Where has the romance gone?
Life is busy, isn't it? So busy in fact that there is little time even for our everyday tasks, let alone the extras, such as romance.
Wait a minute! When did romance become an extra? If you are like most married couples, romance became an extra sometime after the third month of pregnancy or the third year of marriage.
:-)
But it doesn't - and shouldn't - have to stay that way. It just takes a little nudge, a little suggestion, to get the romance jump-started to become an everyday pleasure rather than a chore or an extra.
To help you along, The Anniversary Shop has added a new feature that will allow you to read a romantic tip of the day - one for you and one for your spouse.
This is a family-friendly site, so there will be nothing here to embarrass anyone. You will receive tips such as "On a Friday morning, give him a gift certificate to a local coffee shop, to be used together on the weekend" and "Give her a memory box filled with notes sharing special romantic memories (memory boxes are sold at most craft stores)."
Bookmark The Anniversary Shop and check back every day for your new Romantic Tip of the Day from Family Life.
And remember, always celebrate anniversaries!
Claudia
For unique modern wedding anniversary gifts, visit The Anniversary Shop
Monday, December 18, 2006
Where Has the Romance Gone?
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Paper Gifts for the 1st Anniversary
Paper gifts for the first year anniversary.
Traditional anniversary gifts and modern anniversary gifts are always available at The Anniversary Shop.
Anniversary gifts are listed by year and then by category within each year. For example, the traditional anniversary gift for the first year is paper.
Paper? Yes, paper. If the first thing that comes to mind is stationery, you are not alone. But how romantic is that? Why not give a planter of delicate, fragrant paperwhite flowers instead? Or an interesting pair of lacquered paper earrings? See both of these items and more at Years 1 through 10.
And remember, whether you choose a traditional anniversary gift or a modern anniversary gift, always celebrate anniversaries!
Claudia
The Anniversary Shop
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Enter to Win!
Enter to Win!
There's still time to enter this month's drawing for a perfect pair of Pearl and Peridot Drop Earrings.
To enter, go to Enter to Win at The Anniversary Shop and sign up for the mailing list. You will be automatically entered in each month's contest and will receive notice of new products and promotions at The Anniversary Shop.
Every order received before 9:00 pm eastern on Friday, December 15, will receive an additional entry to win.
The drawing will be held at 9:00 pm eastern on December 15.
Sign up today!
And remember to Celebrate Anniversaries!
Claudia
Modern and traditional wedding anniversary gifts at The Anniversary Shop
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
diamonds, Diamonds, DIAMONDS!
All diamonds are 33% off suggested retail value at The Anniversary Shop now through December 31.
Order in the next two days for delivery before Christmas.
Shown here is the Pendulum Diamond Pendant. With a center diamond of 0.25 ctw and a total carat weight of 0.50, this 14k gold pendant will be a hit this holiday season.
The entire diamond collection can be found at The Anniversary Shop
Diamonds are the perfect gift for any occasion!
Claudia
Visit The Anniversary Shop for Diamond Anniversary Gifts
Friday, December 08, 2006
Do You Need More Ideas for Men?
Do you still need more ideas for gifts for men?
I am writing this on Friday to be published over the weekend because my husband and I will be staying at a Bed and Breakfast Sunday night.
If you have never stayed at a B&B you simply must stay in one and bask in the pampering that you get as you arrive to a clean room with hosts who are willing to chat or leave you to yourselves, whichever you prefer.
After a good night's sleep in a quiet room with generally some of the best mattresses we have ever slept on, you will be treated to a breakfast of pure delight! We have never been served the standard hotel fare of cereal, rolls, and coffee. Oh, no! We have had stuffed baked french toast, fresh fruit out of season, fresh-squeezed orange juice, fruit pastries, fresh homemade muffins of all kinds, eggs, pancakes, waffles, bacon, ham, and usually more of anything than we can eat.
It is truly a delight!
Click to buy gift certificates good at hundreds of B&Bs across the US.
Find other gifts for all the men and women on your list at The Anniversary Shop
Continuing with Gifts for Men
Continuing with Gifts for Men - A pewter sake set on a wooden tray
For an extremely novel and unique gift for your man, check out the pewter sake set on a wooden tray at The Anniversary Shop.
Handcrafted of the finest pewter, this exquisite and functional set features a sake bottle and two cups.
For an even more extravagant and elegant sake set, the Shijo sake set at gleams with 24k trim on the sake bottle, four cups, and pewter tray. This is a gift he will remember!
Made of 97% tin, this 100% lead free pewter also contains a small amount of copper and antimony for strength. Considered the world's fourth most precious metal after platinum, gold, and silver, pewter's ability to withstand time and its shiny brilliance give it great value. Unlike silver, pewter does not require polishing or any other special care. It does not rust, tarnish, or deteriorate in any way over time.
Order now to ensure arrival in time for the holidays!
Claudia
The Anniversary Shop, for traditional and modern anniversary gifts
Another Gift Idea for Him
Another gift idea for Him - A silver pocket watch
Who doesn't think a man looks 10 times more classy when he wears a pocket watch? Tom Selleck comes to mind. Not sure why, but he must have worn a pocket watch in some movie that I saw.
At The Anniversary Shop you will find two pocket watches just waiting for Christmas gift-giving.
Both the brushed silver and the high-polish pocket watches can be engraved, at no extra cost, and can be delivered anywhere in the continental US in time for Christmas if an order is placed by December 15.
Check them out and place your online order today to be sure to get your gifts in time for holiday gift giving.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Gifts of Wood for Men
Gifts of Wood
It seems that wood and men go hand-in-hand. And what man wouldn't appreciate some help organizing all those gadgets, gizmos, papers, and coins in his pockets at the end of the day?
With gifts of wood, found in year 6 at The Anniversary Shop, you will find desktop or dresser organizers along with keepsake boxes and even a cherry putter that your man can use on the road, in the den, or in his office.
All of these are great gift ideas for the men on your shopping list this Christmas season.
The Anniversary Shop, your source for unique modern and traditional wedding anniversary gifts.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Picnic Baskets for Him
Picnic Baskets for Him
For Christmas or for your next special occasion, anniversary or birthday, why not give him a picnic basket and the promise that it holds for romantic getaways for the just the two of you?
You will find a variety of picnic baskets at The Anniversary Shop.
With cheese and wine service for four, the Deluxe Sonoma Picnic Basket, is ready to go with everything but the food. Add your favorite beverage, cheese, crackers, and a few sandwiches, and you are off for a great adventure full of fun and romance!
As always, enjoy shopping at The Anniversary Shop and let me know if there is anything I can do to make your shopping experience better.
Claudia
claudia@theanniversaryshop.com
www.theanniversaryshop.com
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Gifts for Him
Gifts for Him
I know, I know. Most of the items featured so far in the blog have been for women. Any idea why?
You got it! It's because men who are looking for beautiful, classy gifts for their wives can go to one place and find the perfect gift -- and you can help him find the perfect gift by having me send a hint (see blog November 30).
But what about gifts for men? There are plenty of gifts for men at The Anniversary Shop. To help you finalize your Christmas shopping for all those men on your list, this week I will feature gifts particulary for men.
Award-Winning Bodega Chocolate
Who says chocolate is just for women? It's true that women consume a greater percentage of chocolate than men, but men love to eat chocolate too!
Featured here is the Signature Sampler from award-winning Bodega Chocolate. This sampler includes a generous 56 ounces of chocolate in the form of truffle bars, dark chocolate and almond covered English toffee, and European pastries (The Anniversary Shop).
More delectable chocolates from Bodega Chocolates can be found at the Award-Winning Chocolate link at Always Appropriate Gifts at The Anniversary Shop.
Happy shopping!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Send A Hint For Christmas
Send a Hint for Christmas
See something you would like to receive at The Anniversary Shop? Send me the item description and the email address of the person who needs to know about it and I'll send a hint that this would be the perfect item(s) for you.
To help you decide, diamond jewelry is ALWAYS 33% below the suggested retail price at the diamonds page.
claudia@theanniversaryshop.com
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
New Items Added
New items have been added to The Anniversary Shop
As promised, new items have been added. Find beautiful, hand-made garnet jewelry under years 2 and 40. These unique necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are sure to please. Buy for yourself or for someone else. Sometimes a little hint goes a long way.
You will find garnet with gold-fill or sterling silver. Some pieces contain more than just garnets. The Nichole necklace (shown here) is made of freshwater cultured pearls in shades of cinnamon, wine, rich cream, soft blue, and green, and the garnet is a deep, dark red faceted nugget. It also features a 14 karat gold-filled wire chain, handwrapping, and clasp. A coordinating Nichole bracelet is also available.
A great gift for a 2nd or 40th anniversary as well as a birthday in January (birthstone: garnet), June (birthsone: pearl), or August (birthstone: peridot).
Flowers fresh from the grower have also been added to year 1 - paper and year 4 - fruit and flowers. Fragrant paperwhites are a new twist on the paper theme for year 1, and a unique Clamondin Mandarin Orange bonsai tree and other bonsai trees are available as fruit and flowers for year 4. Give a gift that will keep on giving, and give your husband or wife a new hobby at the same time!
While you're at The Anniversary Shop, be sure to sign up for the mailing list to be entered to win a box of Bodega chocolate truffle bars and receive email notification of new products, specials, and featured items. Find the Sign up now to win! option on the Home page and enter your email address.
As always, thank you for shopping at The Anniversary Shop, for unique anniversary gifts, and keep Celebrating Wedding Anniversaries!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Chocolate for the Sixth Wedding Anniversary
Today is my 6th wedding anniversary - and the traditional gift for the 6th wedding anniversary? Sugar. My preferred form of sugar is chocolate. Chocolate in all forms tastes great, but the latest health information is that dark chocolate, the darkest you can find, is best for you.
I have known this for years. Who doesn't feel better after eating chocolate? More than that, though, the Cleveland Clinic, one of the most well-known and respected health organizations in the world, recently reported that the flavonoids (which you may not have heard of) in chocolate act as antioxidants (we've all heard of these), thus promoting better health and vitality. What about all the fat in chocolate? The Cleveland Clinic addresses that as well.
"You may be surprised to find out that chocolate isn’t as bad as once perceived. The fat in chocolate, from cocoa butter, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk for heart disease."
"Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate." (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter)
While only your doctor can tell you if you are eating too much chocolate, it appears that a little bit, especially dark chocolate, may be good for you. And, if you are celebrating your 6th wedding anniversary as I am, or if you just want to add chocolate to any celebration, visit The Anniversary Shop at The Anniversary Shop to find chocolate that can be delivered direct to your door.
While you are there, be sure to check out the Always Appropriate section for gifts for any occasion or year of marriage.
Bookmark The Anniversary Shop for all your gift-giving needs.
Read More......
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Flowers That Will Last
True to form, my husband brought flowers to me for our anniversary. Even though I told him I didn't want anything because we just retired and moved to a beautiful new home in a warmer climate, he just couldn't resist the bouquet of peachy roses, lilies, and carnations.
What can I say, though? How many wives would be upset that their husband remembered their anniversary - a few days early - and spent a few dollars for a quick but lasting smile?
If you would like flowers that will last much longer than the 5 days or so that my flowers generally last, visit The Anniversary Shop and find the beautiful Ariana flower necklace with peridot (4th Anniversary). Whether for yourself, an anniversary, a birthday, or a lovely way to say "I love you," the Ariana necklace will be a hit and remain vibrant and colorful for years to come.
As always, remember to Celebrate Wedding Anniversaries with The Anniversary Shop, your online store for traditional and modern anniversary gifts..
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
How It All Began
Recently my husband and I spent an evening with friends we had just met. Soon after we began eating, the conversation turned to how we met. My husband and I are one of the pioneers of online dating. At first I was embarassed to admit it, but as more and more people find love online, I don't mind telling people that we met through a Christian dating service.
Just over 8 years ago, at the age of 38, I began looking online for a husband. I lived in a small town all of my life, and there were few eligible men that I hadn't known my entire life. Online dating opened up a whole new world to me. Instead of being scared about the possibilites of "who might be out there," I was anxious to have a door to the world. Little did I know, my sister was worried enough for the both of us.
After meeting a few men online and meeting 2 or 3 of them in person, my husband came on the scene. We emailed a few times then met at church one Sunday morning as he was passing through from a trip out of state. Since that first meeting, my husband drove 100 miles each way every weekend to spend time with me and attend church together.
After a few months, God revealed to me that He had brought me the man I had been praying for. He is kind, gentle, and loving, and He loves God, me, and his family.
On my birthday 7 years ago, we went out for dinner and crossed the street to a gazebo in the park after dessert. Soon my husband handed a card to me. As I read it, I was oblivious to everything else going on around me. When I opened the card, he had written "This is good for one proposal." When I looked up and asked, "Are you asking me to marry you?," he was down on one knee in front of me with an open ring box in his hand.
As the saying goes, "The rest is history." This Saturday we will have been married 6 years. A lot has happened in those 6 years. Single for 40 years, I am now a grandmother of two of the most wonderful kids in the whole wide world. My husband and I recently retired from our full-time jobs and are living a moderate life in a warmer climate. We stay up late, sleep in when we want, and eat most of our meals at home (an amazing feat given that we previously ate out more than we ate in). He has started a second career part time and I am working at getting an online store set up to sell, you guessed it, anniversary gifts.
Why anniversary gifts? Because marriage is to be celebrated and marked with a special gift that will be remembered for years to come. Traditional and modern gift lists are available for suggestions on gift giving, but even more important than sticking to a list is finding a gift that fits your spouse or that special couple. It is great if it falls into the traditional or modern theme, but it is more important to be creative and celebrate with a gift that is unique and will be treasured.
At The Anniversary Shop, you will find gifts for most years (remember, I just retired and am still working on the site) and some that are appropriate for any year.
Send your story of how you met. Even though we often get cynical about marriage, it is still the most coveted relationship in the world.
Remember, celebrate your annivesary! It will do wonders for your marriage.