2009 was the year of the Charm bracelet! If you didn’t hear the word “Pandora” or “Chamilia” then you must live in a bubble.  These two brands sell an array of charms and other components to make custom charm bracelets.  Unfortunately, charms can cost anywhere from $25 to $125 per charm!

Because these bracelets express someone’s personality, it is a way for loved ones to show how much they appreciate someone special in their life.  This fact has made them very popular “gift items” and most people who have one will probably say it was given to them as a gift.

My sister actually received one as a gift from her friend and my mom really LOVES buying her charms each holiday.  However, my sister has a great collection of these pricey charms and has had some fall right off and been lost!

For some of us who like the look of a funky charm bracelet, but can not afford such prices, there are HIGH – QUALITY and VERY AFFORDABLE alternatives available to express your personality and make great gifts!  All under $15 a bracelet.

Burnished Goldtone Charm Bracelet with Assorted Heart Charms and Marbled Beads – 6″ with extender and lobster claw clasp -  great Nature-inspired bracelet for the Outdoors lovers.

Goldtone Charm Bracelet 8″ with toggle clasp – great Paris-inspired bracelet for fashionistas who love to travel and keep the peace!

Matte Goldtone Bracelet with Assorted Peridot Beads and Charms – 7.5″ with toggle clasp – great Asian-inspired bracelet for a calm and peaceful person who likes to stand out.

Silvertone Inspirational 7-Row Multi Bangle Bracelet With Charms Of Inspiration, Love, Trust, Passion, Believe, Courage, Eternity and Hope – great inspirational bracelet for a writer or creative artist.

For prices, check out:

http://www.domaineltd.com

2009 was the year of the Charm bracelet! If you didn’t hear the word “Pandora” or “Chamilia” then you must live in a bubble.  These two brands sell an array of charms and other components to make custom charm bracelets.  Unfortunately, charms can cost anywhere from $25 to $125 per charm!

For some of us who like the look of a funky charm bracelet, but can not afford such prices, there are fashionable and VERY AFFORDABLE alternatives available to express your personality!

Burnished Goldtone Charm Bracelet with Assorted Heart Charms and Marbled Beads – 6″ with extender and lobster claw clasp -  only $7.95!

Goldtone Charm Bracelet 8″ with toggle clasp - Only $12.99

Matte Goldtone Bracelet with Assorted Peridot Beads and Charms – 7.5″ with toggle clasp – Only $5.95

Silvertone Inspirational 7-Row Multi Bangle Bracelet With Charms Of Inspiration, Love, Trust, Passion, Believe, Courage, Eternity and Hope – Only $10.99

At Domaine Ltd., you get Quality Fashion Jewelry at Discount and Clearance prices all year long!

Need some gift-giving or fashion advice? Ask our expert at:

Http://accessorizequeen.wordpress.com

It’s always pleasant to come across people who are kind and it’s especially nice when we find others who encourage it through their products.

String-Ring manufactures unique rings that remind us to be kind. The rings have a colored string tied around them, each having a meaning of their own – red or pink represents love, gold represents giving, yellow represents optimism – these are only a few of the many types of reminders. They have grooves for the strings to stay in place and they even look stylish without any strings.

Each ring includes 20 colored strings (2 of each color), jute bag, 2 stickers, polishing cloth, and a list of color meanings – it’s a full package! You’ll enjoy changing the colored strings whenever it fits your mood. It’s quick and easy to tie.

We were able to interview the sweet entrepreneur who came up with this unique concept. Read on to be inspired!

Company: String-Ring™
Year Founded: 2007
Website: www.string-ring.com

1.      Tell us a little about your background…
I’m originally from Edmond, Oklahoma. My husband and I met at the university there while we were both working on graphic art degrees. A few years after graduation we moved to Houston Texas (1996) and our only child, Jeffrey, was born 1 year later.

2.      Did you ever think you would be doing what you are doing today? Why or why not?
No. I always wanted to be a successful career woman. Then I had a baby and my world changed. I knew it was time to re-prioritize my life. Once upon a time I was extremely busy, goal oriented, and approached happiness as if it were something to be earned. Now, I take my time and try to appreciate the little things.

3.      What three things do you treasure most?
My family, our health, and spending time together.

4.      Tell us about your business/organization…
The String-Ring™ is a ring designed to be threaded with a piece of colored string, in order to remind us of the importance of kindness. 

It is a piece of jewelry intended to be used as a tool to help raise social awareness by showing compassion and resolving problems with peaceful solutions. I designed the ring and created the concept several years ago, and currently sell them at my online store.

5.      How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Out of frustration! The idea for String-Ring began several years ago with my concerns regarding the rudeness, lack of tolerance/empathy, and violent behavior in our society. As a mother, I tried to teach the importance of kindness and compassion yet noticed the very lack of it in the media, schools, workforce, on the roads, and many of our day to day interactions.

Did you receive support when you first shared it? Why or why not?
My immediate family gave me the most support. Of course nothing is loved by everyone. There were nay-sayers who reminded me of the poor economy and the cut-backs on non-essential items.

6.      What is the most rewarding part of your business/organization?
Notes from happy customers. A kind note makes it all worth the while. 
I’ve received encouraging words from cancer patients who use the colored strings to remind them to be optimistic, office workers using them as reminders to be patient and tolerant, and teachers use them for enthusiasm and kindness reminders.

7.      Who is your biggest supporter?
Women. Many of my customers are teachers and mothers.

Why?
The kindness theme resonates with teachers in classrooms who rely on common courtesies to keep order. And mothers, who are often over scheduled, use the strings as reminders to make time for themselves. 
Woman seem to be more in touch with human emotions.

8.      What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.

9.      No matter how busy you become, what three things will you always make time for?
Meditation, adequate sleep and exercise, time for my son.

10.  What is your favorite quote? Why?
This is the most difficult question because I have so many! Joseph Campbell is one of my favorite people and his quote “Follow Your Bliss” is the one I repeat most often (I always put it in Graduation cards). But kindness quotes are my favorites:

Favorite: The only way to tell the truth is to speak with kindness. 
Only the words of a loving man can be heard. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Classic: One Touch of Nature Makes the whole World Kin. ~ Shakespeare
Funniest: Be excellent to one another. ~ Bill & Ted.
Cutest: If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever ~ Winnie the Pooh
Beautiful: As a white candle In a holy place, So is the beauty of an aged face. ~ Joseph Campbell

We hope you were inspired by Tina’s story. Visit www.string-ring.com to learn more about them and don’t forget to do something kind today!

Today was an interesting day. In service to others, I helped an 89 year-old man realize his significance and importance in life. I was speaking with him on the phone and he was lamenting the fact he had no special talents or abilities. This is a man who can’t see them because there are so many and he doesn’t recognize the value he brings to others.

Where to start. . .He’s been a loyal devoted husband to the same wife for 56 consecutive years. They still love and even like each other. Would you classify that as a special skill or ability? I would.

He is an active member of his faith community and has been actively ministering to people his whole adult life. He is well liked and respected in his neighborhood. The man is strong and gentle, kind and caring and resourceful.

That brings me to the fact that he cooks, cleans, gardens, fixes things around the house, knows how to use a computer and various other useful things.

Then, perhaps the most important one to me, this man was an incredible father raising the most wonderful man on Earth, my boyfriend. If he were to change one thing he had done as a parent, everything could change and I wouldn’t want that!

This man was lamenting the fact he doesn’t sing or play a musical instrument. Each of us has at least one, and possibly multiple, gifts, talents and abilities. Most of them, when put into service, are helpful, useful and appreciated by others.

What is your unique gift, talent or ability? What do you love to do so much you would do it for free? What can you do better than most of the people you know? When you are doing it, how do others benefit? For me, it is helping people get along better with the important people in their lives, including themselves, at home and at work. What’s yours?

Your Trash is Someone Else’s Treasure

Lauren Macaluso

The next time you’re window shopping on South Street, don’t be surprised to find lamps made from twisted metal behind a particular glass storefront. Dumpster Divers, located at 736 South Street, is redefining what it means to be an art gallery of “found” objects. They’re found all right—in your garbage, in your mom’s garbage, and in your neighbor’s recycling bin. The ‘divers’ are specialized artists who hold exhibits throughout PA, but have always associated their work with the idea of reuse & recycle. Whether it’s collecting neon, fabrics, wood, or glass the divers are willing to create something beautiful out of what others deem as trash.

The Dumpster Diver gallery is no arts & crafts store. Each piece is up for immediate sale and range from indoor to outdoor decorations, clocks, lamps, shelves, wall ornaments, postcards and life-size figurines. You could redesign your whole apartment with what they have in the store. Since the artists are frequently at the location, you can ask where they found the trash needed to create a certain piece. Their trash-collecting ability combined with their individual artistic talents creates visionary pieces bound to change the way you see garbage.

Contact Lauren at: LaurenMacPRH@gmail.com

Welcome Welcome!

My name is Sarah and I am THE Accessorize Queen! My whole life, some might say I have been addicted to shopping.  With the ease of the internet, I have found myself up very late at night scrolling and scrolling and scrolling…..

I knew growing up I had an interest in business and product development, which led me to graduate school where I finished with a degree in Business Communication.  With such a broad degree, it was difficult to figure out what to do out of school.  I initially thought I would love to be a buyer for a big retail corporation like TJX, but with the worst job market in history, that didn’t quite happen!

In school I actually wrote up a business plan to start my own “Fashion and Image Consulting Firm.”  Again, in a horrible economy I haven’t had the chance to start my own business.  However, I see great things for the future and lots of shopping!  So this has led me to today.  My first attempt at utilizing my product knowledge and love for research and shopping.

Need some gift advice? With the holidays, Valentines Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day etc., all coming up, I know it can be difficult to figure out what to get for someone who seems to have everything. Some people just don’t have the patience to find that perfect gift!

That is why DomaineLtd.com has asked me to start this new gift advice blog called  “Dear Accessorize Queen.” From Jewelry and Fashion to Electronics and Gadgets, you can ask me all of your gift-giving questions!  Just consider me to be your personal shopper without the outrageous hourly charge!

We received too many requests for baby-shower-themed KindNotes to just let it pass. Themed containers and messages for new moms will soon be released (below is only an example)! We’d like to give you an opportunity to submit messages to be included in our library for you and others to choose from. 

New moms will appreciate parenting tips, advice, and especially encouragement for those tough ”crying” times! This is  a unique gift that they will enjoy opening daily – don’t worry, someone will surely take care of the diapers at the baby shower!

Moms, you especially know too well what’s ahead for the new parents so share your knowledge and as a bonus, you’ll receive  2 dozen assorted mini decorative envelopes/papers (~$16.95 value) if your message(s) is added to our library! 20+ messages will be selected.

Sample Messages:
-Cherish every moment, even the tough times because your baby will grow up so fast!

-Be sure to sleep when your baby sleeps!

-Raising a child is a beautiful blessing - don’t forget that!

-In challenging times, just remind yourself to be grateful that you’ve been blessed with a baby.

Rules:
-15-word limit per message
-Better your chances by submitting general messages that others could use
-Multiple messages submitted are welcomed (you’ll get a chance to win even more envelopes!)
-If submitting a quote, please credit the author
-Submitted messages will become the property of KindNotes and may be added to the library for others to choose from

3 Ways to Enter:
1. Submit your messages here on this blog and be sure to fill out your e-mail address (it won’t be published)
2. E-mail us your messages
3. Send us a Tweet of your message on Twitter @KindNotes

Contest ends January 25, 2010 (11:59PST). Winners will be contacted via email and will have 3 business days to respond.

Tis the season to show loved ones you care! Follow us on the journey to find something for everyone on your list.  Our favorite part? No need to stand in those long, aggravating shopping lines at the mall – many of these great holiday gift finds are available online!

On Sunday, December 20, 2009, 4 PM – 7 PM at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates meet Estates Creative Cottage Artists and Authors for one of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season. The seasonal Creative Cottage is back again this year in the historic Edison Caretaker’s House with a wonderful group of local artists, authors and craftspeople.

Featured artists include:

• Photographer, Manfred Behr with work including hand painted boxes and photographs of the Estates Banyan tree

• Ceramic artist and painter, Augusta Crane featuring handcrafted bowls and sculptures of orchids, hibiscus and other tropical flowers and leaves

• Impressionist painter, Ellen Sheppard who has captured tropical south Florida and forgotten landscapes on canvas

• Painter, Marie Dyer who loves painting on found objects and her work includes furniture, floor cloths and rain barrels

• Metalwork artist, James DiGiorgio with specially designed pieces combining classic lines with modern design

• Jewelry artist, Anita Singh featuring earrings, necklaces and bracelets

• Virginia Harper, a self taught artist whose joyful work includes painted garden furniture, posts and other outdoor three dimensional painted creations.

• Karen Flanders with dazzling glass work, wearables and colorful three dimensional art in clay and multimedia

• Matlacha artist and gallery owner, Leoma Lovegrove who is known for her colorful iconic depiction of Florida themes and modern impressionism

• Painter, Pat Dunn with Florida landscapes and still life in impressionist style

• Norman Love, internationally known, award winning chocolatier who has created a special hand-crafted chocolate in honor of Thomas Edison

Featured authors include:

• Tom Smoot, Jr., The Edisons of Fort Myers

• John Sheppard, One Man’s Family in Early Fort Myers

• Doug MacGregor, Get Creative…Turn on the Bright Side of Your Brain

Estates Creative Cottage Artists and Authors will personalize artwork and books for a one of a kind gift and Estates Members will receive a 10% discount. Shoppers passes will be issued at the Estates ticket counter. Call 239-334-7419 for a list of participating artists.

The Estates is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Estates was awarded the National Trust for Historic Preservation Award in 2008 and is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures” at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. For additional information call 239-334-7419 or visit the web site at www.efwefla.org.

Brown infinity turtleneck scarf

 Tis’ the season to find the PERFECT GIFT! This beauty is a definite crowd pleaser. Our infinity turtleneck scarf can be worn as shown in picture and off the shoulder as a shrug. Very soft and affordable! Visit our website and grab yours now www.joeyeric.com for only $49.  Scarves are timeless and fun! Pair with a basic white t-shirt, leggings, and boots…you’ll look so trendy! Cameran Diaz and Kim Kardashian arent the only ones wearing this chic look, now you can too! Get yours at Joey Eric located at The Greene, or shop 24 hours at www.joeyeric.com! Not to mention  infinity scarves are one of Oprah’s FAVORITE THINGS!! Infinity scarves are a major steal this holiday season…HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Today I would like to draw your attention to some of the unique products that Send Out Cards offers. Did you know that you can send a custom card and insert a gift in it via your computer and we post and wrap the lot? Send Out Cards offers very unique products including an extensive Card Catalog with both Business and Personal greeting cards.

There are gifts for men like golf gift baskets. For women we have pampering gift baskets. There are cooking gift baskets, gift baskets for babies, blankets and rattles. There are even gifts for pets like dog treats! Find out more by visiting www.mycardteacher.com

Other Gifts that you can include along with a card include the following:

- 2 Dozen cookies

- World of Iced Teas Sampler

- Coffee & Biscotti Sampler

- Tea Sampler with Honey Sticks

- Coffee & Biscotti Gift Pack

- Mega Bite Cookie Pack

- Home Depot, Starbucks Coffee Gap

- Old Navy, Banana Republic, Wal Mart – Tim Hortons

- World of Iced Teas Gift Pack

- World of Teas Gift Pack – Brownies, Sixteen Brownies

- 4 Restaurants in 1 Card – American Express – Barnes & Noble

- Bed Bath & Beyond Blockbuster

All Gifts and cards are posted via the postal service. Don’t forget you also have the ability to create Custom Cards that include your own Personal Handwriting Fonts. You can add pictures and insert gifts all from the touch of your computer. Dedicated to your Success, Rod@mycardteacher.com , To learn more visit: www.mycardteacher.com

Why You Should Use Etsy…
Etsy.com, as the opening page states, is a place to buy, sell and trade all things handmade. The best thing about this notion is the fact you will learn a lot from other crafters no matter what you are making. With everything being handmade each item is unique, one of a kind and fresh.
Just looking at the pictures of the various handmade soaps that are created, there is so much to chose from, so much to learn, and to get inspiration from. Sometimes I just browse through handmade soaps to see what my next article will be based on their designs, color schemes and combination of oils.
Anyone health conscious and looking for natural products should definitely consider joining the Etsy community. It is free to join of course.
I strongly suggest this website to anyone who is into handmade, recycled, natural, homemade crafts and personal care products. At the same time, if you are an entrepreneur, starting small, this is where to begin. You can check out other products, meaning you have the latest trends available for you to know and you are checking out the competition.
If you are simply just passionate about the hand made organic, recycled and natural arts and crafts possibilities, Etsy.com is definitely a useful tool to use.

Seeing Your Perfection-Letting Your Light Shine

from the Daily Om

We are each born into this world with unique gifts. Within us is a glimmer of the divine, a light that can potentially make the world a more beautiful place. But in many, that light lies dormant, snuffed out by fears and feelings of inadequacy. To spark it is to attract attention, face the possibility of rejection or the responsibility of success, and risk being labeled immodest. Yet when we undermine the light by hiding our aptitudes and quashing our dreams, we deny ourselves and others a wealth of experiences. Your abilities are a part of who you are and when you take pride in them, you affirm the love, esteem, and trust with which you view yourself. Moreover, as you express the light within, you grant others permission to do the same, freeing them to explore their own talents.

For some, we are taught to hide our light from the world since childhood. Relatives caution us that the professions associated with our aptitudes are unattainable. Our peers may be envious of our skills and thus overly critical of the activities we instinctively enjoy. And authority figures admonish us to be humble and avoid showing off. But there is a vast chasm that separates those who let their light shine and those who seek only to draw attention to themselves. When you dare to share your light with the world, the beauty and perfection of your soul become clearly visible. You become a whole being—the literal embodiment of your vast potential. Whether you are a wonderful dancer, a first-rate cook, quick with numbers, or a natural negotiator, you’ll come to understand that you do the world no favors when you hold yourself back.

If you have hidden your light for so long that it has shrunk to an ember, make a list of everything you do well, however impractical, silly, or seemingly inconsequential. Then ask yourself how you can positively utilize those abilities in your daily life. The gifts you were born with were not granted to you arbitrarily. While you may never discover what impact your light has had on others, you can be certain that when you embrace your talents and share them with others, you will spread illumination in the world.

So JUST SHINE!!!!

photo by Megan Finley www.meganfinley.com

i love the way the Megan caught the light in this photo! it looks like i’m holding a slice of sunshine!

If you’re like me, you only watch the red carpet shows to see dresses and accessories.  Well this year, it was undeniably the year of the multi-strand necklace.  What I consider “Bohemian Chic,” this look may have started on the neck of a hippy in the 60’s, however in 2009, these designs are really dressing up a simple dress or outfit.

Like they say, I am a full believer that bigger IS better when it comes to accessories.

Celebs like Salma Hayek, Eva Mendes, and Taraji Henson, all rocked this look and looked AMAZING!

If you like this look as much as I do but can’t afford designer pieces like this, you’ve got to look hard for the perfect necklace! Here are some that I found all under $11.

This Multi-colored Multi-strand Necklace is fun and great for a playful and casual night out.   Only $9.95

This Multi-strand Heart Necklace is great for the Urban Rocker Chick look!   Only $8.95

This is Bronze, Gold and Silver tone Multi-strand necklace adds a “Hippy Chic” touch to an everyday casual outfit.  Only $8.95

And last but definitely not least, this Multi-strand Jet Crystal Necklace is great for adding sparkle to a simple cocktail dress!  Only $10.95

If having New Sales and Clearance items wasn’t enough, we are offering $5 off any purchase of $25 or more until December 31st!

Clearance: $7.99

Clearance: $5.99

Enter the code 5OFF at checkout and Save Save Save!

Nothing beats the experience of walking into a store full of fashion jewelry! Being able to walk around, touch each piece and try things on to make sure that it’s  “you”.

If  you can relate to this, and you live in the Providence, RI area, you have to check out the Domaine Factory Outlet Store.  Get Amazing “Black Friday” Deals Everyday!

This store is the ONLY Jewelry Outlet open in Providence’s Historic Jewelry District.   The DFO has 3 rooms full of Unique, Quality Fashion Jewelry at a fraction of the cost shoppers pay in other retail or “outlet” stores.

The Domaine Factory Outlet Store - 18 Imperial Place Providence, RI

While your there, shop earrings for $3, necklaces from $5-$7, browse a room where everything is only $1.00, and even have your pick from Vintage pieces from the 1970’s and 80’s!

Starting Now until December 24th, spend $25 at the DFO and choose a free gift of your choice (anything in the store – $5 value or less) or receive Free Holiday Gift Boxes with your purchase!

Located at 18 Imperial Place in Providence, RI (next door to the CAV Restaurant)

Open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am – 4:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am – 3:00pm

Feel like shopping online instead? Spend the same amount and we’ll choose your free gift for you!

Shop online at http://www.domaineltd.com

Silvertone 16″ Mesh Necklace Highlighted with a Polished Gold Accented Magnetic Closure only $9.95!

So I just found a new product line that I think it AMAZING! (Ya that’s my favorite word!) It is the new Beadelle(TM) line of beads and magnetic clasps.  I love their gold and silver crystal Rhinestone balls and I decided to buy a few to use as decorations for my friend’s wedding.  They look like this:

So being the creative genius that I am, I bought some gold ones and I decided to use them to make really Glamorous Keyrings for all of my friends for Christmas! I really can’t afford to buy anyone anything great this year, so I am saving a lot of money this way.  And gift that are made are gifts from the HEART! aha I like to tell myself that.

So what do you think? Would you like this if YOUR friend made it for you?

Did you know that we have a very unique, hidden treasure, right here on Main Street? It has the “oh no, I forgot my brother’s birthday” gifts, hand-crafted jewelry, baskets, books, amazing stationary items, scarves that could float on a breeze, handbags, funky gadgets and gizmos that would entertain even the biggest kid. It has gifts that appeal to the young and the young at heart.
I know you have guessed by now it is the Museum Shop at the Columbia Museum of Art and you might be thinking that I would be biased because I work here, or they make me say that. No, it really is the first place I think of because of the variety of merchandise.
Here is a real example: My 13-year-old daughter recently handled a small crisis situation so maturely and right in line with what she has been taught that I wanted to reward her for her actions. I popped down to the shop and had problems finding just the right gift not from lack of items, but because there were so many items to choose from! I finally decided on a wire art jewelry kit and was even happier to see that it was under $20. The kit included a bracelet and enough material to make about 10 more items. I thought that was a pretty good deal so what’s a girl supposed to do? Keep shopping, of course! There were Ansel Adams prints, unique clocks, Clay Burnette baskets, David Russel blown glass ornaments, incredibly cool quill pens with ink for the writer in my (or your) family, puzzles (from easy to this might take a while) and jewelry from Caroline Hatchell and Kelly Wenner, who are just two of the local artists selling their wares in the shop. The best part? Bohumila will wrap the items for you! One less thing on my to-do list, and I didn’t have to fight the crowds, get run over by an SUV that just had to have that parking space or weave in and out of people at the mall. Anyone in the downtown area can walk to the shop, get your list completed and a burn a few calories ahead of time for when you attend those upcoming holiday parties. Unique gifts, great prices, easy location, and exercise all at the same time. Now you are thinking, yeah but what are your store hours?

Special Holiday hours are: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday: Noon – 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve: 10:00 a.m. – noon

Oh, and my daughter loved the wire art and I was the cool mom. Enjoy the holidays and regardless of your to-do lists, spend time with family and close friends, those are presents that last a lifetime.
– Teri Keener Mewhorter, Administration Manager