It's Your Baby's First Birthday By James Brown

When your child turns 1, you probably become the happiest mother in the world seeing that the baby once in your tummy has grown up so fast in a year. You hardly notice he now start mumbling. Yes, and you look at his eyes and you see there is so much love on your little bundle of joy. It wouldn't be mistaken that you are more adept for that birthday party that you've been planning months before the big day because you have researched and asked friends about their preparation when their little ones had them. So, to better prepare you, here's a start draft for the party materials that you should have to make it more fun.

The party need not be expensive and certainly, you can check a number of materials from the loot bags to the birthday hats and the birthday banner. All you have to ask yourself first is which theme would be most suitable for your little one. Once you have picked out the perfect theme, then, you're all set to acquire those party needs.

Have you checked the invitations yet? It starts with this. Once the invitations are all sent, your guests might probably be able to guess the party theme through the invitations. So, this should well match your theme but still go with various designs on the front cover such as vivid colors that will make your guests expectant on what you've prepared for like kids' games and even the food. You can buy them in few or several pieces for one pack.

Then you can add printed balloons to make the venue more colorful and lively. Kids love balloons but they should not be left alone with it unless they are already capable to handle the sticks themselves. There are full body balloons of cartoon characters that are more exciting. Kids love them. They wont surely lay their eyes off them.

For the little guests, of course, head ware like party hats or masks would be fun. They of course won't surely leave the party without the favors. These party favors are better useful and not harmful. Choose those that are not sharp and too small. The celebrant can go hippy, sporty, posh and even educational. Some moms love those coloring books, stickers and girly stuff inside party bags.

Table essentials would also include table covers, place mats, plates, cups and utensils that match the theme or maybe the most conspicuous color. Some signs, door and wall hangings like banners and streamers prove to be more interesting. However, noisemakers and blowouts give more excitement in a party, ever. When the party is over, thank you cards prove to be polite to express your thanks.

See? You don't need a lot for that little one's first birthday party. But anything you can get, you should have a way to buy the most reasonable price that won't hurt that much. At the end of the day, everyone will think of how much they had spent a worthwhile time during the party and not forgetting the loads of fun that they will be bringing back home with them.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=219726&ca=Culture

Restaurants In Pune: The Best Place To Experience Great Pleasure By Amit Bhalla

Since Pune refers to the cultural and educational center of India, every year thousands of people step into this city to fulfill their dreams. In fact, this city is rich in every aspect; be it culture or education, this city has a lot of wonders to amaze every visitor. This city is also famous for its exotic tourist places and supreme restaurants; these restaurants not only serve the great taste of Indian cuisine but also delight your tongue with continental and Italian flavor. The biggest specialty of restaurants in Pune is that every restaurant serves its own different flavors; moreover, you will observe that in Pune each restaurant possess an ambience and personality of its own.

This city always welcomes everyone with open arms and provides him or her with every possible luxury and taste. In fact, some restaurants in Pune are incredibly good; one can never imagine such hospitality and services even in restaurants of metro cities. There are n numbers of restaurants and cafes that serve pure flavor of Maharashtra, their menu include every sweet and sour taste of this state. If you are not comfortable with Maharashtrian food then also you can find the perfect taste of your region and sate with these restaurants. For people, who come to visit this city all the way from abroad, having food in restaurants in Pune can be the most memorable moment. Since international tourists get food according to their taste, they really praise this city and its restaurant a lot.

So what if your kids do not like Indian food? They can also enjoy every aspect of this city and can make their trip most happening and mouthwatering as there are many fast food centers like McDonald’s, Pizza Huts and Domino to delight them. If you are worried about the exact location of these restaurants, then you can get a comprehensive idea about restaurants in Pune through internet. Since these restaurants also offer home delivery services, you can also enjoy their delicious cuisine without stepping out of your hotel. You just need to search for the available list of these restaurants as with this list, you will also find links to browse their own websites. By following these links you can get comprehensive idea about these restaurants including menu, rates and delivery modes.

However, by this way you can miss the exotic environment of these restaurants but as it seems to be quite convenient this can be kept as an alternative. In fact, no other place in India can beat the hospitality and services of restaurants in Pune. These restaurants also offer golfing, tennis, racquets and swimming to pass the idle hours; these restaurants are not only the perfect way to unwind on a weekend but also the great place to spend a romantic and quiet evening. However, some of these restaurants take their time to serve up but the food is really worth waiting. Therefore, do not restrain yourself anymore and visit this city to delight your tongue with a large variety of mouthwatering cuisines.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=213316&ca=Culture

April 2008 Astrology Tendencies For All Zodiac Signs By Gerardas Norkus

Spring is the time for action. In April those who are used to delay and hesitate will have to make way for those who are bold and determined.

It looks like Fire Element zodiac signs - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius - will become true leaders this month. New possibilities will open for those who didn't have enough resolution earlier to take various obstacles.

Mercury entering Aries on April 2 will give us lots of enthusiasm and desire to start new activities, however don't be hasty until the New Moon on April 6. First week of April is good for finishing any old projects.

The planet of love Venus in Aries from April 6 will be favorable for making short term romances but not for a long-term love. Venus will make some 'bad' aspects this month, so try to keep good relations with your family members and your loved ones.

Plan your new activities and projects on the New Moon day on April 6. Take action to implement your dreams and plans from April 8.

The period until the Sun enters Taurus on April 19 is the best for short term activities. If you want to start any long-term projects, start them when the Sun enters Taurus if that's possible.

Below you can read April 2008 astrology forecasts for all zodiac signs.

Aries should focus their attention to relaxation or a spiritual growth before their birthday. You will feel great after your birthday celebration.

Taurus will feel great if they can take a vacation, get away from their job, spend more time in solitude. April is your relaxation time before your birthday.

Gemini will have a good time with their friends. Your friends and colleagues will help you to achieve your goals.

Cancer should do something useful for their career in April. Don't miss a chance to talk to your boss about your promotion.

April for Leo will be successful. It's a good time if you plan a long trip to a foreign country, especially if it's related to science or religion.

Virgo can expect some important changes in their lives in April, so try to make wise decisions and act in order to achieve your goals.

Libra should try to keep good relations with their partners both at home and at work. Good time for buying some beautiful clothes you've always wanted.

Scorpio will have to deal with all sorts of obligations in April, so get ready to work hard this month, but don't forget to take a good care of your health too.

April for Sagittarius will be great for relaxation, sports, various activities with your children and romance.

Capricorn should focus their attention to home and family. Forget about your career at least for several weeks.

April for Aquarius is great for all sorts of communication. It's a good time for starting any short-term projects too.

Pisces can do some useful quick financial operations in April. At the same time try to avoid overspending.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=241264&ca=Culture

How To Make Pashmina By Brenda Reese

Making the beautiful, luxurious pashmina involves a painstaking process done completely by hand. The origins of the pashmina date back to ancient times. Then as now, the pashmina is made by hand. When, before, the pashmina was mostly made for the comfort and protection of the pashmina makers themselves, the pashmina products became gradually sought after by royal families, kings and emperors. The precious fabric then came to be known as the royal fibers. Today, pashmina is practically a household name, a definite staple in every fashionable woman’s closet.

The wool from which the pashmina is made is collected every spring from the mountain goat “chyangra,” which lives in the freezing mountain regions of the Himalayas. These Himalayan goats have warm winter coats which they shed during the summer, revealing two different types of wool: the fine, soft inner coat which is called the pashmina, and the thick, outer layer. The wool is then gathered by local woman, who must comb it thoroughly to separate the pashmina from the thicker outer wool. Each goat actually produces only about 80 grams of pashmina, so just one woven pashmina shawl would need about three to four goats.

Each shawl is carefully spun by hand, with yarn spun on a spinning wheel known as the “charkha”. After being spun, the pashmina yarn is ready for weaving. Pashmina yarn is too fragile for power looms, so the weaving of authentic pashmina shawls is done on hand-looms. Spinning by hand is more complicated than it sounds. Prior to spinning, the raw material is stretched and cleaned to remove residue print. Afterwards it is soaked for a few days in a fusion of rice and water to make it softer. Hand-spinning is an extremely painstaking task. It requires immense patience, dexterity and dedication and is amazing process to watch. It is a laborious and time-consuming task, requiring tremendous dexterity, dedication and patience even from expert weavers. The weaving process, therefore, can be considered an art and a science. It is also a tradition handed down and preserved from generation to generation. Before, in the days of the Mughal Empire, pashmina making was the territory of women. Today, pashmina making is a craft shared by men and women alike.

The fringe and design of the pashmina is one of the most intriguing parts of shawl. It takes no less than a few hours to fringe each pashmina shawl, stole, scarf or blanket. Dyeing or coloring the pashmina is also done by hand. Because this involves a more thorough and meticulous process, the job is assigned to more experienced pashmina makers. The smallest negligence or the slightest mistake can spell the difference between a quality pashmina and a poor pashmina. Dyeing is done at a temperature just below the boiling point for approximately an hour, in water found beneath the surface. The wool of the pashmina is especially absorbent, dyes deeply and easily. Only natural, organic dyes such as metal and azo-free dyes, are used, which gives the pashmina an eco-friendly characteristic, not to mention a more lasting hue. With this last process, another beautiful, artful and luxurious pashmina is made.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=249661&ca=Culture

Feng Shui And Good Fortune Symbols By Juliana Abram

The Chinese penchant for looking at objects and interpreting their hidden meaning is revealed by the prolific use of symbols within their culture and these symbols are like a secondary language, rich in nuances and that penetrates all their communication. In Chinese, each written character represents an entire word which is in deep contrast to our alphabetical text where a sequence of individual letters signifies a word. This means that more or less every word in the Chinese language is represented by a different symbol so it is not unrealistic to consider that whenever pen is put to paper or in carvings it usually has some mysterious or obscure meaning.

Symbols are generally categorised as either auspicious or inauspicious and can be viewed as conveying the unseen messages of good or bad luck. All Oriental artworks are viewed as symbols, and their characteristic themes – water, clouds, flowers, trees, animals, rocks even colours – portend not only themselves, but also something beyond themselves – there is meaning far beyond the visual experience. There is virtually nothing in all of nature or any artefact that the Oriental does not see as imbued with particular significance.

I simply love the meaning of things!!! On my first journey to Singapore back in 1986 I purchased a silk painting and it’s always been dear to my heart and this painting still hangs in a special place within my home. I was told that this beautiful piece of art depicts the story of the Eight Fairies or as I first came to know them - the Eight Good People of the world. Now these Fairies or immortals are on a special journey travelling the world dispensing good fortune to everyone they meet and each one of these ‘good people’ has a special object that they always carry with them. In Chinese culture these items still carry auspicious meanings as they have done over the ages and generally, they can be hung anywhere in the home.

There is much controversy as to exactly when the eight immortals came to be however most stories and artworks can be dated back to the Song, Yuan and Han dynasties. I have listed the items carried by the ‘eight immortals’ and I hope that you will be able to put at least one of them to good use for yourself in your own home or place of business.

The Gourd: - This wonderful object hangs around the knob of my bedroom door as it symbolises good health and longevity. It is one of the items carried by Li Tie-guai, one of the most recognisable of the eight immortals as he is lame. Legend has it that he would frequently leave his body to wander the land and heavens. On one particular day whilst his spirit was wandering around the mountains his body was found lifeless and he was subsequently pronounced dead. In keeping with the custom of the time he was cremated so, upon his souls return he could not find his own body and therefore he had no option but to take refuge in the first available body. This happened to be the body of a crippled beggar and so it was that Li Tie-guai continued his existence supporting himself on a crutch or staff and is therefore always depicted as a lame beggar. The gourd is said to contain the holy nectar of the Gods, therefore, it is a popular accessory of many Buddhist Deities. Shao, the God of Longevity carries a staff with the gourd containing the elixir of immortality on the end of it. In art a gourd decorated with arabesques and roses signifies the wish that ‘spring may last for ten thousand generations’. In other words – this is a wish that your family lasts forever.

The Fan: - Fans first appeared in China during the 10th Century AD and these beautifully painted fans have been a specialty of the great Chinese artist ever since. One of the eight immortals, Zhong Li Quan, who is said to have lived during the Chou Dynasty around 112-249BC, is the chubby chief of the immortals and recognisable by the Fan which he uses to revive the dead. Many other Gods also use the fan to drive away evil and as a result, from a Feng Shui perspective it has been said that fans have the power to deflect negative ‘chi’ or energy that has been directed your way by a hostile source.

Lotus: As the symbol of purity modesty and love, the lotus enjoys a unique importance in Chinese folklore and it seems that this is largely due to the influence of Buddhism. The lotus comes out of the morass and yet is not itself tainted. It is inwardly empty, outwardly upright. It has no branches and smells sweet. There are two Chinese words for lotus: lian and he. Lian is to love, bind, connect uninterrupted as in marriage and also means modesty. A lotus bloom with a leaf and a bud means ‘complete union’ whilst a boy with a carp beside a lotus means abundance year in year out. He Xian-gu was the immortal carrying the lotus and was brought into the group by Lu Dong Bin after he rescued her from a demon by using his magic sword.

Castanets: - Cao Guo-jiu is the finest dressed of all the immortals. He is always depicted in court dress and is often seen holding an official sceptre or castanets. So, for those budding thespians ensure you have this deity around you to help you on your way.

Flute: - A patron saint of musicians, this happy immortal is always depicted carrying or playing the flute. It is said that Han Xiang-Zi could make flowers bloom at will and soothe wild animals with his music. He is said to be the great nephew of the statesman and philosopher Han Yu who lived AD 768 – 824. There are many types of Chinese flutes, however; the vertical flute which has only five holes in the upper part and one in the lower section with only one end open is played mainly by women. In Feng Shui a pair of flutes are often used to divert the negative flow of energy.

Sword: - A demon slaying sword is the attribute of Lu Dong-bin (born around AD 755) another of the eight immortals. There are many legends regarding swords and their magical properties. In fact, it is said that an ordinary sword can be turned into one that will repel demons by going through a special ritual and then reforged. In Feng Shui terms there is the sword of coins. Coins are usually associated with prosperity; however, they were also used as protective charms. So it came to be that a cluster of coins were strung with red cording in the shape of swords. These were then worn around the neck to ward off ‘sha chi’ directed your way by a hostile source.

Bamboo cane: Zhang Guo-lao is the immortal that is always shown carrying a long bamboo cane, the so called ‘Fish Drum’. Inside the cane are two rods fitted with hooks, and the whole piece can be used as a means of making various sounds and music. Legend has it that he flourished around the late 7th and early 8th centuries and is always accompanied by a donkey on whose back he would sit backwards and could cover a thousand miles a day.

Basket of flowers: - Lan Cai-he is one of the eight immortals and is represented by a basket of fruit or flowers. A decorated basket of flowers represent riches and therefore the motif is a popular one used during the New Year period

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=154360&ca=Culture

Are You Really Prepared For A Life With Dreadlocks? By Jeffery Bradley

Dreadlocks are 'HOT', in style, and everyone from teenagers to business professionals wants them. Look around and there they are on billboards, television commercials, sitcoms, in sports, cartoons, movies, and magazine advertisements.

With the popularity of dreadlocks on the rise, you may think it is easy to adorn your head with this wonderful fashion. The process or growing or converting your hair to dreadlocks can be a long difficult process. There are still many in society who do not understand this unique hairstyle. They can make your life difficult by denying your right to have them.

Here are 15 tips you can use to prepare yourself for a life of dreadlocks:

1. Take a good look at your hair and determine its natural texture. Is it coarse, curly, or straight? This is the first and most important step. The texture of your hair will determine what method to use, if you will require chemicals, and how long the process will take.

2. Determine if you are growing dreadlocks for just a hairstyle, spiritual awakening, or to make a dramatic change in your life. Different reasons give you different processes to use for dreadlocking.

3. Understand that dreadlocks are fast becoming a prosperous business for hairstylists. You will be exposed to many types of gimmicks, quick fix methods, and unhealthy hair products.

4. If you decide to use a loctician, plan to schedule many visits and paying a fee each visit. You must revisit the loctician or hairstylist to retwist and reapply chemicals such as beeswax.

5. Educate yourself about dreadlocks. Check out books from the library, read hair-fashion magazines, and find books at your local bookstore.

6. Google such terms as 'dreadlocks', 'how to grow dreadlocks', or 'natural hair' on the internet. Hundreds of informative websites and newsgroups exist that deal with dreadlocks.

7. Go to different hair salons and compare their different techniques. Make sure their prices match their environment and services.

8. Talk to those who have them. Question them about their good and bad experiences with growing dreadlocks.

9. Make your plans to grow dreadlocks known to everyone at work, home, and school. Ask them how they feel about your decision and why they feel a certain way. This action step with help you find out who you can turn to or trust if society gives you a hard time with your dreadlocks.

10. Check out the dress code at your place of employment. If possible, talk to your Human Resource department and let them know your plans. You should find out exactly where they stand on the issue.

11. Are you prepared to upgrade your skills, start a new business, or find another job if your current job cannot accept your dreadlocks?.

12. Read more books, study new things, and step outside your comfort zone. This is a great opportunity to learn how to bring positive changes into your life.

13. Do a little soul-searching through the power of prayer, meditation, using affirmation, and practicing visualization. Any one of these techniques have helped many overcome adversities in their life.

14. Get a journal and start writing your daily thoughts and feelings.

15. Listen to positive motivational audio CDs and attend uplifting seminars. The more confident you become, the easier you will welcome you new life with dreadlocks.

What is most important reason you want to grow dreadlocks? Will they be enough to keep you on the path? Before you take the leap, understand that dreadlocks are a beautiful way to express yourself but they may come at a price. Prepare yourself.

For more information on growing dreadlocks and creating a prosperous life with them visit http://www.HowToGrowDreadlocks.com

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=248030&ca=Culture

A Sticker For Every Occasion And Culture By Daniel Millions

One of the most ubiquitous items in our culture today is the ever present and multi-talented sticker. Labels go on just about everything and the list of various uses they are put to continues to grow. While the materials a sticker is printed on can range from paper and plastic all the way up to metals and metallic foil, there are essentially only two types of stickers; permanent or temporary.

The core of a label's function is the adhesive placed on the back of it. For applications that are meant to last, such as warning labels on containers or equipment, the adhesive will be a strong bonding agent that will require tearing of the surface material or solvents to remove. You will find this type of label on just about any jar of food in the grocery store. Stickers and labels are not only a convenient way to dissemble information but are also used extensively to permanently attach Radio Frequency Inventory Devices (RFID) to products to aid in the prevention of shoplifting.

Decals are only slightly different from regular labels in that they usually have the printed matter on the same side as the adhesive so the image is protected from wear. Usually created on clear acrylic substrate, these types of labels allow a product to show through the background.

Even the average office will contain many stickers and labels in their repertoire of supplies. Rolled print runs of shipping labels can quickly facilitate the addressing of mass mailings of your product or newsletter. Return address stickers can add color and variety to your return address. Filing folders and even the cabinets themselves are more easily organized with color coded stickers.

For applications that require an informational sticker to be on a product at the purchase but unwanted afterwards, as in the case of pricing labels, there are several types of removable adhesives that can be used. Most of these are designed to be peeled off without damaging the surface or leaving adhesive residue behind. Removable adhesive is used on labeling fresh produce as well.

However, stickers are not just for serious business. With the printing of peel-off self-adhesive label material so inexpensive, stickers can be printed in any imaginable color. With the two ply labeling material you can use die cutting forms to make your stickers and labels in almost any shape as well.

Stickers are extremely popular with children and can be obtained either flat or made of a puffy, sponge-like interior for added dimension. Since they are designed for play, most stickers made for children come with removable adhesives for ease of cleanup and removal when they are applied indiscriminately. Labels and stickers of this sort are extremely customizable and can be used for such various items as automobile bumper stickers and name-tags for parties and social gatherings.

There are a number of specialized high-tech stickers as well. A newly designed antimicrobial label has been developed that allows health care providers and hospital employees to see at a glance if there are harmful bacteria in the air. Radioactive labels and stickers have been developed for the use in tracking dangerous compounds. These are used when the label information must be read via an electronic scanner through special shielding containers.

While the words sticker and label are usually interchangeable there is one distinct difference. All stickers have a 100% adhesive backing whereas an ordinary label may only be attached at certain points on the bottom surface.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=243557&ca=Culture

The Penn Experiment By Todd A. Smith

Many cringe when scientists victimize animals for medical experiments. However, many African American men from Tuskegee, Ala. to Philadelphia have found themselves the victims of 'good science' since the early 1900s, some with deadly consequences.

According to Tuskegee.edu, “For forty years between 1932 and 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) conducted an experiment on 399 Black men in the late stages of syphilis. Informed that they were being treated for ‘bad blood,’ their doctors had no intention of curing them of syphilis at all. The data for the experiment was to be collected from the autopsies of the men, and they were thus deliberately left to degenerate under the ravages of tertiary syphilis—which can include tumors, heart disease, paralysis, blindness, insanity, and death.”

Twenty-eight men died directly from syphilis because of the Tuskegee Experiment, with 100 more dying of syphilis-related complications.

Despite the tragic results of the syphilis study in Alabama, the scientific experimentation on Black males continued, as the University of Pennsylvania found more human guinea pigs at Holmesburg State Prison in Philadelphia.

In 1964 Edward “Butch” Anthony entered “the Burg” on drug charges and began participating in scientific experiments, like many of his cellmates, to earn much-needed cash. Inmates participating in the tests could earn hundreds of dollars a month as opposed to the 25 cents a day given for regular prison jobs.

“I signed myself away as a guinea pig, a lab rat. But they told us the tests were safe, we didn’t have nothing to worry about. They paid good money, but we wouldn’t have done them if we were told they were dangerous,” said Anthony who now goes by the first name Yusef.

According to The Daily Pennsylvanian, Yusef Anthony participated in the Penn-conducted Johnson & Johnson bubble bath test. An inmate peeled off patches of his skin and sprayed chemicals on his open wounds. Pus-filled blisters began to form overnight and his dark brown skin turned “strawberry” red.

After several excruciating days, doctors took him off the study and paid him a “whopping” $37. “I was paranoid, I thought everybody was plotting and whispering about me. I laid in my cell and hallucinated, I don’t know if it was days or weeks. I thought I went to hell,” Anthony recalled.

The Penn medical tests at Holmesburg Prison lasted from 1951 to 1974.

Hundreds of the victims of the Penn experiments attempted to sue the city and Dr. Albert Kligman, who conducted the study, but judges threw out the case because the statute of limitations had expired.

“Some of the studies led to the development of anti-wrinkle cream Retin-A and have made Penn and Kligman millions,” according to Jessica Sidman of The Daily Pennsylvanian.

“For 25 years, Holmesburg was a department of human experimentation for private-or public-sector entities who wanted something to be tested,” said author Allen Hornblum.

According to Hornblum, many of the prisoners were illiterate, but forced to sign waivers, and exposed to infectious diseases, radioactive isotopes, psychotropic drugs and other dangerous chemicals for skin-related research.

Kligman, now 91, refuses to do interviews but the University of Pennsylvania acknowledges the tests took place but states that those type of experiments were commonplace in that era.

However, with the help of Hornblum, Anthony recently published a book through Penn State Press entitled, Sentenced to Science that recounts his horrific experience at the Holmesburg State Prison from 1964 to 1966.

Over 40 years later, Anthony still feels the effects of his experience at Holmesburg. At age 64 he must visit a doctor at least once a month, his hands sometimes swell to the size of boxing gloves, and his size 10 feet sometimes struggle to fit a size 14 shoe; just a small reminder of his contributions to science and medical advancements.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=257028&ca=Culture

Using Personalized Gifts To Create The Perfect Present By Gabriel Adams

When it comes time to purchase gifts for loved ones, my favorite thing to do is purchase gifts that are personalized. Usually these are gifts that have to be ordered well in advance of the birthday or whatever special date when you will be sharing the gift.

When I say that I like to give personalized gifts, I am referring to those that have something personal either engraved or embroidered on them. My personal preference is to have that person’s name or initials put on the gift.

Sometimes it is fun to have something engraved or embroidered that relates to a particular interest of that person. Sweatshirts with that person’s favorite sports team’s logo is one example. Even more personal is having a picture of that person with their spouse or family put on the sweatshirt. Don’t you just love it when someone gives you a gift like that?

One year my family gave me a calendar that they had made especially for me. Each page opposite the days of the month had a picture of some member of my family. That was my favorite Christmas gift. As long as I live, I will never forget that beautiful calendar. Maybe I should ask them to do that again.

Another time, they got me a coffee mug with a picture of my children on the side. I just loved that! However, I have kept pens in it because it is too special to use for drinking coffee. It is a very special personalized gift that I will always treasure.

Cups that say “I love Grandma (or Grandpa)” are always special gifts. Moms and Dads love mugs like that too! Everybody loves a coffee mug that says their name on it. Then there are the mugs with special sayings that remind us of how old we are or how much people care about us.

Some people prefer to send flower arrangements to relatives who are too far away to visit on their special day. Personally, I would prefer a plant. They last longer. If you do have something like that sent to a loved one, include a loving note. It will make the gift even more personalized and more appreciated.

Jewelry that says the person’s name or their relationship with you is very special. There are necklaces that say “Best Mom” or “Most Loved Grandma”. What a big hug you will get after your loved one sees that gift! Husbands, get your wife one that says “Best Wife” and she will hug you all through the next week.

For my birthday, my son got me a musical card. When I opened it, the music from Law and Order started playing. Since that is one of my favorite television programs, I was just thrilled. Now that is what I call a personalized gift!

Then there are the special Mother’s Day gifts. Mother’s rings are always nice with all the birthstones of her children. You can also buy the birthstones in necklaces and bracelets.
Fathers like the rings that simply say “Dad”. Not a bad gift idea for Father’s Day this year. Depending on the metal, they range in price from $50 to several hundred dollars.

Whatever personalized gift you choose, your special person will appreciate it because you were so thoughtful. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just something that shows that you care about that person.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=246259&ca=Culture

The Meaning Of Celtic Design Tattoos By JB Mills

There's been a growing interest in tattoos lately,and Celtic tattoo designs are no exception. Celtic tattoos have become a favorite design choice. It is no secret why these are so popular. They are oftentimes done in blackened color with lots of shading and the symbols used are intricate and beautiful. It's thought that Celtic tattoo designs trace their origins back to a clan that inhabited the British Isles called the Picts. Just about all historians think that the Picts tattooed themselves by puncturing their skin with red-hot tools to produce complex and permanent artwork on their body. Later on, they began to using a blue pigment derived from the leaves of a native plant.

The designs created by the Picts began to have a mysterious religious and symbolic significance. Celtic artwork and symbolism embodied a mix of Druid and Christian religions. The Celts didn't have a printed language and alternatively communicated their customs and beliefs by word of mouth. Once the first Christian missionaries arrived to the British Isles they established written communication within the Celtic culture. At the same time the monks adopted many of the active Celtic beliefs, and symbols into the Christian religion. This was done in order to bridge the gap between the Druid beliefs and those of the Christians. A great deal of this work was saved by the Christian monks in the 'Books Of Kells' which is today housed at Trinity College in Ireland. Therefore the early tattoo designs of the Picts evolved over time and blended with Christian beliefs to form what we know of as Celtic artwork today. The Celtic Cross and Shamrock are two such designs that have survived the test of time.

The Meaning Behind Celtic Symbols

The Celtic Knot

Most Celtic artwork starts with a common knot design. These are attractive knots of interlaced lines that cross over one another repeatedly to produce an exquisite design. These knots don't have a start or an end they are simply a perpetual knot that goes on eternally. These interwoven lines are thought to symbolize the spiritual and the physical realms of life, which become entangled with each other.

Celtic Tree Of Life Tattoo

Among the favorite themes of Celtic tattoo designs is the Tree Of Life. This in all likelihood goes back as a symbol to the Druidic religion, which was a nature, based religion. Trees frequently symbolize life, growing from a seed into a tree much like a person grows from a child into an adult. Trees are often seen as a life giving plant and are venerated in many naturalistic faiths. There is also an association with Christianity in the Adam and Eve story in which Eve eats the fruit from a tree.

The Celtic Cross Tattoo

Among the most popular and most lasting Celtic designs is the Celtic Cross. The symbolism here is obviously Christian and comes from Jesus on the cross. These are beautiful crosses done with interlacing lines of Celtic knots.

Celtic Heart Tattoos

Another favorite Celtic design theme is a heart. Celtic heart tattoos are once again intertwined knot work in the shape of a heart. Generally done in black color only but can also be done in color. These are exquisite designs and make great tattoos. These are particularly popular among women.

More Symbols Include:

Anchor: Steadfastness
Bell: Weddings, Anniversaries.
Chain Links: Linking of Lives, # of children, Years together.
Cross: Faith, Marriage.
Diamond: Wealth, Good Fortune.
Dragon: Symbol of Wales, Protection.
Flowers: Affection or Courtship, Friendship.
Heart: Love.
Horseshoe: Good Luck and Happiness.
Key: Home
Knot: Everlasting, together forever.
Leaves: Love Grows.
Ship: Smooth passage through life.
Vine: Love Grows.
Wheel: Willingness to work for a loved one.
Double Spoons: The Couple Together Forever.
Triple Spoons: Family.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=252150&ca=Culture