The Best of Beauty & Style

diane hamments asked:

Masonic swords beautifully engraved or etched with one or more.

Masonic symbols and emblems hold great significance to members of the order of Freemasons (Masons). There are several different styles of Masonic swords, and

each style can use different colored metals such as silver, gold, brass and bronze to

form the blade, hilt, pommel and other parts of the sword. Each style of Masonic

Sword can also bear several different engraved Masonic symbols and emblems,

each symbol or emblem having its own significance in the Masonic world. Masonic swords often have colored inlays that also add to their visual appeal, and they are sometimes set with gems or jewels. Masonic daggers – shorter versions of Masonic swords with blades that are only 12 to 14 inches long – also exist, and these are also highly decorated with Masonic symbols such as the Compass and Square.

Masonic Swords are grounded in honor, history, and tradition:

Swords in general have traditionally and historically been viewed as instruments of might, justice, honor, integrity and truth. They have been used for thousands of years, not just as weapons, but also as symbolic instruments that indicate status. Because swords are so highly emblematic of so many different virtues, they are still worn for ceremonial purposes at various important events. Many of the values that swords symbolize are at the center of Freemasonry, and for this reason, Masons often wear Masonic swords during their ceremonies and rituals.

No one is certain about the specific origins of Freemasonry, but it is likely that the organization developed out of the stonemasons craft guilds that flourished during the Middle Ages. The Knights Templar, an organization of Christian knights that was formed during the Crusades to protect Christians during their pilgrimages to the Holy Land, probably had a large influence on early Masons. And that historical influence almost certainly continues even today. Swords are intimately associated with the purpose and history of the Knights Templar, and this association could very possibly be

another reason for the symbolic, ceremonial importance of Masonic swords in Masonic

rites, both past and present.

Masonic swords are beautiful, highly decorative and highly symbolic instruments that are worn by Masons during certain Freemason ceremonies and rituals. They are finely crafted symbols of pride in being a Mason and of their owners’ status within the organization. They are symbols of the dedication of all Masons to justice, honor, integrity and truth – all of which are keystone principles in Freemasonry. Masonic swords are visual symbols of their bearers’ level of achievement within Masonic society and structure, but they are much more than that. Masonic swords are symbols of Freemasonry’s tradition of working to make the world a better place, and their bright blades reflect honor, history and tradition.

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Elaine Edwards asked:

Tiffany-style lamps used to be just the domain of the rich and they were, in fact, symbols of wealth. These days, however, these lamps are found in the homes of the middle class as exquisite decorations.

Original Tiffany Lamps

Louis Comfort Tiffany, founder of Tiffany & Co., made the first Tiffany lamp in 1899. Tiffany had developed a technique of creating stained glass. He created his lamps with stained glass that were formed then into mosaics. Tiffany’s first customers were rich families who desire great decoration pieces for their homes. Production was at its peak from 1895 to 1920.

Today, however, you can find many of them Tiffany-style lamps, which are essentially knock offs of the same, very expensive, genuine Tiffany lamps.

Tiffany-Style Lamps

Tiffany-style lamps are by no means cheap. They are, in fact, expensive. But the real Tiffany lamps, however, are VERY EXPENSIVE. Some of the original Tiffany lamps that were made in the 1890s are now selling for as much as $8 million – and that doesn’t include the cost of having your Tiffany lamp authenticated by an antique dealer.

If you are trained in the different design movements, you can easily spot an original Tiffany from a Tiffany-style lamp by the modern-day design. If you have an untrained eye, however, you should better protect your investment by having it authenticated.

All Over The House And The Office

Tiffany-style lamps can be place anywhere in your home. The smaller lamps can be used to decorate your desk while the larger floor lamps can be used to light up a room in your room. Still, some lamps could be used to accent a formal dining room.

The impact of Tiffany-style lamps in the world is enormous, hence, many companies are producing these types of lamps. As if it wasn’t enough, they are even considered by some quarters as one of America’s greatest contributions to the world.

Tiffany-style lamps do not deviate so much from the original Tiffany lamps. They are still small-to-medium in size and they come in a variety of colors, color schemes and styles to match your tastes and complement the rest of your house or office. There is practically no limit to the creativity that has gone to the design of Tiffany-style lamps. They may make-up the mood of a room with their designs.

Choosing A Tiffany-Style Lamp

For their sheer beauty, it won’t be easy to choose a Tiffany-style lamp. That there are so many Tiffany-style lamps in different designs doesn’t really help. But choose the lamp that best attributes your whole room.

Tiffany-style lamps work best with excellent designed rooms because these create a relaxed and romantic ambience. The light that comes from them is soft and sensual too. When buying a lamp, be prepared to shell out your money. A tiffany-style mini-lamp can cost $66.95. Lamps in other shapes and sizes can cost several hundred dollars although there are some bargains that you can find out on the Internet.

In any case, a thing of beauty is always worth the price that you pay for.

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Ron Cambria asked:

Eye catching and useful the table lamp is a favorite among decorators. The right lamps on a table can make all the difference in the world. Their main role is to provide light but home decorators often purchase them to add style and elegance to the room. There may be many types of lighting to choose from but table lamps are still the most popular choice. Although they are typically used as reading lights, their function does not end there. Matching your lamp to your fine decor has almost become a requirement.

Nowadays, many table lamps are being designed and crafted in fascinating shapes, sizes, and styles to fit and enhance the decor. Its easy to find sleek contemporary table lamps and more traditional table lamps with fabric shades that match other decor. Some are even made of glass, metal, ceramic and wood. Whats different about table lamps in modern d?r is that most of the time they are purchased to help decorate the room not just provide lighting. It is not very easy to find the perfect table lamp to satisfy your decorating standards. Apart from the fact that you need to find a reliable store selling your favorite table lamp, there are other factors to consider when purchasing one. The appearance may be good but such should not be the only factor to consider. To be sure that the lamp will be tall enough and not cast a shadow on your shoulder when you are reading beside the table. Sometimes it is necessary to take measurements. You should also check on the proportions because the lamp that you want to purchase should fit well along your other pieces of furniture. Another factor to consider when selecting your lamp is the shade. You should to make sure that it would be able to spread the light equally on the surface of the table. Tiffany style lamps have been a favorite choice among decorators for over 80 years. They can add a touch of the antiquity to your home. A Tiffany glass lamp can increase the beauty of your home because the surprise of something out of date is part of the whole antique look. This is one of the reasons why they are widely sought after by collectors. Tiffany lamps were very popular in the seventies and they are making quite a comeback now. Whats good is that todays version of the Tiffany contemporary table lamp is more refined in design and color but cost less in relation to todays economy. Remember these lamps are still put together from a pile of cut glass and lead. It never ceases to amaze me just how beautifully detailed they are with images of nature such as the dragonfly, peacock feathers, wisteria flowers and blossoms. Definitely, you will be captivated by this style of lamp. All in all, table lamps are indeed the most common type of lamps, carving out their niche as a must have in American modern decor. They are well-loved for the light they give to the student hard at work or the mother taking a break with a book. Professional decorators and home owners alike will also say that almost any home d?r is empty without table lamps to provide the right lighted accent.

There may be many types of lighting to choose from but table lamps are still the most popular choice. Table lamps are those lights designed to be placed on a table. Although they are typically used as reading lights, their function does not end there. Today, many table lamps are designed and constructed in many shapes and themes to fit and match decor. Its easy to find sleek contemporary table lamps and more traditional table lamps with fabric shades that match other decor. Some are even made of glass, metal, ceramic and wood. Whats different about table lamps in modern d?r is that most of the time they are purchased to help decorate the room not just provide lighting.

Sometimes it’s not easy to find a nice table lamp to fit with your decor. Apart from the fact that you need to find a reliable store selling your favorite table lamp, there are other factors to consider when purchasing one. The appearance may be good but such should not be the only factor to consider. Find out if the table lamp will be the right size and not cast a shadow where you will be reading. Sometimes it is necessary to take measurements. It is also best to check the size of the lamp in question to make sure it will go with other pieces of furniture.

Another factor to consider when selecting your lamp is the shade. You should to make sure that it would be able to spread the light equally on the surface of the table. Tiffany style lamps have been a favorite choice among decorators for over 80 years. They can add a touch of the antiquity to your home. A Tiffany glass lamp can increase the beauty of your home because the surprise of something out of date is part of the whole antique look. This is one of many reasons they are hunted down by collectors. Tiffany lamps were very popular in the seventies and they are making quite a comeback now. Whats good is that todays version of the Tiffany contemporary table lamp is more refined in design and color but cost less in relation to todays economy. Remember these lamps are still put together from a pile of cut glass and lead. It never ceases to amaze me just how beautifully detailed they are with images of nature such as the dragonfly, peacock feathers, wisteria flowers and blossoms. Definitely, you will be captivated by this style of lamp.

All in all, table lamps are indeed the most common type of lamps, carving out their niche as a must have in American modern decor. They are loved for the brightness they give by the mother reading a novel or the student doing homework. Professional decorators and home owners alike will also say that almost any home d?r is empty without table lamps to provide the right lighted accent.

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Brett Curry asked:

Your mailbox is not simply a receptacle for your mail; it is an extension of your home and a statement of your good taste. You can find extraordinary house style mailboxes that will be a beautiful addition to your outdoor décor. There are many choices in house style mailboxes and you are sure to find one that captures the spirit of your home and your life. You can choose from metals such as copper or brass, choose a smooth or hammered finish, or you may want to have a mailbox that matches the color of your home perfectly. Any color, finish, and shape you desire can be shipped directly to you, and you will be delighted with the new look your mailbox gives your home.

You can expect sturdy construction, a unique sense of style, and a functional mailbox that will last for years. You can choose a key lock if you wish and a newspaper or magazine rack is very convenient. You will have your choice in colors and may even have different colors for the box and the lid. There are house style mailboxes that can be custom made to be an exact replica of your home. With so many choices and quick delivery, there is no reason you can’t be retrieving your mail from a customized mailbox that fits your lifestyle perfectly in a very short time.

Your choice in house style mailboxes are a testament to your individuality and your impeccable taste. Make your mailbox a permanent part of your outdoor décor. The choices are numerous and you can even have a mailbox designed especially for your home, according to your specifications. Choosing a mailbox an important part of your home. Find the one that suits your preferences and makes a unique statement about your home

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Ron Berry asked:


Are you having difficulty deciding on a home decorating theme?…How about Tuscan?

It’s rich cultural heritage and simple elegance are what draw so many to this beautiful style. Because it combines a unique antique flavor and ‘livability’ more and more homeowners are opting for this Italian masterpiece.

Using a palette of earth tones, tuscan (which is an Italian country design) brings the outdoors inside. This design uses distinct materials to help accomplish it’s magic. The Tuscan style is unique as well as beautiful.

When deciding on a tuscan theme, you’ll be using textures, such as stone and tile for the flooring and furnishings. This helps to create a natural atmosphere. Plaster is suggested for the walls, again, to add texture and a natural feel. This would provide an opportunity for you to use your creativity and even have some fun.

Tables are often made of stone and Tile mosaics are another possibility for in the tuscan themed home.

“What are four walls, anyway? They are what they contain. The house protects the dreamer. Unthinkably good things can happen… ” From Frances in Under A Tuscan Sun

No decorating theme that centers around nature would be complete without wood. It’s exquisite textures and intricate details make wood a perfect compliment to the Old World style and Tuscan makes great use of this natural resource. One example of this is the exposed framework. The large wooden beams create a comfortable, rustic look. Another is in the construction of furniture. The goal here is to make it look aged and antique. By staining and ‘aging’ the wood, you can create an antique feel while maintaining rugged endurance.

Tuscan is based on a cultural heritage. By using accessories this heritage can be highlighted and celebrated. Accessories that are homemade are common for this genre. Ceramics are big in tuscan decorating too! Silver, copper, iron are all common in tuscan design. Themes that include olives, grapes, wine and pottery, scrolled ironwork, stone, marble and handcrafted tiles in an old world style and many other possibilities. Terra cotta is also popular when using the tuscan theme so a vase for fresh cut flowers on the tiled mosaic table in the center of the room under the cast iron chandelier would make a fabulous entryway into your home.

Tuscan fabric is unequalled in it’s simple beauty. Savannah and tobacco cloth, burlap, abaca, fibers from the banana and coconut trees are all used to create a natural lived-in space. These materials are very versatile and your only limitation is your imagination. They can be used for just about anything from curtains and drapes, blinds, wall decorations, room and space dividers, privacy screens, elegant table placemats or conversation pieces on your coffee table, entryway rugs and foor coverings can all be created simply by using some of these various tuscan fabrics because of their weight, density and flexibility allow for many applications.

Tuscan also uses colors such as yellow and red. These colors can be used in decorations for tables, a chair cover, tie-backs to accentuate and complement curtains and drapes. Use of yellow and red ribbon and ties to decorate candlesticks is not uncommon. Any material or color that reminds us of the ocean, the earth, the beautiful blue sky or the deep rich forest, will bring a warm and inviting feel to tuscan home. The color, texture, fabric and accessories will create a warm and inviting feeling in any space in your home.

This warm and inviting theme of simplicity and nature is a great home decorating idea.



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Virginia Ginsburg asked:


(c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg

The products you use on your face and body can have a big impact on your health ‘ and the health of the Earth. By simply considering the ingredient label of your beauty products, you can make a significant impact on the Earth. Conveniently, such scrutiny also protects you from the nasty chemicals included in many beauty products commonly found on bathroom counters across the country.

Your personal style may drive consumption of just a few cosmetics. But even if you consider yourself to be “low maintenance,” you likely use many everyday products to take care of yourself. Here are just a few:

* Toothpaste

* Shampoo

* Conditioner

* Hair styling product(s)

* Body soap

* Hand soap

* Sunscreen

* Body lotion

* Hand lotion

* Face lotion

* Deodorant

In short, most people use more than 10 beauty products per day. If you use makeup, you might add 5-10 more products, and, of course, the list expands when you include hair removal, nail care, and any age reduction products that you use.

These beauty products can impact the health of our environment by: utilizing toxic ingredients; using non-recycled and difficult-to-recycle packaging; using toxic pesticides and herbicides on ingredients; and testing products on animals, to name just a few of the drawbacks.

If you changed just a few of your beauty products to greener options, you could reduce the strain on the Earth while simultaneously decreasing your exposure to toxic ingredients.

Determining which products are truly “green” as opposed to those that just say they are is no easy task. Some of the labels that we naturally look for when searching for green options include:

* Eco-safe

* Environmentally preferable

* Green

* Organic

* Pure

* Natural

Unfortunately, according to the Consumers Union, these general claims are completely meaningless. First of all, the manufacturer or marketer creates the label based on what will sell best, but there isn’t any independent organization verifying that the label claim is accurate. Secondly, there is a broad range of factors involved in using terms like “organic” or “green,” making them, in fact, very loose terms of attribution. Finally, often a very tiny amount of “natural” ingredients is mixed with chemicals to produce many of the products that we believe are safer for our bodies and the environment.

Every day, toxic chemicals that are bad for the Earth as well as our personal health, are sold. This is because no independent or government entity is assigned to testing all the products that you can buy, whether at the drugstore or a high-end department store counter. In other words, the manufacturers can put whatever they want in their products and nobody tests them for safety. That’s right: while your medications are tested by the FDA, your cosmetics are not.

One of the words we look for most on “green” products is “organic,” but in fact the term is not regulated on personal care products as it is on food products. In other words, for food, suppliers must be certified by the USDA National Organic Program to label a product “organic,” but in personal care, that is not the case.

Here is the problem with what we have discovered so far:

1. You can’t trust the label on the product to tell you what it really contains

2. You can’t trust the government to protect you by restricting the claims made on labels

3. Most beauty products on the market contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to our bodies and the Earth.

What can you do about this? Be more careful about which products you buy. It can be difficult to determine exactly what impact a product will have on the Earth and your body, but you can take a few simple steps to be safer.

1. Read all of the ingredients on the label. If you have trouble pronouncing an ingredient, if ingredients are grouped together, or there is anything else suspicious, look the product up on the Internet to see if you can find out more. If the label says that not all ingredients are disclosed, it is a good idea to call the Company to determine what is not listed. The biggest dangers found in many cosmetics: antibacterials, coal-tar dyes, 1,4-dioxane (a contaminant of “PEG,” sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate and other -eth ingredients), formaldehyde, fragrance, mercury, nanoparticles, parabens and petroleum distillates.

2. Consider the packaging. The best option is glass, though it can be cost-prohibitive based on shipping costs. A good alternative are products packaged in Recyclable #1 or #2 plastics.

3. Look for logos: There are a few logos that you can be fairly certain mean that the product you are buying meets some green standards, including “USDA Certified Organic,” and “Leaping Bunny,” a logo designed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics that indicates a commitment to not testing on animals.



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