A Day in Old New Castle Sale

This Saturday May 21, 2011 marks the 87th annual A Day in Old New Castle. I've been anxiously anticipating the event for a couple months now. It will be by first year attending!

In honor of A Day in Old New Castle, Kerry Elizabeth is offering an exclusive sale. Stop by Penn's Place at 206 Delaware St. in Historic New Castle from this Friday to Sunday to receive a free pair of earrings with your purchase of a bracelet or necklace. 

See what A Day in Old New Castle is all about at http://dionc.immanuelepiscopal.com/. 

Create Wearable Spring & Summer Hairstyles

From catwalk to sidewalk: How to create wearable spring and summer hairstyles


(ARA) - When spring and summer arrive, there is plenty of focus on making changes to your wardrobe. But as you switch out your winter for summer clothes, consider updating more than just your wardrobe this season. Changing your hair to reflect the hottest runway trends is easier than you might think and can add an extra element of style to your look.

While you might think of high-fashion runway hairstyles as too outlandish to wear to work or even on your weekend outings, you can take inspiration from them, rather than copying them verbatim.

World-renowned stylist and Redken Creative Consultant Guido Palau is a fixture at the fashion industry's top shows each season, including the spring/summer 2011 shows. He offers the following tips for translating the best hairstyles of the runway into hairstyles that you can wear every day.

Lacquer look: Seen at Prada

Glossy, almost mirror-like shine was on display on Prada and other major runways. "Shine for spring/summer 2011 is bold and almost wet-looking, like it's painted on," Palau says. "This lacquered effect makes it impactful on the runway, but it can also work for every day." Using smoothing serums, strong sculpting gels, mousses and firm-hold hairsprays - often together - gives you the glossy tresses needed for this dramatic look. "Three key products I recommend to complete this look are: Redken pure force 16 non-aerosol fixing spray, hardwear 16 super strong sculpting gel and glass 01 smoothing serum," Palau adds.

Close up: Seen at Louis Vuitton

This idea is versatile, but has one defining feature: wearing hair close to the head. These styles are ideal for making your face the center of attention - they're sedate enough to be worn every day but still add extra style. Try the newly revived "milkmaid" braids, worn across the crown of your head or a shaggy chignon knotted close at the back of the head. "The braids call for sleeker styling with a smoothing serum product, while the more textured strands of the chignon require a product like Redken aerate 08 bodifying cream-mousse," Palau notes. "I like to finish this style with Redken quick dry 18 instant finishing spray."

Bigger is better: Seen at Marc by Marc Jacobs

Inspired by style icons like Diana Ross, this voluminous look is sure to get you noticed. Playful approaches to texture were all over the runways, but you can make it a more everyday look by simply going for extra volume. Use a thickening lotion like Redken thickening lotion 06 body builder and blow dry with a round brush to create loose, airy texture - and for even more volume, don't be afraid to do a little back-combing.

Pony tales: Seen at Calvin Klein

This is a classic look, but one that can be played with more than you might imagine. On the runways, the emphasis was on clean lines, sleek texture and extended lengths. At Calvin Klein, ponytails were worn at the nape of the neck, but re-invented by swooping the side strands over, rather than behind the ears. It's a minimalist look that will look chic all season long. "To get this look I blow-dry hair straight with Redken blown away 09 and go over hair with a flat iron and Redken iron silk 07 ultra straightening spray," Palau says.

For more information about these trends, please visit Redken.com, become a fan of Redken on Facebook and follow Redken on Twitter (@Redken5thAve).

An 86 Year Tradition... A Day in Old New Castle

Many residents of Historic New Castle are not hesitant to tell you about their love for the historical town. 

On any given day you will find dog owners walking their pets down the cobblestone streets or families enjoying a stroll in the park in the evenings. 

Since Kerry Elizabeth has joined Penn’s Place July 2010, Historic New Castle has found a special place in my heart. Now, it is your chance to experience all that the town has to offer at A Day in Old New Castle. 

Step Back in Time

A Day in Old New Castle is the oldest home and garden tour in the United States. Each year for the past 86 years, tourists from across the region have enjoyed the chance to step back in time to the historic era when New Castle served as the capital of the fledgling colony of Delaware. This quaint community's founding dates back 350 years. It was here on the banks of the Delaware River that William Penn first set foot in North America in 1682, and it was from New Castle that two of Delaware's three signers of the Declaration of Independence rode forth in 1776. A Day in Old New Castle is a charity event; 2011 proceeds go to the Friends of the New Castle Library and Immanuel Church.

A Day of Living History

Unique among many colonial towns, New Castle is more than a reconstructed or preserved historical district. A fully residential community, New Castle is a living town. Once a year, on this one day only, residents open their private homes and gardens to the public. Many conduct tours of their properties in person, demonstrating, through a glimpse into personal lives, the continuing adaptation of old structures to new life. Immerse yourself in our long and varied history as you:

• Stroll through carefully tended gardens
• Tour exquisite private homes dating from the 18th century that reflect the history of Old New Castle
• Enjoy guided historical walking tours
• Enjoy period music, dance, and change ringing on the church tower bells
• Free parking and shuttle from the First Baptist Church in New Castle (Routes 141 & 273) to the Green in Old New Castle during the event.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

 10 am to 5 pm.

A Day in Old New Castle is presented by Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green. Bus and tour groups are welcome. For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://dionc.immanuelepiscopal.com. 

Is green the new black?

(ARA) - Before rushing out to buy the latest looks in emerald, teal or chartreuse, the question of "Is green the new black?" isn't referring to the season's "it" color, but rather the current trend of going green.

Not sure if green and recycled fashions are for you? Fashion experts at The Art Institutes schools discuss green fashion and how you can go green by adding some recycled fashion into your own wardrobe.

Green fashion is all about clothing that is environmentally friendly and made in a socially responsible way. Qualities that make clothing "green" or "eco-friendly" are the "use of organic materials, fair-trade manufacturing, eco-friendly dyeing processes and the use of recycled materials," according to Maria J. Aguerri, academic director of Fashion Marketing and Management at The Art Institute of Michigan.

The green fashion movement "is less about consumption and more about self-expression and fashion we can feel good about as consumers," says Amber Davis Huber, a Fashion and Retail Management instructor at The Art Institute of Indianapolis. People are "becoming more aware of where products come from and how they affect the environment. There is a story with the product."

Recycled fashion is a great way for consumers to add green fashion to their wardrobes. Designers take recycled fabric or articles of clothing and refashion them to create completely new looks. Recycled fashion opens opportunities for smaller designers and "allows them to enter the market in a more manageable way," says Huber.

Not only does recycled fashion offer more opportunity for up and coming designers, but also provides more selection and unique looks for anyone wanting to stand out in a crowd. "Recycling old clothing and textiles is a great opportunity for designers to be creative, says Jo Dean Tipton, a Fashion Design instructor for The Art Institute of Indianapolis. "Each garment made from recycled textiles is one-of-a-kind, and shows originality from the way they connect together. We are living in a time when people buy clothing to reflect their personalities, and owning a garment made of a mixture of fabric and trims is a great way to do that."

Recycled accessories are another way to go green. Huber, who is the designer of the handbag line Cynthia K, offers customers the opportunity to choose from a variety of recycled leathers and styles to create a custom-made handbag. Aguerri says designers are also starting to recycle denim and metals for accessories.

Aguerri also recommends bringing old clothes and accessories to thrift stores, shopping for vintage clothes and participating in clothing swap parties as ways to add some recycled fashions to your closet. "A growing trend is to recycle bridesmaid dresses, which until now were usually worn once and discarded," she says.

Green fashion can mean higher price points, but Huber says that this hurdle can be overcome by educating consumers on how products are made. She also stresses that "it's important as a consumer to really understand what makes things eco-friendly" and recommends researching companies to make sure their eco-friendly claims are more than a marketing strategy.

As for the future of green fashion, Huber says that five years ago she wouldn't have expected it to be going full-throttle, but now it's more of a lifestyle.

Mother's Day Outings 2011

Mother's Day is May 8th and it is quickly approaching. Do something special with your mom this year. Check out these events in the Delaware/Pennsylvania area.

• Run Like a Mother 5k: Gather up the important women in your life Sunday, May 8th at 2:00 PM for a 5k run/walk. All proceeds go to support Mommy’s Light, a charity which brings comfort to children by keeping the traditions they shared with their Mother’s alive. Join the runner in Downtown West Chester at the corner of Church St. and Market St. The first 750 registered runners recieve a pink brooks tech t-shirt. For more information visit http://5kformothersday.com/.

• Point-to-Point: The annual steeplechase falls at Winterthur falls Mothers Day this year. Enjoy a glorious day of steeplechase racing and celebrate Mother’s Day at this year’s Point-to-Point, set amidst the splendor of Henry Francis du Pont’s Winterthur estate. Pack a picnic lunch or tailgate spread, treat mom to a special day, and get ready to enjoy one of the Brandywine Valley’s most stylish sporting events! See http://www.winterthur.org/?p=867 for more information. 

• Mother's Tea at the Cauffiel House:  Bring the women in your family and celebrate Mother’s Day in the beautiful Cauffiel House at Bellevue State Park. A casual tea will be served, followed by a staff-led walking tour of the home. Call (302) 761-6963 by May 3rd to reserve your space.

• Mother's Day Buffet Dinner Train: Treat Mom to dinner aboard the train at Wilmington & Western Railroad train as it travels through the bucolic Red Clay Valley on a 2-hour round-trip to Ashland. Dinner is served buffet-style, and includes appetizer, salad, entree, assorted desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Visit the Delaware's Operating Railroad Museum for more details. 

• Wilmington Flower Market: For three full days May 5th-7th, Wilmington’s Rockford Park is a local tradition that Flower Market is most well known for. You will find a large selection of plants, flowers, merchants, crafts, rides, games, entertainment and food. All events and proceeds are dedicated to improving the lives of Delaware's children. To see additional events at the Wilmington Flower Market visit http://www.wilmingtonflowermarket.org/.

Earth Day Activities

Join the world on April 22, 2011, and make a difference. Here are several ways you can encourage your family to go green. 

1. Reduce electricity. Advise your family to turn off the lights when they leave the room or turn off the tv when they are no longer watching. 

2. Take small steps. Shut off the water when they brush their teeth. Hand clothes on the line instead of putting them in the dryer. These small acts keep the world cleaner and greener. 

3. Recycle. 

4. Compost. Its easy to collect your own food scraps and garden waste and turn it into healthy compost in your own yard. 

5. Donate. A great way to get across the message of “reuse” and “recycle” is to encourage them to donate their old toys and clothing. 

6. Become Aware. Talk to your family about the environment and hazards such as pollution. 

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Need a reason to go green? Read how plastic has created a landfill in your oceans. 

Most of our waste today is comprised of plastic. Plastic, which is made from petroleum, is a material that the Earth cannot digest. Every bit of plastic that has ever been created still exists, except for a small amount that has been incinerated, releasing toxic chemicals.

In the ocean, plastic waste accumulates in swirling seas of debris, where plastic to sea life ratios are 6:1; where birds and mammals are dying of starvation and dehydration with bellies full of plastics; where fish are ingesting toxins at such a rate that soon they will no longer be safe to eat.

The largest of these garbage swills is known as the Pacific Gyre, or The Great Garbage Patch. It is roughly the size of Texas, containing approximately 3.5 million tons of trash. Shoes, toys, bags, pacifiers, wrappers, toothbrushes, and bottles too numerous to count are only part of what can be found in this accidental dump floating midway between Hawaii and San Francisco.

What can we do about it? First, we need to understand the size of the problem. Then, together, we need to find the solutions. For more information visit www.greatgarbagepatch.com. 

How the First Earth Day Came About

For over 40 years, Earth Day has inspired and mobilized individuals and organizations worldwide to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Here is how the first earth day came about.

On April 22, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated from coast-to-coast; a day which was first realized by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson who wanted to find a way to increase environmental awareness and to promote urgently needed federal legislation to deal with an alarming ecological crisis.

It wasn't until visiting Santa Barbara Calif in August, 1969, and reading about the popularity of "teach-ins'' at college campuses as way of educating students about the Vietnam War that an idea caught hold in Nelson's head to hold a similar "teach-in'' only with a focus on environmental awareness.

Since the first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, when a chorus of demonstrators around the nation (some 20 million strong) voiced their concerns about the environment, specifically about the pollution of air and water, that a significant amount of federal legislation was passed to protect the environment.

Bill Clinton awarded Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor, in 1995. 

Spring Trend: Eco-chic

Eco-chic: Spring 2011's hottest beauty and fashion trend
(ARA) - Sunshine, green grass, and buds popping out on trees and flowers everywhere - all those signs of spring may have you thinking about getting your hands on the season's newest beauty products. But think beyond sheer foundation and floral hues; this year the hottest trend in beauty and fashion is "eco-chic." Soaking up some sun on the beach or relaxing in the green grass of your backyard can remind you just how important it is to protect the environment. Eco-chic products, manufactured using sustainable, environmentally friendly ingredients and/or processes, can help you do something good for the planet and look great while doing it.


Here are some nature-friendly ways to help keep you and the environment protected:


Skin is in: Winter can leave your skin in serious need of nourishment to restore its moisture. Look for products that have natural or organic ingredients to help revitalize skin. The Nutriganics natural skin care collection from The Body Shop provides a certified organic alternative to anti-aging products and helps smooth skin in as little as four weeks. And you can feel good while looking good, because the company sources many of the ingredients through its unique Community Fair Trade program, which benefits more than 25,000 people in some of the world's poorest communities.


Sustainable accessorizing: The accessories you wear can, in their own way, have a significant impact on the environment. When you're checking out the season's latest handbags or fashion jewelry, consider the manufacturing processes and materials used to make the product. You can look great and feel responsible about your accessories when you shop for items made from recycled or organic materials. You can find plenty of totes, bags and fashion jewelry made in eco-friendly ways with environmentally responsible materials. A quick online search for "eco-chic accessories" will yield enough results to ensure you can find items to fit every look and mood.


Brushing up: While at the same time featuring spring's irresistible colors. The products' cruelty-free status make them especially appealing for vegetarians, plus they're made from high-quality, naturally derived ingredients.  


Cleaning up: Recycling your empty water bottles and volunteering to help remove litter from a local stream are great ways to help clean up the environment. And when you're engaging in your everyday personal cleaning tasks, you can also help the earth - and start your day feeling fresh in body and spirit. The Body Shop Shower Gels for Earth Lovers are made from a soap-free base (so they're non-drying), plus feature a blend of herb and fruit extracts, are 100 percent biodegradable and contain Community Fair Trade aloe vera. They're also free of sulfates, parabens or colorants - all things that have been associated with a negative impact on the environment.


Dressing up: When you try on a new outfit or shoes do you think of the materials it's made from and how manufacturing those materials has impacted the environment or people in the developing world? Chances are you, like many other American women, are now thinking about whether or not your fashions are environmentally responsible. Eco-chic is in style for clothing as well.


Many innovative designers are now offering trendy attire made from earth-friendly fabrics like hemp and cotton. They're buying their materials from fabric-makers in the developing world who practice sustainable, environmentally conscious harvesting and production.


Spring is a great time to find new ways - and great new products - that nourish your body and soul, and help the planet as well. For more information on eco-conscious beauty, visit TheBodyShop-USA.com.

Make a DIfference for Japan

Many people around the world are eagerly seeking ways to send Japan relief.  There are many ways that can help the people of Japan without donating money. 

1. Donate your time (volunteer): You can volunteer at an organization that is collecting clothes for the people in Japan. You can contact your local Red Cross and ask them how you can help. Maybe there is something you can do at your local Salvation Army to lend a hand. Don’t underestimate how important just a few hours of your time can be for those in need!

2. Create your own fundraiser: It doesn’t have to be something grand. It could be something as simple as a bake sale. Why not organize a walk-a-thon at your local school track? Set up a table at a fleamarket. Run a race (marathon/half/10k/5k) and ask for donations. There are many great ways to raise money wherever you are.

3. Donate old clothes: The people in northern Japan have lost everything. Most escaped with only the clothes on their backs. They need clothes (adults and children), blankets and shoes. 

4. Say a prayer.

5. Educate yourself and others about the situation: There is a lot of sensational and bad press coverage coming out of this disaster. Do your research. Learn about the situation from multiple news sources. Once you have a decent grasp on what is happening over here in Japan, spread the word.

These ideas are from Kevin, a blogger trying to make a difference. To read more of his thoughts visit http://bit.ly/gEUvrA.

Healing Gemstones

For thousands of years, gemstones have been used for their therapeutic effects. Today, the interest in alternative medicine is more popular then ever. Gemstones continue to be used in the following holistic practices:

• Reiki Massage: Reiki is a form of therapy that uses simple hands-on, no-touch, and visualization techniques, with the goal of improving the flow of life energy in a person. Reiki (pronounced ray-key) means "universal life energy" in Japanese, and Reiki practitioners are trained to detect and alleviate problems of energy flow on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Reiki touch therapy is used in much the same way to achieve similar effects that traditional massage therapy is used—to relieve stress and pain, and to improve the symptoms of various health conditions.

• Gemstone Therapy/Crystal Healing: This is the application of gemstones or crystals to facilitate healing and balance. Rocks and gemstones house spiritual and healing properties that can be tapped into a variety of ways. The crystals can be carried or worn, or placed in a location where the healing vibrations can be felt. 

• Chakra Therapy: Chakras are energy centers in the human body; each corresponds to different glands and governs specific parts of the physical body and areas of the psyche. When our chakras are balanced, maximum vitality and health is experienced. Physical or emotional trauma will affect the corresponding chakra. 

• Meditation/Yoga

Gemstone Healing Throughout History

With the addition of our massage therapists, I have been digging into the healing powers of gemstones. Believe it or not, gemstones and crystals have been used in holistic healing practices for centuries all across the world. It is interesting to see how far back gemstones were mentioned. 

• Book of Revelation: The Bible depicts the city of Jerusalem as follows, "It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst."

• Egypt: Rulers were buried with amulets and talismans of Carnelian, Lapis, Turquoise, Quartz, and Gold. 

• Indian Medicine: Gemstone and crystal healing was related to astrology. They were neused to help balance and align the energetic bodies. 

• Chinese: Crystals and gemstones were written about in medical books and are extensively used in Feng Shui. Jade has also been a symbol of prosperity and integrity in China for centuries. 

• Native American Practices: A variety of gemstones and crystals were used for healing purposes. Obsidian was also used for practical uses such as making tools and weapons. 

Hildegar von Bingen

• Hildegard von Bingen: A nun in the twelfth century that wrote medical texts. She recognized that medicine needed a holistic approach to treat physical and spiritual illnesses. She felt as though disorders could not be separated from environmental influences such as moon phases, poor diet, and bad habits. Gemstones were a component of her treatment plans for healing.

• Other Writers: There were several writers who mention the healing abilities of gemstones in their writings including: Aristotle, Theophrastus, Bishop of Regensburg, Albertus Magnus, Pliny the Elder, Benedictine, Marbod, Bishop of Rennes, and Paracelsus.

Natural Healing at Penn's Place

Penn's Place in Historic New Castle continues to grow. We are excited to have two new massage therapists. They use natural processes to heal both physically and spiritually. 

Jeanille McGee: Force Energy Massage

Jeannille McGhee has passion for holistic discovery of everything that makes up the human experience.  She has experience working with the physical, emotional and spiritual. This range includes athletes, pregnancy, women's health, pain and emotional/spiritual imbalances. Her intention for every session is to create a space that allows the body, mind and spirit to return to its natural state of harmony and balance. 

Jeannille's education includes her integrative training at the Academy of Massage and Bodywork and the University of Delaware. She is a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Her areas of independent study and interests include yoga, meditation, shamanic healing, crystal therapy, energy work, herbs, nutrition/living foods, numerology, astrology, midwifery and many more. 

Jeannille offers her clients a safe haven to receive true therapeutic touch whether for recovery, chronic pain or relaxation. Your session with Jeannille is dedicated to meeting your goals respectfully. Come experience her unique bodywork treatment.

Call 302-898-7922 or e-mail Jeannille at pranashaktihealing@gmail.com to schedule your session of Far Eastern style of massage that focuses on awakening all the senses to harness the "life force" that exists within all of us.   

Patricia Boyle: The Healing Room

The Healing Room is owned and operated by Patricia Boyle who has been involved in integrative healing and metaphysics for over fifteen years.

Patricia is a Licensed Massage Terapist, certified professional oracle reader, reiki healer, intuitive counselor and holistic nutritional consultant. Her coursework was taken at The Academy of Massage and Bodywork, Paradiso Holistic Center, The Herbal Healer Academy, Michael Tierra's East West Herbs, Tranquil Spirit, and Monmouth University.

Her other areas of study include numerology, astrology, and crystal healing. 

Call 302-220-6153 or e-mail Patricia at pat5196@hotmail.com to schedule your personalized session of physical and spiritual healing. 

For more information on the massage therapists and Penn's Place visit www.pennsplace.net.

How to: Clean and Care for Your Pearl Jewelry

Do you have that strand of pearls sitting in your jewelry cabinet that was passed down from your generation to generation? Pearl necklaces are a classic jewelry trend that will always be in style. With the appropriate care, your pearls will remain in beautiful condition for years to come. See the tips below. 

Do's:

• Put your pearl jewelry on after you have applied your make-up and perfume. They will remain cleaner. 
• Wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off to remove dirt and oils. 
• Dirty pearls may be washed with a mild soap and water solution. 
• Your fine pearl necklaces should be restrung periodically to ensure the silk or nylon cord is secure. 

Don'ts 

• Do not put your pearls in a ultrasonic cleanser. 
• Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain harsh detergents or ammonia. 
• Do not rub your pearls with an abrasive cloth. It can wear away the natural coating, creating a dull, plain looking pearl. 
• Do not store your pearls with your other jewelry pieces. They can easily be scratched by other metals. Place them in a soft bag. 

Spring Must-Have's (From Target!)

I stopped at Target earlier this week to pick-up a few things. I can never resist walking down each aisle wether I need anything down them or now. I was surprised to come across so many great spring pieces. Here are a few things that will get you even more excited for the warmer weather, but won't break the bank!

Coral Necklace $39.99
I know you're probably wondering why I'm suggesting jewelry from Target, but this piece stopped me in my tracks. I can just picture it with a crisp white blouse and tailored jeans. 

Xhilaration Teala Strappy Wedge Sandal $24.99
I actually broke down and purchased these sandals. They were so comfortable and the golden color showed off all the details perfectly. 

Merona Tote $29.99
You would never think this bag wasn't a designer. You'll be able to throw just about anything in here! 

Mossimo Pari Strappy Sandals $24.99
The straps on these sandals are solid and secure and the chocolate brown is beautiful.  

Need a Little Luck?

They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. Whether you are Irish or not, everyone can use some luck. Find which stones will bring luck into your life. 

Emerald

1. Smoky Quartz: Wear it for better athletic abilities and improved stamina.

2. Garnet: The good luck stone for career and job related growth.

3. Citrine: One of the most powerful good luck stones for success in business.

4. Emerald: Brings loyal and faithful love.

5. Amethyst: Proves to be a good luck stone in almost all aspects.

6. Tourmaline: Brings added luck to be with you for all your important tasks and days. 

Tourmaline

7. Sodalite: Good luck stone for peace of mind and clarity of thought. 

8. Agate: Wear for general luck and protection. 

9. Aquamarine: Wear for luck in getting rid of worries. 

10. Amazonite: Brings luck in making your dreams come true. 

Reasons to Sell Your Jewelry

1. Your jewelry is broken or damaged. Sell your earrings without mates, brooches with broken clasps or chains that are kinked and twisted.

2. Your jewelry is out of style. Most people have very particular taste in jewelry so finding the right buyer for older, dated jewelry can be a difficult task.

3. You don’t have the time to sell jewelry pieces individually. By splitting things up and selling only a few pieces, you’re cutting into your own time, and you may still have half the pieces sitting around month’s from now.

4. Your jewelry has bad memories. Selling gold jewelry that’s associated with unpleasant moments in your past is very empowering. You’re getting something of value out of items you would otherwise like to forget about.

A Guide to Selling Gold & Silver

Advertisements for getting cash for gold are posted all over the web and community. Be sure to do some research before you think about hand over your jewelry and cash in. Here are some helpful tips. 

Why do you want to sell? It is a good idea to determine why you want to sell your gold jewelry for cash. Sometimes we need fast cash to pay for new things, pay bills, or have extra money for taxes. In this case, you want to get rid of jewelry that does not have much sentimental value. Items to sell would include single earrings and broken jewelry pieces. Some jewelry, such as heirlooms, probably should not be sold no matter how much you need cash. If a piece of jewelry is worth more than the metal it contains, its best to hold onto it or shop it around to antique dealers.

Get an Appraisal. When you figure out what you want to sell, it is good to get an appraisal from a third-party source. If you are only selling a few pieces then an appraisal might be overkill. If you have a handful of jewelry or more, then an appraisal from a 3rd-party source that is not looking to buy or sell jewelry can get you a lot more money. When you know how much your jewelry is actually worth in estimated resale and melt-down value, you are in a much better bargaining position.

Check the gold price daily. Gold prices change constantly, since gold is exchanged on the open market. When selling gold, you will always earn more money when the price of gold is high. Over the past few months, the price of gold has hovered over $1,100 per ounce, which means gold prices have never been higher and now is a great time to sell gold. Remember that the actual price of gold per ounce does not equate to the amount of money you receive. The price of gold should only be used as a reference.

Get more than one quote. The prices that companies will pay for your scrap gold and jewelry will vary widely. Pawn shops, online gold buyers, and jewelers will pay you different amounts for the same amount of jewelry, because it all depends on what these companies specialize in. For example, if you sell to a jewelry store you may receive more money, but it will be in the form of store credit.

Review the buyer. While researching buyers for selling your gold, make sure you can trust the company to receive good customer service. If you sell to a jewelry store, then look up their reviews online. There are many knock off companies on the internet that will simply take your gold and disappear. If you go the online route, then make sure the company you are dealing with will stick around.

Gemstone Color Stories

Our previous post talked about the color wheel and how color is an important aspect of design. At Kerry Elizabeth our main material are gemstones, freshwater pearls, and swarovski crystal. We have put together a few color stories to get you inspired. 

Want some more color ideas? Visit fusionbeads.com. 

Spring 2011 Color Forecast

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is ready for spring! I'm ready to put those dark colors away. Although we may still have a few weeks to go, I had to take a peak at the spring 2011 color forecast. 

Year and year, PANTONE announces the seasons colors. Designers in multiple industries, from fashion to technology, use the colors as a guideline. Here are colors that PANTONE predicted for this upcoming spring. 

Citing exotic destinations like Africa, India, Peru and Turkey as inspiration for spring 2011, designers continue to satisfy consumers’ need to escape everyday challenges with intriguing color combinations that transport them to foreign lands. 

Pantone Spring 2011 Color Forecast

Flirtatious Honeysuckle is a feel-good hue that brings a festive sense of playfulness to this season’s palette. This vibrant pinkish-red for both apparel and cosmetics makes consumers eel alive, and is a perfect post-winter pick-me-up. 

Spicy, gregarious and persuasive describe Coral Rose, a sophisticated orange that, much like Beeswax, a warm, honeyed yellow, conjures up feelings of faraway lands and locales. Pair either of these piquant hues with a cool, refreshing color-wheel opposite like Regatta for a vibrant color combination that will add zest to any wardrobe. Romantic, fanciful Lavender implies sensuality with its subtle hint of red undertone. Combine it with Beeswax or Coral Rose for a unique counterpoint.

Alluring Blue Curacao evokes thoughts of tropical destinations and pays homage to the 2010 Color of the Year, Turquoise. Practical consumers can continue to incorporate enticing Caribbean blues into spring by pairing Blue Curacao with 

warm, complementary colors like Honeysuckle or Coral Rose. Peapod, a fresh yellow-green, brings an organic element to the palette and is reminiscent of the green shoots that signify change and new beginnings traditionally found in spring.  

Trans-seasonal neutrals ground this season’s palette and provide a stable backdrop for all the other colors. The so-called “nude hues” are represented in the range of ethereal Silver Peony to dramatically deep Russet. Another dependable background color, Silver Cloud, is the quintessential neutral that consumers can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet. 

For more information on PANTONE and the spring 2011 color forecast visit www.pantone.com/spring2011.