Jewel's Fab Life: Fashion, Fun and Everything Fabulous!

Blacks DO Get Skin Cancer!

Disclosure: The hat shown and mentioned in this post was provided to me to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own. Yes, I was one of those African Americans who believed that “we” didn’t need to protect ourselves from the sun because “we” were immune to skin cancer. Boy, was I wrong! The fact [...]

Win Corelle’s New Boutique Line!

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to a blogger event where the FAB folks at Corelle introduced the first patterns in their new Boutique line. It was actually an amazing afternoon, complete with lunch served on Corelle Boutique–held at the Mondrian Hotel on South Beach. We got a complete history of the brand and [...]

Do You Know Agate?

Are you familiar with the agate stone? I wasn’t until my friend, Julie Acosta, of Amoura Designs, enlightened me. She says that agate is a variety of the quartz family and native to Egypt. Julie should know as travel to Egypt was part of her very own Eat, Pray, Love experience. She’s told me all [...]

The Barbie Dreamhouse Experience

While I had more than my share of Barbie dolls in my childhood, I wasn’t fanatical. In fact, I much preferred paper dolls. LOL How funny is that? But, long after I became an adult with children of my own, a good friend gave me two Barbie collectible dolls. That started a frenzy. I spent [...]

Splish, Splash! Take Fido for a Bath!

The Humane Society of Greater Miami invites families along with their furry friends to partake in a Barks & Bubbles Doggie Wash on Saturday May 18th from 11am to 2pm.For a donation of $5 your doggie can enjoy an outdoor bath (rub a dub dub give your dog a scrub), along with free nail polish, [...]

Blacks DO Get Skin Cancer!

Posted by Jewel on May 21st, 2013

Disclosure: The hat shown and mentioned in this post was provided to me to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own.

Yes, I was one of those African Americans who believed that “we” didn’t need to protect ourselves from the sun because “we” were immune to skin cancer. Boy, was I wrong! The fact is that while we do have a lower incidence of skin cancer, when we do get it–it’s often at the most advanced stages, where there is less chance for a cure.

The single best way to prevent skin cancer, even with darker skin, is to protecting your skin and eyes from the sun. Stay away from the mid day sun and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is simply wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses that absorb UV rays. A recent study at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, found that melanomas on the head and neck are particularly dangerous. Hats with at least a 3 inch brim encircling the circumference protect the face, ears, and neck.

Choose a hat that’s cute and also practical–like this one from Tropical Trends. The brim is actually 4 inches. It has a self sizing tie to adjust to one’s head size and is offered in four color variations. On top of all its fashion benefits, it carries the UPF Sun protection factor of 50 plus! It is light weight and bounces back into shape 1-2-3! It retails for $25.

It is also important not to burn, to avoid tanning beds, and to be aware of any changes in your skin. Melanoma usually begins as an abnormal mole. For early detection, make sure to examine your skin once a month to look for any new growths or changes in existing lesions. If you identify a skin change or are concerned about your risk, talk to your doctor.

Happy Summer!

Disclosure: The hat shown and mentioned in this post was provided to me to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own.

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Win Corelle’s New Boutique Line!

Posted by Jewel on May 14th, 2013

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to a blogger event where the FAB folks at Corelle introduced the first patterns in their new Boutique line. It was actually an amazing afternoon, complete with lunch served on Corelle Boutique–held at the Mondrian Hotel on South Beach. We got a complete history of the brand and I discovered quite a bit that I never knew about the brand. For instance, did you know that it’s made by thermally bonding THREE layers of glass? Or that the brand is more than 40 years old? Or that nearly half of all households (including mine) have Corelle in their kitchens? Wow, huh?

And the BEST part of Corelle? The fact that it’s break and chip resistant. Well, I feel like every dishware manufacturer says that. Of course, ALL glass is breakable but in my MANY years, I’ve never seen a broken Corelle dish. They are known for their strength and durability AND they offer a three-year warranty against breakage, chipping, and staining under normal household use.

I found it quite interesting that both if the new patterns were white until they explained that they are going for an “everyday special” kind of look. Both patterns are embossed, the square pattern is called Cherish and the round called Swept. I would love to get both sets and mix/match them.

Here are just some of the features of Corelle:

Break & Chip Resistant
Microwave Safe
Oven Safe to 350 degrees
Easy to clean & Dishwasher Safe
Stackable & Space Saving
Lightweight
Made in USA

For those of you that are planning a wedding, Corelle has a sweepstakes on their Facebook page, where you can win your ENTIRE registry. Now THAT is a cool prize, huh? You have until the end of the month to enter. But, for those of you (like me) who are NOT getting married soon (or ever again), I’m giving away a 16 pc set of either Cherish or Swept--your choice. Here’s how to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was an invited guest to this event. I was gifted a set of Corelle and a gift card. All opinions are my own.

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Do You Know Agate?

Posted by Jewel on May 13th, 2013

Are you familiar with the agate stone? I wasn’t until my friend, Julie Acosta, of Amoura Designs, enlightened me. She says that agate is a variety of the quartz family and native to Egypt. Julie should know as travel to Egypt was part of her very own Eat, Pray, Love experience. She’s told me all about how her charmed life kind of fell apart and she ended up taking a trip to the Africa that literally changed her life. She’s founded a business that crafts and manufactures Egyptian jewelry and scarves.

But back to agate. It’s considered a protection stone and one of the oldest stones in recorded history–considered prized gems in ancient times. It’s believed to be able to attract strength, balance your aura and spiritual growth, it is also thought of as the stone for good health. Agates come in a variety of color and variations in the stones allowing for the possibility of beautiful and unique designs.

A few months ago, Julie gifted me a set of hot pink agate jewelry–this lovely necklace and bracelet set. I absolutely adore it–in fact, I wore it to a recent blogger event and got several compliments. Check it out!

Disclosure: I was gifted the set of jewelry to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

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The Barbie Dreamhouse Experience

Posted by Jewel on May 11th, 2013

While I had more than my share of Barbie dolls in my childhood, I wasn’t fanatical. In fact, I much preferred paper dolls. LOL How funny is that? But, long after I became an adult with children of my own, a good friend gave me two Barbie collectible dolls. That started a frenzy. I spent a great deal of time (AND MONEY) in the late 90s on the newly created EBAY. I was buying, selling and trading Barbies like crazy. After a few years, the obsession faded, but I still have much of the collection and still very much appreciate the collectibles.

So, when I was invited to preview the first-ever touring life-size Barbie Dreamhouse, I jumped at the chance. I kinda sorta knew that it was geared toward kids, and I actually tried to hide it as I walked up to the building, but I was pretty giddy. I knew that the attraction had more than 350 Barbie dolls on display throughout the 10k square foot attraction. I was actually able to jump onto a tour that included non media and kids, and it was really cool to see how the little girls reacted.

The Barbie Dreamhouse Experience is a must see for girls of all ages–you discover and explore the Dreamhouse up close and personal–from the kitchen to the living room to the balcony and the closet. The Dreamhouse even includes a couple of “elevators!” Guests are also able to have a very personalized experience, using an electronic bracelet that is swiped at interactive stations throughout.

I wasn’t able to take photographs during much of the tour, but I thought it was FAB! From now until the end of summer, you can go visit. It’s housed at Sawgrass Mills Mall, in the Oasis area, right across from the movie theaters. Pricing starts at $14.95 for children and $16.95 for adults. That electronic bracelet requires a $5 deposit. For a VIP Megastar experience, that includes VIP entrance, model training, make up/hair styling, runway modeling and the bracelet to keep, pricing starts at $29.99. There are also Birthday Party packages that start at $350 dollars and include pizza, cupcakes, lemonade, etc.

Please visit and let me know what you think!

Disclosure: I was invited to preview the Barbie Dreamhouse Experience as a member of the media. All opinions are my own!

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Splish, Splash! Take Fido for a Bath!

Posted by Jewel on May 10th, 2013

The Humane Society of Greater Miami invites families along with their furry friends to partake in a Barks & Bubbles Doggie Wash on Saturday May 18^th from 11am to 2pm.For a donation of $5 your doggie can enjoy an outdoor bath (rub a dub dub give your dog a scrub), along with free nail polish, Paw-casso Paw prints (think finger painting for dogs using their paws), pet boutique specials, music, games, and refreshments. An event that every member of the family will find “paw-some”! Adoptable cats and dogs who are looking for a forever home will be available at discounted rates – so you just might go home with a new addition to your family!

Barks & Bubbles Doggie Wash will take place at the Soffer Fine Adoption Center at 16101 W. Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach.For further information call 305-749-1825 or reach us online at www.humanesocietymiami.org.

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The Reach

Posted by Jewel on May 10th, 2013

Just recently, I attended a blogger press trip to Key West. It was a road trip, with me driving solo from the Miami area wayyy down to the Southernmost tip of the United States. For the first half of the trip, I stayed at a beachside resort called The Reach. I had never been there before, but I had checked it out on the web before the visit. I must admit that I wasn’t WOW’d by the site. In fact, the second half of my trip’s lodging was at the quite swanky Casa Marina, so I had planned to just breeze through The Reach and wait on the CM.

Well, in true Jewel fashion, “I WAS WRONG.” The lobby was ok–clean and modern. However, here is where I got the first taste of the service. I found the staff to be quite courteous and eager to help, in a GENUINE way. In just a few minutes, I was off to my room. When I put the key in, I was DEF wow’d. Again, clean and modern–but full of amenities. There was a wet bar, complete with fridge and coffeemaker. There was a cute little sitting area, including a counter with bar stools. I could have easily seated 8 or 10 folks in the seating area. The bathroom was spacious and well appointed. My room overlooked the courtyard, pool, and the tranquil waves of the ocean beyond. I was WOW’d.

The resort was built almost 30 years ago, but underwent a massive renovation back in 2008. I would say that the money was well spent, with both the guest rooms and the common areas being well appointed. One of the things I really liked about the property was that there were unexpected seating/gathering areas all around the public spaces–always someplace to relax in the Key West style. I also asked about pricing for the hotel–because while it’s great to experience such grandeur, I’m always curious to know if the pricing is in reach of the average family. I was pleasantly surprised at the range of pricing available–something for every budget.

To complement the 450 foot private beach that includes a gazebo’d pier, there is also an outdoor pool and nearly 5000 square feet of event space. I had hoped to see a beach wedding while I was there, but I didn’t.

I’ve left off one of the most extraordinary features of The Reach Resort– Strip House restaurant. This spot deserves a separate post. I’ll give you one hint though–TWENTY FOUR LAYER CHOCOLATE CAKE!

All in all, I was completely blown away by The Reach. Of course, if I had to recommend changes, I would. First off, from the time that I drove up, all the way through check-in, then trekking to my room–I NEVER saw what I thought was the biggest attraction on the entire property–THE BEACH. The view is so stunning that I would try to find a way to incorporate it more. I was also a bit disappointed that the spa wasn’t on property, but rather at the VERY CLOSE Casa Marina. In a more perfect world, I would have someplace that offered mani/pedi, if nothing else that was on property. After all, who wants to leave such a fantastic place??? Would I stay there again? DEFINITELY. In fact, I’ve been obsessed with watching the resort webcam since I left. Check it out!

Disclosure: I was part of a Blogger Press Trip to this resort. My lodging, meals and activities were sponsored by the property. All opinions are my own.

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Gloria Estefan Is the Voice of Miami Marine Stadium

Posted by Jewel on May 8th, 2013

Hometown chick Gloria Estefan, a seven time Grammy-winning artist and leading Miami businesswoman, will take a prominent role in the ongoing advocacy campaign to restore the Miami Marine Stadium as a centerpiece of cultural life in Miami. Estefan, a Trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation since 2012, will serve as the voice of efforts to preserve the stadium. She will appear in public service announcements, sharing information about the campaign with her followers on social media, and in print and video materials supporting the structures restoration.

Miami Marine Stadium is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind place, and I am thrilled to be able to join the National Trust and the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium to help restore it to its former glory, Estefan said. As someone who once had the honor of performing at the stadium, I can attest to the fact that it is a completely unique place, and I know thousands of Miami residents feel the same kind of personal connection to the stadium.–Gloria Estefan

The stadium reflects the diversity of South Florida. It was designed by a young Cuban-American architect, and has played host to artists from Jimmy Buffett to Sammy Davis Jr., as well as boat shows and many other events. The National Trust named Miami Marine Stadium one of America’s National Treasures in 2012. National Treasures are endangered places of national significance where the National Trust is committed to a long-term effort to preserve a place and shepherd its return to active use. The Friends of Miami Marine Stadium, an all-volunteer group, has been working to save the one-of-a-kind structure since 2008. The stadium was also named one of the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in America in 2009, and was named to the World Monuments Fund Watch List in 2010.