Go Carpe the Crap out of this Diem!

Yes, you read that right.  Sometimes life hands you really bad lemons and you have to find the strength to make some sweet lemonade.  When a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer, it took everyone by surprise.  She is one of the nicest, most caring, and patient people I have ever met in my life.  That's how it always happens, right?  It's never fair.  Of course I can not begin to understand what she is going through, and I'm not going to try and pretend.  It's hard to find the right words to say, or to tell her to hang in there.  I can only imagine that there are days that are a lot tougher than others.  The only part of it that I understand is that it sucks.

I knew others would and have showered her in chocolate and sweets and anything pink...rightfully so.  At first, I wanted to be the "fun fashion friend," who would buy her a scarf that would make her feel beautiful once she began to lose her hair.  But who am I?  That is such a personal decision, and I didn't even know where to begin.  After researching so many different websites, I realized it was none of my business to get her something that would impact her in such a huge way.

I wanted to give her something that would cheer her up, brighten her spirits, and remind her that she can and will fight this thing.  Cliche?  Of course, but it was what I felt I needed to do for this amazing woman.

I had heard a phrase a long time ago that I always thought was clever.  I thought, someday, I'll have a need for that...  "Go Carpe the Crap out of this Diem."  Well, now seemed like the perfect time!  I found a Mint frame with beautiful floral and scroll details, and figured it was perfect.  I liked the idea of a pretty, feminine frame for such a strong, go get 'em message.

Because she always wakes up with a positive attitude and smile on her face, I wanted to give her a jewelry dish that reflected that.  A place to hold all of the pieces of inspirational jewelry and small treasures she had recently received.  It reads, "Well Hello, Sunshine."

She had mentioned to me that everyone had told her and her husband that they'd buy them a drink, take them out for a beer, bring over lots of wine...  I don't even know if she was that much of a drinker to begin with.  I wanted to get make her a pair of wine glasses, not necessarily for wine.  On the tag I included, I wrote, "Whether with champagne or grape juice, here's to celebrating each small victory of completing a treatment."


All of these projects inspired me to add yet another element to my Etsy shop, and I will be selling inspirational and ridiculous quotes soon!  In the meantime, you can check out the jewelry in my shop and use code REBECCAMARKS15 for 15% off your entire purchase!  www.etsy.com/shop/rebeccamarksdesign

Go on, go carpe the crap out of this diem!

A Much Needed Makeover!

Apparently, Makeover Monday is a thing.  I didn't know that until I saw the hashtag trending on twitter.  Um, have I been living under a rock?

Well, I suppose it was perfect timing then that I launched my new and improved website today!  It was a long time coming, but it is finally here!

Check it out!  www.rebeccamarksdesign.com

Wrinkles and Gray Hairs and.... Sequins? Oh, My!

If you asked my late grandmother, she would have told you that this combo never goes out of style.  She wore sequins for as long as I can remember, and never let go of some level of glitz and glam in her everyday attire.  She was awesome.

Today, I turn 32.  And, to celebrate my birthday and another recent celebration, I decided that you are never too old for a sequin piece.  Now, I have my fair share of sequin garments, but seeing as how I recently had a baby and felt like I needed a few updates to my wardrobe, I luckily stumbled upon a new sequin skater skirt and leggings at Target.  Yes, Target!  It is, after all, my favorite store.

Wearing sequins can go a little Florida-retirement home-overboard... so you should pair them with solid basics, but don't be afraid to mix in other textures!

Here, I paired gold sequin leggings with a gray burn-out t-shirt, black blazer, and black suede block-heeled pumps. I wore a chunky, tribal necklace, vintage ring, and double-beaded bracelet.  You can find the necklace and bracelet I wore in my Etsy shop!

I wore a simple fitted charcoal grey long-sleeve T with this gold sequin skater skirt.  Cable knit black tights and royal blue suede wedges added a little more color and texture.  I wore a chunky light turquoise chain necklace and purple yarn wrapped bangle with a vintage ring.

Now go out there and add some sparkle!

Give Thanks with Personalized Gifts

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  It makes us think about the amazing friends and family that we have in our lives that keep us going, offer support and advice, and are just there for us when we need someone.  Then there's the other part of the holiday.  The nutty shopping frenzy that people get roped into just to get a good deal and act crazy for a day.

Well, rather than wait in those crazy lines, stay in with your family to enjoy one more helping of turkey and I'll make it easy.  Get your friend a personalized jewelry dish.  I'll design it any way you'd like, and you can enjoy 20% off with code THANKFUL20 now through Cyper Monday.  Plus, it's Shop Small Saturday this weekend, so I'll be super thankful you helped to support my tiny business and my big dreams! www.etsy.com/shop/rebeccamarksdesign

Above is a dish I sent my lovely friend Amy for her birthday!  Thanks for the photos, Amy!

I'm Still Here!

Oh, hey!  It has been way too long.  But I have a good excuse!  Our second little bundle of joy, Evan, came into the world in August... just 5 weeks early... so I have been just a little busy.  Not to mention my now 2-year-old, started preschool and dance class!  It has been a whirlwind, but my husband and I could not be happier.  We are so incredibly fortunate and thankful.

And speaking of thankful, Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Which means the holidays are almost here!  To help you get a head start on your gift list,  take 20% off your purchase at my Etsy shop with code THANKFUL20 now through Cyber Monday!

Well, hurry up and get shopping!!!

www.etsy.com/shop/rebeccamarksdesign

Remember When...

Remember when it was cold out and we were wondering where Spring was?  Oh, and now it's scorching hot outside?  If wearing your favorite sundress or tank top and shorts just doesn't look polished enough what do you do to make your outfit look complete?  Well, add jewelry of course!  It's the easiest way to take a simple outfit and make it look more put together!

jewelry available at www.etsy.com/shop/rebeccamarksdesign

STOMP out Cancer this weekend with STOMP the Monster!

Here we are volunteering! 

What are you doing this weekend?  Come on out to the 5th annual STOMP the Monster 5k race!

What is STOMP the Monster?  It is an amazing non-profit organization that was started by my husband's cousin, Seth.  Seth has battled cancer since 2010, and in his road to remission met many people who did not have the support and help that he did.  He started the organization to help families in the same situation with financial needs.

You can do your part in supporting this great cause by coming out to the 5k this weekend!  Not a runner?  Neither am I, especially at 24 weeks pregnant...  But there's also a 1 mile Family Walk, a Kid's Stomp, games, music, food, and much more!

For more information visit http://stompthemonster.org

Photo courtesy of Shara Rudner