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Jade’s Top Ten

Eritrean Woman: Blood of My Blood.

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Fact: By 1990, 40% of Eritrean freedom fighters were made up of women. Making the EPLF the highest percentile of women fighters than any other liberation army worldwide. Let that marinate for a second!!

Courtesy of www.pinterest.com

When I sit back and reflect on this, so many things become clearer in my mind. I’ve always admired the grace that Eritrean women embodied. Couple that with strength, resilience, and a loving heart that’s the cherry atop this sundae. My God, this woman sounds like some sort of medieval sorceress who spends her days strategizing world peace, while cooking monster meals for her little ones before sending them off to school, which she inevitably does on the back of a unicorn. In short, she doesn’t seem real. I mean, how do these women make it all seem so effortless?? Tell me your secrets. Tell me, I say!

The beauty of all this magic is that when you’re born into this reality one doesn’t have to look far. I’m fortunate enough to be talking about the many mothers, aunties, sisters, cousins, & friends I have in my abundantly blessed life.

I mean, is it a wonder that I’m a strong-willed feminist? It’s forged in my make. It runs through my veins. The perception that a woman can do anything and everything a man can. Think about it! Eritrean women have been fighting since 1810. They not only held house and home, they fought on the field alongside their countrymen. At a time in the world where women (although the backbone) were brushed to the side without thought, their opinions dissuaded, it’s knowing the stock one comes from that can shape who we are.

Eritrean-fighter-EPLF-woman.jpg

Courtesy of www.pinterest.com

Sorry mama. Sorry baba. I know of all the things that make the Eritrean woman, you wish I’d veer towards the domestic but that’s a no-go. Strap me up and send this jigna (warrior) to the battlefield (uh, hypothetical battlefield because you know…. I bruise easily 😔)

Jokes aside, I  want to take this moment to thank the thousands of women who’ve paved the way for me. You’ve taught me that my abilities in life can exceed all my expectations if I just do it!

A’day Eri, in all my endeavours I carry your spirit with me. Blood of my blood. 💚❤💛💙

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

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Xo, B

Baby Bean’s FALL Five…

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Once upon a Jaded Gem, a baby bean was discovered…

After another epic summer in SoCal had passed and with the onset of fall, not only had the colors of the leaves begun to change but so did this Jaded Gem’s everyday products. So into the 2nd trimester she traveled and into the trash went a lot of her favorite finds. Waving goodbye to jarred miracles that worked wonders for wrinkles, stemmed supplemental smiles, sparked sprinkles that smoothed crinkles, and got her glowing from all the goo…nothing short of heaven in a pump or pill form. So somewhere between the die-hard beauty devotee and ECO baby’s eruption, this mama bear in the making saw the extra sheen in green!

Dr. Hauschka Serum1) Dr. Hauschka’s Regenerating Serum is not only a Martha Stewart MUST HAVE but a mama MUST HAVE as well.This activating serum firms mature skin, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrating quince seed extract joins extracts of revitalizing kalanchoe and organic clover blossom honey to support the skin’s natural functions of renewal. Smells delightful and makes skin silky smooth! Celebrity fans of the line include Jennifer Aniston, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Elle Macpherson, Julia Roberts, and Rebecca Romijn.  www.shopHauschka.com       $85.00

Andalou Moisturizer2) Andalou Naturals Acai + White Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer

Naturals Advanced Fruit Stem Cell Science renews skin at the cellular level, blending nature and knowledge for visible, clarifying results. Perfect for active skin types, humid conditions, and when skin needs lightweight hydration. This quenching and mattifying gel-cream, with Fruit Stem Cell Complex, Acai berry, and white tea, provides a potent portfolio of antioxidants to slow cellular damage and stimulate healthy cell renewal for a revitalized complexion. This is the perfect moisturizer to pair with hormonally sensitive skin! www.Andalou.com     $24.95

 

3) Vitamin Code® RAW Prenatal by Garden of LifeVitamin Code Prenatals

As a pregnant woman, you want only the best for your unborn baby. Specifically designed to meet the unique needs of women during pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation, Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal is raw, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free. Vitamin Code RAW contain clinically studied probiotics that not only enhance the immune systems of mothers, but that of their babies as well. During pregnancy, blood volume can increase up to 50%, increasing iron requirements and causing the heart to work harder to support the developing child’s needs. Vitamin Code RAW supports heart health and blood health with raw food-created iron, vitamins C, E, and B-Complex, plus folate. And the best reason for choosing these prenatals is the fact they contains ginger for morning sickness! Did you know Ginger has been traditionally used for generations to ease the common digestive discomforts typically associated with being pregnant?  www.GardenOfLife.com     $28.81

Zoya Nail Polish4) With Zoya you can be beautiful and safe. Zoya makes the world’s longest wearing natural nail polish and nail care treatments. Zoya has said NO to DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, toxic, and carcinogenic ingredients for over 10 years. In 2007 camphor, which often causes allergic reactions, was removed from all Zoya products as well in order to maintain the healthiest formula possible. 100% TOXIN free & 100% pregnancy safe!  www.Zoya.com    $8

 

5) Toms of Maine Peppermint Clean & Gentle Tom's Clean & Gentle ToothpasteFloride Toothpaste leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh without SLS. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) foams and disperses ingredients, but some consumers want toothpaste without SLS. This formula uses glycyrrhizin (derived from licorice root) instead of SLS. Plus, we use naturally sourced fluoride for cavity prevention, and natural flavor oils for fresh breath. Toms toothpaste also receives the American Dental Association’s stamp of approval, too! www.tomsofmainestore.com     $5

As Baby Bean continued to grow in size and our Jaded Gem could relax knowing she’d cast a safety spell over her beauty buzz, the world of what she knew worked and collided with the glowing goodness of green. Call it a hormone haze or insane in the mommy brain, these products are proof that nature still knocks!

The End….

Springtime S-W-A-G is Blooming…

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So the boob tube this time of year is packed full of hoops, hoops, and more hooplah. What’s a girl to do when her man is glued to the flat screen, screaming at a NBA game that never seems to end? Well Team Jade is spring’s biggest cheerleader off the court. We’ll happily skip the buffalo chicken dip and Siracha Lays for these flowery finds.  Blooming from gift bags and lounges these past couple months, these items are worth shouting about!

4688(1) I  scream you scream, we all scream for SUNSCREEN!  With the scoreboard stress this time of year, spring having sprung, and Vitamin D outside calling our names, May marks the season to start spreading on the higher SPF. Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 30 ($50.00) is a lightweight mineral powder with a barely-there feel that provides a safe, non-irritating, instant UVA and UVB sun protection. The self-dispensing powder brush makes this sheer formula easy to apply and reapply throughout the day. Excellent for on the go sun protection! ColoreScience.com

 

(2) Rub a dub dub, everyone needs a little SHEA in the tub! Everyday Shea (EDS) Moisturizing Body Wash ($13.99) has become a staple in our showers. Certified Fair Trade Body Care, it’s a blend of aqueous neem leaf extract, traditional shea butter soap, and mild plant based surfactants. Together, these ingredients form a natural body wash that foams well and cleans completely without stripping skin’s natural oils. EDS Moisturizing Body Wash is plant based, SLS free, gluten free and made without animal testing. It’s available in unscented, lavender, vanilla mint, and coconut (our Jade fave!!!). EverydayShea.com

NutriBullet

 

(3) “As seen on Tv”, the NutriBullet ($119.94) is an everyday kitchen gadget to help jumpstart weight loss and get onto a healthier path in the food department. Having been the proud owners of both Brewville and Vitamix devices throughout our juicing addiction over the years, this 600 watt motorized, superfood nutrition extractor is truly unlike any juicer or blender. The Nutribullet completely breaks down ingredients into their most nutritious, most absorptive state, all while keeping the “mess” in 2 parts to clean (the cup and the bottom of the cup). It’s ridiculously convenient and you can even drink directly out of it, too. BPA-free, it completely liquifies kale and carrots, and chops nuts to a drinkable,smoothie state. This is the ultimate dieter’s  dream! NutriBullet.com

 

Mrs. Renfro's Jalapeño Peppers

(4) We’re feeling HOT, HOT, HOT thanks to Mrs. Renfro’s JalapeñoPeppers (15 oz. $3.25). If you’re like us and have a thing for turning up the heat, these slices are just what your salad, tacos, or turkey burger have been missing! RenfroFoods.com

 

What Odor?(5) Wave goodbye to embarrassing and lingering odors. What Odor (1 oz. $3.99) is safe for people, pets, and the planet! Non-hazardous, non-toxic, and non-flammable, it’s safe to use on fabric, carpet, rugs, and upholstery. We love the travel size that fits in your purse, especially for overnights or trips out of town with large groups all staying under the same roof. PrestigePet.com

 

IMAK's Smart Glove

 

(6) Kick Carpal Tunnel to the curb! IMAK’s Smart Glove ($28.99) is the answer to pain associated from Carpal Tunnel or rather, the computer disease. This flexible support splint forces you to ergo-nomically correct your wrist position while typing at a computer a massaging with an ergoBeads® pad under the wrist to  cushion and improve circulation. IMAKproducts.com

Watt's Hyaluronic Acid Solution
(7) Watts Beauty 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Solution ($14.69) helps boost elasticity, moisture, and naturally stimulates the body’s generation of collagen without clogging pores. Made in the USA and organically preserved without alcohol and parabens, we highly recommended this as a moisturizer for anti-aging and all skin types. In case you didn’t know, Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body and as a foundation for our skin it holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. Compared to other formulations we’ve tried from Sephora and Ulta for $80 plus, this is far superior. You’ll notice a difference in the smoothness of your skin after the first application and in your pocketbook alike. WattsBeauty.com

Lighthouse Freeze Dried Herbs

 

(8) Are you a Top Chef in your kitchen and can’t get enough of flavors, flavors, flavors? Stop throwing away those fresh herbs you just bought with our new discovery of Litehouse Freeze Dried Herbs ($4.49). Easy breezy and convenient to use, these herbs will wake up any stove top   quinoa, soups, or sautéed veggies. Our pantries are now stocked with everything from freeze dried jalapeño rings and red onion, to ginger and lemongrass. LitehouseFoods.com

Blue Sky Free Soda

 

(9) Wanna soda without the sugar? Blue Sky Free Soda ($4.99 6 pk) is the bomb.com! All natural calorie and caffeine free, Blue Sky Free prides itself on having 100% of its ingredients come from the earth. Clap clap for this carbonation fix! The Vanilla Cherry flavor makes us smile and the lemon lime is a superb, alternate mixer for white tequila or vodka. BlueSkySoda.com

 

Green & Black Organic Chocolate

(10) Saving our sweet tooth for last, Green & Black’sOrganic Dark Chocolate Bars (3.5 oz. $2.99) were a huge hit for guests in attendance @ WCI’s  recent fundraiser with soul singer John Legend. The perfect blend of dark chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and sweetness of fruit, it was truly love at first bite sampling the Hazelnut & Currant variation. Available at Whole Foods and Trader Joes, we are eager to try the Ginger and Maya Gold next. GreenAndBlacks.com

 

A special thank you to Lucky FABB, Aloxxi Hair, Women’s Campaign International, Art.Life, Taste of Cuba, the St. Petersburg Grand Prix, and Miami Fashion Week for all our awesome event goodies to add to “Jade’s Top Ten”.  Our “Stash for Summer” is in the works and til’ then may we toast to Emma Racine de Fleur’s  words of the season–“In spring time, love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head.”

Be blessed, be J-A-D-E-D…

 

JadeUmbrella.com

 

 

 

 

L-O-V-E Is in the Air: 10 Products Worth GUSHING Over

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February is always an interesting transition month, as we detox from 2 months of holidays back to back and winter coming to an end. With every month consumers go on a roller coaster rant of LOVES and HATES relative to products and services, so we Jade girls thought we’d join in the fun by opening our big mouths to G-U-S-H about all the good stuff we’ve been sampling as of late. Starting out 2013 at the Sundance Film Festival with exposure to all sorts of exciting brands at gifting lounges and events up and down Main Street, new clients on our roster, pre-Oscar fetes, and random OMG items while out and about, we are happy to share our current “favorite finds”. Please know that none of these products are paid endorsements and are 1000% of Cupid’s consumer heart. We hope that you, too, form a  love affair with the products that make our hearts go pitter patter.

 

Clarisonic PLUS Skin Cleansing System    $225

It’s NO J-O-K-E this product has made our faces glow, minimized fine lines,  evened out skin tone, prevented breakouts, skin feel smoother, and made our topical products such as serums and moisturizer work so much better! You can use it every day, every other day, and in the shower. The PLUS model has 5 speeds and a setting for use on your body, too. The Clarisonic is officially glued to our bathrooms! Clarisonic.com

 

Earth Science A-D-E Creamy Cleanser   $9.95

This gentle cleanser is formulated using natural fruit oils to cleanse the skin and remove make-up without using drying soaps. Its creamy formulation is dreamy on the skin and the perfect compliment to pair with the Clarisonic. We’ve found it moisturizes as it cleans, leaving our skin soft and supple with no greasy mineral oil build-up. Balanced to pH 5.5, it contains special Plant Sterols and Vitamins to leave the skin radiantly fresh and healthy looking. EarthScienceNaturals.com

 

                       

SPADARO Fine Fragrances     $135-155.00

GRRRRRRR…We can’t get enough of Doux Amour’s rare blend of floralessences and sexy scent! With Ylang Ylang, Casablanca Lily and Moroccan Jasmine — its wrapped in a sultry, sueded accord of Patchouli,  Rare Amber and Sandalwood, and laced with a sheer veil of Vanilla to form      a new expression of sensuality. Other Spadaro fragrances include unisex  Noche Del Fuego and citrus Sole Nero that are both intoxicating. Kim Spadaro creates each scent from cherished memories of her mother,      infused with soul and love. Each is a tribute to the spirit of adventure and journey of self-discovery, while a percentage of all profits go to the Spadaro Foundation. The foundation was created as a tribute to those whom have touched Kim’s  life and the passing of her dear mother on 1/1/11.  Spadaro.co

 

Soap & Glory’s SEXY MOTHER PUCKER    Lip Plumping Gloss     $16.00

We’ve officially fallen in love with this glossy, pluming pucker prize and our make up bags now call this a MUST. You’ll notice 10X normal volume when lips absorb moisture, and circulation-enhancing LIPSWELL™ natural plant oil infusion to increase blood flow and make them look almost instantly lusher. Their color selection is brilliant and we bet you too, will find both its tingling and plumping gloss quality as addicting as we do.  SoapAndGlory.com

 

 

 

SPANX Ready-to-Wow              Structured Leggings      $92.00

If you’ve got anything that needs hiding after hibernating all winter and you have screaming saddle bags or a Mr. Muffin Top, these are the leggings for you! They’re perfectly opaque and a true savior to anyone’s wardrobe. These shape your booty in such a fabulously firm way and even though you may be faking it, your secret is safe with us. We guarantee they will “suck you in” so you can smile, while you get your body back to the gym and ready for spring.  Spanx.com

 

Queen of Kale Chips     $6.00  

Made with all fresh and natural ingredients, Queen of Kale Chips are unprocessed, raw and naturally good for you. Loved across the nation, these chips can be eaten as a snack or used as a garnish. We’ve found them delicious when sprinkled on salads, in hummus, and even pizza!!! Our favorite kale chip flavors are Sour Cream N Onion & Spicy Pepper. We’ve tried competitor chips and Queen of Kale blows theirs out of the water. Now making bigger bags, expanding by leaps and bounds, and any orders can be easily mailed direct.  FoodistMonk.net

 

Natural Nectar’s Gluten-Free CRACKELBRED    $4.29 

After reading Wheat Belly, we Jade girls have really tried to scale back our wheat intake and make a solid effort to eat gluten-free where we’re able. After picking up the Sun Dried Tomato & Oregano    flavor at Whole Foods and spreading on some Cypress Grove Chevre Sgt. Pepper cheese, it was love at first bite! At only 17 calories per slice and 4% carbs for 3 crackers, these crackers are a great alternative to standard crackers. Cracklebred.com 

Firestone & Robertson Distilling Company      Blended Whiskey     $39.95

One of our superstar senior staffers is a huge cognac, whiskey, and bourbon lover who was instantaneously enamored by this craft distillery’s whiskey. Unbelievably impressed by the story behind its signature caps, how smooth it was to sip, and the complexity of its character in taste, there is no denying this whiskey of an aficionado’s palate. An extra-ordinarily complex spectrum of fragrance and flavor, Firestone and Roberston Whiskey mixes well or stands alone on the rocks or neat. Blenders’ Tasting Notes: Color: Auburn, Nose: Vanilla bean, oak and pear; Taste: Honey butter, banana, caramel and coffee; Finish: Long, smooth and slightly sweet; and Proof: 82. FRDistilling.com

Gypsy Zen LoveNLight Massage Candles   $12

Environmentally friendly, vegetarian, and made with soy wax and essential oils, our bedside tables     couldn’t be happier (hint hint) with the flicker of these Zen helpers. These candles are a two in one treat because they serve the purpose of filling a room from a fragrance perspective and relaxing element of a massage. Soy is a low temperature burning wax and moisturizer by nature –so as it melts, is safe to pour onto your skin and be used as a massage oil. Another bonus, it WILL NOT STAIN YOUR SHEETS! Our favorite scent so for the boudoir is the Energizing Citrus (Shea Butter, Soy, Sweet Almond Oil & Pure Orange Essential Oil) and for our office (minus the massage– LOL) is Cleansing Sage (Shea Butter,    Soy, Sweet Almond Oil,  Pure Sage Essential Oil & White Sage Pieces). Candles that burn cleaner and  longer and are “Made by Hand at Home With Love” are obvious stars in our eyes. GypsyZen.com                                                          

Rebound Now™ Hangover Prevention Tablets $2.99

Rebound Now™ is proof you can put your party pants on and still function the next day. Based on the cutting-edge B4ONETM technology by Synergy Point, Rebound Now™ achieves its world-class anti-acetaldehyde effect with a proprietary blend of everyday nutrients. Rebound Now™ is natural and contains only ingredients that are considered GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by US FDA*. We were able to hit the Sundance circuit and enjoy many cocktail parties without the agonizing, anticipated hangover, thanks to these little green guys. Did we mention we worked an 18 hour day, too?  Not to condone or excuse excessive consumption, we aren’t going to lie and say we  didn’t appreciate this natural, hangover prevention:) GreenSmartLiving.com

 

That’s all for this February’s L-O-V-E fest and Cupid’s top 10. March Madness is right around the corner and we can’t wait to splash into spring with another list of goodies to G-U-S-H over! As publicists we primarily promote only our retained clients and those directly a part of the events we produce. The intent of this monthly MUST HAVE list is a way to spread the love of other brands who’ve made a bang in our book and deserve a big “RA-RA” of recognition to consumers who trust honest reviewers. Be blessed, be J-A-D-E-D…