Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Yes, yes.  We've heard it hundreds of times before.  And indeed, diamonds are a pretty amazing stone!  The hardness and clarity make it capture all the colors of the rainbow, even without having any actual color inside the stone.  This optical illusion has mesmerized many of us over the centuries.


And they take a while to get such beauty, too.  According to Wikipedia,  "most natural diamonds are formed at high temperature and pressure at depths of 87 to 120 miles in the Earth mantle.  Carbon-containing minerals provide the carbon source, and the growth occurs over periods from 1 billion to 3.3 billion years (25% to 75% of the age of the Earth).  They are brought closer to the earth's surface through deep volcanic eruptions."

Rough diamond crystal in matrix

First recognized and enjoyed in India possibly 6000 years ago, where their use in religious iconography, and also for engraving tools, dates back to the earliest human history.  But what we now think of as a rather ubiquitous stone, hasn't always been that way.


It was the discovery in 1867 of large diamond deposits in what is now South Africa that radically changed our conception.  In the subsequent 10 years, diamond production increased more than tenfold.  Several fortunes were made, and we now think of diamonds as an easily-available stone.  


And now it is April, with diamond as the birthstone.  As you well know, we at Manya Vee Selects enjoy how artists use these amazing materials in unusual ways.  So of course, you can find some beautiful diamonds for both men and women.  Check out this 10-point diamond set in white gold by Seattle jeweler Michelle Logan.

10-point diamond in white gold

The white gold chain is diamond-cut, so it sparkles in such a way as to enhance the diamond.  Truly amazing.


We just received five rings from master metalsmith Sarah Gascoigne, all of which include diamonds.  Two are wide-band rings for men, and three are delicate and unusual rings for women.  Simple, but far from boring.  Come on in and check it out!


ManyaVeeSelects.com

What does intimacy have to do with Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it brings up so many mixed feelings for people.  It's supposed to be a day we celebrate the people we love most in our life.  A lover, spouse, our kids, special friends - all those could be put into the mix.  I see a lot of longing in the eyes of those coming into the store these days, and I'm convinced that what they seek is a lot more than a simple "I love you".  Based on some comments I've heard, intimacy is the missing factor.

What is intimacy?  Manya's definition has intimacy as a safe meeting of the minds.  First of all, it must be a safe place.  Far too often, we move away from that safe place after the romantic bloom has faded.  Life gets hectic, conflicts arise, disagreements leave us feeling undervalued, unheard, and dehumanized.  Clearly, that's not a very safe place to be.  So we start closing those formerly-open doors one by one, and before you know it, very few remain open.  We share less and less with each other.

How sad it is that you share so many things with a person (i.e. living space, refrigerator space, household tasks, child-rearing tasks, a few similarities in music and movie choices) and yet feel quite alone at the same time.  There may not be a lonelier feeling on the planet.

Secondly, it's a meeting of the minds.  It seems to me that true intimacy can only take place between those who share similar values and goals.  That might be one of the reasons you feel safe with a person - because you think a lot alike.  Or at least you used to.

This Valentine's Day, re-claim that intimacy by arranging for a special time that just the two of you share.  Think about that sharing of the minds, and choose one of those shared things to re-create in your home, or some other special place.  Set the scene with things you know you both enjoy.  It could be candles everywhere, a bottle of wine, and some great cheese and crackers.  Turn off all phones, pagers, and other communication devices so you have uninterrupted time.  Tell each other stories about those early days when you began to learn about all the ways your minds met, and how amazing that felt!

Someone's got to take the first step.  Everyone on this planet wants to be known.  And then to be loved for being known so deeply - flaws and all.  It is always so risky to open up and reveal those not so pretty parts of oneself.  Remember - you had that at one time with your lover.  He or she is probably missing it too, and regretting its loss.  So be brave.  Take that step.  It's going to be scary, but the rewards are great!  It might be awkward at first, because your lover is feeling insecure about things too.  Just hold on tight, knowing that if you can break through the barriers, that wonderful place can be yours to share again.

That's my wish for you all this Valentine's Day.  Let me know what happens...

Manya

Manya Vee Selects
409 Main St
Edmonds, WA  98020

ManyaVeeSelects.com

Garnet - January's Birthstone

Garnets have been used in jewelry for centuries, and were particularly common in the Late Antique Roman world.  Still popular today, it is not so well-known that garnets come in many colors.  The name itself is believed to derive from the Latin "malum garanatum" which means pomegranate.  The stones do, in fact, rather resemble those lovely seeds.  So no wonder we think of it only as red!

Garnet growing in a rock

But if you're not fond of red, you can also find garnet in gorgeous greens, oranges and yellows.  Due to the popularity, and relatively affordable price or the red garnets, they are the easiest to find on the market.

Green Garnet Drusy Pendant

Metaphysically, garnet is a stone of romantic love and passion.  It is also said that it will bring positive thoughts and boost energy!  I'm sure there are a few of us out there who could use a little of that.

Odd garnet fact #1  - warriors used to carry garnets as a talisman against death and injury.  But it was also said to bring victory and peace, as well as be able to stop the flow of blood.

Odd garnet fact #2 - very few garnets are pretty enough to be cut into gemstones for use in jewelry.  Most garnets are mined and then crushed to be used as industrial abrasives!

Odd garnet fact #3 - the most rare type of gem-grade garnet is the color-change garnet.  We have a lovely specimen in the gallery in a ring made by Seattle master metalsmith Sarah Gascoigne.  It looks red indoors, but turns an interesting warm brown in the sunlight.

Gascoigne's Color-Change Garnet Ring

We've got garnet necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings by a variety of Manya Vee Selects artists in a variety of price points.  The selection is quite high at the moment because of January, but also because it's a lovely piece of jewelry to give your lover for Valentine's Day - which is just around the corner!  Check out this smattering of jewelry choices.

Left: Garnet Swing Necklace by Ed Levin Jewelry
Center: Garnet necklace and earring set by Manya Vee Jewelry
Right: Two Rings by Bill Booze.  Earrings by Shari Both Jewelry.

We've got a shelf devoted to nothing but garnet, and you're just seeing a small few here.  Come on by to see them all and see which one has to become yours!

Manya Vee

manyaveeselects.com

Manya Vee Selects
409 Main St, Edmonds WA  98020
425-776-3778

4 Ways To Make Your Down Time Count

For many of us, the only ME time we get on a daily basis is in the shower.  Okay, then - let's pledge to make that a sacred time.


How can we do this?  We all know how lovely scents enhance our mood.  So choose soaps and lotions that make you happy, and maybe even make you want to linger just a little longer in your sacred place!


It's also important to choose soaps and lotions with natural ingredients, to keep your skin healthy and moisturized.


I love great-smelling, great-feeling soaps and lotions.  I never receive enough of them as gifts, and because the really good ones are a little more expensive, I don't often treat myself.  Well, along with you, I'm pledging to change that right now.


I used to hang out at the soap shops in the U District and Pike Place Market when I was a college student.  It was a little indulgence I enjoyed very much.  I kept hoping such a shop would open in Edmonds, but it doesn't appear to be in Edmonds' future. 


So, I decided to take advantage of the numerous artisan soap and lotion makers right here at home, and create a Personal Spa section right in the gallery!  Check out the offerings from these four artisans, dedicated to making healthy, nourishing, delicious-smelling soaps and lotions for you!


1.  Beautiful Soap - made by Linda and Patrice.  These two made a batch of soap in their kitchen just for fun.  Their friends loved it so much, they moved it up a notch and started selling it in small amounts.  Friends of friends loved it too, and so it grew.  Their belief is, "We think that we create a beautiful product that everyone can enjoy. We truly love making our soap and conscientiously try to improve our soap with each new fragrance and color that we add to our shelves."

Offerings from Beautiful Soap

Beautiful soap is 100% glycerin, which attracts moisture from the air to your skin!  Plus, it's coconut base makes LOTS of bubbles.  Each curl is hand-carved, too.  Lots of care goes into each and every bar.  I have a cucumber-melon fragrance on the bathroom sink, and it is lasting much longer than I expected.  Plus, it makes the whole bathroom smell quite wonderful.


2.  Body Systems. This company invites you to "embrace natural skin care and transport yourself to a true tropical experience.  We source ingredients from all over the world to create the most beneficiel and natural products for our skin and the environment.  We never test on animals and use fair traded and organic ingredients whenever possible."

Group of Bath Gels from Body Systems

The soft, heavenly scents from Body Systems will transport you, and make your skin feel fantastic.  They are very pure, as well as concentrated.  In the Butter Lotion, notice that water isn't even one of the ingredients.  Check your lotions at home and it's first on the list!  That means these are very concentrated, and thus last a very long time.  It also means they are more expensive - but you're not just paying for scented water.


We currently have the Bath Gel, Butter Lotion, and a very fun Bath Confetti that makes for the most amazing bubble bath!


3. Pearl and Daisy. With a firm commitment to purity, Rebecca Taylor spends lots of time getting the right combination of ingredients together for the best possible product.  She says, "pure essential oils are blended to provide aromatherapy benefits and a glorious scent.  Minerals and organic botanicals are added to nourish the skin and provide natural color.  You won't find any synthetic fragrance, artificial color, phthalates, synthetic parabens, sodium laurel sulphate, or petrochemicals in any of our soaps or body care products.  Not even a little bit."

Offerings from Pearl & Daisy

We have the bar soap and bath salts available individually.  In the gift box, you'll also find their solid lotion, which is super intense and moisturizing for your hands.  I use it at night because it takes a while to soak in.  It's not greasy enough to make my sheets greasy, but by morning, my hands feel just great.  And that's pretty nice for someone nearing 50!


4. Good Earth Soap Company - by Tracy and Michael.  Tracy and Michael love nature and the goodness of the earth.  That's the inspiration behind their products, and here's their promise to you:  "Good Earth products are created with only the finest ingredients. Each batch is made with its own unique blend of aromatherapy grade essential oils and organic herbs. Handcrafted in small batches to refresh and invigorate your soul. The simplicity of the ingredients we use aids in their ability to heal and revitalize your skin. The reason our products are so good for you is because they are created from natural butters, oils and waxes. It is our hope you will find our products are of the highest quality, Made from the Goodness of the Earth."

Bar soaps by Good Earth

 We currently have the bar soaps, as well as the soy lotion and a fabulous lip balm!  A perfect gift is to get one of each for someone.


We have testers of the lotions, and you can smell the soaps for yourself.  Stop by to play and see which scent makes your heart soar.  That's the one for you!


And make this the gift you give all your best pals this year - because it's also the gift of Down Time for them!

Manya Vee

www.ManyaVeeSelects.com

Visit us today!

Manya Vee Selects

409 Main St

Edmonds, WA  98020

425-776-3778

Hours: Daily 11 - 6, Sunday & Tuesday noon - 4

Be The Best Gift-Giver On The Planet - Part 2

We talked about gifts for the home or office before.  Now it's time to turn our hand to personal gifts - gifts of jewelry, accessories or clothing.  

Here are three tips that can help you get outside your own personal taste and focus on the person receiving your gift.

1.  What is your friend's style?  Is she conservatively tailored?  A northwest jeans and fleece gal? A jeans with tops and jackets that enjoy drape and flow?  A bohemian style with lots of movement and color?  Knowing the answer to this question can also help narrow down the options drastically.

Simple T-shirt and khakis, small earrings,
no necklace, only a watch.
She's also wearing warm tones - brown and tan

2. what is your friend's favorite color(s)?  This question often stumps people, so start paying attention now.  If you're not sure, just close your eyes and see the person in your head.  What color clothing do you see most often on her?  When you think of her, do you see blue-purple-aqua?  Or brown-orange-moss?  One of those means she prefers cool colors, and the other warm.    Maybe she's an all-black-all-the-time person.  These important clues will help narrow down a gift choice in the jewelry or accessory category quickly.

Flowing clothes, a bit Bohemian.
Can't tell in this picture, but she loves colorful, long, fun earrings.
There's a big, wide bracelet too.
Also notice the colors - pinks and purples, so in the cool tones.

3. What pieces of jewelry and/or accessories have you seen her wear?  Not everyone enjoys necklaces, for example.  I have several customers who were given a necklace by their children, and it is the only necklace they will wear.  This rules out necklaces for this pal!  Alternatively, she may enjoy earrings.  Okay, what kind of earrings?  Short ones with bright colors?  Long dangly ones?  All silver?  If she wears bracelets, notice if she prefers the stiff, cuff type, or a more flexible chain or beaded type.  

A more tailored look on the right - button up shirt and jacket.
Hair pulled back and - oh no! - no earrings!
But and lovely, simple, feminine necklace looks perfect.
The pretty blue means she wears cool tones.

And of course, we must consider a scarf.  A scarf can turn a simple top and pants into an outfit with a simple twist of the wrist!  If you have seen her wear scarves at all, not only do we have a wide variety of scarves, but we also have an entire shelf devoted to scarf toys!  

And in the post just before this, there are three great ideas on how to wear your scarves more fashionably and with greater versatility.  There's even a video of me showing our favorite way to tie scarves!

And here's me, in my comfortable, drapey, sexy clothes.
Also I like jewelry to be pretty showy, too, so I've got on some big earrings, necklace and bracelet here.

These three simple tips will make your gift selection process so much more effective, and give you much more confidence in your choices.  It's all a simple matter of paying attention, which is rather fun anyway.  So take a few minutes to think about those with upcoming birthdays, or those on your holiday gift list, and make them very happy this year!

Manya Vee

www.ManyaVeeSelects.com

Visit us today!

Manya Vee Selects

409 Main St

Edmonds, WA  98020

425-776-3778

Hours: Daily 11 - 6, Sunday & Tuesday noon - 4

3 Scarf Ideas to Spiff Up Your Wardrobe

I bet each and every woman reading this post has several scarves stuck way back in a drawer somewhere that she never wears.  We seem particularly challenged in figuring out how to wear the darned things!

Learn this tying
technique by watching the
video below

If any of you have visited Paris, you know that every neck is adorned with a lovely scarf - no outfit is complete without one.


Let's try a few easy tricks with long narrow scarves in particular, and you'll be getting compliments on your new look in a jiffy!


First - stop wearing scarves like everyone else in the Northwest - doubled in half, then put around your neck and both ends through the loop.  It's ubiquitous.  That can translate to "boring."




Instead, try this nifty trick for an entirely new look that starts the same basic way.

Next, here are some simple and inexpensive tools to maximize your scarf potential.

The Grip

THE GRIP is the invention of Everett artist Dieter Moenig.  A simple plastic ring that looks suspiciously like a life saver, this $4 item comes in an array of colors, and totally transforms your scarf.

Wrap the scarf around your shoulders like a shawl.  Grab a little piece from each inside edge, at solar plexus level.  Make little pointy-dudes with the edges (yes, that's the technical jargon), and put them through the center of the grip.  Pull until it's nice and snug.


Wear it right in front, or pull it off to the side for an assymetrical look.

Scarf with Grip

Three notKnots

THE NOT-KNOT is another invention of Deiter's.  These stainless steel pieces are cut with a water jet, leaving the inside super smooth, thus avoiding any edges to catch and tear your scarf.  Available in two sizes and lots of shapes.  Small is $24, large is $28.  The small size works on light-weight, delicate scarves while the larger can handle thicker scarves.

Simply weave the scarf in and then out, and presto!  Your scarf is more like a piece of jewelry!

Those three notKnots in use

So get those scarves out of the drawer and start wearing them!  It's cheaper than a new outfit, and will have compliments coming your way all day long!  They are also an excellent gift idea for your pals who wear scarves frequently.  What a nice surprise for them.

Manya Vee

www.ManyaVeeSelects.com

Visit us today!

Manya Vee Selects

409 Main St

Edmonds, WA  98020

425-776-3778

Hours: Daily 11 - 6, Sunday & Tuesday noon - 4

Be The Best Gift-Giver On the Planet - part 1

Choosing gifts is an exercise in frustration for many of my customers.  They come in, wander around aimlessly, hoping that something will "pop out" and scream the name of the person they're hoping to find the perfect gift for.  Well, as you can imagine, that doesn't happen very often.


We've tested out some handy tips you can use to make your gift searches more fruitful, and have all your friends and family eagerly anticipating the next awesome gift you've found for them!


But first, make a choice.  Do you want to choose something she can (a) adorn herself with, or (b) something she can adorn her home or office with?  This is an important choice, and there are different tips for each. That's why this is "Part 1"!  And we're going to focus on adorning the home or office first.  Part 2 will focus on adorning the self.

An adorable, tiny vase for your gardener pal
by Livingston Pottery

1. What does your friend like to do with her spare time?  (i.e. hobbies, interests, activities, etc)


I can hear it now: (chuckle chuckle) "What spare time?"  While that can be true for most of us, I know we all have some way of feeding our souls, whether it's stealing 30 minutes to be in the garden, or cooking one unusual meal each week, or reading a gripping mystery before sleeping.  Maybe it's simply sitting quietly for a few minutes with a great glass of wine.

Beautiful candles by Edmonds' own Sagapo
for more enjoyable quiet times

If you don't know at least one answer to this question, it is time to start listening more carefully to your friend.  Or be bold and just ask it outright!  "How do you relax?"  "What inspires you?"  Both are great questions that friends should know about each other, and make for excellent conversations.


And the answer is a precious piece of info!  With it, you are armed for a plethora of gift options! 


Just a smattering of options is garden art or vases for the gardener; pottery or glass dishes for the cook; a unique wine glass or bottle stopper for the wine lover; and that's just the beginning!


2. How does your friend decorate her home?

Ultra-modern vase by
Barry McAlister

Take a closer look around next time you're visiting.  Note the living room style and colors.  Note the kitchen and bathroom style and colors.  This can be excellent for choosing the right candle, vase, tablecloth, or handmade soap - to name just a few options.


Knowing the colors and style can dramatically reduce your anxiety in choosing the right thing.  For example, you'd know you were way off if you chose a fancy, turquoise curli-cue decorative candle for a friend who decorates in sleek, straight-edged red and black.  And the best part?  All you have to do is NOTICE these things on your next visit.

Vibrant Mardi Gras design
for the bold - by Nancy Fiala

Knowing the colors and styles makes it super easy to know whether you should choose our vibrant, multi-colored hand-painted glass in the Mardi Gras design, or the understated and elegant copper and burgundy abstract colors.

Understated yet elegant hand-painted
glass by Nancy Fiala

With those two easy questions under your belt, you can save yourself a lot of worry and anxiety in your gift selections.  And we always love to offer suggestions, too.  You can be sure we'll ask you these same questions when you come in looking for a gift.  We'll then show the range of options we have available within the category, and let you choose the one you like best!  Easy as pie!


Give us a test next time you're on a gift hunt, and see how we fare!  We love to help make you the best gift-giver on the planet!

Manya Vee

www.ManyaVeeSelects.com

Visit us today!

Manya Vee Selects

409 Main St

Edmonds, WA  98020

425-776-3778

Hours: Daily 11 - 6, Sunday & Tuesday noon - 4