Beautiful Shops Blog

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MARCH 2011  Celebrate Mardi Gras

 

Mardi Gras is one of the worlds most celebrated carnival & parades.  The festivities start March 5th-8th in New Orleans.  Disney World has a Mardi Gras celebration for the family and if you can't travel just decorate & throw your own party!  The colors are vibrant purple, gold, and green.  Those official colors were assigned in 1872 here is what they represent.  Purple: Justice - Green: Faith - Gold: Power.  If you are not in costume you should wear these colors in New Orleans.  Grand Balls, Costume parties , parades and lavish decorating fills the month of March in honor of Mardi Gras.  History tracks it down in Europe in the middle ages while French-Canadian explorer, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, landed on a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans in 1699 and called it "Pointe due Mardi Gras." He also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated the very first Mardi Gras. In 1875, Governor Warmoth of Louisiana signs the "Mardi Gras Act" making it a legal holiday in Louisiana

 

Sweetopia is a wonderful site filled with goodies for every occasion!  Look at what she came up with !        Please click here to visit this yummy site!      The idea is from p. 26 of Peggy Porschen’s book Beautiful Cakes

 

 

Step 2: Fill in or flood your cookie using the same piping tip.

Step 3: Fold a small piece of parchment in half so that there’s a crease in it.  Open it up and lay your cookie on the parchment. Sprinkle disco dust onto the wet icing.

Step 4: Shake excess disco dust from cookie onto parchment.  Lift parchment and pour extra disco dust into container.  (Try and make less mess than I did! Lol.  The crease helps funnel the disco dust, but it’s hard to take a picture at the same time!)

Step 5: Brush disco dust off the outer edge of the cookie with a soft bristle paintbrush. (Preferably when the cookie is dry so as to not poke the wet icing with your paintbrush).

Step 6: Pipe dots (size and position your preference) using a #1 piping tip and clear piping gel.

Step 7: Using tweezers, place tiny dragées around the piping gel.

That’s it!

(Another tutorial on how to use disco dust HERE and HERE).

MARDI GRAS KING CAKES  History behind the King Cake...

As part of our Christian faith, the coming of the wise men bearing gifts to the Christ Child is celebrated twelve days after Christmas.  The baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings called "A King's Cake." Inside every cake is a tiny baby (generally plastic now, but sometimes this baby might be made of porcelain or even gold). the person who receives the slice of cake with the baby is asked to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party. 

  

February 2011       A MONTH FULL OF LOVE!

Love letters from Yesterday...

Tis the season to show your love!  Roses speak loud and clear in decorating your home and giving them to those you love.  There's something special about getting roses at work. You feel like a Queen for the day. It's ok to send them to your King too!Sent them to your Mom, your daughter, your son, anyone in your life!  Here are some of my favorite Rose Artist!

http://www.gailmccormack.com/

 

                           

Kimberly Ryan is one of the most Romantic Artist in the USA!  Her roses and little blue birds will steal your heart

but look at this incredibly romantic work of art,Called "Prom Queen In Pink" she designed!  

                                           

Its is absolutely dreamy with roses.  The pinks, lace, ruffles and vintage lace trim!  This has been a labor of love with her beautiful gown and other hand made accessories. Vintage pink scrolls Brocade with the design a bit raised, its so beautiful is a pretty vintage pink. Her dress is lined with a corset style look. She made a beautiful Corsage pin which is removable also. Her fluffy ruffle choker is also removable. Vintage lace, vintage millinery roses. Her own petticoat . The form itself is vintage with the vintage stand painted pale pink. Her lace Gown is spectacular. I love this form because you can change her outfits, isnt that what they are for ! Especially if you collect vintage dresses and gowns you would have a ball dressing her with one of your collections. 

                                                     

The dress measurments are 34 bust -29 waist basicly large with a side zipper perfectly fine to borrow I'm sure she wouldnt mind :) She stands 47 inches tall the pole comes off easy with a twist of the turn key which is iron. You can even display her torso on a table or shelf if you choose. The stand is made of solid wood as well the top plug  

                                                 

                                               

Click here to Visit The remarkably romantic art of Kimberly Ryan         http://www.shabbyrosestudio.com

Valentine's day traditions fill homes with romance!  Don't forget to send your valentine cards out!  Here are some vintage valentine's that will warm your heart!  Vintage valentine cards are highly collectibe!  I have some antique valentine's day cards with lace on them and gold pins and hankies attached to the cards!  They are precious and beautiful!

JANUARY 2011   NEW YEAR - NEW TRADITIONS!

January is the perfect time to start Traditions and one of my favorites, is a "FAMILY TREE" and a Family Wall.  It makes a House a Home.  It adds Memories, Love and thoughtfullness & if done right it's beautiful decor!  My Daughter has a Huge "R" for her last name in the middle of her hallway wall surrounded by Family photos.  It is her Family Tree.  She has it organized with each part of our Family and her Father's Family.  It's truly inspirational to see!  Everyone loves to go to her wall and so many are surprised to see their photos! Find a Special place for your Family photos and start your story today!   Here are some Fantastic Family Tree/Photo ideas! 

Shabby Chic, Elegant, Traditional, Country or Modern, you can decorate with family photos.

There are all kinds of decorative Wall Decals to accent your Family Wall!                                                                           Amazon has the best deals most are under $20    www.Amazon.com
 

These are easy to apply vinyl decals that look great on a wall with a quote & then add your photos to make your own Family Tree by adding framed photos or below are Family Tree Templates that you can order or download free to make your own Family Tree Photo.

Family Tree Charts come in several designs to fit your decor.

http://kids.familytreemagazine.com/kids/FamilyTreeForm.asp          

http://www.chathamhillgames.com/genealogy.php     $7.95

http://kids.familytreemagazine.com/kids/FamilyTreeForm.asp         

http://www.obituarieshelp.org/free_printable_blank_family_tree.html

FREE  DOWNLOAD THIS:   "THE BASICS OF TRACING FAMILY GENEALOGY"
http://www.obituarieshelp.org/free_printable_blank_family_tree.html
 Download and print blank family tree templates to fill in your familie's names and information.

 

 

 

Getting Ready For Christmas ~ Visit Thes Fabulous Shops!

 

 

Visit Tesorofino for beautiful treasures like the ones in this photo!
Gypsyz is full of Surprises!  Click Here To Shop Now

   
34 Roses Custom Makes The Most Beautiful Vintage China Jewelry! Click To Shop!

Visit Merry Treasure Shopper to buy This Gorgeous Doll House

Custom Creations by:  A Rose Without AThorn - Click To Shop Now!

Shabby Villa's Cupboards are full of gifts for the holidays! Click To Shop Now!

Click Here To Shop For AVON ~ Tis The Season

Kimberly Ryan is one of the best Artist for Romantic Roses!  Custom Creations can still be ordered For Christmas If You Hurry!  Click Here To Shop Now!

Tesoro Fino ~ Click Here To Shop Now!

Click Here To Shop Silver Spoon Scraps Now!

   Avalon Rose ~ Let Kathi Design Your Website!  Her Designs are Exquisite!  

Click Here To Visit Kathi 

Fall In Love With Sherri's Baldy's Designs! A Fantastic Artist! Click Here To Shop!

 

Roses & Teacups ~ Click here to shop Now!

Martha Stewart collects Belsnickle Santas,  These are From  Becky's Rose Cottage

 

Becky's Famous For Her One Of A Kind Vintage China Plate Clocks ~ Click To Shop

Wendy's Studio is full of Fabulous Funky Whimsical Creations Just in Time For Christmas!   Click Here To Shop Now!

 

Thanksgiving means a Magical Table for Family & Friends!

Gypsyz has beautiful vintage linens like this one used for a tablecloth or to make your own signature vintage shabby apron!

Click here to shop!

Canopies & Bed Cornices can make yur sleepy place heavenly!

And of course for your Pet too!

Wrap your cookies up with decorative ribbons

A little Faux cob webs really do the trick!

Don't forget the outside too with a traet for your porch!

Cat Pillows are easy to make & very cute!

It's the perfect month to hit garage sales, Flea Markets and Antique fairs!  Star looking for incredible finds!  Everyone is trying to make money for the Holidays!

Jennifer Hayslip is an Artist who takes vintage finds and turns them into treasures!

Click Here To Shop Eye Candy Creations!

Adorable Vintage Dolls & Clocks come together for one of a kinds

Gumball Machins of yesterday make fabulous works of art for tomorrow!

  Jennifer's Designs are Delightful!

 

"HOME SWEET HOME"  away from home....

Sandra Foster's Catskills, NY dream home does not include a bathroom or a kitchen. It was a complete labor of love to turn it into her personal shabby-chic retreat. She did the renovation of this old hunting cabin and furnished it herself for $3,000. She transformed the 9 x 14 cabin into a beautiful Victorian cottage, a space all for herself. She used vintage columns that cost $60 each and floorboards for the exterior facade and wavy glass windows. The home was painted green and white, the front door was left in its original vintage style. 

Flea Market finds added a touch of glamour, a $15 chandelier

Shr built these cabinets from french doors at a garage sale each costing only $15.00 each.

This Fab mirror at another yard sale for only $22 & a little paint job to make it white.

The loft has a ladder to a comfy bed she bought Rachel Ashwells bedding from Target.
 

 

Fabulous Cupcakes - Hand made treats to Beautiful to eat!

     Visit Gypsyz Gift Shop ~ Click Here!

Happy Easter

 

Beautiful Shops Showing Off Some Beautiful Shops!

One of our Favorite Artist is Jo-Anne Coletti who pours her heart into her beautiful artistic designs. If you don't see what your looking for ask her for a custom commission!  Imagine your home filled with her romantic roses!

Just click above to visit Jo-Anne's beautiful site!

Specializing in Vintage inspired rose oil paintings by artist Jo-Anne Coletti,  favorite vintage finds, feminine lighting, and sumptuous home accessories for all things pretty!  Ourhope is to bring you a most delightful shopping experience browsing our boutique and decorating articles. Thank you sweetly for stopping by and please come back to visit us again soon...

Maureen makes the sweetest baby gifts in the world!  She can place your baby's face on one of her creations for a keepsake that will be unforgettable and adored for generations to come!  Click above to visit her site, "A Rose Without A Thorn" just one more special shop at Beautiful Shops.com

Just look at these incredible prices! Everything here is $15.00 or under!  Imagine $15.00 for a beautiful jewelry charm handmade!  Just click above to visit for Vintage Finds & One of a Kinds!  Another Beautiful Shop!

The Shabby Villa is filled with all kinds of shabby chic romantic vintage treasures!  If you love cherubs and roses you'll fall in love with one visit!  Just click above to go there now! "The Shabby Villa" Another Special Beautiful Shop at Beautiful Shops.com online shopping village where you'll fall in love with shopping again & again!

Roses & Teacups has everything from Tea Cups to Custom Jewelry!  Click above to visit another Beautiful Shop filled with beautiful gifts, home decor and all kinds of goodies to warm the heart & soul!

Artist  We found the cutest coolest shabbiest chic-iest adorable items to spoil your dog children!  Oh La-La!  Click above to visit "Merry Treasure Shopper"  another Special shop at Beautiful Shops.com

It's time for a HARVEST HOEDOWN!!! GRAND Show opening SEPTEMBER 30th

Fun, excitement, crafts!  If you are a crafty shopper or have a craft shop, you'll love the never ending craft show online!  No worry about high prices of gasoline when you can click and shop online!  Click above to visit no

What Woman doesn't love "Avon" and the great deals!? Cecilia Frederick is your personal online Avon Lady who will not only give you great deals, if you are looking for a great career she'll show you how to get started!  Click above to visit Cecilia and shop her fabulous "Avon" store!  Another Fabulous Shop at Beautiful Shops.com

    If you're like us, we just can't miss a Craft Show or a Craft Fair!  Well no need to mark your calendar, just click above and visit the Online Craft Fair that never closes!  The Never Ending Craft Show is one of our favorite online Malls full of great shops!  Another Beautiful place at Beautiful Shops.com

Merry Christmas

 
Roses & Teacups makes these cute little teapot earrings & what Mother wouldn't love to get this teacup!  She'd think of you every time she used it! A Great Christmas present! Vist Roses & Teacups for all kinds of beautiful gifts!   Roses & Teacups

 

                                                                These are the cutest mugs!  Get them at SB Teas!  Wrap them up with a variety of her exclusive teas and you can give a beautiful unique gift that keeps someone special warm over the Holidays!  SB Teas

 

Visit Cecilia at her Avon shop!  Avon - Cecilia

What better time of the year to think of God and his words than Christmas!  These dishes will be handed down generations to come and every holiday when you sit down with your family to dine you can be sure they'll remember you for giving such an great gift!  Feed on The Word

Shabby Chic Cottage Style Decorating For Christmas! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas memories snuggling up at my Grandmother's under one of her hand stitched quilts sipping on hot chocolate in front of the TV...Make your own memories like this beautiful quilt!  it's at:  Sew Graceful
     

 

Wendy brings us the most whimsical Christmas with her beautiful Christmas collection! She has an incredible artistic imagination doesn't she!  See more here:  Wendy Costa

Happy November 2008

Beautiful Shops Ads have a new more "Elegant" Look!  Our Christmas ad will be in Small Rooms decorating hitting Newsstands any day now!  Here is our beautiful new look for "Romantic Country" magazine coming out next!  Our New Talented Web Designer Cathy who owns Avalon Rose designs did this for us! The Ad is hard to see here but it's a half page and it's Beautiful! Please visit Cathy for all your Web Design needs, she is FANTASTIC, her Portfolio is stunning!  Hurry there's a waiting list!   Click here:  www.avalon-rose-design.com

Instead of thinking Fall, I'm thinking Falling in love with romantic roses!          I am in love with these fresh new fabrics at:  www.SewGraceful.com GYPSYSZ a funky new Shop with Natural Healing Potions for Body, Mind & Soul!  The Jewelry is gorgeous and really priced cheap! Great for Christmas gifts!  Looking for Good Lucky Amulets, Success Talismans or a Love Spell?  If you love Bling, you'll love them! The Breast Cancer ID Tag/Eyeglass Holders are Great! Only $14.95  These gorgeous 3" crystal cross earrings sparkly for the holidays only $12.95 WOW! Need a little Voodoo Love Doll in your life, He comes with a spell for good luck with Love, one of a kind! Visit Gypsyz here: www.Gypsyz.com 

 

 

Butterscotch Chocolate "Spiders"

Here's a simple recipe for a yummy Halloween treat!
   
DIRECTIONS

Cover a baking sheet with waxed paper.  In a small saucepan over low heat, melt chips. Stir until smooth.  Remove from heat.  Stir in butterscotch flavor, noodles and nuts until coated.  Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.  Press on 2 white chocolate chips  to make the eyes.  Chill 15 minutes or until firm. Remove from refrigerator.  Store loosely covered in a cool place.

Ghoulish Meringue Ghosts                                              (Click Photo to see readable print & to print)

Welcome....... New Members

Avon Calling......  Ladies we have our very own, online Avon Representative! Cecilia Frederick is happy to assist you with all your Avon products!  Fashion, Jewelry, Gifts, Home Decor, SPA products, everything t make you beautiful!  The Dutchess of York Sarah Ferguson has a fabulous line of gorgeous items! Click here to shop Avon!

Babies ~N~ Bellies is a unique shop for Mommy to be!  Jessica decided when she was pregnant there was a real need for Fashionable & Affordable Maternity fashions to make you feel beautiful while carrying your baby so she opened her store!  Click here to visit!

Sandra Lujan, Owner of My Lulabelles has been featured in magazines with her gorgeous one of a kind jeweled frames! She loves to incorporate vintage treasures & trinkets to make each one a special work of art!  Click here to visit her shop

 

Custom made broken china jewelry! Roses with Rabbits & Birds & Bears...oh my! Tami has a unique selection of vintage china jewelry already made or takes custom orders! Click here to visit!

Happy October

Most of us think Orange & Black for October but this year its "PINK October"  even Hershey’s will feature pink packaging and donate $300,000 to the Young Survival Coalition, a non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters who focus on concerns and issues unique to young women and breast cancer.  What a great excuse to eat chocolate!  Info on Pink October here
      

Cross Pens are donating for the cause too! Beautiful pink pens can be purchased here: Click for cross  Speaking of the cause, Everyone please say a prayer for our Girlfriend Gay Nell, she's had a pretty hard time of it and is now recovering.  Please drop her a note ~via~ email here:  arnellsjewelry@gvtc.com  All the Gals at Beautiful Shops wish you the best!!!!

Tea Rooms on the Boulevard!!!

In Honor of the New Tea Rooms opening on Beautiful Shops Boulevard, this week.... I had to include some pics of my Tea Room, The Rose Cottage. I have traveled the world to experience Tea Rooms.  From the London Ritz Carlton Tea Room to Paddingtons in Beverly Hills.  The Ritz Carlton Tea Room (shown here) is quite elegant, but I wanted something sweet, special and charming.

Not extravagant but exquisite.....Paddingtons is much more relaxed...(below)

The Plaza Hotel in New York is an affair to remember and very expensive...

And now for something more simpler in life....

My Tea Room.... "The Rose Cottage"

My very own Tea Room with several small rooms each with it's own personality decorated in romantic shabby chic decor.  Violins and piano music was like sweet perfume in the air as darling little fincehs greeted guest who walked in ....singing their own chirps aloud. 

 

The heavenly smell of scones baking and tea brewing was delightful and candle light added warmth and relaxation to the rooms, while a beautiful waterfall made from broken china & teacups was soothing and peaceful.  All kinds of scones and fabulous tempting desserts!

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The wallpaper in my Tea Room was Victorian with teacups as the border. This antique fireplace mantle was the first thing I ever shabbied out and painted, now its in my bedroom with a real fireplace!  The base coat is pink, crackled in white cream paint with hand painted roses & ivy.

I had the stained glass made, two of them one for the restroom and this one divided

a gift room and another smaller Tea Room. I painted the showcase, crackled white for a vintage look & the walls like pink icing on a cake! I hired a rose artist to paint roses on everything including the outside of the building & the mailbox.  Everything was pink, white & roses!

My gift shop was one of Florida's very first Rachel Ashwell's "Shabby Chic" dealer, filled with her beautiful rose patterned pillows, all her designs and one entire room alone was her incredible fabrics.  One wall had them draped across the room on The famous Shabby Chic Fabrics display. It was indeed very Chic.  Selling at $35 to $100 per yard with a 3-yard minimum it had to be!

 

Those cozy rose sheet type cotton fabrics like grandma use to put our beds.  Were my favorites the 100% pure cotton that your skin just loved to feel wrapped in. 

Two of my favorites with pink antique romantic roses.

I remodeled the store from an old house turned into an Antique shop and kept several rooms filled with antiques, vintage linens, glassware, crystal and collectibles of yesterday.  Each room filled with memoirs that took you back to a special place and time.  Memories of our childhood in the shop and the aroma of freshly baked scones in the Tea Room.  A heavenly mix.  I collected special Vendors from around the country to sell their collectibles and treasures in my shop.  The ceilings in the back rooms were covered with shabby chic elegant chandeliers,  looking up was fascinating and filled with crystals shining everywhere!  18h century parlor furniture welcomed you while another room had Americana antiques and even a perfect 1950's maytag turqouise and white washing machine just to spark cheerful conversation. I can't imagine washing clothes like this, can you? Look what Grandma had to go through! Yep, we've come all long way Baby!  This is for Sale if anyone wants a fabulous conversation piece for their shop! It should be in Maytag's Museum!

I'm FOR SALE!!!!    

I handmade mirrors drenched in vintage rhinestone jewelry form broken or lost pieces and had an impressive collection of vintage Weiss Jewelry, always my favorite!  Weiss jewelry is full of fire and gorgeous!

The china cabinets were filled with rose covered limoges china and limoges porcelain from France.  Dresden china and elegant Meissen ware were kept in a special china cabinet not to be touched but defintely to be admired.  My favorites and hard to part with vintage linens collection included hand embroidered pillow cases with crocheted edging and exquisite workmanship rarely found today.

     

Hand made quilts hung in one room while a nearby antique linen closet was home to over fifty of them folded and waiting for a new home, each one had a story, each one someone put a labor of love into, making them for someone they adored.  Feed sack quilts were so comfy to snuggle up in.  One of my Grandma's quilts was always perfect for napping and ensured sweet dreams were close by. Funny, looking at some of those old quilts I still have, the scraps were from some of my favorite dresses I wore to school or play clthes that Grandma made for me...and they were made with love.

Another love of mine was antique and vintage silverware.  I collected boxes of it and made fabulous whimsy mobiles and chimes from the mismatched ones.  They were too beautiful
to put away and forget.  I gave them new life hanging from old coffee pots, Similar to these beautiful ones hand crafted by www.Teapotchims.com:
Teapot Chimes - click here to see them all!

Visit Beautiful Shops online Village for all your "Tea-licious" Teas & Tea accessories!  We have several shops specializing in vintage, new, retro & whimsy teacups & saucers, Tea specialties, Tea decor and everything you need for your own Tea Room or Tea Party!  Celebrate the graceful art of tea.  Start a tea ritual!  It's healthy for your body and can be use in many ways! Cool tea bags on your eyes relieve tired eyes & puffyness, Soaking in chamomile tea is just as wonderful as sipping it and having tea with scones and a dap of devonshire cream and strawberries is one of the most wonderful treats in the world! 

SBS Teas has their own line of tea! www.SBSTeas.com

                             Roses & Teacups will delight you with their Tea goodies! www.Roses- and-Teacups.com

Happy Birthday September Ladies! Your birthstone is gorgeous!

Since the Middle Ages and, according to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm.  Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.  Blue sapphires range in colors and the most prized colors are a medium to medium dark blue or slightly violet blue.  Sapphire is a variety of the gem species corundum and occurs in all colors of the  rainbow.  Pink, purple, green, orange, or yellow corundum are known by their color (pink sapphire, green sapphire).  Ruby is the red variety of corundum.

September is National Sewing Month

Visit www.SewGraceful.com for all your sewing needs, beautiful gifts and one of a kind home decor items!  Ne patterns and fabrics have just arrived!  The Holidays are coming!!!

Hand sewn Baby booties with silk flowers and pink ribbon make them irresistible for baby shower gifts! The perfect pin cushion from  a vintage rose tea creamer and a fabulous hand stiched mannequin with a stunning 1930's Sears dress touched up and made exquisite by Mauren at: 

A Rose Without A Thorn

AUGUST 2008 

A Perfect Time To Get Into Vintage Decor

This is simply a must for your romantic or french victorian decor.

Vist:  The Shabby Villa

         

Visit Roses & Teacups for Romantic Decor, Tea ware and rose silk adornments.      

Click Here:  Oh La-la The Romantic Home.....   

                                         

 

The Whimsical World - Fairy Tale Decor
What do Ballerina Frogs, Fishing Frogs in red overalls, Dancing Hippos, Shabby French Roses, Paris ladies, cows jumping over the moon and Rabbits have in common?  They are all a part of The Whimsical World, a new online shop specializing in one of a kind whimsy chandeliers!  Please Visit    The Whimsical World and experience fairy tale decor!  From Classic to Whimsical designs.

It's the simple things that make lasting memories!                    HAPPY SUMMER!!!         

I look back and remember 4th of July as a Family event!  Hot dogs and marshmallows, Picnics at the lake or beach and fireworks lighting up the sky at night!  I was shocked to hear a teenager say he had only been to the beach once and never had a picnic.  Make memories with your children. Remember... next to love and care, the best thing you can give your family, is your time.

June counts three gems as birthstones, Pearl, Alexandrite, and moonstone.

Pearls have been used as an adornment for centuries.  They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire; later in Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the pearl age. Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. In the early 1900s, the first successful commercial culturing of round saltwater pearls began. Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market.

Alexandrite  A relatively modern gem, Alexandrite, was first discovered in Russia in 1831 during the reign of its namesake, Czar Alexander II, and is an extremely rare chrysoberyl with chameleon-like qualities.  Its color is a lovely green in both daylight and fluorescent light; it changes color to a purplish red in incandescent light. 

Moonstone      The third birthstone for June is the Moonstone. It was given its name by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone's appearance altered with the phases of the moon.  A phenomenal gemstone, moonstones show a floating play of light (called adularescence) and sometimes show either a multirayed star or a cat's eye. Considered a sacred stone in India, moonstones often are displayed on a background of yellow (a sacred color) and are believed to encapsulate within the stone a spirit whose purpose is to bring good fortune.  Part of the family of minerals called feldspar, moonstone occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks and comes in a variety of colors such as green, blue, peach, and champagne. The most prized moonstones are from Sri Lanka; India, Australia, the United States, Mayanmar, and Madagascar.

 

 

April 2008

As the April birthstone, diamonds are the ideal gift for a loved one.  And now you have more choices than ever. Get creative and give the ultimate gift of beauty: a fancy-color diamond. Fancy-color diamonds are natural, rare and truly exotic gem of the earth.  Diamonds in hues of yellow, red, pink, blue, and green range in intensity from faint to vivid and generally the more saturated the color, the higher the value. In fact, diamonds sparkling with intense color are rare and may be priced higher than a colorless diamond of equal size.  Because fancy-color diamonds are very desirable, color is sometimes introduced in a laboratory. These are correctly called color-treated diamonds. When purchasing a fancy-color diamond, the shopper should ask if any enhancements or treatments were used to improve its color and/or clarity.

As the birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derived from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C. Today, most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. The availability of high-quality emerald is limited; consequently, treatments to improve clarity are performed regularly.

I hope you all had a Beautiful Mothers Day!  Don't forget to take the photos and make a scrap  book page!  Mother's Day is a great day to start making Memories! Especially if you are a new Mother!

Mothers Day reminds me of quilts, tea, picnics, yummy homemade food, roses and all the things I shared with my Mother and Grandmother as I grew up.  There's nothing like putting together a party and if it's a beautiful day take it outdoors and throw down some quilts to sit on. 

Tea at Tiffany's has everything beautiful for tea: (Tea at Tiffanys)
I remember the smell of tea boiling on the stove entering my Grandmothers home.  Chicken & dumplings in a huge pot at Moms and taking naps on patchwork quilts made from scraps of all our clothes.  As a child I loved snuggling with patchwork buddies like this patchwork teddy with vintage rhinestone buttons for eyes!  (A Rose Without a Thorn)                                                                        Sachets filled with lavender and adorned with vintage jewelry, Maybe Grandma's favorite brooch. Waking up to the yummy smell of cookies hot out of the oven and that beautiful smile on Moms face as she served them to us.  Mom always had a special serving plat to make things extra pretty too!  Kimberly at Shabby Rose Studio knows all about adding special touches!  She paints roses, little blue birds & sweet cherubs on her beautiful wares. ( Shabby Rose Studio)

Mom always had a special touch at decorating too!  Putting whimsical artsy things together to make my room extra special like this shabby french chandelier made with teacups & dripping in crystals from The Whimsical World: ( Whimsical World )

One of my favorite things as a little girl was going into Mom's closet! Trying on her clothes and playing with her pretty handbags like these at Anna V Jewelry's shop! ( Anna V Jewelry )

or these awesome purses from Wendy Costa. Vintage or Retro is all in style!       

Wendy's original art work is on handmade purses & they are on SALE right now, I LOVE mine & everywhere I go, someone stops me to compliment me on my handbag!  (WendyCosta)

                                  I'll always remember my Grand Mother teaching me how to make things!  Crafts, once necessary for pure survival are now a work of "Heart" & art!  The Country Craft Show Online is the ultimate Craft Mall online!  You'll find primitive to whimsy, cut to elegant and everything in between! Have fun shopping there! Have a Craft Shop?  Join them! ( Country Craft Show Online 

 

 These are just a few of their Shops!  You'll have so much fun visiting them!   Don't forget to say your Blessing!  Feed on the word reminds you with scripture ware to eat on! What a wonderful gift for any occasion.  Simple & Elegant to fit every dinner table and remind us all we have so much to be thankful for! ( Feed on the Word )      

   It's the little things that mean the most and that we will always remember, those little treasures of life.  Beautiful Shops wishes all the Mother's & Grand Mother's out there  a Beautiful very special day with your loved ones!  Remember it's "Family" that truly matters the most and that starts with "Mom"..  Speaking of memories in time, Becky is well known for her one of a kind handmade vintage plate clocks!  She's has cute butter pat hanging plates too: ( Beckys Rose Cottage)

 Check out this fabulous China plate collage!  Vintage china, old silverware, broken china would be perfect for this!  Camp Divas will take your broken china to make something memorable for you if you don't see exactly waht you want on their site! ( Camp Divas )

March is "Women's History Month" - We've come a long way Baby! Beautiful Shops is proof Women can do anything! From Moms to Savy Entrepreneurs!

Here are some interesting links about Women who have changed our world!  Biographies, First Ladies, Women from the early days out West to Women in our present day.  Yes, we've come a long way Baby! Click here for Women's History Links  International Women's Day is March 8th!   

March 17th is St. Patricks Day.  Here are some beautiful Vintage Post cards & a sweet Irish poem.

AN IRISH WISH May you always have... A sunbeam to warm you,
Good luck to charm you, And a sheltering angel
So nothing can harm you, Laughter to cheer you,
Faithful friends near you, And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you. May your joys Be deep and many,
May your heart be light and glad,
May you have the best St. Patrick's Day
That you have ever had!


Kimberly Ryan of Shabby Rose Studio shows aperfect example of how to photograph your items with a soft background & adds lace for a romantic feel.  This is what the Editors of magazines look for!  Keep the background plain or simple, add lace or fabric to outline. 
Visit Kimberly's site:  The Art Of Kimberly Ryan

Mary Kotulak of Sew Graceful, adds a shabby chic quilt as a perfect background to show off several items and adds pearls for a romantic touch!  Visit Mary: A Beautiful array of gifts
 

Lori Meyst of Camp Divas, uses silk flowers as a background to show off her beautiful collage art framed in rhinestones! Her hand painted China, Murals & tiles are incredible!  Visit Lori: Exquisite Handmade Creations


Kerry Newcombe of Shabby Villa, uses art and lace as a background to show off this gorgeous hand painted vintage vase!  See all her vintage pretty one of a kind finds.  Visit Kerry:  Fabulous finds!


Karen Ingraham of Teacups and Roses, uses soft rose wallpaper to match up to the roses of her beautiful rose architectural shelf. Visit Karen:  Beautiful Tea accessories & Home decor!

Debra Ferries of Anna V Jewelry, uses black to add drama and show off her exquisite vintage brooch! Gorgeous vintage jewelry, purses & one of a kind hand made crsytal Jewelry!  Visit Debra:   Custom Crystal & Pearl Jewelry!


Debra Aguilar of Shabby City, shows off her charming jewelry using a blurred effect of roses as a background.  One of a kind earrings, Gorgeous Charm boxes for weddings & baby gifts and charm key chains that keep photos of loved ones close by!  Visit Debra:  Very "Charming"Jewelry!

The two birthstones for March are aquamarine and bloodstone.

The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.  This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage.  The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.  Its pale, cool color beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes. Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color usually is more intense in larger stones.  This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but also is found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.

The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green jasper flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide.  This ancient stone was used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have healing powers — especially for blood disorders. It is sometimes called the martyr's stone as legend tells that it was created when drops of Christ's blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross.  Generally found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this stone are India, Brazil, and Australia.

 

Welcome New Members

Susan Temple owns Baskets-N-Boughs in Ashville, Ohio visit her shop online www.BasketsnBoughs.com  She has beautiful baskets for a new Baby,  weddings, pets, thank you's & House warmings! Hand made wreaths and gifts for every possible occassion!

Marilou Rock owns Lemon Tree Corners in Williamsburg, Virginia visit her shop online www.LemonTreeCorners.com or her Auctions on EBay.  Exquisite vintage jewelry, antiques and incredible collectibles!  Sterling silver collectible spoons,  Oriental vintage  porcelain  & other collections!

April Goff Brown owns April Goff Brown Jewelry in Hartford, Connecticut.  Visit her online shop www.AprilGoffJewelry.com for gorgeous one of a kind gemstone, lampwork glass and crystal jewelry! She recreates that romantic vintage look and she takes custom orders!

This months stone is Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted.  Throughout history, the gemstone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures.  English regalia were even decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. It has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Amethyst is purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can found in every corner of the earth. Historically, the finestamethyst were found in Russia and were featured in much royal European jewelry.  Today, while Brazil is the primary source of this gemstone, fine material can be found elsewhere, especially in Zambia. 

Thinking Romantic, Beautiful Shops Members stores are filled with romantic decor, vintage and antiques along with cottage style items to make any room romantic.  Look how pretty this room is! Just imagine a vintage chandelier and mis-matched vintage china dishes on the table. 

This is Shabby Chic style at it's best in romantic white on white with shades of pinks and greens. Remember to add roses!  Buy faux roses and twist them onto the tied on ribbons.  Add folded napkins and add the same roses to the napkin rings.  Add candles with roses wrapped around the base and fresh roses in a vase in the center of the table! The beauty of white, you can decorate around it simply changing accessories and colors, especially for the holidays.

Visit CupidsCharm for romantic Valentines Day jewelry.  Hand made necklace, earrings and keepsakes, romantic inspired from broken china. 

    HEART SHAPED SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEETIE

CHOCOLATE HEART CAKE   HEART COOKIES    COOKIE SANDWICH HEARTS           COFFEE DACQUOISE HEARTS        STRAWBERRY HEART PILLOWS

Click on any delicious Valentine dessert for the recipe, Yummy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Chocolate and Raspberry Heart
Napoleons

From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

Serves 2

3 half-pint containers of fresh raspberries, about 18 ounces, or 1 pound frozen raspberries

4 large egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

2 tablespoons kirsch, or champagne

3 large egg whites

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon superfine sugar 

Bittersweet Chocolate Hearts (see recipe below) 

Confectioners' sugar, for garnish

Directions

1. Line a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Place raspberries (if using fresh raspberries, reserve 1/2 cup for garnish) in a medium skillet over medium heat. Simmer until raspberries begin to break down and liquid is released, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer raspberries to a food processor, and puree, about 20 seconds. Pass through a fine sieve. Set aside to cool.
2. Fill a large bowl with ice and water; set aside. Bring a stockpot 1/4 full of water to a boil. Let simmer. In a medium stainless-steel bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sugar, corn syrup, and kirsch or champagne; place over simmering water. Whisking constantly, cook until mixture thickens (when whisk is lifted over the mixture, the ribbonlike trail it leaves on the surface should hold its shape for 1 or 2 seconds), about 4 minutes. Transfer bowl to the ice-water bath; whisk mixture while it cools. Add 3/4 cup raspberry puree to mixture; whisk to combine. Set aside.
3. In an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on high speed until frothy, about 30 seconds. While mixer is running, gradually add remaining 6 tablespoons sugar; beat until very stiff, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Beat cream with whisk attachment until stiff; fold into egg whites.
4. Fold raspberry mixture into egg whites and cream. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan; cover with plastic wrap. Transfer to the freezer; freeze until hardened, at least 4 hours. This can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
5. To make the raspberry sauce, stir superfine sugar into the remaining raspberry puree (about 2 tablespoons). Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. To serve, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (2 1/2 inches across at the widest point) to cut out four hearts from the semifreddo. Divide the raspberry sauce between two dessert plates. Place a chocolate heart, off center, on top of the raspberry sauce. Place a semifreddo heart on each chocolate heart, and repeat layering until there are three layers of chocolate and two layers of semifreddo, ending with a chocolate heart. Garnish with reserved fresh raspberries (if using), and sift confectioners’ sugar over the raspberries, if desired.

Bittersweet Chocolate Hearts

Ingredients

Makes 6

• 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Cut parchment paper to fit a 9-by-13-by-2-inch pan. Brush vegetable oil in corners and center of the pan, pressing parchment to adhere it. Set aside.
2. Bring a medium pot of water to a simmer. Place chocolate in a medium stainless-steel bowl; place the bowl over, but not in, the simmering water to melt the chocolate, about 4 to 6 minutes.
3. Remove chocolate from simmering water. Thoroughly dry bottom of bowl; a drop of water will ruin the chocolate. Pour chocolate into prepared pan. Using a large metal offset (bent-neck) spatula, spread the chocolate evenly over the surface 1/6 inch thick. Freeze until chocolate sets, about 6 minutes.
4. Working quickly, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (3 1/4 inches across at widest point), to cut out six chocolate hearts. If chocolate begins to soften, return to freezer for several minutes. Run an offset spatula under the hearts, and place in a container. Cover and freeze until ready to use, up to 2 weeks.

Romantic Homes & Beautiful Shops

We are so thrilled to see some of our members in the pages of the February issue of Romantic Homes. 

Check out Angelina's Cards!

AND Dianne Wood, The Desperate Diva!

Congratulations to both of you for making it into the Valentine's Issue! We're so proud of you!! Your items are beautiful!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas from Beautiful Shops!

I'd like to wish you all a beautiful Christmas! Today's images come from Jo-Anne Coletti's private collection. These photographs are of her lovely home and products. Enjoy.

For more of Jo-Anne's original art and photography and to read her beautiful decorating ideas, please visit her website and blog.