Happy Valentines

                              I love this video and the dreamy imagery, and Kate Spade  Happy Valentines Day

Thimble Necklace

Thimbles have a long history and were often given as love tokens in the Victorian era when gifts between men and women were discouraged.  When married the women would remove the bottom of the thimble to form a wedding band. The one above has a beautiful grape motif and is sterling silver (English hallmark) with a frame for engraving. We have hung it on a sterling chain with Labradorite and it can be worn long or wrapped around your neck - lariat style. We love these forgotten treasures of an era that has changed but not forgotten.

Chatelaine Jewelry

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Two Girls Gems Chatelaine Necklace

As you might know, we are obsessed with all jewelry antique and vintage. We love learning about the history of various types of jewelry. One very interesting piece is the Chatelaine. They date back to the 1870's. Chatelaines were pins attached to the waist of their dresses. Each pin had various chains hanging from it with everyday items that they found necessary, such as scissors, pencils, watches and sewing kits. These items hung from these chains because pockets didn't exist (something I take for granted and never viewed the "pocket" as an invention :-) ) Chatelaines come in various types of metal from cut steal, sterling silver, gold fill and 14k gold. Our old time fav is putting the chantelaine pencils on necklace chains. The hit show AD MEN has made our necklaces even more popular.

The Little Black Dress

Many women love to wear a little black dress for the holiday parties. And why not? Black cocktail and party dresses are always in style. Men always love women who wear black, because black is sexy. Black usually makes us look thinner as well. So the question now becomes, not what to wear, but what to wear with it. How do you make the little black dress "yours". Once you have found the little black dress you must accessorize! New life can be given to the old little black dress with current trendy jewelry. Class and sophistication can be given to the tight and sleezy black dress with a simple string of pearls. Finding the right piece of jewelry to your dress will add the subtle sensuality of your mood. Pictured on our blog are some women that have ROCKED the little black dress Emma Stone looks smashing in this little black dress.

Bountiful Harvest

Soon our Thanksgiving turkey will be in the oven, filling the air with the fragrance of anticipation. Past down recipes of stuffing, apple pie, and cranberry chutney make my mouth water. Getting ready to set my table, my heart gratefully remembers the legacy of  love and tradition represented in the laundered linens, sparking crystal and gleaming china. The candles will glow and the flowers will smile at us with their beauty. Family, cherished friends, good food and tradition are the bountiful harvest of Thanksgiving.

This year we would like to share a few of our favorite fellow bloggers, cherished recipes, and other festive, creative ideas for the holidays.

Cheers,  Okrzyki, Salud, Skal, Sante, Salud, Prost, Kanpai!