By 1918 glass was no longer limited to functional items. Czechoslovakian glass began to make its appearance in dazzling and brilliant jewelry. This Czech glass became known as rhinestones.

Rhinestones were manmade gems from highly refined glass. By using various metals the glass was colored to the desired shade. It was then pressed into molds. Each stone was then ground and polished by machine, resulting in a brilliant glass stone. Often the stones were foiled on the back which increased their brilliance.

Today, the same refining process is still used. You will often here rhinestones referred to as paste. Originally paste was referred to a glass stone that made of ground glass which was molded and then melted, producing an opaque dense glass frosted stone. Paste had many air bubbles and swirl marks. The high lead content glass was then polished and faceted, and set on either copper or silver resulting in a brilliant stone. Today the term paste usually refers to rhinestones. In Europe rhinestones are often referred to as paste, strass, and diamante.

Austria is another area with a history in rhinestone production. In 1891 Daniel Swarovski created a new glass cutting machine which quite literally revolutionized the jewelry business. This machine could cut faceted glass, producing finely finished product in a very short time. Prior to this invention it would take a very long time for each stone to be hand cut and finished. Swarovski’s background in glass making, combined with his glass cutting machine soon found him producing rhinestones with a lead content of over 30%. The brilliance of these rhinestones was superior to anything seen on the market. Swarovski wasn’t content with his invention and the best rhinestones ever seen. His next invention was once again transforming to the jewelry industry. He created a vacuum plating for the backs of the stones with silver and gold, reducing the need for hand labor. Still today Swarovski rhinestones are recognized as the highest quality in the industry. Over 80% of rhinestone jewelry manufactured in America use Swarovski rhinestones.

Rhinestones have played an important role in costume jewelry for hundreds of years. It is used to enhance and accent, and sometimes rhinestones will provide the entire design. During the Victorian period common motifs for jewelry included snakes, flowers, and hands most often adorned with rhinestones.

The 1890s were a time for extravagant jewelry heavily adorned with rhinestones. As time moved forward designs became simpler with figural shapes once again making their fashion statement. However this time they were small and more elegant with small rhinestone accents.

During the Edwardian period extravagance had made a comeback with diamonds and pearls being the focal point. Once again rhinestones were in heavy use, often used to imitate the real thing.

During the 1920s fashions were rapidly changing. Dresses had gone from fitted to a looser more comfortable style. Two distinct styles occurred during this era ? the feminine style and the androgynous style. Jewelry from the 1920s drew on the art deco period. The majority of rhinestone jewelry was made with clear rhinestones.

As the 1920s moved jewelry once again became bolder. Dramatic color was in style. Designer Coco Chanel was an integral figure in the setting the stage for jewelry of this era.

During the 1930s during the depression labor intensive fashion was no longer feasible. While the world was in turmoil, jewelry represented an affordable comfort to many women. Inexpensive costume jewelry could be used to revitalize an old outfit. The industry began to produce bright colored enamel pieces accented with rhinestones. Dogs, birds, or cats with a rhinestone eye were common place.

The jewelry during the 1940s once again became big and bold with rhinestones being produced in every imaginable color, large stones set on large bold settings was the norm.

By the 1950s there were two very distinct looks ? elegant and sophisticated for the more mature woman, and casual and fun for the younger woman. The 1950s saw jewelry made completely from rhinestones. For the younger woman were flirty pieces, for the older woman sophisticated elegance. Rhinestone parures became extremely popular.

In 1953 the aurora borealis rhinestone was introduced to the market with its fabulous array of color. It was an instant hit!

By 1960s women were wearing very functional clothing. By the late 1960s the hippie fashions were extremely popular with their roots tied to Mother Nature. Tie dyed shirts, long flowing skirts, frayed jeans were everywhere. This generation had no interest in rhinestone jewelry.

By the mid 1970s the punk look had been born and the rhinestone was revitalized. It was the disco movement brought the rhinestone back to center stage. The disco movement turned into the club movement during the 1980s and rhinestone jewelry continued to gain popularity.

Since the 1970s rhinestone have remained main stream in the jewelry world. They continue to gain popularity and today there is a style to suit almost every ones needs. There is rhinestone jewelry which is perfect for a bride, rhinestone jewelry for a prom girl, rhinestone jewelry for the young and fun crowd, the business woman, the sophisticated woman, and the mature woman. Beautiful pieces of rhinestone jewelry adorn almost every woman’s accessories.

If trends are an indication of the rhinestones future, it appears to have a vibrant healthy life ahead of it. Pleasing for most woman with a fashion sense who instantly recognize the value and beauty of rhinestones!

? Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved. Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Swing it!

Have you ever made fun of the walkers who swing their arms? Well they know something you don’t. This is the best way to increase the effectiveness of your workout. Bend your arms at your elbow 90 degrees as you walk. Swinging your arms will quicken your pace, raise your heart rate and help you to burn 5 to 10 percent more calories. Continue walking at a quick pace with your arms swinging naturally by your side. As you walk gradually bend them into the 90 degree angle. Keep a natural rhythm to your swing. Walking with bent arms will help with your gait, balance, and propulsion.”

Interval walking

Breaking up your walk into slow and fast segments is a great way to increase your stamina, build muscle and burn more calories. “Vary the pace of your walk so that you have a phase of working hard (up to 90 percent of your maximum heart rate) followed by a recovery phase where you stroll slowly bringing your heart rate down,” Head for the hills

Rough it!

If you normally walk circuit on sidewalks or paved road shoulders, it might be time to find a trail. “Walking on a rough but level track requires 50 percent more energy than walking on a paved road,” Find a local park that has hiking trails or maybe there is a hiking club in your area that you can join. Look in the phone book or on the internet under volksmarching.

Circuit walking

A combination of walking and strength training. This may seem a little foreign at first but give it a try and you’ll find that time go by quickly and you’ll become stronger for it. Walk for a while then stop and do an exercise like sit ups or push ups on a park bench or even jumping jacks, just some exercise other than walking. This will shock your body into a new level of fitness.

Enter an event

Sign up for a 5K or 10K walking event or even walk for a cause, Breast Cancer or pregnancy center. Set a goal and train for that goal like an athlete. This will keep you motivated and push you towards the next level of fitness walking.

Reward yourself with a good pair of walking shoes.

Tina Seay is the author and webdesigner of http://www.LearnSomethingToday.com Her goal is to help others achieve their goals and live a quality life. Her other website include http://www.YourWeddingStory.net and http://www.ForTheCatLover.com

This article can be printed as web-content or in a newsletter or ezine with the author’s bio-SIG included.

Well this year you may be able to do something a little different, especially for the ones who are hard to buy for.

Every home you go to you will see art prints, posters or photographs adorning the walls. If you go through a gallery of motivational posters you will find prints of all kinds that have inspirational sayings such as "Goals-Dolphin, which says, There is no end to the amount of things you can accomplish". This is great for home or office. Office gifts are often the more tricky gifts and a motivational poster is the kind of gift that is beautiful and inspirational.

For the person you are buying for, are they interested in hockey, football, baseball, golf, the military, extreme sports, rock climbing, animals, flowers, ethnic art, etc.? So many areas have been covered that you should be able to find what you are looking for.

Some examples of extraordinary pictures such as a print called, Perseverance-Cliff Hanger with a saying, "What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve". Or, Challenge-Runner with this saying, "Winners must have two things; definite goals and a burning desire to achieve them"!

Art is universal, so remember, "When Art Inspires, dreams Become Reality"!

Willie Jones

Willie is a freelance writer, researcher, floral designer, and artist. Thanks very much for reading this far.

"Make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing at http://www.artinspires.com/. All winners receive a free framed print."

GOAL SETTING’S TOP TEN:

If you want to be successful, it is important to set goals for yourself-daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals and yearly goals. Achieving a goal is not difficult, however setting a goal can be. Don’t leave your business to chance. SET GOALS!

RULE NUMBER ONE: Make a list. What is important to you? What have your only dreamt about doing? For example, if you thought you might like to write a book, write this down. We have all heard the saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." The first step to achieving a goal is to write it down!

RULE NUMBER TWO: Put the "horse" before the "cart." First, you need to "see" an image in your mind about what your future goals are. Then decide what you will have to do on a daily basis to get there and then, see yourself there. Act as if you have already achieved your goals.

RULE NUMBER THREE: "We become what we think about" said Earl Nightengale. Begin to walk, talk, and act like the success you deserve to be.

RULE NUMBER FOUR: Write 6 things down you want to accomplish. You should be able to achieve at least 4 of these if you plan on a daily basis and look at this list.

RULE NUMBER FIVE: Make a BrainMap. Put this on your desk, next to your appointment book. Look at it daily. Cut out pictures, put in quotes, and make yourself a "map" of where you going. When we have a map, we get where we want to go.

RULE NUMBER SIX: Ask "how" and "when" questions. How will you achieve your goals? When will they be achieved?

RULE NUMBER SEVEN: One step at a time. Know your objective and once you see yourself achieving one project, you will quickly be able to go on to another.

RULE NUMBER EIGHT: Read about OPS (Other People’s Successes). This can be very powerful. In the publication, INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY, there is a LEADERS AND SUCCESS section in almost every issue. Read Oprah’s Magazine. Read motivational books. Remember, "oday a Reader, Tommorrow a Leader."

RULE NUMBER NINE: Make positive friends and acquaintances. People need positive support when they are trying to achieve. If you have negativity in your life, move over to the positive side. It is powerful.

RULE NUMBER TEN: Believe in Yourself. It is so important to know that what you are wanting to do is something you deserve. You deserve to be successful. Make your goals reflect what "you" want, and not what someone else wants.

If you are experiencing the need to go out on interviews, the following pointers will help you get the job you are seeking.

1) RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER

The first part of any interview process is research. The idea is to learn as much as possible about the organization, its philosophies, goals and future plans. You are showing them that you took the time to research their company, you are showing them how you go that extra mile.

2. REREAD/REDO RESUME

Make sure you’re familiar with contents. It will be the employers basis of asking questions. Know your strong points. Be able to tell them (indirectly) why they should hire you.

3) DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Always look the part of the position you want. Be meticulously groomed and bring properly organized work with you (letters of recommendation, resume copies, performance evaluations, list of questions).

4) BE ON TIME

There is no excuse for being late. There was too much traffic, a car accident, family emergency…just doesn’t cut it. Find out where this is and make a trial run. Where is the parking? Be prepared to be on time. Keep a note of the person you will be talking with. Review questions you plan to ask. Bring your notebook, black pen, tissues, business card, personal data, letters of recommendation, money for gas, telephone, and parking, social security card, drivers. license identification

5) BE POLITE, SHAKE HANDS, BE POSITIVE

Always stand to shake hands, use eye-contact, and smile. It sets the tone.

6) SCHEDULE STRATEGICALLY

Try not to be the first person being interviewed. Research conducted by Robert Half and Associates indicates that the first person interviewed gets the job only 17% of the time, while the last person gets the job 55% of the time. Late in the afternoon is best.

7) SET GOALS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

It is your responsibility to leaving the interview feeling secure that the interviewer knows as much as he/she knows about your skills, abilities, experience and achievements. If you sense that there are misconceptions, clear them up. If the interviewer does not ask you important questions, diplomatically bring them up and answer them. Don’t leave the meeting without getting your own questions answered so that you have a clear idea of what you would be getting yourself into.

DURING THE INTERVIEW- WHAT AND HOW

What do you want to communicate and how do you plan your plan?

1) USE RELAXED CONCENTRATION

Enter into a state of relaxed conversation. Be able to clear your head and concentrate on the present moment of this interview. You will want to act spontaneous but be prepared. Rely on the research you have done before this interview to put you at ease. Listen Carefully. It’s okay to ask politely for clarification. Always pause before answering to consider all facts that may help you in your response. Be positive. Communicate attitudes - You are willing to work. You expect to make a contribution. You are flexible. You are committed to continuous learning.

2). KNOW THE QUESTION BEHIND THE QUESTION

Every question comes to "Why should we hire you?" Be sure you are prepared to answer this. If there is, for example, a question about meeting deadlines, consider whether the interviewer is trying to learn about your personal life. He/she may really be wanting to know if your family life will interfere with your employment.

3) WATCH FOR NONVERBAL CUES

Watch for facial expressions, body movements and actions during the interview process. Walk and sit confidently. Lean toward the interviewer to show interest and enthusiasm. Make and keep eye contact. Speak clearly and with personality.

4) FINISH STRONG

Demonstrate interest by asking when the position will be filled. Summarize why you are qualified. This is a time to say what you left out during the interview, tell them if you want this job and ask what the next step might be in the hiring process. Will there be additional interviews? When will be hiring decision be made? When can you call back for the decision?

5) FOLLOW-UP

Evaluate the interview. Record your follow-up plans. Write the date and time for your next contact with the employer and follow-through. Write a thank you note within 24 hours and send one to each person you interviewed with. To write a thank you note or letter, just find some things you discussed and expand upon them. You will stand out above others.

JOB QUESTIONS THEY MAY ASK YOU…………

Tell me about yourself. Why do you believe you could handle this position? Since you are overqualified for this position, what do you hope to gain from it? What are you reading lately? Or What types of publications do you read? What are your financial goals? What is the minimum salary you will accept? What is your salary history? If you could have your choice of jobs, what would yours be? Why do you want to go into this field? What are your short and long range goals and how do you expect to achieve them? What does success mean to you? How do you measure it? What motivates you? Do you plan to further your education? To what extent? Have you done anything to improve yourself in the past year? What is your greatest achievement? Disappointment? Why are you leaving your present business? Do you prefer working as part of a team or on your own?Why do you want to work here? What do you feel you can contribute? Is there something you expect to experience in this job you are not presently experiencing? Do you see a future here? Are you considering other positions? What is your leadership style? (If you know this, it will impress them). How do you feel about relocating? How do you work under pressure? Deadlines?

QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK THEM………………….

What is the size, sales volume, earnings? Does the company plan to expand? What are significant trends in this industry? How does the organization rank within their field? What salary range does this job fall in? (Only later in the interview process) What is the public image of the company? What would you like me to accomplish in my job position? What qualifications are you looking for in the person who fills this job? What types of projects will I be responsible for? How much travel is involved? Is there a reason this position is not being filled from within? What has been the greatest challenge of this department/company?

ALL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ARE REALLY THE SAME QUESTION:

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB?.

Dr. Joyce M. Knudsen, AICI, CIM is a charter member of AICI since l987. Known for her excellent programs. She can be reached at www.imagemaker1.com or www.testingforexcellence.com.

Dr. Joyce Knudsen is known for two specialties: (1) International Home Study Certification Program for Image Consultants, Worldwide. (2) As a Certified Behavioral and Values Analyst she provides assessments on personal lifestyle development, DiSC Classic, DiSC General Characteristics, Time Mastery, Indra, Team Dimensions and so much more. Dr. Knudsen is the author of six books on the subject of self-image, a distinguished IMMIE Recipient, honored with the Award of Excellence for Education and was the very first Master Status Member (highest level of achievement) of The Association of Image Consultants, International.

Experience powerful new skills in dressing for success, business etiquette and social skills. You can read more about Dr. Knudsen on her web site at http://www.imagemaker1.com; you can test yourself to excellence on http://www.testingforexcellence.com and read her EXPERT profile on http://www.expertclick.com

Meet Mr. Lentil

In case you are something less than a lentil aficionado, here’s the skinny on these small, disk-shaped legumes. Lentils come in dozens of varieties and almost as many colors. Dishes based around lentils are especially popular in the Middle East and India.

Lentils make delightful soups, croquettes and patties. They can also be used in casseroles, salads and stews. Lentils are fast and simple to prepare, and make a nourishing, hearty and inexpensive meal when eaten with brown rice.

Be sure to pick through and then wash lentils before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking, unless your goal is to create a lentil mush.

Health Benefits of the Lowly Lentil

Lentils have been shown to be an excellent source of some vitamins and minerals such as Iron, Potassium and Folate. Lentils are also considered to be a good source of Niacin.

In terms of actual diseases, the consumption of legumes (such as lentils) have been shown to:

? reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

? lower cholesterol levels

? provide a source of beneficial high fiber for persons with diabetes

? help in reducing triglycerides

Looking for Lentils?

If you don’t have time to cook, look no further than your grocery isle for a can of Progresso Lentil Soup. While Progresso is pretty good, many canned soup products do contain a high degree of salt. You may be able to find low-salt lentil soups at your local health food store.

Lentils are not really that hard to cook, so another option would be to simply pick-up a few bags and get started yourself. There are many lentil-related recipes online. Following is one that should whet your appetite (notice the alphabet-shaped noodles-if you can’t locate these in your store, I’m sure traditional elbows will work just the same):

Lentil Soup Mix Recipe

2-1/2 c. green split peas (16 oz. pkg.)
2-1/2 c. lentils (16 oz. pkg.)
2-1/2 c. pearl barley (16 oz. pkg.)
2 c. alphabet macaroni (8 oz. pkg.)–I use brown rice instead
1 c. dried onion flakes (2 3/8-oz. pkgs.)
1/2 c. celery flakes (1 3/8-oz. pkg.)
1/2 c. parsley flakes (1 1/4-oz. pkg.)
(Optional: 1-1/2 t. thyme; 1-1/2 t. white pepper)

Mix all ingredients together. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Stir before using. Makes 10 c. of mix.

TO COOK: Combine 1 c. of soup mix with 4 c. of water or seasoned stock in large pan. Add 1 c. of cooked chopped meat, if desired. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover pan. Simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, or until peas are tender. Add 1/2 t. salt if desired.

Speaking of Mixes

If you want the taste experience of a home-cooked meal but don’t have time to make your own mix, there are a number of lentil soup mixes available online. The Mediterranean Lentil Soup mentioned in the resource box below is one of my favorites, and the red lentils it features make a colorful contribution to any meal.

So if you’re getting tired of burgers, fries, or whatever else you’ve been eating, may I recommend the lowly lentil as a healthy food option? Now that McDonalds and other fast food chains appear to be getting more health conscious, perhaps we should start a letter-writing campaign for some lentil-related options. But until that day comes, you can find lentils in your health food store, many grocery stores, and certainly online.

Cari Haus is webmaster for http://www.thevegetarianexpress.com/, a website offering vegan food mixes and seasonings-including a mix for Mediterranean Lentil Soup. This article is not intended to give any health advice, and should not be construed as such

Red ? Red roses are a sign of love, beauty, courage and respect. This color represents romantic, sincere and passionate love. If you want to show your loved one that they are the love of your life, red roses are the ones to choose. Giving a single red rose to someone is a simple way to say "I love you".

White ? White roses are a sign of purity, innocence, silence and youthfulness. They are given to individuals who are shy about love and are used to tell the person how special they are. White roses can also be used in weddings as an indication of new love which is just beginning.

Pink ? Pink roses are a sign of appreciation and are often given as a thank you. Pink flowers also represent happiness and admiration and are given to someone you love whether it be a significant other or a best friend.

Yellow ? Yellow roses are a sign of friendship, happiness, joy and promise. Yellow roses are often given to show happiness for loved ones who are returning from a long trip or leave of absence.

Orange ? Orange roses signify desire and enthusiasm. They can be given at a graduation or a commencement to celebrate the ending and beginning of two different phases in life.

Lavender/Purple ? Lavender or purple roses are a sign of love at first sight. If you just meet someone and have fallen head over heals for them, show them how you feel by giving them lavender roses.

Regardless of the color of roses, they represent love and friendship among many other wonderful things. Roses can be planted in your garden or kept in vases throughout your home. If you are growing roses in your garden follow this gardening tip to ensure you receive the best results possible:

Pruning Your Roses ? Using pruning shears, trim your roses around the edges and remove any dead leaves from the plant. Cut out any dead wood, twigs or stems which are cross-growing over one another. Pruning should be done twice a year (once in the spring and once in the fall) to ensure your roses are kept in top condition.

Where you decide to plant your roses and the kind you choose will affect the overall appearance of your garden. Roses are quite possibly the most popular flower to show love and happiness and anyone who receives a rose for any reason should consider themselves a very lucky person.

Colin Smith is a freelance write for http://www.gardenequipment101.com ? a site that features information about garden ponds, Toro lawn mowers, barbecue pits and more.

Digital cameras are becoming more and more popular as time goes by. As a scrapbooker, I find it easier to store and organize digital photos then regular photos. This is how I organize them.

After loading your photos onto your computer, create folders. Copy and paste photos by date and event. I like to even take this a step further and copy and paste what photos I want per layout. So when it’s time to scrapbook, I simply look at my different folders and decide which one I want to work on. I then look to see how many pictures there are and figure out a layout that would work well. I take in consideration different sizes I could print the photo, with regular film processing you can’t do that. I then print out only the ones I want to work with.

With digital photos, you can crop, trim, or change color tints on your photos. Think black and white photos would look better then the scattered colored photo? No problem, simply got to your photo editing program and play with the coloring. If the subject of your photo is off center or something distracting is in the picture, use your photo editing program to crop or zoom in.

Digital photo is the way to go! They are so much easier to work with and take up only computer space!

About The Author

Debbie Luker

I have been scrapbooking for over 7 years now. I have made several scrapbooks for different clients. I enjoyed doing that been I am more focused on getting my work published on websites and magazines. I have been on 2 different design teams, the most recent being for ScrapbookPal.com

Fiskars