6 Gifts with Special Meaning Sparkle

Black Swan jewels from Swarovski

Black Swan on Rose Gold 

Black Swan on Silver

When you represent a company that’s been given the prestigious title of a “Black Swan” business because of its ability to disrupt an entire industry (think Apple, Google and Amazon), then you can feel pretty confident that you’re on a meaningful career path.

Rodan + Fields skincare – which is now a billion dollar brand and the number one selling skincare in the United States – has been called a Black Swan for years. I love being able to represent this amazing company, which is based solely on a social selling business model, by simply sharing these transformative products with others. 

While R+F treats us to lots of fabulous incentive gifts, there are times when Independent Consultants want to recognize their teams for specific goals that have been achieved. 

My Gift Giving Favorites  

While searching online for gift items that would have special meaning for my own R+F tribe, I came across the Swarovski line of Black Swan jewelry shown above. How perfect!

The Swarovski brand is known for its luxurious gift items that feature crystal cut creations. Along with their Black Swan icon based jewelry, I found a number of other potential gifts that would add a sparkle to any R+F consultants eye ... 

Lucky Evil Eye Bracelet

When one of your R+F team members top selling product is Rodan + Fields Lash Boost, this would be a spectacular reward.

Kris Card Bag Charm

When you’re on the go, you need to have a place to carry your R+F business cards. How cute is this bedazzled pink bear leather card carrier complete with lush lashes? I think it would be perfect as a new consultant or level advancement gift.

Swarovski Diva Sunglasses

When your team has earned an incentive trip to a sunny destination, a pair of sparkly black Diva shades would be a fabulous way to say “Your business is shining bright, girl!”

Jason Wu Jewelry for Spring via Swarovski

When you’re looking for a special gift that’s truly remarkable, the champagne toned Swarovski collection by fashion-designer Jason Wu (who I’ve actually met in person at one of his New York Fashion Week runway shows) has some stunning pieces. Everything he designs is pure gold in my opinion : )  

Rainbow Colored Pavé Butterflies on

Rose Gold Strand from Swarovski

Lilia Pierced Earrings

The team I joined when I started my R+F journey over 2 years ago (Team Moxie) has a butterfly as its mascot. These rose gold strand earrings with multi-colored butterflies (in the same colors as our product lines, Soothe, Reverse, Unblemish, and Redefine) totally says “R+F team” to me. How pretty would they be worn at a gala event during the next Rodan + Fields convention scheduled in New Orleans this coming September? Officially on my wish list! 

Which of these sparkling beauties would you choose for yourself or as a reward gift?

Share your favorites with me via twitter @yblacker

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for visiting!

For links to the Rodan + Fields products mentioned,

visit my personal website yblacker.myrandf.com 

Check out as a Preferred Customer to get

10% OFF plus FREE shipping.

Join my team at yblacker.myrandf.biz

Smile, Gorgeous! Event 2.28.16

Photographer David West

Update your profile picture with a gorgeous new look with the help of Rodan + Fields skincare and Stella + Dot style! Register today to schedule a mini portrait session with photographer David West on location at TaggArt Studio in Wakefield on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Time slots will be provided.

Receive a complimentary Rodan + Fields Mini Facial sample pack prior to the event with ticket purchase. All registrants will have the opportunity to borrow from the on-trend collections of Stella + Dot jewelry and scarves assisted by Stylist Cindy Hanshaw. Receive a digital copy of your favorite photo after the event. All registered attendees will receive a door prize raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event. Sweet and savory treats will be provided by Sharon Bourassa of Pampered Chef.

Don’t miss out on this specially priced photo opportunity! Networking during the event is encouraged. Tickets available now via EventBrite. 

You are Invited: Sip + Shop at TaggArt Studio

Join me along with some of my fashion-forward friends as we share what’s new and trending in our respective businesses! 

Wednesday, September 16th from 6pm–9pm

TaggArt Studio, 339 Salem Street, Wakefield MA

Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

Raffle to benefit GatheringChangeInc.org

taggartstudio.com

yblacker.myrandf.com

stelladot.com/cindyhanshaw

heidifurlong.cabionline.com

Questions? Contact yblacker@verizon.net

Hope to see you there!

Fashion Destination: Madison Avenue

Do you like designer labels but don’t want to pay full price to change out your wardrobe each season? For my local readers, you have to check out Madison Avenue Consignment Boutique in Melrose. The owner, Joanne Cotton, has created a one-stop shop for fashionistas. We’re talking runway wardrobe at “I’ll take two” prices. All items are meticulously curated – including items on consignment and new fashion-forward jewelry lines. The store is filled with cool accessories, must-have handbags, conversation starting shoes and a lot of designer bling, not to mention high-end brands that would upgrade most closets.


Visit the Madison Avenue website or their facebook page for updates on what is currently available or stop in to experience some bargain-shoppers delight ... you won’t leave empty handed! The store recently celebrated its one year anniversary at its Main Street location. Read about the concept behind the consignment here. 

photo courtesy Madison Avenue

Holiday open houses this weekend

Last night was the Holiday Stroll in Andover.
I stopped by to visit Paula Bakies of Acorn Interiors at her new retail location at 10 Essex Street.
Lots of people came in to take a look at her new space, have a few treats, and see some of the work that
is leaving her showroom ...

An array of ottomans includes a
“before” (all white) and three “afters.”These are available for purchase or can be
custom-designed by request. Let me know
if you need help choosing fabrics : )



Window treatments and ottoman for a girl’s room
designed by Lisa Pasquale (who happens to be
from my home town and is very talented!)

Paula transformed these vintage
chairs into modern beauties.



After leaving Acorn Interiors, I headed over to
another holiday open house at TaggArt Studio which
is on Salem Street in Wakefield. I took some pictures
of what you can find there on Saturday from
10am to 4pm, which is the last day
of their holiday trunk show ...

Some really pretty pieces of inspirational jewelry
designed by Linda Govostes-O’Neill

Gratitude journals and inspirational collage
gift items created by Marianne Snow

Music to celebrate the holidays
by local talent Noel Smith



Mary has a lot of beautiful original works of art available, but this one caught my eye. And remember when I said art lessons would make a great gift? Mary offers many classes for children and adults. Contact her for schedule details.




And don’t miss Beth Hylan of Studio B who is back in Wakefield just for this show. She has made a new home for herself in Concord, MA at Nesting on Main so you may also visit her there on Sunday from 12pm to 6pm during their Holiday Open House.


A gift I bought myself at New England Fine Living:
velvet purse with gold owl clasp from Vintage Wares


It is nice to know that I do not have to resort to mall-shopping this holiday season when there are so many creative shopping venues available locally.
If only I had more time to visit them all!

Some treats from New England Fine Living

Decorating idea: create a burlap runner, fray ends

Artichoke Lemon Pesto: a delicious hostess gift

A candy tower from The Dazzling Dot

Looking for costume jewelry this weekend?

{photo from NEFL website}

Aspen Mulling Spices
for hot and cold drinks


New England Fine Living
is open today until 4pm


Mark your calendar for next Saturday, Nov. 6th

Open House 10am to 4pm

For daytime vendor information click here.
Then join us from 7pm to 9pm for a festive

New England Fine Living
Pre-Holiday Party

I would love to see you there!

Jewelry for a cause ...

Today I’d like to share with you the reason why I am a JessLC Ambassador. After seeing many design blogs sporting the JessLC ad banner, then reading about the jewelry line and it’s creator, Jess Constable, I found myself following Jess’s blog on a daily basis to see what she was up to next ... I was curious about her upcoming design collections, but I was also hooked on her “this is what is happening in my life right now” authenticity. The way she candidly shares her ups and downs along with the lessons she has learned on her journey as a jewelry designer, business person, and unique individual had me hooked!

Soc Chic The Good Intention Necklace

And the fact that she created a line of jewelry to promote and benefit social causes was just what I was looking for as a fund-raising item for a local charity that I am involved with, Gathering Change, Inc. The logo that I designed for Gathering Change has a heart at its center, and the charity’s mission is to help neighbors who are struggling during these challenging economic times. The Good Intention Necklace that Jess has designed is the perfect match for future fund-raising events, and 10% of the sale of each necklace would be donated directly to Gathering Change. I think it would make a thoughtful gift and be a nice way to give to others at the same time. Below are a few more pieces that I love from different collections that Jess has designed.

Franklin Dream Bigger Braille Necklace

I LOVE this design concept! “Dream Bigger” is actually imprinted in braille on this piece (other pieces include “Breathe” and “Be Present”). How cool to be able to use a necklace as a touchstone!

State Thick Cable and Heart Bracelet

This bracelet is pretty, delicate and strong ...
and it also comes in sterling silver.

Division Chevron Earrings

The chevron is a popular design trend right now.
It always looks stylish and energetic!

Armitage Simple Cable and Link Bracelet

I love how this bracelet combines both
gold and silver. It is a great everyday piece
that would look good on anyone.

Jess started designing and selling jewelry at the age
of 15 (read her story here) and her passion for her product is obvious. Read more about Jess and the inspiration behind her designs by checking out her blog, Makeunder My Life. While you are there, be sure to check up on her friend and guest blogger, Piper Toth, who has taken the leap to create a business of her own, named after her blog One Sydney Road.

If you would like to be a Jess LC Ambassador,
contact Jess at jess@jesslc.com

I love being able to support other creative people
like Jess, who are doing what they love and
are inspiring others to do the same!

xoxo
yvonne

October ... think pink!

Pretty, yet practical.


Dazzling and delightful.


Stylish statement pieces.


Well-deserved luxuries.


All @ New England Fine Living

Open Wednesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday from 10am to 4pm
Click here for more info.


Pamper someone you love with something
pink and pretty! For those of you who are
not local, here are a few pink items that would
look just right in a room of her own ...

Pink can be bold when paired with
a rich red and gilded gold.


pink, red, gold by designvignettes
on Polyvore.com

Check out these posts
that feature pink ...


Avery Design Interiors

Interior Concepts by Wanda S. Horton

Irwin Feld Design

Cynthia Mason: Exuberant Home




Susan G. Komen for the Cure

ShopKomen.com