Gifts from the Heart

I’ll be leaving late April on my spring diamond “buying trip” to Antwerp Belgium, the diamond buying capital of the World.  As you might know I travel to Antwerp twice a year, 15 years in a row now, to buy diamonds from DeBeers sightholders.  Only 60 percent of all uncut diamonds are cut and polished there.  Several of my preferred customers have asked me to be their “personal broker” and buy them a diamond for the one they love.

Aquamarine is the official birthstone for March and is also the birthstone for the zodiac sign of Scorpio.  This vibrant light blue gemstone is a member of the beryl family, a mineral that crystallizes within rocks on the earth’s crust.

iPhoto ’09 — Organize photos two new ways: Faces, based on who’s in your photos, and Places, based on where your photos were taken.  Then share on Facebook or Flickr with a click.

I remember when I was a kid visiting my grandfather was one of my favorite times. My grandfather had a salt water tank full of wonderful little creatures. Every evening on weekends, he would sit down in front of his tank with a glass of wine and just stare at it. 

Several years ago, Bev Doolittle rode off into the sunset leaving behind a legacy of imagination and sensitivity to living things that touched the hearts of thousands upon thousands of fans.  A part of that legacy is a collection of original works that many have never seen.

U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated to be over $2 billion annually.  Candles are used in seven of 10 U.S. households.  Consumers are increasingly purchasing candles as a focal point for their home décor, and for aromatherapy-like relaxation and stress reduction — something we all need during these trying times!

When it comes to hanging art, it’s been said, “Where there’s a wall, there’s a way.”  This especially rings true in tricky spaces like stairwells.  With limited and awkward space, this section of the home isn’t as easy to decorate as a living room or bedroom.  But, that’s not to say it can’t be done, and done nicely.

The members of the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) have banded together to bring joy on this Valentine’s Day to people who are struggling due to the loss of a job, or their home.  Classic Designs Jewelry in Valencia has joined with many fellow master IJO Jeweler retail members, and offered to provide a sterling silver heart necklace to about 100 deserving individuals – for free.

The business of photographing women in their sensual form has historically been controversial.  What is it that muddies the waters and fogs our understanding of the beauty of being sensual and flirtatious?  It has been suggested that between cultural and familial messages compounded with media and social exploitation stereotypes of the female form, expressing one’s sensual beauty through boudoir photography is taboo.  However, consider the art of flirtation. 

On December 9, 2008 proud parents Neil and Nicole Waldron along with big brother Nicholas welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world.  Danika Allyne Waldron was born weighing eight pounds nine ounces.  Please join The Magazine of Santa Clarita in welcoming Danika to the Santa...

Sure cards, candy and roses are a classic Valentine gift-giving favorite, but let’s try to be a little more creative this year.  Why not say, “I love you” with a singing Valentine and leave your sweetheart speechless?  Nothing tells someone, “I love you” like a Singing Valentine.  Santa Clarita Valley’s own Men of Harmony Barbershop Quartet will serenade your sweetheart at home, at work or anywhere you choose in the Santa Clarita Valley.  

You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take great pictures and you don’t have to have an expensive camera to capture beautiful images!  You just need a little know how, the willingness to experiment and the drive to get out there with your camera and take pictures!  Here at Timbuktu Studios we encourage all levels of photographers, whether you are a hobbyist, an amateur or a professional to pick up those cameras and take some pictures.  And here are a few words of advice to get the most out of your photography.

In late December of 2008 Jill Quinn and fellow cheerleaders from Valencia High School joined together and collected tons of toys for the Department of Child and Family Services. 

Could you use a few tried and true gift suggestions this Valentine’s Day?  Don’t worry, here are great suggestions for creative Valentine’s Day gifts that are sure to impress and surprise.

The SCV Senior Center Annual Campaign, “Ten Bucks to a Better Future,” which runs from December 1 to February 28 each year, asks all Santa Clarita Valley residents to contribute $10 yearly for the SCV Senior Center to assure that services will be available to meet the community’s future needs as the Baby Boomer population ages and needs assistance.  The Annual Campaign is designed to fill in the gaps, so to speak, from other major fundraisers such as the annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner that benefits the Respite Daycare program and the annual Wine Auction that benefits the Home-Delivered Meals program.