10 Steps to Being a Better Husband

This article pretty much says it all. If you can get your hubby, significant other or steady to read and apply even one-half of these, then praise God!! Of course, being one of the two "blonds" for which this site is named, I have one more item that succeeds in winning her heart when all else fails. That advice is... BUY HER JEWELRY you big dummy!!!

Have a good one,

Dale


10 STEPS TO BEING A BETTER HUSBAND

Everyone worries too much about bills, getting the kids off to school, and why the dog keeps peeing on the carpet. It's time to light that fire again and remind her of all the reasons why she married you to begin with. Here are 10 steps that will get you on your way to husband of the year.

1) Take an interest in something your wife is really passionate about.
This can be especially tough for guys, because we generally feel that if someone else has interests that differ from ours, they're morons. It's not an easy task, and being able to show interest in something that matters to someone you love shows growth—and that's terrifying. Good, but terrifying. Accomplish this and you'll make her feel better about herself, and you get better insight into what makes her tick.

2) Put the kids to bed.
Once a week give her the night off and put the kids to bed by yourself. Let her take a hot bath, read a book, or check gossip on the Web and forget about the kids. I'm always amazed how happy this makes my wife. It ranks somewhere between low-end jewelry and a Hawaiian vacation.

3) Learn to apologize.
This is the easiest one, and the hardest one. A marriage is a marathon, and we all fly off the handle too quick or let our temper get the best of us sometimes. When you're wrong, it's best to step up and apologize. It's amazing how fast "I'm sorry" can defuse a stupid argument about something you can't even remember.

4) Thank her for putting up with you.
Every once in a while, just thank her for putting up with you. That's all you have to say. Don't launch into a list of your faults, or the story about coming home two days late from that Vegas bachelor party. Just thank her, and let her know that you understand that you're not the easiest person in the world to live with.

5) Clean up after yourself.
Take care of that late night snack or morning cereal bowl. Setting them in the sink is one thing, but go that extra mile and actually put them in the dishwasher. After all, no one enjoys scraping bacon dip off a bowl that's been sitting too long or smelling the chili from the night before. A beer bottle on the counter the next morning is even worse.

6) Make time for just the two of you.
Take her on a date once a month. Surprise her by arranging child care, ordering a pizza for the kids, and getting a sitter. She will be so thrilled at your ability to take care of the details that reservations at the best restaurant in town aren't even necessary. The fact that you love her enough to do this would make a Big Mac taste like cracked crab.

7) Groom yourself.
Don't embarrass her when you venture out of the house. Check the ears, nose, neck and yes, feet for hair or other growths that shouldn't be there. She not only wants you to impress her friends by how you act, but also by how you look.

8) Get away from the family.
Yep, you're getting a free pass. This takes a left turn from the others, but it's essential. Get away from all your responsibilities and go camping or on a golf outing with the guys. You'll laugh, relax, and recharge your batteries. And all three will make you a much better husband when you return.

9) Deal with your side of the family.
Help your wife set expectations with your side of the family when it comes to making plans. Don't make her inform your parents that they won't be seeing their grandkids on Christmas this year—pick up the phone and do it yourself. Dealing with extended family can be a huge stress throughout the year, and you don't want the burden to fall entirely on her.

10) Don't lose your dating manners.
Remember, she's your wife, not one of your buddies. Don't burp during dinner, or squeeze one out during the movie as she's reaching for the popcorn. You wouldn't have done that while you were dating, and you shouldn't do it now. Continue to try and impress her. Do everything you can to keep the fire alive, and fight the urge to let the passion die. Find the new, hot place to eat or take her to see a cool band that's in town. Have fun, laugh, and make sure you tell her how great she looks.

LET'S HEAR IT: Did we leave anything off the "be a better husband" list?


Craig Playstead is a freelance writer and father of three. In the past he's also been a sports writer, game writer and talk show host.

TIMEPIECES FOR MD CHARITY AUCTION

Watchmakers create timepieces for charity auction

July 19, 2007

Monte Carlo, Monaco—The world's top watchmakers will create new watches for an Antiquorum auction that will benefit muscular dystrophy research.

As part of the "Only Watch 2007" event, 35 of the world's top timepiece brands will donate a unique watch or a first in a series for an auction that will take place on Sept. 20 at the Monaco Yacht Show.The auction will benefit research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The first such auction, held in September 2005, raised $2.6 million.

Watches by Girard-Perregaux (above) and

De Bethune (below) will be part of

"Only Watch 2007," an auction to benefit

Muscular Dystrophy research.

Among the one-of-a-kind pieces that will be available at the auction are watches by Blancpain, Daniel Roth, De Bethune, delaCour, DeWitt and Jean-Michel Wimotte, Franck Muller, Frederique Constant, Gerald Charles, Girard-Perregaux, Glashutte, Hublot, Instrument et Mesures de Temps, IWC, Jacquet Dorz, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Louis Vuitton, Officine Panerai, Omega, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Pierre Kunz, Richard Mille and Philippe Starck, Rodolphe, Swatch, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef and Arpels and Zenith.

GIA Museum celebrates gem-carving pioneer

June 25, 2007

The use of angles and curves in this sculpture from Bernd Munsteiner reveals the gem-carving master's radical approach to his craft.

Carlsbad, Calif.—A new exhibit at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum showcases an innovative body of work from German artist Bernd Munsteiner, a pioneer in the art of gem carving.

The June 8 gala event marking the opening of the exhibit, "Reflections in Stone," drew a capacity crowd eager to meet the "Father of the Fantasy Cut," as Munsteiner is frequently known.

The gem legend sparked a revolution more than 40 years ago when he broke out in an entirely new direction of gem carving. Today, he is best known for turning agates and transparent stones into sculptures and objets d'art. His trademarks include the abstract use of angles, grooves and curves, scaling across the stone.

During the gala event, gem and mineral authors and teachers Si and Ann Frazier delivered a presentation titled "Bernd Munsteiner: Maker of a Gemstone Revolution."

This marks the third presentation in GIA's 2007 Museum Lecture series. The Munsteiner exhibit will be open to the public through March 2008 at GIA's Rotunda Gallery. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call (760) 603-4000.

ARE YOU JEWELRY SAVVY?

A new book by industry vets Caroline Stanley and Cynthia Sliwa teaches consumers jewelry-wearing basics.

June 14, 2007

Los Angeles, Calif.—A new jewelry book aimed at consumers discusses jewelry-wardrobe building and aesthetics.

The 224-page book, 'Jewelry Savvy: What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know', is written by third-generation jeweler Caroline Stanley and certified image consultant and jewelry designer Cynthia Sliwa. It features more than 100 images.

The authors say their book covers "everything that people should know about jewelry but probably have never been taught," including developing a jewelry wardrobe, understanding personal style, care and maintenance of jewelry, and understanding the basics of metals, gemstones and costume jewelry. "

Receive a copy as a complimentary gift copy from TWO BLONDS & CO. with a $250.00 minimum purchase.

Soap star appears in Caressa ads

"All My Children" star Leven Rambin is the new face of Caressa. She portrays Lily Montgomery on the show.












June 19, 2007

Belgium—Caressa, a designer-jewelry division of De Beers sightholder Taché, has tapped All My Children star Leven Rambin for its new advertising campaign.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this campaign," Rambin said in a statement. "The Caressa brand is synonymous with elegance and empowerment. It inspires me to achieve my dreams as my most beautiful self.

"In the ads, Caressa unveils two new collections, both inspired by women from the 18th or 19th centuries and aimed at modern female self-purchasers.

The Georgia Collection features a rose motif, and the Lady Brooke Collection features lace dripping with diamonds from a silk or satin and organza cord.

"Women today are not as simple as we pretend to be," Caressa Executive Vice President Kendra Bridel Weinman said in a statement. "We want to do it all—have a successful career, keep up with the fashion trends and have a loving relationship with our perfect family. We tried to capture this in our jewelry collections.

"Photographer Sergio Kurhajec, whose clients include Cosmopolitan, Glamour and GQ, shot the new campaign. The ads debuted in the May 2007 issues of Vogue and W magazines.

About Fathers: Did You Know?

June 17 is Father's Day.

What was your childhood like regarding your father? My younger brother and I were raised by my father until he remarried when I was age ten. Those were some of the most incredible years of my life.

Thank you Dad, I know you did the best you could.

I love you.



Did You Know?

Mr. Mom
- 159,000 estimated number of stay-at-home dads in 2006. These married fathers with children younger than 15 have remained out of the labor force for more than one year primarily so they can care for the family while their wives work outside the home. These fathers cared for 283,000 children.

Married Fathers
- 26.5 million number of fathers who are part of married-couple families with children younger than 18 in 2006.
- 2.5 million number of single fathers in 2006, up from 400,000 in 1970. Currently, among single parents living with their children, 19 percent are men.
Child-Support Payments
- 10% of custodial parents due child support who were fathers. They numbered 740,000
- $2.1 billion amount of child support received by custodial fathers in 2003; they were due $3.3 billion. In contrast, custodial mothers received $23.3 billion of the $33.7 billion in support that was due.
- 46% of custodial fathers who received all child support that was due, not significantly different than the corresponding percentage for custodial mothers. Fathers received an average of $2,797 in child support in 2003, compared with $3,579 for mothers.
Dining with Daddy
- 30% of children younger than 6 living with married parents in 2003 who ate breakfast with their father every day. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 41 percent.
- 64% of children younger than 6 living with married parents who ate dinner with their fathers every day. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 66 percent.

Kind Words from Dad
- 63% of children younger than 6 living with married parents who were praised three or more times a day by their fathers. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 57 percent.

-Information from the U.S. Census Bureau.

PEARLS, new political statement?

Although I'm not a fan of Ms. Pelosi, I must admit that she brings back an old trend with new flair; that of dressing like a lady. In this day and age of "come as you are" even to church or the theater, it is refreshing to see some of us still dress with respect and dignity.


Two Blonds & Co. offers a full line of the finest South Sea, Tahitian and Freshwater pearls.

Pelosi's Pearls
Pearl Scene
by Cheryl Kremkow, Editor-In-Chief



Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's popular pearl wardrobe features two spectacular strands.


It may be due to the fact that she's the first female Speaker of the House, but California Representative Nancy Pelosi's wardrobe has been getting a lot of attention lately. And the most ink has been devoted to Pelosi's signature strand of South Sea cultured pearls.

Make that strands. Because the well-dressed speaker has at least two spectacular large and lovely strands in her wardrobe. The first, which she wore on election night, is a multicolor Tahitian cultured pearl strand.

The second, which she wore to her swearing-in ceremony, is a golden South Sea strand. Both strands, but particularly the multicolor Tahitian, are helping to drive retail pearl sales. The Speaker, who just made Blackwell's best-dressed list, is becoming a factor in the pearl market.

"This holiday season, we sold a lot more South Sea pearl strands, expensive ones in the $20,000 and up range: in white, golden, or Tahitian," says Marilyn Rudd of Scheherazade Jewelers in Edina, Minnesota. "And we sold a lot of matching earrings, big 13mm pearl drops on a lever back. We called one of our sales associates ‘the pearl queen' because she sold so many. We believe the new Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had a lot to do with these sales. She's been photographed so many times wearing her South Sea pearl strands and we had customers coming in and asking for the ‘Nancy Pelosi pearls.'"


Pelosi wore her multicolored Tahitian cultured pearls with a gray suit and black shirt, to the Washington Woman's Tea the day before her swearing-in, making the conservative suit instantly chic. In a noticeable style shift among these powerful women, many of the other women at the tea, young and old, wore similar strands.

Conservative blogger Lisa Schiffren of the National Review On-line wore the "traditional Republican double strand of choker-length eight-millimeter pearls" to a gala in Pelosi's honor that evening. "Just that morning, on the front page of The New York Times, was a picture of notables at the funeral of President Ford. In it, Barbara Bush, Lynne Cheney, Doro Bush, and Mrs. Ford herself all wore them." But Schiffren encountered a size shift in the pearls at the gala just as noticeable as the political shift taking place that day: "In honor of Nancy Pelosi and her signature strand of silver, gold, and white South Sea pearls (which my jeweler estimates at somewhere north of 80 grand), many women were wearing similar necklaces," Schiffren reported.

Pelosi's new role as a trendsetter has attracted the attention of the mainstream media, too. The Los Angeles Times has already devoted a story to Pelosi's wardrobe, leading with her pearls. The story quotes pearl dealer Leon Rebibo, who says he fielded calls from more than four dozen women of all political stripes who wanted a muted, multicolor strand of South Sea Tahitian pearls, just like the one Pelosi was wearing.

"I'm very disappointed the Democrats won, but I absolutely love her necklace. If my husband hears me, he's going to kill me," Rebibo recalled one Republican woman whispering into the phone.

CNN's "The Situation Room" also devoted a segment to Pelosi and her pearls. "When it comes to looks, they say female politicians get a lot more scrutiny than men. But instead of focusing on Nancy Pelosi's pearls of wisdom, the focus tends to be on her pearls, period," said correspondent Jeanne Moos. "For instance, this photo op resulted in requests for information on where to get the speaker-to-be's string of pearls. Shopping tips on-line to the rescue. These sure look a lot like Pelosi's pearls for a near $3,999. We didn't hear of anyone seeking information on where to get Senator Harry Reid's tie."

On-line shopping sites are selling "Pelosi" necklaces for $3,000 to $6,000. Pelosi's high profile means those pearls will be in the spotlight a lot during the coming months.

Barbara Walters interviewed her as one of the year's 10 most fascinating people. People magazine has written about her twice in recent months. An article in a Palm Springs newspaper ran with the headline: "How to Get the Nancy Pelosi Look."

If a lot of women take that advice, South Sea strands may become an essential part of dressing for success. — Cheryl Kremkow

"Grey's Anatomy" Star Engaged

May 17, 2007
Jeffrey Slonim


Grey's Anatomy star Kate Walsh now has another reason to celebrate: In addition to getting her own spinoff, she's also getting married. "I'm engaged," the actress, 39, told PEOPLE on Tuesday at the Entertainment Weekly upfront party at The Box in New York City. "Alex [Young, a production co-president at 20th Century Fox] asked me to marry him and I said yes. We were in San Francisco last week and I'm very, very, very happy."


So what makes her fiancé so special? "Oh, everything," gushed Walsh, flashing her Neil Lane Jubilee-cut diamond. "He's the most amazing man I ever met. We're in the process of planning the wedding."


Walsh recently stepped out with Young at an April 28 fund-raiser for Barack Obama in Los Angeles. "He's a hotshot," a friend told PEOPLE at the time. "But Alex also has substance. He's a good guy."


Meanwhile, ABC this week formally announced that Walsh will star in her own Grey's Anatomy spinoff, playing Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd in Private Practice. The show will air Wednesdays this fall and costar Taye Diggs and Tim Daly. Walsh told PEOPLE the cast will start shooting the series in July. "It's super exciting," she said.


"Grey's is about interns starting their careers and starting their professional lives, and Private Practice is going to deal with people who are successful in their private lives." Her character, Walsh said, needed a change of scenery to improve her personal life. "How much more [could] Addison do at Seattle Grace? Her marriage failed, McSteamy and her did not work out. She tried to hook it up with Karev. She's either going to do some light filing or move on."


Her new castmates are thrilled about Walsh's engagement. Merrin Dungey, who plays Addison's best friend, was early to notice Walsh's new bling, she told PEOPLE at the EW party: "I was blinded. I saw when she walked into the room and I said, 'Jesus.' It's very exciting." (When Walsh later passed Dungey on the dance floor, they double high-fived.) And Diggs, who partied on with his costars into the wee hours at the ABC afterparty at Tenjune, characterized his own reaction to the news: "So excited!"

Bangle bracelets get glitzy update for spring

Set of 20 bangles in 18-karat gold with diamonds by Tous. Retail price available upon request.

May 01, 2007

By Beth Braverman

New York—With the focus on jewelry for the wrist expected to continue through spring and summer, retailers have reported an ever-increasing demand for stacks of bangle bracelets.

"I have definitely seen an increase in bangle sales over the past six months," says Tabby Back, owner of Old Mill Jewelers in Pound, Va. "I keep having to order more of them."

Back says he sells bangles individually, and he believes that consumers like them because they can mix and match styles for a personalized look. Selling bangles individually also allows for repeat sales and makes the look available to consumers who may only have the funds to purchase one or two bangles at a time.

While thin, yellow-gold bangles remain popular for everyday wear, diamond-encrusted pieces have emerged as an even hotter trend on the red carpet or for evening affairs.

"Why didn't I think of that?" Well actually...I DID!

Being an innovative mommy of a Barbie, I was always dreaming up ways to convert, restyle or alter clothing. Having your bra strap showing was an absolute no, no unless of course, you meant for it to show. Sewing lace, appliques or pearls on your bra or in place of straps was a favorite of mine. "Who'd a thunk it" that you could actually SELL it!!

Pearls on Your Shoulders

Tuesday, May 15th, 2007

Now that warm weather is here again, women wearing sundresses will suffer from the dreaded exposed bra strap syndrome. Margarita Couture has dedicated itself to solving this problem with decorative straps, including new straps adorned with freshwater pearls that are like pearl necklaces for your shoulders. Elite Pearl Straps retail for $35 a pair. The adjustable straps can be worn with any convertible bra (although the company recommends its Evolution by Margarita bra, a $44 five-in one push-up number.) Designer Margarita Reis, who invented the decorative bra strap in 2001, said the pearl straps were perfect for brides to wear with a wedding dress. The company has been test marketing the straps to shoppers at the four Margarita Couture kiosks in malls in Florida. Reis said that exposed straps can be tacky or fashionable, depending on the strap and the outfit, but that “standard white bra straps never look good because they aren’t designed to show.” Glad we cleared that up.

Rose Garden

Fashion Forward
by Jeff Prine, Executive Editor

The omnipresent brilliant round diamond may be the prize specimen for diamond cuts, but there’s something romantic and refreshing about the rose cut. With all the newfangled proprietary cuts that sprout up these days, rose cuts continue to be an enduring and sought after cut for more than four hundred years. Their popularity has had resurgence lately as design trends take cues from organic inspiration and also medieval times. While most familiar in diamonds, where the cut lends a flash of brilliance, rose cuts are especially fresh in colored gemstones, where the larger sizes really show off the rosebud-like faceting.




Coomi’s 20k gold circle pendant with rose cut diamonds and black onyx necklace with 20k gold stations containing rose cut diamonds








Manak’s rose cut diamond pendant, suggested retail $11,250, and rose cut diamond pendant with natural shades of yellow and green diamonds, suggested retail $15,900




















Stephanie Albertson’s “Sono” wood bangles with rose cut sapphires, suggested retail $1,400 to $1,600.











Bochic’s rose cut diamond necklace with black enamel inlay, suggested retail $39,000









From left:
Stephanie Albertson’s 22k gold Elizabethan hinged bangles with rose cut sapphires, aquamarines, and rubies, suggested retail $5,500 to $6,000

Alberian & Aulde’s 18k gold “Photon” cuff bracelets in rose cut white sapphires with colored enamel underneath, and cognac diamonds with pink enamel underneath, suggested retail $2,620 to $3,900










Irene Neuwirth’s 18k rose gold bracelets set with 20 millimeter rose cut rose quartz and labradorite, suggested retail $4,650 to $4,890









Pamela Froman’s 18k white and 22k yellow crushed gold “Harlequin” swinging tear drop earrings with white and cognac rose cut diamonds, suggested retail $3,400


Mizuki at Fragments’ 18k white and yellow gold necklaces with rose cut side diamonds, suggested retail $13,900

Stephanie Albertson’s 22k gold “Five Point” earrings with rose cut aquamarines, suggested retail $5,400

Designers give consumers a dose of cuff love

April 15, 2007
By Beth Braverman

New York—Wrists will continue to be a hot spot for jewelry throughout spring and fall, with charm bracelets, bangles and cuffs rising up as the top options for 2007.

But judging from their ubiquity in spring fashion magazines and on the runways of Fall Fashion Week in New York, cuff bracelets have emerged as major must-have items for spring. They also made a strong showing at recent awards shows, with trend-setting celebs such as Beyoncé Knowles, Christina Ricci and Vanessa Minnillo wearing cuff bracelets to the Grammy Awards; and Felicity Huffman and Nicollette Sheridan donning them at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

These celebrities certainly are not the first style-savvy women to discover cuffs. From Cleopatra to Coco Chanel, women have always coveted the bold baubles.

January jewelry shows in New York and Vicenza, Italy, confirmed that designers remain on top of the trend as they offered a bevy of new creations sure to appeal to a wide-ranging consumer base.

From tough cuffs to slim and slinky [ones], designers are pulling out all the stops this spring to design attention-grabbing cuffs and bracelets," says Helena Krodel, media manager for the Jewelry Information Center.

Eighteen-karat white gold and diamond cuff by Chad Allison; suggested retail price is $26,000.

Equal-opportunity designers are utilizing both sterling silver and gold. Look for those with interesting textures such as hand-hammering, carved work or fabric-like details," she adds.

The trend appears in a variety of incarnations, with the most fashion-forward pieces measuring two or more inches in width.Organic or geometric motifs emerge as the most popular styles and cut-out designs and filigree work make for lighter pieces and keep prices down for those concerned with the bottom line.

Bright, primary-color gemstones such as turquoise and coral appear in unusual cuts or clean cabochon shapes, keeping the attention-attracting pieces popping with color. Earthy details, used here and there, such as wood, bone, pearls or shells, add personality.

For more conservative followers of fashion, crisp, concave metal cuffs or graphic black-and-white pieces will allow access to the trend without much sartorial risk.

Pair of cuffs in sterling silver with diamonds by Lyric; suggested retail price is $695 for solid cuff and $525 for cut-out cuff.

Versatile cuffs appeal to consumers because they work with this season's quintet of apparel trends: mod, minimal, ethnic, '80s and menswear-inspired. Cuff bracelets also make an easy transition from work-appropriate to evening-appropriate, and vintage-inspired, diamond-saturated pieces can add the finishing touch to a red-carpet or wedding-day look.

"Tricorno" cuff bracelet featuring peridot and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold by Garavelli; suggested retail price is $17,620.

Snug-fitting cuff styles work exceptionally well with the three-quarter length sleeves that have moved to the fashion forefront on print dresses, breezy tops and colorful tunics. Cuff bracelets also work well to complement other of-the-moment accessories such as clutch purses, cocktail rings and wide belts.

Daring fashionistas will layer two or more cuff bracelets in varying sizes, colors and textures for an impossible-to-miss, style-savvy look, or they'll push the cuffs above the elbow for a casual look that works with summer tank tops. -National Jeweler Network