Everything She Wants

Great Gatsby Inspired Jewels from Swarovski Crystallized

2013-05-09T06:01:00.001-07:00

Doll up like Daisy Buchanan in Swarovski jewels inspired by Baz Luhrmann's opulent film adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, The Great Gatsby. Available exclusively at a Swarovski Crystallized store (the only U.S. outlet is in New York City's Soho nabe), the three new dazzling collections are the Ben Amun Iris Deco Collection; the Martine Wester Ivy Collection; and the Kenny Ma clutch, all made with Swarovski Elements.

Everything She Wants adores the subtly sparkly Ben Amun Iris Deco Collection (see photos).

Bracelet, $185

Necklace, $320

Earrings, $120

Ring, $144

Images courtesy of Swarovski Crystallized

Met Ball Gala 2013 Fashion Hits and Misses

2013-05-07T07:04:00.005-07:00

The theme of the annual Met Ball Gala to kick off the Metropolitan Museum of Art's yearly Costume Institute exhibit was "Punk: From Chaos to Couture." While some of the stars took a walk on fashion's wild side, some apparently didn't get the memo.

Kim Kardashian/Getty Images

What do you think of these Met Ball fashions?

Uma Thurman

Katie Holmes/Rob Kim for Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez with her beau Casper (l) and designer Michael Kors (r)./Rob Kim for Getty Images

Mother's Day Gifts $25 and Under from Jill Zarin Jewelry

2013-05-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

Since her departure from The Real Housewives of New York star Jill Zarin has launched a chic collection of costume jewelry, which is full of Mother's Day gift possibilities. Better yet, many of Jill's fashion-forward, standout statement pieces are $25 or less!

Jill Zarin

"The inspiration behind the Jill Zarin Jewelry Collection came from my desire to have a line that was affordable and clearly represented my taste and style," the reality TV star says in a press release. "I like my jewelry to be bold and colorful. They should be something someone notices and become a topic of conversation. Jewelry can often be a way for people to connect."

The collection features designs that embody Jill's socialite status and includes two distinct lines--NYC Signature Classics ($18 to $78) inspired by her jet set New York City lifestyle, with vignettes named after NY locales (Upper East Side, Central Park, Lincoln Center, etc), and the Fashion Statement Collections ($28 to $150) inspired by Jill's travels around the world.

Within the Fashion Statement Collections, the author of Secrets of a Jewish Mother offers the Fashion Week-inspired "The Runway" collection and the new "Hamptons Collection Summer 2013" that features hammered metal and has an "ultra beach chic" vibe.

Manufactured by GLITTERINGS, the Jill Zarin Jewelry Collection is fashioned with high quality materials like 14K gold plating, fine Austrian crystals, Abalone stones and genuine leather.

"Fashion jewelry is often thought of as disposable due to the wide array of low quality products that flood the market place," she explains, "however, my customer recognizes phenomenal value."

Purchase Jill Zarin's jewelry online or at Lord & Taylor's flagship store in New York City.

Charitable Mother's Day Gifts from UNICEF

2013-04-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Everything She Wants is all about shopping for a good cause. For Mother's Day, UNICEF has some great gift ideas for Mom that assist the U.S. Fund for UNICEF's mission of reducing the number of daily, preventable deaths of children under age five from 19,000 deaths to zero. Here are a few of the lovely gifts ($5-$50) available at UNICEF online.

Peacock Bangle (18.00) – A symbol of grace, joy and beauty, India’s national bird stars in this exquisitely crafted, exclusive design.

Cast Iron Lanterns in Yellow ($45.00), Orange ($25.00) and Blue ($40.00) – These beautiful hand-forged and durable cast iron lanterns in vibrant colors, made in India, will surely light up the season. For use with flameless candle (available for $10.00).

Mother and Child Sculpture ($50.00) – In Léogâne, Haiti, carver Jean Claude Dumas and his team of artists hand carve these sculptures from Haitian soapstone mined from mountains some five hours away by foot. The sculptures help the hardworking artists provide for their families and pay for their children’s schooling.

Mother's Day Jewelry Gift Pick: Get 20 Percent Off Freshie & Zero

2013-04-25T05:53:00.002-07:00

Everything She Wants has a jewelry love jones for Freshie & Zero. This classic and simple handcrafted jewelry line is created by Beth Lawrence, a.k.a. Freshie. And Zero is the talented Nashville native's adorable Jack Russell Terrier.

As an introductory offer, Freshie & Zero is offering Everything She Wants' readers 20 percent off any purchase (excludes gift certificates) until May 25th. This is the perfect time to pick up a an elegant gift for the modern Mom. At checkout, just enter the coupon code: everythingshew

All of the jewelry is ah-mazing, but here are the two styles we absolutely gushed over when they arrived in the mail (thanks, Beth)!

Me wearing my favorite everyday pieces from Freshie & Zero.

Lolly earrings (sterling silver), $40

Honey Petals necklace (gold-filled), $56

Music Festival Cowboy Boots Style from Harley-Davidson

2013-04-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

Coachella and SXSW may be over, but you can rock spring music festival style well into the summer. All you need is a cool pair of cowboy boots or clogs from Harley-Davidson. Pair any of these "a little bit country, a little bit rock-and-roll" styles from HD's 2013 collection (all under $200) with a boho-chic look complete with cut-offs, skinny jeans, plaid shirts and fringe accessories inspired by free spirits like Rihanna and Selena Gomez.

Mackena boot in Cajun

Aalina boot

Maya boot

Coral clog

Shoe photos courtesy of Harley-Davidson; celeb photos from the web.

Earth Day Eco-Friendly Beauty Finds

2013-04-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Earth Day with a few eco-chic beauty products that will leave you looking perfectly polished from your head to your toes – and help promote environmental responsibility. Here are a few of Everything She Wants' eco-friendly faves:

Dry, rough skin is no match for SheaMoisture’s natural and certified organic Body Butters ($9.99). Choose from three savory flavors: Lavender & Wild Orchid: this delicate butter contains soothing lavender as well as wild orchid extract to repair damaged skin and prevent moisture loss; Olive & Green Tea: this savory butter contains hydrating olive butter and avocado as well as antioxidant-rich green tea extract; Coconut & Hibiscus: this delicious butter features coconut oil to nourish, hibiscus flower to treat dry, rough skin and vitamin E to protect free radical damage. Each absorbs quickly with no greasy residue, and does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, synthetic fragrance or artificial color. Available at Target and Walgreens locations nationwide.

Stronger, lighter and more durable than wood, Olivia Garden’s Healthy Hair Ceramic Ionic Thermal Brushes ($9.95-$19.95) are made entirely of bamboo making them a safe and environmentally better brush choice. Featuring ceramic and ionic technologies, this innovative, eco-friendly brush collection contains anti-static, ion charged bristles to restore hair’s balance leaving it looking and feeling smooth and shiny, making flyaways a thing of the past. In addition, the ceramic coating has anti-bacterial properties that help slow down the growth of bacteria on the brush barrel. Available in 5 sizes at Ulta.

Made entirely of bamboo, an eco-friendly alternative to wood or plastic, Olivia Garden’s Healthy Hair Comb Collection ($5.75 each) boasts durable, strong combs with elegant striped designs. Available in four different styles: HH-C1 – created for tough tangles and short hair, the C1 is a small-toothed comb that doubles as an excellent styling aid; HH-C2 – this small-toothed comb is easy to handle and aids in detangling; HH-C3 – featuring a thick handle for easy grasp, the wide-tooth comb detangles from roots to ends; HH-C4 – a wide-toothed version of the C1, this versatile comb untangles the toughest of snarls. Also available at Ulta.

Cruelty-Free Makeup and Beauty Products from Sindulge

2013-04-11T09:26:00.002-07:00

Everything She Wants loves to try out new beauty products. Especially if they're cruelty-free. So allow us to introduce you to Sindulge*, a beauty e-commerce site and membership program created to help consumers navigate the beauty world and provide unbiased expert advice from consultants that custom tailor your regimen.

Senna Cosmetics

The Sindulge motto is "beautiful, confident and cruelty-free." The site is passionate about our furry friends and their rights. Simply put, through the product development to final stage Sindulge doesn't sell any form of cosmetic product that has been tested on animals.

You don't have to be a Sindulge member to purchase makeup by brands like Senna Cosmetics. But members ($15 per month) get perks like bonus points on purchases, trend and informational videos, product reviews and exclusive invites. Other incentives that come with becoming a Sindulger include:

Your very own beauty consultant through an online video consultation
Webinars provided by celebrity makeup artists
Double reward points
30-day money back guarantee with free return shipping

So what are you waiting for? Sindulge a little.

*This post is brought to you by Sindulge.

Healthy Diet Tips for Spring and Summer Travel

2013-04-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

Spring break can be a blast, but these caloric getaways can also literally be a strain on your waistline. To help us make healthy choices, Everything She Wants got a few travel diet tips from registered dietician and celebrity nutritionist Lisa De Fazio.

Plan ahead to outsmart travel delays. When flights are delayed and you’re surrounded by temptation, make sure you’re prepared with smart on-the-go options! Pack single serving snacks in your carry-on like healthy bars, trail mix and Special K Popcorn Chips so you’re not tempted by the fattening – and expensive – airport options.

Get smart at the drive-thru. If your vacation involves road-tripping, choose the grilled chicken burger, a side salad or a small hamburger when stopping at a fast food restaurant (hold the cheese and mayo). And opt for water, which helps prevent jet lag – instead of carbonated drinks like soda which can contribute to bloating.

Don’t skip breakfast. Take advantage of many hotels’ complimentary breakfast and load up on protein and fiber-rich foods, which will help curb hunger until lunchtime.

Beware of buffets. Before reaching for anything else, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, then choose a lean source of protein like turkey or seafood. Select sides with healthy carbohydrates, like baked potatoes. And for dessert, choose fresh tropical fruit or sorbet.

Spring into action. It’s important – and easy! – to stay active during spring break. Go for a walk on the beach, go on a sight-seeing hike, take a dip in the pool or start a game of beach volleyball. You can still catch rays while staying active!

How to Find a Bra That Fits: Tips and Spring Styles from Wacoal

2013-04-06T09:39:00.001-07:00

A couple years ago, I had my first professional bra fitting from Wacoal. Before then, I'd been wearing the wrong bra size. I didn't get the whole cup size versus band width size. So I was surprised to find out that I actually wore a 34 B instead of a 36 B. Recently, I was measured again by an expert Wacoal fitter, and my cup size changed from a B to a C.

At least I'm not alone in my confusion. Wacoal bra expert Liz Smith says eight out of ten women wear the wrong bra size. And if you gain 5-7 pounds, your bra size will change.

To get the right fit, find a Wacoal fit consultant in your area by calling 1-800-922-6250, or follow these handy tips from Wacoal's fit guide:

When measuring yourself, make sure you are wearing a bra and only a bra.

Stand up when taking the measurements.

Follow the directions on Wacoal's online fit calculator (see below).

Measurement #1: Take a snug measurement around your rib cage directly under your bust. To get the most accurate reading, make sure the tape measure rests flat on the skin and goes straight across your back.

Measurement #2: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, making sure the tape measure lies flat against your body.

Once you have your correct measurements, you're ready for a new bra from Wacoal's gorgeous spring 2013 collection. Smith says every woman needs at least eight different bra styles in her wardrobe: seamless, unlined seamless, contour, strapless, racerback, push-up or minimizing depending on your figure, sports bra and "one drop dead sexy bra."

Spring 2013 Shoe Trends from Sperry Top-Sider

2013-04-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Wearing Sperry Top-Siders takes us back to our preppy days in junior high school. The shoes are classic, all-American--the perfect balance of style and comfort. Everything She Wants previewed Sperry's spring styles, available online and in stores.

For spring, the brand has updated its nautical style with flirty patterns, prints and colors; they even have sandals, oxfords and wedges. We picked out a comfy pair of the Bluefish 2-Eye Boat Shoe ($85) with a subtle cheetah print, gold laces and black patent leather accents (see fourth photo).

Check out some of Sperry's fresh spring styles. We want 'em all, don't you?

Sperry Top-Sider spring 2013 styles./Images by Tracy E. Hopkins

Spring 2013 Jean Styles from NYDJ

2013-04-04T06:46:00.002-07:00

NYDJ--the original slimming fit--has a bevy of colorful jean styles for spring 2013. Everything She Wants previewed the collection and came home with an eye-catching pair in cayenne (a vibrant orange-y red). We're so glad these are not your daughters jeans.

Me in the Alisha Ankle with Ikat Laser Print in Cayenne ($120)

In addition to pretty, feminine shades like honeydew, buttercream and marigold, NYDJ offers a mix of playful floral and animal prints and edgier laser cut and basket weave patterns. The brand, sold online and in major department stores, is also on trend with white, relaxed fit and boyfriend jean styles--all a must for spring.

NYDJ styles for spring.

New Spring Perfume 2013: Tru Blooms Chicago

2013-03-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Chicago is a wonderful town. Now it's a wonderful new fragrance, too. Tru Blooms Chicago ($38-$65) is a bright floral perfume made with elegant sheer rose, traditional lavender and sensuous violet. Everything She Wants received a bottle and we adore it.

Made with ingredients harvested in Chicago, the light and feminine fragrance has top notes of sparkling watery fruit accords reminiscent of a day along the shores of Lake Michigan. While blonde woods and musk speak to the city's vibrant nightlife and blues heritage, and produce the scent's long-lasting beauty.

Tru Blooms Chicago represents the first time a fine fragrance has been made from ingredients taken from the streets, public spaces, neighborhood gardens and urban farms of a community. Each bottle is a piece of history and a symbol of the city's pride. Each bottle of the limited-edition perfume is etched with a number from 1 to 2150.

Spring/Summer 2013 Shoe Trends: Ethnic Style

2013-03-26T06:35:00.001-07:00

Solange Knowles often rocks head wraps and African textiles. She's like an Erykah Badu for the new millennium, and we admire her edgy, bohemian sense of style. Everything She Wants is also a fan of ethnic accents, and an effortless way to incorporate a funky print or pattern into your look is with a bold handbag or funky pair of flats or wedges.

To get you started, cheap chic U.K. e-tailer, Brantano shoe shop*, has a trendy selection of shoes and bags (from $14 USD) that will infuse a pop of ethnic style into your spring and summer wardrobe.

Solange image by Getty Images/Other images from Brantano

*This post is brought to you by Brantano.

Win a Spring 2013 Watch from Sprout!

2013-03-23T09:32:00.001-07:00

Spruce up your spring style with a Sprout watch. The brand is known for its fashion-forward, eco-friendly watches made with quality materials like biodegradable corn resin, natural bamboo, organic cotton, conflict free diamonds, recycled fibers and mercury free batteries.

Everything She Wants recently discovered Sprout and we'd like to introduce it to you by offering a cool giveaway. One lucky reader will win a trendy Nautical Collection watch with a corn resin case and buckle, mineral crystal and genuine mother-of-pearl valued at $45.

Sprout nautical watch, $45

Here's how to win (combine all steps in one comment):

Retweet this post

Follow me on Twitter @TracyEHopkins

Leave a comment with your first name and age & tell me your favorite thing about spring?

The giveaway offer ends Wednesday, March 27 at 11:59 a.m. One entry per person, per household.

Beyonce Summer 2013 Fashion for H&M

2013-03-22T07:37:00.001-07:00

Beyoncé is a busy girl. On the heels of her inaugural lip-syncing controversy, her sexy Super Bowl performance and a shocking new single, the global superstar is now the face of H&M’s summer campaign wearing pieces inspired by her style.

Photo courtesy of H&M

“I've always liked H&M's focus on fun and affordable fashion," says Beyoncé. "I really loved the concept we collaborated on to explore the different emotions of women represented by the four elements -- fire, water, earth and wind."

The campaign was shot on the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas, and Beyoncé says the shoot "felt more like making a video than a commercial."

Beyoncé worked with the in-house design team at H&M to create the perfect pieces for the heat of summer, including a tiny tie-dye bikini. Twenty-five percent of sales will be donated to H&Mfor Water.

Spring 2013 Jewelry Trend: Friendship Bracelets

2013-03-21T05:05:00.003-07:00

Friendship bracelets make us smile. We've loved them since we made our own at summer camp, way back in the day. So it's cool that this playful accessories trend is back en vogue.

Costume jewelry site, Seasonsonline.co.uk*, has a variety of super cute and super affordable friendship bracelets ($4.50-$15 each USD) fashioned with braided strands of multi-colored string and beads, spiritual symbols and lucky charms.

We like to layer and wear several at a time for a cool boho chic look. Don't you love 'em?

Images courtesy of Seasonsonline.co.uk

*This post is brought to you by Seasonsoline.

Vampire Facelift: Does it Work?

2013-03-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Kim Kardashian's done it. Your mind is racing, huh? Like what hasn't she done? But we're talking about one the newest trends in non-surgical cosmetic procedures-- the Vampire Facelift!

Kim Kardashian after her Vampire Facelift./Instagram

If you're both scared and intrigued by the name alone (and by the frightening photo of Kim K. to the left), here's a Q&A from Beautypress.com with Dr. Bruce Katz, Director of the Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Clinic at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Director of the Juva Skin & Laser Center. The New York City plastic surgeon gives us the facts about this buzzed about treatment:

Is the “Vampire Facelift” an actual treatment?

Dr. Katz: First of all, there is no such thing as a “vampire facelift.” There is, however, a product that can be used which is mixed with your own blood as a platelet rich plasma to be injected into the skin to rejuvenate the skin and treat wrinkles.”

How does it work?

Dr. Katz: We take the patient's own blood, which is then spun in a centrifuge. The safe and rapid preparation of natural autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then re-injected into the soft tissue of the area needing restoration. Stem Cells on the platelets produce growth factors that slow down the look of aging, stimulate the production of collagen and improve the volume and texture of the skin. You see an improvement of texture in a short time.

Where is it effective?

Dr. Katz: We recently conducted clinical trials using this technique to treat hollow, sunken eyes and dark circles in tear troughs – calling it the "Twilight Plasma Renewal" treatment. We have also seen impressive results in rejuvenating facial and neck wrinkles as well as improving the overall texture of the skin.

Spring Fashion $100 Gift Card Giveaway from J. Jill!

2013-03-14T06:31:00.001-07:00

Just in time for spring, J. Jill has introduced a seamless, easy-to-put-together approach to getting dressed. The brand's uncomplicate. campaign will offer shoppers a helpful guide that will show fans of J. Jill's timeless apparel how simple it is to pull a look together that reflects your own effortless personal style. The J. Jill woman is age-appropriately on trend and always a class act.

To announce the uncomplicate. campaign, J. Jill has partnered with More, Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple magazines to give three lucky customers the opportunity to give the gift of uncomplicate. to a deserving woman in their lives.

Beginning March 14 through April 25, fans can nominate a woman whose life they would like to make less complicated, by entering the sweepstakes on the brand's Facebook page. Prizes will include one of the following: a catered dinner party, a special closet redesign or a complete style makeover. And each prize will include a shopping spree at J. Jill!

To celebrate the launch of the uncomplicate. campaign, Everything She Wants will also offer one lucky reader the chance to win a $100 gift certificate to use at a J. Jill store or online. Here's how to win (all steps must be followed in order to qualify and please combine in one response):

Respond to this post with your first name and age, and let me know why you need to uncomplicate. your life or your wardrobe?
Go to J. Jill's Facebook page and enter the uncomplicate. sweepstakes.
Follow me on Twitter @TracyEHopkins.

The giveaway offer ends on Tuesday, March 19. One entry per person, per household. Good luck!

Spring 2013 Style Tips for Every Budget and Body Type!

2013-03-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Does your wardrobe have that wow factor? If not, in her new book, The Wow Factor—Insider Style Secrets for Every Body and Every Budget, celebrity style expert Jacqui Stafford can show you how to achieve it. The fashionista believes that a woman should be fashionable from her head to her E-reader cover, so she teamed up with the lifestyle brand Built and designed a fab, limited-edition python-inspired Kindle Fire case. Everything She Wants chatted with Stafford for her must-have style tips.

Style maven Jacqui Stafford.

Everything She Wants: What is the wow factor? And how can every woman incorporate it into her everyday look?

Jacqui Stafford: It’s that feeling you get when you walk into a room and you know—and feel—that you look the best YOU ever. I want to help every woman achieve that—regardless of whether she's a size 2 or 20, or whether she has a large budget for clothing or not. One of the style tips I help women understand is that one of the fastest ways to look sensational is to ONLY wear what flatters your body shape—and nothing that doesn’t. To make it easy to get dressed, I came up with five specific body shape silhouettes in my book: Lipstick, Cocktail Ring, Sunglasses, Fragrance Bottle and Heart Pendant—and they’re the body shapes that every woman can identify with. Get your shape figured out, and you’ll be able to get dressed —and look amazing—within minutes.

ESW: What are your favorite budget brands and why?

JS: I shop everywhere from outnet.com (designer pieces at ridiculous prices) to QVC (I appear as a style expert on QVC with Isaac Mizrahi) to Uniqlo. One of my secrets to style is to add accessories to the simplest of looks—and they honestly don't have to be expensive accessories. Small touches—like adding a python-print belt, a vibrant scarf or a bold cuff—make you instantly stand out from everyone else who doesn't bother with adding those finishing touches that make all the difference. And python is my most versatile print, which is why I created the Kindle cover from Built with it.

ESW: What are your favorite designer brands and why?

JS: Theory and Max Mara for beautifully cut work wear, Tadashi Shoji for ultra-flattering cocktail dresses, J Crew for inexpensive great color combos, Issa London for draped dresses, Catherine Malandrino for sexy evening pieces, Diego Rocha for exquisite handbags, Charlotte Olympia for amazing shoes, Rachel Zoe for her brilliant tailoring, Moschino Cheap & Chic because the prints are always fun. And shopbop.com and Nordstrom.com are great ways to shop online.

ESW: What's the one fashion item you splurge on?

JS: An exquisitely made scarf in a gorgeous fabric. It’s the one accessory that has the most stylish impact—and I never leave home without one.

Healing Gemstone Jewelry from Debbie Merle Designs

2013-03-06T06:21:00.002-08:00

We fell in love with Debbie Merle Designs the first time we saw the jewelry line fashioned with chunky precious stones, crystals, Buddha charms and positive messages like "Love." Merle started making jewelry about 25 years ago as a hobby, but when she was diagnosed with cancer she used it as therapy and a positive tool in her recovery.

Debbie Merle Designs

"I see my jewelry as a rebirth of myself. It [marks] a new chapter in my life where I can express myself and also create something beautiful and meaningful in other people's lives," the jewelry designer said via email.

Read more of Everything She Wants' interview with Debbie Merle:

ESW: What inspires your jewelry?

DM: Many things inspire my jewelry. One [thing] is nature. There is nothing as beautiful as what this planet provides [in terms of] different colors, shapes and textures. I am also very inspired by the healing powers and energies of certain gemstones and symbols. I feel a connection to the pieces I work with and that is the driving force that inspires my designs. Whenever someone wears a piece of my jewelry I want them to feel the meaning behind it.

ESW: How did your bout with cancer change your outlook on life?

DM: I realized how precious every day is and that every breath you take is truly a gift. It also totally changed the way I view life, with the respect to having much more of a purpose and to help bring happiness, hope and a positive outlook to others. [I want to] help people going through what I did in the best way that I can. I believe that you can definitely turn adversity into triumph.

ESW: How long does it take you to make each piece and is each piece unique?

DM: Sometimes I get an immediate idea in my head and can do [a piece] fairly quickly. But at other times, it evolves because I am inspired by different components that I find, and it takes time to build upon my unfolding idea. Each piece is not only special in its design, but the color schemes I create and the components I choose to work with are all unique. No two pieces are exactly identical.

Photos courtesy of Debbie Merle Designs

ESW: You use a lot of Buddha charms in your jewelry. Are you a Buddhist or is it merely a symbol of good luck?

DM: I am not a Buddhist, however I have studied the healing and peacefulness principals of the Buddhist lifestyle and it helped me while I was ill. It gave me a certain calmness. I was excited to be able to incorporate [Buddhist symbolism] into the jewelry that I design. It has deep spiritual meaning to me and I feel the protection, energy, luck and healing that these symbols provide.

ESW: What is your favorite precious stone to work with?

DM: My two favorite gemstones to work with are agate and labradorite, I love the beauty of their colors and shapes, and the way they feel in my hands. While working with these gemstones, I can feel the positive energy. They have great healing properties and offer protection to all who wear them.

ESW: Why do you think gemstone jewelry is so important to women?

DM: I believe that gemstone jewelry accentuates a woman's natural beauty and individual identity, and it makes her feel incredibly special.

Real Housewives of Atlanta's Battle of the Booty Workout Videos

2013-03-04T07:42:00.001-08:00

One of the highlights of this season's storyline on The Real Housewives of Atlanta has been Kenya Moore and Phaedra Park's battling booty workout videos. While Phaedra's was initially called "the donkey booty workout" and Kenya's "the stallion booty workout," both reality TV stars have wisely ditched the Dr. Doolittle titles.

Kenya's video, "Booty Boot Camp," will be released March 5. And Phaedra and her husband Apollo's "Phine Body" workout has already been quietly released.

If we had to pick, we'd go with Kenya's workout tips. As if she would ever let us forget it, she is a former Miss USA, darling. In addition to copying her bootylicious idea, Phaedra has accused Kenya of getting injections to plump her rump. But we think the beauty queen's assets look enviably taut and toned.

Check out these sneak peeks from both videos and tell us what you think. Would you rather follow Kenya or Phaedra's fitness tips?

Sneak Peek: Kenya Moore's Booty Boot Camp

Spring Clean Your Diet Giveaway with Dr. Praeger's!

2013-03-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

As a semi-vegetarian (I eat seafood), I crave tasty meatless food options. And Dr. Praeger's offers dozens of delish all-natural, GMO-free, kosher frozen foods, with several gluten-free items. The wholesome brand's California Veggie Burgers are perhaps the best on the market and are loaded with chunks of real veggies.

Whether you're a fan of Dr. Praeger's foods or want to try them for the first time, Everything She Wants will give one lucky reader the chance to win one box each of Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers, Chickenless Buffalo Nuggets, Sweet Potato Veggie Pancakes and Broccoli Veggie Pancakes (a retail value of $20-$25).

"Where you'll recognize all the ingredients."

California Veggie Burger - Unlike other “veggie burgers” this tasty burger is loaded with real carrots, onions, string beans, zucchini, peas, broccoli and spinach. Each all-natural burger is only 110 calories and contains no preservatives, cholesterol, saturated or trans fat.

Chickenless Buffalo Nuggets – So crisp and delicious, no one will believe they’re not deep fried. Serve with a side of Blue Cheese Dressing and there will be no second-guessing this decision! What’s more these nuggets only pack 160 calories per serving.

Veggie Pancakes – Creating a meal plan that’s full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and limits high-fat and high-sodium foods is a great way to refresh your diet. Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods veggie pancakes are free of saturated and trans fat, and also low in sodium, plus they taste great too!

Here's how to win (all steps must be completed to be eligible; one response per entrant):

1) Like Dr. Praeger's Facebook page
2) Follow @DrPraegers on Twitter
3) Follow me on Twitter @TracyEHopkins
4) Respond to this post with your first name and age and tell me why you want to try Dr. Praeger's

This giveaway offer ends on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. Good luck!

Spring Cleaning for Your Body at Whole Foods Market

2013-02-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

Spring is a great season to clean out your closet and your body. Recently, in a quest to rid my body of allergens and to shed a few pounds, I eliminated dairy, refined sugar and flour products and alcohol, and opted for a diet full of steamed and raw vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, cabbage, radishes, kale and lettuce), fruit (blueberries, green apple, cantaloupe), salmon, whole grains (quinoa) and a detoxifying herbal tea.

Image courtesy of Eatright.org.

Quickly, I saw a difference in how I felt. Now that I'm more aware of how certain foods affect me, I will continue to modify my diet and bid adieu to my fave frenemy foods like chips, cupcakes, mac and cheese and fries.

Finding a detox diet tailored to fit your needs, however, is easy thanks to all the options available at Whole Foods Market. One way to kickstart your cleanse is with the 365 Everyday Value 7 Day Quick Cleanse, a simple 3-step plan that features a quick liver cleanse, gentle and effective acacia fiber and a non-stimulant herbal blend to help flush toxins.

Here are more of Everything She Wants' favorite healthy treats found at Whole Foods:

The delicious Amazing Grass Green Superfood Whole Food Energy Bar ($3) is made with raw ingredients and no sugar added. Available in several flavors including Original, Berry and Chocolate Peanut.

For a refreshing pick-me-up on the go, CocoHydro Coconut Water Electrolytes ($24 for 30 servings) is a good source of non-synthesized electrolytes and a sustainable alternative to bottled coconut water. Available in Original, Pomegranate-Raspberry, Pineapple and Lemon-Lime.

Who says chocolate can't be healthy? CocoaWell Organic Dark Chocolate Supplement Bars ($3) features 70 percent cacao and is fortified by functional ingredients with an emphasis on flavanols, resveratrol, energy and omega-3. Varieties include Omega 3, Energy, Longevity and Cocoa Science.

Click here for more detox diet tips.

Helen Hunt in H&M on the Oscars Red Carpet

2013-02-25T06:00:00.004-08:00

Doesn't it feel good to pay less? Apparently, celebs love a bargain, too. Actress Helen Hunt wore an elegant strapless gown designed by H&M to the 85th Annual Academy Awards, where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Sessions.

H&M designed the couture midnight blue full length gown is silk satin especially for the Oscar occasion. Everything She Wants loves H&M for trendy basics and edgy accessories and although we're sure Ms. Hunt was gifted her lovely dress, this makes us think twice about about where we'll shop the next time we need to get red carpet-ready (a girl can dream, can't she?).

Actress Helen Hunt in H&M./Photo courtesy of H&M