on diamonds

Diamonds get a lot of attention. Are they the prettiest of all gems? Both answers to that question are valid. I used to resent just how much swoon-worthy attention diamonds got, but after working with the icy-sparkly stones for the past month I understand their allure. Here's a fun analysis of why it's drilled into our heads we recognize that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Thank you, Marilyn, but a woman's best friend is a positive can-do attitude, imho.

Nevertheless, a few of these babies on your ears wouldn't be so terrible. I've been wearing a white quartz pair nonstop - it makes me feel fancy... and fancy's just fine with me! For the month of September use code LOVEDIAMONDS to enjoy 10% off the new Marissa B. pave diamond collection (nope, it's not too early to think about holiday shopping)!

it's a sign

Actually, it's your sign! The Cosmic Collection of hand stamped zodiac charms are now available on marissab.com. You can get them in sterling silver, gold fill or solid 14k gold and in all the astral signs. I can already tell I'll be wearing a necklace with charms of the four signs in our family. And, if you're really into astrology wouldn't it be nifty to make a necklace composed of your sun sign, moon sign and rising sign. Oh, the possibilities...

love me do

I am thrilled to report that the latest Marissa B. jewelry collection, Love Letters, is being very well received by customers! The Little Sparrow necklace (now available in 14k gold) is swiftly becoming popular as a mommy necklace and the Secret Admirer necklace (also available in 14k gold) is a concept that's catching on fast. One even sold as a best friend necklace. Personally, I wear mine with my initial facing out and Hero Hubby's initial closest to my heart... awwwww. Seriously, though - the best part is I get to know the story behind every order - each initial represents someone special in my customers' lives and I'm thrilled that my product is being chosen to reflect their happiness. I'm grateful that I can provide something that brings joy to its wearers!

Sale on at marissab.com

Don't stress about what to give your special someone this Valentines Day. Shop early and enjoy 20% off just for being so on-the-ball. We've curated an array of baubles and trinkets that celebrate love (even if it's simply the love of jewelry). From tiny heart necklaces to red hot earrings, you'll find a fun assortment for all your valentines!

handmade jewelry at marissab.com

and the winner is...

Joanne! A pair of sky blue bonbon Earrings is headed your way. Thanks for participating in the give-away!

Today I was awakened by the gleeful cries of a toddler who wakes up to see the first winter snowfall. "We need a sled... make a snowman... MAMA... DADA... QUICK!" It was the nicest sounding alarm clock, but then I realized I couldn't hit "snooze" and sleep for ten more minutes. So, I sit here typing a post while Violet is picking out which pair of snow boots to wear and Laela is happily chewing on something soft (a blanket? a stuffed animal? I can't tell... don't have my glasses on - a pair of little hands snapped them last week). If you are gearing up to tumble through the snow today, I wish you good luck, warmth and lots of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever warms you (bourbon? I won't judge) at the end of a winter adventure.


image via gabbysworld

oh, wear! winter neutrals

The snow forecast for this weekend has me thinking about the put-together elegance of neutrals. I particularly like these boots - they look like they will hold up well in all sorts of weather and they are stylish to boot (pun intended). Do you like the newest pearl earring design? It just would not feel right to be all bundled up without some kind of trinket hiding beneath those fuzzy ear-muffs.

sweater | pants | coat | boots | mittens | ear muffs | pearl earrings

how to win these earrings!

What better way to start the new year than with a pair of Marissa B. earrings? Bonbon Earrings in sky blue quartz, to be exact. These are *spanking* new from the spring collection and I know you'll look just lovely in them. Here's how to win:

• Visit our Facebok page, like Marissa B. and share this post (url: http://sideofsparkle.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-win-these-earrings.html )
• Tweet about our Rue La La promotion, word for word: Love gorgeous jewelry? @MarissaBjewelry is offering a $25 for $50 deal on @RueLaLa: http://www.ruelala.com/product/detail/eventId/43577/styleNum/4112791740/viewAll/0

Then, just post a comment on this post letting me know about your tweet/FB share. One winer will be chosen this Saturday, 1/14. Feel free to enter more than once. Thanks for participating!

spring preview

Happy Friday, Dear Readers! My fingernails have been worked down to nothing after a week of prepping the spring line. Enjoy this little preview. I'm off to catch some sunshine outside and take the girls for a walk (hello 49 degrees in January)!

contest extended!

The contest from Monday's post is being extended until Thursday night! Become a fan of Marissa B. and share the post about this contest to enter. Good luck!

how to win this necklace:

1. Get on Facebook and become a fan of Marissa B. {link located right here}
2. Share the post about our current Rue La La deal
3. Wait until Wednesday morning to find out if you've won!

One lucky gal (or guy) will receive the crystal pompom necklace pictured above for sharing the news about the Marissa B. deal on Rue La La. What's this deal I speak of? Well, it's a $25 for $50 marissab.com voucher and the deal's only up until 12/17 in the Chicago City deals section. You need to be a member of Rue La La (which I highly suggest you do) to view this and other fabulous deals. Better hurry to enter - this contest closes at midnight on Tuesday, 12/13!

exciting things at Marissa B.

Aside from all of us having the sniffles and managing the constant low-level chaos of taking care of my two children, marissab.com is going full steam ahead this holiday season. That's no excuse for not posting as regularly, but I hope you'll forgive me when you check out the site and see the great deals being offered on lots of fun and fashionable handmade jewelry! Have a wonderful weekend!

p.s. I almost forgot - use code SB1211 to get 10% off just for being fabulous and reading a Side of Sparkle. Happy holiday shopping!

Mo Pie, Please: A Giveaway + Sponsor Love :: Marissa B

Mo-Pie, Please is a seriously fun blog and Meagan is graciously hosting a give-away of these Marissa B. crystal earrings. Visit Mo-Pie, Please and leave a comment to enter. If you win, yay! If not, please don't weep - just visit marissab.com to guarantee your sparkle needs. 

Check out the give-away here!