I first came across today’s Mah-velous Magnolia last fall through a mutual blogging friend. Immediately I found myself pouring over her site and her blog, dreaming of cool, breezy evenings spent on the Spanish Riveria, jewels sparkling in the moonlight, sipping champagne, and basking in life’s simplest luxuries.  Now doesn’t that sound absolutely fabulous?!

I’m thrilled to send the badge across the Atlantic Ocean to Vanessa, the brilliance behind Luxuria Jewellery, the heart who writes Decadence for Divas, and not to mention a fellow Sassy Steel Magnolia!

I love her story of how she started Luxuria, going from a Criminal Psychologist in the UK to living in Spain and extending affordable glamour to all through her web site. [Stories like that get me every time. Such a fan!] Her mission to bring the art of accessorizing, so dearly loved by Spanish women, to your front door, without making you skip a car payment to do so, is one any female can certainly appreciate! Below are a few pieces I have my eye on and are definitely saving to make my next rainy day a shiny one.

[Obviously my heart lies with the pink gold / gold and amethyst rings - major jewellery crush.]

On Vanessa’s blog, you’ll see posts that are both inspirational and entertaining. While you never know what you’re going to find there – you can rest assured you won’t want to miss a single one. From an important life lesson taught to by her dog, Lola, to a gathering of the most interesting facts on [this girl's] drink of all drinks, champagne, I never find myself lacking after reading one of her blog posts. [ another favourite post of mine: What Colour Are You? ] A staple in my blog reader, I’m always excited to see what she will come up with next and in case you can’t tell, it’s never a disappointment.

Through the vast cyber world Vanessa has grown to be a dear friend of The Sassy Steel Magnolia, often unknowingly lending priceless insights and encouragement along the way. It’s one of the greatest things about the World Wide Web, connecting with those you might not have otherwise crossed paths. While it may be a few years before I can make my way over to the Spanish Riviera myself, I can always rely on Vanessa, Luxuria, and Decadence for Divas to take me there in spirit.

To learn more about Vanessa, visit her Web site, blog, facebook, or twitter.

:: have a lovely & luxurious Friday, dolls ::

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The Mah-velous Magnolia badge will be awarded each Friday to a selected lady {or a few..or fellas..we’ll see!} who has had an impact on my week.  Who knows — maybe you’ll be up next!