Story Charms

Anniversary Gift List

2012-03-02T08:54:00.002+00:00

Image via Wikipedia

Image via WikipediaFind the traditional or modern gift suggestion for anniversaries ranging from 1 year to 100 years.

1st Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Paper

Modern Gifts: Clocks

2nd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Cotton

Modern Gifts: China

3rd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Leather

Modern Gifts: Crystal

4th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Fruit or Flowers

Modern Gifts: Appliances

5th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Wood

Modern Gifts: Silverware

6th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Candy or Iron

Modern Gifts: Wood

7th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Wool or Copper

Modern Gifts: Desk Sets

8th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Bronze or Pottery

Modern Gifts: Linens or Lace

9th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Pottery and Willow

Modern Gifts: Leather

10th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Tin or Aluminum

Modern Gifts:Diamond Jewelry

11th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Steel

Modern Gifts: Fashion Jewelry

12th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Silk or Linen

Modern Gifts: Pearls

13th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Lace

Modern Gifts: Textiles or Furs

14th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Ivory

Modern Gifts: Gold Jewelry

15th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Crystal

Modern Gifts: Watches

16th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Silver Holloware

17th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Furniture

18th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Porcelain

19th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Bronze

20th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: China

Modern Gifts: Platinum

21st Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Brass or Nickel

22nd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Copper

23rd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Silver Plate

24th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Musical Instruments

25th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Silver

Modern Gifts: Silver

26th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Original Pictures

27th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Sculpture

28th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Orchids

29th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Furniture

30th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Pearl

Modern Gifts: Diamond

31st Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Time Pieces

32nd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Conveyances

33rd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Amethyst

34th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Opal

35th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Coral

Modern Gifts: Jade

36th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Bone China

37th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Alabaster

38th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Beryl or Tourmaline

39th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Lace

40th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Ruby

Modern Gifts: Ruby

Celebrating: Ideas and Symbols

41st Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Land

42nd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Improved Real Estate

43rd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Travel

44th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Groceries

45th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Sapphire

Modern Gifts: Sapphire

46th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Original Poetry

47th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Books

48th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Optical Goods

49th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Luxuries

50th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Gold

Modern Gifts: Gold

51st Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Blue Sapphire

52nd Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Ruby

55th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Emerald

Modern Gifts: Emerald

60th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Yellow Diamond

Modern Gifts: Diamond

65th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Star Sapphire, Gray

67th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Star Sapphire, Purple

75th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts: Diamonds, Diamond Like Stones, Gold

Modern Gifts: Diamond, Gold

80th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Diamond, Pearl

85th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Diamond, Sapphire

90th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Diamond, Emerald

95th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: Diamond, Ruby

100th Wedding Anniversary

Traditional Gifts:

Modern Gifts: 10K Diamond

Zodiac Sun Signs

2012-03-02T08:34:00.006+00:00

Astrological Signs (Photo credit: Monika Thorpe)

Star Signs

Aries 21 March – 20 April

Taurus 21 April – 21 May

Gemini 22 May – 21 June

Cancer 22 June – 23 July

Leo 24 July – 23 August

Virgo 24 August – 23 September

Libra 24 September – 23 October

Scorpio 24 October – 22 November

Sagittarius 23 November – 21 December

Capricorn 22 December – 20 January

Aquarius 21 January – 19 February

Pisces 20 February – 20 March

The Meaning of Flowers

2012-03-02T08:19:00.002+00:00

Image via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaImage via WikipediaFlowers & Their Meanings

Flowers are an ideal subject for a custom photo charm. You can create a bracelet with a special message by selecting flowers that have a 'secret' meaning. What fantastic and unusual gift that would make. Compose your message using this list, then use our contact form to send your floral photo charm requirements, and 'say it with flowers'.

Alstromeria: Devotion
Alyssym: Excellence beyond beauty
Amaryllis (Love Lies Bleeding): Hopeless, not Heartless
Anemone: Forsaken, Fading Hope
Apple Blossom: Preference
Arum Lily, Calla Lily: Magnificent beauty, Ardour
Aster: Afterthoughts, love of variety
Azalea: Temperance
Baby's Breath: Pure of Heart
Bachelor's Buttons: Celibacy
Begonia: Beware
Belladonna Lily: Silence
Bluebell: Constancy; Forgive and Fforget
Bridal Rose: Happy Love
Bridal Rose White Bud: Awakening Love
Buttercup: Ingratitude
Calla Lily: Magnificent beauty
Camellias, Red: Unpretentious
Camellias, White: Exquisite Loveliness
Campanula, White: Gratitude
Carnations, Red: My Poor Heart
Carnations, Pink: I'll never forget you
Carnations, Striped: Refusal
Carnations, Yellow: Disdain
China Rose: Ever New Beauty
Christmas Rose: Help for Anxiety
Chrysanthemum, Red: I Love
Chrysanthemum, White: Truth
Chrysanthemum, Yellow: Slighted Love
Clematis: Beautiful Mind
Cockscomb celosia: Affectation, Individuality
Columbine: Folly
Convolvulus: Bonds
Convolvulus, Blue: Repose
Convolvulus, Pink: Tender Affection
Cornflower: Delicacy, refinement
Crocus: Abuse Not
Crocus, Spring: Youthful Gladness
Cyclamen: Diffidence
Daffodils: Regard, Hope, Unrequited love
Dahlia: Changeable, Good taste
Daisy: Innocence, Increasing Remembrance
Damask Rose: Freshness Everlasting
Fern: Fascination, Sincerity
Forget-Me-Not: Constant Love, "the key to my heart"
Foxglove: Insincere
French Marigold: Jealousy, Discontent
Freesia: Innocence, Platonic Friendship
Fuschia: Discernment
Garden Daisy: Sentiment Shared
Gardenia: Refinement, Joy
Garland of Roses: Heroes Reward
Geranium Dark: Sadness
Geranium Ivy: Bridal Tribute
Geranium Lemon: Surprise Meeting
Geranium Scarlet: Comfort
Gerbera, Red: Unconscious in love
Gerbera, White: Truth, Innocence
Gerbera, Yellow: I'll try harder to win you
Gerbera, Orange: You're the sunshine of my life
Gladiolus: Readily armed, Strength of Character
Heliotrope: Faithful Devotion
Hibiscus: Rare Beauty
Honeysuckle: Country Beauty
Hyacinth, Blue: Sporting, Constancy
Hyacinth, White: Discreet Loveliness
Hydrangea: Thank you for understanding
Iris: Communication, Eloquence, Faith, Hope
Iris, Yellow: Flame of Love
Ivy: Friendship, Wedded love
Jasmine: Conviviality
Jonquils: Seeking Affection
Laburnum: Forsaken
Lady's Slipper: Flighty
Larkspur: Fickleness, Haughtiness
Lavender: Cautious
Lilac, Field: Charity
Lilac, Purple: First Love
Lilac, White: Youthful Innocence
Lily-of-the-Valley: Return of Happiness
Lily, White: Purity
Longi Lily (Lilium longiflorum: Pure and Modest
Lotus Flower: Rejected Love
Love-in-a-Mist: Uncertainty
Magnolia: Perseverance, Benevolence
Marigold: Ill at ease
Narcissus: Egotistical
Mimosa (Acacia): Sensitivity, Secret Love
Mistletoe: Kiss me
Nasturtium: Loyalty
Orange blossom: Bridal festivities, Virginity, "your purity equals your loveliness"
Orchid: Love; beauty; refinement
Palm: Victorious
Pansies: Consideration
Peony: Bashfulness, Indignation
Pinks (Dianthus): Pure Love
Poinsettias: Flower of Christmas Eve; Flower of the Holy Night
Polyanthus: Price of Riches
Poppies, Red: Consolation
Poppies, Scarlet: Extravagance
Poppies, White: White
Primroses: Youth, Inconsistency
Ranunculas: Radiant Charm
Rhodadendron: Dangerous
Rosebuds, Red: Purity
Rosebuds, White: Youth
Rosemary: Sweet Remembrance
Roses: Love & Good Fortune
Roses, Red: Eternal Love
Roses, single stem: Simplicity
Roses, Red & White bouquet: Unity
Roses, White: Purity, Innocence, Truth
Roses, White with pink tinge: "only for you"
Roses, Bright Pink: "meet me by moonlight"
Roses, Pink: Young love, romance, first love
Roses, Yellow: Friendship, Rememberance
Roses, Bridal: Happy Love
Roses, Cabbage: Ambassador of Love
Roses, China: Fresh Beauty
Rose-leaf: You may hope
Rudbeckia: Justice
Snapdragon: Presumption
Snowdrop: Consolation,Hope, Friendship in trouble
Solidago: Encouragement
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum): Purity
Statice (Sea Lavender): To Stand
Stock (Matthiola): Lasting Beauty
Sweet Pea: Departure, delicate pleasures
Sunflower, Tall: Pride
Sunflower, Dwarf: Worship
Sweet Peas: Delicacy
Sweet William: Bravery
Thistle: Loyal
Tiger Flower: Befriend me, friend
Tiger Lily: Devotion
Tuberosa: Illicit Pleasures, Danger
Tulips: Fame
Tulip, Red: Declaration of Love
Tulip, Yellow: Unrequited Love
Veronica: Fidelity
Violet, Sweet: Modesty
Violet, Blue: Faithful Devotion
Wallflower: Heart's Ease
Water Lily: Chastity and Virtue
Wattle, Yellow: Secret Love
Wattle, Rose or White: Elegance, Friendship
Wax Flower: Riches
Wisteria: Cordial welcome
Xanthium: Pertinacity, Rudeness
Zinnias: Thoughtful Recollections

Bewitched by Charmed

2007-03-18T20:02:00.000+00:00

It all started off innocently enough; a number of visitors listed in the website logs had come in search of Charmed the TV series. I didn't want to disappoint them. And I wanted to demonstrate that TV series make a great subject for custom photo charms.

Several specialised pages later, and I am starting to wonder if I have been put under a spell. I wonder if my site looks as though I have put more time into my Charmed TV page that I have on the main website.

That's a slight exaggeration, because I have in fact completely redesigned the entire website including a new custom online store.

But I couldn't leave my Charmed fans out of the renovation process, so I have made some shiny new toys just for them.

First, I built a feed of current 'Charmed TV' eBay auction items, and then placed it in my Charmed page so people can spot a bargain or sought-after treasure.

The latest is a cool script that lets you 'play' with information about all 178 Charmed episodes interactively, display information grouped or sorted by subject or character, and other wonderful tricks courtesy of PHP and AJAX. It's actually harder to describe than it is to understand. It's here if you want to look: Charmed Episode Guide.

The guide was coded using Exhibit from The SIMILE Project, plus information from Susan Stepney's SciFi TV Show Spoilers and a Google Spreadsheet.

I was so impressed with the AJAX script I went on and made yet another Charmed page - this one is a timeline showing the chronology of all 8 seasons in the Charmed series.

OK, that's enough Charmed for anyone, surely? Leavme a comment if you want me to do the same for another favourite TV series and I will see what I can do!

(pine) apple iNod First Pictures Exclusive!

2007-01-11T00:43:00.000+00:00

Inspired by Jon's comment on Well Wisher's 2007 Predictions.

While everyone else was speculating about the new iPhone, WellWisher (jokingly) predicted that Microsoft would launch the Mii - a new gaming product to be worn strapped to your head.

In Jon's comment, he wondered if Apple would respond in turn with a product he wittily christened the iNod.

Well, why not? If Apple lose their court case over the iPhone they will need some new ideas. This one is a disposable mp3 player built into a self-adhesive patch.

Still on the subject of court cases, that explains the (pine)apple logo!

Unwrap it..

and just slap it on!

Mmmm. Pod-ilicious.

All I Wanted for Christmas..

2006-11-25T10:00:00.000+00:00

Hope you had a great time this Christmas. Life has been so busy in the past couple of months (no surprise there, I sell gifts, right?) All I wanted was the chance to sleep in for a change, and (eventually) I did get exactly that. Right now, with my 'perfect hindsight goggles' on, I know I should've wished for a new keyboard, because this old thing wont be seeing New Year, never mind next Christmas! How about you? What did you get? Was it just perfect?

Here's a sampling of what others have to say:

Mac at Posthuman Blues got "Katita" bounces, shuffles, jitter, shivers, and rambles like there's no tomorrow. And who knows? Maybe there isn't.

Theo of Our Little Family got... Plastic bags in a box!!

Designated Hitter got Karen Hellekson Footzenvarmers! They are slippers with some nice-smelling stuff in the bottom of the feet that you put in
the microwave and nuke for a minute. They keep your feet toasty for hours! ...

Don Surber got a really ugly lamp, but would he have houseroom for the Sofa King Awesome Sly Dog's definition of the 'perfect gift for any man'? The Man Remote

Me? Apart from a king-sized lie-in, I got loads of great gifts: toiletries from Lush (mmmm); part payment toward a new dishwasher (hurray!); ornaments (sic); and a charity donation, which I think was the best of all. Oh yeah, and lunch with a friend who explained she hadn't got me anything yet, but wanted me to pick something during our shopping trip yesterday, and then I didn't. It was a very nice day, and successful because I managed to not get any more stuff I don't need! And no, no-one gave me any Italian Charms.

Stones Reunited

2006-05-21T18:18:00.000+00:00

Fancy That!

I got a strange parcel in the mail from Microsoft on Friday. And there is an entire website and a blog about it! Stones Reunited: With Enough Marketing Budget..

They are asking people to return the package, but I was thinking of ways to make an item of jewellery...

Pink Princess

2006-03-18T18:25:00.000+00:00

Are You A Pink Princess?

There's a little of the princess in my personality, and that's for certain. But I think almost all women have some appreciation for those little luxuries. Well, if you are a member of my aristocratic online shopping family, then you will be pleased to know about this new website: Pink Princess - everything a princess needs

Old Fashioned Romance

2005-11-11T23:44:00.000+00:00

A nice story from another blog, enjoy!

Mr. and Mrs. Kemper came into the restaurant every Thursday night at 5:30. They would start with a vodka gimlet with pickled mushrooms each and a small basket of crackers. Mrs. Kemper particularly liked the Club Crackers so I always made sure she had plenty. Mr. Kemper liked the stone ground wheat. They would both order the Chicken Kiev with the house salad and house dressing. They lingered over the cocktails and when Mr. Kemper gave me the slight nod, I would bring them their salads. Once the salads were served I started the order for the Kiev.

This was our routine for three years, they always sat at the same table and everyone knew that even if it wasn't my section, I still waited on them. We never exchanged many words and after the first couple weeks and I caught on, they didn't even have to place the order. I was just ready for them, cocktails and crackers on the table when they sat down.

You should have seen them. They were wonderful. He always held out the chair for her and helped her with her jacket when it was cold outside. Quite often they would hold hands across the table, and it was never that uncomfortable kind of forced romance of younger couples - just a steady, familiar kind of romance that must come with years of being together.

One week they didn't show up. We held the table for them, but they never arrived. The next week came and went without them. They never came in again, but we saved their table for months. I often wonder what happened, and deep in my heart I know, but I never was able to to find out for sure. Its 15 years later and I still hope they are off somewhere, having a vodka gimlet and holding hands.

New Product - Mini Photo Viewer

2005-10-26T20:48:00.000+00:00

This exclusive Mini Photo Viewer is the perfect gift or keepsake, available exclusively from Story Charms

Featuring the latest technology, these are still very new so only limited supplies available until the end of November. But you can get one right now from Story Charms' eBay auction.

Supplied in a presentation box complete with software package and connection cable. Transfer your favourite photos direct from your PC to the Mini Photo Viewer. This product is available for shipping direct to you from the UK. Next day delivery available to UK cusotmers.

Display your pictures as a Mini Slide-Show with a subtle fade transition, or use the simple controls to flip between each frame. Stores up to thirteen individual images and higher capacity models will be available soon. Photos can be easily replaced using the software included.

Suggested uses:

Have to travel with work? Take a Personal Album with you
Big Day Coming Up? The ideal Wedding Favour for your closest friends and relatives
Choosing a Retirement Gift? This could be a really memorable present
Are You Creative? - Use one as your portable Design Portfolio, so you are always ready for those golden opportunities
Need to show off your Products? How About a Mini Product Display? A Mini Photo Viewer will be a real talking point for your customers
Planning a Sales Exhibition? The Mini Photo Viewer will be the most sought-after 'freebie' of the show!

Detailed Description: 1.4" LCD Mini Photo Viewer
Resolution: 128x96, 65K colours.
Storage system Internal: 512KB Flash Memory ; Capcity up to 13 pictures
Input: USB 1.1
Battery Power: Built-in rechargeable battery 3.7v 240mAH
Auto power off: 180 second
Battery life: 180 Minutes
File Format: JPG, GIF, BMP, TIF
Operating Environment: -10 - 40°C (24 - 104°F)
Operating Humidity: 10-90%
Colours: Red, Silver, Black, Blue)
Weight: 40g

Accessories:
Presentation box
Removeable Key Ring
CD ROM Driver / Software
USB 1.0 cable MINI USB 5PIN
User Manual (English)
Storage/Travel Pouch

Reserve yours now by email: Sales [at] StoryCharms.com

How to Clean Jewelry

2005-10-23T12:35:00.000+00:00

Have you discovered eHow? I found it when I was building my google home page, one of the many options now available with Google accounts. eHow.com is a website with clear, concise step-by-step instructions on thousands of topics. You can read eHow to learn how to tie a tie, unclog a sink, tango, wash your cat, or even throw a knuckleball. Here's an article on cleaning jewelry from eHow.com, with my own additions for Italian Charms:

----------------

Before cleaning your jewelry, examine it carefully to make sure that all settings, clasps and prongs are secure. Once you've done that, you're ready to proceed.

Gold, Platinum and Gemstones

Steps:

Use a nonabrasive jewelry cleaner, which you can purchase at a local jewelry store. Or use a cleaning solution of mild dish soap and water.
Dip the jewelry in the cleaner or cleaning solution.
Rinse in warm running water.
Buff dry with a soft, lint-free cloth until it's shiny.

Silver

Steps:

Clean the silver with a nonabrasive silver polish.
Apply the polish with a soft cloth, gently working it into stains.
Wipe away excess polish and buff the jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth until it's shiny.
Keep in mind that frequently wearing silver jewelry can keep it from becoming tarnished.

You can view the rest of this page at:
http://www.ehow.com/how_3179_clean-jewelry.html

Italian Charms

Steps:

Examine any fancy or custom charms for signs of loose gems, enamel or damage to coatings. If you find any, do not clean, but get them repaired. StoryCharms offers free repairs up to one year after purchase of custom Photo Charms and can also repair or replace any other types of charm that have been damaged.
Clean the charms with a soft cloth, gently buffing to polish.
Remember that Italian Charms are only splashproof, never immerse them in water.

Have you discovered Googlism yet?

2005-10-11T21:05:00.000+00:00

This entertaining and often hilarious site has replaced my former favourite Googlewhack. Most visitors to the Googlism site seem to search for either their name (Who) or a fairly narrow range of words that are predictably 'smutty'. So, if you have no imagination, you will have to click the link and see, because I don't want my lovely blog to turn up in searches for those words! To give you an idea, and keeping it clean, I have searched the What? page for 'Italian'. It wasn't my first choice, but apparently Googlism doesn't know enough about 'Italian Charms' yet. I am sure that it's only a matter of time. I got about 85 results, but I trimmed the obvious duplicates for your further edification. When you visit, I recommend searching for your name. It's like a surreal 'auto-meme', and can be both surprising and spooky. If you do, please pop back and post your top 5 results in the comments - I am intrigued to see what comes up!

Googlism for: italian

italian is a welcome newcomer
italian is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the world's languages
italian is a romance language derived from latin
italian is an asset if you wish to pursue a career in business
italian is one
italian is the language of art
italian is an integral part of the program
italian is the language for lovers and the mother tongue of the renowned seducer casanova
italian is fresh
italian is combing his hair in suburban des moines
italian is spoken by about 58 million people in italy
italian is perfect for those new to the language
italian is required
italian is being taught
italian is the perfect solution
italian is the second most widely spoken language in australia
italian is located in the casa italiana zerilli
italian is a way to rediscover a sense of linguistic and ethnic origins
italian is not the language of the home
italian is a language rich in cultural history
italian is indispensable to anyone with a serious interest in music
italian is the language of a vibrating culture
italian is not required
italian is an absolute
italian is a must
italian is a born gambler
italian is easy to read because the words are pronounced exactly as they are written
italian is better
italian is a good cook
italian is a romance language
italian is a priority
italian is a pleasure to speak and a joy to hear
italian is most closely related to sardinian
italian is marking its 70th anniversary this month by donating 10 percent of its april proceeds to lacasa
italian is not? what we have established is that that italian is not eligible

Earthquake Hits South Asia, Thousands Dead

2005-10-08T23:02:00.000+00:00

Officials say thousands of people may have died in Saturday's powerful quake that hit Pakistan, Northern India and Afghanistan.

The 7.6-magnitude quake with the epicentre 80km (50 miles) north-east of Islamabad wiped out several villages. More than 3,000 people are feared dead in the worst affected North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Kashmir. In one incident, 400 children were said to have died when two schools collapsed in NWFP's Mansehra district. Indian officials reported nearly 300 deaths in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has described the quake as a 'test of the nation'.

Several countries have offered to send emergency aid. In a message to Mr Musharraf, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: 'While parts of India have also suffered from this unexpected natural disaster, we are prepared to extend any assistance with rescue and relief which you may deem appropriate.'

The earthquake, which hit at 0350G MT, was felt as far away as the Afghan capital, Kabul, and India's capital, Delhi. Several aftershocks followed. The head of police in the NWFP told AFP news agency more than 1,700 had died there alone. Part of the upmarket Margala Towers residential complex collapsed in Islamabad. 'I could only do one thing which was to pick people out of the rubble and with my bare hands. I started to dig and I pulled out one dead body.' Karam Umrani, Islamabad police officer, told reporters. 'But I managed to rescue another man of 35 and carried him on my shoulders to the ambulance.'

In Pakistani-controlled Kashmir 250 bodies have been recovered of the more than 2,000 feared dead, an official told the BBC from the provincial capital, Muzaffarabad. 'All official buildings have collapsed,' he said. Landslides have blocked all access roads to Muzaffarabad, where there is no electricity and telephones. Chief military spokesman Maj Gen Shaukat Sultan warned the death toll could top several thousands in Kashmir alone. At least 200 Pakistani soldiers were among those killed in the area."

In Indian-administered Kashmir, 15 soldiers were among those killed. The town of Uri close to the Line of Control that separates divided Kashmir was worst hit, with 104 dead. The administration is working overtime to restore essential supplies like electricity and water disrupted by the earthquake, says the BBC's Altaf Hussain in Srinagar.

Ben Phillips of Oxfam told the BBC the initial requirement would be for tents, blankets, food aid and medical supplies. 'A number of countries have offered help and the United Nations is sending a team to co-ordinate the relief effort.'

The Wallet

2005-09-30T00:30:00.000+00:00

This is a wonderful and charming story that I reproduce here with the kind permission of Biologisvensk from her blog: Of Horses and Hell
"The Wallet"

As I walked home one freezing day, I stumbled on a wallet someone had lost in the street. I picked it up and looked inside to find some identification so I could call the owner. But the wallet contained only three dollars and a crumpled letter that looked as if it had been in there for years.
keep reading »

The envelope was worn and the only thing that was legible on it was the return address. I started to open the letter, hoping to find some clue. Then I saw the dateline--1924. The letter had been written almost sixty years ago. It was written in a beautiful feminine handwriting on powder blue stationery with a little flower in the left-hand corner. It was a "Dear John" letter that told the recipient, whose name appeared to be Michael, that the writer could not see him any more because her mother forbade it. Even so, she wrote that she would always love him. It was signed, Hannah. It was a beautiful letter, but there was no way except for the name Michael, that the owner could be identified. Maybe if I called information, the operator could find a phone listing for the address on the envelope.

"Operator," I began, "this is an unusual request. I'm trying to find the owner of a wallet that I found. Is there anyway you can tell me if there is a phone number for an address that was on an envelope in the wallet?"

She suggested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment then said, "Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can't give you the number." She said, as a courtesy, she would call that number, explain my story and would ask them if they wanted her to connect me. I waited a few minutes and then she was back on the line. "I have a party who will speak with you."

I asked the woman on the other end of the line if she knew anyone by the name of Hannah. She gasped, "Oh! We bought this house from a family who had a daughter named Hannah. But that was 30 years ago!" "Would you know where that family could be located now?" I asked.

"I remember that Hannah had to place her mother in a nursing home some years ago," the woman said. "Maybe if you got in touch with them they might be able to track down the daughter." She gave me the name of the nursing home and I called the number.

They told me the old lady had passed away some years ago but they did have a phone number for where they thought the daughter might be living. I thanked them and phoned. The woman who answered explained that Hannah herself was now living in a nursing home.

This whole thing was stupid, I thought to myself. Why was I making such a big deal over finding the owner of a wallet that had only three dollars and a letter that was almost 60 years old? Nevertheless, I called the nursing home in which Hannah was supposed to be living and the man who answered the phone told me, "Yes, Hannah is staying with us. "

Even though it was already 10pm, I asked if I could come by to see her. "Well," he said hesitatingly, "if you want to take a chance, she might be in the day room watching television."

I thanked him and drove over to the nursing home. The night nurse and a guard greeted me at the door. We went up to the third floor of the large building. In the day room, the nurse introduced me to Hannah. She was a sweet, silver-haired old timer with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. I told her about finding the wallet and showed her the letter.

The second she saw the powder blue envelope with that little flower on the left, she took a deep breath and said, "Young man, this letter was the last contact I ever had with Michael." She looked away for a moment deep in thought and then said softly, "I loved him very much. But I was only 16 at the time and my mother felt I was too young. Oh, he was so handsome. He looked like Sean Connery, the actor."

"Yes," she continued. "Michael Goldstein was a wonderful person. If you should find him, tell him I think of him often. And," she hesitated for a moment, almost biting her lip, "tell him I still love him. You know,"she said smiling as tears began to well up in her eyes, "I never did marry. I guess no one ever matched up to Michael..."

I thanked Hannah and said goodbye. I took the elevator to the first floor and as I stood by the door, the guard there asked, "Was the old lady able to help you?" I told him she had given me a lead. "At least I have a last name. But I think I'll let it go for a while. I spent almost the whole day trying to find the owner of this wallet."

I had taken out the wallet, which was a simple brown leather case with red lacing on the side. When the guard saw it, he said, "Hey, wait a minute! That's Mr. Goldstein's wallet. I'd know it anywhere with that bright red lacing. He's always losing that wallet. I must have found it in the halls at least three times."

"Who's Mr. Goldstein?" I asked as my hand began to shake.

"He's one of the old timers on the 8th floor. That's Mike Goldstein's wallet for sure. He must have lost it on one of his walks." I thanked the guard and quickly ran back to the nurse's office. I told her what the guard had said. We went back to the elevator and got on.

I prayed that Mr. Goldstein would be up. On the eighth floor, the floor nurse said, "I think he's still in the day room. He likes to read at night. He's a darling old man."

We went to the only room that had any lights on and there was a man reading a book. The nurse went over to him and asked if he had lost his wallet. Mr. Goldstein looked up with surprise, put his hand in his back pocket and said, "Oh, it is missing!"

This kind gentleman found a wallet and we wondered if it could be yours?" I handed Mr. Goldstein the wallet and the second he saw it, he smiled with relief and said, "Yes, that's it! It must have dropped out of my pocket this afternoon. I want to give you a reward."

"No, thank you," I said. "But I have to tell you something. I read the letter in the hope of finding out who owned the wallet." The smile on his face suddenly disappeared. "You read that letter?"

"Not only did I read it, I think I know where Hannah is." He suddenly grew pale. "Hannah? You know where she is? How is she? Is she still as pretty as she was? Please, please tell me," he begged.

"She's fine...just as pretty as when you knew her." I said softly. The old man smiled with anticipation and asked, "Could you tell me where she is? I want to call her tomorrow." He grabbed my hand and said,"You know something, mister, I was so in love with that girl that when that letter came, my life literally ended. I never married. I guess I've always loved her. "

"Mr. Goldstein," I said, "Come with me." We took the elevator down to the third floor. The hallways were darkened and only one or two little night-lights lit our way to the day room where Hannah was sitting alone watching the television. The nurse walked over to her.

"Hannah," she said softly, pointing to Michael, who was waiting with me in the doorway. "Do you know this man?" She adjusted her glasses, looked for a moment, but didn't say a word. Michael said softly, almost in a whisper, "Hannah, it's Michael. Do you remember me?"

She gasped, "Michael! I don't believe it! Michael! It's you! My Michael!" He walked slowly towards her and they embraced. The nurse and I left with tears streaming down our faces. "See," I said. "See how the Good Lord works! If it's meant to be, it will be."

About three weeks later I got a call at my office from the nursing home. "Can you break away on Sunday to attend a wedding? Michael and Hannah are going to tie the knot!" It was a beautiful wedding with all the people at the nursing home dressed up to join in the celebration. Hannah wore a light beige dress and looked beautiful. Michael wore a dark blue suit and stood tall. They made me their best man. The hospital gave them their own room and if you ever wanted to see a 76-year-old bride and a 79-year-old groom acting like two teenagers, you had to see this couple. A perfect ending for a love affair that had lasted nearly 60 years.

2005 Darwin Awards

2005-09-05T23:30:00.000+00:00

2005 Darwin Awards - Got a nomination? I am inviting all women bloggers to add their Darwin Award nominee stories - use Comments or the Tag Board. Before you ask, yes, you can self-nominate. I'm pretty sure I'll be doing so. Meanwhile, I've found a doozy, it's at the end of this post.

The moment we've been waiting for all year has finally arrived. Without further ado, allow me to introduce the winners of the 2005 Darwin Awards:

1. When his 38-caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach, California, would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked..

And now, the honorable mentions:

2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat-cutting machine and, after a little hopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and lost a finger. The chef's claim was approved.

3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his vehicle to find a woman had taken the space. Understandably, he shot her.

4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there
a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.

5. An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.

6 A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer..$15. (If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, is a crime committed?)

7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape.

8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from."

9. The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at 5 a.m., flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The man, frustrated, walked away.

A 5-STAR STUPIDITY AWARD WINNER!

10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street, he got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline and plugged his siphon hose into the motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges, saying that it was the best laugh he'd ever had.

Extra Nominees:
A German woman laid waste to her family home by setting fire to it as she tried to kill spiders in a garage with a can of hairspray and a cigarette lighter.

Police in the western town of Zuelpich said that when the aerosol failed to finish them off, the 34-year-old woman tried to burn them with the lighter. However, this set the area she had just sprayed on fire and the blaze spread to a hedge.

"It was a series of unfortunate events which led to the damage," a police spokesman said Thursday. She tried to put the fire out with a garden hose, but couldn't. Instead her semi-detached house next to the hedge caught fire. It's now uninhabitable."

Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze and save the neighboring house, which sustained broken windows and some charring. The spokesman estimated the total cost of the damage at well over 100,000 euros. No one was hurt.

"The family have had to look for somewhere else to stay," he said. "The spiders are gone though -- that problem was solved."

Help the Victims of Katrina

2005-09-02T00:57:00.000+00:00

I can't put it better than this:

Shaynoos: Katrina, Katrina
Posted on Friday 2 September 2005

It's 1:30am, and I can't sleep for the 3rd night in a row. I am sick with grief for the suffering of people in the southern US who have been killed, injured or made homeless by the hurricane. Why can't more be done to help these people? The stories on the wire are more desperate and sad with each passing hour. Come on, world, wake up and help!
A few weeks ago, we had a series of explosions in London that would barely reach the first bar on the scale of destruction we would need to measure what has befallen those in the path of hurricane Katrina. Yet we received a massive outpouring of love, concern and offers of help almost instantantly. I dare not lose hope that aid will be given to all those in need. Do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the immensity of this devastation. Please, if you can reach out to these people, please help, in whatever way you can. Sometimes a prayer is all we have, sometimes our time, room in our home, our money. What would you trade not to be in their shoes? For the love of humanity, help them. Whatever you have to give, give it now!
Click here to donate to the Red Cross now

Basic Good Manners - Gifts

2005-08-29T17:00:00.000+00:00

Another quote from 'Basic Good Manners' - this topic is close to my heart: Gifts.

"Receive with grace and give with thought. If you are given a gift, accept it with grace, take a moment to look at it and admire it. If you give a gift, be thoughtful. A good idea is to give something you would like to receive yourself. Gifts do not have to be expensive, indeed the gift must not embarrass the recipient by its generosity. For Good Modern Manners the thought really does mean more than the cost."

That's one key thing about Italian Charm jewellery that everyone appreciates, because it doesn't have to cost the earth to create a really thoughtful gift. From a simple keyring with a couple of icon links for around a fiver, to charm watches with gemstone links from under 20 pounds, Italian Charms are versatile and great value.

So, what's your worst gift ever - either given or recieved? Here's mine:

Worst ever given: the sound-activated stuffed bunny rabbit that sang lullabies while it's nose glowed like a nightlight. I put it in the cot that bedtime and the baby, normally a placid little chap, took one look at it and proceeded to scream the place down, all the while the deranged rabbit' ice-cream van tune rising in volume with each scream. That darned rabbit cost me a week's grocery money. No added cost for therapy, though.

Worst ever received: It has to be the pewter peacock from my Mum. Like a lot of her generation, she seemed to my sister and I to have an abnormal obsession with ornaments in general, and we cringed each time she would hand over a suspiciously ornament-shaped package at Christmas or birthdays. This hideous thing went in the pile to the charity shop fist chance I got. Couple of years ago, Mum asked if I still had the solid silver peacock. What?! Solid silver?!

New Tag Board!

2005-08-19T21:31:00.000+00:00

It has taken a while - much longer than I thought - but I have finally managed to get a TagBoard for this blog, and it doesn't have those annoying pop-up ads. You would think it would be a simple job, and for most people it probably is, but for me it seemed to take forever. Well, now it's done, and I am hoping you might leave me a message.

Before you say it, I do realise I will probably get mostly spam and/or obscenities, but I am going to give it a try. Please help to prove and support what I have found to be true: there are far more good people in the world, and certainly in the 'blogosphere', than there are spammers, flamers, hackers and trolls. Which is good, because I am not completely sure I know what all of those things are.

What's that? I could have paid and got an ad-free board? No way. Miss the chance to waste hours of time that I should have spent making money or being productive? "Never put off 'til tomorrow what you can put off today," I say. Besides, it would surely betray my Northern, penny-pinching, roots to be splurging cash on something I managed to ~~rip-off~~ create.

Want to add an Ad-free Tag Board to your own blog without spending money or wasting precious time? Please go ahead and email me. Or leave a message about it on my Tag Board!

Everybody Needs Good Neighbours

2005-08-15T23:28:00.000+00:00

I found enough clues in the story below to make a really personal charm bracelet, an ideal gift for a special neighbour.

I saw both the Fred widows this week. Rosemary was first. She opened the door, a large, wheezing, slowly deflating beach ball of a woman.

'Hello, dear, are you Zinnia? Come in, I'm Rosie, a right pair of little flowers, aren't we?' She laughed, an alarming sound like wind in a chimney, and led the way into her comfortable little living room. Her daughter Pam was there, another beach ball but not deflating this time. The room was clean and colourful but not tidy, and I felt at home.

My own neighbours are a terrific couple who had a baby daughter recently - so my custom photo charm skills have been in high demand. I take my digital camera with me almost everywhere, always on the lookout for a good shot or an interesting image that I can transform into a charm. It's quite different from 'normal' photography, because you only have a 'frame' of 8mm x 5mm in which to display your photo, so composition is king. But it is often surprising just how much detail can be included in a tiny little charm.

On the other hand (or should that be 'wrist'?), it can be as much fun to have a bracelet with lots of photo charms that are impossible to recognise at first glance. The fun part is in explaining what each one is. It can be really intriguing to see your friends trying to figure out the 'puzzle'. But then, when you tell them 'It's a polar bear!' or whatever, they invariably get it straight away. Funny thing, vision.

Ooh La La!

2005-08-04T21:55:00.000+00:00

Will you look at my blog! How posh and gorgeous is this? I hope you like the new layout - courtesy of Web Divas. Pop over and pay them a visit if you are looking for a new design, or if you just enjoy browsing through realy cool layouts.

Web-Divas offer templates for all the popular formats:

Blogger
Commercial
Expression Engine
HTML-PHP
Invision Boards
Movable Type
Photo Blogs
PhpBB Message Boards
Typepad
Wordpress

And prices are very reasonable, with ready-made templates available from:

Blogger: $40
Moveable Type: $60
Wordpress: $60
Expression Engine: $60
Typepad: $60

Free installation is also available.

One word of caution: use the links in this post, or their button in the 'credits' sidebar, just to be safe. I made the classic error of forgetting the hyphen in the middle, and instead of fabulous illustrations by really nice girls, I found myself staring at a page illustrating fabulous girls with really ... well, you get the idea. And you have been warned!

Stories From The Verandah

2005-07-16T23:00:00.000+00:00

from Writer's Blog.

These past few weeks have been so sunny, I thought I'd share a story I found a while back that really makes me think of those days when it's too hot to do anything much but sit outside and sip cool home-made lemonade.

"It was one of those days when the heat shimmered up in waves from the main street only to settle in the air wrapped like a wet wool blanket over the town. A day where the only cool place was nowhere to be found.

Beth didn't mind, it gave her time to sit on the sagging verandah and listen to the old women telling stories of the days when they were fair as Summer roses and as bright eyed as any robin that sang in the early morn'.

Verna was prattling on as usual about all the old beaus, reliving her youth in minute detail, the memories hand tinted and retouched with the passing of time. But
nobody minded; it was just the way Verna was. Everything was bolder, brighter and became a better tale after she'd had time to mull things over, and at eighty-five there'd been plenty of time.

"Those were good times eh?" Mary Jane poked Verna sharp in the arm to gain her attention.

"What? What? Cried Verna, startled into leaning closer to Mary Jane to catch the drift of words missed the first time around. Beth watched them fondly, amusement dancing in her dark eyes.

"Those were good times I said. For heaven's sake Verna turn up your hearing aid." Mary Jane flashed an look of irritation at her sister. Beth shook with silent laughter. It wouldn't do to laugh out loud and hurt the poor biddies' feelings. Verna was so vain and the hearing aid was the bane of her existence.

"Do you mind the time, Mary Jane, when Aubrey and Stan came down to our place late one Saturday night with the Briscoe boys and they climbed in through the kitchen window instead of using the door like normal folks, thinking maybe they could sneak a visit in without Daddy knowin'. Do you mind that time?

Mary Jane chuckled, almost snorted..."And the look on Mother's face when Aubrey landed on the kitchen table smack dab in the middle of the tea and cherry pie she'd set out for Daddy when he got in from helpin' over at Bennett's, they had a sick cow. Remember Verna? Those poor lads they were as red as those cherries and Mother, scolding like a scalded chicken...Oh, I bet they ran for days before they thought it'd be safe to stop."

"And what about George Gran'ma?" Beth couldn't help herself from asking even though she already knew. The story was well and often visited.

"Oh, well now. That George didn't have much polish did he Verna, but he was as kind hearted as the day is long. Mind how his ears stuck out from his head? Daddy always said he looked like a two handled jug. Well, he wasn't pretty but...there wasn't a lot to choose from either."

Verna took up the tale. "He wanted to court your Gran'ma for a long time but just never could work up the nerve to ask Mother and Daddy if he could come callin'. But finally, one day, what ever came over him he just up and landed at the door askin' to come in and visit. Now Daddy wasn't blind, he knew this had been coming so he makes George ask him proper to come for Mary Jane and then sends him on his way. The next day..."

Mary Jane picked up the thread..."The next day Mother helped me get ready for the big event and I was looking as pretty as a peony by the time George arrived. I was all a bundle of nerves, being young and new to courting so I didn't really know what to expect but it sure wasn't George, all spit and polished in a clean shirt and his pants done up at the front with the biggest safety pin you ever saw..." Both the old girls went into gales of merriment at the memory and Beth, pretty as a picture with her cheeks pink from glee and the heat, left them to their girlish chatter and went inside to bring out the lemonade."

Sweet!

2005-07-14T21:24:00.000+00:00

Just heard from burnquest.com that they have answered my - rather silly - question: 'How do they stamp the little white logo on peanut M&M's, when they are so round and wobbly?' click on this cool button (that you get when your question is answered) to see the answer
And don't leave without posing a question; the tougher the better!

I can't help thinking about sweets (again!) this week, not because I love them (although I do) but because I am doing a new commission for a charm bracelet made entirely of fave sweet wrappers for someone who saw my post about the keyring I made for an ex-colleague, which had a Caramac wrapper as one of the pics. I'll pop back and post a picure when it's done.

Condolences to London Bombing victims

2005-07-07T12:00:00.000+00:00

No news or stories as a token of respect to all those who have suffered beause of the bombing incidents in London on Thusday, 7th July.

Some very moving and uplifting tributes have appeared on posts from members of the blogging community around the world, which is a wonderful way of showing support.

On the Matter of Manners

2005-07-02T21:38:00.000+00:00

Apparently, etiquette does matter:

"Honestly, some of this stuff seems pretty obvious to me even though I'm more "down home" than "upper crust." But, I'm the first to admit that I'd be flustered if I were at a fancy dinner where everyone else knew which fork to use and I didn't. Really though, do people seriously put knives in their mouths? That's bad.

Still, I should probably emphasize this more than I do for the kids, since it seems to be a dying art. They could probably stand some lessons on what to do after your restaurant meal besides "throw the wrappers away, take your shoes off, and go play in the Playland until Mommy and Daddy are done..."

from Jen's Horde

I know I can identify with what Jen is saying, I'm sure many of you can, too. Knowing the 'right' way to behave in any number of everyday situations is often perplexing. Well, perplex no more! Visit this site for answers to many questions on the subject: Manners Matter.

Naturally, I checked out what they had to say about giving (and receiving) gifts:

"Receive with grace and give with thought. If you are given a gift, accept it with grace, take a moment to look at it and admire it. If you give a gift, be thoughtful. A good idea is to give something you would like to receive yourself. Gifts do not have to be expensive, indeed the gift must not embarrass the recipient by its generosity. For Good Modern Manners the thought really does mean more than the cost."

One of the things I like best about Italian Charms is that they don't have to cost the earth, which makes them really nice affordable presents. I also enjoy giving things that show I have put some thought into it, and feel quite dejected if all I can muster for someone's special occasion is a box of chocs. This is where Custom Photo charms really can come into their own. For example, £10 (approx $18) will get a keyring with two photo charms - they can be any image or photo that shows you have the recipient in mind.

There was an opportunity to give chocolates without guilt recently, when a former coleague, who had been really pleasant to work with, was leaving for a new job. I made her a keyring with the images from the wrappers of her two favourite chocolate treats* on custom photo links. To a casual observer, this may have seemed a fairly random, if not outright weird, gift. But, you see, I knew that she would have the keys for her new place of work, and that with her wedding coming up in 5 months, she was not allowing herself to eat sweets. To us, it made perfect sense and she was delighted with her quirky gift.

*Caramac and Maltesers, if you're wondering!

If you would like to create a thoughtful gift for someone, but are stuck for ideas, email me and let's combine our efforts and come up with something really special!

Wedding Story

2005-06-27T23:13:00.000+00:00

One of the most rewarding things about my custom photo Italian Charm business is the pleasure of knowing you are creating something that will be treasured. Weddings are a major source of business for me, and I am very pleased to report that big weddings continue to be very popular! Apart from the bracelets etc for the Bride and Groom themselves, I actually make a lot of bracelets and keychains as wedding favours for Bridsmaids and Groomsmen.

OK, so far, but are you assuming that it is the Bride who decides on Italian Charms? Wrong! I get many requests from husbands-to-be, who have decided to make their own contribution to the wedding plan. That's right, because, actually, men can be just as romantic and caught up in the whole wedding thing as women.

This quote kind of sums up the point: "When I turned and saw Claire in her dress, I knew what everyone on TV was talking about. I was very glad that she had insisted on me not seeing her until the ceremony. Just writing about it I still get chills up my spine. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen." Read Greg's Wedding Story here.

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