CharmingChick.com

Sterling Silver "I Love You" Charm
Every Day Low Price $14.99 

Valentine's Day is the time of year when we set aside a moment to show the ones we love just how much they mean to us. Of course, we should be telling them and showing them each and every day ~ but Valentine's Day gives us an extra excuse to be thoughtful and kind. On the Charming Chick blog today, we are going to provide you with a few sweet ideas to spoil your sweetie! Don't forget to take some time to look over our website; we have great gift ideas for men, women and children. Make sure you visit our Shipping Information page to ensure you receive your order in time for the holiday.

Sterling Silver Monogram Heart Necklace
Every Day Low Price $64.00 

Valentine's Day Ideas

1) Breakfast in Bed -- This year Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday but don't let stop you from treating your sweetheart to breakfast in bed. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like but whatever you decide you can be sure that the one you love will be thrilled and feel completely spoiled by the extra loving attention.

2) Scavenger Hunt -- Valentine's Day is a wonderful time for a scavenger hunt. Anyone young, old or in between can enjoy a scavenger hunt. You can get really creative with the clues, leave trinkets and treasures at each stop along the way and even include the whole family in on the hunt.

3) Notes from the Heart -- No matter what day it is, it's always very special to receive sweet notes from the people we love.  Write it on the bathroom mirror, leave notes on your loved ones pillow, in their car, in their lunch box, in unexpected places. Get creative and speak your heart. Flowers are great but meaningful words will be treasured for a lifetime.

4) A Jar of Love -- Think about all of the things you love about your sweetie and write each and every one of those things down, it can be anything from I love the way you smile, you encouraging, you make the best spaghetti and meatballs -- whatever you love write it down on a slip of paper and put it in a decorate jar or box. Try to come up with 10o things to write but if you can come up with 365 that would be even better -- then everyday morning for on year your love can pull a slip out and be reminded how loved and cherished they are.

5) Coupon Book -- Does your spouse have a "Honey Do List?" Show them that you have really be paying attention by making a coupon book that includes all of those items plus some extras that you know they would really like you to do.

6) The Element of Surprise -- The gift of surprise is so much fun. Receiving balloons, sweets, flowers, jewelry, or other gifts is always very much appreciated and enjoyed.

7) Fill a Photo Album -- A very special and meaningful gift for Valentine's Day is to create a photo album or photo book.You can choose to do a theme from a favorite vacation or a lifetime of memories.

8) Make a Mixed CD -- It may sound a little old fashion but a mixed CD with favorite and/or sentimental songs is such a romantic and fun Valentine's Day gift.

Personalized Grill Tool Gift Set
Everyday Low Price $35

On Valentine's Day men don't necessarily look forward to receiving a bouquet of flowers or a beautiful piece of blingy jewelry. Some do, but for those who don't we have some fantastic gift ideas for you! At Charming Chick we have  a great selection of Men's Gifts for you to choose from. Today, we are going to feature some our most wished for men's items just perfect for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day!

Also, as a side note, you'll want to visit our Shipping Information page to ensure your Valentine's Day gifts arrive on time. We do our best to ship our items as quickly as possible.  Now let's have a look at some fantastic gifts for men.

Black Leather Engraved Money Clip Wallet
Everyday Low Price $35.99 

Nothing says "I Love You" on Valentine's Day like a personalized gift. This handsome Black Leather Engraved Money Clip Wallet is crafted of genuine leather and is the ideal gift for the man in your life. It features a clear view ID window, multiple card slots on the inside and outside and leather covered magnetic clasp.With its slim form and timeless design, this money clip will never go out of style. The personalization may be two styles: either a silver stamp on the clip or engraved on a silver plate that is attached to the wallet.  Please allow one week for personalization.

Set of 3 Personalized Men's White Hankies
Everyday Low Price $26.99 

Every gentleman should own at least one set of personalized hankies. This traditional men's gift set makes a wonderful Valentine's Day gift. Crafted of 100% cotton and easily washable, these classically designed handkerchiefs feature a handsome, vertical and horizontal line trim, which create a cross hatch look in all four corners and free personalization. Each hankie measures 16 by 16 inches and may be embroidered with up to three block initials in white, tan, grey, navy or black thread.

Engraved Sterling Silver Money Clip
Everyday Low Price $159.00

Our Sterling Silver Money Clip is a finely crafted gift for the one you love. Any man would be delighted to receive such a handsome, masculine and special gift for Valentine's Day.  This sterling silver money clip can be personalized with the Times Block font in the sample above.

Delta Phi Epsilon ~ ΔΦΕ:

Open Motto: "To be rather than to seem to be."
Mascot: Unicorn
Jewel: Pearl
Colors: Royal Purple and Pure Gold
Flower: The lovely purple iris

The Alpha Chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon was founded at New York University of Law March 17, 1917. The founders Dorothy Cohen Schwartzman, Ida Bienstock Landau, Minna Goldsmith Mahler, Eva Effron Robin and Sylvia Steireman Cohn wanted to form a sorority that was different from others -- and it was. It was the first sorority founded at a professional school and one of the first non-sectarian social sororities. As noted on the Delta Phi Epsilon website the young female law student came together to:

"Promote good fellowship among the women students among the various colleges in the country...to create a secret society composed of these women based upon their good moral character, regardless of nationality or creed...to have distinct chapters at various colleges..."

Delta Phi Epsilon was formally incorporated on March 17, 1922 and in December of that same year they welcomed in their first international chapter at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec Canada.  Their focus has always been to build strong chapters, which there are 75 of currently and there are over 50,000 member in the US and Canada.

Philanthropy is a very important to the members of Delta Phi Epsilon. Their two main philanthropic partners are the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and  Anorexia Nervosa and other Associated Disorders (ANAD). Here is more detailed information from the official Delta Phi Epsilon website.

Have you seen the new products at Charming Chick. We are constantly adding fabulous and fashionable items to our website. Today we are going to be introducing you to some exciting products on the blog. Sit back, enjoy and don't forget that if you are following us on Twitter @Charming_Chick we have a FREE Saver Shipping Twitter-Only coupon code going on now, so hop on over there and take advantage before it expires on February 5th, 2012. Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner these new products make ideal gifts for the holiday.

These earrings are a gorgeous new product. The Antiqued Bronze Heart Hoop earrings are stunning and stylish. Their light weight design makes them easy and comfortable to wear. Bronze adds an eye-catching element to this classic design. Great as a Valentine's Day gift or for any other time of the year.

This Valentine's Day Swarovski Crystal Sterling Silver Heart Bracelet is so beautiful and dainty. The whimsical sterling silver heart charm dangles sweetly from the hand-beaded bracelet. This bracelet features 8mm pink and red Swarovski crystal beads, silver beads, and a sterling silver heart charm. Measures 7 inches long.

Another new product here at Charming Chick is this stunning Sterling Silver Floating Heart Pendant. Heart necklaces and the floating heart style is also a hot trend right now in jewelry fashion. It's different than a traditional pendant that uses a bail; instead the chain is threaded right through the middle of the pendant -- the heart floats effortlessly along the chain.

This is one of our sweetest new products. Our Sterling Silver Love Daughter Multi-Charm necklace makes a loving statement to your darling daughter. Multi-charm pendants are very popular trend right now and this one is especially beautiful with the contrast of the two-toned finish. The sterling silver is 14k gold plated.

The last new product that we are featuring today is for the 2012 Graduate in your family. This charm is crafted of genuine sterling silver and may be attached to a bracelet, anklet, chain, or earrings. The charm measures 17mm.

We hope you enjoy these new items and don't forget to take advantage of our super low prices on our Clearance Items as well.

Pink CZ Heart Pendant 

Valentine's Day shopping is simple at Charming Chick. We have all of our most popular Valentine's Day Gifts is one easy location. All of the items featured on the blog today are for women but if you are looking for gifts for the man in your life,we do have a fantastic selection of men's gifts available as well. Be sure to shop early so you receive your Valentine's gifts in plenty of time. Also, if you are interested in saving money, follow us on Twitter @Charming_Chick to find out about our best sales and find out about Twitter-only coupon codes (psssst: we have one of those going on right now for free saver shipping, so hop over to our twitter page and check it out).

This gorgeous Floating Sterling Silver Heart Pendant is a perfect Valentine's Day gift for any lady on your list. Your girlfriend, fiancee, wife, daughter, or mother would be delighted to receive this versatile heart pendant. This pendant is one of our most popular heart necklaces and  the floating heart is also a hot trend right now in jewelry fashion. It's different than a traditional pendant that uses a bail; instead the chain is threaded right through the middle of the pendant -- the heart floats effortlessly along the chain.

Another great Valentine's Day gift is this  Sterling Silver Monogram Heart Necklace. It is finely crafted and personalized just for your sweet Valentine. It's absolutely stunning and will quickly become a well worn favorite piece of jewelry. Each time your lovely lady puts this necklace on she will be reminded of your generosity and love.

This sterling silver Be Mine Valentine Charm is a fantastic Valentine's Day gift for any one on your list. It makes the perfect gift for an establish loving relationship, a new relationship or even a sweet way to let the girl of your dreams know that you'd love it if she would be yours. This heart charm is crafted of genuine .925 sterling silver.

The last Valentine's Day gift item that we are featuring today is this vibrant enameled heart charm. This Stacked Hearts Valentine's Day Charm is plain silver colored on one side and has red, pink and white enamel on the front. The design has three hearts stacked, with wavy edges. Measures about 0.75 of an inch tall including bail. It also features a link so that you can easily attach it to any necklace, bracelet, anklet, earrings, etc.

Reg. Price $139.99 ~ On Sale NOW for only $99
 Hurry, this offer ends on 01/31/2012!

If you are ready to get a jump start on your Valentine's Day shopping at Charming Chick can save you money! We have several items that make perfect Valentine's Day gifts BUT the sale prices on all of the items featured on the blog today end this Tuesday January 31st. Also be sure to follow us on twitter @Charming_Chick to get twitter-only coupon codes. We have one going through February 5th, 2012 for F*R*E*E Saver Shipping, so hop on over there, follow us and get the code.

While looking for Valentine's Day gifts you'll really want to consider this fab deal! Our Sterling Silver Monogram necklace - pictured above - is one of our most popular items. The price has been drastically reduced and the offer ends January 31st. It is crafted of genuine sterling silver and can be personalized just for your Valentine! Available in 3 necklace lengths and two monogram sizes. Small monogram measures 0.75 inches tall and a little over 1 inch wide (width does vary a bit depending on the letters). The large monogram measures 1.75 inches tall and 1.75 inches wide (width does vary a bit depending on the letters).

Regular Price 18.99 ~ On Sale NOW for only $16.99
Hurry, this offer ends on 01/31/2012

These handsome cuff links would make an ideal Valentine's Day gifts for any special man in your life. They are classic, elegant and very stylish. The monogram on the front is a nice personalized touch which every gentleman can appreciate. Each cuff link measures 3/4 of an inch in diameter. May be engraved with three block initials at no additional cost.  Please allow one week for personalization.

Regular Price $23.99 ~ On Sale NOW for only $16.99
Hurry, this offer ends on 01/31/2012

The last item we are featuring on the blog today is this adorable Swarovski Crystal Personalized Girl's bracelet. If you have a little girl on your Valentine's Day list, she will be delighted to receive this darling bracelet. Each Swarovski crystal is faceted to catch the light just right and the silver-plated flower charm can be engraved with her initial. This is an item she will absolutely love to wear. The bracelet measures 5.75 inches in length.

Be sure to visit our website to view more of our most popular Valentine's Day gifts!

Are you newly engaged? Just started wedding planning? Looking for wedding vendors in the Dallas area that you can trust?

You only get one wedding - and there are no do-overs - so you'll want to make sure you choose the right pros to capture all of the special moments and to ensure things run smoothly on your big day! Wedding planning involves pulling together an enormous amount of well thought out details -- and trusting that the logistics of those details to professionals who have your best interest at heart. At Charming Chick we know and understand this, which is why we have decided to make your decision easier by featuring 3 local Dallas vendors who you can rely on. We are confident that they will make every effort to make your day extra special!

2nd Generation Video Productions -- Dallas  -- http://www.2gvp.com/

Your wedding day will pass by in the blink of an eye. You will be filled with so much love, joy and excitement but it may be difficult to remember the details and you'll long to relive those moments once again. Hiring a highly skilled videographer will ensure that each loving glance, tender touch and unique moment will be documented forever. This  means that  you can share and enjoy your wedding day over and over with friends and family -- as well as your future children grandchildren, and  great-grandchildren.

(Photo courtesy 2nd Generation Video)

2nd Generation Video Productions is a family owned and operated video production company. They are recognized as one of the best in their field and have been selected Best of the Knot for the past 2 years. They were also awarded a Creative Excellence Award from their professional association. 2nd Generation is able to ensure the highest quality videos because they use only HD Cameras and can produce videos on either DVD or BluRay. They also use wireless mics to provide their clients with clear audio of the vows, readings, toasts and everything in between. Before hiring a videographer be sure to read Questions to Answer Before Selecting a Videographer and Choosing Your Video on 2nd Generation's blog. You'll also want to follow them on Facebook for up-to-date information.

Another fantastic option that 2nd Generation offers their clients is the ability for friends and family to give the gift of a professionally produced top-notch wedding video. They have made it very easy by providing an online Video Bridal Registry. They provide a shopping cart and secure payment site where couples can register -- then friends and family can purchase gift cards towards the cost of the wedding video. They also provide flexible payment options to fit just about any wedding budget.

(Photo courtesy 2nd Generation Video)

"This business is a labor of love for our family.  We treat every couple as if they were our own children and strive to deliver a product that will become a treasured piece of family history.  We feel our work speaks for itself: feel free to view our samples at www.2gvp.com"

Event Elements -- Dallas --  http://eventelements.com/blog/

When you are wedding planning it is especially smart to consider hiring a wedding planner. Your wedding is all about you and your husband-to-be. You'll want to celebrate and enjoy each other, your family and friends without having to worry if each and every detail is playing out just the way you planned. These wonderful professionals can certainly be a sanity saver but you really want to hire someone who you connect with, someone who really "gets" your vision and is especially attentive to details -- and your budget. An event planner can be involved just the day (or weekend) of, to ensure that things run smoothly and on time -- or they can be with you every step of the way as you plan and design the perfect day.

We recommend that you contact Event Elements for your wedding planning needs. Kristyn Hall, owner of Event Elements  is professionally trained by The Dallas Wedding Planner Program. She provides very personal service and excellent attention to details. She is creative, innovative and works to make your big day especially unique and personal. She also has accounting and budget management experience, which means she can help you plan the wedding of your dreams and help you stay on track with your budget.

Event Elements also won the 2011 Brides Choice Award from WeddingWire, so they are now in the top 5 percent of Wedding Pros nationwide. Whether you just need someone for the days leading up to your big day or a full-planner who can walk your through the entire process, Event Elements will design a package specifically to meet your needs. Follow them on Facebook and visit their blog for more information and to see gorgeous photos from weddings they have helped plan.

Rhonda Robbins Photography -- Dallas -- http://rhondarobbins.typepad.com/   

Selecting a great photographer will mean so much to you. After your" big" day has come and gone, you will pour over the pages of your wedding album time and time again to relive all of the love and joy you felt on your most wonderful day. With each click of their lens, a skilled photographer can capture all the warm  feelings, sweet moments and blissful fun that will occur on your wedding day and document it for a lifetime.

Rhonda Robbins, of Rhonda Robbins Photography will capture all of your most special moments. She not only does an amazing job as a wedding photographer, she also does gorgeous engagement sessions, family photo shoots and more. She  is a true professional who listens to your needs. You will be delighted with the results!

Contact Rhonda today to learn more about her photo packages. Also, be sure to follow her blog and look for her on Facebook. She has some amazing photos on both, so take some time to look around.

Have Fun Planning Your Dallas Wedding!!!!!!

Hopefully you were one of the lucky people to receive a fine quality piece of Charming Chick sterling silver jewelry over the holiday. If you were - or you already own, love and enjoy this gorgeous metal - we have some tips on how to keep it looking it's best. There are just a few things you need to know about silver before we talk about how to care for it.

Sterling Silver consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal, which is usually copper or some other alloy. You can tell if a piece of jewelry is Sterling silver because it is commonly stamped with -- 925 or sterling. Silver is much more abundant than gold and platinum, so the price of the piece is largely determined by the craftsmanship and labor involved in its creation.

As some of you may know, over time sterling silver reacts with the sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air and the metal can become tarnished. Tarnish (which appears as black patches) occurs when the compound silver sulfide if formed. It is important to note that silver can react poorly when it comes in contact with other things like; rubber gloves, cleaning products, chlorinated water, perfumes, hairsprays, etc.

How to Reduce Tarnishing:

To reduce tarnishing, we recommend keeping your sterling silver jewelry in an air-tight protective bag made of tarnish proof cloth or a plastic zip lock bag made of Mylar or polyethylene. Charming Chick stores and ships our jewelry in small zip-lock style bags for this reason. You can continue to store your jewelry in this bag if you wish, or purchase another larger bag for storing your sterling silver collection. If you properly store your sterling silver charms, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, rings, brooches, etc., they will require minimal cleaning to keep that beautiful shine. We also recommend storing it away from other articles that might rub against it and causes scratches. Sometimes wood finishes can contain chemicals that are not good for sterling silver, so avoid storing on wood surfaces.

Flower Girl

Aside from seeing the bride for the first time,  many wedding guests look forward to seeing the adorable flower girl and ring bearer make their way down the aisle. What exactly are the duties of the flower girl? Is there anything you can do to ensure that she is able to perform her duties? What are some gifts that a flower girl might enjoy? We will be answering these questions  for you on the Charming Chick Blog today.

What is a flower girl?

Flower girls were first used in weddings as a symbol of fertility. They are typically a young female family member or friend of the family who is between the ages of 3-8 years old. If you have several darling little girls to choose from it may be hard to select just one but there aren't any rules that state you can't have more than one.

What are flower girl duties?

The flower girl attends the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner and of course walks down the aisle in front of the bride spreading flower petals or carrying a bouquet, kissing ball or wreath of flowers. Oh and .of course looking adorable and possibly adding a little comic relief.

What can you do to avoid wedding day jitters?

If the flower girl is too young, she may get too nervous, shy or be too young to understand what she needs to do. Choosing a flower girl who is a little older can definitely help thwart the jitters. Regardless of age, it is very helpful to have the flower girl's parents up at the front either. It will help her want to walk down the aisle if she see the face of oune of her parents waiting for her at the other end. Also, having more that one flower girl provides added confidence and security.

Flower Girl Gifts

Click on the images below to learn more about each gift item....