Take me with you

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯ 

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"Simplicity is the key to brilliance."

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When it comes to leaving the house for a shorter period of time, I tend to just take the necessary things with me: mobile phone, keys and cards. But in some cases, of course, you will need more. That's when small bags or backpacks come into the picture. There are designs that fit almost any outfit, and there are some that are suitable for a special occasion or only fit certain colors. 

The bags below are sold on Toplive US Amazon, which is one of the brands of fyystore. These women crossbody bags are available in 3 different colours: classic black, eye-catching blue and dreamy pastel purple. 

The design is classic and elegant, the size (approx. 20x16x8 cm) is also suitable to carry a small bottle and it is easy to combine the bag with your outfits.

It is equipped with an upper handle, a metal buckle closure flap, and an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap for comfortable use.

The internal structure satisfies different storage requirements. It has two separate compartments, two zipped pockets and four card holders. So you have a separate place for your cards even without a purse, and on top of that you don't have to search so long for your keys, as they can be stored separately in a zippered pocket.

The versatility of the bag makes it perfect for everyday use and fits both leisure and formal outfits. 

The bag was first listed on Amazon at the end of June and you are welcome to visit their website to take another look at the bag and the other products the brand offers.
From the 3rd of September there will be two more colours in which the bag is available: mermaid blue and mermaid pink.

How do you like the bag presented in the post? Are you rather a bag lover with many bags or do you prefer to have only 1-3 bags at once? As always, please feel free to leave a comment below.  :)

Lots of love, 

E

Kindness challenge for a happier You and a happier World – 40 acts of kindness & happiness

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯

 

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"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." (Aesop)

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Being kind does not cost you anything and takes no time, but it can mean a lot to someone on the receiving end.

Today, my blog turned 7 years old and to celebrate it, there is a special post today.

It is pretty easy to lose your positivity, your brightness in this fast-moving world. Everything and everyone is online, we receive so many information that we hardly know how to deal with all of them. We know almost "everything", including information, we didn't want to know about. We see crimes and violence happening not only in our own country, but also on the other side of the world. We see false realities and we experience stress, making it harder to stay focused and look to the bright side of life. Everyone struggles from time to time and needs some motivation and inspiration every now and then. But I do believe that if you make a small difference yourself, then we can make a big difference together. This inspired me to create this challenge of kindness & happiness. 

 

Some of the actions in the list can be performed anywhere and anytime, while others either require scheduling or depend on a situation. There are a few that cost you a bit of money, but I always added an alternative that cost you less or nothing at all but still makes the world a better place.

You don't need to do anything big, it is about small actions and gestures that make you feel better too. You probably already do little acts of kindness on a regular basis, but you know, that kindness never becomes enough and you never know, how much it could mean to somebody, you could make someone's entire day.
Since it is easy to forget about oneself when we think about kindness, some of the points on the list are kind acts for your own happiness.

I challenge you to perform as many kind deeds as you can using the checklist below. Cross of each one as you do them and after you've made your list, post a picture with the #HappierYouHappierWorld hashtag on Twitter.
There is no time frame, no deadlines, you can do it at your own pace, just have fun, be happy and spread kindness. ♡

Download your own checklist here.  :)

 
Wishing you a wonderful day,
E

He was a Skater Boy..

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯ 

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"Skateboarding is a poetry of motion." (Stevie Williams) 

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Skateboarding is a popular activity and most people love the cool tricks. Over the years, it even developed a lifestyle that is closely related to this activity.

The first official skateboard was released exactly 60 years ago, in 1959, and skateboarding has gone through a huge evolution in the last few decades. Its source is surfing, which is why skateboarders were often referred to as “asphalt surfers” at the beginning.

At first this activity became popular in the United States and with its popularity some American clothing brands specialised in skateboarding. One of the most famous skateboard shoe brand, called Vans, was founded in 1966, for example, and has since been supporting skateboarders from around the world.

In the mid-1970s skateboarding reached Germany and thus Europe. Skateboards have developed in shape and wheels to enable a smoother, faster and more comfortable ride and the popularity of skateboarding continues to grow.

Skateboarding is not just a hobby anymore, it has also become a professional sport and a job for many people. It will even be represented at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

But skateboarding is not only for riding and performing tricks, it is also a method of transportation.

An electric skateboard makes skateboarding easier and faster and it can be very helpful in a city besides other electrical things like a roller.

Source: StrailBoard

StrailBoard is a China based manufacturer and supplier of electric skateboards which are personal intelligent transporter. These skateboards come with a power battery and speed is controlled by a remote control.

The models shown above are guaranteed for 12 months. The company supports worldwide shipping as well as replacement, so you can easily buy all DIY electric skateboard kit accessories. They currently offer 4 boards for the price of 299-399,90 USD. The boards are waterproof and shockproof, with up to 30 km of battery life. The top speed is between 20 and 38 km/h and after the power outage these skateboards can still be used as ordinary longboards.

As mentioned earlier, Vans is one of the most famous and popular skateboard brands. They currently offer a Pro Skate range that provides the ultimate high-performance skate apparel for men and women. See some of my favourites from the collection below.

Source: Vans

Can you ride a skateboard yourself? Would you have an electric one? And how do you like the clothes that are associated with this lifestyle? Do you own any of the pieces shown above?

As always, please feel free to leave a comment below.  :)

Lots of love, 

E

Online invitations

 

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯


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"Right now someone is thinking of you."

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However I prefer the handwriting as it is more personal, there are situations, where it is much easier to send invitations or flyers online, which also benefits the environment. I think there are occasions, where I would definitely choose a handwritten format, or in some cases, such as a wedding, it is a good idea to combine both, but for other events such as a launch or a blogger meet-up, it is definitely best to send these cards online. Or if you left it to the last minute and there is no time left for the other method, then of course.

Paperless Post is an online platform where you can send cards for coins and flyers for free. There are various themes such as graduation, birhtday, baby shower or wedding invitations, but you can also find categories for greetings and professional events, like a launch, a reception or a charity event. You can personalise every design with your own words and details. You have the option of displaying a guest list or adding a comment wall. After you’ve sent your invitation, you can even track the email openings. 

The initial cost is always displayed per recipient and is a base price without premium options, such as adding envelopes or backdrops when editing your card. The current charges are displayed in the upper-right corner of the design tool, so you can add or remove options according your planned budget.

As mentioned before, cards cost coins that are sold in packages. The more you purchase, the cheaper the cost per coin. For example, 25 coins are sold for 10$ (0,40$ per coin) and 400 coins for 50$ (0,13$ per coin).

Have you ever sent or received such an invitation? For which event would you like to send or receive handwritten invitations and for which ones would you choose online formats?

Lots of love,
E

Birthstones

 

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"Pretty sure my birthstone is a seashell."

 
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 A birthstone is a special gemstone that represents the birth month of a person. Each of these gems has a unique meaning and historical significance.
In order to standardize the birthstones, independently of each other, both the American and British jewellery associations created a list at the beginning of the 20th century. In most cases, each month is associated with a single gemstone, but there are several months with multiple birthstones. However the lists are relatively modern creations, their origins date back to the ancient times, where people believed that gemstones had incredible powers such as healing, bringing luck or wealth.
Garnet, for example, symbolises friendship and trust. Aquamarine is a symbol of youth, health and hope. Ruby stands for love and passion and it was believed that sapphire would protect your loved ones from harm.

 

 
The pieces below are from CheapNameNecklace, a Hong Kong based online jewellery manufacturer, that turns names and initials into lovely jewellery. Each piece can be personalised with names, initials, font, metal and stones. On their website you can choose from the categories, necklaces, rings, bracelets & earrings, collections and charms. Most items are available in sterling silver as well as in platinum plated silver and gold or rose gold plated silver, with a chain length of 35 to 55 cm. Their birthstone rings are plated with stones and the "lovely open heart promise phrase necklace" can be decorated with up to 5 birthstones, attached to the pendant. To get more information on the items in the picture, just visit their website and let me know, which piece is your favourite.

 

 

 
If you are interested in these monthly gemstones, you may also be interested in the zodiacal stones, where each sign has its own gem or gems, but there are also birthday stones, where each day of the week has its own gemstone. But of course, you don't have to stick to your own monthly birthstone. If you feel connected to something else, just go with it.

What do you think about birthstones? Comment with your own below. :)

Lots of love,
E

You and Me

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯


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"How amazing it is to find someone who wants to hear about all the things that go on in your head."

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If you regularly read my blog, you may remember that I love personalised items, whether it's a mug, a bracelet, or a necklace. Sometimes I prefer to have my nickname on it, sometimes I go for initials or stick to my last name. Somehow, I have always felt that they give something to a simple thing: a bit of personality, a bit of story.
Last year I had a pool on Twitter that asked if you liked monogrammed, personalised items, and it turned out that 85% of voters were up for them.
This year I asked if you were going to wear the name of your boyfriend/girlfriend on a necklace and it turned out that 42% of voters would do that and 58% would not. 

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Would you wear the name of your boyfriend/girlfriend on a necklace?

— P & P style (@pandpstyle) 16. April 2019

"Get name necklace" is an online jewellery manufacturer that offers fashionable, personalised jewellery. Each piece can be personalised by name, initials, font, metal, length and stones. On their website you can choose from various categories, such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, charms or even collections.
Couple necklaces are a cute way to show your partner how much he/she means to you. I collected my favourite pieces below. The necklaces arrive in a gift box. Most items I've selected are sterling silver 925, but you can also find items that are 18k gold plated. My personal favourite is the Yin Yang necklace. It is even perfect for those who do not want to wear something that clearly shows it's a couple necklace. The front side is the sign and the back has the name of your loved one. I like how simple and yet discrete and unique it looks. 

 
You also have the option to choose a half heart, a puzzle or simply a square shape. In the picture there is only one necklace, which is delivered as a single piece. With this "Personalized Love Arrow Birthstone Heart Necklace" you can choose material, birthstone, chain length and the text is already added: You are my angel.

Do you like personalised jewellery? What do you think about these couple necklaces? Do you have a favourite? As always, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Lots of love,
E 

The luxurious silk

✯ Hello Shiny Stars! ✯


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"Wishing you a day soft as silk.. Sweet as honey and full of money."

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Silk is a natural protein fiber from which silkworms form cocoons, an outer shell that protects them during the pupal stage. Some forms of this fiber can be woven into textiles, and generally the silkworm of moth caterpillars is used for this textile production.

Silk bed linen and nightwear look elegant and a bit luxurious, but to be honest, I can only imagine, that such beds are either in a girlish bedroom, combined with cuddly pillows, feathers or in a hotel room that's perfect for couples.

All the items in this post are form FreedomSilk, a brand that is working with 100% pure silk, what is completely free of toxins and allergens. On the website you can do your search for different topics, such as pillowcases, bedding, sleepwear and accessories.

I made two collages. The first one is for silk bedding sets.
They are available in a variety of colours and designs, giving each room a nice overall look. The pure mulberry silk duvet cover looks beautiful and is available in different sizes and colours, such as blue, gold, silver grey, or classic black and white.

Silk pyjamas and nightgowns or silk camisole sets give a sexy look and are comfortable to wear. The floral printed sets, shown in the picture, are ideal for spring. The sets are available in sizes XS to XL. The company tries to design and make every piece so that they are "soft to the touch, lovely to wear and incredibly comfy to sleep in". You can find several designs on the website: long or short, with our without sleeve. 

I have to add to this post, that after doing my research in the topic, I found out, that the sericulture has been critized by animal welfare and rights activist as silk is produced by boiling silk worms alive inside their cocoons. According to PETA, about 3000 silkworms are killed to produce less than 0,5 kg of silk.

Besides the usual method, there is another, where silk producers wait until the larvae come out of the cocoon. It is called Ahimsa silk, also called peace silk. It is much more humane to the worms than many traditional methods, but concerns have also been raised about this.

What do you think about this post? Have you found the information useful? Do you like these silk products? As always, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Lots of love,
E