Exciting New Ideas For Your Earrings

Everyone loves earrings and whether you have pierced ears or non-pierced ears, you can give your earrings a whole new dimension in design. If you have a pair of pearl studs and a pair of diamond stud earrings, why not combine them as one. The diamond solitaire, depending on size, could be set at the base of the pearl. Of course, the backing has to be removed and redesigned. This can also be applied with any combination of gemstone stud earrings. You may have a unique cut or color gemstone that would look exquisite combined together. Imagine rose quartz with amethyst, black onyx and tiger-eye, blue topaz and sapphires, diamonds and everything.


Chandeier earrings are glamorous as well as very tres chic. If you have a pair of dangle earrings that are short and wide, they would make a good base. Now see what you have in other dangle earrings. If you have 3 or 4 earrings that yo do not wear, imagine what a spectacular pair can be created. The add-ons dangle at different levels.

If there are earrings you don't wish to wear any more such as a pair of gold hoops, why not have them soldered together horizontally or vertically and have the birthstones of your children or grandchildren set in the center for a one-of-a-kind pendant.

With an odd 1/2 pair of stud earrings, you can have it modified to wear as a ring by adding a shank. If they were dangle earrings, you can have the closure removed, add a bale and have it redesigned into a charm or pendant. If you don't want to wear your earrings as studs, why not convert them into a dangling pair. As well, you can have an odd pair of earrings made into a tie or hat pin.

Again with an odd 1/2 pair or several pairs, you could have the backings removed and have them spaced apart and soldered on a chain . Now if you have a link chain, they could be set between the links at various inches apart. Imagine how beautiful it would look as a jeweled neck-piece. A single earring could be added to the center of a chain simply by having the chain cut in half and soldering each half to the earring. Wouldn't an odd diamond solitaire that has been sitting in your jewelery box look gorgeous as a beautiful diamond solitaire necklace.

I hope I have inspired you with these new ideas. Have fun looking through your earring collection. Let me know what you have come up with. I would love to hear from you.

Positively,
Baya

Smiles Are Contagious

All my life people have asked me, "Baya, why are you always so happy? or "You are always so cheerful and you always have a smile on your face". As I write this blog, I am also smiling.

No I am not on happy pills, but I sure do love life.

Each and everyday as we listen to the news, or talk to people, we are reminded about the global recession, that people are losing their homes, jobs, are not sleeping well because of the high level of stress. However, from all these daily negative reminders we also need to bring about change simply by bringing joy to each other.

The joy that I am talking about, is completely FREE, you only have to move a few muscles around you mouth, and SMILE. When you smile, you feel joyous. Your demeanour changes, you feel relaxed and content. You also feel peace within.

Now imagine smiling at a complete stranger, or a group of people. How can one resist not smiling back? Perhaps someone has had a rough day, or is not in a good mood. Your smile, certainly can lift their spirit and make their day.

To quote a line from the late Louis Armstrong's famous song "When your Smiling", it goes like this "When your smilin, keep on smilin
The whole world smiles with you"

So you keep on smiling...

See its contagious and its catching on.

Positively,

Baya

Fascinating Facts About Sapphires

Sapphires, are one of the most sought after of gemstones. With their glorious shades of blue, the most precious being cornflower, sapphires have been attributed as the gems of kings and emperors because of their protective powers. They wore them around their necks for these reasons.

They also symbolize loyalty, friendship, faith and intelligence.

You often hear people describing sapphires as sky blue or as blue as the ocean. Blue sapphires range in shade from very pale blue to very dark--almost black.

Sapphires, however, also come in other popular colors--pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, even colorless. They belong to a variety of gems called corundums.

On the Moh's scale of hardness, they are a 9, second to the diamond, which is the perfect 10.

To what do they owe their majestic blue color to? Two simple minerals--iron and titanium.

Oh, yes, it is also a very calming stone. So if you have had a rough day, put on your favorite sapphire jewelry, close your eyes, sit back and relax.....

Positively,

Baya

Tips for Safekeeping Your Jewelry When Travelling

Your personal jewelry has been acquired over your lifetime. It could be something as sentimental as your first gold chain with religious medallion, your childhood charm bracelet, diamond engagement ring or inherited antique jewelry just to name a few. Nonetheless, these pieces not only have sentimental worth, but also significant monetary value.

Over the years, designs and styles change, older pieces dating to the Victorian and Art Deco periods could be difficult to replace, especially if it was a very unique piece.

Taking precautions to minimize loss or theft of your jewelry is very important.

Over the years, I have heard so many people share similar stories, namely that they have so much jewelry, but that they have it put away in safety deposit boxes. Yes that is an excellent place for safe-keeping, but jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed to its full glory and not to be hidden.

My one customer loves her “bling-bling” so much she refers to herself as a year-round decorated Christmas tree. She certainly sparkles with her beautiful collections.

I wish to share with you some suggestions and ideas for safeguarding your jewels while you travel.

There are two groups of travelers: the minimalist who packs just a few key pieces and then there is the opposite who brings everything. This also applies with jewelry. Some travelers will not wear any jewelry, or if they do, it would be something inexpensive and simple, while others will not part with any of their jewelry.

I love my jewelry, but when I travel, I am the minimalist. I wear only my wedding band, a simple pair of gold hoop earrings and a plastic watch. Blending in with the locals and not drawing attention to yourself can sometimes be a challenge. In some countries, I definitely would not blend in since I am a blonde and almost 6 feet in height. I certainly do not want to draw added attention.

There are so many glorious destinations where the locals struggle because of poverty and rely on tourists for their livelihood. Tourists who wear a lot of jewelry stand out and are a potential target.

I cannot stress it enough that when you travel, please keep it simple. If you are heading to a beach destination, do not wear your jewels, especially your rings because the only person who will be laughing to the bank will be the person who is scouring the beaches with his metal detector. Suntan lotion makes your fingers slippery and rings can slip off easily as well as swimming in the cold ocean—your fingers shrink and your rings will slide off.

On the flip side, for those who choose to travel with their jewels, while in transit, keep your jewelry in your handbag or carry-on bag. If you are a frequent traveler, i.e. business traveler, you may wish to invest in a traveling jewelry case because they have the proper compartments that keep your jewelry organized and protected. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a travel case is how much jewelry and what type of jewelry you will be traveling with—there are so many different types available. You want to make sure you purchase the appropriate type. Again, minimal is always the best and safest policy.

If you are staying at a hotel, a wise idea would be to keep your jewelry in the hotel’s safety deposit box or in your room’s safe. It is also advisable to take copies of sales receipts, appraisal certificates or insurance papers as proof of ownership; by doing so you will avoid any potential problems with customs with regards to import taxes and customs declarations.

When you are retiring for the night, you can keep all your jewelry organized quite simply—slip your rings through your watch band and then close the clasp. At the same time, if your strap is made from leather, you can press your earrings through their holes.

Your safety and security are #1. By taking some precautions, you can minimize the risk of being a target.

Positively,

Baya

Alluring and Mystifying Facts About Moonstones

One of the most unique and mesmerizing characteristics of moonstones are the mysterious glows of light from within. This incredible white light glides across the surface of the stone. It intensifies in natural sunlight. This phenomena is known as adularescence.

Since it is associated with the "moon" it is known as the stone of love and for lovers. In some parts of the world, a moonstone represents fertility and has been known to be sewn into women's nightgowns.

Moonstones are also associated with promoting a healthy hormonal balance in women and also helps strengthen the immune system.

On an emotional level, it minimizes anxiety and enhances the inner harmony for the wearer.

They are available in a variety of colors--yellow, orange, pink, green, white, grey and brown. A color for everyone.

Moonstones are definitely the number one choice for many women worldwide.

Positively,
Baya

Several New Ideas for Wedding Bands

As you gaze into each other's eyes on your wedding day, and exchange vows and slip on your new, shining wedding bands.........fast forward a few years and your new shiney wedding band is well broken in.

After 18 years of marriage, not only is my wedding band well broken in, but so is my iron.....

The day, I said I do, I also inherited the joys of ironing my husband's business shirts--I loathe ironing.

He knows not to come near me when I have a hot iron in my hands.

As our 5 year anniversary was approaching, I was rather vocal about acquiring a new diamond wedding band, aka, eternity ring. Well my beloved, heard me loud and clear.....I was cutting out pictures and posting them in his car and on his bathroom mirror. He showed them to my father, and basically had my father make one for me.

On the evening of our anniversary, my Romeo (aka Les), took me out for a beautiful romantic dinner, got down on his knees, and proposed again--with my beautiful eternity band. I must say, he was not nervous the second time around.... :)

If you wish to have a diamond eternity band, but do not wish to purchase one, you can have diamonds added to your original wedding band. If you have an extra band, perhaps one that you have inherited, you can have diamonds added to that one. The advantage here is that your original wedding band is not altered, and you have a "new ring" from an "old ring". You can wear the two rings together, or three if you wear it with your engagement ring. Or wear your eternity band and engagement ring together for a real sparkling combination.

Two or more narrow wedding bands can be soldered together at the seams to create one band. You could wear it with your wedding band or on your other hand.

If you have several thin bands which are similar in width, they could all be connected and worn as a rolling/puzzle ring. A perfect example is the classic tricolor pink, yellow and gold rolling band. Imagine how elegant it would look if one of the thin bands was an eternity band and was blended with two other two tone bands.

A larger wedding band, such as a gentlemens, can have a gemstone set into the center, a bale added and worn as a pendant.

A plain gold band can have a totally new look by adding small designs on the ring. For example, you could have twisted wire added along the edges or small beads soldered to the surface. If the ring is thick enough why not have a design cut out all the way around. The words "I Love You" could be engraved all the way around your band, especially if it is wide enough.

Sentimental at heart? Your parents or grandparents wedding bands might be very dear to you and they are just sitting in your jewelry box. The smaller could could be slightly cut, interlocked with the larger ring, a bale added and you could then wear it as a pendant.

Positively,

Baya

Unique Ideas for Your Gold and Silver Chains

If you thought that chains were meant to only grace your neck, you are in for some surprises.

Many people have their signature piece(s) of jewelry--pieces that they wear every day or quite often. If one of your signature pieces is a chain that is rather long, why not wrap it around your wrist and wear it as a multi-strand bracelet.

There are two easy ways to do this:

You can put your hand through the chain and loop it around your wrist as many times as the chain can accommodate. Or you can open the chain and have the closure end hanging while you wrap it around your wrist and then close it.

Now, if you have a few necklaces that

are not being worn at all, you can have them modified.

If you have a very, very, long necklace, why not have it cut so you can wear it as a shorter necklace and have a matching bracelet. Or you can have two bracelets made and keep one for yourself, and give the other one to your daughter.

The other thing you can do with a very, very long necklace is to have it cut at 6-7 inch strands (depending on the size of your wrist) and then having them joined together at the end for a multi-strand bracelet.

At the same time, if you have two thin/medium width flat chains that are the same length, they could be intertwined as one chain--now all of a sudden two chains look like one substantial piece. Simply lay them flat beside each other and criss-cross one over the other.

Any questions, I am a mouse-click away--I like cheddar :)

Delicious/Nutritious HUNGARIAN Chicken Paprikas

With the busy lives that we lead, and the multi-tasking that many of us do, sometimes I feel like an octopus, my one arm is reaching for this, my other arm is grabbing that, but the one thing that is always a priority for me is providing healthy home cooked meals for my family.

Growing up in a European household, my mother was truly my role model because she balanced her many roles with such such efficiency and complete dedication–she did it all from her heart and nothing and no one was ever short changed.

She worked diligently at our family owned jewelry boutique, raised me, maintained a household and always provided the most delicious, homemade Hungarian meals for us every night. Yes mama, little did I know at the time, that I would one day be emulating you, and how grateful I am for that.

One of the many meals that my mother cooked for us was Chicken Paprikas. Not only is this one of our national dishes, it also has many versions since you can substitute the chicken for veal cubes or mushrooms. It is sooo delicious, but most importantly, a very healthy and quick meal to prepare.

Watching my mother prepare meals over my life-time, I have learned many of her skills in providing nutritious, yet simple dishes with minimal preparation time.

I hope you all have the opportunity to try this wonderful dish and let me know how you and your family have enjoyed it. I can tell you one thing, this recipe has been circulated world-wide by my friends who have eaten this meal at my home, asked for the recipe ,and have further sent it on….from Canada to Bosnia to Australia and around the globe, and now to you.

CHICKEN PAPRIKAS
2 medium onions - diced
1 1/2 tspn Hungarian SWEET PAPRIKA
1-2 pounds Chicken Breasts - cubed
1 Large Tomato - diced
1 Sweet Pepper (yellow, red, or orange) - Cut in half
Cooking Oil
Pinch of Salt - Or To Suit your Own Taste

Add cooking oil to pot.
Add Onions and cook until Soft
Add Chicken and cook until no longer pink
Sprinkle Hungarian Paprika over chicken/onion mixture
Add Pepper, Tomato, Salt and cover pot.

Cook it for one hour - make sure the chicken is fully cooked through.

The tomato releases its natural juices and you will find that you have a dish that resembles chicken stew.

Separately cook either rice or pasta to serve over the chicken. We use German noodles that are approximately 2 inches long when fully cooked.

If you do not wish to use chicken, just substitute it for Veal or Mushrooms. These dishes are called Borju Paprikas - Veal Paprikas and Gomba Paprikas - Mushroom Paprikas. You prepare it the same way minus the chicken.

Guaranteed to become family favorites. Bon Appetite!

I welcome all your comments and look forward to hearing from you when you have tried this wonderful dish.

Positively,
Baya

When Children Emulate Their Parents

Many years ago, when my husband and I were travelling in New England, we came across a little boy and his father who were the best of buddies. The child was approximately 4-5 years old and had the same jeans, running shoes and white T-shirt on as his dad. He even wore his baseball cap to the side like his father.

The father had a unique stride as he walked in front of his son, who was a foot behind his dad.
What intrigued me was how this child even emulated the way his father walked. When the child finally caught up to his dad, the father wrapped a loving arm around his little shoulder as if to say, "hey buddy, you've caught up to me. I love you"

I have never forgotten that moment and the true meaning behind it. That little boy looked up to his dad as his hero, friend, and probably the best dad in the world. He wanted to be just like his father in every way...even down to his walk.

How we raise our children, and instill in them the values that you hope they will take with them one day, can be seen throughout their growing years.

In our family, we have taught our children to be compassionate, loving, gracious, empathetic and kind hearted towards mankind. I can proudly say that our children are certainly following that path.

We have modelled these virtues for our children and I can see it in their dispositions.

Several weeks ago, my husband and I had a date on a Saturday. Before we left, my little Julia reminded me that if I saw a homeless person who was in need, that I should buy him a cup of coffee. She knows me too well. That evening when we came home, the first thing she asked me was if I bought a coffee for a stranger.

I told her "Julia, there were two people that were lying on the cold sidewalk a block apart, and I bought them both a warm breakfast". I went on to tell her that these two gentlemen both told me "God Bless You" . I told Julia, that I reciprocated and told them, "Sir, Gold bless you too."

She was so happy that I was able to provide not one but two strangers with a warm beverage and a small meal.

Yes, children certainly emulate their parents, but I must confess, there have been a couple of times when I've had to tell my daughter, not to be that generous...like the time, she gave away her newest "Littlest Petshop" toys to her friend, because "Mommy, she liked them", or the other time, when her little friend was coming down the stairs with a $20.00 bill clutched in her hands. "Julia, gave this to me".

God love them......

Six Reasons to Wear A Silver Band

Sterling bands are very popular among women and men since many are very unisex in design, classic, sophisticated, ergonomic and very affordable.

Did you know that silver band can symbolize different things to people?

1. The first thought that comes to

mind is "wedding band".

2. A friend who means the world to

you would be honoured to wear

a "friendship band" that symbolizes

your friendship.

3. A "couple's band" represents your commitment to each other.

4. A promise to keep a secret, an intention of marriage, but can't afford a diamond ring yet, can
be symbolized with a "promise band".

5. Stack em beside each other for a diverse look, mix and match them as stacking rings/bands.

6. Or simply, wear them as a great ring for everyday.

You can have an engraver inscribe a personal message.

Positively,

Baya