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.

By: Colleen Stone

With so much unsettling news these days, much of our country lives in fear, stress and anxiety says Colleen Stone, Certified Hypnotherapist.

In working with her clients, Colleen sees and hears similar complaints such as, “I am so afraid …”, “I have so much anxiety that I cannot sleep!”, “My migraine headaches are so much worse” or, “I cannot leave the house without taking a pill!” Colleen believes that core beliefs play a big part in how the mind/body operates affecting our thoughts, emotions and our health. The body can heal itself once the negative energy from these emotions has been resolved and released and Ms. Stone states, “This is what I do everyday….with the use of hypnosis, self-hypnosis and EFT.” In addition, Colleen believes that ENERGY MEDICINE is the medicine of the future…just think if we could resolve and release negative energy before they manifest into an illness!

Look what Dr. Candace Pert has to say in her book, “Molecules of Emotions”, about the power of releasing negative emotions with the use of forgiveness, and how the process actually affects our mind/body, and the immune system:

“Releasing blame requires a quantum shift in which the whole body/mind is altered, a true state change that affects the entire system. It isn’t a small thing that is done by degrees, but a whole-body turnaround. Who you are when you forgive yourself and others is someone living a new reality. You are free and experience true happiness. You can also be healthier; because physical inflammation in your body is diminished, (it is no longer continuously triggered by resentment and rage).

If you experience a constant, suppressed state of anger in your body/mind over many years, holding grudges and not forgiving people for incidents that happened in the past, then you are most likely using energy to make antibodies, and keeping yourself in a chronically inflamed state. As a result, you tax your immune system to overreact, aggravating autoimmune disorders such as Fibromyalgia, lupus, CFS, and rheumatoid arthritis, and many other illnesses.

Colleen’s goal for each client is self-awareness through positive changes in their core belief systems allowing for desired behavior changes, ultimately self-love and reconnecting with the original/true self that is happy, healthy and strong!

Colleen uses a five-step process of one-on-one hypnosis, including one session of Direct Suggestion, and four other steps of letting go and resolving negative emotions including “Forgiveness of Others” and “Forgiveness of Self”. Forgiveness is about no longer having to carry around the pain and anger caused by these negative emotions. This is when the self-healing begins!! Colleen teaches her clients what she has learned after ten years of researching and working successfully with other clients that, “the bottom line to healing is learning self-love and allowing the body to heal itself!” Forgiveness is a gift to self and it is not about the other person.

Self-Hypnosis and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) are two methods of self-healing that Colleen teaches to all her clients, along with the one-on-one process of 5PATH.

Self-Hypnosis is a method of resolving and letting go of negative emotions daily so that they no longer accumulate and manifest into illness. EFT is an amazing healing technique that is easy to learn and has profound effects. It is a simple, rapid and remarkably effective approach to healing emotional disorders that is based on a synthesis of Chinese Acupressure and Applied Kinesiology.

As clients clear away the negative emotions related to the illness, they experience a process of improvement and inner peace and find a transformation of energy for the good. From there many clients use that energy in a positive way to achieve lifetime goals.

Testimonial:

“Dear Colleen, After five long months of suffering with ‘Post Traumatic Stress with Repressed Memories”, I was so thankful that God finally lead me to you. You helped me “rescue that little girl” from the torture that I suffered from childhood sexual abuse that had now surfaced into my adulthood. I was living partly as an adult and partly as a five-year-old girl. No doctor, psychologist, clinical social worker, mental health worker, drugs, or “talk therapy” was able to help me. Thankfully, with your understanding, compassion, and field of expertise in Hypnotherapy, my life was brought back to normal and continues to be.

May God bless you and continue to use this alternative field of medicine to free those who are in mental bondage, and feel there is “No Hope”. ~ In sincere gratitude, CP”

Colleen Stone is a Certified Hypnotherapist through the Banyan Hypnosis Center in California and a member of National Guild of Hypnotist, Inc. www.ngh.net. She has a successful business, ADVANCED HYPNOTHERAPY OF DELAWARE, www.ahode.com, located in Felton, Delaware. Colleen is also certified in Anti-Aging Principles and Natural Hormone Replacement Theory through Giovane Medical Services Inc., member of American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and sells natural hormone trandsdermal creams. She is trained in Energy Medicine by Donna Eden through Omega Institute in New York, and all of Colleen’s clients are taught how to use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) a form of acupressure, and Self-Hypnosis.

Colleen holds a Bachelors Degree of Education with thirty plus hours of graduate work. She spent sixteen years in the classroom teaching in addition to four years at the Caesar Rodney School District Office training teachers. She has also presented workshops across the country through involvement in two national projects. This nurturing, giving quality and her trusted rapport has carried over to her practice by helping her clients achieve positive changes in their lives through hypnosis for nine years.

Ms. Stone provides workshops and talks in many of the titles listed in this article.

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!

*   Registered Nurses
*   Licensed Practical Nurses
*   Pediatric Speech
*   Occupational Therapists
*   Physical Therapists

Come join the Bayada Nurses team and become a hero to a wonderful child in need. We offer the flexible schedules, full benefits, weekly pay and competitive pay rates. At Bayada Nurses our healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing care with Compassion, Excellence and Reliability.

For more information
please contact SherVonne at 302-322-2300.
You can also email your resume to swilson@bayada.com
or fax it to 302-322-6300.

Anthony B. Furey, DO
Cardiology Physicians

Dr. Anthony B. Furey joined Cardiology Physicians in March 2011.  Dr. Furey has been a Cardiologist in Delaware since 1996.  Dr. Furey grew up in Chadds Ford PA. He attended Bishop Shanahan High School and Lafayette College where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.  During his four years at Lafayette, he lettered in Varsity Basketball and was Captain of the 1983 squad.

Dr. Furey attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. His post doctorate training involved internship at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH, and Internal Medicine residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA.  His Cardiology fellowship was completed at The Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Furey is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has been recognized as board certified in Adult Echocardiography by the American Society of Echocardiography and Nuclear Cardiology by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.

Dr. Furey’s professional associations include membership in the American Osteopathic Association, Delaware Society of Osteopathic Medicine, Delaware Medical Society, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Furey’s interests involve clinical and consultative cardiology along with echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.

Dr. Furey is the Medical Director of the Christiana Care Cardiac Rehabilitation program. He was named “Outstanding Specialty Teacher” in 2002 by the Christiana Care Family Medicine program and has been named Delaware Today’s “Top Doctor” in Cardiology in 2003 and 2010.

Dr. Furey and his family reside in Wilmington, DE. He and his wife Katherine were married in 1990. They have three children; Brannock born in 1993, Conor born in 1996, and Corinne born in 2001.

Charles J. Simon, MS, OD
Simon Eye Associates

Charles J. Simon, MS, OD, is the founder and CEO of Simon Eye Associates.  A native Delawarean, Dr. Simon grew up in Dover, Delaware, graduating from Dover High School.  He then attended the University of Delaware, obtaining an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, and a graduate degree in Nutritional Sciences.  An additional degree in Visual Sciences and a Doctorate in Optometry was earned from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

Dr. Simon completed externships in primary care at the JFK Hospital Eye Clinic, and in electro-diagnosis and low vision at The Eye Institute, all in Philadelphia.  He continued with post-doctoral studies at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

He began practicing Optometry in 1982, along with becoming an Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware.  Since starting his own practice, he has expanded from his first office on Bancroft Parkway in Wilmington to become a multi-location practice serving all of Delaware and surrounding areas.  Simon Eye Associates now employs 14 Doctors and over 100 staff members.  Dr. Simon attributes the growth of the practice to his firm commitment to satisfying the eye health needs of his patients.  The mission statement of the practice reflects this belief:

Dr. Simon is a member of both the American Optometric Association and the Delaware Optometric Association.  Past memberships include Student Optometric Service to Haiti and Omicron Nu National Honor Society.  His awards include the Clinical Excellence Award, Outstanding Graduate Student, Outstanding Young Men of America, and Oxford’s Who’s Who.

Dr. Simon and his wife Marina live in Hockessin with their three Chihuahuas.  He enjoys oil painting, running and biking in his spare time.

Ron Sayers
Sayers Jewelers and Gemologists

Ronald Lee Sayers, goes by Ron Sayers is 66 years old and originally from Pennsylvania.   At age 5 his parents, Leroy and June Sayers moved to Smyrna Delaware and opened Sayers Jewelers.   From the beginning Ron was given chores in the store such as counting envelopes, inserting letters and adding stamps.

Ron Graduated from John Bassett Moore High School in Smyrna then went on to Wesley College in Dover which was a 2 year school at the time and then transferred to Delaware State College and graduated with a business and accounting degree.  After joining the family business full time in 1968 Ron began taking courses at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA ) where he earned his Graduate Gemologist degree.

In 1967 Ron married Ellen Killen from Leipsic, Delaware.   Ron and Ellen have three boys,  Ronnie, a commercial waterman,   Rodney, a boilermaker and Tom,who works in the family business and is also a GIA Graduate Gemologist.

Ron and Ellen have worked side by side in the family business since 1968.  In 1989 They purchased the business from Ron’s parents and it became Sayers Jewelers and Gemologists.   Ron, Ellen and son Tom along with seven other employees run the thriving business today.   Sayers was the first jeweler in Kent County to have a gem microscope in their store and Ron was the first jeweler in all of Delaware  to have a high tech Laser welder.   Ron and son Tom also design and manufacture custom jewelry on the premises using state of the art Cad-Cam designing as well as hand carved designs.   Sayers is proud to have customers in 48 states.

Ron has served as Past President of the Smyrna-Clayton Rotary club and currently sits on the board of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and Bayhealth Medical Center.

Interests include snowmobiling, skiing, motorcycles, photography, scuba diving, flying, boating and grandchildren.

Michelle Parsons
ReNove Medical Spa

Dr. Michelle Parsons practices Wellness and Cosmetic Medicine in Rehoboth Beach.  Graduating from Jefferson Medical College 17 years ago, she is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine after receiving her training at Christiana Medical Center, practicing as an Emergency Medicine Physician in Delaware and Maryland.  Enjoying the continuity of care in private practice, Dr. Parsons went on to receive additional training in hormone and endocrine evaluation, vitamin deficiencies, nutrient replacement therapy, and cosmetic medical procedures.

“There is so much to treating the overall health and well being of a person than just addressing their symptoms when an acute illness occurs.  I like to focus on what is going on with a person’s health every day. It’s the little things that are really important in the long run. What kind of nutrients we are taking in and how that affects how our bodies and minds work.  Another example of how closely our minds and bodies are intertwined was demonstrated in a study that showed how a cosmetic medical treatment, such as a rhinoplasty, can have the same benefit to mood and well being as 10 years of intensive psycho-therapy.  Our bodies and minds are very closely related and I really embrace this concept in my practice.”

Dr. Parsons lives in Bethany Beach area with her husband and young son, who is a fifth generation Sussex Countian. Dr. Parsons sees patients in her office in Rehoboth Beach during the week. Appointments can be made by calling 302-227-1079. Please visit her practice website to see what wellness and health services are available at www.RenoveMedSpa.org.  Dr Parson’s wardrobe is from the  CAbi, spring collection, Jody Ryan.

Jeffrey Minkovitz, MD
Eye Physicians

Jeffrey Minkovitz, MD is an ophthalmologist and partner at Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Wilmington, Delaware.  Dr. Minkovitz specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, and is one of only a few Delaware surgeons specially trained in corneal diseases and transplantation. He joined Eye Physicians in 1994, after completing a cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at the world renowned Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins.  Previously, he graduated magna cum-laude from Harvard, earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, completed his internship at Harvard’s Mt. Auburn Hospital, and served his ophthalmology residency at Washington University.

Dr. Minkovitz participated in the early research on Excimer Laser photorefractive surgery beginning in 1994. He has offered this procedure to Delawareans since FDA approval in 1996, before Delaware had its own laser. These early pioneering individuals travelled to Wilmer Institute with Dr. Minkovitz, where he maintained his teaching and clinical appointment.

Dr. Minkovitz is a co-founder of the Center for Advanced Surgical Arts and serves on its medical advisory board. He is also on active staff at Christiana and Wilmington Hospitals.  While at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Minkovitz received the Outstanding Teacher Award from Wilmer Eye Institute. He was also named Top Doc in ophthalmology by Delaware Today Magazine six consecutive years, including 2010, and has been an invited instructor at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meetings.

Dr. Minkovitz served as councilor to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has held several offices including president of the Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology.

Charles Curry, MD
Delaware Eye Institute

Dr. Curry is a board certified ophthalmologist with Delaware Eye Institute in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. His practice ranges from the surgical treatment of cataracts, to the medical treatment of such ailments as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease to ongoing and preventive care through routine eye exams.  Dr. Curry said, “Making sure I’ve addressed my patient’s concerns is a high priority for me.  I want them to be informed and comfortable with the choices we make together.”

After graduating from the Indiana University School of Medicine he completed his residency at Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina where he acquired hands-on ophthalmology training with patients.  In 2003, he became certified with the American Board of Ophthalmology.   After five years of private practice in Indiana, Dr. Curry joined Delaware Eye Institute in 2007.  When not practicing medicine, Dr. Curry spends his time with his family, often camping and visiting water parks.

Delaware Eye Institute is the leading provider of advanced eye care in Southern Delaware.  Each year thousands of new patients, from infant to adult receive care ranging from routine eye exams to services for macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetes.  Delaware Eye surgeons perform thousands of surgeries for cataracts, retinal disorders, functional and aesthetic eyelid problems.

Please take time to view our website at DelawareEye.com to learn more about our doctors, our staff and our services.  With our goal of doing everything possible to enhance and preserve your vision, we look forward to helping you see your world more clearly.

Heather Rooks, DC
Wilmington Delaware

As senior clinic director, Dr. Rooks is skilled and experienced at treating the root physiological, biochemical, and hormonal imbalances associated with Type 2 Diabetes and with Hypothyroidism.

Dr. Rooks uses breakthrough diagnostic testing and analysis that’s rarely done in conventional settings, to uncover the hidden, underlying causes a person may be experiencing from Type 2 Diabetes and Hypothyroidism.

She also takes great pride in delivering personalized healthcare treatment to patients as well as providing an environment that supports and inspires patients to reverse their poor health.

Dr. Rooks graduated from the University of Delaware, with a BA in Biology and has a Minor in Women’s Studies. She attended Life University for her Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and has extensive Postgraduate education in Functional Endocrinology.

Outside the office, Dr. Rooks enjoys being with her Cream French bulldog, Romeo, traveling and consciousness raising activities, spiritual retreats and humanitarian mission trips. She also loves Yoga and any kind of fitness.

Royal Photography
302-438-1308
Roy McDowell, owner
royalphotogde@aol.com

Royal Photography’s owner, Roy McDowell, brings a wealth of experience, both creative and business, along with an unmatched ability to put people at ease, to every occasion he photographs.

Over the past 18 years, Roy McDowell has captured “that” moment for more than 300 brides and grooms and preserved high school memories too numerous to count. Such exposure has led Roy to become one of the most recognizable photographers in Delaware. He creates a lasting impression, not only of an event, but of himself. The pride, precision, and passion he exudes has compelled brides-to-be to track down, “the photographer who took their senior portrait years before”.Roy exhibits this same commitment and customer service when working with the many schools and businesses with whom he’s managed contracts.

“The consumer drives the product I provide; not the other way around”. With the help and support of family, friends, and business associates, Roy McDowell strives to achieve his goal of providing an unforgettable experience with superior photographs, exceptional customer focus, and lasting relationships.

J. Christian
Owner of  J. Christian Studio
7465 Lancaster Pike,
Hockessin, DE
(302)-235-2306

Hair styling & make-up application were provided compliments of J. Christian Studio, where hair and art perform.

J. Christian is a Master Artist with more than 30 years experience in the beauty industry. Together with his wife Marcy, they own and operate J. Christian Studio, an upscale salon located in Hockessin, DE.

As an International Platform Artist and Master Educator for Sexy Hair Concepts, J. Christian travels here and abroad teaching other Stylists about hair fashion. He regularly teaches at the Institute of Courage, a hair academy established by Michael O’Rourke, founder of Sexy Hair Concepts located in the Topanga Canyon just outside Los Angeles as well as at the Paul Mitchell School in Delaware.

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 .

By: Kay Snelling ~ Owner, Gecko Fashions

You know your best colors; you want to look put together. Where do you start? You start in the middle and work out.

Use a belt to accentuate your waist and give you an hourglass shape. You want to create the illusion that your shoulders are the same width as your hips. If you want to be subtle and effective, use a neutral color that you can match with your shoes. If you want to go for bold, contrast the belt with your dress. An orange belt will rock a turquoise dress; a gold belt brings a jade dress to life.

Scarves are a great accessory too! When you have a magenta dress with a neutral belt, grab a bright scarf (turquoise, perhaps?) to draw the eyes upward to your face. Jewelry is the last thing to complete your look. A good rule of thumb is when you have statement earrings, be subtle with the necklace and vice versa. A great look is when you pull colors from your belt to match your earrings and/or bracelet. I don’t have time to sit down and color with crayons anymore. The crayons I use now are my earrings, necklaces, belts and scarves. I love color – it makes you feel alive. I color everyday now…happy coloring!

Kay Snelling opened Gecko Fashions, a dress & jewelry boutique on Main Street in Newark, in May of 2006. With Kay’s business-savvy expertise and friendly personality, she has created a name for Gecko in downtown Newark and enjoys working with all of her customers.

Testimonial: “Whenever I need an outfit for a special occasion, a unique gift for a friend, some retail therapy, or even some fashion advice, Gecko Fashions is my first choice! The employees are kind and helpful, everything in the store is quality merchandise, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. If someone asks me where to get nice clothing for an even nicer price, I direct them to Gecko, which is just a brief walk away. Gecko also displays avid support for breast cancer research, and as the granddaughter of a breast cancer survivor, that means a lot to me!”~ Ciarra, Gecko customer