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

Stay Close to Home This Summer

Jewel — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:45:35 +0000

Living in South Florida can be a double edged sword, especially where vacations are concerned. When I worked for corporate America, my vacations were usually taken when family came HERE, rather than me going away. That’s what started my love affair with StayCations. I love the idea of taking a few days away from home, with the destination being within driving distance. Here are a couple of StayCation ideas that I’m currently pondering:

Summer Staycation

Enjoy a weekend stay at the downtown JW Marriott Marquis hotel and receive complimentary valet parking per night, along with complimentary breakfast for two at ThreeFortyFive Restaurant. Throughout their stay, “local tourists” can also enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the hotel’s spa, Rik Rak, or a romantic dinner at db Bistro Moderne. The rates per night range from $259-349. This promotion is good 7 day a week, through September 30. Other terms and conditions apply. Use rate code ZZ1.

License to Wheel

With luxury upgrades, savings and an exhaust-free ride through the city, Sagamore, The Art Hotel – or should we say the “smART” hotel – is wising up on how to combat gas prices by offering an exclusive package available only to guests with a valid Florida State I.D and only through September 30. The “eco-lodge-ical” deal features a special rate at the South Beach hotel and two 30-hour bike rental passes with DECOBIKE. Rates start as low as $220 per night and also include a complimentary room upgrade and free wi-fi. Enter the rate code S1 or call 877.242.6673 and ask for the package. Other restrictions, as well as black out dates apply. Should you end up here, be sure to stop by the Muse Beauty Suite, get some spa treatments, and say hi to my bestie, Sabrina Badeaux!

Well, what do you think?

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A Proud Mom Moment

Jewel — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:41:22 +0000

This Mother’s Day, I’m working with Clever Girls in support of Macy’s Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the “trade, not aid” program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.

I’ve chosen to write about one of my proudest Mom moments, and I have TONS of them. This one was back in 1998. I was working at a Field Director of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. The then-Director of Public Relations called me into her office. That, in itself, wasn’t unusual, as I’d recently been promoted from the PR department to Field Director. The conversation went something like this:

Director of PR: Jewel, the White House called. They need a Brownie to appear at the Pageant of Peace next week. She’ll speak on live television and sit with the President and First Lady, so she mustn’t be shy.
Me: (already thinking of which troop leaders I can call for assistance). Oh, ok. I’ll make some calls. When do you need to have the name?
Director: Right now. The White House needs to run family background checks and time is of the essence.
Me: (becoming annoyed because she KNOWS I can’t produce a girl out of thin air). Well…
Director: Jewel, I need Jessica. Jessica can do it. I NEED Jessica.
Me: (becoming excited because I never thought of my own daughter). OOOOOOH, yes. Jessica can certainly do this.

And that’s how it went. A few hours later, the White House called and wanted to know EVERYTHING there was to know about me. Then, that night, I broached the subject with 6 year old Jessica, asking if she’d be interested. She was quite nonchalant (as she still is) and agreed to do it ONLY because I said she would meet the President.

The Pageant of Peace, also known as the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree, takes place on the Ellipse, right in the shadow of the White House. The day was long and cold, but it went swimmingly. When my daughter read her pre-written part, I was beaming through my tears. Then, she took her seat next to President and Mrs Clinton and watched the show. She rejoined the President to light the National Christmas Tree. All of my friends and family watched the live telecast. We were ALL beaming.

And later, as we rode the subway home, we talked about the experience. She expressed disappointment about not meeting the President. I was confused. She did indeed meet the President. She was adamant that she didn’t. I described Mr Clinton. But, although she remembered him and thought he was nice, she refused to acknowledge that he was the President. Imagine my surprise when she explained that she had been looking forward to meeting Abraham Lincoln! HA! Good grief. It still gives the family laughs, all these years later.

I was able to find a video of the Pageant of Peace program on C-Span. Check out Jessica’s speaking part at the 10 minute mark.

We certainly laugh about it now.

Disclosure: Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for sponsoring my participation in this “Share Your Heart” promotion. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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No Alcohol Allowed!

Jewel — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:49:14 +0000

One of my most routine “awkward moments” occurs frequently when I’m out with friends, especially new friends. We’re all gathered around a table at our favorite watering hole and the server comes over to get drink orders. Folks take turns ordering cool sounding drinks like Irish Car Bomb, Flirtini, and Mojito. So, when it gets to me, I utter the dreaded single word. Coke. Right then, in my mind, the music stops, all conversation ceases, and every eye in the place turns to me. Of course, it doesn’t, but it sure feels like it does. I feel like I’m the only middle aged chick in the world who doesn’t drink alcohol.

Now some say that they don’t drink, but they really mean that they only drink occasionally. Or that they only drink wine. Or only when on vacation. That’s not me. I don’t drink. Period. Not beer or wine or coolers or champagne or fruity concoctions with colorful umbrellas in them. Not on New Years Eve or my birthday. I don’t even plan to drink on that day when I learn that I hit the lottery. I just don’t drink.

So, when Uncle Julio’s debuted a new non-alcoholic drink menu this week, I probably got more excited than most folks over 21. And, I probably should be ashamed, but I’m not. Let’s hear it for the new arrivals:

sweet cherry and tart lime sparkle together in this refreshingly fruity drink

a hand-shaken blend of lemonade and Julio’s fresh mango passion fruit puree for a tropical twist

Tea: real raspberries bring natural sweetness to Julio’s freshly brewed tea

Palmer: a refreshing blend of lemonade, freshly brewed tea and real raspberries

a hand-shaken blend of real strawberries, guava nectar and lemonade

These new non-alcoholic beverages are all handcrafted and made with real fruit. These new offerings are perfect for the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer and guests are looking for a more refreshing beverage. Each of the following drinks are priced at $3.75 apiece, with refills for only $1.

Let me know when you want to visit Uncle Julio’s in Boca. I’ll meet you there and order one of these in a VERY LOUD voice. HA!

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The Busy Woman’s Guide to Wedding Planning

Jewel — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:24:58 +0000

Today’s guest post comes from one of my favorite frugalistas and budget shoppers, Kendel Perez. Here’s what she had to say about wedding planning for the already overwhelmed:

I would happily relive my wedding day but never the year leading up to it. I planned our event while juggling class, working 30 hours a week and enduring a sudden death in my husband’s family. Needless to say, I was ready to throw my hands up and scream “I’m done!” during the months leading up to the big day.

If this madness sounds familiar, try not to get weighed down by the drama and details of it all. Consider the following tips for saving time and staying sane during the most complicated party you’ll ever plan.

1. Prioritize
The easiest way to cut down on the planning process is to reduce the number of things to plan. Prioritize what you and your future spouse really want for the wedding. Do the invitations need to reflect the latest innovations in origami? Are programs really necessary? Weddings are pretty commonplace, after all — most people know what’s going to happen. Not only will this save you time, but it will save you money, too.

2. Register Online
Online registries are all the rage these days, reflecting the needs and lifestyles of modern couples. Avoid spending your precious weekend in the aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond and create a wedding gift registry at CardAvenue.com. The site allows you to select gift cards from hundreds of favorite retailers, restaurants and even airlines. It’s as easy as creating a registry, selecting the cards, and sharing the link with friends. Done and done!

3. Delegate
People close to you enjoy being part of your big day, so let them! I relied heavily on my mom during planning and she was thrilled to be involved. Similarly, a good friend of mine asked me to set up her reception space while she prepared herself for the aisle. Granted, her meticulous instructions took time to create, but ultimately it allowed her to focus on what’s most important – getting ready for the ceremony.

4. Get Pinning
The days of shopping for wedding magazines and scouring wedding websites are over, thanks to Pinterest. Ideas ranging from the highly traditional to the totally off-the-wall are all available in one easy-to-use website. Better yet, there are several DIY ideas that help you stay within budget and make your day truly unique. No time for DIY? Refer to tip 3 – that’s what bridesmaids are for!

5. Go All-Inclusive
Depending on your budget, couples might find it easier to select a venue that offers access to music, catering, rooms to get ready in, and all the other details that make wedding planning chaotic. The all-inclusive convenience will likely jack up the price of the venue, but if you can afford it you’ll save a lot of time.

6. Keep it Simple
Avoid pouring over dress styles and let your girls select their own dresses in your preferred color palette. Ditch the formal dinner in favor of a buffet to bypass seating arrangements and dish preferences. And finally, make the reception as carefree as possible — the big moment is over and it’s time to relax and enjoy time with your guests.

7. Think Small
It’s a fact of life — it’s much easier to organize a small group of people than it is a large one. Keeping the guest list small has multiple benefits, not the least of which is saving you money. After the wedding, send a marriage announcement to everyone in your extended network, thanking them for their well wishes.

8. Stay Local
From food to flowers, keeping your vendor selections local will reduce the headache associated with coordinating out-of-town services. It’s much easier to have a friend swing by a shop to pick something up than it is to order a last-minute necessity and hope it gets where it needs to be on time. TheKnot.com’s Local Vendors page offers easy access to nearby vendors of all kinds.

As the deals expert for FreeShipping.org, Kendal has the resources to be an extreme couponer but prefers a less complicated approach to staying in-budget. Kendal has been quoted in such media outlets as CNN Money, TIME Moneyland, FOX, ABC, NPR and Kiplinger Personal Finance. For savings tips and more information, visit HassleFreeSavings.com.

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KeSARI Beauty is Now at the Delano

Jewel — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:26:40 +0000

The competition is fierce for South Beach hotel spas. They constantly one-up each other with their menus. There’s the Rhythm Massage, infused with Latin music. And the Organic Seaweed Bathing Ceremony. Or the Lime & Ginger Salt Glow polishing. Well, all of these can step aside. There’s a new Spa Menu in town. It’s the new KeSARI Beauty spa menu at Agua, inside the Delano South Beach.

These treatments are Indian inspired and feature Indian spices like saffron, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, mint and turmeric. It’s all done in a pristine white setting with an enormous private terrace and 360-degree views. Additionally, Agua offers a well-culled selection of loungewear, jewelry, home items and lifestyle goods that allow guests to bring their experience home.

Have at it!

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Mothers Day Event at The Limited Dadeland

Jewel — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:43:30 +0000

This week, The Limited hosted a FAB in store event at Dadeland Mall and asked me to be a part of it. I was thrilled, as I’ve loved the brand since they sponsored my Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival weekend wardrobe. The event was attended by many of my local besties, including Rosa of Accidental Sexiness, Carmen of Viva Fashion, and Amanda of Las Gringas.

There were flower stems for the women, as well as spring time cupcakes and bellinis. Did I mention a rockin’ DJ? I danced like I was at a club! HA! The best part of the event? That’s easy. The ENTIRE store was HALF off. And what a selection? This is a brand new store and it’s HUGE–chocked full of women’s apparel, accessories, and even SHOES. Yes, my child–The Limited has shoes. Cute shoes. But you can ONLY see them in Dadeland.

Get by there soon and tell them that I sent you! By the way, I chose the maxi dress! Cute, huh? Check out more in the Spring 2012 video!

Disclosure: I was compensated for this appearance. All opinions are my own.

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Saving Money on a NYC Trip

Jewel — Sat, 12 May 2012 14:15:45 +0000

One of my very favorite cities to visit is New York City. In fact, the close proximity to NYC was one of the best things about living the DC area. I could hop in the car and be in the there in just a few hours and I was/am ALWAYS down for a trip there. However, it is one of the most expensive cities that I’ve ever visited. Here are some tips that I’ve gathered from to save a few pennies on a trip to the Big Apple.

Stock up on coupons–search for travel coupon sites that offer discounts on everything from lodging to entertainment. As with all ventures in the land of coupon savings, be sure to read the fine print. Don’t forget the daily deals sites like Groupon and LivingSocial.
Plan your trip around a event like Spa Week or Restaurant Week, where you can take advantage of low pricing on things that interest you.
Use public transportation. Although there is NO experience like riding in an authentic NYC taxi, it is not the most cost effective way to travel. The MTA New York City Subway is a far better choice. You can usually get within a few blocks of your destination. Hotel concierges usually have transit maps and can give you the ins and outs. However, this is NOT for the faint at heart. Expect to see most anything.

Visit free attractions like Central Park and Grand Central Station. Create your own experience, like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Skip a pricey hotel and rent a New York City apartment. You’ll have all the comforts of home. Take special advantage of the kitchen and save money on breakfast and snacks by simply buying groceries.

These are some of my favorite tips. How have you cut corners on a New York City vacation.

Disclosure: I was compensated for some of the links in this post. The opinions are all mine.

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Chopard Gets Brand New

Jewel — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:41:14 +0000

Chopard, the world-renowned Swiss luxury house known for its innovative timepieces, celebrated the official boutique reopening at Bal Harbour Shops during an in-store cocktail reception recently. The party was hosted by Chopard President/CEO Mark Hruschka. The boutique is absolutely FAB.U.LOUS! And while Mark was in town, I got to sit down with him. Here’s some of what he had to say:

On what makes Chopard unique:

Our ownership–we are family owned for 152 years and privately held. Also, our design esthetics, quality of manufacturing, and service to our customers.

On what’s coming up next for Chopard:

We’re opening a boutique at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas in the next couple weeks. After that, we’ll be attending the Cannes Film Festival, where this is our 15th year of involvement. Since 2001, the Chopard Trophy has been awarded to actors who we feel represent Male and Female Revelation of the Year. Then off to Mille Miglia, where we’ve been a sponsor for 24 years.

The cocktail party was attended by local celebs like Emilio Estefan and Malinka Max. As an added bonus, Chopard graciously donated a percentage of purchases from the entire week to the Bass Museum of Art.

Fun times…

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Meet Me At The Limited!

Jewel — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:58:58 +0000

Join me at The Limited in Dadeland Mall this coming Wednesday night (May 9th). They are throwing a FAB Mothers Day Event and I’m hosting all of my besties! There will be music, light bites, and plenty of fun! And as a special gift, because you are with me—EVERYTHING in the store is HALF off. I’ll be there from 5-9 and it’s going to be a BLAST! Let’s go!

You all know that I wear a LOT of pieces from The Limited. I absolutely love the array of choices, as well as the fit. You can nearly always find me in something from The Limited, due to their generous sponsorship of my wardrobe. And, I can not wait to show you all of the new technology in the Dadeland store. The dressing room system is to die for! You’re gonna love it.

In the meantime, please help me decide what to wear to the Mothers Day Event. Here are my choices:

I’m leaning towards the dress but I love the poncho top too. They both fit well and look adorable. Can I get some help???

Disclosure: These pieces, and others like them, were provided to me in exchange for my participation in this event. All opinions are my own!

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The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco

Jewel — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:34:23 +0000

On the grounds of the famed Presidio in San Francisco, in a building that used to be Army barracks, sits the Walt Disney Family Museum. Years after Walt Disney died, his daughter and grandson co-founded this endeavor. I was lucky enough to spend half a day there during my recent trip to San Francisco. It’s 40,000 square feet of memorabilia, highlighting the successes, as well as the disappointments in the life of the Mr Disney. It’s full of interactive galleries that feature early drawings, animation, movies and music. We were lucky enough to have a guided tour. Even with the guide, there was so much that time just wouldn’t allow us to see.

My father has one of the most well-known names around the world, but as the Disney ‘brand’ has grown, the man has become lost. We are committed to telling the story of Walt Disney’s life, in his own words, and in the words of others who knew him well and worked with him. My father was very open, and in the many conversations and interviews that you will hear in the galleries, you learn the story of his life. It is a wonderful story, and Dad himself loved to tell it. Thanks to the amazing work of many dedicated people, we are fortunate to be able to tell it here using the tools he worked with—art, music, film, and technology—to present an honest yet affectionate portrait of this amazing artist and man.–Diane Disney Miller, Museum co-founder

The stories of Disney’s life, creativity, family, and the processes and innovations he brought to his art are told through a series of ten galleries. Highlights of the Museum include:

Drawings Disney made in his youth
Drawings and cartoons from Laugh-O-Gram Films, Disney’s first company
The earliest known drawings of Mickey Mouse
Storyboards, a Disney innovation that map out timeless film classics
The technically innovative multiplane camera that brought vibrancy and depth to his revolutionary feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The unique Snow White Academy Award®, which includes a full-size Oscar® and seven miniature castings
The narrow-gauge Lilly Belle train Disney built for his Hollywood home, which recalled his youth and helped spur his vision for Disneyland
A 12-foot diameter model of the Disneyland of Walt’s imagination

The most touching things that I saw during the tour were the true family movies, showing Walt and his wife Lilly, surrounded by grandchildren. They looked like such an ordinary family. Perhaps, they were. Thanks so much to his family for sharing such personal memories with the world.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is open 6 days a week, Wednesday-Monday, closed on Tuesday. Click here for more information on visiting.

Disclosure: My visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum was part of a press junket sponsored by Disney/Pixar. All opinions are my very own.

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