D' Luxe Style - Dream in Coral This Spring

If you're like me, you are tired of this winter weather. I'm looking forward to Spring and all of the glorious fashions I can start to wear. As a person who loves color, I am happy to highlight the "must have" colors for the Spring/Summer 2009 season. Coral is one of my favorites.

From deep red coral used in jewelry, to light salmon pink on your nails, to a cantaloupe melon dress, any shade goes this season.

As we approach this time of change and renewal, look for bright, happy colors like coral to light up your wardrobe and enhance your spirits.

1. Bottega Venetta Wrap Dress; 2. L.A.P.A. Doctor-Style Handbag; 3. Dior Coral Necklace; 4. Missoni Floral Silk Scarf; 5. Tarina Tarintino Crystal Hibiscus Clip; 6. Banana Republic Chandelier Earrings; 7. OPI Conga Line Coral Nail Polish; 8. Oscar de la Renta Appliqué Patent Sandals; 9. Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Leather Sandals;
10. Chaumet Coral Watch

D' Luxe Designs - First Blog Award

Imagine my surprise when I logged onto my blog today and discovered I 'd been nominated for The Lemonade Award. Special thanks to Polka Dot Candle for making this possible.

Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 5 - 10 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.

3. Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.

5. Nominate your favorites and link to your post.

Here are my Lemonade Award Nominees:

Beaded Tail

Indie Sista's

Rik Rak Studio

Ragamufyn

Divalicious Designs

The Damn Nation

ScentfulIndulgence

Everything Fabulous

Health Nut Wannabee Mom

Pink Lemonade

Congratulations to all of the nominees above!

D' Luxe Designs Card Spotlight - Featured in Etsy Treasury

Thanks to ScentfulIndulgence for creating this Etsy Treasury spotlight. The treasury is called "I Scream, U Scream - Neopolitan Ice Cream, my favorite!".

All of the items selected are in the colors of neopolitan ice cream - strawberry pink, chocolate brown and vanilla white.

One of my D'Luxe Designs handmade cards is a featured item. It's called "Welcome Home Baby Girl". Part of my baby card collection, this handmade card is totally customizeable. You pick the card color scheme, boy or girl (or both) and ethnicity of the baby. Great for baby showers, announcements or thank you cards. Contact me for more details.

D' Luxe Beadweaving - Etsy EBW Team Challenge

It's not too late to cast your vote for the Etsy Beadweavers Tropical Holiday Challenge. Etsy Beadweavers is a group of beaders who market their creations on Etsy.com.

The Beadweavers' creations are different from many traditional beaded items, in that they are woven from hundreds or thousands of tiny beads to create intricate designs and pictures.

These handmade designs are both art and jewelry. Each piece takes hours to complete, with some larger pieces taking weeks or even months. I am a proud member of this team

The current team challenge is to create a tropical holiday inspired design. Please visit our team site at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ to cast your vote. Please hurry, the deadline is February 15.

To view some of my beadweaving pieces, be sure to visit my etsy site at http://www.dluxedesigns.etsy.com/.

Mention this post when purchasing from my etsy site to receive a FREE gift.

Offer ends February 28, 2009.

D' Luxe Beauty - Top Beauty Ingredient Trends for 2009

Want to wow your friends with your knowledge of the hottest beauty trends? The Pierce Mattie Beauty PR firm has released their predictions of the Top 10 Beauty Ingredients for 2009.

Argan Oil: Known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, this oil has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be used on skin and hair to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.

Acaii: This Brazilian berry contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acaii can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.

Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their fragrances.

Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.

Acerola: Ingredients high in Vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.

Blueberry: Full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.

Probiotics: Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This Cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.

Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda, this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.

Turmeric: A popular ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes.

If you are like me, products with these ingredients will mysteriously make their way to your bathroom shelf and soon become your new beauty staples.

D' Luxe Designs Valentine's Day Giveway Winners Are Announced

Special Congratulations to the Valentine's Day Giveaway Winners!

Shana - Violet Indigo Spiral Bracelet

Zingo Tots - Valentine's Jewelry Gift Set

Thank you to all who participated. Please visit my etsy shop http://www.dluxedesigns.etsy.com/ to let me know which items you'd like to see in future blog giveways.

D' Luxe Decor - Purple is Trendy in the Home

Purple has been predicted to be one of the top home decor color trends for 2009. Surprised? We've seen purple make a hit on the runway and fashion retail outlets and it's known as a happy color. Can't we all could use a bit of uplifting during these trying times.?

We crave more purple and now we are bringing it into our homes.

Expect to see a range of purple shades, from soft, sophisticated grayish-lilac to rich, delicious plums. I've gathered some examples of purples themes I would love to incorporate into my home. Take a look, a few may appeal to you too.

1. Phillips Iron; 2. Malborough Chesterfield Sofa; 3. DeLuxe Cutlery; 4. Elk Vanity Light; 5. Kitchenaid Stand Up Mixer; 6. Pearson Lloyd Chair; 7. John Urson Puff Pendant; 8. Target Chandelier; 9. Vincent Leman Spark Table; 10. Home Trends Beaded Curtain Holdbacks

D' Luxe Fitness - Get Ready To Zumba

The big question of the day for me is: Bellydancing or Zumba?

My town's contunuing education booklet arrived in the mail today. I went right to the fitness pages to see what was being offered. I am torn by the two courses. I decided to do a bit of reading on Zumba.

Zumba was created in the mid-90’s by Colombian native Alberto “Beto” Perez, a celebrity fitness trainer and choreographer for International pop superstars. Inspired by the traditional cumbia, salsa, samba, reggaeton and merengue music he grew up with, Beto paired his favorite pulsating Latin rhythms with the red-hot international dance steps.

Zumba has become a brand. Since 2003, more than 3.5 million Zumba DVDs have been sold through infomercials and about 20,000 instructors in 40 countries now teach Zumba, 15,000 of those in the United States. No wonder Zumba classes are being added to gym schedules across the country. All the testimonials say it is one of the most fun, cardio workouts out at the moment. So fun, you don't even realize how intense your workout was.

I am leaning towards Zumba. Any thoughts????

D' Luxe for Men - Axe Dark Temptation

Find chocolate hard to resist? You are not alone. The makers of Axe Body Spray for men initiated a global study which concluded 82% of women feel the same.

This research set the stage for the launch of Axe Dark Temptation (available in a deodorant body spray and shower gel).

The Dark Temptation fragrance combines a subtle aroma of chocolate with gourmand notes like hot chocolate, amber and red peppercorn.

Still looking for a Valentine's Day gift for him? Treat yourself by buying Axe Dark Temptation for your special guy.

D' Luxe Beauty Launch - Aveeno Hair Care Line

Core consumers of the Aveeno skin care brand will soon be able to deepen their alliance to its portfolio of products..

This April, Aveeno will launch the Nourish+Hair Care Collection, a hair care range consisting of seven shampoo-and-conditioner combinations, as well as a leave-in treatment.

According to Aveeno, there is a void in the market for "effective, results-driven, naturally based and aesthetically pleasing products that effectively help to repair damaged hair.”

Suggested retail is $6.49. Look for the Aveeno Nourish+Hair Care Collection at your favorite mass retailer. As a fan and user of their skin care products, I definitely can't wait to try this line.