Wedding Planning I - Scheduling

Nily Glaser

Article: "Wedding Planning I - Scheduling"
Nily Glaser
Copyright: © Nily Glaser 2004

"A-wedding Day" had many requests for information about the
chronology of steps for both the wedding ceremony
and reception. I hope that the following steps will help you
schedule the details involved with your wedding ceremony
and reception. It is important that you note that these are
general and the actual procedure for your personal
wedding may vary according to your preference and these
of your officiant as you incorporate your religion, heritage
and customs.
I have included steps for incorporating kids in re-marriages
and blending families.
Ceremony Steps:
The ushers seat guests as they arrive for the ceremony.
The mother of the bride is seated last, unless she accompanies
her daughter to the altar.
The musicians play background music.
At the scheduled start time, unless the officiant, the groom,
and the best man are in the processional, they take their
places at the altar (or ceremony place).
The musicians start to play the processional music.
Mothers light the tapers for the Unity candle ceremony that
will follow the bride and groom's kiss.

Procession - The most traditional order of the processional
is ushers and bridesmaids in pairs, followed by the maid of
honor, ring bearer, and flower girl. The bride enters last,
escorted by her father or by both parents.
The officiant greets the guests.
In a religious wedding, the officiant leads a brief opening
prayer.
Special readings, songs and or music follow.
The officiant's message.
The vows - Bride and groom.
In re-mariage the vows - blending family -vows from parents to
children.
The exchange of rings and the pronouncement "pronouncing you
husband and wife".
Bride and groom kiss.

In re-mariage giving each child a piece of jewelry and the
pronouncement " pronouncing you a new family".
Bride, groom and kids hug and kiss.
Unity candle ceremony (In remarriage, include the kids).
The officiant then introduces the bride and groom as
husband and wife.
In remarriage, the officiant then introduces the bride and groom
and their kids, preferably by names, as a new
family.
Exit procession: bride and groom, followed by the adult
attendants in pairs, followed by the ring bearer and flower
girl.
Take photos while the guests go to the reception.

Reception Steps

The reception starts with a receiving line that includes the
bride and groom, parents and attendants.
At the same time it is appropriate for waiters to circulate
with drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the receiving line is in
progress.
Background music played.
The bride and groom can open the dancing either before or
after food is served.
If you are planning a dinner and dancing reception, the
"bride and groom's first dance" occurs after dinner
followed by the bride dancing with her father
and the groom with his mother after which other guests are
allowed out on the floor.
Toasts should begin at the end of the meal.
The first toast is the best man's toast to the bride.
In re-marriage, the bride and groom introduce their children
before the first toast.
Other toasts.
Cake cutting ceremony.
The garter and bouquet tosses occur just before the couple
is ready to leave for the honeymoon.
The guests send the couple off for their honeymoon with a
shower of rice, rose petals, or bubbles, balloons, butterfly
release or doves release.

After the honeymoon, do not forget to write the thank-you notes.

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Nily



Nily Glaser is the CEO of A-wedding Day,
http://www.a-weddingday.com
a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center,
and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies
and bridal accessories. She is the publisher of the A-wedding Day
newsletter and creates personalized unity candles under Candles By Nily
http://www.candlesbynily.



Expressions of Devotion: Buying Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings and Wedding Bands Online
Antigone Arthur

Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do; this is particularly the case when an individual commits their love and devotion to another and offers a promise of marriage. The custom of offering and exchanging engagement rings and wedding bands is a time honored tradition rich in symbolism and meaning that has been carried on for centuries.

As time has changed so have consumer traditions and buying patterns. The rich tradition of exchanging vows as a symbol of love and devotion is still a traditional time honored ritual practiced in many cultures. Certain aspects of engagement and marriage have changed with time however. Whereas in times of old a couple might take several outings together in search of the perfect engagement rings or wedding bands, in modern times more and more couples are buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online. Thanks to the internet and the resulting access to a global marketplace, couples are realizing they have more options available to them all from the comforts of their living room. Some couples are even going to the extreme, not only buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online, but also purchasing wedding gowns, flowers and even participating in virtual marriages.

How have these changes come about? What can today's modern couple expect when planning a walk down the aisle?

The Engagement Ring

The practice of a groom offering his bride to be an engagement ring as a promise of love and affection began nearly 2 centuries ago in the United States; many associate the giving of engagement rings with a need to express implied commitment and understanding forever. The term "A Diamond is Forever" was in fact used as a means of reinforcing the notion that an engagement ring is a commitment from one fiancé to another to live a life together in marital harmony forever. The phrase is also a popular advertising catch phrase that reinforces the notion that love and devotion are part of everyday symbolisms that require an outlet for expression.

The use of engagement rings as a token of love and affection is a norm that instilled in the hearts and minds of most people, in part due to heavy marketing and advertising from diamond ring and other jewelry manufacturers, and in part based on the needs of mankind to project symbolism into everyday living.

Wedding Rings

Once a couple has decided to walk down the aisle together, the next step is often purchasing wedding rings together. Because there are so many different kinds to choose from, it helps to know what distinguishes one wedding band from another. There are several tips that you can follow to ensure that you purchase wedding bands that suit your individual preferences and budget.

First and foremost consumers should keep in mind that it certainly pays to do their homework. The best advice for wedding ring shoppers is patience. Couples should take the time to shop around and look at several different wedding bands, and have in mind an idea of what exactly they are looking for. Far too often customers compromise because they feel they can't find exactly what they are looking for; chances are you can find what you are looking for at a reasonable price, if you give yourself plenty of time to research wedding rings thoroughly before purchasing.

An article in Today's Summer Bride in Summer of 1989 suggested that consumers be patient and shop wisely, but also have faith that they will find what they are looking for. The article was referring to purchase of a wedding gown, but buying wedding rings follows the same logic. You probably didn't bump into your partner overnight, and likewise you should expect it to take some time to find the perfect wedding rings as symbols of your love and devotion to one another.

Marriage represents a commitment and shared love between two people. Wedding ceremonies are often shrouded in symbolism, among the most significant of which is the exchange of wedding rings between husband and wife.

Buying Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings and Wedding Bands Online

Society is ever changing, and with the advent of technology and access to a global marketplace, more and more consumers are buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online rather than shopping for these ritual symbols of devotion in a traditional store. Buying online affords consumers the luxury of perusing the widest selection of rings available from the convenience of their home.

Some people have infused the process of buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online with romanticism. New rituals and traditions are being built in the face of modern technology. In fact, some couples are planning entire wedding ceremonies through their computers. A virtual ceremony can be broadcast to friends and family members the world over!

What advice can we offer the couple interested in shopping for wedding accessories online? Here are some suggestions for a successful venture:

• 
  
• Keep an open mind. Know what type of engagement rings (diamond, gemstone, bands) or wedding rings you are looking for, but consider looking at many different varieties. You may change your mind about what type of ring best symbolizes your relationship and love.
• 
  
• Make shopping online romantic! Place some candles around the computer, turn on your song and have some wine! Buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online can be just as fun and exciting as buying them in person... and even more fun when you create a loving and warm atmosphere.
• 
  
• Be prepared to spend a fair amount of time perusing different styles and makes. There are an incredible variety of engagement rings and wedding bands available: titanium, platinum, white gold, traditional gold, silver, gemstone, diamond... the list goes on and on. Once you have reviewed a fair number of styles be sure to compile a list of your favorites to narrow down your search.
• 
  
• Know your size! Nothing is more obnoxious than having to have a ring re-sized before you wear it. There are several websites that offer jewelry sizing online. Typically women wear between a size 5-9 and men between sizes 8-12. The average for men: a 10; the average for women: a 7.
• 
  

A Symbol of Your Love and Devotion

Ritual symbols such as the exchange of engagement rings and wedding rings are time honored traditions that will likely continue through the next two centuries. Though the manner in which people shop and commit themselves to one another is changing, the time honored tradition of exchanging vows and bands as a symbol of love and devotion will not likely change in the near future.

Take advantage of modern technology, and consider buying engagement rings, wedding rings and wedding bands online. You'd be surprised the variety available, and pleasantly surprised by how exciting it can be shopping from the comforts of your living room, office, or bedroom...

Antigone Arthur is an award-winning author and freelance writer providing consumer information on such topics as wedding rings, engagement ring design and diamond wedding rings.

Get the bling without the sting - affordable engagement rings

Alex Miller

Just because you don't have a lot of money doesn't mean you can't find an affordable engagement ring that looks like it cost a fortune.

Tips on getting more diamond for your dollar when choosing an affordable engagement ring

First, the diamond shape you choose can help make your ring look like it's worth a lot more than you really paid. A marquise-shaped diamond, for example, looks larger than a round diamond. Pear-shaped and oval-shaped diamonds are also good choices for diamond engagement rings because they look larger than their round counterpart.

The setting you choose can also make your engagement ring look very glitzy and expensive. In particular, an Illusion setting. The diamond is mounted on a metal plate similar to a mirror, which makes the diamond appear bigger and more brilliant.

The quality of the diamond you choose is also important if you want an affordable engagement ring. Your personal preference will prevail, but it's possible to sacrifice quality for size. Colored diamonds are a popular choice, so one possibility is to opt for a lower grade color to get more diamond for your dollar.

Where to look for an affordable engagement ring

Why go past the World Wide Web? Crank up the computer and browse online, it's the easiest, most pain-free way to find a great affordable engagement ring that's not going to break the bank.

Of course, who can go past e-Bay for a bargain-priced affordable engagement ring? Another good value online jewelry auction site is Bidz.com. But a word of advice - make sure you do your homework before placing a bid. Get a handle on the various grades of diamonds available and the type of metal you fancy - be it yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Check out your local pawnshops too, they usually have terrific bargains on affordable engagement rings. And if it makes you feel a bit, well, icky, owning a pawnshop engagement ring, just remember that antique and vintage engagement rings are all the rage - and they have a history too.

Finding a bargain-price affordable engagement ring makes sense. It leaves you plenty of money to spend on other things you may need for your new life together. Like a ride-on mower, perhaps?


Alex Miller has been involved in the jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She lists her passions as "diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds" and has turned her passion into an informative website. You can find more great articles about diamonds, engagement rings, bridal jewelry, honeymoons and more at http://www.Engagement-Rings-Guide.com. The place to go BEFORE you shop for jewelry online.


Jewelry As A Graduation Gift-Make It A Memorable One
Sam Serio

Jewelry makes a memorable gift to commemorate one of Life's Great Milestones. Graduation represents a unique, personal accomplishment earned through hard work and determination.

Here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind when you are shopping for a jewelry gift to celebrate the next chapter of your special graduates life.
1. There's a big difference between 14 karat gold and gold-plated jewelry. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. Gold-plated describes jewelry with a layer of at least 10K gold bonded to a base metal. Gold plating eventually wears away, depending on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.
2. If you're buying a watch, determine whether you want one that runs on a battery or one that must be wound daily. Ask if a warranty or guarantee is included, how long it lasts, and what parts and repair problems it covers. Also ask how and where you can get the watch serviced and repaired.
3. Know the difference between laboratory-created gemstones and naturally mined stones. Stones created in the lab are visually identical to stones mined from the earth. The big difference is in the cost: laboratory-created stones are less expensive then naturally mined stones. But because they look much like stones mined from the earth, they must be identified as lab-created. If you want a naturally mined stone, ask if it has been treated. Gemstone treatments- such as heating, dyeing or bleaching- can improve a stone's appearance or durability. Some treatments are permanent; some may create special care requirements. Treatments also may affect the stone's value.
4. Ask whether pearls are imitation or real. Real pearls are made by oysters or other mollusks; imitation pearls are man-made. Cultured pearls are made by mollusks with human intervention; and irritant introduced into their shells causes a pearl to grow. Real pearls that are not cultured are fairly rare and expensive. The cost depends on the size, usually stated in millimeters, and the coating or "nacre" on a real pearl, which gives it its iridescence.
5. When you're buying a diamond, consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight, usually stated as carats. Each factor affects the price. Color is sometimes "graded" on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a "D" may be the best color for one scale, but not for another. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color of the diamond you're considering. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

When shopping online for a jewelry Graduation gift, apply these tips.
1.Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.
2.Take advantage of information and referrals from an Internet company you have come to trust.
3.Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy.
4.Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.



The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.

The Secret Of Silver Jewelry

George Ahrens

When we talk about precious metals we usually mean gold, platinum and another pure metal, fine silver. Silver is one of the original materials of value mentioned in the Bible, together with other originals such as precious gemstones that existed from the beginning of time.

This explains part of the attraction associated with these 'non-virtual' commodities - they existed for a very long time in human history, and presumably even before. Used throughout all generations and nations they have been and are one of the preferred ways to display symbols of value and are used as objects of beauty and style in jewelry. As a form of personal expression and 'street art'.

Thinking of fashion styles we tend to look at clothing, hair styling and makeup first. However accessories are a major part of the outfit. Jewelry one of its coolest forms.

Why is silver jewelry one of the constants that remain throughout history? What is the real mystery and the secret of silver? It's not only its cool attraction -- it is one of the commodities that existed before paper money, and it will retain it's value after currencies are gone.

In a world that goes more virtual by the minute we keep a few valuables that have their own pre-set value outside our current reality. Currencies will go virtual, jewelry will not.

To give you an idea about the differences of investments in tangible and intangible products and how it works out in real life, let me give you an example that nearly did cost me $25.000 in the past.

During the first oil crisis I lived in New Zealand for a few years and had to invest my assets in appropriate channels at that time. Because back then not only oil prices went up, also other commodities such as gold and silver increased slightly in value and I decided to invest some money in metals.

After locating a company that advertised selling of gold bullion, I went to their downtown store and asked a clerk to purchase gold for about $25.000. I never did this kind of investment before and was a bit unsure about where to keep it save from curious people and for the possible event of burglars in the house.

Knowing what was on my mind the clerk asked me that memorable question "would you like to have this in gold options, stocks or physical bullion?" He went through great lengths to explain me the advantages of "gold papers" that follow the value of gold at any time, so increase in value if the gold price further increases. There would be no necessity to actually touch physical things, and I could cash in the papers at any time.

I almost agreed to his offer, when suddenly a small yet bright thought of warning flashed my mind. Something that a goldsmith I met before told me years earlier, he said: "If you ever buy gold, remember the reason why you buy it, and do not buy virtual gold, but the real thing only".

This thought won in the end because my adviser taught me many basic things about jewelry and metals, and I highly respected his opinion. Turned out he was right. Less than 6 months later, the company I bought the bullion from faced bankruptcy and all their options, shares and other papers lost all of their value. I still had my physical gold however, that increased in value by about 10% at that time.

With that example fresh in mind, I personally still make distinctions when I buy personal products that enhance my lifestyle today.

Yes I invest a lot in software for example that enhances my virtual PC desktop, and helps websites function the way they should, and also loose a lot of it every few years when a harddisk or server crashes. I also enjoy the latest designer clothes, however they wear out and generally get damaged by usage over time.

However I keep a small collection of silver and gold jewelry in the same fresh looking condition as I originally bought it many years ago. These items never wear out, never go out of style. And never loose their value. It's the real thing.

George Ahrens is editor at BlueOceanJewelry.com
where you can find a fresh breeze in style of unique
silver jewelry with a touch of smart elegance and
sophistication. New designs with colorful precious
gemstones that express vitality and dynamic energy.
Bold statements of style, fun and timeless elegance.
Latest Trends First http://www.BlueOceanJewelry.com

What Answers To Questions For A Home Insurance Price Quote Will I Need To Know?
Tim Gorman

Lets face it, finding the best home insurance price quote can be an aggravating task if you're not fully prepared with answers to the common questions that most insurance companies will ask. This article outlines the questions that an insurance agent will ask you when you're requesting quotes for home insurance. Having this information handy will make finding house insurance easier and save you valuable time.
The most obvious question that will be asked first deals with your address information. The home insurance agent will need your street address as well as the state, city and zip code. This information will be used as the starting point for all future questions. A normal question deals with the approximate location of your home in relation to the nearest fire hydrant. You can also be expected to have to know how far the nearest fire department is from your house. The insurer will want to know if you have a fire alarm system and if so what type of system
Additional questions will focus on whether or not anyone living in the house smokes and if your building has an internal sprinkler system. Make sure you know if you have a burglar alarm and what type of alarm it is because that question will come up. You might be asked if you live in a gated community and if you have a dog as a pet. If you do own a dog then the insurance provider will want to know the breed.
You can be assured that you will be asked how old you are and if the answer is over 55 expect a follow up question on whether or not you are retired. The insurance company will expect that you already have some form of homeowners insurance with another company so be prepared to answer that question along with if you have car insurance, if so - with what company and for how long. Don't be alarmed by such questions, as they are routine when trying to determine a home insurance price quote.
If you've made any insurance claims within the last 3 years then the home insurance provider will want to know the claim amount and the reason for initiating the insurance claim. You will also be expected to truthfully answer if you have ever had an insurance policy cancelled or non-renewed.
Questions that center on your home include, how many rooms in the house - without counting bathrooms, the number of people living in the house and a rating of your home from inexpensive to expensive. You will be asked if you own any property that is very valuable (such as: jewelry, antiques, home entertainment system, or a musical instrument)? You'll have to know what year the house was built, the type of residence it is, what building materials were used to construct the dwelling and if you rent or own the property.
As you can see although the list of questions is small having the necessary answers when you need them will save yourself as well as your insurance agent valuable time and eliminate unnecessary headaches. It may also help save money on your home insurance price quote.


Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Best-Free-Insurance-Quotes.com. He provides more insurance information and offers discount auto, life and home insurance

Diamond Jewelry - The Ultimate Classic Adornment

Angela S Davis

Diamond jewelry is the ultimate adornment for a woman or even a man. It is something which takes us beyond the realm of time. Diamond jewelry is a timeless classic adornment, which can never go out of style and will always be looked up amongst all kinds of jewelry.

In buying diamond jewelry it is important to keep some factors in mind. The diamond history, diamond shape (Diamonds come in more shapes than any other gem. Diamond jewelry with spectacular center pieces are available in round, emerald cut, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, radiant, and trillion. Diamonds as accents are usually found in small round shapes and baguettes. Popular earrings are usually round or princess cut, though some may come in fancier shapes),

Diamond settings (such as bar, bezel, channel, chevron, invisible, pave, and prongs), diamond carats (The unit used to measure the size and weight of loose diamonds), diamond clarity (Clarity is the clearness of a diamond. The most valued diamonds are the clearest. When shopping for a diamond, look for diamonds with grades from FL to SI2. Stones from VS1 to S2 are the best value because they are lower in price without too many inclusions.)

Diamond color (Diamonds that are colorless or near colorless are the most prized.) And diamond cut (The diamond cut determines the brilliance of the diamonds. If a diamond is poorly cut, the light is lost through the sides and bottom of the diamond and there will be no radiance)

Diamonds are more commonly found in certain shapes; baguette, emerald, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, radiant, round and trillion. The most popular diamond shape has been the round brilliant because people believed it to be an "ideal cut" that displayed the most brilliance and sparkle in a diamond. The design also allows it to hide flaws and imperfections. However, new technology has made other shapes just as brilliant, such as the princess cut and trilliant cut. Today, there is no such thing as an "ideal cut" when it comes to diamond jewelry.

In diamond jewelry, the diamonds are set in different kinds of settings. Some of these kinds of settings commonly used in diamond jewelry are-

- Bar: Metal bars hold the loose diamonds in a channel-like setting.

- Bezel: The metal is formed to fit around the diamond, cupping it into place.

- Channel: A row of small diamond stones are set in a groove in the diamond rings.

- Chevron: V-shaped prongs that usually hold a marquise or princess-cut diamond for solitaire style rings.

- Invisible: Diamond set in a groove without visible prongs.

- Pave: Tiny stones are embedded to look like the piece is paved with loose diamonds.

- Prong: Several prongs hold the diamonds to let light pass through without interference.

Though diamond jewelry is made of diamonds, which is one of strongest materials on earth, a hard blow can cause the diamond to chip. If proper care is taken then the diamond jewelry can last a lifetime. To clean diamond jewelry, use water and a little bit of ammonia with a gentle brush while being careful of the metal. Also keep it away from lotion, perspiration and other household cleaners. These items can dull the surface of the stones. Store your diamond jewelry separated with paper or bags, so they do not scratch or dull each other. It's also wise to keep the diamond jewelry in its original velvet box.

Looking for information about Diamonds?
Go to: http://www.diamondtrack.com
'Diamond Track' is published by Angela Davis -
The Complete A to Z Of Diamond Resources
Check out more Diamond articles at: http://www.diamondtrack.com/articles

The Gifts We Give our Dogs
Carolyn Schweitzer

Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar with 21st century dogs. Time was when the average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown the occasional bone. He was even expected to earn his keep!
Times have changed. As the world has grown more affluent, so have our pets. We're obsessed with keeping our canine companions happy, healthy, and properly accessorized. So much so that many of us worry about our own welfare less than that of our dog. This didn't happen overnight-- the trend started decades ago.�
Take, for example, my grandmother Rose. During the 60's and 70's, Rose and Henry discovered cruise vacations. On every cruise, whenever they pulled into port to "shop", Rosie made it her mission to find stray dogs and feed them. She'd head straight for the butcher, buy a few pounds of fresh meat, and comb the islands for the hungry and homeless. She would exclaim, "It's a crime the way these animals live!"-- in spite of the fact that the people of those islands were desperately poor!
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not passing judgment on Grandma, or anyone else. I spoil my pets as much as the next guy or gal, and take immense pleasure in it. Truth be told, I'd rather hang out with my dog than with a whole lot of people I know. We share a special bond, my best friend and I. Hey, admit it... lots of you feel the same way!�
The fact is, man has always had a close relationship with animals, and has enjoyed having pets around for companionship. Having a pet can bring great pleasure into our lives, and is believed to have a therapeutic effect on the owner. For empty nesters and those who've delayed or opted out of having kids, pets almost take the place of children. We bond with our pets especially because they don't judge us. Dogs in particular offer the kind of unconditional love we all crave. They're always thrilled to have us around!
So, how do we spoil our pets?�
Probably in much the same way that we spoil our children! Aside from all of the care attention lavished on America's pets, a tremendous amount of money is spent providing goods and services that were once deemed a luxury-- but are now considered essential.
Today's dog sees the vet for regular checkups. She eats premium dog food and munches on gourmet doggie treats, is enrolled in obedience classes, and runs agility courses. She has her own collections of toys, clothing, and possibly even dog jewelry and canine cologne. She sleeps indoors on a luxury orthopedic bed and takes shelter outdoors in her cedar dog house. She wears a safety harness when riding in the family car, a reflective vest on hunting trips, and rain gear in foul weather. She can even dodge UV rays with a pair of doggie sunglasses. Her responsibilities are few.
I could go on (don't worry, at some point I will!). But one of the most notable signs that we regard our dogs as members of our family is the fact that we buy them gifts. A dog gift for the holidays, a dog gift for a special occasion, or a dog gift to show our appreciation for how much our dogs appreciate us. Any reason will do. Heck, we even wrap our dog gifts!
Here are some very interesting statistics regarding gifts for pets:

* More than half of U.S. households have pets, and many of them are including their "best friends" in holiday plans.�
* According to a survey conducted by the Pet Supplies "Plus" chain, 97% of its customers will buy gifts for their animals this Yuletide season.�
* 28% of owners will spend more on their pets than on their spouses when buying gifts.
* 47% will spend more on their pets than on relatives other than their spouse.
* 54% will spend more on their pets than on their in-laws.
* 83% will wrap their pets' gifts.
* 68% claim that their pets will unwrap presents themselves with their paws.
* 71% will buy something practical for them.

Buying gifts for our pets is only the half it. If someone we know is a pet lover, we often show our support by giving the person a pet-related gift. And, since the saying goes, "love me, love my dog", there's often pressure to throw in a little dog gift for Spike too. For a casual dog-loving aquaintance, our dog lover gift might be a simple coffee mug with a picture of their favorite dog breed. A set of plush doggie-themed golf club covers could make an amusing gift for a colleague. Maybe Aunt Janine has a collection of dog figurines we can add to. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, one could splurge on a diamond-studded doggie themed bracelet for the wife (although I wouldn't recommend this as an anniversary gift. Unless you're verrry sure.) and a new house for Spike.�
The good news is, there's no shortage of goods and services to inspire even the most rabid of dog lovers and dog gift shoppers. And dog lover gift shoppers. Whether the names on your gift list are human or canine, you'll never run out of things to buy and places to shop. If you're one of those gifted gift givers who's never at a loss for what to get and where to find it I envy you. If you're more like the rest of us, and you need a little help, you'll find plenty of ideas online (Ahem!). You can also look for future articles in this series, in which I'll hone in on various ways you can pamper and reward the dogs and dog lovers in your life.�
So go ahead, spoil your furry friends. Celebrate your love for your dog, and your sister in law's love for her dog. Shower them with goodies and gifts. It's a dog's life. And if I get to come back for another round, I want it to be as one of those lucky dogs!!


Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of http://www.great-dog-gift.com. The site offers a wide range of choices for dog gift shoppers, plus shopping and gift-giving tips. She's always looking for new dog gift ideas and dog stories to share with her readers. You can reach her by email at netbrainer@verizon.net�

How to Write to Mars and Venus!

Jaruda Boonsuwan

There's Yin, and there's Yang. There's a man, and there's a woman.

You can't live without one or another. And let's face it. We're not the same!

So when you're writing your ads or sales letters, you should keep in mind that, "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus". I know....I know! Although men don't enjoy that book as much as women do, the nature of gender differences is unarguable. We were not born the same....that's all.

There's always a psychological barricade based on our gender differences. You can't write to men, thinking they're from Venus. Likewise, you can't write to women, thinking they're from Mars. You can't let them collide!

Always remind yourself what it is that keeps them glued to your page! Then make a list....

** For men, the top things on their minds are sports, cars, high-tech toys, computer games, politics and finance.

** As for women, the top things on their minds are fashion, beauty, diet, celebrities, horoscope and jewelry.

Now, what you can do is do a little research. Go buy a few magazines that are not in your area of expertise. Or if you like, you can just ask your boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives or even your kids about the latest trends. I guarantee you'll get a lot of eye-opening, cutting-edge ideas.

Notice the words, adjectives or technical terms they use. Don't forget to remember the names of important persons in that particular field. Get a glimpse of what's HOT and who's COOL! This way when you write, your prospects will feel that you're NO ALIEN. They'll feel that you're part of the GANG!

Suppose you're targeting male prospects, mention something eye-catching like:

Nascar, Formula One, Ferrari, DowJones, Nasdaq, Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, Michael Schumacher, Sammy Sosa, Michael Jordan, .....

This will not only reduce their "Defense Mechanism", but will also trigger their buying interests.

Now suppose you're targeting female audience, bring up instant magnetic charms like:

Prada, Chanel, Hermes, Ungaro, Jennifer Lopez, Brad Pitt, Enrique Iglesias, Slim Fast, beauty secrets, diamond, star style, princess, the future,....

This will keep them curious and eager to finish reading your sales copies.

**HERE'S HOW TO PUT IT TO WORK!

If you're writing a classified ad, you could write the same content, with a slight difference. This way, you'll have 2 slightly different ads to target men and women -- SEPERATELY!

For example, here is an ad targeting male audience ....

"Unveil the Formula One Secret You Can Instantly Copy to Turbocharge Your Site and Easily Turn It into a Hole-in-One Business that Earns You Homerun Profits -- 100% Faster than Tiger Woods' Swing...Guaranteed!"

With a slight change to it, you'll have an ad targeting female audience...

"Uncover the Time-tested Secret You Can Instantly Copy to Make Over Your Site and Easily Turn It into a Hot-selling Business that Earns You Magic Profits -- You Can Buy Yourself 2 Prada Bags a Day....100% Guaranteed!"

You'll see that in the ad for men, I use the word "turbocharge" to associate with auto racing. And because men like SPEED.

And in the ad for women, I use the word "time-tested" to associate with beauty. And because women like SECURITY.

See how easy it is you can create 2 "TARGETED" classified ads in just a minute? You surely can create more targeted ads like these -- in NO time at all.

P.S. Don't forget whom you're writing to! A Mars or a Venus?



The author, Jaruda Boonsuwan, is offering one-of-its-kind copywriting e-course -- at no charge. She reveals deadly-effective secrets to writing killer sales copies at http://www.groundbreakcopywriting.com

Hot Wedding Trend: Platinum Wedding Rings
Donna Monday

In our hungry-for-anything new pop culture world, celebrities are often the ones that can start a hot fashion trend seemingly overnight. With their heavy media exposure, they are often photographed wearing the latest styles in fashion and jewelry.

Platinum engagement and wedding rings are the latest celebrity trend that has taken the jewelry industry by storm. Several high-profile newlyweds have taken a shine to the cool elegance of platinum.

"Platinum is like our relationship in that it is strong, precious and timeless," says Nick Lachey about the custom made platinum wedding rings he and his wife Jessica Simpson tied the knot with.

It seems that view of the lustrous metal is shared by other celebrity couples as well such as: Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Adam Sandler and Jackie Titone, as well as, popular actresses Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson.

Celebrities are especially fond of pairing fancy colored diamonds with their platinum rings. Also, the three diamond platinum engagement ring has quickly become all the rage among new brides.

So, if you're looking to buy diamond jewelry online, whether it's for a special occasion like a wedding, or a gift for a special person, consider platinum jewelry as one of your best and brightest options.


Copyright 2004
Donna Monday
One special moment. One special ring.
http://www.1-love-rings.com

Gift Ideas for men: Jewelry!

Matthew Seigneur

Awesome jewellery gifts any man would love.

From Men's Bracelets to Men's Sport Watches there are so many awesome jewellery gifts any man would love. Gift ideas in this line could be racelets for men, men's necklaces, rings for men, cuff links, tie tacks, and men's casual or sport watches.

Here are some special gifts that most men would absolutely love to receive. Gold and Onyx rings engraved with there initials are wonderful gifts that almost any man would wear with pride. What man would not like to wear gold? Almost all gold or silver jewellery designed for men can be engraved and this is one gift that will be everlasting.

Silver Garnet Rings look cool and is another awesome jewellery gift for men that's made of genuine garnet and simple design. Today, many men are wearing necklaces. You can find necklaces for any man from ones that have their favorite sports team to nice gold or silver chains. These types of necklaces go with any outfit or occasion. Bracelets can be engraved with the man's name or initials and a date; maybe the date of an anniversary or promotion.
What's getting very popular for the man is Titanium jewellery for Men.

Now for the ultimate in jewellery accessories. The "techno" look and feel of the titanium lends credence to the strong and powerful statement of these designs. These titanium accessories make a great gift for someone who already enjoys a titanium ring! Many men use the money clips for showy presents. Titanium pens make great gifts for most any man as well.

Some other excellent jewellery for men you might want to consider is some great trendy name brand watches like a slick Calvin Klein Bold Square Watch. Its shape gives this watch a sleek look. Watch features an angled inner edge with minute
markers, and a black leather strap. Yet a little pricier your man will simply love this awesome jewellery item.

You will be amazed at all the Tie clips and Tie Bars that you can find that make a great jewellery gift item. Special tie clip's given to a man can bring years of lasting memories and simply adds a great finishing touch to any suit.

If you are seeking more unique jewellery gifts, you can find that there are many unique jewellery items that are handmade by artists from all around the world.

You will be able to find leather bracelets with unique stones and emblems that will be a unique and interesting piece of jewellery that everyone will ask him where he found it.

http://www.gifts-for-men.org/ Provides gift ideas and unique gifts for men, visit
http://www.gifts-for-men.org/gadgets-uk/?category=Games for some cool gadgets you
can buy for men!

Animal Jewelry: a very different and beautiful form of adornment
Angela Davis

Animal jewelry is a wonderful way to express your love and appreciation for your pet animal. Not only is it an ideal gift to give to animal lovers, but it is also a rather unusual jewelry item which you can own yourself. Though animal jewelry in some form or another has been around since quite some time, it is only recently that the market for it has come of age. It is now available in almost every conceivable size, shape, form and texture for all age groups. Whether it is a sophisticated brooch for a woman, or tiger cufflinks for a man or a monkey necklace for a child, it can all be found and made to order if need be.

Animal jewelry is available in many different styles. Some popular motifs for designs include dolphins, cats, horses and dogs. Animal jewelry is such that it can be truly appreciated by an animal lover. It comes in a wide variety of price ranges. It can be something very reasonable and can also be quite expensive. Some kinds of animal jewelry are made of precious metals and decorated with precious and semi precious stones. Such expensive high end animal jewelry can be made from sterling silver or gold and can even have diamonds or rubies as settings. The kind of craftsmanship used the finish and over all look also makes a huge difference to the overall price of this kind of jewelry.

Animal jewelry is available in various specialty stores, jewelry stores, antique stores and boutiques. It can also be found in some kinds of departmental stores and also online. If you can afford it, you can even get animal jewelry made to order according to your specifications. Many kinds of animal jewelry is found in the shape of charms/totems and pendants. They are considered to be quite lucky and auspicious in certain cultures and regions and are worn as good luck charms. These charms and pendants can be produced to appear still, or even in motion.

Animal jewelry is not only beautiful, but it is also unique and a wonderful way to show your appreciation for animals. This type of jewlery in the form of rings is quite popular. Many animal lovers can choose to have their favorite animal on a ring of their choice. Other styles of animal jewelry include picture bracelets. These styles of picture bracelets have separate links that may either be circular or box shaped and can have a picture of an animal or an engraving of an animal on the inside. Designs may include wolfs, turtles, snakes, bear claws, otters, elks, and deers, among many others.

Animal jewelry is the perfect gift for the animal lover. Animal lovers can find beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, armlets, pendants, belt buckles, cufflinks and even body jewelry with animal themes like horses, dolphins, butterflies, geckos, elephants, frogs, ladybugs and much more.


Looking for information about Jewelry?
Go to: http://www.merryjewelry.com
'Merry Jewelry' is published by Angela Davis -
The Complete Jewelry Resource Directory
Check out more Jewelry articles at: http://www.merryjewelry.com/archive

Buying Diamonds Without Being Ripped-Off

Sam Serio

Buying diamond jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you're considering a gift of diamond jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here's some information to help you get the best quality diamond jewelry for your money, whether you're shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Diamonds
A diamond's value is based on four criteria: color, cut, clarity, and carat. The clarity and color of a diamond usually are graded. However, scales are not uniform: a clarity grade of "slightly included" may represent a different grade on one grading system versus another, depending on the terms used in the scale. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color or clarity of the diamond you're considering. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface or internal imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

As with other gems, diamond weight usually is stated in carats. Diamond weight may be described in decimal or fractional parts of a carat. If the weight is given in decimal parts of a carat, the figure should be accurate to the last decimal place. For example, ".30 carat" could represent a diamond that weighs between .295 - .304 carat. Some retailers describe diamond weight in fractions and use the fraction to represent a range of weights. For example, a diamond described as 1/2 carat could weigh between .47 - .54 carat. If diamond weight is stated as fractional parts of a carat, the retailer should disclose two things: that the weight is not exact, and the reasonable range of weight for each fraction or the weight tolerance being used.

Some diamonds may be treated to improve their appearance in similar ways as other gemstones. Since these treatments improve the clarity of the diamond, some jewelers refer to them as clarity enhancement. One type of treatment - fracture filling - conceals cracks in diamonds by filling them with a foreign substance. This filling may not be permanent and jewelers should
tell you if the diamond you're considering has been fracture-filled.

Another treatment - lasering - involves the use of a laser beam to improve the appearance of diamonds that have black inclusions or pots. A laser beam is aimed at the inclusion. Acid is then forced through a tiny tunnel made by the laser beam to remove the inclusion. Lasering is permanent and a laser-drilled stone does not require special care.

While a laser-drilled diamond may appear as beautiful as a comparable untreated stone, it may not be as valuable. That's because an untreated stone of the same quality is rarer and therefore more valuable. Jewelers should tell you whether the diamond you're considering has been laser-drilled.

Imitation diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, resemble diamonds in appearance but are much less costly. Certain laboratory created gemstones, such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not be adequately detected by the instruments originally used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he has the current testing equipment to distinguish between diamonds and other lab-created stones.


The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.

Moissanite Earrings, The Modern Brazilian Beetle.
Peter Crump

The history of earrings is a varied history indeed. And the latest in the long line of female body adornments known as earrings are Moissanite earrings. Moissanite is taking the jewelry world by storm and moissanite earrings are no exception.

Moissanite earrings, well earrings in general anyway, are a fashion with a long history. They are believed to have originated around 3000 BC. Fashioned often in gold, silver or bronze, numerous examples of earrings dating from around 2500 BC to the time of Christ have been unearthed.

Many fascinating examples have been uncovered from the royal graves in Iraq!

Earring styles have varied enormously over the last 3500 years. Earrings were often buried with the dead, as were many other forms of fashionable jewelry of the time. This is fortunate as it allows us to determine exactly what earrings were popular at various times in our history.

Around 1350 BC hoop earrings were popular which fitted inside a larger hole in the ear than would normally be the case. We can only imagine what it would have taken to produce the hole in the ear in the first place! Probably a small hoop earring at first, followed by larger ones as time progressed.

Earrings had styles and motifs which fitted the times. For example in Greek society around the second century BC earrings often displayed motifs of the gods of the time. And precious stones also adorned the ears of the wealthy women of the time to display their riches.

From around the third to the tenth century AD earrings were overtaken by head adornments which often covered the entire side of the face. And then for a few centuries after that long hair styles and high collars covered the ears and earrings lost their appeal.

Earrings took a back seat for quite some time, but re-emerged unscathed around the sixteenth century. At the time women's hairstyles crept up exposing the ears again and by the seventeenth century earrings were back in fashion.

Earrings then were often long and heavy and extended use resulted in women suffering permanently stretched ear lobes. This can be clearly seen in pictures of Queen Victoria, a dedicated earring wearer. Perhaps she had a lot to do with the fashion of the time.

Earring fashions varied with hairstyles. When the hair was worn on the top of the head the ears were prominently displayed and so earrings were essential, however from time to time the hairstyles favoured covering the ears, and earrings went back out of fashion.

All sorts of exotic earring materials were used including in the late 1800s, of all things, Brazilian beetles for their attractive green color.

Back then it was Brazilian beetles, now it's moissanite. Using the newest of the modern earring materials, moissanite earrings are taking the earring world by storm. Why? Simply because moissanite earrings look as good as diamond earrings but without the price tag.

Moissanite earrings feature moissanite stones, a modern alternative to diamonds which offer all the qualities of diamonds but at a fraction of the cost.

Whether it's simple round cut moissanite stones set into white or yellow gold to produce stunning moissanite stud earrings, three stone moissanite earrings in gold or solitaire moissanite earrings with lever back settings, any would complement the ear of the modern woman.

Moissanite earrings, the modern Brazilian beetle!

Find out more about Moissanite Earrings and other types of Moissanite rings at Peter's website, The Magic of Moissanite.
© 2005 Peter Crump.

Planning on Doing Some International Travel Over the Holidays?

Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach

[shudder]. No really, a little EQ - managing the attitude, and using the ole noggin' can make it almost pleasant!

1. Pack your patience and your Emotional Intelligence.

Turn down the emotions, turn up the forethought. Example - research your destination on the Internet prior for websites where individuals (not paid interests) can tell you what you can ^anticipate^.

2. Pre-arrange everything you possibly can - air, hotel, car, restaurant, attractions, plays.

3. Make copies of your passport, traveler's checques, credit cards, itinerary, and airline tickets.

Carry one copy with you and leave one copy with your designated emergency-contact.

4. Carry with you the address and phone number of your country's embassy (consulate) for each country you'll visit.

5. Take any regular medication in your hand luggage and be sure you have more than enough for your trip. (Remember needles and scissors can't be in hand luggage.)

6. Check the US State Dept. advisories, www.travelstate.gov, before your go for immunizations, hazards and other pertinent information; the Overseas Security Advisory Council, www.ds-osac.org, and the Transportation Security Administration site, www.tsatraveltips.us.

7. You'll know you'll be waiting, so use your EQ and figure out how to make it A Good Thing.

� Use e-ticket and online checkin when you can.
� Bring along that book you've been meaning to read
� Bring a pre-paid phone call and catch up with buddies
� Bring a neck pillow and plan to catch up on your rest
� Dress appropriately for sitting or lying around an airport for a long time - loose clothing that can be abused

8. Use your neocortex when you pack, not your brain-stem. (You KNOW the rules, abide by them! Exorcize from the brain-stem another time, another place.)

� Pack carry-ons lightly so they can be checked more easily
� Check the checked baggage allowance and be sure your name and contact details are on the outside of each bag
� Avoid packing anything that looks like a weapon (guide - anything you wouldn't give a toddler free access to - nail file, letter opener, knitting needle, and the more obvious hand grenades)
� When traveling to and from North America, TSA recommends not locking checked baggage
� Check here www.tsa.dot.gov for common items which become hazardous in flight due to temperature changes and pressure, and don't pack them.

9. Be sure you have a valid passport and any required Visas and be prepared to show them at any point along the way.

10. Know the rules of security checkpoints and abide by them.

� Only ticketed passengers can proceed beyond it
� All electronic items will be screened - laptops and cells. Remove laptop from travel case.
� Keep ticket and boarding pass and ID within easy reach - like on neck chain
� Wear shoes easy to remove and as little jewelry as possible

P.S. Here's a tip from a seasoned traveler. You KNOW you're going to be buying things, and possibly taking home gifts, so pack some clothes that are ready for Goodwill and that you can deposit in another country's "Goodwill" to leave space in your bags for the return trip.

©Susan Dunn, MA, cEQc, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc, sdunn@susandunn.cc . Would you like to be an EQ coach? We offer training and certification, long distance, no residency requirement. Rigorous programme plus products available for licensing that will prepare you to launch your practice in this fast-growing new field. http://www.eqcoach.net .Email us for FREE eZine, mor info.

Fancy Colour Diamonds - Diamonds Come In All The Colours Of The Rainbow
Caroline O'Shaughnessy

There may be nothing more beautiful than the diamond. There's a reason that these precious stones are so highly sought after and the reason is beauty. Something that a lot of people may not know is that diamonds come in colours other than white. Fancy colour diamonds are available in almost every colour imaginable and, while the rarity of clolured diamonds makes them more expensive than white or colourless gems, they are nowhere near as costly as they once were.

Colour Me Impressed - Diamonds In Beautiful Natural Colour

Long ago coloured diamonds were far out of reach of the average person. Only about one in every thousand diamonds mined is considered a fancy, others are diamonds that have inclusions that make them undesirable. This rarity in the fancy diamonds made them extremely valuable. It wasn't until science found a way to create coloured diamonds from the imperfect white stones that the naturally coloured ones began to drop in price. This also lowered the popularity of the fancy diamonds which further lowered their cost. Natural fancy colour diamonds are gaining in popularity once again and are no longer just for the wealthy.

Naturally coloured diamonds are used in all manner of diamond rings, earrings, and other diamond jewelry. A Fancy diamond can be cut in the same way as a white diamond and there is once again quite a demand for desirable fancy diamonds. Canary yellow and pink diamonds are especially popular in today's market, but diamonds of all colours are available. Lab enhanced diamonds will cost much less than naturally coloured diamonds, but the colour may fade over time. Diamonds that are naturally fancy will retain their colour forever.


Caroline O'Shaughnessy runs www.Best-Diamonds-Online.com.
She keeps track of all the latest news and developments about diamonds, diamond
rings and diamond
jewelry.

Your First Favourite Band

Fraser Neilson

Do you remember your first favourite band or artist? The first time you fell in love with a musical act? And probably the first time you ever fell in love with music too? Do you remember how it felt?

My story may be familiar to yours as I'm sure there are millions of people who were having the very same experience as me.

I was a typical teenager who wasn't very sure of himself, but I was sure that I loved music and this was largely due to my mum who always had music playing around us as I was growing up. In the house and in the car, it was always on but was mostly chart music from the radio or the 50s and 60s ballads that my mother liked.

I started to hear about some new bands from other kids at school and I also began to find some interesting sounds on a station called Radio Luxembourg, which was a pirate station broadcasting from Europe, and it played a lot of the post punk new wave music that I was destined to fall in love with.

I remember it well now - lying in bed with the radio on at midnight, the volume turned down low so my parents couldn't hear it while the Alternative Top 30 chart was broadcast late into the night. It was around this time that it happened - I discovered my first favourite band.

My first love was a band called Japan, and it was in 1984, two years after they had split up that I fell in love with their music.

It was through a friend at school that I discovered them, he was one of the cooler kids who was at the forefront of the alternative music scene that was leading that way then.

We were all Baby Goths at the time - too young to be 'proper' Goths but wearing as many of the clothes as possible - dressed in regulation tight black trousers, pointy toed boots, flowery psychedelic shirts and black bikers jackets or long black coats, all topped off with lots of silver jewelry and chains.

We were in the park one day listening to that great staple of the 70s and 80s teenager's musical diet - the compilation tape.

John had a typical 'alternative' compilation with A Forest by The Cure, Spiritwalker by The Cult and several Bauhaus tracks, but he also had some tracks by another band I had heard of but never heard any music by, and that was Japan. He recommended that I get the Assemblage album, which was basically a compilation of their early singles.

So off I went to Virgin records and sought out a black vinyl copy of the album and took it home in a big plastic album bag to my trusty turntable.

I pulled it out of the sleeve, excited about what listening pleasures lay before me and pulled the lever that sent the needle over to the record's edge. And the effect of that first track quite literally changed my musical life.

As the opening bass, synth and guitar lines of Adolescent Sex came through the speakers, for the first time in my life I felt a shiver down my spine and the hairs on the back of my neck literally stood up.

It's an old clich� but it was absolutely true and I was filled with the emotion of what this music did for me. I loved the feeling and I wanted more and I was sure Japan could supply it.

And that was the start of my quest to buy as much as possible of Japan's music. Over the next few months I bought everything I could find and afford. I just about memorised their discography as I read everything I could about the band and even sought out fanzines, bootleg tapes and books of photographs.

I remember sitting at home at night writing out various different lists of my favourite Japan tracks - favourite guitar tracks, favourite synth tracks, instrumentals, various different versions of my top ten which invariably changed every night.

It was great, it was new, it was all consuming, it was a passion. And I loved it.

Over the next few years I had several similar experiences with other bands I discovered and got quite obsessed about. And with one band I went even further than I did with Japan in terms of my desire to collect every note ever recorded on record, studio demo tape or live.

But none of them ever really recaptured the newness and marvellousness of the experience with Japan, my first favourite band.



Fraser Neilson is webmaster at www.QSPmusic.com and a true music lover. You can find some great music resources, special offers and ideas to help increase your enjoyment over at www.QSPmusic.com/resources.html.

Just Nice Things
Just Nice Things

EASY INTERNET ORDERING for our CATALOG CUSTOMERS!!! Just enter the item number of your selection in the SEARCH FIELD and hit START SEARCH. Our EASY INTERNET ORDERING will take you directly to your item.
We offer fine quality merchandise for all you're gift-giving occasions.

You will find it all here...from dolls to music boxes, jewelry to luggage and much, much more.

We have wonderful gifts for every person on your list for every occasion.

Just Nice Things guarantee you will be completely satisfied with every purchase, or we will refund your money.



Just Nice Things is your one-stop shop for fine quality merchandise. We have that special something for all the important people in your life! At Just Nice Things you'll find just the right gift for your husband, wife, children and every other member of your family. And don't forget the bride and groom, graduate, anniversary couple and all the other special people on your list. There's something here for everyone...all at prices you can afford!

Making Bracelets for fun and to sell

Janice Wee

In my younger days, I made jewelry for fun, and with the encouragement of friends and family, I started selling them off too. Back then, I did not wear jewelry, never liked wearing them anyway, though I loved making them. I eventually wore jewelry to advertise my work.

It all started when my cousin showed me the earrings she had made. I was fascinated and started experimenting with whatever I could find to make my own jewelry.

My mom is a whiz with all sorts of handicrafts. Macrame, dress making, crochet, rug making, you name it, she's probably made it. She has a nice collection of craft materials. Beads, buttons, fabrics, strings.. and she let me use her materials.

I started with bracelets. No clasps. Just plain stretchable bead bracelets that were simply wooden beads strung together on elastic.

Bracelet making is about putting together a pleasant combination of beads, both in size and color. Mix and match the colors. Mix the big ones for focus with the small ones as fillers. You can thread them through a string first to see how it looks and measure it against your wrist for the fit. Once you are satisfied with the bracelet. String the elastic through the beads and tie a dead knot and hide the loose ends of elastic under the beads.

Here are 2 sets of instruction on bracelet making. Making A Bracelet and How to Make Bead Bracelets.

Once you have made your bracelets, you can sell them to friends and family. Or even get friends to sell for you for a commission. Some pals who love selling stuff might even sell them for free, or mark up the price and take the difference as a profit. Work out something you both are comfortable with.

The writer is the webmaster of www.buy-bracelets.com - a site totally devoted to bracelets.


Pasadena California Antiquing
David G. Hallstrom, Sr.

The city of Pasadena, California may be a relatively small city (population under 150,000), however, due to it's proximity to downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and the San Fernando Valley as well as it's extremely popular "Old Town" shopping area and being the home of the Rose Bowl, it recieves a disproportionately large number of visitors every day.


While the citizens of Pasadena enjoy an income that is well above average, there are numerous other areas surrounding the city, such as Encino, Flintridge, Glendale, La Canada, La Crescenta, San Marino, Sierra Madre, etc., where many of the residents also have disposable income high enough to be able to afford the purchase of fine antiques.


Due to the foregoing many excellent antique dealers and shops have opened establishments in the city. Here you will find fine early american, spanish colonial, european, oriental and most any other type of antique furniture, accessories, jewelry, etc. you could wish for.


For a listing of Pasadena antique dealers that deal in real antiques, not used furniture, so called "estate jewelry" or other lesser quality items see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com/antiquedealer.html. Most of the dealers that I spoke with have been friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Several have buyers that travel the world in order to locate top quality pieces for their clients. Many were even willing to refer me to other establishments if they were unable to supply me with what I was looking for.


For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information