Hazel Daze Celebrates 4 Years Young

FAIRFIELD, CT — Loyal customers, represented craftsmen (that's me - White Tulip Boutique), new fans, family, fellow business owners and even town officials converged on Hazel Daze Boutique Thursday evening for a soiree celebrating the popular shop’s fourth year in business.

The shop carries a wide range of unique items from handcrafted jewelry and vintage postcard art to handwoven bags, framed photographs and eclectic home décor. Many items are beach-themed and are big sellers with shoreline dwellers.  A large selection of gift-ables for you and hostess gifts makes this shop a must-go-to when in need of that perfect gift.  Lib and her friendly staff make shopping there a breeze and that small hometown feel is so welcomed.

One of the drop-ins at the 86 Fairfield Avenue shop was Fairfield, CT, First Selectman Mike Tetreau, who was onsite four years ago to oversee the official ribbon cutting that welcomed Hazel Daze and its owner Lib DeNure to town.

Iconic Prince has Passed

I grew up in the 80's and one of my favorite, all time performers, is Prince.  I remember clearly when I attended, in purple, of course, his Purple Rain concert.  When learning today of his passing -- well let's just say me and millions of others are heart broken.  Only 57 years young.  Way too early, my friend.  Here is the update on his passing....

Prince made an appearance at Paisley Park last Saturday, just one day after he was hospitalized with flu symptoms. On April 15, TMZ broke the story that Prince was rushed to the hospital after his plane made an emergency landing in Atlanta. Carver County Chief Deputy Jason Kamerud confirmed a response to a medical call at Paisley Park at 9:43 a.m. Thursday.

Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, Prince was the creator of the pop-funk Minneapolis sound that permeated the 1980s music scene. At 5’2, his physical stature was small, but Prince was a titan of musical innovation and showmanship.

Prince is best known for his hits Let's Go Crazy, Little Red Corvette, Purple Rain and When Doves Cry. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame.

Jewelry Trends for 2016

Thank you to JCK, for this amazing article, The Industry Authority on Jewelry for over 50 Years!!

12 Jewelry Trends for 2016: The 5th Annual List of What to Buy, Sell, and Stock in the Year Ahead

Black and white. With a newer jet-black rhodium being used by designers and some decidedly rock-star-chicstyles coming out of the Paris Fashion Week shows for spring, this evergreen color combination will live on in Art Deco–inspired jewels, enamel, and silver or white gold with rhodium effects.

Studs and earring jackets. These have shaped up to be a consumer fave! Wearing studs solo offers some versatility, while the addition of jackets builds up another cool look. Easy to understand, studs and earring jackets are available across a wide range of price points.

Chokers and other statement necklaces. These are a holdover from 2015, thanks to their appearance at theOscars last February and an abundance of spring 2016 styles—think knits to lingerie to lightweight denim—that demand a statement piece around the collar.

Gold layering pieces. The price of gold is luring more artists away from silver and back to the warmer metal. There are some looks—delicate charm bracelets and dainty pendant necklaces—that just translate better in gold, and when prices are more reasonable, who wouldn’t prefer to make a layered statement in a richer metal?

Oversize earrings. These were popular at the Oscars and will help complete many new spring 2016 ensembles, from complicated X-inspired necklines to simple white shirts.

Asymmetry. From mismatched earrings to trails of tiny stones to modern cluster styles, asymmetry is one of jewelry’s coolest trends. Asymmetrical looks appeal to youth through their message of individuality and reflect super-creative uses of minimalist materials.

Isobel ring in 14k yellow gold with 4 ct. Peruvian opal, 0.2 ct. opal, and 0.06 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,487; Katie Diamond Jewelry

Whimsical designs. Think Alison Lou’s cheeky faces, Nora Kogan’s cutesy word jewels, and even rainbow color combinations. Whimsy is here to stay—and will help change consumers’ view of jewelry stores as stodgy and unapproachable.

Fancy cuts. These are particularly evident in the modern cluster styles from designers such as Ilana Ariel andRuth Tomlinson and are also making for chic entry-level engagement rings from Jennie Kwon, among other artists.

Ethically sourced materials. Thanks to the patience of artists and individuals who care about everyone in the pipeline, ethically sourced looks will continue to become a priority. Stephen Webster and Chopard are pioneerswith their support of Fairmined gold as was Eric Braunwart in the gemstone arena. More designers are getting involved through uses of recycled metals and ethically obtained stones, and jewelry stores can do the same. (For more information, read “Fairmined, Fairtrade, and the Ethical Gold Rush.”)

Stacking rings. These are an easy and cost-effective gift, especially considering the range of cute styles available from design houses such as Wwake, among others. Plus, they are fun to stack and build up bigger statements when couture features cutouts and casual options.

The color gray. Why gray when Pantone’s colors of the year are with pink and blue (aka Rose Quartz and Serenity)? Because the colors of the year indicate the hues that new clothes will be made in, so jewelers should offer complementary shades for consumers to color-block with their attire. Gray—by way of silver, platinum, white gold, and palladium—will easily coordinate as will gray diamonds and milky stones such as moonstone and labradorite, among others. But gray is just one option—there are lots of other fun colors to suggest.

Feminine silhouettes and motifs. Many spring fashions speak to super-feminine looks such as ruffles and lingerie and motifs such as flowers, so accessories should be equally soft. Think cabochons, a continued use of fringe, deconstructed or blown-out forms (like the plaid trend), bows, tiny charms, and sweetly styled shapes such as half moons.

4 Reasons to Use a Wedding Hashtag

Wedding hashtags have been trending and last few years and will only get more popular in 2016. Using a unique hashtag is a fun way to engage your wedding guests and carve out your own little space on the social web. Plus, informing your guests of your hashtag offers countless rustic-chic decor opportunities — think cute chalkboard signs or a special addition to your escort card display.  If you’re considering using a wedding hashtag, allow us to share five reasons we think you should do it:

1. It’s the simplest way to keep track of all the photos taken at your wedding.

Yes, the pictures your professional photographer takes will likely be the ones you frame and cherish forever. But there’s nothing quite like scrolling through Instagram with your new husband or wife the morning at your nuptials and reliving the wedding. Plus, there are plenty of moments your photographer won’t catch — your college roommate smooching your new brother-in-law, perhaps? — that your friends will capture and post online. A hashtag is a great way to ensure you see your wedding from every angle.

2. It’s a chance to use your new last name.

If you’re changing your name after marriage, using a wedding hashtag is a fun way to use your new last name for the first time. We promise you’ll get a kick out of seeing #mrandmrsgrant all over Instagram.

3. It’s an opportunity to show off your creative, silly side.

Yes, you could use a straightforward hashtag like #jamieandgenewedding, but why not get creative and try something like #newcloudsontheblock or #FaheyEverAfter? Have fun with it! It’s a hashtag, not your wedding vows, so you don’t have to take it too seriously.

4. Your hashtag can be used for a fun guest scavenger hunt.

Scratching your head over this one? Allow us to explain. Some creative couples have taken the wedding hashtag and turned it into an interactive photo-capturing scavenger hunt for guests. Here’s how it works: On each of your tables, or at each guest plate, place a list of photos your guests can “hunt” for at the reception. After capturing each image, they can post them to Instagram with your wedding hashtag. Your guests will have fun snapping photos at your reception, and you’ll have a great set of pictures from your friends’ perspectives.

Fun hashtags to use on your wedding day:

Your name & wedding date – example: #smithwedding7514

Your new last name – example: #mr&mrsgrant

Your wedding location – example: #threelakeswiwedding

New Organic Lotion

Ta-da here they are.... two convenient sizes for yourself or gift. Hand & Body Lotion with ONLY THREE ingredients: Coconut Oil, Coconut Butter and Peppermint Essential Oil.  Treat yourself well... Large / 4oz jar = $14 Small / 2 oz jar = $7.50 Organic, Did I mention they are all ORGANIC. Available for sale at The Newtown General Store, Newtown, CT and of course, my Etsy shop.  A quick click away and I will ship directly to you.

Handmade Organic Lotion, Part 2

Updated pic on my lotion progress... Organic, Hand & Body Lotion with ONLY THREE ingredients: Coconut Oil, Coconut Butter and Peppermint Essential Oil. Did I mention they are all ORGANIC. Will be available for sale at The Newtown General Store, Newtown, CT and my Etsy shop, of course.  Special requests are welcome.

Handmade Organic Lotion

Okay my new goals for 2016... Continue my switch to healthier eating and beauty products. I am incorporating more natural alternatives into my daily regiment. Our skin is our largest organ, right? So, why would we want to gunk it up with a bunch of junk? I’ll admit my cabinets have been filled with Bath and Body Works lotion. Those wonderful smells hypnotize you.  After I checked out the ingredient list (and realized I didn’t know what nearly anything was), I decided to end the love affair. Seriously, check this out label. With that being said, I am going to attempt to make organic, homemade lotion with only THREE ingredients. Stay tuned to my progress....