Kevin proposed to me on May 5, 2011 at Haywood Hall, the site of our planned wedding nuptials. He led me down the garden path to a lit gazebo where he had previously placed 4 large vases of a dozen roses and each vase was a different grouping of rose variety. On each vase was a numbered card.
The first card on a bench to my left read, “When I went to bed last night, my last thought was of you.” The second card on a bench to my right read, “When I woke up this morning, my first thought was of you.” The third card inside the gazebo read, “You are my everything; my sun, my stars, my sky.” The fourth card on the steps of the gazebo read, “You are my everything…and this is the reason why.”
I knew at that moment he was going to propose to me and I had tears in my eyes. Kevin dropped down to one knee on the step to the gazebo and recited the remainder of the poem in which he had amazingly memorized and asked for my hand in marriage. It was absolutely the most memorable, romantic proposal a girl could ever receive. We then celebrated with a dinner at Hayes Barton Cafe (the restaurant of our first date) and he had on our table a dozen red roses. It was the first red rose I had received from him. Kevin makes me incredibly happy and feel so blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life!
You Are My Everything
By Powell
When I went to bed last night, my last thought was of you.
When I woke up this morning, my first thought was of you.
You are my everything; my sun, my stars, my sky.
You are my everything… and this is the reason why:
For when we met it was fate, fate from the soul within.
For when we met it was choice, choice to be your friend.
For when we first laughed together, I knew it was meant to be.
For when I fell in love, I knew you had fallen in love with me.
You are my everything, my breath belongs to you.
You are my everything, hold these words to be true.
You are my everything and
I’ll always love you…
and what’s more
I know you’ll always love me too.
Flowers die, chocolates make you fat, but jewelry lasts forever!
That’s my motto when it comes to the big love holiday, which is right around the corner! (hint, hint) Nothing says, ‘I care about you’ quite like a timeless piece of jewelry. Yet, it seems the men in our lives never really get that message. Dinner reservations, flowers, chocolates, and lingerie are among the top Valentine’s Day gifts. But nearly one-third of women, 29%, would choose jewelry if they could receive only one gift for Valentine’s Day, according to a new survey by Sentient Decision Science for Sears.
Think jewelry is too expensive? Well think again, on average last year about $25 was spent on candy, $73 on flowers, $70 on lingerie, and between $220 to just over $500 on jewelry. Yet, at Joint Venture we have lots of great, affordable options starting at only $40.
Curious about the most popular jewelry item to give for Valentine’s? Engagement rings! Four million consumers expect to propose, or be proposed to, during Valentine’s Day. Don’t worry not all jewelry has that kind of commitment attached to it.
Here are a few of our favorite jewels for all the women in your life, perfect for Valentine’s Day:
FOR YOUR WIFE
She already knows you love her, but why not give her another reminder? We suggest a colored-stone ring. For example, with this citrine ring she’ll gaze at it all day long and think of you. On average, women stare at the rings on their fingers about a million times a day, so why not have her think of you with each glance?
FOR YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Not ready to pop the big question but this is the woman of your dreams? Diamonds are always a girls best friend. You really can’t go wrong with a diamond necklace, like the vintage one pictured below. Diamonds say forever, and a necklace will buy you a little time before the ring.
FOR YOUR GIRLFRIEND
It’s not puppy love, but it’s a young relationship. And that’s ok, jewelry is still always a winner. A bracelet is a great option for this type of relationship. This diamond heart bracelet is sweet and unique. She’ll be wowed by the thought you put into it. Remember, a thoughtful gift can go a long way.
FOR YOUR MOTHER
A piece for the woman who brought you into this world, and who has loved you through everything. Why not show her how much you care? Pearls are a timeless classic. This yellow gold pearl necklace will surely wow the first women you ever loved!
FOR YOUR SISTER
She’s been with you through thick and thin. She knows all your secrets and still loves you even with your flaws. So wish your sister a happy Valentine’s Day with a hand crafted Kenda Kist original necklace or earrings.
FOR YOUR DAUGHTER
Don’t forget your little one! This heart pendant would make a great addition to her blossoming jewelry collection.
FOR A FRIEND
She’s there for you through the good times and the bad, doesn’t she deserve a little something special around this time of year? If you’re both single, why not treat each other? These fruit and vegetable cuff bracelets are perfect! Hand made by a California designer and Eco-friendly too!
Have you ever received jewelry for Valentine’s Day? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Tassels are no longer just decorative additions for your curtains, they are a trending accessory for the Spring and Summer of 2012. I am excited to see them adorned on shoes, handbags and jewelry. I love to see the fashion trends on the red carpet, but it’s fascinating to look back to see where tassels got their start.
During the Edwardian Era, (1890-1920) jewelry was characterized by delicate filigree bows, and swags in white gold and platinum, predominately with diamonds and pearls. Throughout this time period, colored stones were used less frequently. Thanks to Queen Alexandrite, King Edwards wife, wide choker dog collar necklaces and long fringed sautoir necklaces were a popular adornment around women’s necks.
Although I love to look back at these vintage beauties and the gems they wore, it is also great to look at how jewelry has changed and adapted to current trends.
It seems everywhere you look on the red carpet these days, some of the the biggest starlets are wearing tassel jewels. Celebrities like Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman, Katherine Heigel, Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep are guilty of wearing these incredible vintage fashions.
Kate Hudson looked stunning at the 2010 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards wearing a long fringed sautoir necklace. Natalie Portman wore some of my favorite jewels last year at the 2011 Oscar’s where she won best actress for “Black Swan.” While keeping her jewelry accessories simple, I am glad she glamed her wardrobe up with these fuchsia tassel earrings.
My favorite tassel jewels from the award shows this year were worn by Julianne Moore. She made me jealous to be a red head. Her emerald and diamond tassel earrings by Fred Leighton looked spectacular in contrast to her auburn hair. With those gorgeous earrings, I’m glad she kept her black Chanel dress elegant and simple. 
Are you eager to add this year’s trend to your wardrobe? Not a problem, take a look at these great tassel jewels for less.
What were your favorite jewels from the Red Carpet events so far this year? To be honest, there have been so many great gems it’s hard to only choose one!


















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