A Thousand Tears

May 9th, 2013

How is it that even my tears don’t seem like enough to properly express this sadness? Isn’t there something even more elevated than tears? How is it that I can’t ask her to endure even one more night? Isn’t there something to tell me I’m wrong or I’m right? How is it that I knew months ago we didn’t have much time, so I sat down back then and wrote her a poem? Isn’t there something in those actions?

I think the answer is that I don’t have the answers. I only have my heart. And just maybe, that is something.

At Heaven’s Gate, Brie, please don’t wait
Go run and roll and sniff
For now your eyes, they see again
Your joints no longer stiff

We’ll meet again someday, my friend
Our routine we’ll repeat
That bark, that wag, that lick I’ll know
The circle then complete

Rest in peace, little girl of mine
Not sure there will be another
For you brought out the best in me
The only one to call me ‘mother.’

Brie Crowell Deasy  05/98 – 05/13

I will miss her more than words can say….. the littlest love of my life.

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Posted in Cell Photo Captures, Love | 27 Comments »

What Are You Wearing?

April 23rd, 2013

If it’s 10 pm when you read this, the answer is probably “your p.j.s.” And, if it’s 10 am, your answer might range from spandex to a suit! But, I don’t mean what are you wearing NOW, like right this MINUTE ….. I mean jewelry-wise, help me out, what are you wearing? What do you grab to accessorize? And, what is your jewelry box missing?

I ask because my jewelry line will debut this fall, and I want to know what you like.

Demure? Bold?

Silver? Gold?

New? Old?

Warm? Sorry.

If you lead a life on the run (kids, travel, business, PTA, volunteer, pet-rescue, fund-raising) or a life of leisure (golf, tennis, crosswords, travel, books, grandchildren), jewelry is sometimes that last-minute, grab what you wore yesterday kind of routine.

But, I have found lately (being a woman who leads both of those lives) that when I put a teeny-bit more time into my closet the night before, not thinking only about what I’m going to wear cloth-wise, but how I’m going to accessorize that cloth, that I end up feeling prettier, more confident and more ‘finished’ than when I don’t.

I’m on both Facebook and Twitter, and plan to keep you updated as to when and where my jewelry can be found. I can’t wait to hear your feedback, and I can’t wait to see pictures of you wearing it!

You know my motto … (and soon, it will mean even more!)

Always ‘rock’ your full potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Closet Update Ideas, Judy Crowell Collection Updates, Look of the Day | 6 Comments »

January 31st: Not so “New Year” Anymore

January 31st, 2013

Resolutions? Yes, not to feel achy, feverish and down-right blah. Head hurts, muscles are sore, nose is red and even things hot… a bath, mint tea, my husband… aren’t doing the trick. I’m miserable.

Paul left for Minnesota again this morning after buying these. (I can’t even believe I’m showing you this. I am a fright!!)

Yes, he went out and bought a 25-pack (“Twenty-five??!!” He said it was all they had) of these face masks to wear on his flight back to ShopNBC today. I would imagine he’ll fly home in one on Sunday all chipper and cured of his cold just so we can turn around on Tuesday and fly, wearing them of course (after all, we have 25!!), to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. (We’ll be the ones on the plane looking like we really ought to be quarantined)

Who knows, maybe we’ll start a Fashion Trend for Flyers. Perhaps wearing them even ought to be a law! And, with all of this down time on my hands, I think I’ll get out the markers and start drawing. A nice set of red lips would look good on my mask, don’t you think? (Or, should I put them on Paul’s? ha) That’ll let the world know that I know I look ridiculous, but that I’m gladly doing my part to maintain a germ-free zone. Other passengers may even ask if we have extras. (Suddenly, 25 doesn’t sound like nearly enough)

Just remember, even in a face mask…

Always Rock Your Full Potential ~

~ Judy

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Posted in Activity Mayhem, Cell Photo Captures, Look of the Day | 3 Comments »

The Best Laid Plans

December 12th, 2012

If you agree that a wedding is memorable as MUCH because of the mishaps as because of the bride’s beautiful gown, then perhaps the same can be applied to my recent Holiday party. Centered around the date of the annual boat parade, my party had been scheduled for months. Last year the boats swung right by our house … so creative, so pretty, so festive… I thought my Kappa colleagues would love it.

So, the night is planned; the evites have been sent; the menu has been selected; we’re ready to go. The night before the party, my husband is cooking me salmon on the grill. It’s a beautiful night. I look outside and here comes a decorated boat. How PRETTY! “Look Paul, here comes another one!” Wait. What’s going on???

He says, “Come eat while it’s hot.” I say, “You don’t think…..” “No. Don’t worry,” he’s says. “I’m sure it’s a parade from another township.” Just to make sure, we double-check on line. Sure enough, OUR township parade is definitely scheduled for the following night. Whew!

The next night, all the ladies show up with their husbands and dates. It’s an even nicer night than the one before. Everyone’s dressed up and enjoying people they haven’t seen in forever. The boat parade start time, 7:15, comes and goes. ‘Ah well, they must still be lining up.’ 7:30, 7:45 … still no sign of a light much less a boat! Now I’m starting to worry (and, like any nervous bride who wants it to be perfect, I’m getting mad!).

“Hey everybody,” I stall. ” Let’s get that shot of all of us holding our children’s books that we’ve collected for charity!!”

Okay, well… that was good for a few minutes. Now it’s 8:00, 8:15, 8:30….. NO BOATS, NO PARADE, NO NOTHING! Well, that’s not quite true… somewhere out there along the beach, someone was shooting off fireworks. Woohoo!! (Small consolation for a night completely planned around a PARADE!) Talk about mud on my face (or is it ‘in your eye?’) SOMEwhere, there was mud. And, aside from the skinny string of Christmas lights on the bow-railing of our boat, my party people got totally ripped off!

The good news? Friends are incredibly forgiving. The food was good, the children will get books for Christmas, and …. there’s always next year?!?

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Activity Mayhem, Cell Photo Captures | 7 Comments »

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

November 4th, 2012

Not every blog has to be big news, right? Sometimes it’s fun to just embrace the moments when life is grand!!!! 

Paul and I re-watched “Swingers” the other night: Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Heather Graham … and got in-the-mood for some swing dancing. We then had the opportunity to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (who were featured in the film) perform LIVE. Do you know that all of the original members (up to 9 of them) have been together for 19 years!?? They’re obviously doing something right, and making a lot of people happy with their music. (Click their pic to watch the dance scene from the movie) We couldn’t stay in our seats. One song was even better than the next! At the end of the night? You would have witnessed two tired (and sweaty) pups. I’d definitely burned off the calories from dessert! ;)

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Cell Photo Captures, Look of the Day | 3 Comments »

Quick Update

October 15th, 2012

I love to blog about fashion and jewelry. I even slip in a blog from time to time about beauty or travel. But, this one’s just a little bit different.

As a courtesy to my friends and followers, I wanted to give a quick update to let you know that I have left my position at JTV as Style & Trend Expert. JTV is a delightful company with an extremely talented staff. I had the best time working alongside the Hosts and Buying team to bring ‘Stratify’ to all of you. Your positive feedback made me incredibly proud of what we accomplished.

While that position came to an end, my love of jewelry and gemstone exploration never will. In fact, Paul and I are traveling to Brazil next month to film at a Drusy mine! I get to be both ‘talent’ and ‘videographer.’ Now THAT will be a good trick. (Okay, maybe I’ll put him on camera, too. ;) )

You know I can never leave the shopping channel industry, right? So, stay tuned for the next chapter! Meanwhile, please keep in touch with me on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/judycrowellstyle and on Twitter here: (www.twitter.com/judycrowell).

Styling Your Full Potential (it’s always a pleasure) ~

Judy

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Posted in JTV Stratify, Shopping Channels | 16 Comments »

Have You Heard Of It?

September 9th, 2012

Morganite! Do you know this mineral? It’s currently the number 1 selling gemstone in my “Stratify” Jewelry Collection on JTV. It’s related to, believe it or not,

the Emerald…. and the Aquamarine….

Even though their colors are completely different, they are all from the Beryl family of gems due to their similar trace elements and chemical make up.

Morganite is a spectacular looking gemstone displaying the most beautiful color of peachy pink tones. It’s name was changed from “Pink Beryl” to “Morganite” back in 1911 when it was named after the famous financier J.P. Morgan. He was not only a rock hound and collector of gems, but he invested much of his banking fortune into researching the types and whereabouts of gemstones worldwide.

If you’re at all intrigued and want to see more…..ganite  (ba dum bum), tune into to JTV, Jewelry Television, this Tuesday, Sept. 11th  from 7-8pm ET. We’ll be broadcasting our first fully devoted hour in “Stratify” to all Morganite jewelry! It’s going to be busy! See you then.

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Gemstone Fashion, JTV Stratify, Judy Crowell Collection Updates | 1 Comment »

Sporty Chic

April 22nd, 2012

My love of fitness has suddenly collided with my love of fashion! Oh happy day! And I don’t mean that we’re re-embracing sweat pants. (Pleeeease don’t go there!) No, I mean that the wonderful, powerful, attention-grabbing appeal of true athleticism has finally caught up with our love of everything stylish and chic.

I can’t tell you how many hours a week I spend in spandex! Sometimes it’s downright embarrassing. But, here’s how it happens. I wake up with the knowledge that at some point in my day, I’m going to work out. Be it tennis, treadmill, tummy-work, tumbling, trampoline …. well, you never know …. I just know one thing’s for certain, I’m going to need flexible clothes.

My best laid plans have me reading the paper over coffee and some form of bran cereal (again, best laid plans) with a work-out soon to follow. Before you know it, the dog needs walking; laundry needs folding; UPS needs a signature; my flowers need a drink; the phone needs answering; I forgot to buy half and half !!; checks need cashing; bills need paying … It’s 3:30 in the afternoon and I’M STILL WEARING SPANDEX!

Perhaps this is not exactly what designers had in mind when they put their Sporty Chic silhouettes on the Spring 2012 runways. The gym is one thing, The Four Seasons is another. But, I still love the fact that now my double white-striped black leggings only call for a pair of Jimmy Choos, and I’m good to go!

In the most practical of athletic mindsets, we must accessorize accordingly. The littlest of bling is necessary. (But then again, who said anything about necessities?) What do you think? Some Pink Morganite leverbacks for comfort and color? Or, perhaps some Citrine studs? There’s always that go-to pair of Barepani London Blue Topaz to kick it up a notch, or the White Sapphire studs for flair. (Click the photos for details)

These don’t get in the way of your leg lift/kick-backs; they add color to your otherwise “glowing” make-up-less face; they fill in the pierce of your otherwise adorned earlobes; and, if nothing else, they scream Sporty Chic. It’s every girl’s dream come true… an invitation to be fit, fabulous and comfortable. I say, let the games begin!

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Closet Update Ideas, Focus On Fitness, Gemstone Fashion, Helpful Tips, JTV Stratify, Judy Crowell Collection Updates, Look of the Day | No Comments »

The Return Of The Earring ~ Spring 2012

April 14th, 2012

I’ve always referred to it as the most intimate piece of jewelry you wear, because it’s selected to be closest to your beautiful face. Now, designers are taking the importance of them to a whole new level with the Return Of The Earring for 2012. Soulful and sexy; flirty and colorful; movin’ and groovin,’ these dazzlers are turning (and framing) heads!

Some of us are thinking, “Wait just a minute. What’s so new? We’ve been down this road before.” Yes, but isn’t it fun?! Fashion loves to reinvent itself, and WE love when it does!

Some of the most famous faces in history were known for their glamorous lobes. It’s nice to know it’s ‘cool’ all over again.

So, what do you say we do a little shopping? If you want to duplicate the ‘looks,’ you’ve got to know where to go to find them. While my Stratify Collection isn’t on the runway……….. (yet!), I do have some great styles that would fit the bill for this current trend.  Take a look at these beauties, and see if  the colors, the gems, or the dangle styles strike your fancy. If so, click on the earring to see all the details. Happy shopping!

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Closet Update Ideas, Fashion History, Gemstone Fashion, Helpful Tips, JTV Stratify, Judy Crowell Collection Updates, Look of the Day | No Comments »

Spring 2012 Fashion Trends

April 11th, 2012

“Ehhh…verything’s coh…ming up roses…” It may have been back in ‘59 when Gypsy Rose Lee hummed that tune, but 53 years later we’re having another affair with florals. 

Have you been shopping lately? Spring 2012 Fashion designers are having a field day! Fitted or flowing matters not as long as we’re talking flowers.

And, while we’re on the subject, you’ll notice that it’s tough to wear flowers without wearing color. Harper’s Bazaar highlighted the blues in their recent expose of Spring 2012 runway style. Think of your average garden, though, and you realize that all color combos are acceptable.

Accessorizing this trend is simple.. especially with my Stratify Collection! While the clothing may be expensive (it’s really painful to look at the price tags), the jewelry I’ll show you is not. Every single one of these rings featuring genuine Tanzanite, Amethyst, Blue Topaz and Garnet is priced at under $100, and many are closer to $79. (You can click on the image to read more about it) Become your own designer! Jump on these styles while the trend is hot, but own looks that will long outlast today’s garden variety splurge.

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Closet Update Ideas, Fashion Show Analysis, Gemstone Fashion, Helpful Tips, JTV Stratify, Judy Crowell Collection Updates, Look of the Day | No Comments »

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