Friendship is the beauty of a rose

There is an old English Proverb that goes like this a friend in need is a friend indeed. How true! Having a special friend you can turn to in good times and in bad is a beautiful and splendiferous thing. Leo F. Buscaglia said: "A single rose can be my garden...a single friend my world, “To illustrate this point, let me tell you a story about friendship.
I was walking through the forest and through the bushes I heard weeping .I followed the sound of the soft cry until I arrived at a woman sitting upon the snow .Her eyes were filled with tears and her heart heavy from life. I sat upon the cold snow with her and I offered her my shoulder and my ears.
“What is your name”, she asked”. I smiled at her and I said, “My name is Faith, my middle name is hope and my last name is compassion. I saw a faint smile come upon her face as I asked her “what is your name? “ “My name is flower child and “I had given up on hope, faith was something I was loosing site of and I have no more compassion to give. “
I asked her if I may read her a poem and through the poem I showed her self-worth .That it was more important for her to have self worth for when she loved herself others would love her to. I showed her reality, that you can not save the world if people don’t or won’t listen. I spoke of how important it was to have a compassion for others.
I showed her praise, I praised her for staying strong when she had given up on faith. I showed her patience as this was something not easy for any of us. Things take time I told her. Sometimes people just don’t want to accept what is in front of them. I told her to please hang on that someday they may learn respect. I then said to her this you see flower child this is hope
We sat and talked awhile and I saw a smile come back through flower Childs eyes. I picked up a wild Rose that was laying there in the snow. I placed the rose it in her hand. It wasn't everyday you had roses in winter. This is friendship the most important of all things in our life. It is truly as rare as this rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it and don't ever let it die.
Then I smiled, I handed her a piece of paper with my number on it and I walked away. She called me the next day and I heard join in her soft voice. She told me that she had thought of me and I truly lived up to my name. I think she found her faith, her hope and her compassion. She said she found it in me but I think she had it in her all along. But what she did not have was the friendship of a Rose or an earth angel to help guide her along
We all need someone in life to say I believe in you. Friendship is as rare as a rose in the snow. When you receive it cherish it don't let it ever die. Life is too short not to cherish those who show us compassion. Don’t let silly things stand in our way. For friendship is the beauty of a rose.



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rose DesRochers, Canadaadmin@todays-woman.nethttp://www.todays-woman.netRose is a published author from Canada Ontario and is also the founder of Today's Woman a community for men and women over 18, where writers/poets/columnists meet and exchange ideas, contest, rate and review and help each other succeed in the writing industry. Check out Rose's first poetry book "She is like the wind " here and purchase poetry that is sure to be a world of emotion on a canvas that is her soul.

2 Ways to Safely Transplant Rose Bushes of Any Age

It is possible to safely transplant rose bushes of any age to another location in your flower garden without the risk of losing them to shock. Here are 2 foolproof ways to succeed at doing this, so you can have your flower garden exactly how you want it!
You will occasionally want to move a rose bush from one location to another, but fear shocking the bush too much and having it die. However, here are two effective ways to minimize the shock to the bush so you can successfully move it to another, more suitable place in your flower garden. The first, and simpler way, is by driving a spade down vertically to its full length of blade about twelve or fifteen inches from the bush and repeating the process in a circular form until all lateral roots have been cut. This should be done in June or early July and the bush should be moved two or three weeks later.
Dig a sloping hole leading to the vertical spade-cuts on one side, remove some of the surface soil round the bush to reduce weight, drive the spade under the plant, and gently lift it in a ball of earth. The ball can be made more adherent by wetting and dabbing the outside of it. Slide it into its new hole by way of another sloping cut, fill the spaces round the ball with friable soil and water it heavily. The bush must be pruned and all leaves carefully clipped off to reduce loss of moisture and consequent shrivelling.
You see, by cutting any strong root at a reasonable distance from a plant, it forces the growth of many smaller ones of the feeding type. Roots feed only through their terminal points, and so the greater the number of small fibrous roots the better a bush can feed from the soil.
The second, and less simple way, is to prepare the rose for the move by digging a trench in early spring in a semicircle round the bush at a radius of a foot, or slightly more, from the stem, depending on the size of the plant. This will cut the roots in that part. Fill the trench with loam that is of good quality but does not contain fermenting manure of any type. A network of fibrous secondary roots will form and permeate the rich new soil. After three months, about Christmas time, complete the circle in a similar manner. In the autumn, about four months later, the bush can be lifted with a good ball of earth held together by a mass of fibrous roots.
The rose bush has been safely root-pruned in either method of transplanting, and will reduce shock ensuring the plants survival. You may be wondering why you would need to use that second, more involved method, when the first method is so simple. Well, the only time it is necessary is when moving a very large old rose plant.
So now you have 2 great methods for successfully transplanting rose bushes. Although you don't want to do it very often, feel free to get your flower garden just the way you want it! Happy planting.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
FREE information, articles and tips on how you can growbetter roses than everyone else can be found at Sir JonWeaver's web site How to Grow Better Roses. It's FREE!Click here: http://www.HowToGrowBetterRoses.com

Rose Emotions

Because of the aesthetic qualities the flower holds, it has been a number one choice as an object to convey the expressions and emotions of beauty, passion, respect and the most important of all; love.
Love ranging from the love from a parent to their child, among friends and of course who can forget the love from one person to their significant other.There are many flowers that convey the expression of love of on to their significant other. The most commonly known flower is the rose. Belonging in the genus rosa this flora is the most versatile way to convey one's varying range of emotions and expressions depending on the pigmentation and arrangement of the flower.The crimson red is red as the color of the blood flowing through one's veins that all eventually end up at the heart; the heart that which society has defined it simultaneous with romantic love. The red rose has been a popular choice as a gift for one to another to convey their feelings of love from one to another from special days such as Valentines Day, birthdays, and anniversaries to even casual days just to remind their significant other that they love them.The red rose also has additional meanings corresponding to the amount of stems that is received by person.A dozen red roses convey the message "For the dozens of ways I love you."Two red dozen roses express the meaning "For each and every hour of the day I love you." Three and four dozen red roses proclaim the message of "True love" and "Unconditional love" in the respected order.Red isn't the only color that a rose can have. Colors can range from pink, white, yellow, purple, burgundy, orange and even the once impossible blue. The pink rose can mean a variety of expressions depending on the shade of pink it is. In general the pink rose symbolizes grace, sophistication and elegance which were certain attributes that young women from the Victorian Era, where florigraphy originates from, were trying to achieve. A darker shade of pink can also mean gratefulness and appreciation and a lighter shade of pink can express admiration and sympathy. The pink rose can also symbolize the love within friendship.The white rose means innocence, purity, friendship, reverence and humility. The yellow Montreal rose can express the emotion of joy and can mean friendship or platonic love. It can also have a negative emotion such as jealousy and can also mean infidelity. An orange rose symbolizes enthusiasm and desire. The purple rose can convey the message of protection usually paternal love. The burgundy rose holds the meaning of beauty and therefore a favorite among mature women. The once non-existent blue rose which is now a possibility due to hybrid and genetic engineering holds the meaning of mystery as it used to never exist but was however substituted by dying a white rose with a blue dye.In relation to this is the black rose which can symbolize hatred and death but can also mean positive meanings such as rejuvenation and rebirth. However unlike the blue rose this rose does not exist. Roses that are called a black rose are just a very dark shade of red.



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http://www.allamericanflorist.ca flowersRead more about flowers athttp://floristmontreal.blogspot.com Flowers foryouhttp://www.centralflowers.ca

Birthstones and their meanings

JanuaryTraditional Gem(s): Garnet, Rose QuartzModern Gem(s): Garnet The garnet was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.

FebruaryTraditional Gem(s): Amethyst, OnyxModern Gem(s): Amethyst The folklore attached to he amethyst associates it with sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit.

MarchTraditional Gem(s): BloodstoneModern Gem(s): Aquamarine The aquamarine has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.

AprilTraditional Gem(s): DiamondModern Gem(s): Diamond One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are linked to love, eternity, and strength.

MayTraditional Gem(s): Emerald, ChrysopraseModern Gem(s): Emerald The emerald was once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.

JuneTraditional Gem(s): AlexandriteModern Gem(s): Pearl, Moonstone The pearl has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. It is also linked to successful and happy marriages.

JulyTraditional Gem(s): RubyModern Gem(s): Ruby, Carnelian The ruby is traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty.

AugustTraditional Gem(s): SardonyxModern Gem(s): Peridot Peridot was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.

SeptemberTraditional Gem(s): Sapphire, LapisModern Gem(s): Sapphire The sapphire has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer.

OctoberTraditional Gem(s): TourmalineModern Gem(s): Opal, Tourmaline The opal has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years.

NovemberModern Gem(s): Traditional Gem(s): CitrineYellow Topaz, Citrine Topaz was once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations.

DecemberTraditional Gem(s): Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis LazuliModern Gem(s): Blue Topaz, TurquoiseTurquoise was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by.

Hope you found this helpful!



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The Gift Wizard is a gift researcher for http://www.the-gift-wizard.com

A Story of a Rose, an Artist, and History

The year was 2700 AD, and the technological advances of mankind were impressive. By now, 99% of disease had been eliminated, and the average life span was around 150 years. Innovating and exciting new fields of science had been opened and subdivided. Art found new and creative ways to be expressed. The ways of the people became not necessarily simple, but all directed towards fulfilling the passion of the heart, the creativitiy of the mind.
Bastello walked with his/her lover Rols, gently trotting across the otherwise untouched cobblestone. As they passed by a housing unit, they hear some shouting. It was their friend Casva. "Hey, Bastello! Rols! I've got something you want to see!"
"We're comin'!" Bastello hollered. Technology had become molded with biology in this era, and many bodies included implants that helped boost immunity, strength, and other basic functioning.
"What do you have for us, Casva?" Rols asked once the two were inside the housing unit of their comrade.
"My newest creation," s/he replied, "Are you looking?"
"The flower?" Bastello asked, "What about it?"
"I've been tweaking the genes of it for the past few weeks," Casva sad, "I bought a gene manipulation kit at the hobby store. With all the effort I've put into it, I think I've been able to create the most beautiful flower ever." A look at the scene right now would reveal a flower, a computer attached to the flower, and a solar panel similarly attached to the flower. "This solar panel allows me to get more energy to the flower faster," Casva says, "Sure, sure, it's not natural like other hobbyists like, but hey, it gets it faster to the best part."
"So, what do you have to show us?" Rols asked, "It's a flower. It's not even open. It's very much closed."
"Okay, watch this," Casva replies. S/He turns to his/her computer and presses a few keys, and then flips three switches attached to the solar panel.
With all that, the flower bloomed. It was a rose, but not any ordinary rose. The petals started to shift in color, twisting and turning into oranges, purples, greens, blues, yellows, the colors moving in and out much like waves would smash in the ocean. The psychedelic colors of the flower molded, morphed, grew, rose, shrunk, and receded. But, just as they had managed to be amazed entirely by this one spectacle of the flower, something else happened. It started to turn. The head of the flower was turning at at utmostly slow pace, adding to the immense beauty of the plant, allowing others to afford a greater appreciation of its colors. And, then something strange happened... All throughout the room, a sound could be heard. A very gentle and increasing hum could be heard coming from the center of the flower. It almost sounded like a choral voice. Very light. Very gentle. Very delicate. This flower, whose colors were changing and morphing constantly, its head slowly turning, and now, the perfect voice of a human resonating from it... In one more minute, all these functions would stop, and it would close again.
"Wow, that was amazing," Bastello said, "I mean, I've seen some flowers do some crazy things, but that was absolutely brilliant."
"Seven thousand lines of altered genes, my friend," Casva said, tapping his/her computer, "There are billions I have yet to tap in to."
"I have not seen anything so beautiful in all my years," Rols said.
"Yeap," Casva replied, "It takes 12 hours of the solar panel being charged just to get two minutes. I'm trying to reduce that time without harming the abilities of the plant."
"You know, Casva," Bastello said, "Several hundred years ago, toiling with things like genetics was considered a social violation. It was considered heresy, playing as god, to do what you've done."
"Oh, I know," Casva replied, "And only a few hundred years earlier than that, it was considered heresy to paint a picture of something that didn't include angels or god. So many paintings were burned, so many libraries were leveled. And, if we also want to dig into the past, you'll remember that what doctors did was considered heretical, because everyone thought that god planned for them a death date -- and prolonging that date was considered heresy."
"Yeah, you think people would learn to live and let live," Rols said, "If it doesn't bother you, don't fuck with it."
"I don't think it's that, precisely," Casva said, as he unplugged a few wires from his/her computer, and then looking up to his/her comrades, "Actually, I think it's learning what bothers you and what doesn't bother you. The Nazis could actually argue that, by letting the Jews live in peace, they were being bothered. Homophobes of the early 20th century argued that by allowing Homosexuals to live in peace, they were being bothered. You wouldn't think it at first, but the 'sanctity of marriage' has just about the same foundation as the 'sanctity of the white race.' Most of the time, it is the persecutor whose psychology is, in fact, not much more grown from when he was perhaps three or four years ago. It is the fault of the persecutor to harbor the sick ideas of oppression -- not the fault of the oppressed to fight back."



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Punkerslut (or Andy Carloff) has been writing essays and poetry on social issues which have caught his attention for several years. His website www.punkerslut.com provides a complete list of all of these writings. His life experience includes homelessness, squating in New Orleans and LA, dropping out of high school, getting expelled from college for "subversive activities," and a myriad of other revolutionary actions.

A Critique of Online Florists

Probably the idea of online florists doesn't appeal to you because you accept picking out flowers as a very personal act. It's not just the gold roses, the violets or whatever flowers you are buying, you want to smell them and examine them carefully before buying them. Many people find it weird that anyone would want to buy flowers online. I also can't seem to get used to this strange idea. However, according to a recent survey, the business of online florists is blooming. It is amazing to see how important convenience has become nowadays.
Most of the appeal of online florists has to do with packaging. Of course, when buying flowers online you cannot actually look at them. This might be a disadvantage for the online florists or an advantage; it all depends on where you are looking the situation from. Even though you don't see the actual flowers you buy, the online florist will show you a picture of the perfect bouquet, so you will think that everything will be fine. However, the flowers you buy will never look as gorgeous as the carefully arranged and photographed bouquets you've seen online.
There is one thing I really like about online florists and actually this is what made me use one for Valentine's Day. I wanted to buy a very special bouquet for my girlfriend. However, most florist shops have a poor selection of flowers. Of course, the local flower shop cannot afford to have a great variety of flowers in stock as they lack a large warehouse. The online florists have much greater selection of flowers, they stock thousands of different flowers because they run a large warehouse that can ship all over the nation. Some florists online even allow you to custom arrange a bouquet. I just love that idea.
There is no doubt that the greatest advantage of the online florists is that they deliver flowers all over the country. Getting flowers from someone you know - a friend, a family member or a loved one is always a pleasant surprise, especially if these people are far away from you. Flowers bring memories to live, they provide a reminder why you like the sender and they are one of the few things that everyone loves receiving, especially if they've been sent from our significant other.



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning gardening. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Online Florists

Down the Aisle of Wedding Rings - Selecting the Ultimate Ring

Titanium rings, Gold, Silver, Platinum, Tungsten and even Palladium are among the many choices available today. Wedding and engagement rings are not only symbolic of your love and commitment, they are the one lasting physical piece of the big day that stays with day in and day out, year after year.
You've waded your way through the first few steps of wedding to do's and now you've paused for the ultimate in wedding decisions, the rings. Titanium rings, Gold, Silver, Platinum, Tungsten and even Palladium are among the many choices available today. Wedding and engagement rings are not only symbolic of your love and commitment, they are the one lasting physical piece of the big day that stays with day in and day out, year after year. It therefore, should be not only your most important decision, but the one that you find the most pleasure in.
Tens years from now, you won't care if you had mints or nuts, pink or blush, the red toaster or the silver one; but you will care if your ring has tarnished, scratched, bent or corroded. Selecting rings that are quality, timeless and representative of your unique tastes is of the utmost importance. Weddings are also the single most expensive event you'll probably experience in your lifetime, even a college degree can run a distant second behind most weddings today. So every dollar needs to be weighed and appropriately distributed. You don't have to limit yourself to luxurious wedding rings with luxurious price tags, there are many options and styles at a variety of price points. Ensuring you get the highest quality and the rings that best fit your tastes and budgets requires a little homework, but this article will help you make your way down the aisle of wedding rings to selecting the perfect rings for your lifetime commitment.
Selecting The Ring - Style & Color
When it comes to wedding rings, you have to keep in mind that despite the special day associated with the ring; this will be an everyday ring. You need to ensure that the style, weight, form and fit result in comfort and a look suitable for everyday wear, from casual to elegant. Simple bands are always a solid choice, whether you're in favor of gold or silver, titanium rings or tungsten rings, you can never go wrong with simple elegance. Whatever metal you decide, make sure it fits with your lifestyles. If your active, a fan of the water or tend to work with your hands often, you may want to stay clear of gold which is a softer metal and more prone to corrosion and look towards titanium rings, which are corrosion resistant and adverse to reactions with salt, water and skin. If the cool gray of titanium is not of your liking and brilliance and sheen are important, consider tungsten rings. Tungsten carbide rings are not only exotic, but they are really the only metal that can be permanently polished. Unlike gold, platinum, silver, and even titanium rings, Tungsten carbide rings hold the brilliance and shine, looking freshly polished forever.
Comfort & Fit
Titanium rings are extremely lightweight, almost as light as aluminum, offering comfort to those who are not used to wearing rings. When you are wearing a titanium wedding band, it's not uncommon to forget you have a ring on your finger. Tungsten rings are on the opposite end and a bit heavier, perfect for those who like the feel of heavy jewelry. In between you'll have gold, silver and platinum. It really is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.
Quality Selections
Whether you decide upon white gold, yellow gold rings, platinum, titanium rings or tungsten rings, the most important part of the purchase is the quality. The right style or look is irrelevant if the ring is not made to last through the years. For gold, 24k is the most pure, it is also the softest. Sticking to 18k is best if you want to avoid scratches. Platinum is a good choice for those who tend to wear both silver and gold, but it is also the most expensive of options. A better alternative to the warmer tones of gold, is titanium and tungsten rings. Titanium rings are ideal for people who are not used to wearing rings as they are not only light weight, they are very strong. Tungsten rings are also nearly indestructible, and adverse to scratches, dents and other imperfections.
Additional FeaturesIf a simple band is not your style, you can customize and modify your wedding rings with the addition of precious gems, diamonds and other stones as well as include different finishes such as multifaceted or two tone rings. When it comes to gems and stones, aesthetics and symbolism aside, there is a reason people go with diamonds, they are the toughest stone, ranking a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This scale measures the resistance to abrasion and fracture under pressure. Diamonds are expensive and while diamonds are forever they are not for everyone. Rubies are a good choice as well, red in color and symbolic of love, they are rated a 9 on the Mohs scale. Sapphires are also a 9, with Emeralds holding a strong 8. Opals while beautiful for their rainbow like color, are not ideal for your wedding ring as they are only a 6 and too soft for everyday wear. As long as you select a stone that is at least a 7 or higher you shouldn't have any reason to worry. Just keep in mind this is an everyday ring, designed to be worn for the rest of your life. So the higher the quality, the harder the stone, the better off your investment will be long term. Always keep in mind that stones are priced by the 4c's cut, color, clarity and caret.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a personal shopper, Sam A. Brown has a love for titanium rings, tungsten rings and titanium jewelry.

How to build an Italian Charm Bracelet for a friend!

Italian charm bracelets make great gift ideas for all your family, friends, and co-workers. First, choose either an all silver starter bracelet or a gold trim starter bracelet. Next, choose a few italian charms that describe the gift recipient. Finally, give the completed bracelet as a gift in a nice gift box.
There are a number of different styles of Italian starter bracelets to choose from. Most starter bracelets come with 18 stainless steel italian links. The most popular style is the matte silver bracelet. The matte links don’t show the scratches as much while the owner is in the process of building the bracelet. The next popular style is the matte gold-trim bracelet. A shiny version is also available in either the silver or gold trimmed styles. The type of starter bracelet is really just your personal preference. ( To see examples of these starter bracelets go to http://www.mogollonworks.com/italianstarterbracelets.html)
Next, you will want to choose a few Italian charms to place on the starter bracelet. Many people start with the person’s birth stone or zodiac sign. You can also put the person’s initials or name on the bracelet using gold letters. If the person is interested in sports or has a hobby, those are also great charms to choose. The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing a special bracelet as a gift.
After you design the bracelet for that special someone, give it as a gift in a nice jewelry gift box. Anyone would love to get an Italian charm bracelet designed just for them. What a great way to make them feel special on their birthday or any other occasion.



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rhonda Percell is the owner of JRK Enterprises in Payson, Arizona. She sells italian charms, bracelets, and offers online charm parties at http://www.mogollonworks.com/italiancharms.html If you would like more information she can be contacted at jrkenter@cybertrails.com Sign up for her Italian Charm newsletter at italiancharms@aweber.com and receive a free report on How to Build Italian Charm Theme Bracelets!

History of the Wedding Favor Box

The wedding favor box carries on the timeless tradition established by the early European upper classes, who provided elaborate gifts to party guests. Initially, the gifts were small fancy boxes known as a bonboniere. The boxes were intended to hold bonbons or confectionery delicacies at a time when sugar was quite expensive. A bonboniere was fashioned of crystal, porcelain or gold and often encrusted with precious stones.
The wedding favor box carries on the timeless tradition established by the early European upper classes, who provided elaborate gifts to party guests. Initially, the gifts were small fancy boxes known as a bonboniere. The boxes were intended to hold bonbons or confectionery delicacies at a time when sugar was quite expensive. A bonboniere was fashioned of crystal, porcelain or gold and often encrusted with precious stones.
Today the box remains a popular means of presenting a small gift to guests as a symbol of appreciation from the newly married couple, for having been apart of the happy event. The wedding favor box will more commonly have a very simple styling and be tied with a ribbon, to complement an elaborate or simple wedding favor hidden inside. The presentation of decadent candies in delicate boxes evokes the spirit of this everlasting tradition.
The wedding favor box can be very ornate like the bonboniere, or be very simple gift boxes. Elaborate wedding favor boxes can be found in porcelain, crystal, stainless steel or pewter. Designs available from each medium, vary extensively to accommodate the personal taste of the bridegroom couple, or of the individual wedding guest. Porcelain wedding favor boxes can be found that emulate romantic love with hearts and cupids, or fun experiences with replicas of everything from golf bags to cruise ships.
The wedding favor box, though traditional is anything but boring. Boxes designed specifically for use as a wedding favor box, offer an unlimited range of sizes, designs and shapes. Larger boxes can be found to accommodate stylish yet utilitarian favors such as bottle and letter openers, to glassware and bottles of wine. Three dimensional boxes made of die cut chipboard and printed with fascinating designs provide charm and whimsy, in addition to the secret held inside. Dimensional boxes add a decorative element to the reception table and provide for an interesting conversation piece. The designs of the dimensional boxes can emulate a single flower or rose to a full bouquet. These cleverly engineered creations depict a wide range of everyday items including cottages, tea pots, delightful animals and light houses.
Variations on the wedding favor box have evolved over time to include bags, envelopes, decorative tins and transparent plastic tubing. Prior to mass produced wedding favor boxes, a bride and her maids or other women in her family, would crochet little boxes or drawstring bags. Today small bags are produced with organza, velvet and silk fabrics. Decorative tins can be printed with traditional wedding designs or be personalized to express the heartfelt sentiments of the couple. Miniature baskets adorned with ribbons are transformed into a delightful cradle for holding candies, cookies, teas and coffee samples.
Wedding favor boxes provide a means to blend tradition with a couples' personality, allowing them to assemble a thoughtful show of appreciation to their wedding guests. The selection of a wedding favor box reflects the newlyweds' desire to commemorate the day for a moment or for the lifetime.



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wedding Favors provides personalized, homemade, cheap, and unique wedding favors, including chocolate and cookie favors, wedding favor boxes, wedding shower favors, and more. For more information go to http://www.i-Weddingfavors.com and/or visit its sister site at http://www.i-weddinginvitations.com for related information.

Crystal/Gemstone Therapy

Using crystals in the context of healing has a very long history (primitive paintings dating back to 25,000 BC). Evidence shows that the ancient Egyptians used crystals for therapeutic purposes. Lapis Lazuli, a beautiful blue stone with freckles of “Fools Gold” Pyrite, was ground down and rubbed onto the eyelids to prevent eye infections from the sandy deserts, is one such example. Blue eye shadow is far more dated than the 1960’s! It is also believed that the ancient lost civilizations of Atlantis and Lemuria also understood the healing properties of crystals. In more recent times, crystals have found resurgence in popularity. People are buying crystals for their aesthetic qualities, dabbling in the beliefs that they will bring them love, prosperity and healing.
Crystals are very powerful energy systems and, when used in a treatment by a qualified practitioner, can be harnessed to bring about profound healing benefits both physically, mentally and emotionally. It has been long known and recognised by scientists that crystals have a “charge”. They have been used in technology for this very property for years, such as in computers, watches and televisions. In fact, we would not have technology without them.
Through my own theorising I have come to understand the way crystals can bring about healing. All living (and ‘non-living’) things vibrate to certain frequencies. We’re taught at school that atoms are in constant motion, so this idea is not alien to us. Crystals have a pure energy due to their regulatory lattice structure. When the vibrations of these crystals come into contact with our own vibration, they will affect our vibration in much the same way as we experience sound waves. When an individual is out of balance, the crystals pure vibrations will change our own vibration, and bring the imbalance closer to harmony.
These ideas rest on the assumption that the world is made of differing frequencies of energy. The physical world is made from very dense frequencies which is why we can see them. Other energies such as microwaves, radio-waves, sound-waves and radiation are frequencies of energy that are less dense and so we cannot ordinarily see them. Around physical objects there is a frequency of energy that we do not ordinarily see, scientifically known as the electromagnetic energy field, or aura. It is in these layers of energy around animal and human bodies that are thought by many, for thousands of years, to contain emotions, thoughts and our connection with the universe. Scientific research is now finding ways to show this to be true.
In a crystal treatment, crystals are placed around, on and over the client. The treatment may be seated or lying down; the removal of clothing is unnecessary. There are many different treatments that can be used for specific illness and ailments, and a practitioner may adapt these to tailor for the needs of the individual.
Specific treatments that I have been taught through the Vantol College of Crystal Therapy help with symptoms such as; the common cold, migraines, lethargy, depression, blood sugar disorders such as diabetes, high/low blood pressure, kidney and urinary conditions, reproductive issues including fertility conditions and menstrual imbalances, ear and sinus problems and general detoxification and cleansing of the body system. I have personally found crystal therapy to be very powerful in my emotional and spiritual development.
Before a treatment commences, the client or recipient will be required to give some personal information about their physical health, which will be the basis of the decision as to the course of treatments, and indeed whether a treatment should be given or not. A treatment usually lasts about an hour, in which time the recipient may have many different sensations arising such as emotions, physical sensations, or mental images. It is not unusual, however, for a client not to feel anything, just very relaxed.
The best way to find a qualified Crystal Therapist is to contact the Crystal Healing Federation, or the British Crystal Healers. You can find these organisations through the Vantol College website; www.crystaltherapy.com Practitioner’s who have been trained to the standards met by these organisations, two years of training being one of them, are entitled to register with the NHS Directory. You can then be sure that you are being treated by someone who has a sound knowledge of crystals and their affects.




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Samantha Thurlby-Brooks is one of the UK’s top Crystal Therapists, and an inspirational practitioner and teacher of Reiki-Seichem. ‘Butterfly’ is a FREE monthly newsletter bursting with the latest information and inspiration in the mind-body-spirit field.Subscribe online today at http://www.butterflyhousectt.co.uk

Low Priced Considerations for Wedding Favors Anyone Can Put Together

As with many women getting married, cost is a constraint so you're hunting around for inexpensive wedding favors. Have you considered creating them yourself? For basically the cost of one day's work, you will be able to put together wedding favors for scores of guests, and the cost will be under twenty dollars. Read on for a handful of recommendations that offer the needed insights.
Sugared Almonds
Sugared almonds are a very traditional wedding favor that's also much more affordable than expensive votive candles or glass coasters which simply get thrown away. This classic wedding favor is typically given as five Jordan almonds wrapped in tulle and tied with ribbon.
When purchased in bulk or from a wholesaler, you can usually get sugared or Jordan almonds for anywhere from $5 to $10 per pound. Your tulle and ribbon shouldn't cost more than $5 total, including tax, meaning you can easily make fantastic favors for less than 20 cents a favor.
Customized Cookies
If you bake and decorate them yourself, you can make a hundred cookies for well under $20. They're edible, enjoyable and totally personal, making them popular and inexpensive wedding favors.
Instead of spending the day before your wedding sweating it out in front of the oven, bake your cookies in advance and freeze them for up to three months. Take them out in the morning and they'll be ready to enjoy at your wedding.
Bulk Spices
Spices can be expensive, but not when you buy them in bulk. For example, a pound of thyme can be brought home for as little as $5 a pound, leaving more than enough for each of your 100 wedding guests. Or, you can make a mix and give guests your own personalized blend of spices.
Wrap the spices in fabric for as little as $1.00 per yard, plus the cost of ribbon.
Labeled Seeds
Order a large bag of bulk seeds from your local garden center and you can make beautiful favors that can be enjoyed in your guests' gardens for years to come. A 1/4 pound bag of daisy seeds, for example, will provide about 200,000 seeds and can be bought for around $15 to $16. Separate your seeds into small, blank envelopes (coin envelopes are one hundred for $3.00) and include a small note with planting instructions.
Go Favor-Less
The most inexpensive wedding favors are no favors at all. Though contentious, many people are starting to think that wedding favors simply aren't necessary - they're little more than useless knick-knacks that are eventually thrown out, making them a wasteful and unnecessary enterprise.
If you feel you have to have wedding favors but want to keep it minimal, consider making a charitable donation in honor of your guests while including a small note with each place setting.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For great information on wedding preparation tips, see weddingpreptips.com, a popular site providing helpful pre-wedding insights, such as finding wedding photography in Philadelphia - http://www.weddingpreptips.com/wedding-photography-philadelphia.shtml, locating an Edmonton wedding DJ - http://www.weddingpreptips.com/edmonton-wedding-dj.shtml, and many more!

The Ultimate Relationship Model!

When she’s happy everyone’s happy!
It is my experience that a successful relationship model revolves around fulfilling a woman’s needs and making her happy. Yet I estimate that as many as 90% of men do not take advantage of this principle. I find that most men do not realize that fulfilling her needs ultimately will lead to fulfilling their own. Their conditioning, the stresses of work and life lead men to selfishly focus on their own needs first, which leaves them less fulfilled! Yes, it’s true! The paradox here is that the more they selfishly focus on their own needs the less they will attract in their own lives. So, guys be generous when it comes to focusing on fulfilling your partner’s needs.
The Recipe for Relationship disaster!
In our society women tend to please their man out of a sense of obligation, and because they are worried that if they don’t please him, he might leave. Women learn from a very early age that they should give of themselves and at all costs they should please their man. They are not usually giving simply from a sense of wanting to give; born out of feeling they have so much in their life that they want others to be happy. This giving from conditioning and fear leads to a natural deep-seated resentment in women that may emerge in the form of anger or meanness – and understandably so! Men on the other hand usually learn from a very young age that achieving is good, a successful career or maybe a business venture are the things they should focus on. Unlike women most men do not dream of being a good husband or about their wedding day. Can you honestly picture most men sitting around years in advance trying to decide what wedding favor they want to choose for the wedding of their dreams!!!! NO! Instead they tend to focus on what they want to be in life. You see most men do not recognize that it would benefit them and improve the relationship by fulfilling their partner’s needs. Therefore, they tend to selfishly focus on their own agenda which leaves their mate feeling deprived of the attention she so desperately desires. Hence, a recipe for relationship disaster is created?
Working at your relationship!
Professionals and non-professionals alike say that to have a happy, successful relationship, you have to work at it! However, it’s the working at it that ultimately makes it not work. When you criticize, you’re working at improving your mate. When you complain to your mate, you’re working at improving them. When you argue, you’re working at improving them. When you’re reasoning with them, you’re working at improving them. Ultimately you’re working at changing them and that’s the problem. So, do we really need to work at it! Want proof?? Then stop all of that behavior and watch the relationship get better. Stop all the working at it, Allow and accept, the way your mate thinks and feels, and watch them improve themselves. Now I am not at all saying that there are not exceptions to the rule and there are always different dynamics in every relationship! However, this principal will prove to be successful in most relationships. If it does not, you may in fact be facing more deeply rooted issues.
How not to work at your relationship!
We guys can make a conscious effort to give up our own agendas, more often, and to shift our attention to our partners. This may initially feel unnatural, and it may even leave them feeling that they are short changing themselves when it comes to their own needs. But, they will be quite surprised at the self happiness which can be achieved by fulfilling their partner’s desires, and also at the abrupt change in their partner reciprocating! Men tend to enjoy achieving goals (producing), and when women get the right kind of attention on working out what women want, and then give it to their partners (i.e. achieved the goals, or produced), both sexes get their needs met. And the woman’s enjoyment (consumption) is extremely fulfilling for the man. Now, guys you can’t just do this for a week and switch back to serving your own agenda once again! Stick to it, and you’ll be quite surprised at how pleasing your partner will give you exactly what you’re looking for!
Giving out of surplus!
When a man focuses his attention on the woman – she will reach a point of ‘surpluses. At this point, she feels so naturally happy and content with the world, and the attention she is receiving, that it will spill over to her man and the people around her. She will want to give him everything he wants from this place of surplus rather than from her obligation and fear. AND – because she is able to intuit what he needs even better than he can himself – the man reaches a much higher state of happiness and fulfillment than if he had continued to focus narrowly on his own needs (as sadly most of us do!).
What if he just doesn’t get it?
First let me say, don’t despair ladies!! As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes guys just need prodded, encouraged and even taught how to focus on their partners needs. Men generally mean well but, most of us are also clueless when it comes to giving our partner what she wants! Therefore, If he’s not focusing on your needs try taking the initiative yourself. Planning a romantic inexpensive weekend getaway or a romantic night out will help do the trick. You can plan the getaway around something that he enjoys. This will help break through the barriers or initial objections he may put up. In other words make it all about him, then turn it into the most romantic night you’ve ever had. But, before you jump up to call the travel agent you need to lay some groundwork. If your relationship has been one of complaining and being critical of your partner’s actions, you’ll need to do some preliminary work. Remember, men tend to focus on who they are in life so criticizing him in regards to working so much or putting more into his career than your relationship will only worsen the situation. You are partners in this relationship, and surely your mate does not want to feel as if you’re on the other side of the fence. So, try and avoid complaining, disagreeing and being so critical. Try to find a way to agree with your partner in a positive sense, even if you still disagree to some extent. If you talk about where they are wrong, they become more wrong. And if you talk about where they are right, they immediately become less wrong. You only support their negativity by pressuring, complaining, and trying to argue your position. Try offering a little understanding, caring and compassion for the way that your partner feels. Basically, see it his way and agree with him, then sit back and wait for his response. Why does this work? Disagreeing with him will only cause more anger, distance and throw up more barriers. Don’t meet a freight train with a freight train!!! Try switching gears a bit! I know that you may find this difficult, due to the frustration you are feeling. However, give it a try and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how responsive he may become towards fulfilling your needs. Once you accomplish the romantic getaway make sure to let him know how much you appreciate what he is doing for you and how it makes you feel. You may be quite surprised at how he’ll follow the lead!!!!! Oh and when he does make sure you show him how much it means to you!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES!!!
"The Relationship Rehab Coach"
For more information on how to save and transform your relationship subscribe to my free E-Guide below....
http://www.visionquestlifecoaching.com
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David founded Relationship Rehab for Women in 2002, and set out on a quest to deliver real relationship information that people can put right to work.... to make a difference!He is also known for being compassionate and understanding, and he works tirelessly for clients to help them find inner happiness and the relationship of their dreams!David Roppo is an enthusiastic crusader of what's possible and is driven to make the world a better place one relationship at a time!

Tips for creating a slightly different type of bridal registry.

Traditionally, as an engaged couple looking to create a bridal registry, you would start at your favorite department store and list the household items that you want. Your registry may include toasters, blenders, and salt and pepper shakers. Then your guests would access the registry, purchase something off of it, and give as their gift. The whole idea of a bridal registry is great because it allows guests to purchase something that you want and need while reducing the chances of getting two of the same gift.

Today, however, couples are typically waiting until they are a little older and more established in their careers before walking down the isle. If that is the case, then the couple probably already has established their own separate household and may not need another toaster or blender. So would they want to still create a bridal registry?

Of course, today’s bridal registry is not just about setting up a household but about helping create your married life. People tend live life as a single person much differently than as a married one. For example, singles may prefer getting together with friends at the local sports bar and married couples may prefer entertaining at home. Singles may not put as much effort into making a house a home because they have no one to share it with. A home for a married couple is different and more intimate because it’s a place where they will grow and bond as a unit. With that in mind, your bridal registry should be about helping create your life as a couple. For example, if you envision elaborate weekly or monthly dinner parties then you may include items that will make entertaining possible. Your list may focus on dishware and serving platters that will showcase your entertaining talents.

If preparing gourmet meals together is the thing for you, then create a registry that has unusual kitchen gadgets, restaurant quality knives, and elegant copper pots.

Perhaps you and your fiancé are in the market to buy or maybe have recently purchased your first home. In this case, a bridal registry at a home improvement store would be ideal. Although lawn mowers, power tools, and paint aren’t real romantic they are expensive and would go along way to helping create your first home.

The key is to sit down and brainstorm what is important to you as a couple. With all the options available today, decide what you need, what will enhance your life, and what help you begin the marriage of your dreams. Then together find the place that will somehow be able to help you get all three.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gina Curtis is the creator of wedding-genie.com. In her free time, Gina enjoys hanging out with her children.

Pink Lilac Gold Trimmed Roses!

Today is your lucky day! For one day only, we are offering our beautiful Pink Lilac 24K Gold Trimmed Rose for only $46.95! The Pink Lilac Forever Rose™ has been carefully selected at the peak of its beauty and perfectly preserved in a durable lacquer shell, then trimmed with a rich 24K gold finish (gold plated) to create a breathtaking masterpiece for your life-time enjoyment. With over 40 meticulous steps and five days of hand work by skilled artisans and technicians, each Forever Rose™ is one-of-a-kind, unique and everlasting, like your love! The perfect gift for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Birthdays, Weddings, Christmas, or any occasion that warrants such a unique and precious gift. A wonderful way to show someone special that your love will last forever!

Pink - 24K Gold Trimmed Rose on Special NOW!

Today's daily special is our beautiful Pink Gold Trimmed Rose! If you, or that special someone, likes the color pink you will love this rose. Like all of our Gold Roses, this rose is a real rose, preserved in lacquer, and plated in 24K Gold. Rest assured, when you buy from The Forever Rose™ you will be buying the finest Gold Roses money can buy.

Tuesday's Daily Special!

Today's daily special is our Passion colored Gold Trimmed Rose! Take advantage of this special offer as this one won't last long. This is the first time our Passion rose has been placed on special and may be the last. Remember, once they're gone... they're gone!! At just $46.95 you are sure to love this beautiful Passion colored Forever Rose!