Wednesday, March 23, 2011

10 Years Ago Today

Ten years ago today (March 23, 2001) I remember being nervous because I had a blind date. Little did I know that this simple blind date would turn into the best thing that ever happened to me. That shy boy in the orange shirt that showed up at my door to take me out that night, well he turned into the man that I am so happy to call my husband! Ten years ago today I met my husband, the love of my life, and my best friend!

Then.



Now.

Monday, March 7, 2011

My Favorite Things: Gate Jewelry

Holy Cow! Sorry for my lack of posts. Work has been so crazy busy lately! Every year I always seem to forget how busy my job gets as Spring approaches. No worries though. I am so lucky to have a job, and I am so grateful that it is a job that I absolutely love!

In the midst of my crazy work schedule, I couldn't help but pop in to share one of my very favorite things with you-JEWELRY!!! I love jewelry! Whether it is real or costume, jewelry is just fun! The only thing better than jewelry is jewelry with a story.

Several companies have begun creating jewelry based on the beautiful iron work/gates found in southern cities like Charleston. G2 Silver has a wonderful collection of jewelry that mimics some of Charleston's most beautiful buildings. This necklace is a replica of the filigree work in the window of St. Philips Steeple (shown below).


My mother surprised me with a beautiful cuff bracelet from G2 Silver as a birthday gift. My bracelet is a replica of the gates of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Mobile, AL. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the bracelet, but you can see the pattern of the bracelet here.

Since I couldn't get enough of this type of jewelry, my mother-in-law purchased a bracelet from the Southern Gate Jewelry collection for me as a birthday gift. This line of jewelry is also modeled after the beautiful ironwork created in the 18th and 19th centuries that can be found in the deep South.


I couldn't find a Southern Gates web-site, but just google them to see the variety of beautiful pieces that they offer!

Whether you are from the South or you have just visited one of its beautiful cities, you can't help but find this gate jewelry charming! It's definitely one of my favorite things!