Crystals As Heirlooms

By Gail Mardew

A lot of families pass on heirlooms to subsequent generations. Heirlooms are very important and precious items to families. They are often expensive and rare, and they represent an important value or legacy of a person or the family as a whole.

People's initial impression on heirlooms is that they're antique, usually gold or bronze jewelry, old fashioned, and indeed-old. We are mentally conditioned that they have to be well kept and guarded, or should not be displayed blatantly in public or they'll get stolen. This is why heirlooms are very precious.

Despite common general opinion on heirlooms, they are not necessarily old of expensive. Begin a new chain of legacy with heirlooms that are of modern design, less expensive but beautiful and precious as well.

What is important about heirlooms is that they represent the values that a family live by. They are reminders of family history and memories. These things may be possessed by crystal items in your possession. Crystals are cheaper, but as heirlooms it doesn't make them any less precious.

The most common heirloom items are jewelry. These are frequently earrings, necklaces and rings. Since crystals are already used in jewelry setting in place of more expensive precious stones, finding crystal jewelry to pass on wont be difficult. Crystals are made in different colors and textures. They are great jewelry pieces that are timeless.

Figurines and statuettes are also passed on as heirlooms, especially in families in upper society with famous ancestors. They could be figures of famous people in history, or members of the family themselves. Crystal figurines and statuettes are the modern version of such heirloom pieces. Makers can be tapped to create crystal figures of ones own design. It is relatively easy now to have a persons likeness, an object or an emblem carved in crystal.

You can begin a new trend with crystals as heirloom pieces. You can choose to begin your own legacy in the family and crystals are a good way to start. Crystals are fragile, delicate and will need proper care and storage. The dedication of future recipients will definitely be tested by how well they are taking good care of your crystal heirlooms throughout the years.

About the Author:

If you're a fan of Swarovski Crystal Necklace you'll see a wide choice at significant discounts at http://www.buycrystalcollectibles.com.

Your Spring Wedding Can Be Amazing

By Aaron Hu

A nicely done spring wedding is truly a beautiful thing. Flowers are just beginning to bud, fresh grass is starting to grow, and the last vestiges of winter have disappeared. Mother Nature has gone from drab to fabulous and you want these positive aspects of the season reflected in your wedding. But how do take your celebration from ordinary to extraordinary?

The first thing to keep in mind is the weather. Spring is indeed after winter, but it's also before summer. In other words it will probably still be rather chilly outdoors, especially at night. In addition, remember that with springtime comes the likelihood of rain. To be on the safe side, pick a facility that will allow you to have your wedding indoors, and plan ahead for cold weather as well. You'll want to be prepared in the event of a surprise thundershower. As far as clothing is concerned, now is not the time to pick that strapless wedding gown, unless you plan on wearing a short jacket with it. A full length gown with sleeves is a much better idea, or a dress with fur trim. Open toe shoes, of course, are out.

Think about yourself and your guests' needs as well. Spring is when plants are flowering, which means the pollen count may go through the roof. You certainly don't want to suffer from allergies, nor do you want your loved ones sneezing their way through the ceremony. If you know that this is a potential issue, avoid locations that have a lot of trees and plants. The local rose garden may be stunning in spring, but you could find yourself in the middle of a disaster if you have your wedding there. In addition, avoid the use of potted plants and fresh flowers in your indoor wedding. If you insist upon greenery, ask a local florist which plants are least likely to cause reactions. They can direct you to the best choices for your ceremony.

Decorations in the colors of spring would be an excellent idea. Use kelly greens, sunshiny yellows, and sky blues to reinforce your chosen spring theme. This can be done by using tablecloths, napkins, and even plates and cups. Add faux or real spring flowers to each table; tulips, daisies and irises are an excellent choice. Spring wedding favors can reflect these colors. To continue the theme, garden wedding favors emphasize the planting and growth that takes place during this time. For garden wedding favors, try using seed packets and toy rakes. Spring wedding favors can include coffee and tea packets (to ward off the cold), or even little poems about spring itself.

The spring color idea doesn't have to end with decorations. Have your wedding party continue the concept in the following ways. Bridesmaids can wear complimentary colors, like blue and green, in different styles. Groomsmen can wear handkerchiefs and ties to match their bridesmaid partner. If you really want to go out on a limb, have the groomsmen in spring colors as well. This is not for the faint hearted, so beware.

Remember that a spring wedding can be a sight to see. A well planned one is an even more impressive sight. Since springtime can be a temperamental season you will want to think ahead to keep it's potential pitfalls from ruining your wedding. Doing so will help you make your wedding the best it can be.

About the Author:

Aaron Hu is a leading author on a wide range of well published wedding articles. If you are looking for Spring Wedding Favors, E-weddingfavors has the biggest selection available. You will also find Unique Wedding Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.

The Best Wedding Music Samples and where to find them

By Daniel De Henney

One of the most crucial issues of your wedding, even though you don't know it, is the music that you are using. Many weddings have different kinds of music, and even though you aren't quite sure what types of music you would prefer, there is no denying the importance of a excellent wedding soundtrack. Having the right music is an vital part of the success of your wedding, so you'll want to make sure that you have checked out some excellent wedding music samples to get you started.

There are quite a few places in your unique day that you'll want to have music for, and for each of these areas, you'll need to listen to some wedding music samples that can offer you a good idea of what the songs are like and whether they'll work for your wedding.

As you begin to plan your music, you'll want to have the music chosen for each individual area, so make a list of the places where you require wedding music, so that you will have a good idea of what genre of music to choose.

First of all, you'll need music for the ceremony. This might be to an extent dictated by the location you are getting married in, especially if it is a church. However, you can still hear wedding music samples to make sure that you are on the right track. You'll need to choose music for when people are being seated, before the wedding actually starts.

You will also need to have music for each of the parts of your ceremony. On some occasions, this is in the form of a solo, and sometimes you'll play music. You might want music for the lighting of the unity candle, for important parts of the ceremony, and other times. You'll also need to choose songs for the processional, the bride's entrance, and the recessional. This adds up to a lot of music to find wedding music samples for.

The other place you'll want to find wedding music samples is for the reception. There are lots of songs that you'll need to select for the reception, and it will be up to you to make sure that you have the right music for the dance.

The wedding music samples that you might want to look at are going to include songs for your first dance together as husband and wife, and songs for dances like the father daughter dance, the mother son dance, and the wedding party dance. There are some other dances you might feel like doing. These might include tunes like a married couple's dance, a family dance, and other dances that you might come up with.

One of the most wonderful things about looking at wedding music samples is that you are going to get a chance to hear what the song feels like before you decide to play it. This is crucial because you shouldn't just go on the title of the song as it is imperative to make sure that the song fits into your wedding in all ways. Wedding music samples can help you make sure of this.

About the Author:

Daniel De Henney has been in wedding planning for the last twenty years. He has accumulated a great wealth of experience and helpful tips, which he shares on his famous blog Wedding Songs First Dance. Check it out to find more useful advice on how to find the best wedding music samples and other great tips.

Practical and Stylish Handbags for School

By Jay Daniels

Backpacks are practical, usually large enough to carry a lot of books and other things and very easy to carry around. That's why they are more commonly used as schoolbags. But for all the practicality of a backpack, girls can luckily make use of handbags when they don't want to be heavily bent over like hunchbacks.

Using one as a schoolbag can be both practical and fashionable. Of course, its practicality depends on the handbags design, size and the material it is made of.

Zippers are more efficient in keeping in small and slim school materials like pens, rulers, pencils and locker keys. Books and other large objects can be easily carried around in a drawstring handbag and handbags which are sealed only with clasps. Keeping the small things inside clasp and drawstring handbags is not a good idea, unless there are inner pockets sealed with zippers. To make sure that nothing falls out of your handbag, keep them in an upright position.

If 3 textbooks can fit comfortably inside a handbag, then it may be used as a schoolbag. The books can be used to estimate if you will have enough space for other school necessities. Using a small handbag the size of a purse will not be practical enough as a schoolbag because it will hold only your cell phone and wallet. A very big handbag (a small sack?) on the other hand will certainly make you look far from fashionable. But of course the size to choose depends on the number of things you need to bring along with you.

For the material of which the handbag is made of, leather is always a good choice because it is sturdy and durable. Not to mention they are usually made in sophisticated designs. Handbags that are made of transparent plastic have also recently made their fashion debut. These are also great to use as long as the plastic is thick and the seams are securely sewed together. Denim handbags are already commonly used as schoolbags. They are usually made in different hues of black, blue and white. They are not very flashy and striking and will easily fit in a casual school setup. Handbags made of cotton cloth can also be useful. Just make sure that you don't set them on wet surfaces because the things inside might be soaked as well.

What is important to remember in selecting a handbag for school is that practicality should equal your fashion requirement. Do not just choose a handbag for its color and design. Think about the things that you will have to put in your bag and if it will be sturdy enough to hold all of them.

It will be very embarrassing if your bag suddenly breaks at the seams and spills all your things at the middle of the school grounds. You will definitely be in the limelight, but not in a graceful manner. That's why it is very important to choose handbags which are not only stylish but also sturdy.

About the Author:

If you're looking for a new school bag then visit our discount Juicy Couture bags store with great savings on every purchase. You'll also find a huge choice of discount Juicy Couture backpacks

Stretch Your Budget With Cubic Zirconia Rings

By Megan Rider

These days it seems that wallets are getting tighter and budgets everywhere are shrinking. Yet this doesn't stop the world from turning. Gifts for special occasions still need to be bought, and they still must be appropriate and appreciated.

Cubic zirconia rings are a great way to stretch your budget a little farther than it would otherwise. While there seems to be some contention as to their value, no one questions the fact that they're certainly less expensive than other gemstone jewelry.

Many people think of cubic zirconia rings as fake, but this isn't true. A CZ ring would only be fake if it were pretending to be something it's not. Passing one off as a diamond ring would be false, but otherwise they're definitely genuine.

Unlike diamonds, this kind of jewelry doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. You still get the colorless brilliance and fire that the precious gemstone is known for, only for a much lower cost. There's nothing wrong with saving money.

For whatever reason, people tend to lower their guard when buying cubic zirconia rings, as though they don't need to check for quality. This is not recommended at all. Taking your time to inspect the gemstones for quality is very important.

So long as you keep the 4 C's of gemstone jewelry in mind, you'll definitely find a CZ ring that's both beautiful and inexpensive. For those that don't remember, these include the carat weight, color, clarity, and cut of the gem.

The best way to ensure that you find the perfect ring is to be patient and browse many different vendors. This way you'll have a better idea of what's available for purchase and at what price. Don't pay more than you have to.

If you're looking for a gift that combines exquisite beauty and inexpensive costs, the cubic zirconia ring is definitely something to consider. Their high value to cost ratio makes them excellent gifts for any person or any occasion.

About the Author:

Megan Rider loves to get the most for her money, which is why she appreciates a cubic zirconia engagement ring. She writes many articles about jewelry, including ones on eternity rings.

Negging A Girl And Getting Her To Be Yours

By Greg Williams

Okay, coming to a woman by praising her to high heavens is like going to her with a poster stuck on your forehead declaring that you're a loser. Yup, in the pickup expert's language, such causes you to be an AFC - and Average Frustrated Chump, a name used for people who can't acquire any because they don't have the right paraphernalias and the right talents for the pursuit.

When approaching and in time talking to a woman, you have to feign lack of interest.

The reason?

It's due to the reason that you, the PUA - or pickup artist for the uninitiated - should forever possess the upper hand. If you illustrate to the lady that you're attracted - or worse, possessed - with her, then you will be giving her the advantage on a silver platter. If she finds out you're infatuated with her, either or all of the following situations will materialize:

* She will begin to act difficult to pleasing, knowing that whatever her wants would be, you're definite to give your best to fulfill them. * She'll lose fascination on you, as with every sport, the excitement is frequent in the hunt and she already has you in the bag. * She'll see the L-O-S-E-R on your head from afar and she won't offer you the time of day.

Still, if you manage to put on indifference, you will acquire the lead, and continue to benefit the advantage until the culmination of your pursuit. Take the following things if you complete such:

* She will feel dared. If she's pretty enough to catch your interest, then chances are she's so used to getting someone's attention rather simply. You'll be one of a kind, and she'll be surprised, and she won't stop until you yield to her charms as well. * She will consider you mysterious, what with the apparent challenge you have against her captivating aura. * She will attempt to win you over. The victim will also become the killer, and this will make things much, much simpler for you.

The way a PUA puts on disinterest is by means of his declarations known as negs. A neg is an apparently accidental offense that is meant to shock her because she's not used to receiving such remarks. "Your nails look fabulous, are they real?" is a core line in numerous PUAs' practices.

In composing a neg, you have to have an additional compliment. A neg stated mainly as an insult will look, well, insulting. But a neg that is an offense attached to a praise will have her puzzled, and this is how you'd wish her to be.

About the Author:

Get all the girls you want with these PUA routines.

Sex And The City - Enjoy The Videos While You Wait For The Movie!

By Lola Jasminia

Over 5 years after it's grand finale, fans of Sex And The City, from all over the world, are patiently awaiting the release of the next SATC sequal. For many women, watching the re-runs of Sex And The City is as essential as shoe shopping and gossip! And it's especially important, now, to know the full story before the next movie is released.

The Success of a Groundbreaking Television Series

From the very first episode in 1998, Sex And The City has been changing the way women see themselves and their relationships with each other and the men in their lives. Even now, sales of Sex And The City video boxsets show how important this message still is today. It gave career driven women a voice, and it's shown that what women really talk about can be respectable, thoughtful and complex " even when the main subject is men!

From the first episode, which drew 3.7 million viewers, to the last, with over 10 million watching breathlessly as Big arrived in Paris, we have known that these women were extraordinary. And, though they represent extremes, most of us can find something of ourselves in at least one of them.

Following the Struggle of Four Strong Women

Through the six series we are introduced to the many issues that modern women face. Though they may have more freedom in terms of careers and money, this comes at a price.

By far the biggest story of the series is the relationship between Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Big (Chris Noth). From the first "Abso-f******-lutely" in Season 1 to the final "Abso-f******-lutely" in Season 6, we follow them through all their relationship ups and downs, until finally, in the movie, we see them marry. Who knows WHAT will happen to them in Sex And The City 2!

For Charlotte (Kristin Davis), the eternal optimist, love doesn't come easy. But persistence pays off, and she finally gets the family she wants and deserves by the end of Sex and the City: the Movie.

High-powered attorney, Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) struggles with her self confidence and direction in life. Does she want a career, a family, or both? After several several hilarious pregnancy/baby episodes, she settles into family life with her husband, Steve (David Eigenberg) and his mother.

And not much needs to be said about Samantha (Kim Cattrall) " the promiscuous, career-hungry woman who isnt afraid to take exactly what she wants from life. Not to mention the fact that shes helped women all over the world be proud to say Im forty-f*****g-five!

The Show Lives On

Women around the world watch the videos of Sex And The City every day. They are an immense catalog of fashion. Nobody can dey how Sex And The City stylist, Patricia Field, has raised the bar on fashion trends. And these same women are all eagerly awaiting the NEW fashion trends yet to be set by Sex And The City 2!

All of the best movie highlights and uncut episodes are available in the form of Sex And The City video, and you can snap them up for a fraction of the cost with the series boxset. Get YOUR set now and catch up with the girls before the next movie is released!

About the Author:

Lola Jasminia is anxiously, while organizing her closet, awaiting the release of the next Sex And The City Movie. Have you bought your new shoes yet?? In the meantime, join her at Sex And The City Video Blog for episode highlights, videos, character information and some good, old fashioned Movie Gossip!

The Huntington Beach Bad Boy Returns To The UFC

By Ross Everett

In the 'real world' time heals all wounds. In the fight game, money has the same curative effect. This was vividly illustrated with the recent announcement that Tito Ortiz has patched things up with Dana White and will return to the UFC. Tito left the promotion over a year ago after a highly publicized split with the UFC president.

Ortiz has had several run ins with the UFC over their notoriously tight pay structure, and first left the promotion in 2005. He was back later that year for a run as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter against longtime rival Ken Shamrock. After losing to current light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida in his last UFC appearance, he left the company and bounced around in a promotional capacity. He had surgery on his back in the process, and now claims that hes back to 100%.

Tito may never regain his championship form as a fighter, but that is of minimal relevance due to one salient fact"people will pay to see him fight. Dana White evoked the same theme in his comments on Ortiz at a Friday press conference in Las Vegas:

"Tito and I have a history that everyone knows. He's still a guy that everyone wants to see fight. He said his back has healed perfectly and he's ready to take a shot at the title. He's one of those guys that people love and people love to hate. We've put all our differences aside, have squashed everything and will move forward, and Tito will retire in the UFC."

To which Ortiz offered this response:

"Time really cures everything. Dana was a man of his word. Dana apologized to me. We're like boyfriend and girlfriend."

Ortiz said that Dana White and UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta came to his home in Huntington Beach, California and made him an offer he couldn't turn down:

"I'm happy, I'm satisfied, You'll never hear anything about money again.

Sources suggest that Ortiz could debut on the UFCs New Years card against Mark Coleman. Coleman is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Stephan Bonnar at UFC 100 in mid July.

To best understand Titos appeal and why the UFC was so anxious to re-sign him, well paraphrase HBO boxing commentator Larry Merchant. Merchant once noted in reference to George Foreman during his 'comeback' that there are many fighters, but very few stars. Like George Foreman, Tito Ortiz is a star. Some love him, some hate him but people pay to watch him fight.

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a consulting handicapper for a number of offshore sportsbooks and an authority on sports betting . He's a published expert on sports handicapping theory, as well as stock and investment strategy. He contributes to a number of websites providing insight on how to bet on UFC, MMA and boxing.