Gifts That Can Be Treasured Forever

!: Gifts That Can Be Treasured Forever

When you think back to the item you treasure the most, what do you think of? Chances are it's not that 'must have' doll you felt you needed when you were a small child, or that 'essential' pair of trainers that you bothered your parents about all year until your birthday for (and then felt they'd gone out of fashion once you had them.) Often we fall into the trap of believing that the best gifts are the ones that follow a fad, or cost a lot of money.

We may see them in shops or magazines and see the adverts and believe that, really, this new computer game or piece of jewellery really will change my life and fulfil my wildest dreams... and we wait hopefully to get it at our birthday and Christmas... and feel over the moon when we do! But then a curious thing happens. It gets unwrapped and suddenly with the packaging and bumf gone it begins to look a little less special - perhaps a little impersonal. We play the computer game, use the gadget, wear the new shoes or carry the new handbag - and bit by bit the importance of the gift seems to fade away and we may even wonder why we wanted it so much in the first place!

It's a strange thing, but often the most treasured gifts we possess are the ones that are most personal to us. Perhaps they were given to you by a close friend or loved family member. Perhaps it was a surprise gift, a handmade treat or something that was made entirely for you and with you in mind. Often these most special gifts have personal touches or words incorporated into them - reminding the recipient of the giver and the occasion every time they look at them. One such example of these gifts that can be treasured and will remain meaningful forever is that of engraved gifts.

Engraved gifts were once quite unusual - tending to be used for plaques and trophies, or to mark retirements or 40th wedding anniversaries. The range of engraved gifts available was also rather limited, and with a tendency to be fairly functional - either for sports or work achievement plaques, or for older people. The great news now is that there's a really wide range of engraved gifts on offer and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much they've come on! There's everything from 'baby's first' silver engraved cups and saucers, to engraved photo frames, champagne flutes, pewter tankards and special jewellery boxes.

All engraved gifts are of the highest quality - tending to use fine metals and silvers, and with messages crafted on permanently in beautiful italic scripts. These really are permanent gifts that will have a place in your loved one's home - and heart - forever, and they'll always remember the occasion, and you, when they happen to look at it. Contrast that with so many gifts that simply end up 'out of sight, out of mind' after just a few uses! In these cash strapped times where we need to use our money wisely, it makes sense to invest in engraved gifts that really will provide lasting, quality mementoes - and often at very good affordable prices. Some examples of engraved gifts you might want to look at include:

The Classic Mini - Engraved Money Box

Encourage your younger loved ones to get into the saving habit in style! This is a seriously good gift for anyone who's a fan of the classic Mini car- and it's a silver plated money box, engraved with your personal message on the top of up to 50 characters. It's a stunning ornament in its own right, but will certainly catch the eye of the recipient when he or she knows that it's time to pop some pennies in for a rainy day! They'll love this special gift, and their parents will appreciate the sentiment behind it too - proving that engraved gifts have both functional purpose, and beauty!

Child's Expanding Silver Bracelet

This is a wonderful gift for a christening, and it has space for a name of 15 characters running alongside its sterling silver body. The Christening bracelet is a classic and timeless gift that really will be treasured forever and it comes presented in a lilac gift bag for an extra special touch. These engraved gifts are just examples of the ways you can creatively mark birthdays, anniversaries, special events and Christmas - and make sure that events and memories are preserved forever in style. Have fun browsing and shopping for your engraved gifts, and ensure that everyone has a smile on their face at gift time! You'll be one popular person!

Gifts That Can Be Treasured Forever

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All About Kitten Heels!

!: All About Kitten Heels!

Everything You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know About Kitten Heels: Slingbacks, Boots, and Flats

Thanks to Michelle Obama, women's kitten heels are back! Popularized by Audrey Hepburn in the 1950's, these tiny heels became known as "training heels," a sort of coming-of-age shoe for female teenagers first learning how to balance in high heels. Today, though, they are worn by women of all ages.

These heels to be no higher than 1.5 inches, and resemble a kitten's claw in that they curve inward, placing the heel's point under the middle of the heel rather than the back of the heel, where most stiletto points lie. The mid-heel placement of the heel point and the shorter heel of kitten heels allow for more stability and ease when walking, making many women prefer kitten heels to stilettos, pumps, and platform shoes. The kitten heel is also increasing in popularity due to the versatility of the style: the shoe trends range from slingbacks to boots to flats! Which is the chicest style for you?

Slingbacks Offer Support and Style

Looking for a shoe that is appropriate for the office but doesn't constantly threaten an imminent face-plant? The classy but comfortable kitten heel slingback offers more bearable alternative to the classic office pump for those eight-hour workdays. With a sleek shape and modest heel, Ros Hommerson's Posh slingback, offered in black, is chic and versatile and can be paired with work outfits to create a classy, professional style.

Kitten heel slingbacks can also complement your night-on-the-town wardrobe. Shoes like Donald J. Plimer's Viana slingback, with a two inch heel and simple T- and ankle-straps, provide beautiful shape to your feet, as well as arch support and stability which would be impossible with a stiletto heel.

Keep Upright with the Boot Version

Another growing trend is the bootie, or the ankle-boot. Especially if you live in a climate known for exceptionally rainy or snowy seasons, wearing a women's kitten heel boot can be conducive to remaining upright throughout the day. Avoid slippery spills by wearing a shorter heel, like that of the Lilly boot by Diane von Furstenberg. With a 1.5 inch heel, pointed toe, side zipper, and pewter detail on washed-black leather, this boot is both simple and spunky, creating look that oozes confidence!

Flats: Everyday Wear That is In Style!

The ballet flat is the quintessential errand shoe. Flirty and cute, yet low-to-the-ground and comfortable, you can go anywhere in these shoes and accomplish two things: completing your to-do list and looking great! Jessica Simpson's Drea shoe is a great example of a kitten heel flat for women. The stacked 1.5 inch wedge heel of the Drea provides character for the shoe without impeding your ability to walk. The square toe is unique, and the feminine bow is flirty and very stylish this season. If you are looking for a comfortable and yet trendy shoe to be able to wear on a daily basis, keep kitten heel flats in mind!

Representing a Blend of Comfort and Style for Women

If you thought that the time of the kitten heel had passed with the 1950's, you can think again! Michelle Obama has proudly helped to bring the trend back, and we should thank her for the relief from ever-lengthening stiletto heels! Women's kitten heels (low heels which curve slightly inward to balance mid-heel) are even more versatile than pumps, coming in numerous forms such as slingbacks, boots, and flats. From the office to a night out to the store, your feet can both look and feel amazing in these shoes!

All About Kitten Heels!

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!: Buyers Moyna Handbags Beaded Evening Clutch (Pewter) discount

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Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes!

!: Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes!

For the past few seasons we've seen a battle for dominance among divergent trends, namely post-grunge edgy rocker, urban prep, modernized romantic, bohemian free spirit and ghetto-fhab-ulous. They've all held pace but with Spring comes change and a desire for a softer look. I think people simply get tired of in-your-face fashion after a while, or maybe the designers stop and shake their heads at their own creations. Surprisingly metallics are still going strong but collections are promising a more subdued line of golds, pewter and bronze footwear. So, if you just bought the most embellished pair of pointy-toed slippers or sequined platforms, you might feel a little like the shiek of Dubai at an Eddie Brickell concert or Tina Turner (circa 1984) amongst Kelly Clarkson fans.

One recurring trend is the flat shoe and ballet slipper. I know a lot of women, myself included, who groaned at the thought of wearing flats. At just a little over 5 feet tall, I need all the help I can get. But fortunately the styles have come a long way--to the point even a die-hard stilleto wearer like me has added a couple pair of flats to my notoriously teetering shoe collection. I guess that's a good thing, since celebrity stylist Misa Hylton, who is gearing up to launch her own online boutique in Feb. '07, says they're here to stay for a little while longer.

"Women need a break from wearing those four-inch stiletto's!" she says. "Designers have also stepped their game up with the variety of designs offered in the flat shoe, making them interesting and allowing women to still feel sexy and not like the soccer mom." So not even the "I-never-wear-flats" woman could resist buying a few pair.

"From ballet slippers to dress shoes flats will be all over the pages in fashion magazines," says Frank Patryn, president of Top Industries, a licensee for Playboy Footwear.

If you're all about comfort, you'll love this season's flats, which have a markedly preppy and comfortable feel, like the Espadrille ballet flats from Banana Republic. Some of the more tailored flats are appropriate for the office, like Banana Republic's Bedford' o-ring driving moccasins.

White is the new black

You read correctly. If you don't believe me, take a look around. It seems a lot of fashion-forward gals are breaking the no-white-after-Labor- Day rule, sporting white coats, pants, skirts and accessories all through fall and winter. Go figure. While it's nice to have the freedom to wear white whenever you want, let's face it. It's not the easiest to keep clean--especially if you're dodging slushy snow puddles.

White accessories are an easier way to wear this trend. To minimize the appearance of dirt, try patterned pieces with textured detail like lace or ribbon. Crisp, clean whites in cloth ballet slippers, espadrilles and flats with tortoise upper treatments are also big sellers, according to Patryn. Just don't forget to coat them in fabric guard. White is showing up in all styles, however. Like these super cute white pumps by Ruthie Davis.

Bootie-licious

Transition your sleek, modern boots to spring and beyond. "The overly embellished boot has faded," Misa Hylton says. "I don't expect a come-back anytime soon. Sleeker, more modern boots are in."

Channel your inner Greek goddess

80s inspired styles are still clinging on, metamorphosis into more subtle variations, like the new Grecian sandal. The Linea Paolo Blaze Sandal would look great with a flowing skirt on a spring or summer day.

Wedged in

Wedge sandals are a welcome alternative to the spindly-heeled sandals of springs/summers past. These '70s-inspired heels are comfy and stable and at the same time totally stylish. The KORS by Michael Kors Kasbah Wooden Platform Wedge is a perfect example of the right combination of trend and function.

Science Meets Sexy

We've all felt the pinch of gorgeous heels that hurt like h-e double hockey sticks. Your calves may look sculpted and sexy but your toes look like they've been chewed up in a blender. Blisters, corns, callouses and back pain are just some of the ugly repercussions of wearing sky-high I'm-the-hottest-thing-since-Paris-Hilton sillettoes. Leave it to a group of scientists to create a solution for shoe addicts everywhere. Insolia offers shoe inserts that shift weight off of the ball of the foot back to the heel by placing the foot in the optimal position for high heels, so you can look forward to many more years of wearing high heels.

For on-the-go shoe emergencies, throw some Foot Petals in your purse, so you're always prepared. Through a virtually invisible cushion shaped like a flower petal, these life--or rather foot--savers prevent calluses from forming, and cushion the sensitive ball-of-foot area. Seriously ladies, you don't have to suffer to be beautiful.

Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes!

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The Tin Container

!: The Tin Container

Tin is a metal mineral that is very soft and malleable. Because of these properties, tin is hardly ever used on its own. Instead, it is combined with other metals to either form alloys or to act as a protective covering.

Pewter is a tin alloy consisting of over 90% tin. The remaining metals in pewter could be silver, lead and bismuth. Nowadays, the lead content of pewter has been drastically reduced as awareness in the harmful effects of lead increases. Being a tin based alloy, pewter is also highly malleable but not as soft due to the adding of antimony and copper. This extra strength that pewter has over tin makes it very good candidate for creating works of art. Pewter vases, picture frames, souvenirs and artwork can be found almost anywhere in the world. Elegant versions of tin containers are pewter containers that can be used for storing jewelry, expensive cigars or be made into musical boxes. The added shininess of pewter due to the mixing of silver into the tin content gives the pewter container an added elegance.

The tin cans that we are used to are metal containers covered in tin. Since tin will not rust or react with food, it forms a protective barrier that keeps the food inside safe. Production costs can also be kept low due to the easy handling of tin when making tin cans. Ease of manufacturing allows factories to produce not just tin cans but also tin containers in many shape and sizes. Tall cylindrical tin spaghetti containers add a touch of art to the kitchen shelf. Cookies boxed in tin containers give out the feel of receiving a special gift when handed over to someone. Even biscuits were sold in airtight tin containers once upon a time. Modern biscuits in tin containers are wrapped in plastic first as the tin container can still allow some air inside.

Tin containers are also taken to school in the form of tin lunchboxes and tin pencil cases. These tin accessories are often brightly colored and sometimes even embossed with popular themes or cartoon characters.

The Tin Container

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Skip Hop Studio Diaper Bag Tote Bag, Pewter Dot

!: Promotion Skip Hop Studio Diaper Bag Tote Bag, Pewter Dot buy online

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Busy moms need a diaper bag that holds baby gear and looks good enough for a meeting with clients or dinner with the girls. Thanks goodness for the Skip Hop Studio Diaper Bag . With a sleek look, enough space for a laptop, two insulated side pockets to hold baby's bottles, and 12 additional pockets for phone, wallet, keys, and other gear, the Studio Diaper Bag from Skip Hop goes from playground to date night.

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Choosing Mother of the Bride Shoes - 10 Do's and Don'ts

!: Choosing Mother of the Bride Shoes - 10 Do's and Don'ts

As we get older, our backs and feet aren't what they used to be.  So what's a mom to do when she knows she must wear fancy dress shoes at her daughter or son's wedding?  Don't use excuses about comfort to avoid looking the best you can on your child's wedding day. Your shoes can make or break your outfit.  Those wedding photos will be around forever, so make sure you look your absolute best, from your feet up, on the big day.

 If you're not sure how to make the transition from sneakers to stilettos, then here are 10 Dos and Don'ts for choosing the perfect pair of Mother of the Bride shoes.

1.    Don't buy shoes that can be dyed. Perfectly matching the color of your shoes to your mother of the bride gown is very passé. Plus, when your feet sweat, your feet will turn color.

2.    Do break your shoes in before the wedding. Vacuum in them. Walk up stairs in them. Otherwise you'll be walking around the reception with big blisters.

3.    Don't change into rubber or plastic flip flops during the reception, or even worse, go barefoot.  Is the dance floor a dormitory shower, or the boardwalk? Change into a lower heeled formal shoe if you must, but respect the formality of the event.

4.    Don't choose mother of the bride shoes with boxy or squared toes.  These heavy, clunky looking styles do nothing to elongate your leg, and are best left for more casual outfits. Fine occasions call for fine shoes.

5.    Don't buy shoes that are not your size!  Too many women fall in love with a shoe that's a half size too big and end up stepping out of it, or they buy a size too small hoping  they'll l  be able ignore the pain.  You can't.  If you really can't get the store to locate it in the correct size, move on!

6.    Don't wear a heel you may slip out of, or fall off.  A mule or a 5" stiletto heel will give you rolled ankles and swollen feet if you are not used to wearing them. Let's make sure the limo, not the ambulance, is what transports you from the ceremony to reception!

7.    Don't opt for price over quality when buying Mother of the Bride shoes.  Expensive, well-made shoes are worth the investment.  Scrimp on less important things.  (We won't tell anyone those earrings are faux-pearl!)

8.    Do try wearing a neutral or metallic shoe like gold, silver or pewter, instead wearing a shoe the same color as your mother of the bride gown. It is much more sophisticated and classy!

9.    Don't wear flats to the ceremony.  If high heels make you squeamish, try a kitten heel or a wedge instead - you'll walk taller and look slimmer with some extra height!

10.    Do choose age appropriate shoes.  Ditch the Granny orthopedic wannabes, but also don't choose a shoe that looks like it belongs in your teenage daughter's closet.  Anything too strappy or sparkly will look tacky on a woman over 40.

Follow these rules for Mother of the Bride shoes and you'll look fabulous from head to toe. And don't forget to get a pedicure!

(c) 2009, Boland-Tyler Productions.  All rights reserved.  Article may be reprinted so long as text and by-line are reprinted intact and all links made live.

Choosing Mother of the Bride Shoes - 10 Do's and Don'ts

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