Clararissa’s blog

Since Ancient Times, every culture with a sensitivity to higher consciousness and life force has recognized that stones from the earth posess unique subtle energy. Zodiac signs have been prevalent as long as humans have stared at the heavens. Gemstones have been used to symbolize these zodiac signs as well. By wearing zodiac jewelry with gemstones from your astrological sign, you can link to the cosmic aspects that effect your life.

Jev

Zodiac signs and astrology are fun to explore and to share. Wearing a Zodiac gem stone can be a great conversation starter and wonderful way to express yourself. Many people find wearing their zodiac gem stone to be extremely supportive and that by wearing zodiac jewelry that they have an easier time fulfilling their goals. As there are many gem stones listed for each zodiac sign, choose the one that you feel most comfortable wearing and would enjoy the most. You will wear the zodiac gem stone more often.

The Astrology stone chart below offers helpful information on Sun sign stones and planetary relationships. Clicking on each zodiac gem stone link provides specific gemstone jewelry, gem care tips, mystical attributes, and lots more. Feel free to combine these gemstones if desired.

When you give someone a Zodiac Gem stone gift, be sure to add some care tips and/or lore from the specific gemstone page associated with it.

Capricorn
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Agate, Garnet, Ruby  Lapis Lazuli  Ruby 

Aquarius
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Amethyst, Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal  Turquoise  Garnet, Hyacinth

Pisces
(Feb. 19-Mar. 20) Amethyst, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal, Sapphire  Aquamarine Amethyst

Aries
(Mar. 21-Apr. 19) Bloodstone, Diamond Jasper Bloodstone, Diamond, Jasper 

Taurus
(Apr. 20-May 20) Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald, Sapphire, Turquoise  Aventurine, Emerald  Diamond, Sapphire 

Gemini
(May 21-Jun. 20) Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl Tiger Eye Agate, Emerald

Cancer
(Jun. 21-Jul. 22) Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby Moonstone Agate, Chalcedony, Emerald 

Leo
(Jul. 23-Aug. 22) Onyx, Sardonyx, Tourmaline  Rock Crystal Amber, Onyx, Peridot 

Virgo
(Aug. 23-Sep. 22) Carnelian, Jade, Jasper, Sapphire  Citrine Carnelian, Sardonyx

Libra
(Sep. 23-Oct. 22) Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Peridot Sapphire Opal, Chrsolite, Sardonyx

Scorpio
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Aquamarine, Topaz Garnet, Ruby Aquamarine, Beryl

Sagittarius
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Amethyst, Sapphire, Topaz, Turquoise  Topaz Pearl, Topaz 

check out jewelrymall.com/ to learn more

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1.Make your own beauty treatments at home
If you are keen to escape the marketing hype and save yourself some money you can always go into your kitchen and concoct some of your own delicious beauty treatments. That way you'll know exactly what's in the mix without having worry about identifying harmful chemicals on the back of the bottle and you can choose whatever ingredients you want. Although homemade means more time, it also means more satisfaction. Have a look at the links to the From the Archives section where you'll find some great homemade recipes.

2.Look at the label
The biggest and most complicated issue regarding the cosmetics we use are the unregulated chemicals that are used to make them. From the consumer's point of view there are certain common substances to look out for (more on that in the Personal Care Product Ingredient section). The best advice is to learn the main ones to avoid and then check the product ingredient label. Or rather than scouring every label, you can also choose a cosmetics company that has signed the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics compact and uses certified organic and natural ingredients.

3.Look for certified organic products
The above information might seem scary and cast all sorts of doubts over the products you are currently using, but, in the Personal Care Product Ingredient section, we explain clearly the key ingredients to watch out for. On the positive side there are plenty of products that are not only cruelty free, but certified organic as well. A word of warning though, don't be taken in by words such as Natural, Organic, or Hypoallergenic on the packaging; you need to make sure that the product has a certified label. You can look for the Eco-Cert label as well as the USDA Organic seal which is used in 80 countries around the world. Using organically produced ingredients ensures that not only are your cosmetics healthy for the environment, but it also means you don't have to worry about your skin absorbing chemical residues either.

4.Use aluminum-free deodorant
Aluminum, which is commonly used in antiperspirants, has been found to not only cause skin irritation, but the inflammation caused may spread beyond the areas where the antiperspirant is being applied, leading to more general inflammation. Antiperspirants also have another downside: by blocking pores, they prevent the body from eliminating toxins through perspiration, which reduces the body's ability to regulate its temperature. Instead of using antiperspirant, try using natural deodorant brands that don't contain aluminum, or try the crystal stick which uses natural mineral salts. Get more details in this BBC report.

5.Brush with natural toothpaste
Unfortunately, while we like a bright smile, many major brands of toothpaste contain chemicals like parabens, titanium dioxide for whitening, and high levels of fluoride. There has been concern for some time about the level of fluoride that we ingest on a daily basis both through drinking water and toothpaste. While we are told that fluoride helps fight tooth decay, high doses can also be poisonous. Since mid-1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated all toothpastes containing fluoride to carry a poison warning. Luckily, as with deodorants, there are natural toothpastes on the market. Many people also find that just using a bit of baking soda will do the trick as well.

6.Tame your mane with healthy hair care
The number of products we women put in our hair must easily outnumber the amount we put on our skin. Shampoo, conditioner, serum, wax, gel, hair spray, color...the list goes on. Hair, like the skin, is extremely absorbent and all those products can contain potentially harmful chemicals. Watch out for: shampoos and conditioners containing petroleum products; hair dyes with carcinogenic coal tar (N.B. coal tar can also be present in strong dandruff and psoriasis shampoos); hairsprays and hair gels containing petroleum derivatives, formaldehyde, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. Read the Personal Care Product Ingredient section for more information on all these chemicals, and check out our Personal Care Products section to find brands that make safe alternatives for all these products.

7.Choose petroleum-free products
Most of us aren't too keen on the overuse of fossil fuels anymore. There are a surprising number of petroleum derivatives to be found in not only our cosmetics but also in other personal care products such as the plastics used in sanitary pads. Mineral oil, paraffin, and propylene glycol can be found as basic ingredients in the majority of cosmetic products. Once again, is it essential to read the ingredients and look for certified labels. One of the most obvious products using petroleum is lip balm and lip gloss—we’d go for the beeswax instead!

8.Get a healthy, chemical-free tan
There is much debate about the actual efficacy of SPF factors as well as studies into the potentially harmful ingredients used in sunscreens. According to The Ecologist, "Because sun creams encourage a false sense of security, we stay out in the sun far longer than is smart or safe. Few of us apply sun creams as regularly or as thickly as manufacturers recommend. Chemicals that provide sun protection are also potentially irritating to the skin, and irritated skin is more prone to sun damage. Emerging research also suggests that some of these chemicals are oestrogen mimics that persist in the environment and in the body." We still think it's important to protect our skin, so look for natural sun creams and/or cover up in the sun and stay out of the midday heat.

9.Avoid animal testing
We're sure that even those of us who aren't vegetarian or vegan would agree that testing cosmetics on animals is unnecessary and unethical. Look for the Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS)label on products to check they are cruelty-free. It is the world's only international standard for cosmetic or toiletry products that are not animal tested. The HCS was launched in 1998 by an international coalition of animal protection groups from across the European Union and North America, including the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments.

10.Stay healthy with organic tampons and sanitary pads
It is well known that tampons come emblazoned with warnings about toxic shock syndrome (TSS). While rare, it still does occur in women who use super-absorbent and synthetic tampons. However TSS is not the only health danger in using these products. The chlorine bleaching that is used to make tampons and sanitary pads look "clean" produces dioxin, a known carcinogen and pollutant. Dioxin settles in the fat cells of our bodies and stays there for the rest of our lives, building up cumulatively over time. Therefore, increased exposure means increased risk. We recommend looking for 100 percent cotton tampons and sanitary pads, organic if possible.

11.Avoid the landfill altogether with menstrual cups
Another way of avoiding the toxins related to tampons and sanitary pads is to use a menstrual cup. This has several benefits. Not only is it reusable, but you will be saving money every month by not buying all those disposable products. Furthermore, if you are not buying them then you won't be needing to dispose of them, therefore sending less to landfill. A menstrual cup is convenient, cheaper, healthier, and better for the environment too. There are cups made from rubber and silicone, however it is thought that the silicone cups are better for those who might have sensitive skin or are allergy prone.

via planetgreen.discovery.com/

In all times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words.
If you are interested in the historic meanings of flowers, the Society of American Florists has compiled this list from a variety of different sources:

Alstroemeria aspiring
Amaryllis dramatic
Anemone fragile
Apple Blossom promise
Aster contentment
Azalea abundance
Baby's Breath festivity
Bachelor Button anticipation
Begonia deep thoughts
Black-Eyed Susan encouragement
Camellia graciousness
Carnation 
pink
 gratitude
red
 flashy
striped
 refusal
white
 remembrance
yellow
 cheerful
Chrysanthemum 
bronze
 excitement
white
 truth
red
 sharing
yellow
 secret admirer
Cosmos peaceful
Crocus foresight
Daffodil chivalry
Delphinium boldness
Daisy innocence
Freesia spirited
Forget-Me-Not remember me forever
Gardenia joy
Geranium comfort
Ginger proud
Gladiolus strength of character
Heather solitude
Hibiscus delicate beauty
Holly domestic happiness
Hyacinth sincerity
Hydrangea perseverance
Iris inspiration
Ivy fidelity
Jasmine grace and elegance
Larkspur beautiful spirit
Lavender distrust
Lilac first love
Lily  
Calla
 regal
Casablanca
 celebration
Day
 enthusiasm
Stargazer
 ambition
Lisianthus calming
Magnolia dignity
Marigold desire for riches
Nasturtium patriotism
Orange Blossom fertility
Orchid delicate beauty
Pansy loving thoughts
Passion flower passion
Peony healing
Poppy consolation
Queen Anne's Lace delicate femininity
Ranunculus radiant
Rhododendron beware
Rose  
pink
 friendship
red
 passionate love
red & white
 unity
white
 purity
yellow
 zealous
Snapdragon presumptuous
Star of Bethlehem hope
Stephanotis good luck
Statice success
Sunflower adoration
Sweetpea shyness
Tuberose pleasure
Tulip  
pink
 caring
purple
 royalty
red
 declaration of love
white
 forgiveness
yellow
 hopelessly in love
Violet faithfulness
Wisteria steadfast
Yarrow good health
Zinnia thoughts of friends 

Relationships are like a dance
 It's as much about your patience, kindness, confidence,
and sense of rhythm as it is your choice of partner.

Dance Me to the End of Love

by Leonard Cohen

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Dance me through the panic 'til I'm gathered safely in
Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Oh let me see your beauty when the witnesses are gone
Let me feel you moving like they do in Babylon
Show me slowly what I only know the limits of
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on
Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long
We're both of us beneath our love, we're both of us above
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the children who are asking to be born
Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn
Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn
Dance me to the end of love.
Dance me to the end of love.

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Dance me through the panic till I'm gathered safely in
Touch me with your naked hand or touch me with your glove
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

1. Hats
2. Sunglasses  - white frames are in! 

3. Shoes. From fringing to laces to buckles and straps, as far exotic as you want, these are the elements that define the trends. 

4.What about swimwear, the one shoulder fashion trend  will be the must have swimwear in summer 2009.

As usually Giorgio Armani style is high degree elegant and impeccable in any its aspect.

"Luxury before was just an elite thing. Now the sense of luxury is more democratic," Armani said from a booth at the restaurant that is part of his new Manhattan store on Fifth Avenue.

Casting a wide net while still making the shopping experience special is what Armani is aiming for with the new store. He recently visited here to christen the 3,995-square-metre space, complete with a party attended by Victoria Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Armani has practised fashion democracy for some time. "In the '80s, started doing jeans. People would say, 'Why is Giorgio Armani doing jeans?' ... But thank God I did it." said icon in the fashion industry.