was 100 pcs of 4R photos which I paid for $5.99. I love the prints and they can very well compete with the photos I usually get printed via my favorite local shop.  I got hold of my order after 23 days. But the length of time was not much of an issue for me. I wasn’t in a hurry anyway. Last week I ordered a 20 page 8×8 photo book packed with at least 40 of our latest Boracay pictures.

Today, I ordered two handbag hangers. One for me and the other for my sister. Here’s a sneak peek of my purchase and order details. I love Arts Cow! <3

I have always had this knack for anything artsy ever since I can remember. From learning to do bobs and layered hair styles in high school (yes, even before it was yet the “in” thing) to creating beads and swarovski sets that have traveled the world over. I have always been a do it yourself, crafty kind of person. There’s always this sense of fulfillment when you get the desired output. And I take pride showcasing my masterpieces. Here are a few I have saved from yester years.

I may have changed careers now. Nope. I don’t anymore trim my own hair. I don’t have the luxury of time experimenting on my crown like I used to. Nor do I weave pretty beads and swarovski pieces anymore. But it does not mean I have lost my love for beautiful things.

It has been a while that I have got my eye on Jing Lejano’s lovely Unshackled pieces. She’s the former editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping. Jing first showcased them via her Hyper Mom blog and then she went off to making a page for her brand Unshackled chain on Facebook that got me into a browsing spree. Bookmarked and forgot about it altogether. But I did mean to ask her for her price list. Call me one lucky girl because last Sunday, I was so giddy to find her corner at the Expo Mom 2010 at the Rockwell Tent.

that’s me with Jing Lejano, the creator of Unshackled chains.

Since I was wearing a blouse with so many colors, I got Jing to model, for me to fully appreciate these pretty chains of hers.  Lovely eh?! These chains can easily turn any random, plain looking dress or shirt into a statement!

Needless to say, I did not leave her corner empty handed. I just had to get for myself a few pieces while I was already there. I would have bought more if I could. I got her latest design which she fondly calls, “Scarf.”  It’s not yet in her multiply site. It’s that new and I had to grab a hold of that.  It’s these lovely two toned chains that I wore during the launch of Philippine Fashion Week last Wednesday, May 26, 2010. I also got a high halter in copper, which I think is a toned down type, good for everyday wear. I’m posting pictures of me in it soon.

When I went to cover an event at the Rockwell Tent for the Expo Mom 2010, I came in as MarriageandBeyond.com. I never would have thought that I would leave with more than just a single loot being KikayCorner.net. I love the accessories that I bought from Unshackled Chain. I’m posting pictures soon. Watch out for that.

I got a couple of chains, namely: the two toned Scarf and the High Haltered in copper. I love these bib chains and I think I could easily get away with wearing the simplest of dresses and totally get away with it!  Even those who prefer lingerie styled tops would find themselves loving how these chains will complement the over all look.

We girls just love jewelry. Not jewelries. Just like you don’t pluralize baggage and luggage. It’s the same with jewelry. Just a quick note. It’s always fun to learn a thing or two from time to time.

Moving on, I have started collecting jewelry when I was little. It all started when my mom got me this fancy pearl set for my birthday until I started collecting real ones. Gifts from my mom still until I started earning my own keep at 21.

Last April 21, I covered an event for Just Jewels for their launch of Designer Rings by Dawn Zulueta, Tessa Prieto-Valdez and Debbie. It is fun attending fancy events like these. I get to meet beautiful people and grand venues that are sometimes even adorned with glass mosaic tiles all over. One of the things that I especially took note during the Just Jewels Ring of Promise Event is their Jewelry Exchange program. Now we can finally get those jewelry (save for the heirlooms) out of those SDBs and exchange them for a trendier set. That’s just what I have in mind. You just might want to try Just Jewels. Will let you girls know how mine will turn out when I decide to get a set or two exchanged.

I have always loved jewelry and I could not be more thrilled to be invited to witness the launch of Jewelmer’s 2010 Printemps Collections that incidentally coincided with the launch of their brand new showroom in Marquee Mall branch in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Four lovely ladies modeled those intricately woven pearls (photo by Laszlo Lim)

Jewelmer’s 2010 Prinemps Collections

Stella

Necklace with 11 natural colored golden Palawan South Sea pearls set with .084 carat diamonds and 18-karat yellow gold

Design Inspiration:

Natural colored Palawan South sea pearls are linked by a fine line of gold, interspersed with sparkling diamonds to form lustrous constellations. Inspired by the beauty of a midnight sky, the Stella Collection is a starry night captured in time.

Elements

Necklaces and bracelets composed of natural colored golden Palawan South Sea pearls set with carved Mother-of-Pearl and 18-karat gold links.

Design Inspiration:

Lustrous Palawan South Sea pearls interspersed with Mother-of-Pearl carved into various silhouettes are joined together with 18-karat gold links. Layered on or combined to create a longer length to wear as a belt, these are the elements for a luxurious new trend.

This event definitely set Jewelmer apart in my heart and mind. First, I was impressed when I heard through Kankan of Yehey! how the owners of Jewelmer take care of their pearl farm, the livelihood that they provide to its community in Palawan, et al. I was even more impressed at their seemingly innate love for our country and how they practically shout it out to the world that these pearls come from the Philippines. Then to top it all off, they were just so lovely and accommodating. Hands down the most accommodating bunch of people that made all the previous events I attended seem run down in comparison. Mr.Jacques Christophe Branellec even made sure that we had our sweet time with Piolo Pascual, Jewelmer’s Pearl Ambassador. I wouldn’t have minded if we will have to miss that part. It was understandable with the crowd that is practically out to devour the matinee idol. I shouldn’t be at all surprised why he had too many escorts and bouncers during the event.

For 30 years, Jewelmer’s pearl farmers have been producing rare golden South Sea pearls in their state-of-the-art facilities in the pristine natural paradise of Palawan. Their high quality, lustrous pearls have gained worldwide recognition and have been spotted in jewelry created by top international jewelry and fashion houses.

“The pearl is an indicator of the health of the planet,” said Jewelmer avowed environmentalist Jacques Branellec in an interview with Jewellery Review. “Upon its lustrous surface, every typhoon, every change in water temperature, every current caused by a dynamite blast, and every nuance in the cleanliness of the water is recorded…It falls on the highly skilled pearl farmer to act as a steward of creation. That’s why sharing with our clients and helping them understand pearls and their relationship with nature is important.”

“In conducting our business, we have the natural desire to apply an ecologically sound approach in the farms, as well as inspiring our neighbors to respect and love the environment,” adds Jewelmer President Manuel Cojuangco. “It is part of our philosophy.”

with fellow bloggers, Hannah, Michelle and Shen with Kankan (Yehey!), Catrina Paulino (Jewelmer’s Retail Manager) and Jacques Christophe Branellec – (photo by Laszlo Lim)

with Jewelmer’s Pearl Ambassador, Piolo Pascual

With sweet Shen. Both of us won a natural colored golden Palawan South Sea pearl pendant from the raffle!

Love it! Thank you so much Jewelmer! What an early mother’s day gift for moi!

701 National Life Insurance Building
6762 Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines
(632)819.9266 | (632)818.9778
www.jewelmer.com

I first came across a rakuwa bracelet early this year but it was not until recently that I got convinced that it really works.  I literally now only take it off during bath, otherwise it’s permanently wrapped around my wrist.  I currently have this 3 line rakuwa bracelet and it perfectly suits my personality.  The lines colors are white, pink and lavender.  My only issue is that I cannot use it when I leave the house and I’m wearing something that will go against it’s color.  This is why I’m hoping to get the titanium one in the future.  It may be kind of pricey, but the benefits that I have experience so far are priceless.  

The very first review I read about this technology is that of a lady user in Florida who is very much satisfided. I researched further, used it for myself and the fact that I do not get as easily tired as I normally would should be hint enough for me that it works. I love it!

The holidays can’t be more felt with Tiffany & Co. giving out huge discounts for their much loved items. I cannot just post a single one, because I love them all. Now all ladies who have not come up with a Christmas wish list yet should hurry and give their men some hints here and there for their presents. The clock is tick tockin’ and before we know it, Christmas will just be a few days away.

Engraved Heart Tag Toggle Bracelet

BEAD necklace

Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Ring

This is the best time to Buy Tiffany Jewelry for Christmas. The angels must have heard us when we asked for a good hefty discount and you really count on it that discounts are huge. On top of that, deliveries are even made free for purchases over £60 and that’s a lot!

Elsa Peretti Open Heart Earrings

Now, while I’m sure there are lots of ladies who would want these pretty things on their dresser the day after Christmas, men should also appreciate these Tiffany cuff links.

Round Tag Cuff Links

Now we can all enjoy luxurious and exquisite tiffanies at surprisingly affordable prices and match them with the gift we can also give our partners. It is ultra sweet that Tiffany & Co. made sure to reach even international buyers. Tiffany & Co. ships jewelries internationally as well.

The real challenge for a girl is to have her closet organized despite the number of accessories accumulated over the years. It is not easy I tell you. It is almost natural to just throw things in the drawer, dresser and closet. The thing is accessories don’t crawl to their respective places and organize themselves.

We have to intentionally choose to weed away stuff on a regular basis. It is so much nicer if the appeal does not stop at how we look but how our abode does too. It gives this certain feel that everything is in place. There are organizers available in the market to help us unclutter our stuff, we can get hold of those. But we can also be creative by making customized bangle trees like what I found during my search over the internet. We could also make use of ice cube trays to store earrings, rings, small pendants and stuff.

Organizing our things shouldn’t really be all that hard. Truth be told, if we don’t see our accessories we don’t use them. And if we get things more organized, we are more apt to wear them. The idea of accessorizing should be fun and even its storage should be as well. The only hassle you have to put up with is really to break a habit of throwing them just about anywhere and getting a place for each of your blings.