Women Own The Holidays!

Ed Williams

This week we're gonna get serious and deal with one of life's greatest mysteries - why are almost all of the gift giving holidays slanted towards women?

I know, I know, this is gonna arouse a little controversy, especially from some of you women out there. And ladies, please don't take this the wrong way - I still love ya'll as much as ever, but I have to tell it like it is. Bottom line, gift giving holidays are geared towards women receiving the majority of the gifts. It's as simple as that.

Ya'll should know me well enough by now to know that I'm not going to say something like that without being able to back it up. It's my responsibility as a serious journalist to support my statements with facts. So, in that spirit, here's a list of the six major gift giving holidays along with where all those gifts seem to be going:

1. Valentine's Day - Is there any couple alive who can honestly say on Valentine's Day that more money was spent on the man than the woman? If there's a couple like that out there, please write me, cause your story would make a full length column in and of itself. We all know, just by what is put on sale on Valentine's Day, that this holiday is slanted towards women. If you don't believe me, kindly tell me many men out there are longing for gifts like flowers, balloons, heart shaped boxes of candy, or edible underwear? Hmmm?

$$$ Advantage: Women.

2. Anniversaries - This is a slam dunk for women. Anniversaries exist solely to pay homage to the female in the relationship. Most times, she gets expensive jewelry, nice clothing items, trips, cars, etc., etc. What does the man typically receive? Usually either a mailbox, some work clothes, or a gift certificate to a store that doesn't exactly sell male oriented items (Victoria's Secret, for example). In fact, to no man's surprise, this certificate usually ends up being redeemed for items that benefit the woman.

$$$ Advantage: Women.

3. Mother's Day - I can't knock this one at all, but obviously the gifts all go to women on this day. In fact, any man worth his britches loves his mama and should be glad to pony up big on this holiday. I know I wish I could.

$$$ Advantage: Women.

4. Christmas - If Christmas was any more oriented towards women, Santa would physically resemble Martha Stewart. But, don't take my word for it, research it yourself - visit a Sears one day, walk through the store, and tell me if at least two-thirds of the items in there aren't oriented towards women? I think that's why Sears is still hanging on in the retail world. If you want to see what happens when a store tries offering a more gender balanced mix of products, visit a JCPenney's (while you still can). They're learning the hard way what it means to not openly cater to women.

$$$ Advantage: Women.

5. Easter - When I was a boy growing up, I got lots of Easter candy each year, so I'll admit that food wise the holiday is a break even between boys and girls. However, what slants this one towards women are the clothes. Have you ever seen a young woman on Easter without a new dress and accompanying accessories? As for us guys, I can remember some years just being handed a new tie if I could still fit into my previous year's stuff.

$$$ Advantage: Women.

6. Father's Day - This is the only holiday where men rake in most of the loot. But, most wives, recognizing that, purchase gifts for their honey that ultimately end up benefiting them - stuff like gutter cleaners, new paint brushes, woodworking equipment, and the like. And guess what - all those things end up producing goods or services that ultimately benefit the woman.

$$$ Advantage: Debatable.

And there you have it - clear, non-biased proof that most gift giving holidays favor the woman. I guess this is to be expected, and is just as nature intended. I'd like to discuss this topic even more, but, I have to finish up this column right now. The upstairs bathtub is clogged, and this'll be the first chance I've had to use that new super strength plunger I received this past Christmas. And guess who gave it to me?


Ed's latest book, "Rough As A Cob," can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He's also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com.

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:

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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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.

The Lore And Beauty Of Turquoise

Lee Dobbins

Turquoise has been sought after for centuries for it's beauty and healing powers. Well known for it's uses in Native American jewelry and carvings, it has been used for centuries and dates back to ancient Egypt as evidenced by turquoise jewelry found in the ancient Egyptian tombs.

This popular stone can range in color from vivid sky blue to a yellowish green color and is found in mines all over the world. Although quite porous in nature, most turquoise has been stabilized for use in modern jewelry which renders it less apt to chip and protects it from discoloration due to exposure from body oils. Turquoise can be strung as beads, carved into animal fetishes and combined with a variety of other stones to make striking handmade jewelry.

Turquoise gem stones are reputed to have powerful healing properties. This stone is said to help with public speaking as well as enhance calmness and creativity. The wearer of turquoise my also notice improved wisdom and honesty as well as a new sense of empathy. It has also been used to help enhance relationships, strengthen the bond in friendships and allow one to have a better connection with their inner self. It's healing properties are associated with the respiratory, skeletal and digestive systems and has long been used to cleanse the body of toxins.

Turquoise is mined in many places around the world including Iran, China, Turkey, Persia, Egypt adnNorth America. The color of the stone depends on the minerals that are in the ground. Blue stones are found where copper is present, green stones are found where iron is present a yellowish green stone which is quite rare is found where zinc is present and the White Buffalo turquoise found in Nevada is mined where there are no minerals present.

If you wear turquoise jewelry, take care to clean it carefully. This porous stone can be easily damaged if submerged in chemical cleaners. Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners for your gemstone jewelry. The gentlest method of cleaning is to dip a Q-tip in warm soapy water and wipe the stone with that - wipe again with plain water to remove any soap residue.


Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of Artisan Jewelry Online where you can learn more about turquoise jewelry.

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!!



© 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer. 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 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 Get Your Talent Online and Earning Income

Lorene Radenz

Finding fresh ideas for an internet business is a difficult task. Everyone is good at something but they don't know how to cash in on their knowledge. You may think what you know is of no value but you're wrong! You would be surprised to find out how many people are earning a comfortable income on seemingly trivial subjects.

Find Your Niche

You've heard it before but it bears repeating. Why? Because it works! The key is to be happy doing what you enjoy and what you're good at, and then build your online business based on those factors. If you don't enjoy the subject, you will bore of it quickly and it will seem like any other job. You will be learning more as you go, so make it interesting. Find something people are attracted to or something that solves a problem.

Are you good at services? Many services can easily be transferred to an online business as well. Putting up a website and announcing what you have to offer can get you more sales than you can imagine. Display samples of your work if possible. Testimonials from satisfied customers are crucial. If you must, do some work for free in exchange for testimonials.

Try writing an e-book containing all you have learned on a certain subject and put it up for sale on your website. Then start an affiliate program to increase sales. For example, did you just buy a car? "How to Shop for a New or Used Car Without Being Cheated" can be valuable to other people in the market for a car. Most will be willing to pay for the information in order to save money in the long run. If you haven't bought a new or used car but will be doing it soon, research the topic extensively, buy your car, and write your e-book!

If you're the artistic type, making homemade jewelry, blankets, and craft items could be the thing for you. If you have been doing this already then you have a start. Put these items up for sale on your website or auction them off. It's not as difficult as it sounds. Many people make it a full time job going to rummage and estate sales, then selling their goods for a hefty profit.

Have a Business Plan

First of all, make a list of all the goods or services you want to provide. This can be a short list that you can add to later. Know who your potential customers are and how you will reach them.

Know what your goals are and don't get sidetracked until you're satisfied in your accomplishments, then you can move on to the next. Too many projects going on will leave another area lacking. Learn step by step and stay with the plan.

Set up a budget and stick to it. This will include any materials, software, web hosting, and marketing. When setting this up, do research on what is available and how much it will cost. Where else but online can you set up a business for such little cost?

Burn the Midnight Oil

If you're working now, don't quit your day job just yet. It takes time and patience to establish an online presence and you still need your job to pay the bills and any expenses your online business incurs. Keep learning about things you're interested in so when your first business takes off, you can open up another and create multiple streams of income.

With every new avenue of income, you gain security. If the market changes and one venture isn't earning you the income it used to, then you will have another to fall back on. Keep updated on trends current and marketing. These rapidly change. What's hot and what works one day may be outdated and ineffective the next.

Don't Give Up

Your internet business will start off slow so have patience. If you stick with your plan and nurture it, you will begin earning trust from the online community and the money will start coming in. Don't be afraid of failing, everyone has that fear when they just start out and not everything works. It's NOT taking any action that will get you nowhere.



Lorene Radenz is the owner of http://www.ibizedge.com Your All-In-One Resource Guide for Online Business, providing ideas, resources and webmaster tools for entrepreneurs.

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.

How To Clean Gold Jewelry

Ben Sather

Gold jewelry to a woman is priceless. Although gold jewelry comes in many different styles and colors, the care and cleaning procedure for all golden treasures remain the same. Good common sense is your best guide, and these important tips on how to clean gold jewelry will help you keep your exquisite pieces lustrous and shining.

Gold is tarnish-resistant, but it can get dirty or smudged. Lotions, powders, soaps, even natural skin oils that we use regularly can cover your jewelry and cut down their brilliance. Jewelry cleaning removes any such build-up or residue and restores the original sparkle and shine to make your precious jewelries last a lifetime.

Although numerous commercial products are available to clean gold jewelry, most often water and a mild detergent is sufficient to restore the radiance, and a soft brush helps to gently clean intricate filigree designs and stones. Sometimes it can be helpful to soak the gold jewelry in a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water for up to sixty seconds. It is imperative to dry and polish your gold jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth after cleaning.

Jewelry polishing cloths are an effective and inexpensive way of keeping your bits of gold glittering and radiant. These essential cotton cloths help to remove tarnish and to buff jewelry to look as good as new. Avoid wearing jewelry while in contact with household chemicals, such as chlorine bleach as this can discolor or damage your gold jewelry mountings.

Proper storage of jewelry when not in use is essential to keep your golden treasures clean and new. When storing your jewelry, be careful that pieces do not tumble against each other to avoid scratching and loss of radiance. Ideally, store your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewel case, or a box with compartments or dividers or store each piece in individual soft cloth pouches.

It is important to check the stone settings of your jewelry periodically for any damage to the gold prongs or bezels. Immersing the jewelry in rubbing alcohol for a few seconds will restore the gorgeous sparkle to cloudy stones. It is very important to dry the jewelry thoroughly after cleaning before wearing or storing. Remember that Pave set (glued in stones) jewelry should never be immersed in water while cleaning gold jewelry.

Ben Sather is the publisher of http://www.a2-gold-jewelry.com/ - A gold jewelry information resource. You can publish this article if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.

The Gift Shopping Blues
Carolyn Schweitzer

When it comes to great gift ideas, I have about as much imagination as a hamster. (If they were imaginative, hamsters wouldn't run endlessly in those little wheels). It's odd, really. I'm what you'd call a "natural" when it comes to shopping. I LOVE to shop. Give me an entire day at Filene's Basement and I'm in Heaven.

For the uninitiated, Filene's Basement is one of the most famous bargain basements in the United States. Lurking beneath Filene's Department store in Downtown Boston, "The Basement" is a place where merchandise is continually marked down and competition for the best buys is fierce. There's even a day each Spring when wedding dresses sell so cheaply that scuffles break out in the aisles.

I prefer my shopping nonviolent. But still, the prospect of a great big store full of unexplored "stuff" is more exciting to me than a giant Easter Egg hunt is to the average five year old. I know I'm going to find Easter Eggs (i.e., "hidden treasures"). I just have to uncover their secret little hiding places. That's part of the fun!

I have one small problem, though...

Shopping is only fun if I'm not looking for anything in particular. As soon as there's a "list" involved, it starts to feel like work! Add in the idea that I'm looking for some very special (yet unspecified) item for someone else, and the pressure's really on. If someone says to me, "You must go forth and find something for less than $100 that will make your mother-in-law ecstatically happy", it stops me cold. I become as helpless as a man (Sorry guys!).

Gift Shopping. Arrrghh!

"What", I ask myself, "is my Mother-in-Law's version of an Easter Egg ?" Where are all those clever gift ideas when I need them? Where are they ever?

Panic sets in. Procrastination comes next. Pretty soon I've buried the whole thing in my subconscious, hoping it will "just go away". It doesn't, of course. Like school exams and work deadlines, gift-giving occasions keep on coming -- inevitably and way too often. And those great gift ideas remain as elusive as ever.

So what's a person to do?

My answer was always to get a big pot of coffee and pull an all-nighter.

Umm, I mean, I'd wait until the last minute and then shop until the stores closed. Sure, I'd manage to come up with a few decent gift ideas and some passable gifts. But it's no way to live. And I always knew I could have done better.

I knew things had to change. I knew I had to uncover the secrets possessed by the expert gift-givers...

You know the type. They're the people who smugly announce that they've been done with their Holiday shopping for weeks, when you haven't even started yours -- much less given it any serious thought. They're never at a loss for great gift ideas and they can produce the perfect greeting card at a moment's notice. You won't catch them dashing out to the Quickie Mart for wrapping paper or ribbon; and they have an uncanny knack for finding gifts that are clever, original, and appropriate for any and every occasion. Most distressing of all, their gifts are always heartwarmingly thoughtful!

I pondered my situation for a long time (years), and finally I knew what I had to do. My mission was to transform myself into the sort of magician who could produce great gift ideas and fabulous gifts at the drop of a hat. It's been a long and painful journey, but I'm happy to report a measure of success. Finally, I can look a gift-giving occasion straight in the eye and say, "Hah!! You're not so tough!"

My two most formidable weapons are my "gift closet" and my "little black book". The gift closet is stocked with a variety of gift boxes, gift bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, and colorful ribbons and bows. There are plenty of little gift cards, as well as greeting cards ranging from Holiday themes to Sympathy to New Baby. Additionally, I've amassed quite an assortment of gifts-for-any-occasion. Some are purchased with people in mind and others because I know they'd be perfect for something.

The "little black book" is just what it sounds like, only it's not filled with phone numbers. Instead I jot down brief notes based on what I learn about people. If someone mentions a hobby or collection, it goes in the black book. If they hint at something they're just dying to have, it goes in the book. If I notice a fondness for a certain type of jewelry or style of dress, I'll make a note of it. Sometimes I even ask leading questions, waiting for a moment when the future "giftee" is distracted, and therefore unsuspecting. I might even ply the giftee's friends for information, admitting only that "I'm curious". All of this has turned me into a bit of a detective -- a secret agent, if you will. And it's actually kind of fun.

In fact, I think I've found a whole new kind of Easter Egg hunt. The hidden treasures are now the little pearls of wisdom I pick up by spying on the experts, and the tidbits I gather on "giftees" during my covert operations. Once I've gathered enough "eggs", I'm armed and ready. I know exactly where to go and what to do. So now, when everyone else around me is in a panic over gift ideas for the coming holiday season -- or for tomorrow's office party-- I'm one of the smug ones. It's a wonderful feeling. And it sure beats running in that little wheel.



Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of "Great-Dog-Gift.com" Check out "The Dog Gift Shopper's Guide for Dog Lovers" at http://www.great-dog-gift.com/dog_gift_3.html , where you'll learn to hone your skills no matter what you're shopping for. If it's jewelry, stop by http://www.thejewelrymine.com and if you like great bargains, visit http://www.netbrainer.com to learn how to find great deals on eBay.

Hot or Not -- Trends for Prom 2004

Blake Kritzberg

Prom: it's loaded with expectations. For some, it's merely a dance. For others, it means that first great step into adulthood, while savoring one's position at the top of the grammar-school food chain. And for some, it means a night of pure Cinderella magic. Combine all this with a youth-oriented culture, and you have an event that demands a serious fashion plan.

So what fashion forces are driving Prom 2004? The answers are: curves, glamour and loads of color.

"Prom 2004" is actually a bit of a misnomer, as most dresses tend to follow Fall 2003 styles. This make sense: prom dresses are high-ticket items, and retailers need a chance to test out trends in the shopping malls. (Hair is more adaptable, so prom hair is more attuned to the present).

As for fashion in general, it's still reeling from the ultimate anti-fashion incident: the 9/11 attack. You may recall that the industry stopped in its tracks. Major fashion shows were cancelled, or scaled down to a roomful of attendees on folding chairs. "Can fashion still matter?" was the question no one could ignore.

But of course, fashion didn't die. As always, it reflected the newly-altered world view. "World views" contain many interlocking strands, as does fashion, but strong themes emerged and are still in play. Here are some of the best-articulated trends in Prom 2004:

// The Solidarity Uniform

Dressy, formal looks from the 30s and 60s. Think Hollywood glamour, and Jacquie Kennedy. Beneath this trend is the new focus on attending family events and dressing up for them.

Expressing the 30s are the curvy, Screen Siren prom gowns: smoky mermaids in luxurious ruched satin, and Latin-style ruffles and trains.

Reviving the 60s are Grace Kelly/Jacquie-O A-line skirts, sometimes tea-length, with crinoline slips. These classic beauties are updated with simpler, more natural hair and makeup, not to mention some mod-style colors (bold black and white, bright red, or submarine yellow). Gloves and a small shiny pocketbook are must-haves, but for 2004, you don't have to stick to ordinary colors!

Timeless prom queen gowns are fully *au courant* as well -- no amount of beading, boning, crinoline or shine is over-the-top, so enjoy the license for glamour. Perhaps this is the right year to indulge in a delicate tiara!

You'll be surprised by the number of strapless gowns on offer. Every one of these "solidarity" gowns lend themselves to classic strapless glamour.

// The Eastern Bloc
Fashion influence is drifting, and the East is gaining ground: Londoners do their best to dress like Persians, and Bollywood antics make the global radar more often. You'll see the lovely outcome in those 2004 prom offerings with an elegant sari look and extraordinary hand beading.

// Sporty Spice
J. Lo lives on in the sporty side of Prom 2004, where two-piece gowns (some midriff-bearing) continue to make a splash. This look is not only fresh but practical; those beautiful bodices can be paired with jeans long after prom night's become a matchbook and a memory. "Sporty-prom" fashionistas can augment their costume with sparkling navel gems and exotic paint-on body tattoos.

// Celebrity Fashion
Can it go any lower? The prom world's not immune from red carpet antics, and several sultry 2004 offerings call for double-sided tape. This year's 'necklines' sometimes plunge so far that there's nowhere else to go; look for 'backdrift' to follow (no pun intended) in the next few years.

// In Truth, 2004
The dresses genuinely in sync with 2004 runways are the ultra-feminine pastels, with delicate ruffles. Think "prom dress meets the park." Don't be afraid to go with soft green, coral and pink paeons to girlhood, simply because most offerings are jewel-toned and sizzlingly seductive.

// Hair
Soft, shiny waves are new for spring (think lovely Charlize Theron at the Golden Globes); Aniston-straight is out. Whatever you do, don't torture your hair into some unnatural confection; it's simplicity and naturalness that updates these retrospective looks.

// Shoes
Clunky is dead. Open-toed stilettos are red-hot. Sure, the gorgeous silver (or transparent) sky-high creations on the market are the ultimate in impracticality. The romantic prom-goer will buy them anyway, get a great pedicure, and slip them off halfway through the night for a 'best of both worlds' (if not 'best for the pocketbook') experience.

// Jewelry and Makeup
With all those strapless fashions, take care not to over-accessorize. Unless you're going for a vintage look, don't spoil that beautiful expanse of clavicle with a necklace; don sparkly, dangling earrings instead to create a long line. If the Nicole Kidman look is more to your taste, consider one of those retro multi-strand chokers (in black, of course), or a slim black ribbon paired with a silk rose. Chandelier earrings might be "outre" at the Oscars, but they're definitely not a done deal at Prom 2004.


Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of
the Prom Dress Guide 2004,
at http://www.prom-dress-guide.com/
Visit the site for 2004 prom offerings,
news and trends.


How To Sell On Ebay: The Money Is In The Back-End
Isaiah Hull

How To Sell On Ebay: The Money Is In The Back-End

Many people who sell on Ebay completely neglect the
follow-up process. They post an auction. Someone wins.
They send an automated message to the winner. They ship
the item. End of story. End of buyer-seller relationship.

. . .end of customer's total worth to the business
--and this is why so many people who sell on Ebay
fail or make negligible profits: they have no idea
that the real money is actually in back-end and
follow-up sales.

In this article, I am going to go over one of the
tools you can use to make follow-up sales on
Ebay: autoresponders.

Autoresponders will allow you to automate the
follow-up and upselling process. You can subscribe
to an autoresponding service through a number of
different companies. Most will give you a free
trial that limits your abilities, but lasts indefinitely.

Getresponse (getresponse.com) is one of these
companies. It has a user-friendly control panel,
excellent customer service, and offers a free trial
version that will give you access to everything
you need for early upselling and follow-up.

You can use your autoresponder a number of different
ways to make follow-up sales, but you must start by
collecting names to load into your autoresponder.

You can do this by asking customers (after you've
made a sale) if they would like to join your mailing
list and receive special offers, discounts, and the
chance to buy items before they go on auction. Load
the names and email addresses of the people who respond
positively into your autoresponder.

Getresponse will send them a confirmation message.
The rest is up to you.

Come up with special offers, discounts, and
contests and send them out via broadcast to your
subscribers on a regular basis, but not too often.

Your customers have already a) purchased from you
and b) agreed to receive special offers. From here,
it shouldn't be too hard to get follow-up sales.
They are already hooked--just give them a good offer.

For instance, you could send out special offers for
complementary products at certain intervals. You could
target people who purchased digital cameras and offer
them sticks of memory at a discounted price, but only
if they buy within a certain amount of days after the
close of the auction. You could do the same thing with
camera bags--and also set a specific date.

If you sell jewelry, you could offer customers a matching
set of earrings for a necklace at a discount. Or cleaning
tools. Or a jewelry box.

There are a number of different ways in which you can
structure your Ebay post-sales follow-up with your
autoresponder. There are only two real rules you
should follow:

1) Do not, under any circumstances, add people to your
list who did not specifically ask to be added to it.
It is illegal and unethical, and it could land you
in jail; and

2) Make sure you are targeting the right people with
the right follow-up pitch. If you're trying to sell
discount plastic dinosaurs to someone who just
bought a case of motor oil, you probably wont get
the response you want.

. . .other than that, it is completely up to you.
Come up with some creative ideas; put them to work;
and you can easily double or triple the lifetime
worth of each customer who shops at your Ebay store.

http://www.workathomerightnow.net/ebay.html -
Written by Isaiah Hull, author of "How to Profit
on Ebay In Seven Days Without Spending A Single
Penny." For a limited time only you can get a
pre-publication copy of his book for
ONE-FOURTH the post-publication price!

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Samantha Taylor

Traditionally, a wedding band was worn on the ring finger of the left hand because it was believed that the vein in that finger went straight to the heart. A wedding ring is a piece of jewelry which will be worn everyday of your life to signify your love and fidelity to your significant other. That being said, you want to ensure you choose the perfect ring, which can be difficult for someone who is inexperienced in this area. Luckily we can help you through the steps of finding the perfect wedding ring for the special person in your life.

The first thing to consider is the kind of metal you want for your wedding rings. Most wedding rings are found in yellow gold, white gold or platinum. These forms of metal vary in price and most likely this decision will be quite easy since most women already know what kind of ring they want.

The next step is choosing the stone for the ring. You will need to decide which kind of stone you want as well as the shape of the stone. Diamonds are still the most popular choice when it comes to stones for wedding rings however colored stones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires are becoming more and more popular.

The last step is to find a reputable jeweler who you will be comfortable purchasing such an expensive piece of jewelry from. Perhaps it is best to use a jeweler who one of your friends or family members have already used and would recommend for you because of such great results.

If you are like most couples who are marrying, you will likely choose a diamond wedding ring. If you are doing so, you may want to keep the four C's in mind while doing so. The four C's are the diamond's color, cut, clarity and carat weight.

1. 
   
2. Color - Diamonds are available in number of colors and shades including white, yellow, green, blue and pink. The color range starts at D and moves through the alphabet towards Z. The scale moves from white to yellow as it makes its way through the alphabet.
   
   
3. Cut - The cut of the diamond is what gives the diamond personality. Diamonds which are cut well will be bright and sparkly, however diamonds that are cut poorly may end up looking dull and boring. Choosing and making sure the cut is perfect is a crucial step in the overall outcome of your wedding ring.
   
   
4. Clarity - An inclusion in a diamond is an imperfection inside the stone which will greatly affect the overall worth of the ring. The size, color and position of the inclusions in your ring affect the clarity of the diamond. You want to ensure the diamond has good clarity.
   
   
5. Carat Weight - A carat is divided into 100 equal parts (also known as points). Therefore a one carat diamond equals 100 points; half carat equals 50 and so on. When the diamonds are loose (before they are mounted on the ring), the weight is easy to determine, however, after the diamond has been mounted only a gemologist can determine the weight of the diamond(s).
   

Take your time when choosing a wedding ring for yourself or for your significant other. A wedding ring is a sign of your everlasting love to one another and is something that will be cherished for the rest of your lives.


Samantha Taylor spent several years working in the weddings industry as a wedding planner. When she isn't being a mom of two wonderful children, she works as a freelance writer for http://www.yourwedding101.com - a site that offers information about everything wedding related - from wedding rings to wedding cake toppers and more.

Diamonds Are Forever
Charmain Stought

Diamonds are still a girl's best friend, right? We love the
shiny gems. They are the most popular rocks sold today. But
what exactly are they, anyway? Where do they come from? What
else are they used for?

Diamonds are a mineral in one of the two crystalline forms
of the element carbon. They are the hardest natural
substance man knows. Diamonds are sold as gems, and used
in industrial applications for smoothing, cutting, and
polishing hard materials.

Diamonds are most famous for crystallizing in the common
colorless form. They may also be tranlucent to transparent
white, yellow, green, blue, or brown. Diamonds have a high
refractive index which is why they are so brilliant and
sparkly after cutting. The familiar shape of the diamond is
the octahedron.

The most brilliant diamonds become gemstones for jewelry and
other uses. For those that don't make it to gems, there
are other options. There is bort, which is a more poorly
crystallized or undesirable color and in fragmentary
condition, and carbonados which is gray to black opaque.
Bort and carbonados are used as abrasives for the cutting of
diamonds and the cutting heads of industrial rock drills.

Diamonds are found in alluvial formations and in volcanic
pipes, filled for most of their length with blue ground or
kimberlite, and igneous rock consisting primarily of
serpentine. Diamond yielding earth is mined by both the
open-pit method and by underground mining. After removal to
the surface, the soil is crushed and concentrated. Passing
the concentrated material in a stream of water over greased
tables does the needed sorting. The diamond is largely water
repellent and sticks to the grease and the other minerals
retain a film of water, which prevents the sticking to
the grease. Then the diamonds are removed from the grease,
cleaned, and graded for sale and use.

The earliest sources of gem diamonds were India and Borneo.
Some famous diamonds are the Great Mogul, Regent, and Pitt.
Other famous diamonds include the Hope (blue), Dresden
(green) and Tiffany (yellow). In the early 18th century,
deposits similar to those in India were found in Brazil,
mainly of carbonados. In 1867 a stone found in South Africa
was recognized as a diamond. Within a few years began a wild
search for diamonds. In 1870-1871, dry diggings including
most of the celebrated mines were discovered.

Synthetic diamonds were successfully produced in 1955; a
number of small crystals were produced when pure
graphite mixed with a catalyst was subjected to pressure of
about 1 million lb per sq in. and temperature of the order
of 5,000-F (3,000-C). Synthetic diamonds now are extensively
used for industry, mainly due to the ease of obtaining and
lower cost for them. Diamonds are still very popular and
symbolize many things. Their popularity does not seem to be
dwindling any time in the near future.



Charmaine Stought is founder of All About Diamonds an excellent resource site dedicated to information about diamonds

The History of Bracelets

Sher Matsen

Bracelet popularity dates back to the Roman times and continues today.
Roman bracelets shared many of the design patterns of necklaces and earrings from that era. The ever popular ball earrings from that era were nicely matched with a ball style bracelet. Engraved bangles and snake bracelets were very popular during Roman times. Bracelets made of twisted coil with lion head ends were common place, as were the two part bracelets ending with a pair of lion heads. The Heracles knot bracelet is recognized as a Roman era piece. The Roman's were very creative in the designing of their jewelry. However they still borrowed from Greek motifs. Palmettos, fleeing dogs and acanthus leaves, all of Greek origin, were often seen in the designing of Roman jewelry.

Stones and glass were often used in Roman bracelets. . Gem stones were commonly found set in eyes. Open bands were cut to represent a row of ivy and entwined with pearls. Many of the leaf and berry bracelets were heavily adorned with decorative glass. The wealthier women could be seen wearing bracelets layered in bezel set emeralds.

During the Gerogiian times bracelets remained popular. Paris jewelers were known for their gold bracelets set with pearl edging. After the 1820s coral became the "in" fashion statement, so bracelets and other jewelry were heavily set with coral.

During the Gerogiian time it was very fashionable to wear many bracelets at once, including wide ribbon gold mesh bracelets, and silk ribbon bracelets. Gem and Diamond bracelets were designed in geometric patterns. Gold was heavily used during this era.

The Victorian era brought changes to the fashions of women, including jewelry styles. Earrings grew long and dangled, bracelets became rigid and were normally worn in pairs. The buckle bracelet became very fashionable.

The jewelry of the Victorian era expressed sentiment, and bracelets were no exception. Bracelets would contain lockets or charms with pictures or hair of a loved one, and engravings were common

Early Victorian jewelry enjoyed some mystic with hidden meanings being popular. The acrostic bracelets where the first letter of each gemstone spelled a word of friendship were very popular. For example a bracelet set with Lapis, Opal, Vermeil [hessonite garnet] and Emerald would spell Love.

The Art Nouveau period once again saw changes to fashion and jewelry. Chameleons and serpents entwined themselves around bracelets. The mystical Egyptian scarab was found on bracelets and rings. Other popular creatures included dragonflies, butterflies, bees, peacocks, swans, and even bats. This was a very figural period attached to nature.
If jewelry did not depict creatures it depicted flower blossoms or flower buds.

From 1910 to 1939 women's fashions saw sleeveless or short sleeve dresses appear. The result was flexible bracelets and bangles worn on the upper arm. These arm bracelets were often adorned with gemstones or diamonds.
From 1940 to 1949 US designers were greatly influenced by the designs from the French house of Van Cleef & Arpels. Bracelets with ribbon of hexagon lines centered on fine gemstones fastened with heavy clasps became very vogue.

From 1950 to 1960 daytime saw simpler lines for not only gold bracelets but necklaces as well. Gold mesh or twisted wire bracelets were very popular.

From 1960 to 1970 bracelets became more flexible and were often set with gems. Bangles on the other hand became more rigid and were often seen set with random diamond placements.

From 1970 to 1979 bracelets were flexible and often set with tiny baguettes. Delicate and dainty bracelets were vogue.

From the 1980s to now bracelet fashions have been mixed and varied. Bracelet styles have become more of an individual fashion statement than a trend. Gold has always remained popular as have gems, however sterling silver has become very popular and recognized for its versatility and wearability at affordable pricing. In the last few years we've also seen an increase in demand for titanium bracelets.
Today a women's fashion statement is about her! What she likes, what she feels good in. So your bracelet wardrobe can be what ever you want. Wear a dainty gem set gold bracelet or an armful of clunky bracelets, which is very vogue this season.

Your fashion statement is about who you are, so feel free to be you!



© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.


Costumes! Do They Reflect On Your True Personality?
William Lezubski

Costumes are a great way to escape reality, and wearing your favorite costume (especially on Halloween night) lets you transform your personality into your desired character of choice, and allows you to become someone else for a day!

Now do you wear the same Halloween outfit every year, or do you go against the norm, and choose something wild and crazy by adding outrageous makeup, wigs, and accessories! Well, let's have some fun and put your personality to the test, and see what you usually attract to in a costume design.

What I would like to do is break down some popular themes, and see what costume would appeal to which personality types:

Medieval Renaissance Costumes: A person looking to wear this historic outfit would have charisma, charm, and passion in their blood. You of course love fantasy renaissance, and this era in particular transforms your imagination back to a time where the wizard, warlords, and knights battled to gain power and supremacy in their newly developed worlds. In the end your tough macho exterior is protected by human armor, but your true intimate nature is what wins the heart of the fairytale Princess.

Batman Costume: Now this is a classic, and seems to be a favorite among the person who loves to be tough and mysterious. You have a big heart though, you look out for the vulnerable person, and that is why this character appeals to you. You have to admit, this costume is cool, and you love all the high-tech accessories that come with the outfit! Don't forget the design will expose all your physical attributes, and you're ok with that, because not only do you want to save the world, but also share your appeal with that better half.

Cat Costume: Every Halloween would not be the same if you didn't see the feline creature prowling around at your favorite party! This person has independence written all over them, and they love to play the game. Their seductive personality, and sensual moves easily draw in their prey for a playful night. You're very comfortable in your own skin, and being that the outfit is made up of sleek black designer fabric with sexy nylons, high heel shoes, and a little trim of fur for the tail, definitely expresses the true kitten in you.

Cleopatra Costume: Truly the most memorable woman in Egyptian history, and someone with a passionate character wearing this outfit tells us you love control and power! You have complete confidence in your physical appearance, and you use that to your absolute advantage to hypnotize the crowd. You also thrive on attention, and you get it by showing off your flashy gold jewelry, to the sensual Egypt influenced dress topped off with her infamous decoration headpieces shaped as serpents.

I hope you had fun reading this article, and who knows maybe you might go against your character this year, and dress up as something different for Halloween! Just think, instead of being that Princess, you can be the Gothic chic, or if you normally do the western thing, how about really shocking yourself and go as fairy, just a suggestion!

Whatever you decide to dress up as, remember that it's one time out of the year that you can let your inhibitions go, and not only let people laugh with you, but also allow them laugh at you.

About the author: William is the owner and the author of "1st In Halloween Costumes" available at www.1st-in-halloween-costumes.com A great source for Adult Halloween Costumes online! You can easily find and compare halloween sites offering quality adult costumes, sexy adult costumes, and adult halloween costume ideas.

How to Sell Your Crafts on eBay

James Dillehay

Artists, craftspeople and photographers are successfully selling their wares everyday on the online auction site, eBay. According to a recent analysis of eBay sales, a crafts-related item is sold every nine seconds, a scrapbook item is sold every minute, and 40 cross-stitch items sell in an hour on eBay. Sales of craft items on eBay have grown almost 60 percent in the past year, according to TheBidFloor.com.
But, at the same time, many would be sellers are listing their pieces for sale on auctions and getting no bids, concluding that eBay just doesn't work.
Here are some tips from James Dillehay, craft artist, eBay seller and author of the new book, "Sell Your Crafts on eBay" (Warm Snow Publishers), on how to profitably sell your wares online:
1. A word's spelling impacts an item's profitability. For example, the word 'handmade,' spelled as one word, was part of 2,233 auction titles with an average closing price of $16.29. However, auction titles that included 'hand made' as two words were found in 1,358 listings, but with an average auction closing price higher, at $27.81, or $11.52 more profit per item.
2. Go to eBay.com and find the search box. Type in the word or phrase that describes your art or craft item. Then scroll down the links on the left side of the page and click on the link for "completed items." Here, you'll be able to see the demand for this type of product. Do searches for your items every two to three weeks
to chart buying patterns.
3. Find out how much people are willing to pay for your wares. Click on the link that says "highest price." This will give you a list of completed auctions from highest priced items to lowest priced ones. You want to know what people are willing to pay for items like yours. If you can't make and sell your product for a profit, eBay might not be your marketplace.
4. Determine how much money you'll make on your product. To determine your profitability, use the cost of your materials plus the cost of your labor plus the cost of your selling price, which should be the minimum price to recover your expenses. If it takes you eight hours to make a piece of jewelry and the highest priced similar item sells on eBay for $26, you won't make a profit.
5. Look at the elements of successful sellers of products that are similar to yours. Examine their winning auction titles. Observe how much detail they use to describe their item. See if the seller used any of eBay's special features such as gallery photos or a bold, featured listing. Evaluate the starting price, starting day of the week, and duration of winning auctions.
For more tips on how to sell your craft items on eBay, consult a resource book like "Sell Your Crafts on eBay," by James Dillehay. It offers-more than 200 easy-to-learn tactics and tips that help sell art, craft and theme-related items for a profit on eBay and on other online auction Web sites.


James Dillehay is a 20 year crafts veteran and nationally recognized expert on craft business. Author of eight books, his articles have helped readers of Family Circle, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Almanac, Working Mothers, The Crafts Report, Sunshine Artist, and many other magazines. For more information, see http://www.craftmarketer.com.


Making The Most Out Of Your Closet Organization
Brian Channell

If it is hard to find certain articles of clothing in your bedroom closet each morning, you probably need to work on your closet organization. There are a lot of tools and items that will make this task easier, whether it is a major overhaul or just a simple closet organization project.

For clothes that you don't wear very often, consider purchasing a wicker 5-drawer storage tower from Target. The tower is designed to easily fit into your closet and is an easy place to store off-season clothes, socks, and undergarments. This type of closet organization is helpful because it clears up some of your rod space, allowing you easier access to the clothing that you wear on a regular basis. Target also offers a shorter chest version of the same model and is available in a 3-drawer, 4-drawer, 5-drawer, or 6-drawer design. This form of closet organization is useful because of its less exaggerated height, allowing you to store even more items on top of the unit.

There are closet organization solutions available for bulky or special garments as well. The Space Bag is a revolutionary vacuum-sealed storage system that reduces volume and increases protection. At ContainerStore.com you can purchase hanging space bags? that improve your storage space by up to 75%. These bags are vacuum-sealed and are ideal for wedding dresses, occasional-use cocktail dresses, blankets, out-of-season suits, and sweaters. If you are running out of space on your closet rod, these bags are the perfect solution to your closet organization problem. Vacuum-sealed bags are easy to use and are guaranteed to keep your items dry and out of harm's way.

Another way to improve your closet rod space is to purchase multi-tier hangers. These types of hangers allow you to store multiple items of clothing on the same hanger and are available at ContainerStore.com. The Container Store offers multi-tier hangers for skirts, slacks, and shirts. Having enough space for all of your clothing items is a key element in closet organization, and these multi-tier hangers are perfect for smaller closets or for people that have a lot of clothing items.

Another idea is to double your hanging space with a closet rod doubler, also available at The Container Store. If your closet organization project isn't going as smoothly as you had hoped, this handy item is bound to give new life to your closet. The closet rod doubler adds an additional rod below your existing closet rod, giving your closet instant space with minimal effort.

tie rackWe can't talk about closet organization without mentioning how to organize things like ties, stockings, hats, and jewelry. A lot of people find that they have no idea how to store these items in an orderly fashion. The Container Store offers clear vinyl bags specifically for storing these types of accessories, and they are available in a few different sizes. These bags hang on your closet rod and clear up your existing clutter. An important factor in closet organization is being able to see where your items are located, which is why clear storage bags are the perfect solution.

Brian Channell is an entrepreneur and manages several businesses. Please visit http://www.closetorganizertips.com/ for more home organization tips and ideas.

"I Love Florence in the Springtime"

Sarah Anne Polsinelli

Shortly after landing in Rome's Fiumicino airport, it will hit you like a ton of cobblestones: You're in Italy.

Simply being in Italy is surreal. Walking around, the images that you've seen in photos and films literally come to life. The sites and people aren't extremely extravagant, but there is an abiding sensation that you are in a different world.

Last year around this time, York Italian literature professor Elio Costa told me about the annual trip organized by the Italian department.

"But it's too expensive," I thought immediately. I had been to Italy once before and three weeks of memorable travelling left me with serious credit card debt. Professor Costa told me to look into some bursaries and I did. When I was granted $1,500 in financial support, I started to stock up on film.

You land in Rome and take a coach to Florence, where you'll spend three weeks, staying at Instituto Gould, a hostel-like place that gives proceeds to needy children and orphans.

You'll have class from 9-11:30am, Monday to Friday, but calling it "class" doesn't do it justice, since most of these "classes" are walking tours of a city. The rest of the day is leisure time, as are the weekends (during which you can take a train to nearby Siena and to many other towns that border Florence). The three weeks spent in Florence will fly by, and you can spend the following three weeks in Italy's capital - and my favourite city - Rome.

Florence differs from Rome because in Florence, everything is within walking distance.
You will walk to everywhere - restaurants, churches, nightclubs, even trendy outdoor discotheques in the north riverbank Le Cascine district (walking there was easy, butwalking home in stilettos wasn't). We learned an important lesson walking alongside the Arno one night. Just a few feet away from us, over the river, colonies of pippistrelle, (or bats, which are pretty common in Italy) decided to give us some unexpected company. The bats were bold, generally flying within a few feet of us, and in large clusters. Every once in a while a single bat would swoop down and come face-to-face with us, startling us with its bravado. There are, I noticed, some striking similarities between Italian bats and Italian men.

But even if you opt for a cab, don't expect them to be readily available. Taxis in Italy don't speed around the city looking for passengers and if you happen to find one and flag it down, consider yourself lucky. Walking back to the hotel one night, strolling arm-in-arm with some friends, we noticed a police car stopped alongside the river.

"Let's ask them for a ride home!" suggested one of the girls. (For those of you that have never been to Italy, all of the police officers are young and gorgeous.)
So we approached the car and with big smiles plastered across our faces, tapped on the window. Our faces dropped when they rolled the windows down and we spied what they were doing in the privacy of their police car: Reading Italian comic books (we did not get a ride home).

It's hard to spend six weeks in Italy and not have dozens of adventure stories to come home with. Every day is filled with adventure: For instance, finding a cold drink.
On one occasion, I was at a train station and, seeking a thirst-quencher from the sweltering Italian sun, deposited 2 � (about $3) in a vending machine for what turned out to be a lukewarm can of Nestea. Determined not to dehydrate, I popped another coin into the machine and got yet another can of warm iced tea. A stranger that witnessed the disheartening event leaned over to say, "E normale" ("It's normal"). Ironically, nothing is normal in Italy - especially not in Florence.

Even though Florence, along with other Greco-Roman cities, was a sort of blueprint for Western civilization, it's difficult for North Americans to relate to the Florentine lifestyle. Italians linger over lunch, they rarely watch television and they never talk about money.

So why do tourists flock there? It might be the aesthetic appeal. Along with the handsome police officers, the city is an open-air art museum. The city is full of massive architectural marvels, museums, hundreds of intricately designed churches, not to mention the hand carved beauty that can be found on every street corner.

With street names like Via delle Belle Donne (Beautiful Women Street), one has to wonder how even the seemingly mundane details of this city are infused with loveliness.

The streets themselves are lovely. Designer boutiques like Gucci, Ferragamo and Prada line the extravagant Via de' Tornabuoni, a higher end stretch of shops ideal for window shopping. You'll get lost in San Lorenzo's outdoor market, rich with colourful merchants who will get on their knees and beg you (I'm serious) to try on their goods. You'll marvel at the glittery jewelry stores along the historic Ponte Vecchio, one of the many cobblestone bridges that cross the Arno.

But since Italy and Italian cuisine are so inextricably linked, I have to say that Florentine cuisine is probably the best and simplest cuisine that exists, using basic, fresh ingredients, most of which are grilled (alla Fiorentina) to perfection. If you decide to eat in some of the more touristy areas (in any of the major piazze, or town squares) you'll pay double, maybe triple, the cost of what a Florentine citizen would pay. San Lorenzo has some great, reasonably-priced restaurants and of course there are hundreds of cafes, bars and pubs. The pizza - in almost every pizza place - is mouth-watering.

And the gelato? Oh, the gelato ... It is suffice to say that La Paloma and other gelaterie that are scattered around Toronto simply pale in comparison to what Florence has to offer. But since I am not a talented enough writer to do it justice with words, the gelato mention here will be minimal.

Florence is ineffable, and with obvious bias aside, full of love. Yet, in the midst of all of this tangible beauty (including 60 per cent of UNESCO World Heritage Sites) many North Americans are disappointed with their travels to Italy.

"Because [North] Americans go all over the world," explains professor Costa, "and they expect the world to be a copy of the United States. They want to travel the world and have everyone speak English and serve you hot dogs in the street."

After completing our course in Florence, my friend Mariangela Tagliabue (a third-year Italian major) and I spent the next three weeks of our trip travelling along the Northern part of Italy, but first spent four days in Rome, la citt� eterna, ("the Eternal City"). Rome is much bigger than Florence, so most of our getting to-and-fro was spent squished into the backseat of tiny little cars, careening dangerously around a city where streets have no lanes and traffic lights are purely decorative.

While in Rome, Mariangela and I had the opportunity to meet Pope John Paul II. We sat through an outdoor mass in St. Peter's square, just four rows away from the now-ailing Pope, and when the mass was over we were ushered into a lineup of people for a brief encounter with him. We weren't prepared to meet him and quickly turned to the person behind us and asked what we should say to him. What, after all, do you say to the Pope?

The man, stifling laughter, gave us a formal phrase to repeat: "Sua Santita, prega per noi" ("His holiness, pray for us"). As we were approaching, the Pope was wearing red velvet slip-on shoes. When it was our turn, one of the Pope's aides that stood alongside him signalled us to approach quickly and kneel before him. Mariangela promptly stepped forward, but I stood just a few feet before him, transfixed by the majesty of this man, clothed in ornate robes and much larger than I had expected him to be.

Kneeling before him, a small cluster of papparazzi stood alongside us, snapping photos. In between all of the camera flashes and noise and the Pope's aides surrounding us, we were face to face with one of the most famous men in the world.

We were frozen. We held his soft hands (I actually wondered what kind of moisturizer he used, and whether or not he applied it himself) and he cupped our cheeks. We mumbled the ceremonial saying, unmoving. But when our time was up and his aide took my arm, I quickly added something that I knew my boyfriend would appreciate: "Luigi says hi!"

If not for the pictures, I doubt anyone would believe us.

Student writer, professional daydreamer. Go to www.pumpkin-face.com for a complete list of articles.

The Modern Bridesmaid Has Style!
Sher Matsen

It's a whole new day, and there is a whole new look for bridesmaids. It's a welcome change from the past years. At it's not just the bridesmaids look that has gotten a facelift, the brides are sporting a whole new look too.

Traditional wedding gowns and traditional white will always be a choice. That's a tradition that's just not going to disappear. And that's okay. But the choices now available for the modern bride are welcome change, allowing those creative juices to flow, and one's own personality to stand out.

The history of the bridesmaids attire is quite interesting. In past centuries brides wore elaborate colorful gowns, and bridesmaids wore similar gowns. This was to disguise the bride and protect her from being kidnapped by evil spirits. By the Victorian era things had changed producing brides that wanted to stand out in the crowd. Thus the formal elaborate white wedding gown entered the wedding fashion scene. However the bridesmaids attire didn't change, remaining bold and frilly.

Well this century bridesmaids have a lot more to say about what they wear. Not only have the traditional dresses taken on a more sophisticated and elegant look. Many brides now let their bridesmaids choose their own dress based on the chosen color scheme. All bridesmaids weren't created equal. By allowing them to choose a dress that flatters them, you have happier bridesmaids and better photo ops.

Gowns and dresses worn by the modern bridesmaid are often functional enough for other formal events and gatherings. A much smarter alternative to the expensive gown that's worn once then buried deep in the closet never to be seen again. We all remember wearing one of those "awful" dresses at some point.

There are also no longer fast and set rules on how many bridesmaids you must have. The size of your wedding often relates to how many attendants, and these days the choice is entirely up to you. Tradition has gone out the window, a pleasing thought for many future brides. You can even have more than one maid of honor if you wish. The rules you must play by are your own rules.

The same new rules apply to your flower girl[s] and ring bearer[s] choose more than one, have only one, have one of each. The best age range for this very important little people's job is between 5 and 7. Younger children have a harder time staying focused. Now if you don't' mind if they mess up a little bit, then by all means you can choose a younger child. After all they can be a great source of amusement! Older children will also be thrilled to be chosen to man the guestbook or help guests. It makes them feel extra special.

The more bridesmaids you have the more coordination and communication your going to have to take care of. Remember you'll have plenty of issues to deal with from dresses, to nails, to hair, to jewelry. So don't choose more bridesmaids than you think you can handle. This is supose to be a happy time for you and stress doesn't make a person happy.

Forget the old theory that if you don't include everyone that's close to you, there will be hard feelings. Most women have outgrown this childish thought pattern, and recognize that the modern bride has tough choices to make to stay within budget and fulfill her special day. Sometimes a future bride just has too many close friends to have them all in the wedding party. Relax! Invite them to the wedding, and if you want ask them to do special favors such as perhaps your nails or your hair, depending on their own unique talents.

The maid of honor has a role to play besides in the wedding party. She needs to be the brides right arm and help with any wedding tasks she can. She can help select the wedding gown, get the invitations in order, arrange a wedding shower, help with choosing a reception location, help decorate, or even help prepare the food. The duties that can be assigned to your made of honor are endless, just be sure not to overwhelm her with too many requests. Your maid of honor is like the brides personal first aid kit. Ready to fix anything that's broken.

Bridesmaids also play an important role by planning the bridal shower, preparing munchies, cake, or sandwiches for the shower. They are also there to support and help the bride whenever they can.

For the modern bride these are happy times, choices are endless, you can make your fashion statement and let your bridesmaid's make theirs. No more having to follow traditions unless you want to. Planning the perfect wedding has never been easier!



© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

He Was Either The Most Romantic Man In The World - Or A Complete Idiot

Marguerite Bonneville

Heather had been dating Ben for a little over two months. She quite enjoyed his company but was beginning to realize he was not the man for her. She wasn't so much physically attracted to him as she was entertained by his offbeat sense of humor and his sense of the ridiculous. They'd had some great times together but she was contemplating giving him the "let's just be friends" speech.

On the night of her twenty-eighth birthday, Ben told her he had something special in store for her. Heather felt a twinge of discomfort but told herself she was overreacting. Ben tended to over-dramatize ordinary events, which was part of what made him fun. They enjoyed a fabulous dinner at a beautiful restaurant, then returned to Ben's place so he could present her with his gift.

Heather was amused to discover that Ben had set up a treasure hunt in his apartment. In each of the rooms he'd planted objects containing small folded notes. On each note he's written an obscure message which would lead her to the next clue. Ben pointed out the location of the first clue, then left her to discover the rest.

Heather's anxiety began to mount as she reached the sixth clue. She found it in Ben's walk-in closet, just after she stumbled across three long dart blowers hidden behind his clothes. She'd already noticed the gun cases under the bed. At that moment Ben called out from the living room, "As soon as you find it, I'll shoot us!" Her imagination went into overdrive.

Two minutes later she found the box. It was large and beautifully wrapped. Inside it was a smaller box, and inside that one a third. When she opened the fourth box she saw the diamond ring. Heather was stunned.

By now Ben was beside her. He looked at her face and decided she was overcome with gratitude. "You don't have to say anything now," he murmured. "Just nod if you want to marry me."

Heather calculated her chances. Did he have any poison darts handy? Could she reach the front door before he opened a gun case? No, she decided. She'd have to tough it out.

"What on earth possessed you to buy this for me?" she blurted.

Ben hesitated but quickly recovered. "It doesn't have to be an engagement ring," he backpedaled. "Just accept it as a birthday gift. You can always change your mind later."

"But I can't accept something like this," Heather explained. "I can't stand wearing jewelry."

Ben was so caught up in his fantasy that he hadn't noticed the blatantly obvious. On both counts.

Heather was relieved to discover that the only shooting Ben intended that night was with his camera. But the celebratory mood was over and she left shortly afterwards, minus the ring. She didn't go out with Ben again.

Have you ever miscalculated with a gift? Perhaps not as blatantly as Ben did but there may have been times when you gave the wrong thing to the right person or the right thing to the wrong person. And then wondered why they didn't seem particularly grateful.

Gift giving involves thought and a certain amount of premeditation. If you don't know what to buy, ask. It doesn't have to be the person himself (or herself); you can ask their father, mother, sister or best friend. Just make sure it's someone who knows them well and can tell you what they would like. And don't count on someone's response on a previous occasion. Many people won't tell you if they don't appreciate a gift in an effort to spare your feelings.

Putting thought into your gift selection is usually worth the effort. And perhaps the best thing about receiving a gift you love is the feeling that the other person knows you so well that they knew exactly what to choose.

Marguerite Bonneville is a former NLP Master practitioner who now works full-time creating informational web sites. Her latest project is a joint venture site called Romantic Gift Ideas Online, located at http://www.romantic-gift-ideas-online.com

Vacationing Tips to Protect You and Your Family
Jordan Walt

A.I.C. Insurance Agency Offers Vacation Tips to Protect You and Your Family
Milwaukie, OR Feb. 28, 2005 - Vacations should be a time spent having fun and relaxing. By taking a few extra precautions while traveling, you can prevent yourself, or your friends and family, from being a victim of crime. A.I.C. Insurance Agency and Travelers, a leading provider of auto and homeowners insurance, offer these safety tips to help you, your friends and family have a fun and safe vacation:
� Do not carry large amounts of cash. Use traveler's checks that can usually be replaced within 24 hours.
� Use ATMs only during daylight hours. If you must use one after dark, try and find a well-lit, busy area such as a grocery store.
� Leave copies of trip information with a friend or family member at home. This includes credit card numbers, passport numbers, plane tickets and itinerary
information, and phone numbers for your credit card companies.
� Keep credit cards, cash, passport, and plane tickets separate.
� Wear a "money purse" underneath your clothes that contains passport, phone numbers for credit card companies, and a small amount of cash, should your wallet get stolen.
� Carry a "dummy" wallet in your back pocket containing $20 which, if you were to be mugged, would satisfy the robber without draining all of your funds.
� Have your mail delivery stopped while on vacation. If you have a neighbor
retrieving mail and newspapers while you are away, ensure that they will be there
every day. Nothing says an empty house like a stack of mail or newspapers at the front door.
� Do not assume your personal documents are safe in your hotel room. Lock them in a safe while the room is unoccupied.
� Have separate ATM, debit and credit cards and make sure that you need a PIN for in-store use of a debit card, not only for the ATM.
� For women, do not hang purses on the back of bathroom stall doors. It is very easy for someone to reach over the door and grab it.
� Leave your regular checkbook at home. If your checks are stolen, it's difficult to cancel them and track their use as you would a credit card. Plus, if someone reorders checks in your name, you won't realize it until you receive your bank statement.
� Only carry credit cards that you will need on vacation. Leave cards for particular department stores or things like gas cards at home.
� Remember that your credit card number is on your plane tickets, so treat them as you would a credit card.
� Cover ATM key pads when entering your PIN. People could be watching over your shoulder, or even from a distance, and then later attempt to steal your wallet and use this information.
� Use common sense when traveling. Do not draw attention to yourself as a tourist. Avoid reading maps in a busy, high-traffic area, carry your camera in a tote bag rather than the carrying case, and do not flaunt large amounts of cash when removing money from your wallet or pocket.
Your homeowners, condo or renters insurance policy may cover loss or damage of your personal items while traveling, up to specified limits. Take time before you go on vacation to compile a personal property inventory, which helps determine replacement cost of lost items. Document each item's year of purchase and original price. Items that may exceed policy limits, such as jewelry, cameras and golf equipment, need additional protection such as Travelers valuable items insurance. To ensure you have the coverage you need, contact your independent insurance agent.

Established in 1995, AIC Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency offering a full range of insurance products including auto, home, life, commercial, and more.
For information and quotes on insurance coverage, please visit AIC Insurance Agency at 14000 SE Johnson Rd. Ste.210 in Milwaukie, OR, or call 503-653-8287.
Travelers, the second largest writer of auto and homeowners insurance through independent agents, is a member of St. Paul Travelers, a leading provider of property casualty insurance and asset management services. For more information, visit www.travelers.com


Graduate of Oregon State University, and independent insurance agent in Oregon.

The Best Gifts

Watch any of the major movie, television, and music award shows on television today and one of the first things you�ll notice about the celebrities on the red carpet, aside from their extravagant (and sometimes outlandish) attire, are the amount and size of the jewelry they are wearing. Hip-hop jewelry, more commonly known as bling-bling, is definitely not understated fashion. The bigger and the flashier it is, the better. Preferred by many of today�s celebrities, hip-hop jewelry adorns the fingers, necks, arms, even the teeth of many stars.

Oversized studs and chains are the trademarks of hip-hop jewelry and are preferred by celebrities such as Sean Combs, or P. Diddy. At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, he sported a diamond ring, bracelet, and watch from Jacob and Company. Rapper 50 Cent is another celebrity who is hardly ever seen without his hip-hop jewelry. On his web site, 50 Cent offers more affordable, though just as flashy, bling-bling for those of us who do not earn the megabucks that he and his fellow celebrities rake in. There are also many other web sites that offer low-priced hip-hop jewelry inspired by popular rap artists.

Hip-hop jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes, all of them meant to catch the eye and attract attention. Heavy chains of silver or gold (or both) can oftentimes be seen on celebrities such as LL Cool J and Ja Rule in their music videos. Hip-hop jewelry web sites offer fully �iced-out� bling-bling, or watches, rings, bracelets and earrings that are heavily decorated with real or faux diamonds. So-called �spinner� watches and rings are big best sellers in the hip-hop jewelry category. Also available are customized, removable gold, silver and platinum teeth which may be studded with jewels and gemstones, so even the pearly whites can have their share of hip-hop jewelry.

Women celebrities are keeping pace with their male counterparts when it comes to wearing hip-hop jewelry. Stars such as Beyonce, Lil� Kim, Ashanti and Missy Elliott are regularly seen in pictures wearing large diamond jewelry items of various colors. Even young female celebrities are getting on the bling-bling bandwagon. Teen stars like Jo Jo and Hilary Duff are said to be avid hip-hop jewelry enthusiasts and count themselves among the large number of bejeweled stars today.

Large, ostentatious pieces of jewelry did not start becoming popular only because of the hip-hop cultural phenomenon (think Elvis Presley and Tom Jones), but hip-hop has altered the jewelry market in a big way. Fans see what their favorite celebrities are wearing, and there are numerous options for them to emulate their idols � at least in terms of fashion. Jewelry has always been a part of popular culture, and today�s hip-hop jewelry and the celebrities who wear them are even more so in this age of instant information.


Hip-hop Jewelry and Today's Stars
Sam Serio

Watch any of the major movie, television, and music award shows on television today and one of the first things you�ll notice about the celebrities on the red carpet, aside from their extravagant (and sometimes outlandish) attire, are the amount and size of the jewelry they are wearing. Hip-hop jewelry, more commonly known as bling-bling, is definitely not understated fashion. The bigger and the flashier it is, the better. Preferred by many of today�s celebrities, hip-hop jewelry adorns the fingers, necks, arms, even the teeth of many stars.

Oversized studs and chains are the trademarks of hip-hop jewelry and are preferred by celebrities such as Sean Combs, or P. Diddy. At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, he sported a diamond ring, bracelet, and watch from Jacob and Company. Rapper 50 Cent is another celebrity who is hardly ever seen without his hip-hop jewelry. On his web site, 50 Cent offers more affordable, though just as flashy, bling-bling for those of us who do not earn the megabucks that he and his fellow celebrities rake in. There are also many other web sites that offer low-priced hip-hop jewelry inspired by popular rap artists.

Hip-hop jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes, all of them meant to catch the eye and attract attention. Heavy chains of silver or gold (or both) can oftentimes be seen on celebrities such as LL Cool J and Ja Rule in their music videos. Hip-hop jewelry web sites offer fully �iced-out� bling-bling, or watches, rings, bracelets and earrings that are heavily decorated with real or faux diamonds. So-called �spinner� watches and rings are big best sellers in the hip-hop jewelry category. Also available are customized, removable gold, silver and platinum teeth which may be studded with jewels and gemstones, so even the pearly whites can have their share of hip-hop jewelry.

Women celebrities are keeping pace with their male counterparts when it comes to wearing hip-hop jewelry. Stars such as Beyonce, Lil� Kim, Ashanti and Missy Elliott are regularly seen in pictures wearing large diamond jewelry items of various colors. Even young female celebrities are getting on the bling-bling bandwagon. Teen stars like Jo Jo and Hilary Duff are said to be avid hip-hop jewelry enthusiasts and count themselves among the large number of bejeweled stars today.

Large, ostentatious pieces of jewelry did not start becoming popular only because of the hip-hop cultural phenomenon (think Elvis Presley and Tom Jones), but hip-hop has altered the jewelry market in a big way. Fans see what their favorite celebrities are wearing, and there are numerous options for them to emulate their idols � at least in terms of fashion. Jewelry has always been a part of popular culture, and today�s hip-hop jewelry and the celebrities who wear them are even more so in this age of instant information.



For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of �How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.� This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.