Find the Gemstone for your New Year Resolution

It's that time of year that brings a sense of new beginnings, motivation, and resolutions. A new year is just around the corner. What is your New Year Resolution? Whether you want to get fit and healthy or get out of debt, gemstones have specific properties that will help you achieve your goals.  

According to Yahoo!, here is a list of the most selected resolutions by women. I have included gemstones that will keep you on track throughout 2011. 

1. Quit Smoking: Blue Topaz supports the process of overcoming an undesirable habit or addiction. 

Moonstone

2. Lose Weight: Peruvian Opal, Green Tourmaline, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, and Spinel will help in reaching a healthy or ideal weight. 

3. Exercise More: Aquamarine, Garnet, and Red Jasper bring stamina while Amber and Chrysoprase increases motivation. 

4. Save More Money: Iolite helps with money problems. 

5. Spend Time with Family: Kunzite and Tourmaline develop devotion. 

6. Become More Organized: Dumortierite can help to be more organized, self-disciplined, and realistic.

7. Work Less, Play More: Amber, Malachite, Hematite, and Fire Opal will assist in fulfilling your desires. 

Botzwana Agate

8. Be A More Positive Person: Malachite, Chrysoprase, Imperial Topaz, Rhodochrosite, and Sunstone bring a positive attitude towards life. 

9. Make A Positive Difference in the World Around Me: Botzwana Agate instills a greater feeling of optimism and hope and increase your awareness of how to help other people with their needs

Make your new year resolutions and kick off 2011!

How to: Drive Safely on Snow & Ice

Delaware saw its first dusting of snow today. I have always loved snow and I couldn't have been more excited as I watched it fall from Penn's Place in Historic New Castle. Although the snow is pretty when covering the trees and roof tops, it creates slippery and hazardous roads. Here are 10 safety tips for driving on snow and ice covered roads from edmonds.com.   

1. Get a grip. To have adequate snow traction, a tire requires at least 6/32-inch deep tread, according to The Tire Rack. (New passenger-car tires usually have 10/32-inch of tread.) Ultrahigh-performance "summer" tires have little or no grip in snow. Even "all-season" tires don't necessarily have great snow traction: Some do, some don't. If you live where the roads are regularly covered with snow, use snow tires (sometimes called "winter tires" by tiremakers). They have a "snowflake on the mountain" symbol on the sidewall, meaning they meet a tire-industry standard for snow traction.

2. Make sure you can see. Replace windshield wiper blades. Clean the inside of your windows thoroughly. Apply a water-shedding material (such as Rain-X) to the outside of all windows, including the mirrors. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid. Drain older fluid by running the washers until new fluid appears: Switching fluid colors makes this easy.

3. Run the air-conditioner. In order to remove condensation and frost from the interior of windows, engage your air-conditioner and select the fresh air option: It's fine to set the temperature on "hot." Many cars automatically do this when you choose the defrost setting.

4. Check your lights. Use your headlights so that others will see you and, we hope, not pull out in front of you. Make sure your headlights and taillights are clear of snow. If you have an older car with sand-pitted headlights, get a new set of lenses. To prevent future pitting, cover the new lens with a clear tape like that used to protect the leading edge of helicopter rotor blades and racecar wings. It's available from auto-racing supply sites.

5. Give yourself a brake. Learn how to get maximum efficiency from your brakes before an emergency. It's easy to properly use antilock brakes: Stomp, stay and steer. Stomp on the pedal as if you were trying to snap it off. Stay hard on the pedal. Steer around the obstacle. (A warning: A little bit of steering goes a very long way in an emergency. See Tip 8.) If you drive on icy roads or roads that are covered with snow, modify your ABS technique: After you "Stomp" and the ABS begins cycling — you will feel pulses in the pedal or hear the system working — ease up slightly on the pedal until the pulsing happens only once a second.

6. Watch carefully for "black ice." If the road looks slick, it probably is. This is especially true with one of winter's worst hazards: "black ice." Also called "glare ice," this is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. Test the traction with a smooth brake application or slight turn of the wheel.

7. Remember the tough spots. Race drivers must memorize the nuances of every track, so they can alter their path for changing track conditions. You must remember where icy roads tend to occur. Bridges and intersections are common places. Also: wherever water runs across the road. I know people who lost control on ice caused by homeowners draining above-ground pools and by an automatic lawn sprinkler that sprayed water onto a street in freezing temperatures.

8. Too much steering is bad. If a slick section in a turn causes your front tires to lose grip, the common — but incorrect — reaction is to continue turning the steering wheel. That's like writing checks on an overdrawn account: It won't improve the situation and may make things worse. If the icy conditions end and the front tires regain grip, your car will dart whichever way the wheels are pointed. That may be into oncoming traffic or a telephone pole. Something very similar happens if you steer too much while braking with ABS. Sadly, there are situations where nothing will prevent a crash, but turning the steering too much never helps.

9. Avoid rear-tire slides. First, choose a car with electronic stability control. Fortunately, ESC will be mandatory on all 2012 models. Next, make sure your rear tires have at least as much tread as your front tires. Finally, if you buy winter tires, get four.

1o. Technology offers no miracles. All-wheel drive and electronic stability control can get you into trouble by offering a false sense of security. AWD can only help a vehicle accelerate or keep moving: It can't help you go around a snow-covered turn, much less stop at an icy intersection. ESC can prevent a spinout, but it can't clear ice from the roads or give your tires more traction. Don't let these lull you into overestimating the available traction.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

When time is running out here are some last minute gift ideas you can easily pull together.

1. Your Time: Spending quality time with an important person in your life can be more valuable then any gift. Plan a day such as lunch and a movie or visit a museum or attraction in your area.

2. Sporting Event/Concert: This gift is perfect for just about anyone on your list. Search for upcoming games or shows of their favorite sports team or band. 

3. A Charitable Donation: When you’re stumped on what to give the person who has everything, donate to their local charity. This may also encourage them to give back over the holiday. 

4. TV Series: Buy their favorite sitcom on DVD. You can pick them up for under $50 at Walmart or Target. You’ll have them laughing over and over with each episode. 

5. Pictures: Photos always make great gifts. Find a great picture of you and the person on your list and place it in a great frame. You can guarantee that they will display it in their home. 

Featured Artist: Ahfimi Brands

I stumbled upon the most adorable bags at Hodgson Vo-Tech High School's Craft Show last weekend. Tote bags, coin purses, and cosmetic bags are all made with cotton and linen. There is no doubt that the artist Karesa is a graphic designer. She mixes and matches color and prints beautifully. 

I was lucky to see her work again the following weekend and purchase a couple of her pieces. The bags by Ahfimi Brands are sure to make you smile without breaking your bank!

Ahfimi Brands is a premium line of environmentally friendly bags that are practical, stylish, and reasonably priced for the quality.

The name "Ahfimi" derives from the Jamaican cultural dialect Patois; and may be translated to mean "it is mine", "I own it" or "it belongs to me". 

Ahfimi Brands is the brain child of Graphic Designer Karesa Blagrove and was started in the summer of 2008; with an emphasis on creating practical carry all bags that are of high quality, stylish, and affordable.

Ahfimi Brands products are made only from the finest and carefully chosen 100% cotton; as such, they are environmentally friendly, fashionable, and right in line with going green. In addition, a unique feature of our line of bags is that, no two styles are repeated with the same fabric.

Ahfimi Brands' products are 100% handmade in the USA.

See more designs and styles by Ahfimi Brands on their website or visit them on facebook. 

Trader's Cove is Open for Business

Traders Cove Coffee Shop will officially open its doors on Saturday, December 11th. What better time than during Historic New Castle's annual event, "Spirit of Christmas", when the whole town opens its doors to all...offering a day filled with food, fun, wine and song to celebrate the Holiday Season. 

Our doors will offically open at 10AM that day with a cermonial cup of coffee being raised by William Penn himself and other dignitaries to celebrate Traders Cove's Grand Opening. Enjoy delicious coffee, pastries, salads, sandwiches, and soups. All available with a side of FREE wifi.

After the traditional lighting of the Holiday Tree in the center of town at 5PM, walk across the street and join us for a traditional sing along...what better way to end the day!

Penns Place...the place to meet, eat, drink, shop and be merrie! 

WINTER HOURS:

MON...Closed

TUE, WED & THU...8AM-7PM

FRI & SAT...8AM - 8PM

For more information on Penn's Place and Trader's Cove visit www.pennsplace.net.

Holiday Excusions

Its no secret that the holiday season is officially under way. With the business of the season its hard to remember what the holidays are all about. Here are some events that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit. 

Yuletide at Winterthur

From November 20th through January 9th experience traditions of the past and dazzling holiday entertaining displays in this special winterthur tour. New this year are vignettes depicting mid-1800s Christmas celebrations at Winterthur and the January 1938 wedding festivities of Pauline Lousie du Pont. A full series of special events, performances, and workshops will help make your season bright. For more information visit www.winterthur.org.

Spirit of Christmas

Step back into the past during our celebration of the Spirit of Christmas "Music is in the Air." A town-wide celebration presenting private homes and churches decorated for the season in the historic district of Olde New Castle is scheduled to open its doors at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 11, 2010. Or 10th Annual Spirit of Christmas will feature musical events throughout the day for your enjoyment. For more information visit www.newcastlepreschurch.org.

Kerry Elizabeth's 2010 Gift Guide

For all the shoppers on a budget this holiday, I have come across great gift ideas from Etsy. You are sure to find unique pieces for just about everyone on your list. Here are some of my favorites all $25 or under.

Small Fold Clutch $25
This small fold over clutch is a shown with paisley black and white exterior fabric complemented with a striking pink lining. The pink is carried over to the detachable flower. The flower is layers of pink cotton with a few layers of red. The clutch has one pearl snap along the top when opened. Can be carried open or folded over. 

Customized Magnetic Spice Kit  $24.50
We cooks aren’t all the same. So why should our spice kits be? This is for 12 food-grade tins – which means they’re safe to put food into – with clear tops. The tins seal firmly on their own, so you don’t need to worry about them bursting open. Each container is 2.8 inches wide and .875 inches high. Depending on the spice and its weight, each tin holds between 1 and 2 ounces of spice. 

Cozy Mug Sleeve $24.95
Make your coffee or tea not only taste good, but also look and feel good. Forget those nasty standard paper sleeves and try something soft, natural and truly unique. This cute and trendy cabled Sage Green Cup Cozy will keep your drink hot, and your hands cool. It is knitted using eco friendly yarn and fastens with a stylish button. 

Hand Knit Cotton Washcloths $15
These hand-knit washcloths are soft, yet strong and durable. Knitted from 100% cotton yarn, they will hold up to daily use and many washes. These colors are inspired by the beach, and are grouped together in a convenient 3-pack. Perfect as a gift or just a little something for yourself!

The Bird $ The Bee Stationary Gift Set $22
The bird and the bee stationary set is perfect for the stationary lover or the bookworm on your list. It includes:
1 30-page magnetic notepad measuring 4"x8"
8 note cards measuring 5.5"x4.25" with 8 white envelopes
1 bookmark

Spell it Our Initial Charms $25
Looking for a unique, personalized gift for the ladies in your life? Or maybe just for you? Choose your initial from original letter photographic images from SPELLitOUTbyLSudler and then Daisy Mae Designs (on Etsy Ksickles)will create an original 0.60" x 0.80" rectangular soldered pendant just for you!

Lulu's Assortment Lip Balm $14.95

In lulus garden, you will find fresh all natural lip balm and hand products handcrafted in Maine! My specialties include: Happy Place, a synergistic blend of Lemon, Grapefruit and Rose helps to promote a happy or peaceful feeling, Chocolate Mint made with real chocolate, Sweet Almond Honey, Orange Patchouli Nutmeg, for you hippy trippy folks, Grapefruit Peppermint, Rosemary Lavender and my favorite, Winter Blend, to ward off those winter blues made with Bergamot and Clary Sage. 

Personalized Charm Necklace $25

This Sterling Silver personalized letter charm necklace with a Freshwater pearl and Swarovski birthstone crystal (your choice) is too cute to pass for a gift under $25.00. They will think you spent twice that much! 

Business Card Holder $19
A great present for people you love for the home or the office desk. The business card looks like it's "floating" on the holder. When assembled together they create a unique and designed stand for your business cards. 

2011 Beachscapes Calendar $24

Display each page in a desk frame, clear acrylic L-frame, or post on your bulletin board; as each month passes, cut off the bottom and you have a 5" by 5" piece of art in an easily frameable standard size!

Vintage Silverware Garden Marker Set $22
This is a set of four garden markers. The name of each herb is hand hammered into a vintage silverplated spoon. This set includes four markers for use indoors or out....the patina will just keep getting better. It's up to you which herb names you would like for your set.

Reusable Bowl Covers $25

Eliminate your use of plastic wrap. This set of 4 bowl covers is made from cotton fabric lined with polyurethane coated fabric. Elastic seals the cover to the bowl, keeping your food fresh. 

Dark Rustic Seafoam Jewelry Holder $24

The silver metal wire on top of the fabric offers flexible placing for all of your favorite earrings, no matter what size. There are five silver hooks on the bottom of the frame to provide space to hang necklaces, bracelets, headbands, etc.

Have Yourself a Stress-free Christmas

Bring on the holiday cheer and leave the stress of the holiday behind. Here are some ideas to keep you from pulling out your hair!

Set a budget. Create a plan and stick with it. 

Write a little a day. Begin writing your cards now and continue to finish a few each day. 

Wrap the same night. Wrap your gifts the same night you buy them. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed. 

Stock up your freezer. Buy your groceries when they are on sale. Prices will go up as it gets closer to Christmas. 

Shop Online. Skip the crowded stores and shop in the comfort of your home. 

Outsource your to-do list. When you begin to feel overwhelmed assign your chores to others. Order the cake from a bakery or hire a cleaning crew. 

Get some exercise. Staying healthy will reduce stress and anxiety. (You can also eat those extra sweets without feeling guilty!)

Get more sleep. The holiday gatherings keep you busy. Having plenty of sleep will fuel your energy. 

Take a time out. Spend some time relaxing and recharge. There’s always time to pamper yourself!

Enjoy the season. Get into the Christmas spirit.  Sing along to the carols, watch your favorite Christmas movies, and enjoy the beautiful lights and decorations.