Birth Flowers and Stones

I've been thinking of something I could post here that would be both useful and informative for the start of this year. While I'm not a fan of astrological limitations of what a person should be, based on when he/she happened to be born, I quite like the idea of jewellery (who doesn't, right). Flowers don't hurt either.

I've made a list of birth stones and flowers which make traditional gifts for friends and family (especially women) related to the month in which they were born. Make a note of these for when you're shopping for presents for the rest of the year.

January

Stone - Garnet

Flower - Carnation or Snowdrop 

February

  Stone - Amethyst

 Flower – Violet or Primrose

March

 Stone - Aquamarine 

Flower - Daffodil

April

Stone - Diamonds

Flower – Sweet pea or Daisy

May

    Stone - Emerald

The Lily of the Valley

June

Stone - Pearl

Flower – the Rose

July

Stone - Ruby

Flower – the Water Lily

August

Stone - Peridot

Flower - the Gladiolus or Poppy

September

Stone - Sapphire

Flower – the Aster or Morning Glory

October

Stone - Opal

Flower – the Calendula (Marigold)

November

Stone – Topaz

Flower – the Chrysanthemum

December

Stone – Turquoise

Flower – the Narcissus

So this year there is no excuse for not getting the right presents. Hope your recipients appreciate your generosity. Happy New Year!

Please share this post on your favourite networking site if you find it useful. Thank you.

Christmas Has Gone To The Dogs

In order to wrap up 2010's posting on this blog (I still have a few posts left in me for my other sites) before I leave for my Christmas hols with relatives, I want to bring you some 'awwww' inducing pictures of little Christmas doggies. They're all dressed in the most fabulous, seasonal garb and definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. I've trawled through dozens to bring you some of the best ones. All say, 'Awwww....'

The urls for all the images are at the end of this post.

Aren't they cute!

Happy Christmas to you and a very prosperous and blessed 2011

Photo sources for the above images, in order of appearance:
http://www.sassypup.net/Christmas-Dog-Dress-Poinsettia-Harness-Holidays-p-16564.html
http://www.freechristmaswallpapers.net/wallpaper/Sweet-Dog-Under-Xmas-Tree/
http://animals.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/1405/
http://hotshotphoto.com/blog/dogs-xmas-hats
http://scruffmacduff.blogspot.com/
http://www.scenicreflections.com/media/284353/Christmas_Dog_Wallpaper/
http://www.wagsntailsmaltese.com/About_Us.html
http://dogs.icanhascheezburger.com/2007/12/page/7/

A Post In Pictures

I've always wanted to create a full post in progressive pictures. I think I've managed to do just that today. This is how I transformed my son's bed from plain and dull, to one that's fun and colourful. With just an old, dusty headboard and some well-chosen material, you to can make a stunning piece of furniture out of your old, boring bed.
Note: use an old, soft blanket under your top layer of material to create a softer, more cushiony  feel and look.