The Most Breathtaking View Of Them All

Oh and this was the most breathtaking view of them all. This view is from the servants quarters of Hearst Castle overlooking the rolling hills of the Hearst Property and San Simeon. You truly gasp at the sight of this view.

Our Hearst Castle Tour!

These beautiful pictures were taken this last weekend on our Hearst Castle tour. It is an amazing place to tour. It is located on Hwy. 1 on the California coast in San Simeon. There are 5 guided tours that they offer. This was tour number 2 for us. The Hearst Castle property is absolutely breathtaking, as you can see from the photos. There is a visitor center, guided tours, IMAX theatre, and a museum. I highly recommend checking out Hearst Castle if in the area.

Weekend Escape!

I had a great weekend. My family and I took a last minute trip to my favorite place on earth, Cambria CA. There was suppose to be snow and rain in my neck of the woods so we decided to go to the ocean. It is such a beautiful place to visit. We combed the beaches looking for moonstone, one of the fun things to do on Moonstone beach, explored the tide pools, watched the sea lions that are beached on the rocks sunbathing ,and ate lots of good Main St. grill food. I will have to get my collection of moonstones together and show the pile that I am adding to slowly. It just washes up in the rocks on the shore. I got much needed rest and inspiration for some new pieces of jewelry too! The weekend never lasts long enough especially when you have to leave Cambria.

February Flower Is The Violet Who Knew!

Since I love to garden, have severe spring fever, and have made many pieces of jewelry that are nature inspired I decided to find some pictures and write about the flowers of the month. Just like gems, and birthstones, flowers also have stories and meanings. February is the month of the violet. Violets are sweet scented and appear at the end of February and have finished blooming in most areas by the end of April, unless you are lucky. The beautiful heart shaped flowers are full of honey and constructed for bee visitors, but bloom before it is bee time. Violets are among the most popular edible flowers in America. Both fresh and dried forms have been standard fare in Europe and other areas in the world since before the 14th century. Violets aren't just another pretty face. They are loaded with phytochemicals and medicinal constituents that have been used in the treatment of numerous health problems from the common cold to cancer. The late Euell Gibbons even referred to them as natures vitamin pill (1). A 1/2 cup serving of leaves can provide as much vitamin C as three oranges. Persians and Greeks used the plants to help induce sleep, and to calm anger, and to heal the heart and head. Romans made wine from violet blossoms and decorated banquet tables with them believing that the flowers could prevent drunkenness. On the morning of their festivities, Romans wore violet wreaths to relieve hangovers. Violets were awarded as prizes to french troubadours in poetry contests. In Germany folk dancers celebrated the first violets of spring. Awww, what a great idea..I think that I am going to plant some violets..by the way they grow best in shaded areas.

Valentines Day Chocolaty/Fun Facts!

Chocolate wasn't always synonymous with Valentine's Day. The first box of chocolates specifically designed for Valentine's Day was created by Richard Cadbury in the 1880s. However, throughout the 19th century, doctors told lovesick patients that they should eat chocolate to help mend their broken hearts. Additionally, chocolate has a long history as an aphrodisiac. Casanova ate chocolate with his lovers, as did Madame DuBarry, courtesan and mistress to Louis XV.

Recent research has found a reason for this: chocolate contains a compound know as phenylethylamine, the same chemical that the brain produces when you fall in love. You'd need to eat more chocolate that anyone could possibly consume to get that "fall in love" feeling from it, however.

In modern times, people spend over a billion dollars on chocolate for Valentine's Day. More that 36 million heart shaped boxes of chocolate are sold each year.

In medieval times , girls ate bizarre foods on St. Valentines Day to dream of their future spouse.

There was a belief in the Middle Ages that the first unmarried person (of the opposite sex) that you met in the morning of St. Valentines day would become your spouse.

The very first Valentine gift was sent by Duke of Orleans to his wife, after he was captured in 1415.

73% of Valentine Day flowers are bought by men, whereas women buy only 23% of Valentine flowers.

Around 3% of pet owners prefer to give Valentine gifts to their pets, as they are more grateful than humans.

In olden times, some people believed that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a soldier. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch , she would marry a millionaire.

The heart is the most common symbol of romantic love.

The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Since red stands for strong feelings, a red rose is a flower of love.

In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on Valentines Day. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favorite Valentines decorations on wooden spoons that meant , "You unlock my heart!"

Busy, Busy, Busy

I have been busy, busy, busy, this last week getting an order ready for the All Maine Women Class of 2010, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority. They purchased 13 matching rings. I can't wait for them to receive the rings. They are going to send me some pict. of them wearing the rings and as soon as they get them and I will post the pictures. One of the greatest things about making jewelry that I love the most is meeting new people and becomming a part of thier story. Thanks Ladies!!

Amazing Sunset!!

II took this picture last week from my back porch. I love sunsets and this one was so beautiful, I thought I'd share.