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.