Everyone knows that, when it comes to gifts, there are three types of guys: the guy who’s really sweet, tries hard, and generally manages to get it right; the guy who’s really sweet, tried hard, and still fouls things up pretty often (but he’s cute and sweet so you try to forgive him); and the guy who just doesn’t try very hard at all, so you’re pretty excited when he gets you something more interesting than a toaster.

As chance would have it, most guys seem to be most like guy number 2—he tries to catch your hints, and he always puts a lot of thought and heart into your gifts, but a lot of times, he just misses one or two details that happen to be, well…CRUCIAL! But we all love him anyway.

Like any girl, you really, really want him to get you something good for Valentine’s day, if only because you can’t stand the hangdog look he gets when he sees that you don’t like his Valentine’s gift. So here’s a hint—online wish lists are your friend.

I know, I know, how much thought could a guy really have put into a gift if you’ve already told him what to get you? But, if the alternative is “Hangdog Harry” for two weeks after Valentine’s, it may be worth the compromise. I mean, after all, he at least needed to think about which items on your wish list he thought would mean the most to you. And, of course, while he’s looking at the things in your wish list, he may find other things that you would like too—so even guy number 1 (the guy who always knows just the right gift) can be helped by a wish list.

As you know, my favorite jewelry store is Pugster, and I think their wish list is pretty cool. You just click on the “Add to Wish” list button in the product description, and when you’re done you can email to whoever you want. To demonstrate, let me show you what’s on my Pugster Wish List for Prince Charming this year:
A couple of months ago, I started my first European beads bracelet, and boy, am I addicted! They’re just so cute! And they’re so easy to slip on and off and rearrange. And they’re good for, literally, any occasion. I can wear them to dinner with grandma, or to a dinner party, or anywhere, and people are always commenting on my bracelet.

I love how this charm bead sparkles, with its Austrian crystals.

Again, I love how this little red heart is surrounded by sparkling crystals. And a little bit of color is always welcome.

I like my earrings dangly, and these pink heart-shaped Murano glass earrings are just gorgeous. And the thing I love about Murano glass is that it’s so versatile—it can be dressy or casual, and it looks great either way.

If Prince Charming is really feeling nice this year, this is what he’ll get me! I love how delicate this pendant looks hanging from its shiny white sheer ribbon. And it’s perfect for the spaghetti strap dress I want to wear out on Valentines.

More Murano glass earrings—actually, I think these would be great for wearing to work, or out to lunch with a friend. Casual and fun.

Sterling silver is great for Valentine’s Day, and I love how this cute heart outline kind of hangs at an angle. And while CZ is no diamond, it looks just as good when your man doesn’t quite make the big bucks yet.

This ring is sooooo cute! I love how feminine it looks with the dangling heart charm. I think I’m going to get this for one of my best girlfriends (we’ve been friends since preschool), but I’ll be jealous if I don’t get one too.

I met a friend of mine for coffee last weekend, and she was wearing this incredibly cute clasp charm bracelet, with all kinds of cute little charms, so I’ve been thinking about starting a bracelet myself.

As you know, I love Italian charms, and these deluxe charms are a really fun way to make a classier Italian charm bracelet.

I know it’s kitschy, but something about Valentine’s Day brings out the third-grader in me. Remember making “Be Mine” cards out of construction paper? I sure do, but Italian charms are easier.

What else needs to be said? Well, besides “I love it!”

PINK is absolutely everywhere right now. But this isn’t some teenie-bopper girlie fashion trend that just hit the “cool” shops. Pink is the color which signifies a cause closely associated with many women.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the annual campaign which has been wholeheartedly embraced by the fashion industry. Even Glamour Mag has a full spread on Thinking Pink!

Wearing pink is a great way to show support for an important charity, and some products even donate a portion of the proceeds!

Joanna Schlip is a world renowned makeup artist who has put makeup on many celebrity faces. I don’t have enough room to list them all but let’s just say she’s prettied up faces from Alicia Silverstone to Zooey Deschanel and everyone in between. According to a recent interview she gave, what are her favorites? Frosty pink lipstick and hot-pink nail polish!

ACCESSORIZE

You don’t have to go pink from head to toe to look great and lend your support. From catwalk models photographed by David Bailey, to lipsticks, bags, pink brooches and necklaces, there won’t be a reason to miss the campaign this October!

Do as the celebrities are doing and don a Breast Cancer fitted T-shirt. Or funk up an outfit with a wide-range of pink jewelry available. Or a pink wallet or handbag. Scarves and hats do well with pink highlights, especially for a night out on the town.

SAVING LIVES

2006 marks the 22nd anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is designed to educate women about breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older, breast cancer deaths have declined and the initiative has grown to be one of the most recognizable health awareness initiatives in the United States.

So show your support this month… and add a little color to your wardrobe.

This Pink Teardrop Murano Glass Pendant Necklace is only $17.99

If you’re starting to feel a chill in the air, then you’re feeling the same thing I am – fall is really here! The month of September is coming to an end, while autumn comes to its peak.

As the trees are turning their beautiful autumn colors, so the colors and shapes of the fashions of the season are changing and evolving.

WHAT’S HOT THIS FALL

This year, styles from years ago are again at the top of the “must-have” lists for fall fashion. Leggings and knits are definitely leading the way.

Leggings were one of the top fashion icons of the 1980’s and they’re back again. For me, it’s just not going to happen, but it sure is fun to see all the young girls dressing up like I used to in high school!

On the other hand, I’m certainly happy about seeing knits popping up everywhere! They’re comfortable, stylish and not too pricey.

COLORS COLORS COLORS!

Last season’s white sensation has made a bold turn with red taking over as the “hot” color for this fall season. Whether you find it in shades of cherry, cranberry, or tomato, red will always turn heads. It’s classy, easy to accessorize, and always available.

When not going for a bold statement with the reds, there are other great colors making a big splash this fall! Teal blue is great around the office, and plum purple is quickly becoming the new black!

Personally, I love the purples best. You can pair it with winter white, sienna, and a whole range of other colors. Accent with mother of pearl, and you’ve got the perfect classy combo.

CHOICES

Whatever you choose, try to focus on color combinations more than the style. We all know we’re not 22 any more (well, some of you are!) – so the hottest little skirt isn’t always the top priority. But, getting those wonderful fall colors and the accessories to match will make your outfits just right for you!

Ooh La La! Red Murano Glass Bracelet - $12.99

This Mother of Pearl Pendant is beautiful with all the fall colors and is only about $25!

So there you have it. Get into fall with some great colors and comfortable styles! - Summer

Besides being the overindulged adopted daughter of famed Lionel Richie and ex-best friend of Hollywood’s favorite brat-to-hate Paris Hilton, this celebrity watcher/despiser can’t think of a thing that Nicole Richie has actually done.

Sure there was that failed Simple Life sitcom attempt, but again, we all know that if Nicole Richie didn’t have the daddy that she has and Paris Hilton didn’t have the daddy that she has, they’d both probably be hooking down on Hollywood Blvd as we speak.

Of course, recently, poor Nicole Richie’s claim to fame has apparently become anorexia. Not that this is a good thing, but the pop princess has at least made such a spectacle of herself (and taken such a beating in the media) that maybe she will be an example to girls and teens of what not to become….too skinny.

Again I’m blown away by the fact that people like Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton have become famous simply because they come from filthy rich stock. Since when does being a spoiled brat earn a person fame?

Sure a lot of the movie and rock stars are horrible, self-centered, over-indulged snots, but at least they worked for their fame. At least some of those people came from humble beginnings. At least some of them have a vague memory of what it’s like not to have anything and everything you want whenever you want it.

Frankly I’m tired of seeing these Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton lazing at some exotic beach or attending some high powered party. Who the heck are they anyways?

A Hand-Blown Murano Glass Gold Pendant Necklace, would’ve been lovely, by the way. Psst, it’s just $21.99!

Jewelry which is termed ‘vintage’ includes many decades or eras. Each era has many different designs. These eras include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.

Georgian Jewelry (1714-1837)
Georgian jewelry is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewelry is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewelry frequently includes precious stones.

Early Victorian, Romantic Jewelry (1837-1850)
Like jewelry of the Georgian era, early Victorian jewelry features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.

Mid-Victorian, Grand Jewelry (1860-1880)
Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewelry pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewelry, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewelry from this period. The jewelry also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.

Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewelry (1885-1900)
During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.

Arts and Crafts Jewelry (1894-1923)
Due to the Industrial Revolution, many jewelry designers rebelled during the Arts and Crafts era, returning to intricate jewelry designs and handmade craftsmanship. It was common for jewelry of this era to be simple in pattern, made of colorful, uncut stones.

Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915)
Designed by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewelers in America, Art Nouveau jewelry features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.

Edwardian Jewelry (1901-1910)
The Edwardian era was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.

Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1935)
Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewelry is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber, Venetian and glass beads, and amber were worn as well as chokers.

Retro Jewelry (1940s)
Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewelry is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.

Whatever vintage jewelry you choose, whatever era you prefer. Vintage jewelry is a great way to spice up your style and get creative!

Millefiori, also known as ‘1000 flowers is a glass design characterized by a mosaic flowerlike pattern. The Millefiori technique is used to make pendants, beads, paperweights and other glass products. The most popular Millefiori item is a pendant

History of Millefiori Pendants

Millefiori Pendants are made using murrine, or slender, multicolored glass canes. Murrine are fused together to create Millefiori pendants. The use of murrine rods can be traded back to Ancient Rome, Phoenician and Alexandrine times though the Millefiori technique was developed in Murano, Italy in the 15th century.

The Millefiori technique was created by altering another glassmaking method. Until the 15th century, glassmakers were producing beads from Rosetta canes. Rosetta canes have a center hole. The technique involves layering six layers of glass (white, blue, white, brick red, white then blue) over a hollow cane creating patterns of 5 concentric stars with twelve points. Beads are created when Rosetta canes are chopped. Millefiori was born when glassmakers produced Rosetta using a cane with no hole. Millefiori is made using a seemingly endless amount of colors and layers.

Creating a Millefiori Pendant

To create a Millefiori pendant, glass rod is coated with layers of different colored glass. This creates the intricate Millefiori design. The rod is furnace heated to fuse the layers of glass. After re-heating, the rod is pulled very thin. The trick is to maintain the original Millefiori design. After cooling, the rod is sliced then placed in metal rings, creating the Millefiori pendant.

Creating a Millefiori pendant is an extensive process. Each Millefiori pendant is handmade one by one making every Millefiori pendant one of a kind. Millefiori pendants come in many styles and sizes. They’re beautiful!

Whichever Millefiori pendant you buy, you’re sure to love it!

Murano glass beads are arguably the most stunningly fabulous beads in the world. Considering the intricate designs, brilliant colors and careful craftsmanship of Murano glass beads, it’s no wonder the world loves Murano glass beads. Murano glass beads are gorgeous!

The creation of Murano glass beads is a labor of love. The most famous Murano glass beads are made one by one. With this method, colored cane is heated to a molten state and wrapped around a metal rod until the bead is formed. Several layers of colored glass are applied for the perfect effect. Finally, the glass bead is cooled and removed from the rod. Murano glass beads are crafted with the utmost care.

There are many different Murano glass beads. The most popular murano glass beads are Chevron, Wedding Cake, Millefiore and Venetian Foil. These designs boast widely different styles. Whereas a Murano Chevron bead is distinguished by red, white blue zig-zags, Murano glass Wedding Cake beads are decorated with intricate glass overlays featuring roses, swirls and dots. Murano Millefiore glass beads are vibrant and abstract while Venetian Foil beads are elegant and sophisticated, fusing vivid color with gold and silver foil.

Whichever Murano glass beads you choose, you can be sure it will be beautiful. Murano glass beads are always unique and crafted with the utmost care.

Pugster Inc. contributed custom made jewelry to celebrity gift bags at the NBC/Universal 2006 Pre-Emmy party hosted at the Beverly Hills Spago at 8PM

Pasadena, CA, August 26, 2006 — Pugster Inc., a fashion jewelry company, took part in the NBC/Universal’s Pre-Emmy Party for the 2006 Emmy Awards.  Pugster brand products were included and distributed to celebrity performers and presenters in the annual, nationally televised film event. The Italian charms and pendants that were featured at the event are all available on the Pugster web site at http://www.pugster.com/.

The Pre-Emmy party began at 8PM at Spago’s in Beverly Hills.  Although the party is a newcomer to the Emmy scene, it’s become the place to be the night before the Emmys according to Variety.  Attending the party was NBC head honchos and stars including winner Mariska Hargitay, nominee Glenn Close as well as Eric McCormack, Hugh Laurie, CCH Pounder, Zach Braff among other celebrities.

In recognition of excellence within the various television genres, the Emmy Awards are administered by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.  Over 12,000 members of the Academy cast a ballot in their field of expertise.  Emmy awards are a symbol of peer recognition.

Conan O’Brien hosted the 2006 Emmys.  Winners included Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Julia Louis Dreyfus of The New Adventures of Old Christine, Keifer Sutherland of 24, Tony Shalhoub of Monk, Jeremy Irons of Elizabeth I, Alan Alda of West Wing and Megan Mullally of Will & Grace.

About Pugster® Inc
Founded in 2002, Pugster is the number one online retailer of Italian charms at http://www.pugster.com/. Pugster (eBay ID: pugster888) continuously ranks as the number recipient of positive feedback on eBay with over 1.2 Million positive reviews since June 2004, according to Novato Technology.  Pugster also carries a full line of trendy fashion jewelry, including brooches, rings, pendants, watches, earrings, bracelets, and more.

For more information about Pugster Inc., visit http://www.pugster.com/.

Wanting to celebrate my birthday with a bang, I decided to spend two weeks in Italy this year. Italy is one of my favorite places in the world. With the pasta, wine, people, language, landscape and style how you a girl not love Italy? I had a wonderful trip!

As you may know, I love beading. I especially love beading with Murano glass beads. That said, I decided to visit the island of Murano, home of Murano glass beads. While there I visited a Murano glass factory where Murano glass beads are made.

I learned so much on my trip that I thought I’d write a little about the Murano glass beads I saw:

Murano Glass Lampwork Beads
Most Murano glass beads are made using the lampwork technique. Murano glass wedding cake beads, decorated with glass overlays and Murano glass Venetian foil beads are just two examples of this kind of bead.

In observance of our most recent tradition, Mary Beth, Jackie and I set out in the Sunday morning sunshine for a leisurely breakfast of mind-blowing sweet and syrupy blueberry pancakes at a local hipster diner. 

Of course, Jackie was running late (as she is has a tendency to do) so MaryBeth and I patiently idled in Jackie’s teeny driveway for almost an hour, chatting about this and that, fashion, family and other things.  When Jackie finally emerged, the reason she was running so late became apparent.  As usual she wowed us, looking fabulous in her summery floral body-tight dress, perfectly coordinated sandals, bag and gems.  That girl is so glamorous! 

Anyways, it was fortunate that Jackie was tardy.  As it turned out, and much to our surprise (because we always stay on top of the local arty crafty events in our area), we happened upon the commencement of a crafts fair on the way to breakfast.  Being the crafty, accessorizing women that we are, we just had to stop and check out all the handmade goodies (despite our growing anticipation over blueberry pancakes). 

Well, between the unique designs of necklaces and bracelets beautifully crafted with Murano glass beads, quirky key chains and sexy body jewelry, the three of us were over the moon. 

We spent hours looking over this and that, talking to the artists and generally having a great time.  I found the perfect jewelry set to go with a brand new dress I just bought and MaryBeth discovered a pretty little freshwater pearl bracelet for her 8 year old niece.  Jackie of course bought the most: jewelry to accentuate her various outfits.  Between the three of us, we had so many bags that we were all a bit embarrassed. 

It was after 1:00 by the time we actually left the fair, goodies in hand.  We were famished.  You know what though, after all that shopping; those blueberry pancakes had never tasted better.  We’d put in a hard days work and darn if we didn’t deserve them!