You are here: Home / Archives for Karissa

About Karissa

Karissa is a flight attendant who loves people and adventures. She grew up in Seattle, moved to Anchorage and is currently in Denver. When she's not blogging or traveling she can be found thrift shopping, crocheting, gardening, & snowshoeing with her hubby and dog.

Freshie & Zero Jewelry {Review + Giveaway}

May 21, 2013 by 6 Comments

freshie zero earrings

One of the most fun gifts we received when we got married was a kite. It was a simple, colorful kite – something I’ve never heard of for a wedding gift.

Well, the note with the gift was inspiring and made this gift special. The sender wrote that a kite is a perfect activity for two. It can be something for us to do together and a way to spend quality time with one another. It was also like a marriage, has to weather the wind and highs and lows, and at the same time, it is a beautiful sight to see gliding in the air.

I have had a new appreciation for kites ever since.

When I got the chance to review the Kite Earrings from Freshie & Zero, I was thrilled to incorporate the stunning kite shape into my jewelry wear.

earrings silver diamond

The Kite from Freshie and Zero

This is one of the newer pieces in the sleek collection that Freshie and Zero has to offer. They come in a small brown jewelry box, wrapped in protective cotton, with a card that has care instructions and item details.

The earring wire is shaped into an oblong diamond shape (kite) and hung on a leverback earwire. The total shape measures approximately 1.4" tall and is light, dainty and long. The earrings come in three materials: sterling silver ($40), gold filled ($48) and oxidized (black) sterling silver ($40).

These earrings have a free-flying influence, and look lovely on! I cannot help but smile when wearing these out!

freshie zero jewelry

More about Freshies Zero

The name might be a bit confusing, until you know that the owner (Beth) is a.k.a. "Freshie" and her dog’s name is Zero! It is a cute name that she paired the two together! If you read her bio on her website, I can guarantee you’ll want to be friends with her.

Her website is truly adorable. It is easy to shop at, has great pictures and description of the items, is clear and concise. Being a website owner myself, I am really huge on a well done website – and hers is!

As for all of her jewelry – it is handmade and hammered to order. Her sleek and basic designs use only sterling silver and gold filled components. She has a very sophisticated collection of necklaces, lariats, and earrings – all that she makes herself in her little studio in Nashville, Tennessee.freshie-zero-necklaces-goldhammered-earrings-freshie-z

Connect with Freshie and Zero

Win Freshie and Zero

One lucky winner will receive a pair of Kite earrings from Freshie and Zero!

:: Giveaway ::

Filed Under: Accessorize, Giveaways, Style Tagged With: ,

Travel Deals: Las Vegas with Southwest Airlines Vacations

May 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by Southwest Airlines Vacations. All opinions are 100% mine.

The hubby and I love to travel. As soon as we save enough money, we jump on a plane and go on an adventure. We have been to a few remarkable places. After this last out-of-country trip, we looked at each other and said, "Ya know, we should try to check out some of the sights in our own country too!"

There is so much to do in the USA. There are so many places I've yet to see… Grand Canyon, Niagra Falls, Yellowstone National Park. The USA has a lot to offer! And one place that the USA has that is comparable to none? Vegas!!!  

Vegas is a world of it's own, a place that is an absolutel MUST! I have only been once since turning 21, and I need to go back again. There are so many reasons to travel to Vegas… the shopping (tons of outlets and designers), the people (I love people watching in Vegas, it is like nowhere else in the world), the fun and entertainment (there are a lot of affordable options for shows, concerts and more.

Oh yeah… and of course there is the celebrity spottings… last time I was there I saw Michael Jordan and Paris Hilton! That was back in 2007.

I am so excited talking about it, that I needed to look into Las Vegas Vacations again!

I found an awesome deal with Southwest Airlines Vacations!

I found their "one heck of a Vegas deal" DEAL!
-save up to $100 when you book flight + hotel to LV with Southwest Airlines Vacations 
-use promotion code: VEGAS 
-valid if trip is booked between 5/14 – 5/27

So how much can you save?! 
-save $50 on Package price of $500-$1,000 
-save $75 on Package price of $1,000-$2,000 
-save $100 on Package price of $2,000+

Southwest Airlines Vacations has deals from over 80 destinations! Travelers can customize vacation packages to include flight, hotel, car rentals, show tickets, attractions passes, tours, etc. There is a lot of options for savings when you get the whole package!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Filed Under: Travel

Why Visiting Aruba is on my List

May 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by Aruba Tourism Authority. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Aruba is on my list of places to go. I have heard a lot of great things about the food, adventure, events, beaches, entertainment and activities. After doing some searching of Aruba travel - I found there are a ton of things to do in Aruba, like:

1. Activities: There are both things to do on the land and sea. There are relaxing activities like quiet horse rides, golfing, soaking in the sun on the ivory beaches or resort pools, or enjoying a massage. Then adventurous activities like hiking, biking and climbing trails in Arikok National Park. Or something I've never done, a jeep safari!

2. Restaurants:There is an abundance of cuisines on Aruba.There is a great culinary scene – it's literally a melting pot of different delicacies (frogs' legs, duck, venison) and dishes (mahi-mahi and wahoo, Argentinean churrasco, Middle Eastern shoarma). No matter where you go, you will find an eclectic menu of ethnic and international foods.

3. Shopping: I've never visited a new place without getting some souvenirs or doing some shopping. I love bringing home items from the neat places I've traveled. Aruba has shopping opportunities at both jewelry store-lined streets, street vendors with handmade items and upscale malls alike.

4. Beaches:   I am a beach person, so sailing, swimming, snorkeling, wave runners, banana boating and windsurfing would be my scene. There are all these things in Aruba! The expansive beaches are both relaxing and filed with activities. 

5. Events: The Aruba calendar is filled with fun celebrations! International tournaments, caribbean festivals , competitions, sporting events; film, art, food and music festivals, and other cultural events.

Carnival is a thrilling show of over-the-top pageantry, brilliant costumes and fantastic music. It begins November 11 at 11:11 am the time when the Prime Minister symbolically turns the country over to the Prince and Pancho, and ends before Good Friday.

Click to Preview

There are lots of reasons to visit! For more information check out aruba.com!

Now that I've told you why I want to go, share with me why you want to check out Aruba!

 

Visit Sponsor's Site

Filed Under: Travel

Play for Prizes: International Delight #WhatsYourID

May 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment

whatsyourid international delight pin

I’m gonna need to see some ID. Again, it doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon. Myself getting carded that is. I might be almost 30 years old, but I guess I look 18. Apparently, I still can’t walk into a restaurant bar without suspicious looks. It never fails, I get carded everywhere I go. Only about 5 years ago did I stop getting carded for rated R movies…

Oh, wait… I am not talking about that kind of an ID in this post. I guess I just have some built up aggression I needed to get out… I digress, I am talking about #WhatsYourID !!

#WhatsYourID is way more fun than age anyway… it’s a super easy way to win prizes and have fun! hey-america-whats-your-id

Basically, you head over to International Delight’s whatsyourid.com, choose your favorite ID (International Delight) flavor and then you are entered in – chances to win a TON of fun stuff!

Prizes Include:

  • grand prize Trip to DISNEY WORLD for 4
  • ID Coffee Mugs, Tumblers and Creamers
  • Visa gift cards
  • Cold Stone gift cards
  • Free ID for a year
  • Coffee Bar Kit (Kuerig Coffee Maker, Folgers K-cups, coupons, etc.)
  • And more!

Exciting stuff to win, right?

I entered created my ID and entered to win! My ID is vanilla – although I really love most of the flavors, vanilla is just my classic! Oh, and I most recently tried the Carmel Macchiato iced coffee… it must be one of their newer flavors because I’d never tried it before, and I’ve tried plenty!

Also, beyond entering the exciting sweepstakes, I also pinned a bunch of fun recipes on Pinterest using International Delight! Here is my board for you to enjoy!

 

So what are you waiting for? Head over there and win some prizes!

What’s Your ID? International Delight is looking for their most passionate flavor fans. Put your ID on the map to enter to win a Magical Trip, play games and discover more unexpected delight. Share your ID flavor at http://whatsyourid.com. 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Freebie/Deals Tagged With: , ,

Crocs #SplashofColor Sweepstakes (Ends 5/20)

May 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

This post brought to you by Crocs. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

photo ScreenShot2013-05-14at35030PM_zpsf6f90f08.png

The sun is out and I am planting my garden tomorrow! I am so excited! One of my favorite parts about getting my yard and garden ready for summer are the bright colors! I was checking out all the flowers in the nursery just the other day – a gorgeous range from lilac, bright pink, yellow, blues and more! Love colors! Love summer!

Do you love colors? Why not capture a #splashofcolor and enter a cool sweepstakes while you are at it? You probably already have a dozen pictures on your phone that would work!

#SplashofColor Crocs Sweepstakes Details:

How to Enter: Use the Instagram app on your smart phone to capture “Splashes of Color”— get creative – it could be a gorgeous sun shot, bold colorful nails, a big city night or of course my favorite – bright and bold flowers! Tag it with the hashtag #splashofcolor and then connect your Instagram account through the Crocs Instagram Sweepstakes page and  you'll then be entered to win! You can upload 3 photos a day!

Grand Prize: A chance to win a $3,000 shopping spree for entering!

Dates: HURRY – the sweepstakes ends on Sunday, 5/20/13!

—

I entered this fun contest because it was so easy (literally took less than ten minutes), and I am a big fan of Instagram – although I am still figuring out the ins-and-outs of it! I had a few pictures of my recent trip to Hawaii and one picture of my sprouting squash that I started from seed – ready to plant tomorrow! Check out my #splashofcolor!

Oh, and I would love to see your #splashofcolor too – tag me in your creative #splashofcolor so I can visit you on Instagram!!

And if you enter and win the Crocs shopping spree… I want to hear about it!!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Filed Under: Everything else

Handmade Earrings from Eluna Jewelry {Review}

May 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

One-of-a-kind handmade jewelry. Do you love it?

I am a big fan of Etsy and know how much effort all the handmade work is! I used to make jewelry during a phase in my life, and let me tell you it is not a trivial process! It takes a lot of equipment, skill and let’s not forget patience and time!

Since then, I’ve mostly quit. So, I have a lot of respect for those that make jewelry by hand. Especially when it is so professional, like something you would see in a jewelry store display case. One shop I recently connected with is Eluna Jewelry.

eluna-jewelry-etsy

About Eluna Jewelry

From flashy wrapped crystal teardrops to simple hoops in all sizes, Eluna Jewelry has a lovely selection. April, the shop owner, has had a fascination with stones from an early age. From the fascination, she’s grown her talents into a Etsy shop and small business.

She taught herself to wire wrap stones and cut stones herself – so that she could create more unique jewelry! Did I mention she is a mom too? What a superwoman!

She says jewelry making is not only her hobby, but a retreat from the ever spiraling chaos that life brings. She truly loves making one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, and hopes that her customers enjoy the jewelry as much as she enjoys making it.

She has an image of some of the process on her website. How cool!

eluna-jewelry-designs-handm

About Small Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings

These hoop earrings are not your typical – actually they are backwards reversed! They slide in through the back of your ear, circling all the way through, appearing to look like full loops, when in reality they aren’t!  They are clasp-less! So simple and creative.

These completely hand forged earrings are offered in four different hammered metals; copper, sterling silver, 14K gold filled, and niobium. The gold filled hoops are offered in two sizes, the other metals are offered in four sizes; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 inch diameters.

Eluna Jewelry has been selling this style on Etsy since 2009!

My small clasp-less hoops shown below retail for $15.00.

eluna earrings etsyAbout My Experience

These reverse hoop earring are so neat! I loved that I hardly knew they were on. They weren’t heavy in my ears (weigh less than a penny), and with no backing they were crazy comfortable. There was no tightness, pinching or poking from the back – they are completely clasp-less and back-less. What a cool idea. I typically never sleep in earrings, because if I do, I wake up regretting it from the back poking me in the neck all night. These earrings you can actually sleep in! And I did last night!

I love a simple and classy jewelry collection, and these are a lovely addition.

Connect & Purchase:

Filed Under: Accessorize, Style Tagged With: , ,

I’m Not Fat Husky #FridayFunny

May 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

im-not-fat-im-just-a-little

Have you ever seen anything so cute? Okay, I could have done better for this Friday Funny, but this image was hard to resist. I just had to share. ADORABLE… and slightly funny?

Happy Friday Funny… in the adorable funny kind of a way.

Filed Under: Everything else Tagged With: , ,

My Outdoor Furniture Wish List

May 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

There is not a whole lot going on in my backyard. There is grass, rocks and of course our garden. Our deck is pretty pathetic as well. We’ve got the standard grill and one patio chair to show for five years of living here. HA!

I would love to spruce up the backyard and patio with some outdoor furniture.

I think by having some seasonal items, I would spend more time out there and we’d be more inclined to have friends over for outdoor BBQs, instead of indoor ones, like we typically do (cook on the grill and then bring everyone to the kitchen to eat).

I was browsing Brylane Home and found some perfect picnic, barbeque, garden and other outdoor living items. Here are just a few items I would love to decorate with!

1. Oversized 10′ Sq Instant Pop Up Gazebogazebo-for-summer-dining

The 10′ x 10′ shaded area is the perfect sized gazebo for my mid-sized yard. It is portable and just pops right up! How sweet is that? This would be ideal for having friends over for summer parties, picnics and barbeques. You never know when the weather is going to roll in, so this would be nice in case of an afternoon storm!

I like the fact there are no tools needed for setting it up or taking it down, this means I might not have to wait for the hubby to get home before I could set it up in the yard! Wouldn’t that be great? Self sufficient!

I could totally see us using this for those fun occasions with friends. On Sale: $179

2. 12-Pc Resin Wicker Conversation Setcomplete-outdoor-furniture-

This lovely full set of outdoor seating is my dream! It would be like a living room outside! The oversized lounge chairs look incredibly comfortable with thick, tan back and seat cushions!

The 12-pc set is low maintenance, which I love. It has durable and weather resistant parts, including the removable cushions. The wicker is rust resistance so I wouldn’t have to worry about the gross rusty, peeling look from leaving them out in the rain.

With 2 lounge chairs, a love seat for 2 people and a glass top coffee table, doesn’t this set have it all? On Sale: $599

3. Firepitsummer-portable-fire-pit

I think a firepit is the ultimate edition to any entertaining backyard. Who doesn’t like sitting around with friends around the fire? This is like half the reason I like camping so much! Having a firepit in my backyard would be inviting and fun to enjoy with friends. We could sit around and just talk, roast marshmallows or just zone out from everyday stresses as we gaze into the glorious fire.

This portable firepit is ideal, at only 34"D. It isn’t too big for a medium sized yard. I love the details of the mosaic tile rim and deep black enamel iron bowl. The cover is also ideal if there are little ones running around! Safety first!

This firepit comes with a mesh cover, charcoal grid and steel poker. Buy for $199.

4. Retro Cooler With Wheelsoutdoor-rolling-beer-cooler

Oh.MY!! I feel in love with this vintage style cooler the instant I saw it! How adorable right? Take me back to the 60′s with this retro rolling cooler that I cannot get enough of. It is such a conversation starter – perfect for parties – it just rolls around for easy dining and entertaining!

I really like the double side pop up sections, and it looks tall enough for avoiding the bending to the ground of our typical cooler. Much more convenient! And the storage space on the bottom is perfect for cups, straws, mixers… whatever!

I’d love to help myself and my friends stay cool by getting them a brewski from this cool retro cooler. On Sale $149

About Company

BrylaneHome has a grand selection of bedding, bath, kitchen, storage, furniture and other indoor and outdoor home products. They pride themselves in having an affordable collection. They often have sales above their already low prices. So keep your eye out for those!

Connect & Purchase:

    Would you like any of these items for your backyard too?
Filed Under: Everything else Tagged With: , ,

How to Choose a Sunscreen

May 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

sunscreen spf

I was recently shopping in the sunscreen section and…wow, there are a ton of sunscreen options. When thinking about purchasing sunscreen, consider these factors:

1. Feel

Oh, the feel of sunscreen. Some are sticky, some are smooth and some are barely there! Do you like knowing that you reached every part of your body and didn’t miss an inch or do you prefer a light mist sunscreen that you don’t know is there?

2. Scent

Although you might think all sunscreen scents are the same, their not! I know the brand of some sunscreens based just on the scent! Scents like; coconut, citrus, beach and of course non-scented. It all depends on your preference.

3. Water Resistance

This is an important one, and a lot depends on the user. Most sunscreens need to be re-applied frequently for continued protection. Make sure to check your bottle for re-application times (every 60, 90, 120 minutes, etc.) Then of course there are sunscreens that aren’t waterproof at all.

4. SPF

You were waiting for the SPF to come up, weren’t you? Many people are concerned about the number. I worked for a dermatologist for awhile, and let me in a a little secret, SPF isn’t as important as you might think. Basically anything above SPF 30 is the same protection. So get yourself SPF 30-100, it doesn’t matter, they all block equally!rocky-mountain-sunscreen-sp

–

Literally there are thousands of sunscreens to choose from, so it is good to know what you prefer before you purchase. Try a few out before you decide what you like, maybe your preferences will change. Or maybe the manufacturers has changed too. Some formulas change from one year to the next, meaning your favorite sunscreen last year might not be your favorite this year. Recently I tried Rocky Mountain Sunscreen and I was very happy.

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen is from Colorado, so I love supporting the local companies. It is a greaseless moisturizing blend which is fragrance-free. Yes, I said fragrance-free, and it actually is!

The 30 SPF worked well for me, even in the hot, blistering sun!

I really like the size of the sunscreen they sent, a 2oz. bottle that is refillable (they sell quart and gallon jugs). It is an amount that will get passed TSA at the airport, and doesn’t weigh down my day beach bag either! Just refill as needed!

The 2oz SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Refillable Bottle is sold for $4.99 and has a 2-year shelf life.

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen has a broad spectrum of sunscreen, lip balm, and bulk sunscreen available for purchase. Check them out at www.rmsunscreen.com.

Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: ,

Stewardess Rant: Six Year Olds Should Not Drink Coffee

May 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Welcome to "Stewardess Rants & Raves" – a blogging vent sessions based on my bizarre life as a flight attendant. Read about how I deal with the general public in one of the most stressful situations – air travel. Please forgive me in advance for my sarcasm.

—

Scenario: Typical flight, I am taking beverage orders. I get to a mom and her daughter (about age 6). Trying to get them something to drink…

Me: "Anything to drink for you?"
Mom answers: "She’ll have a Dr. Pepper, I’ll have a Coffee."
Me: "Sorry, we don’t have Dr. Pepper."
Mom: "Then you MUST have Root Beer." ("We MUST?" Are they an equal trade or something?)
Me: "Sorry, we actually don’t" (oh no… here goes…)
Mom: "HUFF PUFF ARGH. Unbelievable!!!" (she has a mini break down) 

And here is what I am thinking… probably slightly shown through my facial expressions, which I have a hard time keeping to myself…

Okay lady… REALLY?!?

First, your daughter probably shouldn’t be drinking those insanely sugar drinks in the first place. She looks like she is in kindergarten. Nor should you be drinking coffee, you’re too intense as is!

Second, do you really think it is worth freaking out on me for not having 2 drinks (Dr. Pepper or Root Beer) available? From my understanding, most airlines don’t have either of those options. Not to mention, your daughter doesn’t even look slightly concerned about getting a drink at all. She is sitting there with her DS Game Player – totally zoned out – and hasn’t even looked up once!

Third, if you would have listened to our 5 minute announcement we JUST made about the beverages that ARE available, we wouldn’t be having this dumb conversation in the first place. We already pointed out the entire drink menu and told you the list was located in TWO locations in the seat pocket in front of you. How about being proactive about your drink requests?

Finally her mini break down is over, and she finally responds.

Mom: "Fine! What DO you have THEN??" (spoken in snottiest voice ever)

I proceed to list off EVERY single non-alcoholic drink we have available in the main cabin. That is 20 drinks total. "Cranberry, Apple, Orange, Tomato…." And what happens next? After I’m done listing ALL the beverages (and wasted 2 minutes of my life)…

Mom: "I guess she’ll just take a coffee too."

So despite my horror, I begin pouring a coffee for her much-too-young to drink coffee child. As I am doing so, she ever so non-politely demands for cream and sugar too.

Of course you do lady. Of course you do.

–

Conclusion: People need to chill out. NO need to cry over spilled milk, actually we have milk. Did your daughter want that?

Disclosure: I want to let you in on a little piece of my life, and this is why I am starting this feature. I hope you enjoy my stories… with a grain of salt of course! My travel stories are in no way a reflection on my employer.

Filed Under: My Life Tagged With: , ,
«Older Posts