Merry Christmas to Everyone

I wish for all the people that read my blog a very blessed holiday season. May the new year bring continued good health, happiness and love to you.

I am taking a couple of weeks off from business and blogging and will be re-energized for a wonderful year ahead.

Blessings to you all,

Baya

The Gift of Giving All Year Round - Making A Difference in Someone's Life

At this time of the year, you see so many gracious and kind hearted people volunteering to raise money for so many organizations that help the poor, sick and needy worldwide.

Whether I go grocery shopping or to the mall, I recognize the same faces each year. These wonderful volunteers want to make a difference by giving their time and hoping to help raise awareness of just how much help these organizations need in order to help the world's less fortunate.

Last year, as I was finishing my Christmas shopping, and heading towards the exit, there was a large booth set up, and while I cannot remember the name of the organization, I stopped to look at the brochures and to speak with one of the volunteers. As I was looking through the brochure, what caught my attention was a heading that read "Buy Two Chickens and a Rooster and You Will Make a Woman Self-Sufficient in Africa".

As I read the description and spoke to the woman, I knew that my donation was going to help a single mother in Africa with several children, become independent and self sufficient. She would be able to sell the eggs at the market, while also having her chickens "procreate" for the growth of her business. With time, she would also be able to sell chickens at the market.

That was truly a remarkable experience and I intend to look for the same booth this year at the mall.

While for some people, giving a financial donation is difficult, especially during these hard times, you can also donate your time and brighten someones day.

My son has befriended a blind elderly lady at an old age home not too far from our house. Cameron absolutely enjoys his time with her because she has so many stories to tell and he makes her laugh. God bless her, because she lost her sight from a stroke that she had, but her mind is sharp and she enjoys the companionship those few hours each week. He is making a difference in her life and will continue to visit her long after the holidays are over.

At Christmas time we are reminded of how important it is to remember, to give, to help, to reach out, to make a difference in some one's life. My life is so blessed and I give thanks to God everyday for my blessings. While I give to more charities during the Christmas season, I also give year round when anyone asks for a donation and have instilled the same values in my children.

Last winter, my husband and I had a date and went downtown. Before we left, my daughter Julia reminded me that if I saw a homeless person that I should buy him/her a cup of coffee. She knows her mother too well. That evening when we came home, the first thing she asked me was if I bought a coffee for a needy person.

I went on to say "Julia, there were two gentlemen lying on the cold sidewalk in sleeping bags and I bought them both a warm breakfast" and that both gentlemen said "God Bless You". She was overjoyed that I helped not one, but two homeless people.

Yes, children certainly emulate their parents, but I must confess that there have been a couple of occasions when I have had to tell my daughter not to be that kind hearted...like the time she gave away her brand new Littlest Pet Shop Toys, to her friend because "Mommy, she liked them", or the time her other friend was coming down the stairs clutching a $20.00 bill, "Julia gave it to me".

God love them.....

Your Guide to Birthstones and Their Origin and Meaning

Birthstone jewellery dates back to the ancient times and symbolized protection for the wearer.

Today, each stone is associated with the modern calender with each month symbolizing a particular gemstone. Some months have two gemstones because one of the gemstones might be more expensive and the second gemstone would be more affordable.

A new born baby might receive their first piece of gemstone jewellery, as well as a bride or groom may choose to have their wedding bands set with the gemstone of the month they choose to getting married in. Many mothers are give birthstone jewellery to signify the months that represent their children's birthdays.

Birthstone jewellery is a very personalized gift and has personal meeting to the wearer. These stones are also associated with protecting people when they are in trouble and bringing them good fortune--we should all be so lucky :)

Birthstones:

January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine
April - Diamond
May - Emerald
June - Pearl or Alexandrite
July - Ruby
August - Peridot
September - Sapphire
October - Tourmaline and Opal
November Topaz and Citrine
December - Turquoise and Blue Topaz

One Piece of Jewellery - Many Different Looks

Imagine owning a single piece of jewellery and wearing it in many different unique ways--what a great investment for your money!

This single amethyst necklace, as an example can be worn at is original long length. Worn over a closed shirt or turtle neck, it would look quite very elegant. Now, imagine wearing an open neck shirt, or sundress and wrapping it around your neck twice--instant choker. It looks likes like such a substantial piece with such a different look. Another option is to wrap it around your neck once and let the longer section hang down--a choker and long chain in one. If you love bracelets, why not wrap it around your wrist and you have quite a dramatic multil chain gemstone bracelet.

If the chain is long enough, could be worn as a belt too.

Why not attach a single cufflink in the center of a shirt, for a unique look. The same look can also be achieved with stud earrings, again the size of both of these need to be taken into consideration.

If you have a brooch/pin, you can have a bale added to it to wear it as a pendant so you have the versatility to wear it either way. If you do not want to add a bale then depending on the design, you can pull a piece of ribbon, cord or chain through the back pin at the closure. Make sure it is closed securely.

Discover all the potential in your jewellery collection.