The Amazing Marigold - From Love Charms to Chicken Feed

Marigolds are a fascinating flower with a wide variety of uses and symbolic meanings in different cultures. Marigolds are commonly known as the "Herb of the Sun" and are generally symbolic of passion and creativity. The various meanings and uses of marigolds make an intriguing botanical study.

The Welsh believed that if marigolds were not open early in the morning, then a storm was on the way. Marigolds have also been used as love charms and incorporated into wedding garlands. Water made from marigolds was once thought to induce psychic visions of fairies if rubbed on the eyelids. In some cultures, marigold flowers have been added to pillows to encourage prophetic or psychic dreams.

The marigold is also associated with the lion and the astrological sign Leo. In addition, early Christians named the flower "Mary's Gold" and offered the blossoms in place of money at the foot of statues of Mother Mary. The Portuguese introduced marigolds into India. Eventually the flower was offered to the Hindu gods Vishnu and Lakshmi. The marigold was also considered to be sacred among the Aztec Indians, who decorated their temples with the flower.

The marigold was once thought to protect against the plague and to be effective in stopping gossip. Interestingly, the marigold can also symbolize cruelty and jealousy. When used in combination with spells, however, the marigold is an anti-dote for the sharp-tongued and promotes cheery conversations.

Marigolds can be found in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Marigolds can adapt to a wide range of conditions, but prefer full sun and rich soils. The marigold is a hardy plant, usually with yellow, orange or rusty red blooms. Marigolds have what many people consider to be a disagreeable odor. Some varieties have been bred to be odor-free, but this negates their use as a plant that wards off insects in gardens. Marigolds are grown from seeds and range in height from 6 to 36 inches. The blossoms can be from 1/2 inch to 5 inches across.

The uses of marigolds vary widely in the different locales where marigolds grow. For example, in some places the leaves of marigolds have been used to remove warts. Marigolds are also grown and harvested in Mexico to be added to chicken feed. Chickens eating marigold-enriched feed produce eggs with a deep yellow color. The flesh of chickens fed marigolds also take on a rich color to make them more appealing for human consumption. The marigold blossoms are quite edible for humans, too, and are often used in egg and cheese dishes. The blossoms also make a yellow dye for fabric.

This amazing flower comes in such a wide variety of sizes and colors that there is sure to be a marigold to suit any garden. Marigolds also do well as cut flowers. In addition to their use in summer bouquets, the common orange, red and rust colors are perfect for autumn arrangements. Make sure to enjoy marigolds this year both outdoors and indoors!

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is an artist, writer and design consultant residing in Bozeman, Montana. Kathleen is best known for her contemporary impressionism style and her colorful forest, landscape and flower paintings. Kathleen's original art and fine art gifts can be seen at http://www.livingartsoriginals.com For an extensive article about flower symbolism see http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infoflowersymbolism.htm To see a selection of Kathleen's flower paintings, please visit http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/originalfloralart.htm

Direct Mail Postcards - Its Charms and Strengths Unlocked

Consumers are becoming increasingly critical of the goods they purchase. Anyone who wants a particular service is drowned with a variety of goods to choose from. Even with direct mail postcards, you may find yourself overwhelmed by an infinite number of features to compare, contrast and even combine.

In the face of today's challenging times and cutthroat competition, advertising is changing. As an entrepreneur, your business should offer more than just a witty slogan or become just another one of those commercials.

Advertisements need substance. Businesses should either keep up with the race or be drowned out. One sure way of creating your own space and identity is through direct-mail advertising that is steadily becoming growing force in advertising.

Fill your the businesses' and consumers' need for a more direct and substantive form or marketing and advertising. Since mail is sent individually, there are higher chances that your mail will be read. This is especially true if you are sending out postcards that are targeted towards their needs and interests.

Direct Mail Marketing and Postcard Strengths

There's a better chance that people who couldn't care less are not bombarded with information they couldn't care less about and the people who possibly needs them will have them. Direct Mail Postcards are just the print products who will see you through this.

You may choose to send legal sized letters or brochures, but one must not forget the charm and strengths of a postcard. Here are the advantages of direct-mail advertising with postcards in particular:

• Cost. The cost of producing TV commercials on the average can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars which may go up depending on props, production, air time, TV spots and the like. Postcards, on one hand, are perfect for both small scale and large scale enterprises.

• Postcards can be printed anywhere from 250 to 100,000 prints and even more. You need not worry about catering to a small or large sized audience. Direct mail postcards can only be limited with your own client base or mailing list.

• Commercials may reach more people, but it invests on too much time for people to actually notice them. Postcards, on one hand, have more potential to read for it doesn't require much time.

• Direct mail postcards can contain catchy illustrations or witty taglines that can catch the attention of the audience. As it does so, it can act as a souvenir. It is a tangible keepsake that can be readily passed on or kept. It can be shown to other people or form a part of a collection.

• Postcards can open other channels of making itself useful or visible. It can be used as a bookmark. It can be stuck onto the refrigerator as a reminder of sorts. It can be placed on a scrapbook or it can simply be re-sent to another interested client.

• Postcards are not time limited. They can contain more information than a 30second television spot. With good copy writing, readers could easily read it through and through.

• With direct mail postcards, you can also track your progress. Since you know where it's been mailed, you can confirm and call people to further entice them on your promotions or offers.

There are many strengths hidden in direct mail postcards. You can tap into them through a good strategy and through quality printing. Find your way into direct mail postcards and into the helms of a great printing company and be prepared for rewarding returns.

More topics on direct mailing postcards can be found at Postcard Printing Full Color - My Postcard printing

Italian Charms - A Touch of Italy, Wherever You Go

One of the latest trend to hit the market today is the Italian charm bracelets as the jewelry itself is always linked to the uniqueness of everything Italy such as the food, the view of the landscapes, history and so on.

Another main reason for the fame and lasting power of this trend is the availability of choices of charms in the market. The Italian charm bracelet is actually a series of individual modular links hooked together on a stretchy band to form a single bracelet. Usually these bracelets consists of eighteen links with each link featuring a face either a design or an image soldered onto the actual charm link. It doesn't really matter what your personality or tastes are like, there will always be an Italian charm bracelet for you. You can also have a theme or topic to inspire your Italian charm. There is a variety of material that the charms are made of some are sterling silver, gold, and enamel or plastics and beads. Depending on material type, the face of the charm that features the design can be soldered or glued to the link. Gemstones can also be incorporated into the design of the charms. With variety of choices, motifs and styles, it is hard to find two identical charm bracelets unless of course you order a custom-made identical charm for you and your lover.

Charm bracelet usually would comprise of eighteen blank links connected together. To produce a personalized bracelet, the blank links are then replaced with individually designed charms. One will usually find them in a form of flat and modular links that can be hooked together. These charms would feature individual pieces soldered flat onto the surface of the joining link.

One of the hottest trends in Italian charms at present is the picture or photo charms. Not only are these full of fun, it can also feature any photo you like, from your pets to your boyfriend. The sky is the limit when it comes to pictures to be used on them. For instance, take a funny picture of yourself to give to your loved ones or you can even add a caption to your picture. These will make splendid gifts that the recipient will treasure for many years to come. A photo is a perfect representation of a memory and it speaks a thousand words. One can look back at a photo 50 years later and will be filled with memories about it and it will still be protected and undamaged no matter how many times it's worn.

Buying these wonderful charms' products need not be a hassle. Hook onto the world wide web and you are just a few clicks away from owning your very own piece of a wonderful art to call your own. So don't wait, get on there now and make that purchase to showcase your personality today.

The author is a consultant at an online Italian charm store, GoldCupJewelry.com. There you'll be able to find an Italian charm starter bracelet, a keychain for the man or woman in your life, and a huge variety of charms.

Italian Charms - A Unique Fashion Trend

Clothes and accessories are not only a sign of the latest fashion. Now people tend to accessorize themselves with something they want to share with others. It is usually related to beliefs and principles. Accessories like bracelets are a great way to show your individuality. Items like charm bracelets are also believed to bestow luck on to the wearer.

The Italian charms bracelets can be decorated with real or fake gemstones on gold plated or 18 karat gold charm face. The charm face is fixed on to the back stainless steel back side with strong glue.

Most of the time, Italian charms are crafted to be in the form of a bracelet. What makes these bracelet special is you can personalized the bracelet to your own liking and personal desire. This is because the blank flat links has standardized sizing and are well compatible across any other brand. This gives the wearer a flexibility to change the link of the bracelet to suit the mood or the interest of the individual at any time.

The charm bracelets can be given a theme to it because of its ability to be changed according to preferences. Therefore, this will make them an excellent present for family members and friends. They can also be put on to show others your favorite color or to give yourself a motivation. The many designs you can choose for the bracelets are made possible by techniques like laser, hand paints, photos or even deluxe link.

As the trend progresses, the manufactures has come up with brilliant ideas in improvising and adding more designs in not only the bracelets but also creating new genre of accessories such as Italian charm keychains and photo bracelet. Italian charm key chain is a perfect way to start your Italian charm collection. They would usually resemble and look very much like the bracelet charm but the difference is that it will be attached with a key ring instead. It would be fashionably hip to hook this item onto your jeans bag, belt and also backpacks.

The key chains will impress your family and friends if you give them away as gifts. They will love the way their key chains are made especially for them. People will appreciate anything as long as the giver puts a lot of effort in making the gifts unique. You will be well received by family and friends.

The Italian charm keychain will make the perfect party favors for birthdays. They will be given as signs of appreciation to guests. This is because no one will expect anything as guests at the party other than food and drinks; it will be a pleasant surprise for them. The fact that you had made it personalized will make them enjoy it even more.

The Italian charm bracelets and key chains are a fabulous collection for those who are looking for uniqueness in style. They make great accessories on you and your bags. Not only that, they make perfect gifts for those you love.

The author writes about Italian charm ideas for GoldCupJewelry.com with his Italian charm keychain in his pocket

Top 10 Charms Of The Kalahari

In a paradise rich in wildlife, game and lavish luxuries lies the splendour of the Savannah red sands of the Kalahari Desert.

1. Wildlife paradise: This African wilderness is home to some of the world's most remarkable creatues. Guided walks meander across silent red dunes. Drives in open-sided safari vehicles traverse the Kalahari wilderness and stop at the most scenic spots to allow visitors to enjoy an impressive sunset or splendid bush dinner.

2. Place of mystery: With legends and tales that go far into the past when the great tribes of the Bushmen lived undisturbed and free. The mystery of the Kalahari brings in another aspect of the beauty of this Desert. The Desert offers the spirituality of the pans and the humbling experience of the memories of the San – The Kalahari Bushmen while discovering the bush medicines, cosmetics and hunting skills used by the San people.

3. Desert landscapes: Take in the magnificent views of the red dunes from a hot air balloon over the dry savannah sand masses, created by the erosion of soft stone formations and the wind that has shaped the longish sand ridges so typical of the Kalahari Desert landscapes. The Kalahari region is not only very beautiful, but also fascinating, with the red sand dunes and bleached veld competing for admiration.

4. Indigenous bird life: The Kalahari is an incredible place for bird watching with more than 200 species of birds - some of them indigenous to the arid zone - found in the varying habitats of the reserve. Raptors and in particular, vultures, are very well represented.

5. Enoy a horseback safari experience as you explor the Kalahari plains: Exploring the dunes and desert wildlife from horseback provides a bush experience unlike any other where you are able to get so close to the animals that they remain undisturbed by your presence in their natural environment.

6. In harmony with nature: Feel at one with nature and walk the trail with experienced field guides and trackers and share the environment with the multiplicity of wildlife. Rangers offer insight into the absorbing world of the smaller creatures inhabiting this stunning area of the Kalahari and reveal their nests and holes.

7. Sightings of ancient art: Visit the sights of the San engravings and examine the tools used in the Stone Age. Here you will find some of the earliest examples of symbolic art forms and ritual practice where the Bushmen demonstrated their unique relationship with the natural environment and how they portrayed their past.

8. Be spoilt under the warm Southern skies: Take the time to relax your body, free your mind and reconnect with your soul as you enjoy a multitude of treatments and therapies, to indulge, treat and restore yourself in a setting that is truly unique to this part of the world.

9. A Malaria-free child friendly safari: Unlike many other luxury African game reserves, the malaria-free Kalahari is a place where children are gladly welcomed. With a range of fun activities and accommodation especially suited to kids, this is a place where your children will feel stimulated, happy and above all, at home. Children will learn so much on their visit to the Kalahari Desert. They will be educated about the wildlife, game and surroundings of this wonderful paradise.

10. Intelligent African luxury: Indulge in the epitome of stylish, yet rustic elegant luxury game reserve accommodation with sundecks and heated swimming pools, outdoor showers with extended views over the Kalahari plains and remarkable scenes of wild animals drinking at the nearby watering holes. Enjoy such luxuries as private wine cellars, libraries, laundry and valet services as well as a dedicated private chef that captures the essence of great wines and fine African cuisine.

There are so many distinctive traits attributed to the splendour of the Kalahari Desert. We have highlighted just ten of its charms certain to entice you to include this as one of your essential travel destinations.

Visit the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Tswalu is a very special Kalahari Resort in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa belonging to the well known Oppenheimer family. Tswalu provides the ultimate game reserve experience. http://www.tswalu.com

Webkinz Charms Where are They?

Finding Webkinz Charms can be tough. Stores everywhere are out of stock and show
few signs of improving their in stock position anytime soon. So what does that mean
for kids and parent looking for Webkinz Charms? It means that shopping online for
Webkinz Charms may be the only option and even that one may be dried up.

What are Webkinz Charms? Webkinz Charms are quite simply similar to a bracelet
and can also be work around the neck of someones Webkinz pet. So it serves as 2
functions jewelry for your child or jewelry for your child's Webkinz Plush animal.
This makes webkinz charms a unique item that has never been released before. The
ability to have the same jewelry spans child fantasies everywhere. This allows them
to share a common beyond between master and owner or pet and owner.

There are 24 different webkinz charms that each display the image of a webkinz
plush pet. The webkinz charm hangs around the neck of the webkinz pet as to symbolize
what the pet is. These are rare items now days and kids everywhere who love and
play webkinz are seeking them out. Webkinz Charms are following along the same pattern
that the parent Webkinz has experienced. That means we'll see year long shortages
of webkinz charms just as we saw shortages of webkinz pets earlier in the year.

As Christmas appoaches demand for webkinz Charms will probably sky rocket and
the prices slowly increase before then. The best way to find Webkinz Charms is to
get them now as waiting could result in the same fate as Webkinz Pets earlier this
year and they'll hang the "out of Stock" sign everywhere. So finding your favoriteWebkinz
Charms may be easy in a few weeks but by Christmas they will be rare.

mikey simmsBuy
Webkinz Charms

Dress for Success - Claim Your Style With Italian Charms

I don’t know about you, but the toughest part of my morning routine is deciding
what to wear. That’s right: I have no trouble hopping out of bed early…but I rarely
get to work on time–all because I spend precious morning minutes pondering the perfect
outfit. And it’s not even the big issues—like which top or what pants to wear—that
take up all my time. I don’t even hassle over matching my socks: no, it’s the accessories
that always get me. I blame my mother. She has always been great at accessorizing
- a real natural! Some how her skills were lost on me.

Fortunately, I recently discovered the ideal accessory—it goes with every outfit!—the
Italian Charm bracelet. This little accessory has rescued me from fashion oblivion
countless times. And, lately, I’ve even managed to get to work on time! Italian
charms meet every one of my criteria (and even several of my mother’s) for the perfect
accessory: they match any outfit (very important factor!); they are unique; and
they attract attention (especially on all-important date nights).

Italian charm bracelets are the popular new style of charm bracelet made of small
flexible metal links, each with a unique image. They have become popular for their
sleek style and because of the great variety of charm links—there are links for
each and every style. Italian Charm bracelets are the perfect solution to any accessory
problem because they go with any outfit.

The best thing about Italian charms is that they’re removable and interchangeable,
which means that they can both fit your fashion needs and express your unique personality.
Charms come in all styles—from serious to silly. You can choose to put your Italian
Charm bracelet together with letters, to spell your name, or with images, to tell
the story of who you are and what you like to do. For everyday use, you may choose
to wear fun, personal charms that express your identity.

There are thousands of charms to fit your personality: charms that reflect your
favorite pastimes and activities, charms that indicate your favorite travels or
artists; you can even have Italian Charms made with photos of yourself or your friends!
And, on those special occasions when you have to dress to impress, you can unlink
a few of your personal charms and replace them with some more elegant ones such
as flowers, classic paintings, or just sophisticated designs. And all the charms
come in a sleek silver color, so you can be sure that they will match any outfit
you choose.

Italian charms are just the accessory you have been looking for: they will flatter
both your outfit and your excellent sense of style! No more wasting precious minutes
before work or that big date digging through loud scarves and gaudy jewelry—just
pull out your Italian charm bracelet and consider yourself a fashion accessory success!

While I can’t guarantee that it will be easy to pick out your outfit next time
you’re preparing for that hot date, you can rest assured that you will at least
have the perfect and unique accessory: your Italian Charm bracelet. When you’re
on your date, you’ll be sure to impress him with your beautiful outfit accented
by a gorgeous bracelet. Plus, if you include a few of your personal, fun charms,
you’ll create a perfect conversation starter for your date. Who knows, maybe on
your next date he’ll be wearing one as well!

Find a wide selection of
Italian charms
and Italian charm bracelets at
http://www.GoldCupJewelry.com
where Greg Scott is a writer.

Numerology Magic Square Talismans as Money Charms

Magic Squares make a potent talisman or charm for enhancing certain talents and
abilities of their bearer. Numerology provides us with a powerful way to construct
a personal money charm just for you. Let's see how this can be done.

Date of Birth as a Sigil

In numerology and astrology, your Date of birth is a defining signature element
for you. Your entire reading in both disciplines is built around this number. So,
if I wish to construct a magic talisman using numbers and associate it's power with
you, using your date of birth in the charm is a natural way to build this association.

There are other means, such as using your name or signature in the talisman,
but since I'm using numbers to construct the charm anyway, your date of birth makes
a perfect sigil to represent you.

Yantra Magic Squares

Yantra magic squares are magic squares built using your date of birth, and your
Life Path number as the top row of the square. They are powerful good luck charms
for the person they are constructed for. But, they don't necessarily attract wealth
and riches to the person.

Eight - The Money Number

In numerology as well as other physic disciplines, eight is associated with money
and riches. To specifically attract more money to a person, I can construct a magic
square talisman where the rows and columns sum to a number which reduces to (8)
using fadic addition. The numbers: 26, 35, 44, 53, 62, 71, 80, 98, and 107 all have
this properity.

So, in order to create my talisman, I start with someone's Yantra magic square,
and then change the last box in the top row from their Life Path number, to a number
which produces a square where the rows sum to (8).

Let's look at an example to see my meaning.

Johnny Depp's Money Talisman

Actor Johnny Depp was born on June 9th, 1963; so his Life Path number would be
(7) as shown below.

Life Path = (06 + 09 + 1963) = (1978) = (1 + 9 + 7 + 8) = (25) = (7)

The first row of his Yantra Magic square we be his Month, Day, Year (less century)
and his Life Path number, and would look like this:

( 6 )( 9 )( 63 )( 7 )

The row totals (85) which reduces to (4) by fadic addition. If I substitute a
(2) in the last box on the row for his Life Path number of (7), then the resulting
row will sum to (80) which will reduce to and (8) using fadic addition.

Making the substitution, and then calculating the rest of the Magic square by
formula, I get the following:

( 6 )( 9 )( 63 )( 2 )

( 61 )( 4 )( 4 )( 11 )

( 3 )( 64 )( 8 )( 5 )

( 10 )( 3 )( 5 )( 62 )

Summary

So with a little work, I can create a (4 x 4) Yantra magic square focused on
a particular person, and targeted to draw money and financial success to them.

Keith Abbott is the developer and owner of 'Numerology 4 You' where you can order
your own Numerology
reading, including your
Yantra Magic
Square chart.

Visit him on the web today at
http://www.numerology4you.com

Astrological Magic Squares as Charms and Talismans

Numerologist use Magic Squares to create talismans and charms for protection,
and to enhance their abilities in certain areas. There are seven of these magic
squares, each with its own prosperities and uses. Will carrying one of them help
you?

Astrological Magic Squares

Cronelius Agrippa studied and named a series of Magic Squares for the various
Planets, and ascribed various proprieties to these squares based on their Astrological
influences. Later in Elizabethan times, John Dee and Sir Edward Kelly worked with
these squares, and included them in the Enochian system of magic.

These same squares were used in the Hebrew tradition of the Kabbalah, and are
associated with particular aspects of the Tree of Life.

The seven Astrological magic squares and their properties are listed below.

Square of Saturn

A talisman made using this square increases the chances for success in business,
and draws money to the wearer; It also tends to cure depression. This is a (3 x
3) magic square built using the whole numbers 1 through 9. Its essence (row total)
is (15) which reduces to a (6) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total of all
squares is (45).

Square of Jupiter

A talisman made using this square gives power and prestige to the bearer. It
enhances the persons authority and leadership. This is a (4 x 4) magic square built
using the whole numbers 1 through 16. Its essence (row total) is (34) which reduces
to a (7) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total is (136).

Square of Mars

A talisman made using this square protects the wearer from accidents and injuries.
This is a (5 x 5) magic square built using whole numbers 1 through 25. Its essence
(row total) is (65) which reduces to (11) by fadic addition. Its complete sum total
is (325).

Square of the Sun

A talisman made using this square brings peace of mind to the bearer. This is
a (6 x 6) Magic Square built using whole numbers 1 through 36. Its essence (row
total) is (111) which reduces to a (3). Its complete sum total is (666).

Square of Venus

A talisman made using this square brings love and affection from the opposite
sex. It also improves your peace of mind. This is a (7 x 7) Magic Square built using
the whole numbers 1 through 49. Its essence (row total) is (175) which reduces to
a (4). The complete sum total of all squares is (1225).

Square of Mercury

A talisman made using this square protects you from enemies, increases your memory,
and enhances divination skills. It's an (8 x 8) magic square built using the whole
numbers 1 through 64. Its essence (row total) is (260) which reduces to (8) by fadic
addition. The complete sum total of all squares is (2080).

Square of the Moon

This square is used to bring friendship, and increased respect in the community.
It's a (9 x 9) magic square built using the whole numbers 1 through 81. Its essence
(row total) is (369) which reduces to (9) by fadic addition. The complete sum total
of all squares is (3321).

Keith Abbott is the developer and owner of 'Numerology 4 You' where you can order
your own Numerology
reading, including your
Yantra Magic
Square chart. Visit him on the web today at
http://www.numerology4you.com

The Top Eight Anniversary Charms

If it's you're married and your anniversary is coming up, why not get your wife
something special that will grow in value and sentimentality, as well as become
a family heirloom. Yes, we're talking about a charm bracelet. They can represent
your wife's individual interests, as well as become a way to represent memorable
times in her life.

The following is a list of the most popular anniversary charms, whether it's
a wedding anniversary, or for any other type of special anniversary you'd like to
remember with a lovely charm.

1) 14K Gold Heart: Happy Anniversary

This 14K gold heart says "Happy (#) Anniversary" on its face, with the (#) replaced
by the number of your choice. It's suitable for use as a pendant necklace.

2) Happy Anniversary Cake Charm

This three-dimensional cake charm can be made in your choice of sterling silver,
gold plate, 10K gold, or 14K gold.

3) Round Happy Anniversary Charm

This disc shaped charm says "Happy Anniversary" in raised script lettering on
a slightly textured surface. It's can be found in several metal choices.

4) Happy Anniversary in Cut Out Letters

A 14K gold charm that spells out Happy Anniversary in cut out letters on two
lines. It's a charm that's large enough to be easily read, but small enough to be
feminine looking.

5) Rembrandt Heart Charm

This slightly elongated heart proclaims Happy Anniversary in raised letters at
its center. You can find this charm in your choice of several metals.

6) Italian Charm - Ringing Bells

It's not exactly an anniversary charm, but 18K gold and stainless steel ringing
bells would be a good choice if the woman you're buying for likes Italian Charm
bracelets.

7) 10K Gold Anniversary Pendant

An open white and yellow gold heart is more of a smallish pendant, not really
a charm, but something that can be customized, with space for three numbers, each
one stretching between its inner and outer veins.

8) 14K Gold Employment Anniversary Charm

Jewelers have recently started producing employment anniversary charms, but it
couldn't be used for other purposes. It's not a heart like so many of the sentimental
charms are, but you can find detailed ones, with 14K gold scrollwork stretching
beyond the central number.

If you're looking for something really unique, Pandora Jewelry invented a new
system for charm bracelets and necklaces, which added a new dimension in collecting
jewelry. This unique jewelry line established a foothold in Northern Europe as one
of the most successful jewelry businesses to date. Since 2002, Pandora Jewelry has
brought hope and opportunity to jewelers across North America.

Each item in our collection is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver and
14K gold. Various pieces of our line are handcrafted with colorful precious stones
and cultured pearls.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information,
contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.

Authorized distributed of beautiful
pandora
bracelets and beads

How Charming - Why Charms And Charm Bracelets?

Traditionally, there are several times in a woman’s life when she can receive
a charm bracelet; once as a young girl and once for her marriage.

In the past, when a woman married, she was given a charm bracelet to celebrate
her future. A charm bracelet with wedding bells or a marriage certificate was later
filled with charms representing the honeymoon, anniversaries and the birth of her
children. This bracelet was frequently referred to as a “Lifetime” bracelet, growing
over the years to one day be passed onto her daughter, so she could continue the
tradition of charm collecting from generation to generation.

Charm bracelets were passed on from mother to daughter, either as a new gift
or as a family heirloom. The daughter then added her own charms to the bracelet,
including ones that represented her favorite hobbies, interests and beliefs. As
the daughter matured, so did her charm bracelet, increasing not only the number
of charms, but also in sentimental value.

To a woman who lived during the 1930s, 40s and 50s, charms, usually worn in multiples
on a link bracelet, were of great personal significance. A charm bracelet became
a chronicle of a woman's life; a time capsule that represented her loves, her interests,
her travels, and her experiences. These sentimental, yet precious objects told her
story, and preserved it for generations to come.

A woman most probably received her first charm as a young girl; perhaps a ballerina
or a flower. In her teenage years, she may have received the additions of a love
token from a sweetheart, a souvenir from a school trip, a jeweled mortarboard for
graduation. Charms commemorating her engagement, wedding, first home, children--all
the major milestones of her life--followed in line.

With the mid-century trend for travel enabled her to see much more of the world
than her mother and grandmother had. Perhaps a small cruise ship charm told of her
honeymoon trip to the islands; or an Eiffel Tower charm of a romantic weekend in
France. She could spend many a cocktail party explaining the numerous exotic travel
mementos on her wrist.

Like many women of her day, a little pearl typewriter signified that she had
a job outside the home. She might have also enjoyed sports (golf and tennis) and
was loved the arts, particularly painting and theatre.

A woman might have added other charms to her bracelet simply for their beauty.
Compared to the flat, stamped charms of modern times, vintage charms are three-dimensional,
highly detailed, and often jeweled -- tiny works of art in their own right.

There's been a new trend for collecting vintage charms. Women today often wear
a single charm from their collection on a bracelet, or as a pendant. Collections
are often beautifully displayed in a shadow box, or hung from ribbons on a bulletin
board, mirror or frame.

Vintage charms make wonderful gifts. For a recently married bride, each guest
could gave the bride an antique charm representing one of her, or the couple's,
interests or experiences. For another bride, she could do the opposite, using the
antique charms as personalized thank-you gifts for her bridesmaids. Yet another
idea would be that a woman could treat herself each birthday to a charm with some
relevance to the preceding year of her life; and she could start the same tradition
for her young daughters.

Charms have become popular as a way to express individualism, because no two
bracelets are alike. Hobbies, crafts, work-related, and sports-related charms can
be easily found, as well as those pertaining to pets and animals of all kinds.

There is a huge selection of charms available today, with a charm for every season
and every reason. Many women find collecting charms addictive, and will include
a many bracelets in their collection. The ease of removing and replacing charms
make for endless combinations. A bracelet can be fashioned to correspond with any
mood or occasion.

Charms have recently seen an increase in popularity, especially with celebrities.
They've given their stamps of approval, as many Hollywood personalities have been
photographed with their charm bracelets on. Designers, like Pandora Jewelry, have
produced their own collectibles, and the sky is the limit in terms of both options
and price. Early charms were typically quite inexpensive, however some of the charms
available today can vary from under $10 to several hundred dollars each.

Pandora Jewelry invented a new system for charm bracelets and necklaces, which
added a new dimension in collecting jewelry. This unique jewelry line established
a foothold in Northern Europe as one of the most successful jewelry businesses to
date. Since 2002, Pandora Jewelry has brought hope and opportunity to jewelers across
North America.

Each item in the Pandora collection is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver
and 14K gold. Various pieces of our line are handcrafted with colorful precious
stones and cultured pearls.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information,
contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.

Authorized distributed of beautiful
pandora
bracelets and beads

The Hidden Meanings Of European And American Charms

Starting at the inception of the 20th century and extending until the 1960s,
it was a mark of the middle-class that young girls be given a charm bracelet before
they reached puberty. At every holiday or anniversary, a new charm is added to the
bracelet, often by the relative who had given the original bracelet.

The demand for charms is ancient; only the method of marketing them is relatively
recent. Not all the charms on these bracelets were lucky emblems -- equally common
were hobby-related and school-related charms. In fact, the number of charms available,
and the ordinariness of many of them -- a telephone, a car, a cheerleader's megaphone,
a windmill -- may have devalued the word "charm" in the English language, so that
today it's often misunderstood that if someone refers to "charms" when that person
means "amulets."

The French, in particular, had a list of charms called "Le Langage de Porte Bonheur"
("The Language of Good Luck Charms") and included 10 charms that symbolized:

* An elephant: "Felicite" (happiness)

* A heart: "Amour" (love)

* A four-leaf clover: "Bonheur" (luck)

* A horsehoe magnet: "Argent" (silver -- or money, due to the magnet's "drawing"
power)

* A die, showing seven spots: "Veine" (games of chance; gambler's luck)

* The number 13: "Joie" (joy; the usual use of this number is as general luck or
gambler's luck)

* A pig: "Prosperite" (prosperity)

* A hamsa hand: "Richesse" (riches; this is not accurate -- the hamsa hand protects
against the evil eye

* A horseshoe: "Fidelite" (fidelity; not entirely accurate -- the usual meaning
is attraction or "drawing")

* A pansy: "Souvenir" (remembrance; it belongs more properly to the "language of
flowers")

During the 20th century American charm bracelet at left features a variety of
lucky charms in a bright mix of brass, copper, sterling silver, and gold-plated
metal. This bracelet is typical of the kind of jewelry worn by adolescent girls
in the 1950s and 1960s, collected charm by charm while traveling through the tourist
traps, flea markets, jewelry stores and yard sales. Many of the more modern American
charms symbolize:

* A silver heart engraved with initials: love for the named individual

* A brass heart pierced by an arrow: smitten romantic love

* A silver horseshoe: attraction or "drawing" luck

* A gold wishbone set with a pearl: wishes come true

* A silver horseshoe on which is placed a wishbone, a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe
and the words "Good Luck": good luck

* A gold and green enameled four-leaf clover: luck

* A silver money bag with a $ sign: wealth

* A copper horseshoe on which is placed a four-leaf clover: good luck

* A brass heart padlock: faithful love

* A silver spread of playing cards: gambling luck

* A gold double horseshoe set with an artificial diamond: money luck

* A brass money bag marked 1000: wealth

* A silver horseshoe: attraction or "drawing" luckOther popular 20th century charms
often found on European and American charm bracelets include:* A swastika: luck
(pre-Nazi Germany)

* Twin hearts pierced by a single arrow: reciprocated love

* An Amanita muscaria mushroom: luck

* A chimney sweep or his ladder and brush: luck

* A "Lucky Buddha": luck

* A black cat: gambling luck

And although unrelated to European and American charm bracelets -- but probably
made to meet Occidental rather than Far East tastes -- are, what are know as, Chinese
charm bracelets, made with glass beads, jade carvings, and metal amulets strung
on black cord and tied around the wrist.

Following similar design lines to Chinese charm bracelets, Pandora Jewelry invented
a new system for charm bracelets and necklaces, which added a new dimension in collecting
jewelry. This unique jewelry line established a foothold in Northern Europe as one
of the most successful jewelry businesses to date. Since 2002, Pandora Jewelry has
brought hope and opportunity to jewelers across North America.

Each item in our collection is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver and
14K gold. Various pieces of our line are handcrafted with colorful precious stones
and cultured pearls.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. For more information,
contact Lewis Jewelers at 877-88-LEWIS or visit www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.

Authorized distributed of beautiful
pandora
bracelets and beads

Italian Charms

Italian charms refer mainly to Italian jewelry. They are the rage not only among
teenagers but also among adults. People buy them to wear, collect or display.

Italian charms are often available in different styles. If you are buying in
bulk, heavy discounts can be had on these purchases. Italian charms can be purchased
online also. A number of web sites have come up during the last few years. These
online merchants deal in a vast variety of Italian charms.

Italian charms are available in different price ranges. Some of the expensive
and exclusive items are also resold. The secondhand Italian charms are also getting
quite popular. But before purchasing the latter, one should be sure about the quality.

It is always better to compare products offered by various designers before taking
a final decision. The comparison has to be made in terms of design, material and
prices. An Italian charm that looks good may not be actually that good.

If you can buy an Italian charm from a local designer or seller, you can replace
it if it doesn't meet the promised standards. Interestingly, a large number of merchandisers
have started purchasing Italian charms from outside Italy. These Italian charms
are produced at factories in China, and often compromise with the quality. Thus
there is always a possibility that the Italian charm you purchased recently was
shipped from Beijing.

If you want a genuine Italian charm, you should try out one of the several exclusive
showrooms of Italian charms, which have sprung all over the world during the last
few years. Many of these charms are also available in jewelry and department stores.

Italian Charms
provides detailed information on Italian Charms, Custom Italian Charms, Italian
Bracelet Charms, Wholesale Italian Charms and more. Italian Charms is affiliated
with Fallen Angels

Wholesale Italian Charms

Italian charms have become one of the hottest jewelry items on the market. As their demand continues to grow, so does the requirement for making bulk purchases by retailers. The Internet is the best place to find wholesalers of Italian charms. There are countless merchants and suppliers of Italian charms, most of them available online. One can sift through various web sites to find out more about the designs, material and prices of these items.

Most of the wholesalers offer heavy discounts for bulk purchasing. In some cases this discount can go up to 60 percent. If a wholesaler is selling only one particular design of Italian charm, you can always press for more discounts. In many cases the wholesalers are also the manufacturers. In such cases one can get a better deal, as the manufacturer would be ready to forego a commission as a wholesaler to develop a long-term business relationship.

Before purchasing Italian charms wholesale, it is important to check out the terms and conditions mentioned in the purchase agreement, in regards to faulty items. Some wholesalers take them back, while others don’t. Most of those who take them back stipulate a time limit for returning the faulty items.

If you are a retailer, you should explore the possibility of getting some ""credit"" from your wholesale supplier. If you are a consumer, planning to go for bulk purchase for a group of friends and relatives, it is better to buy them from a local store. If you are making purchases online, it is always safer to deal with an online store which has been in business for a few years.

At times, one can get a good deal on an auction web site, also. However, one should be doubly careful while making such purchases online, as the payments have to be made in advance and there are a number of fly-by-night operators that could vanish after accepting the payments without making any deliveries.

Italian Charms provides detailed information on Italian Charms, Custom Italian Charms, Italian Bracelet Charms, Wholesale Italian Charms and more. Italian Charms is affiliated with Fallen Angels

Why Pendant Lighting Can Work Wonders For Your Home

Sometimes it is easy to overlook pendant lighting as an effective and decorative way of lighting your home. Perhaps its because we are so used to just thinking of the three most popular indoor lighting fixtures available: the lamp, the flush-mounted ceiling fixture or the chandelier.

In fact, pendant lighting is one of the most versatile of the light fixtures. Pendant lighting can be used to provide the three main types of lighting: ambient, task, and even accent lighting and is not limited in placement options like other lighting such as table, desk, or even floor lamps.

Pendants are mounted to the ceiling, and they can be placed anywhere in the room as long as you run power to them during fixing. Normally, your home already has wiring in place for ceiling fixtures and without wiring restrictions, you can let your imagination run wild when choosing pendant fixtures for every room in your home.

If you want to give an elegant look to your kitchen, you can hang an elegant pendant with ornate glass shades, which will create plenty of ambient lighting for you. You can also try placing a kitchen pendant light above your dining area and this will provide the area additional task lighting.

Kitchen pendant lights are highly popular these days and there are some beautiful Tiffany style lamps around, bearing gorgeous, luscious images of fruit - which are used in pendant lighting fixtures for home kitchens and restaurants to create an intimate and cosy ambience. For a more compelling enhancing effect it can also be coordinated with the primary pendant fixture. The sink area would also benefit from a small overhead pendant to provide additional task lighting for dishes while also serving as accent lighting.

In the living room this type of lighting should be considered as a serious option as the primary source of ambient lighting and when a chandelier may come across as being slightly too ostentatious, the right pendant will brighten the room with great effect. In fact, a simple yet effective piece of pendant lighting can give your décor a classiness it had been lacking.

For hallways and stairways Pendant lighting fixtures work especially well as the sources of illumination. You can hang a simple ceiling fixture at the top of the stairs and though too far away, it can provide enough illumination to navigate securely. A hanging pendant can bring the source of illumination closer to the stairs and thus eliminate dark spots created by flush-mounted ceiling fittings. The other places for pendants are foyers and entrance ways. They should be used to set the tone of your décor as people first enter your house.

Pendant lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes and there are many unlimited designs to choose from. As mentioned earlier, kitchen pendant lighting is becoming increasingly popular as an effective way of creating a cosy and intimate mood in dining areas.

Lauren Tyler is a writer for LampLightWorld.com