Happy January!!

If you have a birthday in January - you get a treat! FREE SHIPPING at The Jul-Ree Box all month long!!! Just put JANUARY BIRTHDAY in the note to seller upon completing your purchase and we will refund you the shipping costs via paypal. Happy Birthday!

Here are some items from our collection that contain GARNETS, the January birthstone. Both of these pieces are wire wrapped and contain several different shapes of genuine garnets. Such a lovely shade of red, however, I just learned that the most precious garnet is a green one - who would have thought? May you have a wonderful day and Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!

My mom and I would like to thank you for your business and wish you and your's a very Merry Christmas! Hope your holiday's are filled with everything you love. For Christmas this year, we are offering FREE SHIPPING to all our customers through Dececember 24th, 2009. When purchasing an item, please put FREE SHIPPING in the message to seller and we will reimburse your PayPal account the shipping costs.

God bless you and may you have a very fun and safe holiday - We appreciate you! Marie & Julia

SUMMER MADNESS SALE! up to 50% off!

Summer's almost at an end, yet we still have almost 2 months of warm, beautiful weather in Chicago. What do you do when you're tired of your wardrobe and mosquitoes? THINK FRESH! Use a different cologne - get a pedicure in a NEW summer hue - Keep the same blouse, but get a NEW NECKLACE on sale at The Jul-Ree Box! During our Summer Madness Sale, you can find some of your favorites up to 50% off!! So, while summer is still around - check us out and save some $$$ - you'll be glad you did!

Mom's Memo

HEY!! WHOOPIE!! It's back to school time already! Are you totally exhausted just thinking about it? Don't forget supplies, meetings, moo-la, and the most important thing of all, LOVING YOUR KID (kisses and cookies). For an easy re-make of smore's, try these:

CHIP'S A'HOY WHOOPIES!!

2 Chips A'hoy cookies
3 mini marshmellows

Place one Chips A'Hoy cookie on a microwave-safe plate. Position 3 mini marshmellows on top of cookie and microwave for 5 seconds, or until marshmellows puff up. Place remaining cookie on top of marshmellows. Wait 2 minutes for your whoopies to cool and EAT! Fast fun!


OR - for the more adventurous:

ANNA'S SMORE'S BARS

1 pkg. brownie mix
1 stick of butter, melted
1 pkg. of graham crackers, crushed
1 cup of chocolate chips
2 cups mini marshmellows
1 14oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine melted butter and brownie mix in a 9 x 9 inch pan. Spread on bottom of un-greased pan. Sprinkle grahams, chocolate chips and marshmellows on top of batter. Pour can of sweetened condensed milk over grahams, chips and marshmellows - making sure you stay away from the sides of the pan (about 1/4 inch from the sides). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. YUMMY!!

Classy Hair Accessories

I enjoy turning a drab outfit or bad-hair day into something special with an awesome accessory. It's a great economical way to get a new look. So, why not buy something new for your hair that will make everyone look at your adorable face and new hairdo? We've got a line of Klassy Klips at The Jul-Ree Box that will make you love your hair even more. We take plain hair clips, beads and some vintage buttons or vintage-look- a-like's and transform it into a fun piece of "bling". There's no reason to spend big bucks on a new outfit to feel special, just make a few adjustments with your accessories and your good as new!

Birds Of A Feather Flock Together?

One day, while sitting by my kitchen window, I saw several types of birds hanging out together. It was definitely a Kodak moment - and thankfully, I had my camera!

The other day, I made some adorable earringswith a little help from my sister and a fellow etsyian - ButtonsBeadsandMore. My sister challenged me to work with feathers and then came up with this great little ensemble of polymer clay bead and feathers... the finished product is totally cute. Thank you Anna. You always were a creative genius! And thank you ButtonsBeadsandMore - you were a joy to work with - Many sales to you!

Got Fall On My Mind....

I know it's still summer, but Fall has always been my favorite time of year. The sights and smells always lift my spirits. Gorgeous trees everywhere, apple pie fresh out of the oven, pumpkin scented candles, warm, rich colors to wear, hot cider, flavored coffee. It's a time to reflect on all the fun you had during the summer and look forward to the wonderful holidays ahead. Mom has made some beautiful fall jewelry that would delight any jewelry box... check these out.

Hope you had a Great 4th Celebration!

Now that the festivities have died down, it's time to shave your legs - YES, BOTH of them. I like to use hair conditioner instead of shaving cream. Gives you a very close shave!

Hey, on a totally different "vein" - what do you do about red, white and blue legs? I know, wear these and nobody will check out your veins!! : ) www.thejulreebox.etsy.com

LOOKING for summer Fun?

As a mom, I've been getting the old "I'm bored" routine that we lovingly call summer. However, I must say, HATS OFF to all of you who volunteer or run vacation Bible schools. What a wonderful little break I've been getting this week!! Thank you so much from all of us frazzled mom's and dad's who are just looking to go to the store "in peace" or maybe read a book??? ha God bless you! and remember: Nothing you do for HIM goes unnoticed! Have a great day!

I love this necklace and earring set from our shop - Mom made it with summer fun in mind. Love ya mom!

What inspires YOU?

I find that I am inspired when I think out of the box. For example, what if we took all that black grosgrain ribbon and made ribbon ties on the silver shower curtain. Or, how about stenciling metallic silver chandeliers on purple walls? What about crocheting with wire?

I love wearing my crocheted wire bracelets with flip flops and jeans. Once I wore a crocheted wire bracelet to a wedding and was amazed at the buzz it created. The bracelet can be fun and funky as well as dressy and extravagant.

The chandelier stencils pictured in this bathroom were purchased from an awesome Etsy shop called www.simplystencils.etsy.com. Check it out! She does custom orders as well.

The Color Purple

While visiting with a friend today we noticed her purple petunias, they really seemed to pop! Her secret: spray paint your pot the same color as the flowers you intend to plant - the results are stunning.

Are you a purple fan? Check these out....

Fact vs. MYTH

Do patent leather shoes REALLY reflect up? Do strings of pearls REALLY reflect down? Just reflecting on my Catholic up-bringing.... let me know if you have any answers..ha.

HEY! Summer's A Comin'!

Corn on the cob, watermelon - don't you feel bloated already? Swollen feet, failed deodorant - ooohhhh summer's comin'. Summer's a comin' do I look fat in this? Definitely! Well, how 'bout him? He's a fat pig too. Sorry, just joking. He's a fat pig also. Pig?? want a pork chop? No! Hand me that jar of mayo and a spoon. Argh - summer's a comin. Bring me a saw for my toenails. Yeah, the living is easy - too easy.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!

I just wanted to say I love you mom and Happy Mother's Day! You're the best partner a girl could ever want. I am forever grateful to you for all your encouragement, support and laughter. You always make me laugh at myself and life. May the Lord give you the desires of your heart and make ALL your plans succeed. Ps. 20:4. Love, Julia

P.S. and thank you also for making me do this jewelry thing... it's really been a blast... xoxoxoxo - in honor of Mother's Day - www.thejulreebox.etsy.com is offering 10% off all sales through Sunday, May 10th - happy shopping!

Ocean Memories

Wow just looking at this bracelet brings me somewhere else.... Mom did a beautiful job on this one. This is made out of memory wire so one-size-fits-all. If you're interested in the details check out our site. Until then - sail on to the ocean blue...


Search Engine Submission - AddMe

I Have A Dream

When I was growing up we lived in a house that had one bathroom. My mother, father and three brothers were always pounding on the door... KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK - "OPEN THE DOOR!" Today we have 2 1/2 baths... wow! progress.

Speaking of conveniences, wouldn't it be great to have a house with 3 washers and driers? You can do ALL your laundry in 1 hour!

Another dream of mine is to have a home with a dropped floor where the Christmas tree can descend, fully decorated into it's summer's hideaway.

Gotta go... I'm off to the bakery - we need MORE pastries delivered like pizza! Check out bangeragbakeshop.com!

Got a Sweet Tooth??

Visit my new favorite cupcake site - Bangerang Bake Shop. Awesome gifts for YOU or someone you love - completely delicious and economical too!! They were recently featured on the Today Show in December as a great gift for the holidays. They're Chicago locals - Go Bangerang! To Watch the Today Show episode - use this: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/28176917#28176917

Am I The Only One

So I need to know, am I the only one who cuts each Valentine chocolate in half so I don't get the gross ones? And WHY in this land of diversity is milk chocolate taboo? Milk chocolate rocks! Dark chocolate is almost medicinal. Did you ever have chocolate covered orange peels? Wow!! 'Better than cannolis. Hey! Did you ever have chocolate covered licorice? Bye. I gotta go to WW.

Light Up Your Life

Put your glitzy jewelry to good use. Adorn the outside of a small to medium size jar with strings of beads for a festive centerpiece or accessory in any room.

1. Place baubles, bangles and beads in a small to medium clear jar. Fill to half way.

2. Place a votive in the jar and light! Make sure they flame does not reach any jewelry. As always, never leave candles unattended.

So Go To The Wedding, Why Don't Cha?

Problem: Post holiday weight gain has made you dread your cousin's wedding.

Solution: Accentuate your perfect manicure with the eye catching ring your husband bought you for Christmas, or a bold bracelet from The Jul-Ree Box. A dark, solid colored outfit will draw the eye to your hands and jewelry.

You know you're gorgeous!!

Bold and Bright

In celebration of the new spring season – bold and bright are all the rage.



Re-think your neutral palette and come on board. Yes, you can still enjoy all of your neutral tees, blouses, dresses, etc. Dispel your fears by wearing colors only as an accent. CLASSY.

A Funny Valentine

I just bought this adorable card for my valentine. Is this cute or what?!? While there's still time to get that special Valentine, check out my friend Michelle's shop at Smash Girl Cards. She's got a very cool sense of humor and her cards are fun. Her website is www.smashgirlcards.etsy.com. She also has another shop on Etsy where she showcases her beautiful mosaic art - that's www.smashgirl.etsy.com. Happy Shopping! and thanks Michelle! You're still making us laugh! SSSTEEELLLLAAAAAAAAAA! haha

Accentuate Your Tiny Face

Make your small face become the center of attention with round earrings. Heart shaped, leaf-like or circles all become you. Wow! You’ll see!

Slim Trick

Would you like your round face to appear instantly slimmer? Try on a pair of linear
earrings in any color or texture you desire. The uncluttered look of the long earrings will detract from a round face. Try it!

23 Days Until Valentine's Day!

Where does the time go? I can't believe we're already on the back end of January - wow. When I think about Valentine's Day it's definitely one of my favorite's. It always brings such fond memories of being a kid and making the "box" for your party at school. Finding out who "forgot" to give you one... ha and who DIDN'T forget -EEEEWWWWW! And all that CANDY. I think that's really behind my love for Valentine's Day. It's the CANDY. Hershey's Kisses, Tootsie Rolls, Red Hots, Godiva, See's..... you know... all the good stuff.

Well, here's to Valentine's Day, here's to my first post ever in the the world, and here's to 2 of my favorite valentine's my dear hubby and my savior - JC - you're IT! John 3:16 the ultimate Valentine. xoxoxo