Gem Exploration-Aquamarine: A Guide To Buying Aquamarine

Gem Exploration: Aquamarine--
A Guide To Buying Aquamarine

 

 

 

Aquamarine can come in a variety of different shades of blue. They range from light blue, dark blue and a blue green color. The stones start off a yellow/green color and is heat treated to the desired color of aquamarine. It can't be heated too much because the stone will be ruined.

 

When buying aquamarine, be sure you do a little research. Ask questions about stone it is you're buying. If the seller says the stone is Brazilian Aquamarine, you're actually getting blue topaz. If you're being sold Siam Aquamarine, it's actually just heat treated blue zircon. If it's something called "Mass Aqua" you're really getting just blue glass!

 

Did you know you should purchase your aquamarine jewelry with 18kt gold settings or higher or platinum. Less pure golds can cause the stone to discolor.

 

I hope you have found this month's Gem Exploration as much fun as I have! Keep a look out for April's Gem Exploration!

Spring Cleaning Continues

Well for most of the weekend and some of last week even, I have begun doing some major spring cleaning. I have decided that there are certain areas in my home that just needed a change and some de-cluttering! When I clean like this, I also do some redecorating. I feel once I'm in this mood to really go at it, I should take on yet another mission--which right now is putting up some new pictures, on walls as well as on my tables. I like to update pictures every few months to keep things fresh looking!
I am also doing some changes to my kitchen table. I recently got a new one and it's quite large. I now get to seat 6 people, even though we only have 4 in my house, but it has already come in handy for some recent get togethers. :)   I am changing the color in my kitchen from blue to sort of like pastel colors for the spring. I had my crocheter make some doily coasters for my cups and am working on a centerpiece. Below is a picture of the coasters. I love crochet items, don't you?

 

 

Tip: Doilies can really freshen up a room and change how things look. I recently began putting different size doilies all around my house (under picture frames, candles, draped over table cloths and now coasters)

If you like this look, you can browse my shop and purchase doilies of any size and color: Krissy's Boutique Knitted/Crochet Items 

 

I hope to finish my cleaning sometime this week and really start on my re-decorating! That is the fun part!!  Do you all do a spring cleaning? Am I weird to say that I'm enjoying this? :)

Guest Blogger: Kevin Allen-The Strength of Children with Down syndrome

 

 

The Strength of Children with Down syndrome

By Kevin Allen BHSc (Hons); MCSP

Evidence has shown that core stability exercises, with certain 
adaptation and guidance given by physiotherapists, can be incredibly 
beneficial for the treatment and management of hypermobility and low 
tone.

I just wanted to take this opportunity, not to boast or to advertise, 
after all I didn't perform the treatments, but to tell you how strong 
some children can be.

After a recent 3 week group given to children ranging in age from 10 
months to 4 years we observed unbelievable results. Without going into 
too much detail, the sheer hard work of the children and dedication of 
the parents resulted in 1 child sitting up unaided, 1 child sitting up 
with minimal assistance, 1 child walking with mum and another child 
being able to stand unsupported. None of which could be done prior to 
attending the group.

All of these children had Down's syndrome and most of them had 
received the same information from hospitals, 'they'll get there in 
the end'.

This approach raises 2 questions for me,

1. Why should they wait? and

2. Wouldn't this approach delay their motor development and 
subsequently leave them struggling to keep up with their peers at 
school?

If they are wanting to help themselves and parents and carers are 
clearly wanting to assist them, then as qualified physiotherapists 
shouldn't we be giving them all the help they need?

 

                This is a picture of Kevin's son who had Down Syndrome & passed away a few years ago. Such a sweet angel!

 

Below is a charity that you can contact if you'd like to know more or get involved with helping people with Down Syndrome.

National Down Syndrom Society

 

You can also visit Kevin's site here: http://www.eastridingphysiotherapy.co.uk/

Fashion: Layering!

Fashion is something that has always been something of interest to me! I love trying out new things and seeing what works and what doesn't. There are a lot of talk about hot trends and what you can and can not do, but I think that is bologna! I think fashion (STYLE) is completely yours to play with and create a look that is right for you! My style changes all the time. Of course I get inspired by some wonderful designers, but I'm always adding a twist to different things.

Today I am talking about layering! I love the look, whether it be with clothes or jewelry. I never liked when I heard that before you leave the house take one thing off. No no, wear what you want! Coco Chanel always had the idea of more is better! I think layering gives your outfit a different look and different pops of color.

When it come to clothes, layering can help you add color. Don't just wear a black basic color shirt, but a cami underneath it. If it's a short shirt, your cami will show around your waist or if you have a low cut shirt, the cami will show up top. Try some colors you don't usually wear! It's always fun to try new things and see how you feel in it! Did you know wearing the color blue can make you come across more trustworthy? :) 

Both models below are using the cami in different ways to add a pop of color. Also cami's are good for those low cut shirts you like, but can't wear to the office because of it being too low cut, so now you can wear the cami and it becomes an appropriate day time shirt!

When it comes to jewelry, have lots of fun! Mix and match pieces and go all out! Below are some pictures of how you can layer your necklaces! Sarah Jessica Parker is one of my style icons and she is always inspiring me to try new things. I love her bold look with lots of chunky pieces.

If you're not liking the bold look, go soft and start off slow with this look below. Like I said, experiment with new looks. Your whole wardrobe/outfit can change with just one simple piece added! No need to spend money one new pieces, when you can update your look with accessories!

 

My Family

I talk so much about business things and cooking, fashion ect... I never really get into my family! Well today is my youngest son's 1st birthday! His name is Cullen! He is named after my great grandfather Joseph Cullen. I have an older son as well, who is 6 years old. His name is Preston! Preston is my mini me cause he looks just like me, and Cullen looks more like my husband. They are both feisty little guys and the best kids anyone could ever have. I think Cullen will be a wild one and I see Preston as more a soft spoken boy who loves arts and crafts just like his mama! :) 

This weekend Cullen will be having a Curious George party! That is his favorite show on t.v. He also loves monkeys! I'm cooking a corned beef and cabbage meal for the whole family cause his party is on St. Patricks Day! How fun is that?  Below is a picture of my boys! They are my whole world! :)

 

Time goes by so fast. I really can't believe just a year ago today I had Cullen and I really can't believe I have a 6 year old! They grow up so fast and before you know it, off to college they go. I really can't think about that yet though cause it brings tears to my eyes! I don't think I will ever be ready to have them go out into the world on their own, but I know it's something that will come one day. As for now, I take each day and really cherish it. I do my best to make their days extra special. I'm always doing surprises for them and being silly just because their laugh is the best sound in the world.
Okay, enough gushing about my boys! haha!!  I hope you all have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Gem Exploration: Where is Aquamarine Found?

 

Gem Exploration: Aquamarine pt2

Aquamarine is found in many countries. Some countries are: Pakistan, Madagascar, Brazil, Siberia and the United States! Most the mining for this stone is done by hand. Fires are set near the rocks, which cause the big rocks to split open and the miners then use their tools to get the gemstone out. Thank goodness for their hard work because this stone is quite beautiful. This is a picture of how 'raw' aquamarine looks like below.

 

Thankfully due to the abundance of this stone found in numerous parts of the world, it's not expensive at all. The most popular cut for this stone is the emerald cut, which you can see below.

 

Aquamarine is a transparent stone, meaning you can see all the way through it!

 

 

Myth OR Fact? you decide!

Some people believe Aquamarine has healing powers. It is said if you put the stone onto your skin with your troubled areas, you will start feeling better. (It is said to help with arthritis, sore throats, eye inflammation and varicose veins)  What do you think about this claim?

 

 

*If you'd like to read more about Aquamarine and other gems that have been featured so far, take a minute to browse past posts. You can find the list on the right side of this page! :)

Monday Update!

Another Monday is upon us! I hope everyone had a really great weekend! The clocks have been turned ahead one hour over the weekend and that means (for me anyways) that spring is just around the corner! It also got me thinking about why we still have to do this whole time change thing. It started by Ben Franklin in 1784 and was all about saving money. The whole thing was about conserving lamp oil. Oh how the times have changed! Not every place does it, so I'm not sure why we have to continue to lose an hour and then gain an hour in the fall. Some things just don't make sense to me. I think I read somewhere about the transportation companies thinking it benefits them in some way. I don't know, I just know that an hour is gone and I really could have used it! :)

This week I have some things I am working on! I will be adding something NEW to the boutique towards the end of the week! I've been getting a few requests for more earrings, so an earring is what you'll get it! :)   I also have been getting suggestions about adding more purple items to the shop. Which is fine by me cause that is my favorite color!  Something purple is in the works as well. In the meantime, for all you purple lovers, below are some purple items available in my shop! You can find them all at my boutique and of course, like always everything is always between $1 and $20 dollars!

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Blogger: The Importance Of Planning A Jewelry Design

 

The Importance of Planning a Jewelry Design

 

Hello, my name is Mike and I am the owner of Candlelight Writing and I’m writing a special blog for on the importance of planning a jewelry design. I current own a copywriting firm in Ohio, U.S and have dabbled in jewelry before starting my own company. My company now provides unique content for small businesses around the world, from sales copy to web copy that helps companies overcome the competition with a stronger image that is favorable to their market. Now to the guest post and enough of my ramblings about my business, hope you will enjoy the post.

When I was working for a small handmade jewelry business, I learned the techniques to create handmade jewelry pieces such as anklets, necklaces, chokers, bracelets, convertible pieces with a variety of materials. I worked with materials such as Swarovski crystal to semi-precious stones and everything in between. I had a daily routine, drank my coffee, set up my table with the cloth to trap falling beads and my tools. I used a design board to do my pre designing stage, it’s nice to do spontaneous designs but for the longevity, I went to the design board to plan out the design.

The design board gave me a chance to think critically about the type of necklace or bracelet that I wanted to make. I made unisex items for sale, sometimes more women or men’s depending on the inspiration I was feeling at the moment. I learned that plotting out a design on the board helped me see different angles on how to do a certain piece of jewelry. I would tinker with the layout and materials, sometimes adjusting the pattern and removing colors to make it more appealing. The planning stage gave me more freedom to be creative with the bracelet or convertible items.

I would pick out the material for the design, the finishing clasps and other elements that I felt would trigger passion or beauty of the pieces. My inspiration was mainly based on the Gothic tone and undertones. I used royal colors with the swirl of black to accent the particular piece. I also created children’s earrings that were bright and sparkly. I never let the creative muse get stored in the closet. The designs would pop out at me; it didn’t matter if it was a colored string, chain or other type of material that I would string the beads and pendants on. The design board allowed me to be more creative and the planning made life so much easier.

Planning a design can make a difference for the outlook of the piece that you want to design. It will open a new door to the creative atmosphere. You can adjust the piece before completing it and then make new changes to it, if you prefer. The planning of a design allowed for more freedom to explore different material choice for the artistic work of the item. Sometimes I still dabble in making handmade jewelry but my love for the written word has given me a different outlook.

 

Please visit Mike's site: Candlelight Writing

Recipe: Sweet & Sour Meatballs

 Sweet & Sour Meatballs

 

 

 

What you will need:

• Meatballs (store bought or homemade)
• 1 jar of apple jelly
• 1 large bottle of bbq sauce (any kind you like!)

 

 

 

First, I mix the BBQ sauce and apple jelly in a bowl. I whisk it to break of the jelly a bit.

 

Secondly I place the meatballs in the crock pot on low and pour the bbq sauce/jelly mixture over them.

 

I then let the crockpot do all the work! In about 5-6  hours you have some delicious meatballs!

I like to serve these with egg noodles and a salad! Enjoy! :)

National Craft Month

Did you know March is National Craft Month?  It's very exciting that there is a whole month dedicated to crafts! Creating things is something I've always loved to do and I love that my oldest son (and hopefully youngest when he's older) will enjoy it as much as I do! It's something we can all do as a family together. One of the favorite things my son likes to do is make masks! He's very creative and it always thinking of new things to make!

Crafting has more benefits than you may realize. It's not only fun to create things, but it also has some health benefits as well. Studies from NYU and Harvard University have shown that crafting can reduce stress, build self-esteem and improve concentration! I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty fantastic! Especially when it comes to children, it seems crafting can really help them.

There are thousands of things you can do, you just need to find something you like and stick with it! Use your imagination and see where it takes you. Some of my favorite things are making jewelry, scrapbooking and painting. When I'm involved in a craft project, time flies and I get lost in what I'm doing. It really does relax me and helps me get my mind off of the craziness of life.

***What are some of your favorite craft projects to do?  Send in some pictures of your projects and I will post them up through out the month!  Send to: KrissysBoutique@hotmail.com


Below are some of my favorite items I have made! You can check out more at my boutique!

 

Gem Exploration: Aquamarine

Aquamarine

The birthstone for the month of March is the Aquamarine! It is a beautiful blue stone that comes in light and deep shades.
The word Aquamarine comes from the Latin words -Aqua Marina, meaning Sea Water. I think that is a perfect definition for this stone because in my opinion when I look at it, it reminds me of the ocean.

Here is poem I came across that I thought I'd share.

 

"A March born shall always be

soothed by Aqua, gem of sea

This mermaid's treasured stone you wear

Will bring happiness, love, affection and care"
--Author Unkown

**Keep on the look-out for more posts about this beautiful gem all this month as part of the Gem Exploration Series I am doing!

Is Aquamarine your favorite gemstone?  Share your thoughts on this stone!