Layered Bead Bracelets From Tabelina

This week, in celebration of Spring, I thought it would be fun to explore some of the newest pieces on the Tabelina site. I've designed these bracelets to be the perfect compliment to anyone's personal style this season, and I've added the signature Tabelina look to the already popular layered bracelet style. I am so excited to introduce you to these pieces... let's get started!

Each of the Tabelina layered bracelets in this specific style come with a variety of high-end elements to create texture, light, attraction, and elegance. I use only the best pave crystals in the form of both beads and the unique tubes you see on the top layer. These beads are known for their ability to reflect light and create a dazzling and eye-catching display no matter where you wear them.

To give you the fullness of the Tabelina spirit, each pieces comes complete with a silver metal Tabelina dragonfly. This symbol is there to remind you of your beauty, value, and power wherever you go in life!

My goal in designing these new wrap layer bracelets was to combine earthy natural looks with the authentic wood beads and a more modern and progressive look with the crystals. I love the combination of simple wood texture with dazzling crystals and I know you will too!

To see these and other available bracelet pieces from this season's Tabelina collection CLICK HERE.

Answers In Nature

Have you ever had a problem or question in your mind that seemed to go around and around in circles without ever leading you to an answer or solution? This is a very common process that tends to happen when we get stuck 'thinking too much' or even 'feeling too much' without the balance of the other. The good news is that there is a simple way that we can balance what we think and what we feel while also opening ourselves up to the wisdom and guidance inherent in nature.

When you have a question or problem that seems to be cycling over and over, it's time to ask for help. The first step in getting your solution is to simply acknowledge that you need help and that you are as willing to fully receive that help as you can be.

Next, find a place to take a walk. Walk in a park, in the woods, in a field, or anywhere as 'natural' and calm as you can find. While you walk, simply contemplate your problem in a very gentle and non-aggressive way. Don't force yourself to be with it, just let it float around in your heart and mind as you stroll slowly around in the natural world.

Now, try to just relax and hear the sounds, see the sights, and smell the scents around you. Try to be as 'in the moment' as you possibly can be. Try to experience being full present in the sacred space of nature.

As you do this, open up to let answers come to you. You may hear something in the wind, see birds fly in a special direction, sense something powerful, or just have an a-ha! moment. Don't be attached to how it happens - just know it will.

For some of us this will happen fast, while others of us may need to spend more time really aligning to the world around us. You may receive your answer in a direct way, or it may be somewhat symbolic or cryptic. In either case, go with what feels right and what has a 'hit' in your mind and heart. You may even get your answers in a dream the night after your walk, so stay attentive!


This is a wonderful way to reconnect to the love, healing, and wisdom of the natural world while also getting helpful guidance and information. Nature holds many answers and a great store of wisdom for those who are willing to listen.

Easy Home Remedies For Spring Mosquitoes

There's nothing as irritating during Springtime outdoor events than being attacked by mosquitoes. These tiny buys bite, suck blood, and can even carry diseases, so it's important to steer clear of them when you're outside enjoying the changing weather. Many chemical-based products can be found on the market that are quite effective at keeping mosquitoes away from your body, but many experts believe that these chemicals simply are not good for us. As an alternative, there are many home remedies you can use to combat mosquitoes while honoring your health and the environment.

Here are just a few...

Wind

Mosquitoes are not strong fliers. If there's even a slight breeze they often land because they don't do well flying against the current. For this reason, a hand fan or even a powerful electric fan placed near your gathering can create just enough breeze to keep most all flying insects away.

The Sweet Scent Of Vanilla

Pure, all natural, real vanilla extract is a treat to our noses and a real offense to the mosquitoes. Try adding a few drops of pure vanilla extract to cotton balls that are placed around your gathering area. You can also add several drops to spray bottles filled with water to lightly cover chairs and awnings.

Dryer Sheets

The scent of dryer sheets is extremely concentrated and strong, and mosquitoes really hate it. You can tuck sheets into your pockets, under furniture cushions, or hung from awnings.

Plants

There are many plants that can help cut down on mosquito problems. These include Lemon Balm, Marigolds, and Catnip.


Here's to a pest-free Spring 2013!

The Healing Power Of Quartz Crystal

One of the most timeless and beautiful gemstones used in jewelry making is the quartz crystal. This dazzling stone comes in a variety of colors and can even be found as a clear, faceted gem that lights up with color reflections and energy. People across the world are fascinated by this stone and have used it for healing, spirituality, and jewelry making for thousands of years. Today I'd like to share a few fun facts with you about the quartz crystal to inspire you to add some to your own jewelry collection this season.

Mystery

The quartz crystal is shrouded in mystery. It comes from the depths of the earth and carries an energy of light and color that has attracted cultures across the world. Quartz crystal facets beautifully and when it is found in cluster deposits it is absolutely stunning. There is something truly mysterious and special about this timeless stone!

Healing

Many people believe that quartz crystals have the power to heal. The high energy of these stones and the wide array of colors they come in invoke a sense of well-being and healing, so many people have included them in jewelry to harness that power. It is said that holding a quartz crystal or wearing one on your body has the power to amplify the good things in your life and clarify the bad to help you remove it.

Beauty

There is no denying that quartz crystal is a truly awe-inspiring stone. The way it reflects and refracts light makes it come to life with color and energy, and the beautiful natural faceting of the stone makes is a prize for any jewelry lover.

I have designed several of the Tabelina jewelry pieces around this one stone, and I think when you see them you'll understand why! Click the link below to see the quartz crystal jewelry pieces I have available now, and to see the other gemstones I've used in my designs...

Tabelina

Feature Carnival Necklaces

I am so excited to be introducing you to some new additions to the Tabelina line this Spring 2013! These designs are truly near and dear to my heart, and they have been created to ensure that you look your best this year!

The Carnival necklaces combine boho chic with modern flair in both color and texture. I've designed these pieces in this seasons hottest color schemes, and I've layered them with a variety of upscale elements to make them look amazing with dressed up or casual looks.

Some of the elements that are included in the Carnival pieces include...

• Genuine Wood
• Crystals
• Silver and/or Gold
• Silk

Each style is unique, and there are several to choose from available right now!

The mala style necklaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. I decided to take these as an inspiration and add some progressive design elements that help them stand out as relevant to the 2013 look... end beyond!

Clink the link below to see all of the Carnival necklaces available now!

Tabelina

All Natural Flavored Water Recipes

I am such a huge fan of drinking water because of what it can do for the skin, the organs, the hair, and the mood - but what to do when water gets... boring? Easy! Flavored water! Stay away from the chemically-laden stuff at the store and make your own flavored water the easy way. I guarantee you're going to absolutely love these all natural flavored water recipes, and so will your friends and family!

Cucumber Water

This is the most crisp, refreshing, cooling, and energy-giving drink... and it's packed with vitamins and minerals!

Scrub an organic cucumber before peeling. Cut into 1/2" slices and place in a pitcher. Fill with cold spring water and steep for 1-2 hours. Serve chilled or over ice.

Citrus Water

Add fresh cut lemon, orange, lime, and mint to a pitcher of spring water. Steep for 1-2 hours and enjoy.

Berry Water Blend

Add any scrubbed and sliced berries you have on hand to your spring water. Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and blackberries make great options and they'll color the water to create a drink that looks as great as it tastes! Garnish with a wedge of orange and a sprig of fresh picked mint to really dress it up.

Get Creative!

You can make flavored water with just about anything you can eat! Fruits are always a great option as are some veggies like cucumbers. You can also add in herbs like mint, rosemary, ginger root, and stevia for more kick.

Enjoy!

Featured Bag : Michelle Messenger Bag

Are you as excited about the coming springtime as I am? I love this season from the weather to the styles, so I thought I'd share one of my favorite Tabelina bags with you today to get you in the mood for spring!

The Michelle Messenger Bag is all about ease. This classy bag makes it simple for you to take whatever you need wherever you want to go with none of the fuss of a bulky bag. I designed this messenger bag to be sleek and light in look while making sure that it has enough room to hold just about anything you may need!

This season it's out with gym bags, cloth sacks, and beat up shoulder bags overstuffed with too many necessities! Instead, opt for the Michelle Messenger Bag that looks great and carries easy!

This beautiful bag comes with a high-end lining, an adjustable strap, and more than enough room to carry all of your essentials and a few extra things as well! Imagine showing up to beach events, pool parties, or a girl's night out with just one bag that has everything you need!

To see more about the amazing Michelle Messenger Bag, click the link below...

Michelle Messenger Bag from Tabelina

5 Must Have Household Herbs

Nature has provided us with a variety of healing herbs, plants, flowers, roots, and barks. When we have these things on hand, we're able to foster a deeper connection to nature while enjoying the many benefits that come from all natural plant healing techniques. Today, I'd like to share five of my favorite herbs and plants that make a great addition, living or dried, to any medicine cabinet! As with all things health related, don't use herbs or any type of self-healing method until you speak with your trusted medical professional first.

Aloe Vera

I love aloe! This amazing live plant is easy to care for (it's related to the cactus) and is a beautiful plant to have on a windowsill. When dry skin, skin irritation, blemished, or even sunburns strike, you can break of a small piece of a leaf and rub the soothing gel over the skin for instant relief!

Chamomile

Chamomile dried herb makes a delicious hot or chilled herbal tea, and it helps in a variety of ways. Chamomile is calming to the nerves, relaxing to the mind and emotions, soothing to the digestive system, and tonifying for the whole body. This is a great all-purpose healing herbal tea to have on hand all year round!

Peppermint

As a fresh or dried leaf, peppermint is the go-to herbal tea for any stomach complaints. Try it hot or cold depending on what sounds best at the time, and let this sweet and tasty tea help relieve cramping, gas, and upset stomach.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a powerful immune booster that can shorten illness and fight of bugs. It can be used in capsule, tincture, or tea form and is a very gentle and effective solution for many issues from the common cold to infections.

Garlic

Raw, cooked, or pulled fresh from the garden, garlic has a huge list of positive benefits that include antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal properties. Keeping this root in your diet can help fight off a whole host of issues - and the flavor is great!

Here's to our natural health!

How To Create A Windowsill Herb Garden

I am a huge fan of herbs! I love having fresh herbs to add to my favorite recipes, enjoy brewing herbal tea, and can't get enough of the color and aroma that herbs bring to my life. In honor of the coming spring, I thought it would be fun to share some simple ways that you can bring the beauty, healing, flavor, and variety of herbs to your own kitchen with a simple windowsill planter. If you have lots of outdoor space you can certainly use that, but a box on your windowsill or on a counter top is a great way to bring the joy of nature indoors!

Planter Boxes

You can find planter boxes in an endless variety of colors, sizes, and styles. Choose one that will fit your windowsill, porch, patio, or counter surface, and make sure that it has drainage holes since most herbs need good soil drainage. If you don't want to go the direction of a traditional terra cotta planter, check local thrift, vintage, or antique shops to find some one of a kind pottery pieces you can use instead.

Choosing Herbs

Not all herbs can be grown in all places. Before you choose seeds, check a zone guide to see what will be the most hassle free where you live. When you choose herbs that love your location, you'll have to babysit them a lot less! I love the resources that the Farmer's Almanac has: http://www.almanac.com/content/plant-hardiness-zones

Planting

Have fun with this! Follow the directions on your seed packets to know how many seeds to plant at what depth. Take your time, keep the soil very slightly damp so that it's easier to work with, and try to really have fun working with the Earth!

Caring For Your Herb Garden

Most herbs don't need to be watered every day, and some will die if you give them too much water. Keep your seed packets handy to remember what each of your herbs needs, or copy the info down on an index card so that you can refer to it. You can mark watering days on a calendar, set a repeating alarm on your phone, or just put your herbs in a place where you can keep a close eye on them every day.

Enjoy!