Shopping Online For Jewelry Gifts + Mother's Day Giveaway

These days, with the option of online shopping, it has become almost too easy to give a gift of jewelry for just about any occasion. It serves as a major time-saver for many of us, so that we can be physically present to attend to more important matters in our lives.

A customized necklace with swarovski glass pearls and silver tone heart pendant.

So if you are shopping online for a jewelry gift  and a little bit clueless in what type of jewelry gifting is suitable to your loved ones or friends, here's a round up of ideas to help you make an informed decision before you buy!

Appropriate Jewelry Gifts To A Girly Girl-Friend

A classic pair of earrings, bracelet or pendant necklace would make a nice present. If it's a shared gift with common friends, and the budget is high, by all means, get a piece of white gold jewelry! Otherwise, you may also like to consider customized handmade jewelry which is also a meaningful option because you would be part of the making process with the jewelry craft artiste.

Some classic designs handmade by yours truly!

Appropriate Jewelry Gifts To The Fashionista

A fashionista is usually dressed in trendy outfits and can pull off wearing all kinds of styles to suit her mood, each time you see her. (I certainly envy fashionistas!) This is probably the easiest person to buy jewelry gifts for because she will likely have the outfit to match whichever accessories gifted to her.

Some bold styles that a fashionista would likely enjoy wearing.

Appropriate Jewelry Gifts To A Casual Chic Girl-Friend

She is probably a down-to-earth person in simple tees and jeans OR one that hardly dresses up to impress! But that doesn't mean that jewelry would not make a difference, because it does! Gift a chic looking bracelet or bohemian style necklace to make her simple outfit look stylish instantaneously. Best of all, these are usually the most affordable ones.

BUT!

If you are still totally clueless, you can always try Adeline's Loft 'Create My Style Box' which includes a few jewelry pieces in a gift box, at a fraction of my usual customized jewelry rates, which would definitely thrill the recipient. Sometimes, you really don't need to wait for an occasion to gift a jewelry. Sending a gift to tell a person you are thinking of her or maybe to congratulate her on a job promotion is a good thing as it shows how much you care about the relationship. :)

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MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY

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Mother's Day falls on 8th May 2016. And I have this pair of necklaces to bless a mother! Or maybe one for you and the other for your mum!

Both necklaces are made with swarovski elements.
On the left is a simple petite heart shaped teal colored crystal pendant in silver plated chain.
On the right is a glass locket pendant half-filled with a gorgeous glittering mix of pastel crystals and pearls, in silver plated chain.

This set is worth S$52.00

To win this precious set, fill in the necessary entries in the Rafflecopter widget to qualify for this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Terms & Conditions : (please read)

* This giveaway is open only to mothers residing in Singapore.
* Winners from the 2 most recent giveaways done on my blog will not qualify.
*  Missing mandatory entries will be considered void.
* No further request on the design will be entertained.
* The winner will be contacted via email after the draw has been made. If there is no response within 24 hours, I reserve the right to draw another winner.
* This giveaway ends on 14 April 2016. Winner will be announced by 15 April 2016.
* The necklace set will be sent out by standard mail.

How about customizing a handmade jewelry for your mum or mum friends to mark this special occasion?

I am taking orders for Mother's Day gift customization from now till 22nd April 2016.

Do connect with me via my FB page to discuss a design or send me an email ade.loft[a]gmail.com.

*Mother's Day Special* 

Receive a pair of swarovski pearl earrings worth S$16.00 with every customized necklace or bracelet during this stipulated period! Please mention that your order is for Mother's Day to be entitled to this special gift.

Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Absolutely Me,

Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream Review + Giveaway Worth S$405!

[This is a sponsored product review, written based on my own personal experience over the past 9 weeks. No monetary compensation is involved. The content is original and opinion expressed here are 100% my own.]

“As we age, we produce less collagen and pigmentation becomes more mottled resulting in sagging, discolored skin in the challenging neck and décolletage,” said Joel Schlessinger, MD, a leading US dermatologist and Director of Advanced Skin Research Center in Omaha, NE. “Triple Firming Neck Cream helps rebuild the skin’s matrix, encouraging pro-collagen and hyaluronic acid and protecting skin’s essential cells, to lift and firm skin and even tone to diminish the appearance of age spots.”

I cannot agree more.

When I was approached to try Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, I was very hesitant because reviewing beauty related products were not in my cards. Moreover, I am quite fussy over the products that I choose to use on my sensitive skin and anything unsuitable will result in breakouts or rashes. Though I knew at the back of my mind, I needed help with the obvious neck creases that has been plaguing me in recent years. I would have liked to think that I did try to take good care of my neck as much as possible, by conveniently extending the application of my facial moisturizer on it. I have never noticed any improvement of sorts and was not that concerned about it. I guess this is what happens when it is not a specific targeted cream.

After much convincing that the product would yield positive results in the targeted neck area, I made the exception to try the product out on a non-obligatory basis and IF it goes well, I would agree review it.  I will have you know that I am a skeptic at heart. Then again, I thought, after all, it is appropriate to condition my decolletage (neckline) area since I do model my handmade necklace creations and share it on my instagram. Moreover, I am at that age (turning 43 and not shy about it!) where I should take charge of caring for myself and fight Newton's law of gravity.

Factually, it was not until I have to compare photos during this review that I noticed my neck creases were this visible, especially in photos. Now I shudder at the thought of having a crinkly neck!

About Neostrata
Neostrata is scientifically advanced and clinically proven, in their skincare products. It aims at helping to resurface, restore and refine skin. Neostrata has been proven to be effective for almost all skin types and conditions such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, eczema and acne. Their dermatology developed skincare is recommended and highly regarded by experts around the world.

I thought I would just share a photo I had taken back in 2011. Though the neck crease here is not immediately noticeable, it was already showing signs.What a difference 4 years make!

My Experience and Results

Firstly, I am very particular about how skin cream smells. Anything too strong or very artificially scented, especially those with sticky residue, is a no go for me. So I am pleased to state that the Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream is hardly even scented, very easily applied and absorbed into the skin - a big plus for the fussy me. This was diligently done twice a day, for 8 weeks, in the morning and night, covering from the area of my jawline, back of the neck and the decolletage area.

The photo take on the left was just before I started using the neck cream. Notice that the jawline area appears firmer on the right photo, and the neck lines are comparatively much softer. The skin also seems to be tauter and hydrated.

I was recommended to give it at least 4-6 weeks to see visible results but I only began to see clearer results on my 8th week. Hence, it will be good to note that results will vary from person to person. I personally feel that there could also be other attributes that may have caused the delay of results. These would be :

 - The way I sleep, as I tend to lie on my left side more. So in this review, I am particularly focused on the results on the left side of my neck. (The firming up of the jawline area came as a surprise bonus!)

- My sitting posture while I work on my jewelry or while I am on the computer, as it is not at eye level, so the tendency of looking downwards at an angle is very very high.
- Using the mobile phone while propped at an angle while lying on my bed.
- I also seem to have a bad habit not keeping my neck straight at times, tilting my neck to my left more. 

I think it will also be useful to be on track with the neck exercises that I have been inconsistent with, which would be very relevant to help with further toning and strengthening the neck muscles as well.

The reason for my smile! :) The area beneath my chin seem tauter when compared to the photo on the left. I have also noticed that the dark shadowy line beneath my chin is somewhat lightened, even for the pigmentation at the decolletage area. The neck creases are visibly softer too. Though of course, I feel it still needs the continued use of the neck cream to yield even better results!

[Note : These photos were taken at the same area in my home but at different times of the day with my mobile phone.]

My Verdict

I am pretty impressed with the results that I am seeing so far. Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream does work and has proven to be progressively renewing the condition of my skin. It is no wonder that they were recently featured in Elle magazine's 'Beauty IT List 2015' for the 'best new neck cream'! It is not difficult to maintain a more youthful appearance in the decolletage area, only if I bother to take 2 minutes of my time each day to condition my neck. After more than 11 weeks' of using this product (I am on my 2nd tube already), this has become an important daily routine.

I am now a little bit more confident in taking selfies (or neckfie?) with a broader view of the full neckline now while modeling my handmade necklaces, instead of cropping off the areas where the neck creases used to be more visible.

As a gauge from my usage, squeezing about a 5 cents coin size amount each time, a tube can last you about 9-10 weeks so I think it is a worthwhile investment to take on the preventive measures and avoid a premature wrinkled neck!

I can't wait to try their range of anti-aging cream on my face and see how it can help me too!

What does the cream contain to make it work?

Here are the technical excerpts which you may wish to know, taken from the press release provided by Neoasia.

"Triple Firming Neck Cream is formulated with a powerful blend of Neostrata proprietary and other selectively sourced ingredients. Clinically proven NeoGlucosamine helps increas hyaluronic acid and evens pigment, while NeoCitriate targets new collagen to lift and firm. Pro-Amino Acid increases pro-collagen to help diminish wringles. Additionally, Swiss Apple Stem Cell Extract helps protect the longevity of skin's essential cells, helping older cells behave like those in younger skin."

Neostrata Triple Neck Firming Cream is available at :

• Selected Guardian, Watsons and NTUC Unity
• Alexandra Hospital, Retail Pharmacy
• Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Retail Pharmacy
• Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Retail Pharmacy
• Singapore General Hospital, Retail Pharmacy

It is retailed at SGD$81.00 (before GST), for a 75gm tube.

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5 Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream To Giveaway!
Simply follow the necessary steps on the Rafflecopter widget and we will draw 5 names to each receive a full sized, 75gm tube worth S$81 each (expires 06/2016). The more steps you complete, the higher the chances of your name being drawn!
(please read the terms and conditions before you enter the giveaway)

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Terms & Conditions :
- This giveaway ends on 12am, 2 October 2015.
- only Singapore female residents can apply for the giveaway.
-  Winners' names will be drawn, updated on the blog post and notified via email within the day of the result.
- Should there be no email acknowledgement from the winners within 24 hours, we reserve the right to draw another winner.
-  The giveaway items will be sent to the winners directly from Neoasia.

WAIT! 
You can also sample before you buy!

The very kind people at Neoasia has also agreed to give away exclusive samples to 10 of my readers!
(One sample per household please!)

All you need to do is fill up the form in this LINK and they will send the cream directly your way.
You would also need to be a Singapore resident to enjoy this sample.

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Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

What Motherhood Is To Me + Mother's Day Giveaway

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren

Before my children came along, many decisions made between my husband and I, were really for selfish reasons. There wasn't a need for us to think about time or how we spend money. We packed our bags and go for road trips whenever we felt like it. We ate what we liked at any time of the day. We bowled till the wee hours of the morning on weekends and slept in without a care. Nothing could hold us back.

When I became a mother, my life completely took a turn. There wasn't anymore staying up late for leisure because tending to babies can be tiring and every opportunity to catch up on sleep was important. I picked up cooking so that my young children would not be exposed to unhealthy dosages of MSG and also to save us some money since I became a stay-at-home-mum. I (still) don't go grabbing an ice cream even though I happen to have a craving because they have a cough or cold. And I would always rather spend whatever extra I have on them than on myself. It always seemed that it was more important to keep them happier.

Even though my children are in their youths now, I still think about their well-being, needs and wants before mine in anything that I do. It comes to mind that very soon, they will no longer be children I can "boss around" so these sacrifices are just temporal. Very soon, the children will take full charge of their lives and won't need me to poke my nose into their affairs. But on a positive note, I also look forward to find more opportunities to reconnect with the man I love again when that time comes.

Such is the way of motherhood for me.

 

Image extracted from HERE

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Because Mother's Day is around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to bless a mother with this freshwater pearl ball cluster pendant necklace and earrings, to celebrate YOU - your love and sacrifices you have made for your family.

Pearls are said to symbolize purity, honesty, wisdom and integrity. It is all the best we should ever be within us.

The chain on the necklace is high silver plating with a special heart and the earrings are with stainless steel posts, to suit those with sensitive earlobes.

This set is worth S$46.

To win this precious set for yourself, do share with me in the comment box on 
how motherhood has changed you 

and fill in the necessary entries in the Rafflecopter widget below to better your chances of winning this giveaway.

Other Terms & Conditions :

* This giveaway is open only to mothers residing in Singapore.
* Winners of previous giveaways done on my blog within the last 6 months will not qualify.
* No further request on the design will be entertained.
* It is mandatory to leave a comment with a valid email address, so that I can contact you if you win. Otherwise your entry will be considered void.
* The winner will be contacted via email after the draw has been made. If there is no response within 24 hours, I reserve the right to draw another winner.
* This giveaway ends on 16 April 2015.
* The necklace set will be sent out by standard mail.

All the best and Happy Mother's Day in advance!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Crafting for Chinese New Year 2015 + Instagram Giveaway

HAPPY 2015! 

I hope it has been a good start to the year for you as it has been for my jewelry crafting pursuit, so far. Orders had started streaming in during the first day when I officially started taking in custom orders for the year. My work book is starting to fill up and I can't help but feel a sense of wonderment and gratefulness toward how my love for creating jewelry has led me this far. I like being "creatively" busy!

The past 2 weeks, I've been quite up to my neck taking in orders for the Chinese New Year - mostly to make a matchy accessory for their cheong-sams. I've always admired women who can pull off pretty cheong-sams. Especially those that are modernized with contemporary colors and designs. So I'm really pleased to have made some creations catered to match with their dresses. If you are keen to see what I've created, you can view my completed creations on my facebook page which I update almost on a daily basis.

Now here's something that you may like to have and wear with your CNY outfit! I have a giveaway of 2 pairs of  "firecracker" earrings creation to 2 of my readers!

Each pair of earrings is worth S$17.00

I'm doing this giveaway differently from my previous ones done on my blog.

Here's how :

1) Make sure you are already signed up with Instagram on your smart phone and follow me : adeoon

(If you are a private user, I will not be able to view your tag, neither will it appear in #adeloftgiveaway album. Therefore, it will not qualify for the draw)

2) Repost the photo, tag me @adeoon and  #adeloftgiveaway so that I can put you in the draw.

3) A random draw will be conducted for two instagramers to win a pair of the above earrings, each!

 

Terms & Conditions :
* This giveaway is open only to residents in Singapore.
* Winners of previous giveaways done on my blog within the last 6 months will not qualify.
* No further alteration on the design will be entertained.
* The winner will announced and tagged on Instagram on 23 Jan 2015, after the draw has been made. If there is no response within 24 hours, I reserve the right to draw another winner.
* This giveaway ends on 22 Jan 2015.
* My decision on which colored earrings to giveaway to the winner is final.
* The earrings will be sent out by standard mail.

Here's wishing all readers who are celebrating the Lunar New Year - good health, good fortune and success!

  Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Christmas Gift Ideas + Giveaway!

I bet some of you are already shopping for Christmas gifts (just like me!) and then there's some of you who will only shop at the last minute. Whatever your shopping styles are, I am here to promote online shopping where it is definitely the easiest way to get around without having to jostle with the crowd. Though it's only almost the beginning of November, consider an advance shopping for Christmas as some good finds may hail from the other continents, some are made-to-order which needs more time and shipping alone may generally take 2-4 weeks. 

If you are open to online shopping already, may I interest you to some shopping on Etsy.com this year?  *Note : this is not a sponsored post. I'm just a big fan of Etsy and am all for handmades!  :)

If you don't know what Etsy is, where have you been? I mean, really?

Here's a quick introduction. Etsy is an e-market platform of all sorts for every kind of artisans all over the world, to sell their wares. It used to be a place where I sold my handmade creations however, I could not sustain the shop in Etsy as it became increasingly expensive to list/sell my creations and even harder to be noticed in a VERY big crowd of talented and creative people. Even though I am no longer a seller there, I am a frequent buyer.

When I was still a seller in Etsy, I was actively mingling with other like minded sellers and started to curate treasury lists - collating creations that are on sale based on a theme that I like. Though it can be a little time consuming, the splashes of colors and stunning photos were always an  inspiration  to me. Hence, I decided that this year, I should curate lists of Christmas gift ideas for my readers based on color themes. I also wanted to ensure that what I curate are within the budget of many so I've kept each chosen item between US$10 - US$40. Many of these items are unique and some even customizable. If you do see something you like, get in touch with the shop owner and feel free to ask them any questions before your purchase.

Ready for an eye feast?

'Pastels' 

Crochet Diana Colorful Paste... meemanan $33	Light Mint Crochet Coasters ... LoopingHome $12	Key Fob Wristlet - Key Chain... BeachyBabies $6.5	Pastel Mood iPhone 5 case, P... CRAFIC $10
Wood Drinks Coasters in Past... chocberryavenu... $17	Felt Stuffed Animal, Felt bi... LaPetiteMelina $15	Dark Green Polka Dot Japanes... Sureddoya $15.9	Pastel strawberry pink infin... ammame33 $11
Bow Tie for Men by BartekDes... BartekDesign $22	Floral Geometric on Wood Pho... AmparoCase $15.99	Pill Box, Pill Case, Pill Co... KellysMagnets $13	Blonde Mini Soft Doll in Blu... DesignsbyMSusa... $16
MADE TO ORDER Pink felt pend... Arabela $29	Embroidery Heart Tree Coin P... lazydoll $29.9	Magnets - Pastel Inspiring W... StuckTogetherM... $11.5	Mint Green Rosette Flower He... FoldingChairDe... $14

'Black and White' 

Flowers dSLR Camera Strap. B... AccessoriesFor $30	Monogram Cufflinks, Personal... AllAboutYouCre... $24	Bathroom Wall Art - 8 x 10 o... SusanNewberryD... $15	Taper candles - Candle set -... primacandle $20
Nook Cover, Nook HD+ Case, N... FiveSproutsSti... $26.95	Black and White Wedding Cand... OpenVintageShu... $12.11	ring dish, Monogram ring hol... PromisePottery $16	Black and white table runner... HomeMakings $20
Fall Leaves Bracelet - Black... ZoeMadisonGift... $15	Monogram Iphone 6 case - Dam... ToGildTheLily $16.99	Coin Purse - Leaf - Cotton F... CottonTimes $17.9	16x16 handmade Black and Whi... VintageHippies... $12
Black and White Clutch -Brid... Vanijja $20	Boss sleep mask, Black and w... PomponDesigns $18	Masai Inspired Tribal Beaded... LocalColorCrea... $15	Black and White Iphone Walle... kailochic $22

I hope you've enjoyed the selections I have chosen! Let me know what you think! Did I manage to convince you to buy something from the treasuries? For more unique or quirky kind of creations, you can go direct to Etsy and do a search. 99% of the time, they would have something you want and more!

If you are still not into Etsy (yet), I also have a list of some local shops manned by mumpreneurs that may interest you too! Check them out on Facebook!

Chair-ish the Moments
Old school home decor, enamel ware etc.

Jeanstitch
Handmade fabric pouches, bags, aprons, pillows etc.

Shop of Curios
Handmade amigurumi animal keychains/paper weights.

The Little Bow Company
Handmade baby bows, shoes and clothings.

Mama Shoppe
A variety of baby and kids goods.

Jed Packs!
Children's back packs, wet bags, lunch bags, stationeries etc.

Xavvylicious
A distributor of Young Living essential oils. PM on her page for list of oils available.

Style Essence
For Mary Kay beauty products.

PriviKids
Quality clothes and products for kids.

Now run along and start shopping for the best picks before they run out.

 *You can also customize jewelry/accessories with me at Adeline's Loft! Drop me a PM and we can work something out together. Christmas orders will close early on 25 November 2014*

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And now, the GIVEAWAY!

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Christmas is nearing and aren't we all in a merry mood? Or, is it just me?

Win for yourself and your other half a pair of couple bracelets in a simple and casual style - handmade by yours truly.

For her, a grey suede bracelet with a pewter plate with 'Love' and a cluster of pastel swarovski crystals. Secured with spring clasp and extension chain. The lady's bracelet will fit wrist sizes from 16cm - 18cm. 

For him, a multi-strand leather bracelet with assorted charms - a treble clef, fox and peace sign (partially hidden).  Secured in magnetic clasp. The man's bracelet will only fit wrist size of 18.5-20cm.

This pair of couple bracelet is worth S$64.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions :
* This giveaway is open only to residents in Singapore.
* Winners of previous giveaways done on my blog within the last 6 months will not qualify.
* No further alteration on the bracelets design will be entertained.
* It is mandatory to leave a comment with a valid email address, so that I can contact you if you win.
* The winner will be contacted via email after the draw has been made. If there is no response within 24 hours, I reserve the right to draw another winner.
* This giveaway ends on 9 Nov 2014. Winner will be announced on my FB page by 11 Nov 2014.
* The bracelet will be sent out by standard mail.

All the best!

Till the next post, have a wonderful day!