Save up to $35!

In honor of the most romantic day of the year, Kerry Elizabeth is offering a complimentary earring when purchasing a necklace or bracelet. Give your special someone a one-of-a-kind piece by Kerry Elizabeth.


Visit us at Penn's Place in Historic New Castle, DE or contact us to redeem online at www.kerryelizabeth.com.

Offer Expires: February 28, 2011 Offer valid for an earring up to a $35 value. Offer not valid with additional discounts. 

Rekindled Spirits Therapeutic Massage

Penn's Place Newest Addition:

Rekindled Spirits 

Therapeutic Massage

Joan Gennarini, a licensed massage therapist in the New Castle County, DE, opened her own massage business, Rekindled Spirits Therapeutic Massage after enduring years of long hours sitting in meetings, working with various personalities of co-workers, meeting stressful deadlines, and staring at the computer screen for many hours on end. Joan decided it was time to begin her healing journey.

Joan has experience with a variety of massage styles, and has served thousands of individuals with diverse issues, including auto injury medical massages and therapeutic massage for seniors. She is also available for corporate and social functions-a great way to say "thank you" to employees and friends. Because of Joan's previous corporate work experience, she relates well to her clientele's daily work challenges, and thoroughly enjoys helping them achieve a more balanced state of wellness. She has over 500 active clients in Delaware, and has given over 2,500 massages since receiving her certification.

Visit Rekindled Spirits online for a full list of services. Contact Joan to make an appointment at (302) 352-9054 or Joan@rekindledspirits.net .

Jewelry Making 101 with Kerry Elizabeth

Mark Your Calendars

February 13, 2011

Jewelry Making 101

Get Inspired at Penn's Place

206 Delaware St. in Historic New Castle, DE

on February 13 at 2:00 PM

Birthstone Facts & Fiction

My research has continued... 

Here are some interesting facts on the history of gemstones. 

How It All Began

The special list of privileged stones that are to receive special recognition as birthstones can be traced back to the early days of the Bible, when a list of stones found on the Breastplate of Aaron was enumerated in the book of Exodus. A Jewish historian known as Josephus discovered the significance of this list, which propelled the entire birthstone belief system.

The book of Exodus in the Bible listed the following stones as found on Aaron’s breastplate – ruby, topaz, beryl, turquoise, sapphire, emerald, Jacintha, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, onyx, and jasper. However, aside from the one in Exodus, the Bible contains another list of birthstones. This time, the birthstones were known as the “foundations of the wall of the city.” This other list is found in the book of the Revelations.

It was only later, in the 15th century, when astrologists started attributing mythical powers to the stones. Soon after, people started wearing birthstone jewelries.

Birthstones: Facts, myths, and legends

Every person has the right to form his or her own belief in the birthstones.

What is fact? The belief that birthstones have healing powers is actually true. After all, the birthstones are all minerals. It is a proven fact that minerals bring positive effects to a person’s health. Thus, it is a fact that the birthstones can impact a person’s health in a positive way.

Legends: Some birthstone legends/beliefs are backed by science. Science tells us that minerals help metabolize and balance our bodily functions, which is why it is possible that contact with mineral can lead to its absorption, and this can help bring about such supposed benefits of birthstones.

What are pure myth? As for the supernatural powers of the birthstones, these were only assigned by astrologers. Belief in these supernatural powers mostly depends on one’s personal belief system. These powers are said to be stronger in the month that a stone is assigned to.

Gregorian Birthstone Poems

"Where do you get your stones?" This is one of the most common questions I receive from customers. My response is simply I have a few great online vendors. I think it is time I finally find out for myself where the gemstones I use are actually from. 

I started with the gemstones everyone is familiar with: Birthstones. Here is a fantastic poem I can across called the Gregorian Birthstone Poems. Tiffany & Co. printed these poems in a pamphlet in 1870.  While they are attributed to an unknown writer, it is not known if the poems were written long ago or simply for marketing purposes.

By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.

By her who in March was born
No gem save Bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

She who from April dates her years, 
Diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

By her who in June was born
No gem save Pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

Wear a Peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A Sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.

Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.

If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.

—Gregorian Birthstone Poems

Color Trends for 2011

Refinery 29 has announced the 6 color trends of spring 2011. See how the designers are using these colors!

Pink: But not just any pink! Honeysuckle pink (a bright, almost reddish hue) was voted the color of the year by Pantone, and, as far as fashion goes, it showed up on miles of spring 2011 runways, from Jil Sander to Valentino to DKNY. This signature pink also loved to pair up with other brights like aqua and orange or offering some bold contrast to more neutral tones like khaki and sand.

Above, from left: Peter Som, Jil Sander, Valentino, Badgeley Mischka.

Orange: The fashion Universe loves orange, and this spring 2011, it sprung up in a bushel of juicy hues like this mouth-watering persimmon shade, which we can't get enough of.

Above, from left: Vena Cava, Prada, J. Crew, Versace.

Yellow: Yellow is often a tough shade for many women to pull off, but given the extremes it went to for spring, we're willing to go there, despite the risks. Here, it ranged from a warm, buttery tone at Chanel to the palest, prettiest shades of chartreuse at Jason Wu and Proenza. In the spirit of the '70s, modern shades of mustard emerged on the runways, too.

Above, from left: Christopher Kane, DvF, Isabel Marant, Chanel. 

Above, from left: Rodarte, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, Yigal Azrouel.

Blue: Truth be told, nothing gets more classic than blue, especially this spring's offerings. Think a vibrant aqua, a dusty sky blue, and the richest navy (obsessed!) lead the trend pack. Surprise blue move of the moment: Sky blue was often paired with bright orange and rust to gorgeous effect...who knew?

Above, from left: From left: Diane von Furstenberg, J. Crew, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jil Sander.

Above, from left: Diane von Furstenberg, Proenza Schouler, Peter Pilotto, Jil Sander.

Earth Tones: In a sharp contrast to all the spicier hues of spring, the season also welcomed a cool breeze of soothing, wearable earth-colored tones, from sand to a Santa Fe rusty red.

Above, from left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Vanessa Bruno, Rag & Bone, Victoria Beckham. 

Above, from left: Isabel Marant, Unique, United Bamboo, Marc Jacobs.

White: Yes, white is pretty much always a big color for spring and summer. But guess what? This spring 2011, it's like the shade (or, non-shade!) of the moment. Going well beyond your go-to white trousers and bundle of white tank-tops, crisp, head-to-toe white, jackets, and gowns were all a major designer favorite. And we're on board...totally. 

Above, from left: Derek Lam, Peter Pilotto, Yigal Azrouel, Rag & Bone. 

Save on Groupon

Get unbeatable deals for local adventures at Groupon.

Groupon negotiates huge discounts—usually 50-90% off—with popular businesses. You can find daily deals on restaurants, spas, boutiques, theaters, hotels, and a whole lot more in dozens of cities across the country. Kerry Elizabeth is excited to announce that we will be featured in the coming month. Stay tuned! Our Groupon will be out just in time for Valentine’s Day! See what Groupon is all about at www.groupon.com.

Cure the Winter Blues

The holiday season is coming to an end, but there’s no need to get a case of the winter blues. Here are some events for you and your family in and around Delaware. 

The first Boundless Playground in Delaware, Can-Do Playground at Alapocus Run Sate Park moves indoors to the Blue Ball Barn for the winter. Your preschoolers will enjoy crafts and hands-on learning activities January 4h & 18th. See what the Can-Do Playground can offer at www.candoplayground.org.

Support the non-profit group, Canine Partners for Life on January 21st at the 8th Annual Wine Tasting Benefit. Sip wines from the Brandywine Valley and taste foods from the Hilton Garden Inn in Kennett Square and Brandywine Prime. Tickets are limited and sell out quickly. Call (610) 444-9100 or visit www.bvwinetrail.com for more details. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and join the Rockwood Park and Museum for Winter Warmer Tea on Saturday, January 22nd. Enjoy a luncheon tea at the Butler’s Pantry and tour the Mansion. Reserve your seat at www.nccde.org. 

Who says the beach or shore is only for the summer? The coastal towns are buzzing with activity. 

Join the galleries of MOSAIC Saturday, January 8th for the monthly Destination Art. MOSAIC is an association of art galleries whose mission is to promote art awareness in the Rehobth Beach Area. For a list of members and events visit www.mosaicrehoboth.com

Take the plunge at the 20th Annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Delaware on Sunday, February 6th. Over 100 “Bears” will celebrate their 20th, 15th, and 10th plunge this year. Register for your jump into the frigid ocean at www.plungede.org.