Since the beginning of time, man has had a fascination and a longing to own gold. There is evidence of humans wearing gold as early as 4000 BC and it is still popular today and more valuable and sought after than ever.

With the current price of gold at this writing being $1,750.00 per one Troy ounce, it only points out how much the world trusts and respects the value of owning it. Gold is a symbol of financial security and success.

Mankind’s love for gold is due to its beauty, portability, versatility and ease with which it can be converted to works of art. One ounce of pure gold can be struck into a coin or produce a piece of wire that would stretch a mile in length. Gold can also be hammered into a sheet thin enough to transmit light through (Gold Leaf), which is used to letter signs and adorn statuary as well as finish fine quality picture frames. Gold is also used as a conductor of electricity in computers.

Gold Jewelry and what you should know about it. Although jewelry can be made of almost any material, such as silver, platinum, stainless, titanium, aluminum, plastic, leather, etc., gold remains the best choice for most jewelry.  Since manufacturing equipment and labor is a major factor in the price of creating any item of jewelry it makes sense to use gold rather than metals with no salvage value if the item is damaged or worn in the future. Gold has trade in value as well as more prestige, sense of well being and pride of possession when wearing it.

Today there is interest in alternative metals for wedding bands such as Titanium, Tungsten Carbide, Ceramic, and a number of others.

The advantage would be they hold their polish and and are very hard. They are very trendy and appeal to the younger generation and they cost only about 25 to 30 % of a similar gold ring.

The disadvantage would be they can only be used as wedding bands, not engagement rings. Additionally they cannot be sized, only replaced with another if the company that made them still exists at the time you need a replacement. If it can be replaced it is not the same band you were married with so there is no sentimental attachment to it. It can’t be engraved, only laser etched at the factory. In the case of an accident or injury, it could result in a lost finger if the emergency personnel cannot remove it in a timely manner. We have had patients sent to us because the medical facility didn’t have the proper equipment to remove them. In addition they have all the beauty and luster of a piece of hardware; not very romantic.

Gold wedding rings on the other hand can be engraved with your wedding dates, resized many times and refinished to look like new for a lifetime. Gold can be passed on to a future generation or cast into a new design if no longer needed as a wedding ring. It also has salvage value that can be used for a trade-in or sold for cash anywhere in the world making the initial cost a real bargain in the end.

Tom Sayers Graduate Diamonds (GIA) Ellen Sayers, Diamonds (GIA)
Ronald L. Sayers, Graduate Gemologist (GIA)

Types of gold used in jewelry. Pure gold as it comes from the earth or a refiner is called 24 Karat, which is much too soft to use for jewelry. For manufacturing into jewelry, alloy metals are added to give the gold strength and workability. Most jewelry in this country is 14K, which is 14 parts pure gold and 10 parts alloy metal such as copper, silver, and zinc as well as nickel, used in the manufacture of white gold. In Europe 18k is preferred and sometimes 22k, both of which are softer than 14k but have a higher purity. Class rings and lower price point jewelry is often made of 10k.

Purity is as follows: Stamped 10K or 417 (41.7%), 14k or 585 (58.3%), 18K or 750 (75%) and 22K or 915 (91.6%) pure gold. Jewelry less than 10k is not allowed to be called gold in the U.S.

Gold Stamping Act: It is illegal to stamp 14k or any other quality in a ring without a registered trademark next to it to identify the manufacture responsible for the purity indicated. It is legal to sell an item of jewelry with no stamp but if it has a stamp, it must also have a registered trademark.

About Quality: The fact that an item is made of karat gold does not guarantee it will hold up to normal wear. Thin ring shanks and hollow chains save gold and sell for less but break and wear out quickly and end up as scrap gold. Well-designed jewelry with sufficient metal content will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Platinum and silver are other metals used in the manufacture of jewelry but space does not permit a full discussion of them in this article. Please stop by our store and we will be glad to answer any questions about them.

Testimonials:
• Thanks for making me feel comfortable in the store and with your services !! ~ N. Davis
• Dear Ron, My father and I thank-you for the time that you spent with us. The information that you shared with us about our 3.01 carat diamond was very useful. Wishing you good health and prosperity… Yours truly, ~ Holly R.

By: Joanna L. Daneman, AAMS®

As an investor, you can get plenty of advice from financial experts on the evening news or cable financial shows. But you may actually be able to learn some deeper truths about investing by observing other professionals — such as winemakers.

At first glance, you might not see what these “guardians of the grape” can teach you about building an investment portfolio. After all, they’re shaping Sangiovese while you’re seeking stocks, they’re bottling Burgundy while you’re buying bonds, and they’re mastering Malbec while you’re monitoring mutual funds. Where’s the connection?

Start by considering the life cycle of wine and the concept of “vintage.” For example, a particular wine is labeled a 2005 vintage if it is made from grapes that were predominantly grown and harvested in 2005. Yet given the requirements of wine production, this 2005 vintage may not actually hit the markets until 2008 — and some aficionados may think the wine won’t taste its best until 2018.

If you translated this type of scenario to the financial world, you could say that the 2008 investment “vintage” was not promising, given that the value of almost all investments — even the quality ones — fell last year. But if you were to hold these quality investments for the long term — as you should, because investing is a long-term activity — you might find that the 2008 vintage investments may eventually become productive vehicles that can help you achieve your financial goals.

So, what lessons can you learn from winemakers? Here are a few suggestions:

• Be patient. Winemakers put a lot of time, effort and money into planting today’s grapes — for which they will not see one penny of profit for many years. Yet they have the discipline to wait patiently until the products of their labors come to fruition. Are all their wines successful? No — and all your investments may not be, either. But given enough time, quality investments can usually help you work toward your financial goals.
• Have faith in your strategy. Wine drinkers’ tastes can change from year to year. Yet winemakers don’t rip out their vineyards and replant them with today’s “hot” varietal. Instead, they cultivate the grapes they’ve planted, make the best wine they can and maintain their belief that their products will find a market. As an investor, you can’t allow yourself to be swayed by today’s hot tips and trends. Instead, build a portfolio of quality investments that can stand the test of time.
• Adapt your goals to your situation. One of the most famous winemaking regions in the world, Napa Valley, contains a number of microclimates that vary by temperature, rainfall and soil. Napa Valley winemakers know which grapes will do best in which microclimate, and they concentrate their efforts accordingly. And you, as an individual investor, should make your investment decisions based on your own “microclimate” — your risk tolerance, family situation, time horizon and other factors. In other words, you should choose those investments that are best suited for you and that have the best chance to help you meet your goals.

Investing, like  winemaking, is filled with challenges. But by observing how winemakers work, you may learn some things that can eventually help you raise a glass to your own success.

Left to right: Tish, Homairah, Emily, Leila, Heather, Rene’, Alison, Christine, Carrie, Gulya, and Chelsey

Without a doubt, hair is the most important changeable feature that we have. Many people come to us with a desire for a fresh new style.

Here at Rene Delyn our team of color experts are ready to assist you with making those important decisions about a new style. We believe in educating our clients and giving tips that may help aid in their decision-making about a new look.

First, we want to make sure that a specific style is compatible with our client’s lifestyle. An extreme style may fit well with someone who works in a creative field, but not so much so for the more business professional. Whether you’re making over your color, cut or both, it’s important to know what works well for you. When it comes to getting great hair, look no further than in the mirror. After determining your face shape, we will create balance and beauty by helping you select a style that will emphasizes your best features.  Forget “just the usual” trim and go for something a little more updated. Stiff, over-styled hair is out of fashion; where as flowing, natural hair is currently in style. Women’s hairstyles are seeing a return to more soft feminine waves.

Emily Moses: “I like to change my color a lot and it always feels healthy and shiny even after a drastic change.  I’ve gotten so many compliments.”

Try transforming your fringe to a fuller bang. Bangs, when done correctly, can compliment almost any face shape. You may desire a more defined shaped, which can be created with layering. Some people have a big misconception about layers. However, layering the hair can frame the face in a very complimenting way, create depth and enhance body and movement. When layers are properly placed, it can make thicker hair more manageable and give a fuller appearance to thinner hair.

We believe in staying up to date on current styles and ever changing hairstyling techniques. Our stylists have traveled the U.S. and abroad to further their education in this industry. After studying in Taiwan at the Vern Styling College, Rene has brought extensive cutting knowledge and training to the Rene Delyn Team. By using the Vern Combined Scissors Technique, our stylists are able to create texture, adjust hair volume and transform your haircut to a softer longer lasting style. With the eight interchangeable scissors, there simply is nothing that compares to the guaranteed satisfaction that this cutting technique can provide.

Pam Matthews: “The before and after blew my family away. Thank you for making me feel so comfortable.”

Now, there is no better way to compliment your updated haircut than with a fresh new color. Whether it is highlighting to brighten and accent or lowlights to create depth. It is important to stick with colors that compliment one’s skin tone; the key is finding the right shade for you. From warmer richer reds to icy cool blondes, we at Rene Delyn are here and ready to help you with your color choice.

Rene Delyn Stylists are on hand to assist you in transforming your hair and makeup for even those more special occasions. Hair inspirations are coming straight from the runways. From low knots to stunning braids, these looks are sure to turn heads at every occasion of the season.

Whether you’ve had the same hairstyle for years, or just a short time, you may be ready for a change.

Come visit us at Rene Delyn Hair Designs and let us inspire and transform you today!

By: Ernie Angiolillo, Owner

Here we are once again, another holiday season is upon us – shopping, cooking, planning, preparing, entertaining – making lists and checking them twice.

It really is a magical time of year, when suddenly most everyone’s focus changes and a giving spirit hums through the air. The holiday season means something different from family to family, but nearly everyone upholds a tradition of gift giving in some fashion or another. From office gift exchanges to Santa’s giant bag filled with toys, the idea of wrapping a special surprise in shining paper for someone that you care about and watching them open it in surprise and joy is an emotion that we all crave year after year. The often unfortunate reality of this process, is our innate desire to give that “perfect” gift and having no idea where to begin.

And so, the quest for the perfect gift . . .
Although we have all been plagued with this thought, women seem to have a slightly better knack for getting the job done than their male counterparts. Perhaps, women listen better or maybe just shop more and “know” what’s available but regardless, I’d like to share a little of my male insight on giving the perfect gift. First let me say, yes, I am a jeweler and have been involved in the jewelry business pretty much my entire life in some way or another. My parents opened Erncol Jewelry Shoppe (named for my sister and I—Ernest and Colette) in 1986. But I am also a “guys-guy” who lives for the Eagles, has season tickets to the Phils, plays ice hockey in a league as well as a father to a twinkling-eyed little lady, so my words are grounded in reality and not just sales.

Why is the gift of jewelry almost always perfect? The list is nearly endless, dating back to the beginning of time. Jewelry has actual worth and has always represented power and wealth and over centuries has acquired symbolism that equates receiving and having jewelry with that of being loved, honored and treasured. No matter how dazzling the iPhone4 S is, it doesn’t carry the unspoken meaning of a simple band of gold. History aside, there are some very simple reasons why giving the gift of jewelry will (almost always) be perfect. First and foremost, jewelry is a gift that can be worn every single day and the metal actually warms to your body temperature, as it is always against your skin. The recipient, can without effort look at or touch the gift as a constant reminder of the sentiment and thus the giver. Secondly, women love to discuss the gifts they receive and whereas a gift certificate for a spa day is certainly desirable, it will never replace the rush of energy and excitement that runs through her when she can lift her wrist to show-off a delicate sprinkle of tiny diamonds scattered on a gold bracelet. Women love to show-off their gifts! Lastly, jewelry – lasts. That iPhone4 will be replaced in a matter of months and even the lavish gift of a new automobile, will in time be traded in but jewelry is something that you keep, you treasure and often pass on for someone else to fall in love with.

As a final note let me add that cost is rarely the determining factor in just how truly perfect your gift of jewelry is. I have a friend who has a very covetable collection of fine jewelry and when I asked her what her most treasured piece was, she quickly responded that it was a teeny-tiny sliver of a gold band that her partner gave her with the inscription CTH+TRL. “It literally cost $90 and I never, ever take it off. It gives me a warm smile each time I look at it”, she said. So unless you know for a fact that the woman in your life is pining away for a new Vitamix or has unabashedly begged you for an iPad I personally would suggest the magical gift of jewelry.

Erncol Jewelry Shoppe is located at 4007 Concord Pike (at Silverside Road) and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am until 5pm with evening hours upon request.
302.478.5560 • www.erncoljewels.com

Testimonials:

• “I took my diamond tennis bracelet to Erncol’s for a clasp repair. Not only was it repaired for a very reasonable cost, it was so clean and polished, it looked better than new”. ~ Nancy K.
• “Thank you for the beautiful bracelet. I was so touched by your kindness and encouragement and your understanding of exactly what I was looking for. Please know that I will wear it proudly in honor of your sister and all of us cancer warriors who continue to fight this disease.” ~ Cindy
• “Thank you more than you know for being able to deliver the ring I choose for my wife prior to Christmas as promised. It is absolutely beautiful and she loved it. Thank you again for all your help and expertise. It was invaluable.” ~ Dan

By: Janice Venema
Lady’s Image

At LADY’S IMAGE, you can park at the front or the back door. Everything in the store is unique and there are many choices. They gift wrap everything, FREE!

I chose to leave the store while they wrapped my purchases and took my wife out to dinner at a restaurant nearby. The next day I stopped at the store and picked up my gifts wrapped in gold paper with red bows. Those gifts looked so fabulous, I wanted to show them to everyone I knew. Now, I could have stayed and they would wrap while I waited, but, hey, I had more fun eating while Lady’s Image did all the work of wrapping. In addition, the gift-wrap was FREE. No HASSLE no STRESS. Just Smiles, Laughs and Fun.

LADY’S IMAGE has been the BEST OF DELAWARE winner for Casual, Career, Occasion, and Most Unique for 16 years running. You will know why when you see their selection of must-have items along with updated classics. If there is ever a time to visit LADY’S IMAGE, this is it.

LADY’S IMAGE has this unique Twist Necklace in either gold tone or silver tone. The necklace can be twisted into many clever shapes and is so lightweight you don’t even feel it. As a little extra dazzle, add a clever magnetic pin to the necklace, it makes it look awesome and size isn’t an issue. The Twist Necklace is a great gift for women who are arthritic because the Twist Necklace has no closure. It slips over the head and the magnetic pin is easy to attach. In addition, both are easy on the budget: Twist necklace is $39.00 and the Magnetic pins begin at $39.00.

Whether it is a foxy party outfit, a smart casual look, an edgy office ensemble, an item or a gift for a special someone, you will LOVE the selection at LADY’S IMAGE in sizes 2 to 22.

Come, join us this week and become a HAPPY LADY’S IMAGE SHOPPER. You will discover why Delawareans have voted LADY’S IMAGE “BEST OF DELAWARE” 16 years running. Park at the front or back door for easy access to STRESS-FREE shopping. When others talk about walking a mile to get to a store, when they say everything looks the same in all the stores, when they say shopping is a misery, you will say, “I have a fabulous time shopping at Lady’s Image”.

3910 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
302 478 7921
www.ladysimagefashions.com
Let our personal shoppers
FIND YOU THE SEASONS BEST!
Best of Delaware – 16 years running:
Best Casual , Best Career, Best
Occasion … and new for 2011:
Best Bridal , and most unique
place to find a Bridal gown .

Make the winter and Holiday season more “fitting” by browsing our intimate apparel boutique where you will find bras galore in beautiful colors and traditional neutral tones to fit your mood or special occasion.

Our trained staff of bra specialist will help you start your Holiday Countdown with great fitting bras from Wacoal, Chantelle, LeMystere, Fantasie of England, Freya, Panache, and Anita. If you’re a new mom or about to be, don’t panic! Bare Essentials has many nursing bra options and you are sure to find a bra that fits your unique body shape as we cater to the needs of every woman.

Look like you lost five pounds without dieting with our collection of seamless shapers from Spanx, Bodywrap and Cass and Co. all have been featured in “0” the Oprah Magazine as “one of her favorite things”. Each company represents a large selection of seamless, comfortable under fashion that will smooth the bumps, eliminate the bulges and allow a smooth flawless look under all your holiday and winter fashions. Tired of “back fat” or that little roll above the waist? We can provide just the right shaper with slimming materials that compress “the rolls” rather than push unwanted fat somewhere else. For a thinner, sleeker look we have just the right under fashion in sizes small to 3X. Talk about removing those unwanted inches around the waist and tummy, try the amazing Squeem waist cincher or vest. It instantly takes your midsection down 1 to 2 inches and also provides fabulous back support!

In addition to our ‘huge selection of bras and shapers, we are proud to offer adorable camis, thongs and boy shorts from HANKY PANKY. Hanky Panky is known to have the best fitting thong on the market and is a favorite with many Hollywood Hotties! Their briefs, boy shorts and bikini style undies are one of the most requested names in the intimate apparel industry and we are very happy to offer them to you right here at Bare Essentials in many colors! Buy a style for yourself or select a pair as a special gift. No sizing problem as they come packaged One Size fits most.

Look your best from the bedroom to the boardroom with ARIANNE’S trendy tops and camisoles, for day time wear. Ideal to mix and match with your favorite suit, jeans or skirt. Or, choose a sophisticated lingerie or nightwear piece for the sexy side in you. Relax the night away with loungewear outfits from Arianne or P.J. Salvage. We “fit” the many sides of every woman.

If you’ve never shopped our bra boutique, you are in for a real treat. Our caring staff will pamper you and help you decide on just the right under fashion for your body and size. If you have enjoyed our shop in the past, we invite you back to see our new lines of bras and fashion forward seamless shapers, swimwear and lingerie. The Holidays are here and winter is following close behind. Renew your bra wardrobe and take a look at the new Bare Essentials.

If you’re planning a winter vacation that includes sun and sand, you’ll need a new swimsuit from our swim shop. This is no ordinary swim boutique! Swimsuits are bra sized with underwire support for the ultimate in lift and comfort. A great selection of tankinis, bikinis and one-piece suits are available all year long in
cup sizes D to J.

Who Knew!
Never shopped our bra boutique? You are in for a real treat! Our caring staff will pamper you and help you decide on just the right under fashion for your body and size. If you have enjoyed our shop in the past, we invite you back to see our new lines of bras and fashion-forward seamless shapers, swimwear and lingerie. The Holidays are here and winter is following close behind. Renew your bra wardrobe and take a look at what Bare Essentials has to offer. Visit my new website at www.mybareshop.com

]]> http://thewomensjournal.com/20111228/look-your-holiday-and-winter-best-at-bare-essentials/feed/ 0 http://thewomensjournal.com/20111228/come-spend-the-day-with-me/ http://thewomensjournal.com/20111228/come-spend-the-day-with-me/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:24:25 +0000 Jill Ehrlich http://thewomensjournal.com/?p=15313 By: Jill Ehrlich aka LuLu
Chief Fashion Officer

Seriously, take a Saturday, load the family in the car and come visit LuLu’s and the rest of the shops at Booths Corner Market! You won’t be disappointed. It is a fun day, full of food, sights, and while you are shopping, please know you are supporting local families by supporting small, local independent businesses.

LuLu’s is unique, in its own right. We have been at Booths Corner since April 2005 and since then we have grown. Our Facebook fan page has over 1500 followers, and our little shop is constantly full of fun. Our customers help each other shop, sharing fashion secrets, talking about the latest Housewives show and just having a great time.

Each week we stock over 2500 pieces of fashion jewelry and our prices are truly wholesale to the Public. It is never the same experience twice. Our inventory changes frequently and over 600 people step through our door during the two days that we are open. Why, you may ask? Well, we are good at what we do. We are a three-time winner of Philly’s Hottest Accessories Shop, and our customer’s favorite saying is, “Gotta Get to LuLu’s”.

It doesn’t just stop at jewelry; we stock fashion handbags, scarves, travel bags and more. Fashion trends change so fast; we want you to feel in style while spending just a little. Most customers tell us that we are their weekly retail therapy. They can spend just a little or a lot and leave with an entirely new look.

LuLu’s – Fashion Handbags and Accessories has been North Wilmington’s style maker’s fashion secret since 2005. The Winner of 2010 Philly’s Hot List, LuLu has been working with cost conscious and fashion savvy shoppers to create modern and trendy looks on shoestring budgets. Our showroom is located in the Booths Corner Farmers Market. A few minutes north of Wilmington, just over the Pennsylvania line, LuLu Booths Corner style showroom is packed with handbags, scarves, fashion jewelry and fun finds. Booths Corner Farmers Market, 1362 Naamans Creek Road, Garnet Valley, PA 19061. For more information about hostessing a LuLu trunk show please visit us online at www.shoplulu.com or for up to the minute new arrivals Follow Us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/shoplulu. 302-465-3275 • jill@shoplulu.com

Discover Unparalleled Fine Dining at The Farmhouse.
Where foods of rare excellence are served in an elegant provincial setting.

Intimate candlelit dining rooms, exceptional service, award-winning menus featuring The Farmhouse famous crab cakes, and many seasonal specials all contribute to a delightful dining experience. Sundays, a superb prix fixe three-course dinner is offered.  The intimate Farmhouse bar with fireplace is a local favorite. Reserve the unique subterranean wine cellar featuring the Wine Spectator Award winning wine list for a very special Chef’s Table.  Enjoy summer evenings of genteel tableside service on the Farmhouse’s covered outdoor patio. The 18th century Farmhouse is open for dinner Thursday – Sunday.

The Farmhouse is the quintessential destination.

Indoor and outdoor catering is available for parties, meetings, and corporate events.  Specializing in weddings, Chef Roland creates your menu from farm-fresh foods. No frozen or pre-made foods are ever used. The gracious Banquet Room connects to a soaring sky lit Round Room offering a beautiful view of gardens and golf course.  Sip a frosted mug of beer or special Martini in the adjacent air-conditioned Tavern with flat screen TV or dine out of doors and watch play from the Tavern’s open-air brick patio.

The Greathouse and Tavern are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Sunday Brunch is served in Country Elegance while enjoying a complimentary flute of champagne. Free Children’s menu.

Loch Nairn’s impeccably groomed Golf Course
is open to the public.

This is a true shot maker’s course with tree lined fairways winding through wetlands, lakes, and ponds.  There’s a fully stocked golf shop, locker facilities, and Men’s & Ladies Associations. Lessons are available for all levels. Be sure to stop by the unique Tavern for food, drink, and conversation.

Discover
unparalleled fine dining at The Farmhouse
Casual dining and all manner of celebration,
The Greathouse at Loch Nairn

Visit us online at www.lochnairn.com or call 610.268.2235.

By: Sue Ford

Step into Candy for all Occasions to take a walk down memory lane. This quaint, cozy sweet shop in the Fairfax Shopping Center is loaded with your old time favorites from wax lips to candy necklaces, but that’s not all.  From the love of your life to your little one, chocolate is an affordable luxury, especially around the holidays. At Candy for all Occasions, you pick the box, and you choose the chocolates (only their favorites), and we bow your perfect package.  If chocolate isn’t your favorite, there is a wide variety of nuts and trail mixes for the health conscious. And what is healthier than strawberries?  (Dip them in dark chocolate – it’s good for your heart.) Place an order a day ahead so they’re fresh.

Fresh is what Candy for all Occasion does best. This year, start a new tradition; personalize your loved ones’ stockings with chocolates to reflect a favorite sport, hobby or occupation.

For everyday, Candy for all Occasions creates great baskets and gifts for every occasion.  From hostess gifts to baskets for Birthdays, Thank You, Congratulations, and Sympathy, you can’t go wrong with a gift of comfort food.  Choose your favorite products or leave the creativity to us. Local delivery and shipping is available. Phone orders are welcome, but if you stop in, be sure to pick up a treat for yourself.

“At Candy for all Occasions, you pick the box,
and you choose the chocolates
(only their favorites), we bow your perfect package.”

Candy for all Occasions

has two locations:
2211 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. and
2049 Newark Road,
Lincoln University, PA.

Call us at
(302) 654-9171 or
(610) 869-3839, or visit our web site
www.candyforalloccasions.com

By: Sarah E. Willette, LMT & NCTM

Massage, it’s what your body kneads to feel so relaxed at “S.E.W. Relaxed”.

Sarah E. Willette is a Licensed Massage Therapist, she is Nationally Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage, and has her own business called “S.E.W. Relaxed”.  She is certified in several different modalities but her favorite one is Mu-Xing Massage which Sarah studied under Karin Hampton and Susan Hanna who developed Mu-Xing Therapy Massage here in North Wilmington.

Mu-Xing Therapy uses heated bamboo and rosewood tools varying in special shapes and sizes depending on the area of the body they are being used on.  For instance, the warmth of the Embracing Spine tool allows the Massage Therapist to work the muscles that are along the spine; the affect of the warmed Half Moons, which fit perfectly into the Massage Therapist’s hands, allows the Therapist to work deeper into the muscles all over the body.

The theory behind this modality is twofold: The warmth of the instruments creates a deep sense of overall relaxation, which ultimately enables the Massage Therapist to work deeper into the client’s muscles and tissues.  In addition using these tools will save the Massage Therapist’s hands, using less exertion and reduces fatigue, which in the long run, can help to ensure a longer career for the Massage Therapist.

Bamboo comes from a living stalk and Rosewood is a natural hardwood; wood symbolizes life and energy.  Mu means wood and Xing means element, in Mu-Xing we bring the wood element to our clients massage, enhancing one’s connection to Mother Earth.  Our bodies have their own energy known as “chi” which becomes depleted from stress, insomnia, and tension, stimulating the muscles and tissues helps the body regain its strength and balance.  I believe using Mu-Xing Therapy is more beneficial in stimulating one’s chi than hot stones which are a non-living mineral; not to mention that the heated wooden tools on one’s skin feel exceptionally relaxing and calming.

With the holidays nearing and Valentine’s Day around the corner, be sure to ask Sarah about gift certificates for massage therapy sessions; they make excellent gifts and are appreciated by everyone.  Purchase a gift certificate during the months of December &/or January, mention this article, and you will receive $10 off each one-hour massage session you buy.

To schedule a Mu-Xing appointment with Sarah, contact her at 302.650.0763. Visit her website at www.sewrelaxed.com.  If you would like to learn about Mu-Xing courses, please visit Karin and Susan’s website at www.mu-xing.com.