Valentines - Giveaway

New York Memos has really gotten a head start on Valentines Day by featuring unique items every day  from January 15 to 31st. Each day has a new Valentine theme - Sweet Things, Country Romance, Vintage Passion, Don't Forget the Men, Some Pet Loving, Valentine Party, Lust, Kids, Perfect Words, Sweet and Tasty, Spreading the L Word, Art of Valentine's. Valentine Fun, Nice & Cozy, Calling All Singles.  Every article includes lovely handmade items from various Etsy shops. Many of the shops are offering special discounts or free shipping to the readers.  If you are looking for that special something for that special person - this is the perfect place to start. You'll find everything from a simple card to a gorgeous work of art.  (My heart wine charms are featured on Day 8 - Valentine Party.)  

Enter the Giveaway to win a beautiful pair of romantic earrings! Don't miss this! It ends Feb. 7.

(Just have to mention that my Chinese Coin wine charms are shown in the Lunar New Year post.)

Chinese New Year - January 26

Welcome the Year of the Ox on January 26th! During the last Year of the Ox  in 1997, Asia went through an economic crisis. Will financial chaos reign in 2009 as well?  According to one local magazine, "Chinese astrological forecasters are predicting 2009 to an a very intense year during which wars and other aggressive incidents between nations and even between persons are likely to happen."  

The Ox represents peace, harmony, and beauty, but it can also be strong willed and react angrily to those who threaten or cause harm.

You want to wear new clothing in gold, purples, or earth colors such as black for prosperity, happiness and luck. Although red is generally considered a lucky color, it tends to irritate the Ox.  

Check out these great Etsy shops for the Chinese New Year items pictured above: 

Fold out Cards, Darker Image,  Meekiyua, ArtChiz

The Magic 8

I recently read an interesting article on "Jewelry Rules" by Danielle Fox in which she explains what jewelry to wear with particular styles of clothing.  Also included is a list called "The Magic 8" - 8 items that everyone should have in her jewelry box.  So I searched through Etsy to find some great pieces to fit this list:

           Magic 8 from Etsy Shops

1. Big, fabulous earrings -  visit NYlightmetals

2. Short dangle earrings - visit hayashibeads

3. A big cocktail ring - visit  Elizaandco

4. A short, round necklace - visit justessdesigns

5. A pendant necklace - visit silverdotjewelry

6. A long, thin necklace - visit bluewhitejewelrywear

7. A short, chunky necklace - visit bluewhitejewelrywear

8. Bangles (at least three small ones and one thick, chunky one - visit ciaraobscura; cindyg

Lumpini Park

In all the years I have lived here, I have never been to Lumpini Park! Sunday morning we were up early to venture over to the park. What a lively place so early in the morning! Lots of people involved in all forms of exercise. Even the monitor lizards climbed out of the klongs to sunbathe.

Year of the Ox

The Year of the Ox begins on January 26, 2009, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. People born during the year of the ox possess strong work ethics, are dependable, loyal, hard working, have great leadership qualities, and are well organized. They can also be stubborn and narrow-minded.

According to legend, Lord Buddha invited all the animals to a celebration, but only 12 came. In their honor, he named an animal for each year creating a 12 year cycle. Those born during the year would possess the traits associated with that particular animal. The Chinese use 12 different animals to represent a cycle of 12 years. The first is the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

During the lunar month, the Chinese begin getting ready to welcome the New Year. Debts are paid, hair is cut, and new clothes are purchased. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away any ill fortune and to make way for the incoming good luck. Doors and windows are decorated with paper cut-outs with the themes of happiness, wealth and longevity. Incense is burned in homes and temples to pay respect to ancestors and ask the good for good health in the coming year. Families gather to feast in celebration. The young pay homage to the elderly and all unmarried children receive the lucky red packet with money. Red, orange, and gold are auspicious colors. Everyone loves the lion and dragon dances!

Chinatown, here in Bangkok, is already gearing up for its New Year. Vendors have red traditional clothes, lanterns, and lots of good luck items brightening the streets ready for sale. I am working on some new Chinese jewelry and wine charms for my Etsy shop. Even though you do not celebrate the Chinese New Year, you can welcome the year of the ox and enjoy these pieces which may bring along a little good luck. They will be added to my shop soon. Here's a collection of Chinese New Year items from various of shops on Etsy:

This is a peek of my new collection - recently added to my Etsy shop.