.: 2009-04

4/26/2009

Steve Madden Purse

Suede, $30; buy online now at stevemadden.com

Forever 21 Tote

Faux crocodile leather, $23; buy online now at forever21.com

The Artist's Tote

Canvas, $68; buy online now at anthropologie.com

Melie Bianco Satchel

Faux leather, $95 in fashionflairs.com.

Black Trio Buckle Sandals

Vinyl, $28; buy online now at fredflare.com

Seychelles Platforms

Leather, wood and rubber, $98; buy online now at urbanoutfitters.com.

BCBGirls Sandals

Leather, $98; buy online now at dillards.com

Gap Gladiators Leather, $40; buy online now at gap.com.

Rinse in warm water and pat dry. If silver is tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a jar of silver-cleaning fluid, such as Goddard's Silver Dip (available at drugstores). For jewelry with intricate designs, use a silver-cleaning paste, which can get into small crevices. (Don't use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, which will scratch.) Wipe with a clean, soft cloth.

GOLD

Soak for 15 minutes in a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.

Pearls

Creme Liqueur Rice Freshwater Pearl Full Strand

Rub each pearl individually with a soft, clean cotton cloth dampened with a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy. (Soaking strands of pearls can cause the string to stretch.) Let air-dry overnight.

4/25/2009

Bee Helpful!

Bee's are responsible for pollinating one third of our natural foods. They're disapearing at an alarming rate. You can help bring them back. How?

Plant flowers.

Flowers provide food that keeps honey bees alive and pollen that helps fruits and vegetable to grow. You can create a sanctuary in a pot on your window sill or a honey bee garden in your backyard. You don't need a lot of space, it is that simple.

You can select flowers such as: Sunflowers, Daisies, Cosmos, Zinnias, Dahlias and Geraniums. Pick blue, purple, orange and yellow flowers-these are most atractive to honey bees. Do not use pesticides. It is a great activity to share with your kids, they'll love it!

To learn more about planting your honey bee garden and the plight of the honey bees, visit http://www.helpthehoneybees.com.