tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40701746294405674612024-03-21T23:31:40.915-07:00kimona createsKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-8778853620585158902012-06-29T21:42:00.002-07:002012-06-29T21:43:09.582-07:00We've been busy at Kimona CreatesWe have been working hard at Kimona to source new fabrics and materials and create new designs. Take a look at the 2012 collection below which includes 4 new Thai silk creations as well as some new and familiar classics in silk brocade.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to order some of the new cards or have any enquires at all. Email <b>kimlette7@hotmail.com</b> or leave a message on this blog. Hope you like the cards!
Here are the 9 cards featured in the 2012 Collection........
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Introducing for the first time to Kimona - 100% Thai silk collection............
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Beautiful Cerise Pink and Turquoise Thai silk........
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Rich Red and Purple Thai silk...........
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Classic Chinese silk brocade in Turquoise vine.........
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Rich Red Tibetan silk and Chinese silk brocade in teal, both from the luxury gold thread collection.............
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All five silk classics.......
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Would love to hear from you. Drop me a line......xxxKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-47061945928076959802011-07-07T00:09:00.001-07:002011-07-07T00:35:27.865-07:00New to Kimona Cards - Kimona KeepsakesWe are all excited at Kimona Cards because we have a whole new range of customisable, hand made invitations for those special occasions in your life. Take a look at Kimona Keepsakes which can be made as a flat card with printing on the back or as a folded cards with printing on the inside right flap.<br /><br />Let's start with the white and natural linen range. There are three designs in this group: "Let's Party", "An Invitation" and "It's My Birthday"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOTouwYijefYdQhYlWkxCaDoAQiS6BUpvu58eVHnSPPqwNlCCAU3_I8EbA8lUDS_ol6HcF-mLD07GgRyl-y9XoIyhupb3qUhOexjNHhcluF-6CQCWzc1yb5UctksSHTytN_tzlafjeCbL/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOTouwYijefYdQhYlWkxCaDoAQiS6BUpvu58eVHnSPPqwNlCCAU3_I8EbA8lUDS_ol6HcF-mLD07GgRyl-y9XoIyhupb3qUhOexjNHhcluF-6CQCWzc1yb5UctksSHTytN_tzlafjeCbL/s400/039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626504331270065026" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-hJlVVrW0VJVqdUYcIglSzE49tPcy0t4DQw20iSo4PhyphenhyphenXAg4a-Axy2npzv6aEJ5lyn3c2yzZv3XQj4Kq9dVVSI2FM5u_7oFuDevNccNPCY9g_6mY4FEqxbp-K_KDCsMvIiNXTnEcCJQ3/s1600/065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-hJlVVrW0VJVqdUYcIglSzE49tPcy0t4DQw20iSo4PhyphenhyphenXAg4a-Axy2npzv6aEJ5lyn3c2yzZv3XQj4Kq9dVVSI2FM5u_7oFuDevNccNPCY9g_6mY4FEqxbp-K_KDCsMvIiNXTnEcCJQ3/s400/065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626506702980065298" /></a><br /><br />"Let's Party" - White Linen card with black lace and mirror flowers - ideal for any age, 16, 18, 21, 30 etc etc <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKHo97cm83mkX7s-QSVpbkA20sFM6Q8pM3BJiTTnbQFVpiTlJk0zQlmilGwrNNcPodm4pLC5NWHeU_MkcjTrLAvrdaSrITQBPeHBswauUIO2H9u4GkFGmmk_QFWjIoFQzPtqJ1zPWrgaj/s1600/066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKHo97cm83mkX7s-QSVpbkA20sFM6Q8pM3BJiTTnbQFVpiTlJk0zQlmilGwrNNcPodm4pLC5NWHeU_MkcjTrLAvrdaSrITQBPeHBswauUIO2H9u4GkFGmmk_QFWjIoFQzPtqJ1zPWrgaj/s400/066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626508099692859506" /></a><br /><br />"An Invitation" - White Linen card with silver heart - ideal for weddings, anniversaries, parties etc<br /><br />And in Natural Linen colour "It's My Birthday" - Ideal for young and old(er) alike<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ8Grzt9aNkcwrEzhmS_Pa4mzTrLkVy0j_KV-6UTAX9asswUCOuyHHGpd2j77bhHhNHP4DqxG-IDEh3nF8BL4brt06GVQacmgTWo0kQL_qZ8-moiIDHMkaKfSi0yNTjhKaf-kuNMdHyEv/s1600/064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ8Grzt9aNkcwrEzhmS_Pa4mzTrLkVy0j_KV-6UTAX9asswUCOuyHHGpd2j77bhHhNHP4DqxG-IDEh3nF8BL4brt06GVQacmgTWo0kQL_qZ8-moiIDHMkaKfSi0yNTjhKaf-kuNMdHyEv/s400/064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626508628463460162" /></a><br /><br />Made with Natural Linen card and pink and purple felt hearts. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9wh5VGyevgzrlZgbc0wVD_LH3yoKupJzcbOe10F4GkR3e8RWLWpKOLg5srvBEgN-8bdtkGaCxUC6_erxZk3LLux2HrKthD_C1eeTmO3P1ixZl3skKYVSEj2Eo7ORRnshI3dVbuUKAEhi/s1600/067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9wh5VGyevgzrlZgbc0wVD_LH3yoKupJzcbOe10F4GkR3e8RWLWpKOLg5srvBEgN-8bdtkGaCxUC6_erxZk3LLux2HrKthD_C1eeTmO3P1ixZl3skKYVSEj2Eo7ORRnshI3dVbuUKAEhi/s400/067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626509951041661346" /></a><br /><br />All cards come in 6"x4" size with envelopes and can be flat with personalised printing on back or with folded card with personalised printing on inside right <br /><br />HK$ 1250 for 25 - Flat card, one side personalised printing<br />HK$ 1500 for 25 - Folded card, one side personalised printing on inside right<br /><br />Minimum order of 25, then sold in multiples of 10. <br /><br />I'll be posting again with the gold linen range so watch this space.......Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-45321750364648007992011-06-20T20:36:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:13:42.312-07:00Hong Kong Artisan's - W52 on May 28th<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTis-lRYn-odc7QGrxVxHcibhG4deqTX4CZR97SioG4ZihF9CTCO47MbH1U1Xp_UPDoWx3vaHESjl274kGfa0peT8pG7Z5J8tg0TmTatd6DLCJLR8jXlQGvqJlapN3J-PbA5BiQrRabwLS/s1600/Crowd+-+in+full+swing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTis-lRYn-odc7QGrxVxHcibhG4deqTX4CZR97SioG4ZihF9CTCO47MbH1U1Xp_UPDoWx3vaHESjl274kGfa0peT8pG7Z5J8tg0TmTatd6DLCJLR8jXlQGvqJlapN3J-PbA5BiQrRabwLS/s400/Crowd+-+in+full+swing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620514986549188610" /></a><br /><br />The Hong Kong Artisan group had it's first showcase event on May 28th. Over 200 people turned up to see the stunning work of crafts folk and artisan's in Hong Kong. We also had a cake decorating demonstartion where the team from Sweet Secrets turned a humble square cake into a delicious Tiffany's gift box draped with pearls.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35ytL7qRNQ8scW2b7ppSgQ4wYHY_fX5iVU0UGqNdzGLP7rE9ogCwyPiCClGuP89T1eO9JqPgh7X2JH09SG5l9-VS3cXWed0NxspMuCwvNuRQI10CULwMVfJx9HyoyS5gXwvrJJnIBySB0/s1600/SS+Final+version+of+The+Tiffany+Box.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35ytL7qRNQ8scW2b7ppSgQ4wYHY_fX5iVU0UGqNdzGLP7rE9ogCwyPiCClGuP89T1eO9JqPgh7X2JH09SG5l9-VS3cXWed0NxspMuCwvNuRQI10CULwMVfJx9HyoyS5gXwvrJJnIBySB0/s400/SS+Final+version+of+The+Tiffany+Box.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620515263025493058" /></a><br /><br />We had beautiful jewellery from Katia. Her work is made with antique silver beads and semi- precious stones.......<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKx221Yxf3Y4eie8FvASxzsGtMXbJZ4S3AYOZb_xQBxn_7AkVI2Zwn4DO8wgnIMu9ONss6jWikOaAcB2kxSYAvy6xImVscO4adxI2r7tvTm6BGSZtMIkUWmyM01Tddy8H5p3uGDjK5Jnn/s1600/Earrings+%2528Katia%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKx221Yxf3Y4eie8FvASxzsGtMXbJZ4S3AYOZb_xQBxn_7AkVI2Zwn4DO8wgnIMu9ONss6jWikOaAcB2kxSYAvy6xImVscO4adxI2r7tvTm6BGSZtMIkUWmyM01Tddy8H5p3uGDjK5Jnn/s400/Earrings+%2528Katia%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620515983253901282" /></a><br /><br />Bettina Wan provided some lovely, colourful children's hair accessories.....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTjp9zRh7djR3R6vnbhPMWe1t8K87BUsuT4ZKc9dFoJV2W8iSjcHyFFthkwxSGq4bnfS0ZThc14FneFkApGcJVB1coXpPovdX91vHBBEZ3oP_VH3cCf-smmc1Z_kLPytIDmK3OrckB2Bb/s1600/Head+bands+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTjp9zRh7djR3R6vnbhPMWe1t8K87BUsuT4ZKc9dFoJV2W8iSjcHyFFthkwxSGq4bnfS0ZThc14FneFkApGcJVB1coXpPovdX91vHBBEZ3oP_VH3cCf-smmc1Z_kLPytIDmK3OrckB2Bb/s400/Head+bands+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620516923711171858" /></a><br /><br />Sara provided some of her jewellery which she makes using medieval knotting techniques using a simple sewing needle....<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKEvVrOo_ANzycQgB1MPaF9V55TBnfwR2NfQLURgnAJgaYIfUjgma6T54Zg2CSttgc8-akS9W3QUiAfrz88SfAeoQbm4PcOVLwlJSQ34dPVALgoZZFrPP_rP36dqFt_Db-Ah1w8FJvVVe/s1600/Sara+Labour+of+Love.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKEvVrOo_ANzycQgB1MPaF9V55TBnfwR2NfQLURgnAJgaYIfUjgma6T54Zg2CSttgc8-akS9W3QUiAfrz88SfAeoQbm4PcOVLwlJSQ34dPVALgoZZFrPP_rP36dqFt_Db-Ah1w8FJvVVe/s400/Sara+Labour+of+Love.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620519145947023218" /></a><br /><br />Cakes and cupcakes were provided by Sarah and the team from Sweet Secrets. Can you believe that this is a cake!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37VF-wE_8HndpTQkdLyYq8K1rEBxw8Fzujq216YlK19eRsC3x_czEL3iYmbeHEJwT9e3R0qo0TN1E76n7URJAIjerrSlSLlM0cfxEFHWCIFuMHyZis-bNlhKJmVWNC7Hpwe1_qyXoD9x4/s1600/SS+The+Princess+Carriage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37VF-wE_8HndpTQkdLyYq8K1rEBxw8Fzujq216YlK19eRsC3x_czEL3iYmbeHEJwT9e3R0qo0TN1E76n7URJAIjerrSlSLlM0cfxEFHWCIFuMHyZis-bNlhKJmVWNC7Hpwe1_qyXoD9x4/s400/SS+The+Princess+Carriage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620519762674136402" /></a><br /><br />And, of course, hand crafted cards made with silk brocade, organza and trimmings were provided by us at Kimona Cards, here are just a few.......<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuLL3niu0Eb7CwMtumpWmr93DYJ5HFxEisXl6vbDuz6pEqG9mY9NsObPEvszCz5jB-wPQBPdkmHbYppkEYZz80cKD1-cBcrhWjxWPXsZ4wIXO8ahHGQPy4T1ogcOWAyK976FVjGGGHc2D/s1600/Kimona+Christmas+cards+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuLL3niu0Eb7CwMtumpWmr93DYJ5HFxEisXl6vbDuz6pEqG9mY9NsObPEvszCz5jB-wPQBPdkmHbYppkEYZz80cKD1-cBcrhWjxWPXsZ4wIXO8ahHGQPy4T1ogcOWAyK976FVjGGGHc2D/s400/Kimona+Christmas+cards+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620520278796364306" /></a><br /><br />We are planning our next showcasing event which will take place in October. This one will have a festive theme and there will be more companies displaying their work. So watch this space and I'll keep you posted.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-84454137006057430212011-05-17T17:40:00.000-07:002011-05-17T17:47:37.838-07:002011 Feng Shui Almanac (May 2011)I just came across this calendar and thought you might be interested in.............<br /><br />"Tips on choosing a good day"<br /><br />1. For big events such as wedding, buying property/car, moving house and grand openings, it is best to avoid 3rd, 6th and 7th lunar months.<br /><br />2. Avoid holding big events on days where San Niang Affliction appears.<br /> <br />3. Days where one has zodiac conflict (particularly with certain age) is bad for that particular zodiac, but good for the rest of the zodiacs. <br /><br />4. Every day will be a good day if one carefully selects that day to do the correct things right:<br />a. Placing Feng Shui Remedy - If one starts placing their feng shui enhancers on a good day, it would be doubly auspicious to yield better results. This includes building the wealth vase, placing the wealth ship, displaying a water fountain etc. <br />b. Start Biz - The grand opening or the day that marks the start of a business and career is very important to assure success. One has to choose a good day to embark on a new endeavour in order to face less obstacles and ride higher.<br />c. Move House - Moving into a new house marks the new beginning in ones life and the family wellbeing. The day when one moves in plays an important role to determine if one can stay free from illnesses, disturbances and havoc.<br />d. Negotiate/Interview - If one chooses a good day to meet up with important people to negotiate for sales and business, the chances of success is higher. Same goes for those who wants to make a one-on-one appointment with their bosses to propose an idea or negotiate for promotion. And no doubt, if one goes for a new job interview, it is always more beneficial to choose a day without conflict.<br />e. Travel - Travelling here refers to long distance travel, either going on a business trip, relocation or tour purposes. One would find the trip less stressful, less chances of accident and his/her health stays at tip top condition if he/she chooses a good day to travel. <br />f. Renovate/Hammer - This is the day one should choose to start their renovation work or doing any banging work that increases noise level. This includes hammering nails onto walls, hammering down of walls, removing wall cabinets, applying tiles on floor, repairing doors, fixing the roof, installing the air conditioner etc. <br /><br />The chinese only has 12 hours in a day and they name the hours by the 12 zodiacs. The conversion between chinese hours and international hours are as follows:<br />Rat hour - 23:00 to 01:00 <br />Ox hour - 01:00 to 03:00<br />Tiger hour - 03:00 to 05:00<br />Rabbit hour - 05:00 to 07:00 <br />Dragon hour - 07:00 to 09:00<br />Snake hour - 09:00 to 11:00<br />Horse hour - 11:00 to 13:00<br />Sheep hour - 13:00 to 15:00<br />Monkey hour - 15:00 to 17:00<br />Rooster hour - 17:00 to 19:00<br />Dog hour - 19:00 to 21:00<br />Pig hour - 21:00 to 23:00<br /><br />And here is the almanac for May 2011...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u4jLwo8iP3xdGP6gfWSR5TaX7IxgZromPIq3z4sSBV-SPkA7eJ4EeOLxJpbpoTVRbHisHNk85FcSh7JmPdDmcgTep2A1yobSoLzxBTp-Cp348VJZIwWNh1x5hVhmZyuUAzxbf1lr4PR0/s1600/MAY2011.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 374px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u4jLwo8iP3xdGP6gfWSR5TaX7IxgZromPIq3z4sSBV-SPkA7eJ4EeOLxJpbpoTVRbHisHNk85FcSh7JmPdDmcgTep2A1yobSoLzxBTp-Cp348VJZIwWNh1x5hVhmZyuUAzxbf1lr4PR0/s400/MAY2011.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607850168782830370" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-41573357191561230002011-04-20T16:11:00.000-07:002011-04-20T16:50:52.771-07:00Here's Our New BrochureTake a look at the new brochure below. If you would like us to send you a copy please let us know. e. kim@kimonacards.com or m. 9330 1327. Look forward to hearing from you.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizezsuQj5kK3Vd4wAMrTPmxTPxCEhPfVYUhMsNwZbNWgJnCcR3Mkq3usFHCBpMYRuprjq8dSjxjKRgxXaOFcntaGeY-tEvJ_yaJlx_ieg-Yh55yj3GkNVw-aIC2Edmeh5BhRK3wudPczf/s1600/KimonaBrochure_Page_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizezsuQj5kK3Vd4wAMrTPmxTPxCEhPfVYUhMsNwZbNWgJnCcR3Mkq3usFHCBpMYRuprjq8dSjxjKRgxXaOFcntaGeY-tEvJ_yaJlx_ieg-Yh55yj3GkNVw-aIC2Edmeh5BhRK3wudPczf/s400/KimonaBrochure_Page_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597808617087730546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu7a82Q2SOTIpNBQl8RsnBF3nM_4bxf_7TlNawsPC5G3RXXntoUmEC5HlCFR39kzR1Da1YayNn8yIa2ZwXZtl3VRaNjy0AMi8ktNlvS69Pp7IKIfOKmiQQ2wMYSnSCJ-iIHPpSFVYhvvL/s1600/KimonaBrochure_Page_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu7a82Q2SOTIpNBQl8RsnBF3nM_4bxf_7TlNawsPC5G3RXXntoUmEC5HlCFR39kzR1Da1YayNn8yIa2ZwXZtl3VRaNjy0AMi8ktNlvS69Pp7IKIfOKmiQQ2wMYSnSCJ-iIHPpSFVYhvvL/s400/KimonaBrochure_Page_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597808751655049298" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3QwTjSrOwiVWZpYH97S0epxosXCDm8pNY1FoWJIvii83SG8RqObnawmsGzdJrs-1GBLFKkb0qnNEzpkgPAchkKg47r-BdGr3Z-IpqU6auSP5X4STfG0lUgZszohJN_zSRh1lHwlQRkwO/s1600/KimonaBrochure_Page_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3QwTjSrOwiVWZpYH97S0epxosXCDm8pNY1FoWJIvii83SG8RqObnawmsGzdJrs-1GBLFKkb0qnNEzpkgPAchkKg47r-BdGr3Z-IpqU6auSP5X4STfG0lUgZszohJN_zSRh1lHwlQRkwO/s400/KimonaBrochure_Page_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597809256553769186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mGE9RWQsWS0StIohavb9k_3vRrpXZiULYSOOK2abP42UshYVB8BmULtHyhz6SnuGERhzSHW1N_vfbgEfxmcyoDWNRC9yC5F3y_nqVtNXYIhWH3wxVf9I9DzKtONnJ9ljz67f2wgyJXqW/s1600/KimonaBrochure_Page_4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mGE9RWQsWS0StIohavb9k_3vRrpXZiULYSOOK2abP42UshYVB8BmULtHyhz6SnuGERhzSHW1N_vfbgEfxmcyoDWNRC9yC5F3y_nqVtNXYIhWH3wxVf9I9DzKtONnJ9ljz67f2wgyJXqW/s400/KimonaBrochure_Page_4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597809143634398466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkoj3HJDOqkLgL3tTHluGVEGKKsF-bZYNQ2oaZeYqpsOMn2VyqAO-NXx1TeVbroj2euP9OkcISQ65gx6K3O3ZL72mmpxaBzW6lFOopzE7JdwLljn6Y5clz1Smq422GfTFRJi7LnbgexnT/s1600/KimonaBrochure_Page_5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkoj3HJDOqkLgL3tTHluGVEGKKsF-bZYNQ2oaZeYqpsOMn2VyqAO-NXx1TeVbroj2euP9OkcISQ65gx6K3O3ZL72mmpxaBzW6lFOopzE7JdwLljn6Y5clz1Smq422GfTFRJi7LnbgexnT/s400/KimonaBrochure_Page_5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597809033457701874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl0TiMNSQg5YUZh_MDAT7FKEKySzNJ__OD6GrFOWlHA9vd4jI7QjjzfTqtCkjNOanw0-HI3ndZ7J2apmWRIy74FlJT9y1jeuPKa0Vgfs4XaZ4i3A-HSrg7_OG0as9lQZZ9mvj8lH4KuB2/s1600/KimonaBrochure_Page_6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl0TiMNSQg5YUZh_MDAT7FKEKySzNJ__OD6GrFOWlHA9vd4jI7QjjzfTqtCkjNOanw0-HI3ndZ7J2apmWRIy74FlJT9y1jeuPKa0Vgfs4XaZ4i3A-HSrg7_OG0as9lQZZ9mvj8lH4KuB2/s400/KimonaBrochure_Page_6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597808920847200114" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-39206370972502130942011-04-11T23:07:00.001-07:002011-04-11T23:10:13.568-07:00We are having a Tea Party!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rxLB784nOMY3cHWs-QBWCoIVVwcXM4d3eVkocXTpSpByUhs3KycjHO_ItbLxT6z8BwevDTZUl2PNlTnB6srxDwAeLdi32sWr2JAnel4O3hTI476atgUea1_IlYjvbc6c-PI3bi-PsgaZ/s1600/Banner-website.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rxLB784nOMY3cHWs-QBWCoIVVwcXM4d3eVkocXTpSpByUhs3KycjHO_ItbLxT6z8BwevDTZUl2PNlTnB6srxDwAeLdi32sWr2JAnel4O3hTI476atgUea1_IlYjvbc6c-PI3bi-PsgaZ/s400/Banner-website.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594575303540832642" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Hong Kong Artisans Networking Event 2011<br /> <br />Who are we looking for? What is the aim of this event? Why do this? When?<br /> <br />We are looking for artisans and craftspeople to join us in hosting a networking event for creative professionals in Hong Kong.<br /> <br />Our aim is to gather a group of like-minded artistic and creative professionals to host a constructive, informative, casual and successful networking and introduction event. We would like to introduce the people of Hong Kong to the beauty of long-lasting handmade things, to the wonder of things that are original and unique, inspiring and interesting. Things made with love and care and imbued with soul. There will be nothing mass produced or disposable, only things made with craftsmanship and invested with time. <br /> <br />If you are in the business of high calibre handmade products, whether you are a jewellery designer, book-binder, dressmaker, shoemaker, bag maker, home-accessory maker, soap maker, candle maker, perfumer, ceramicist, toy maker, glass-blower, doll-maker, furniture craftsperson, or anyone who is an artisan with beautiful creations that you would like to showcase, and you are based in Hong Kong, we would like to hear from you.<br /> <br />Our aim is for this event to be in late May, 2011. We are also looking for sponsors to provide a venue for what we hope to be a Saturday afternoon event, over tea and cakes.<br /> <br />Please email or call us for more information and a chat, we’d love to hear from you.<br /> <br />Kim and Mona, Kimonacards.<br /> <br />e. kim@kimonacards.com m. 9330 1327<br />e. mona@kimonacards.com m. 9855 1772Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-18596012549797140252011-04-07T23:00:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:18:15.816-07:00A Couple of Easter Images.......<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkQPFurHSqICI3uLLEwJenvyJqcRiRF3W1OJDUtFptc01s1fhGY_NXJ0fkFmyg5oL9tzPwgse04fcx_qHmlhbHmvW-zoIouYGiR-QNR7wlwRI8EchVPbYPSKYoA20o3o_RWA2GaWXDRD4/s1600/Easter_Dog235.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkQPFurHSqICI3uLLEwJenvyJqcRiRF3W1OJDUtFptc01s1fhGY_NXJ0fkFmyg5oL9tzPwgse04fcx_qHmlhbHmvW-zoIouYGiR-QNR7wlwRI8EchVPbYPSKYoA20o3o_RWA2GaWXDRD4/s400/Easter_Dog235.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593093156020491394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23m6eRsKjG3ua49imkalzp8Z6CpBoWFxA4eOLNzzg_ED2E_lVg4A8eXaVbRhA3R3aMiPe4P_8ZbOzSpdPlP4aJ-jVstTl962oQP5hMr182uQVv-p09VdRiH9dOoz3ICB1YByQWM6s2YG1/s1600/easter_dog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23m6eRsKjG3ua49imkalzp8Z6CpBoWFxA4eOLNzzg_ED2E_lVg4A8eXaVbRhA3R3aMiPe4P_8ZbOzSpdPlP4aJ-jVstTl962oQP5hMr182uQVv-p09VdRiH9dOoz3ICB1YByQWM6s2YG1/s400/easter_dog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593092763969971682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyKEc8G33-VoJ5bqcqOdilsmlOy-Ip0DMGwRO2S8VLUX5iNrJFWfNwgNru8Cz-_Q3ZloyFJ5VJi9IRk2mS1gcy6O399z9St537Idpehbwy-baSFZwlVlzEHjdiyDpnKJvMEDnm6g25tfz/s1600/cat_chicks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyKEc8G33-VoJ5bqcqOdilsmlOy-Ip0DMGwRO2S8VLUX5iNrJFWfNwgNru8Cz-_Q3ZloyFJ5VJi9IRk2mS1gcy6O399z9St537Idpehbwy-baSFZwlVlzEHjdiyDpnKJvMEDnm6g25tfz/s400/cat_chicks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593092624699330226" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-15003380674110516722011-03-09T20:15:00.000-08:002011-03-09T20:33:55.799-08:00The Easter Bunny is almost here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikay8YRZ_TOtxhhZIQpLMxQ1Kvssuwew1wDzXcckq0vwevByZ2MQlMq2fxGWvwNOc5vZsOfw6h__CVtMokYS9RirVide5Z85ft9vP5sSeW42zyuEFjB_uvM2gOBzyOEwJeXJfj9QtI6XlB/s1600/bunny+2.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 94px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikay8YRZ_TOtxhhZIQpLMxQ1Kvssuwew1wDzXcckq0vwevByZ2MQlMq2fxGWvwNOc5vZsOfw6h__CVtMokYS9RirVide5Z85ft9vP5sSeW42zyuEFjB_uvM2gOBzyOEwJeXJfj9QtI6XlB/s400/bunny+2.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582301545259244738" /></a><br /><br />The Easter Bunny or Easter Hare is a character depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs. In legend, the creature brings baskets filled with colored eggs, candy and sometimes also toys to the homes of children on the night before Easter. The Easter Bunny will either put the baskets in a designated place or hide them somewhere in the house or garden for the children to find when they wake up in the morning.<br /><br />The Easter Bunny is a counterpart to the Santa Claus of Christmas, as they both bring gifts to children on the night before their respective holiday. It was first mentioned in Georg Franck von Frankenau's De ovis paschalibus (About the Easter Egg) referring to an Alsace tradition of an Easter Hare bringing Easter Eggs.<br /><br />Bringing Easter eggs seems to have its origins in Alsace and the Upper Rhineland, both then in the Holy Roman Empire, and southwestern Germany, where the practice was first recorded in a German publication in the early 17th century. The first edible Easter Eggs were made in Germany during the early 19th century and were made of pastry and sugar.<br /><br />The Easter Bunny was introduced to the United States by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 18th century. <br /><br />The Catholic Encyclopedia says: "The rabbit is a pagan symbol and has always been an emblem of fertility" Eggs, like rabbits and hares, are fertility symbols of antiquity. Since birds lay eggs and rabbits and hares give birth to large litters in the early spring, these became symbols of the rising fertility of the earth at the Vernal Equinox.<br /><br />The saying "mad as a March hare" refers to the wild caperings of hares as the males fight over the females in the early spring, then attempt to mate with them. Since the females often rebuff the males' advances before finally submitting, the mating behavior often looks like a crazy dance; these fights led early observers to believe that the advent of spring made the hares "mad". This bold behavior makes the hares, normally timid and retiring animals, much more conspicuous to human observation in the spring.<br /><br />The precise origin of the ancient custom of coloring eggs is not known, although evidently the blooming of many flowers in spring coincides with the use of the fertility symbol of eggs—and eggs boiled with some flowers change their color, bringing the spring into the homes.<br /><br />German Protestants wanted to retain the Catholic custom of eating colored eggs for Easter, but did not want to introduce their children to the Catholic rite of fasting. Eggs were forbidden to Catholics during the fast of Lent, which was the reason for the abundance of eggs at Easter time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSCQw5zpqRI0dYJJo51Dpc2Z0sBVLrKpIaok990_syhyKtbdiQJrYV1k0VP9TSYCBLG7FZmzW8srmMznpHtNUHZpA07C7PwBwT0x6oipLMgrNjTU9yT9js0Zcr9hbfHfdi6iFz0umJ-hE/s1600/bunny.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSCQw5zpqRI0dYJJo51Dpc2Z0sBVLrKpIaok990_syhyKtbdiQJrYV1k0VP9TSYCBLG7FZmzW8srmMznpHtNUHZpA07C7PwBwT0x6oipLMgrNjTU9yT9js0Zcr9hbfHfdi6iFz0umJ-hE/s400/bunny.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582303885105655826" /></a><br /><br />So this year Good Friday falls on April 22nd and Easter Monday on April 25th. Watch this space for more stuff about Easter.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-69976772023186353362011-02-15T20:45:00.000-08:002011-02-15T21:10:03.613-08:00Happy Birthday to my Brother in Law who is 40 this week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeW3Pj3QlqsNUkdLSYqvbinDEegEZ82-ItLYhq2SOLmzUDsOlVf4eFMBtN_C5H20aHVXoDNO3X745dF8oNQEJXjVqUP3BfIXuF_dXMZ3Isg_2FGX_veewqupEu3d7y2o6x354j58ehL_2/s1600/40th-birthday-gift-t-shirt-experience-400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeW3Pj3QlqsNUkdLSYqvbinDEegEZ82-ItLYhq2SOLmzUDsOlVf4eFMBtN_C5H20aHVXoDNO3X745dF8oNQEJXjVqUP3BfIXuF_dXMZ3Isg_2FGX_veewqupEu3d7y2o6x354j58ehL_2/s400/40th-birthday-gift-t-shirt-experience-400.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574149379015294002" /></a><br /><br />My Brother in Law, Martin, is 40 tomorrow and I have sent him what I think is a most appropriate card. I love to write messages to my family and friends when their birthday comes up and usually I talk about what has happened between us and to them in the previous year since their last birthday. Sometimes quotes come to mind which make me think of them but more often than not the message is personal. <br /><br />If you sometimes struggle to find the right quote or comment when you send birthday greetings, just take a look at the list below for some inspiration of what to say to someone about to pass the BIG FOUR-O!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Life begins at 40 - but so do fallen arches, rheumatism, faulty eyesight, and the tendency to tell a story to the same person, three or four times.<br /><strong>Helen Rowland</strong><br /><br />At the age of 20, we don't care what the world thinks of us; at 30, we worry about what it is thinking of us; at 40, we discover that it wasn't thinking of us at all.<br /><strong>Author Unknown</strong><br /><br />Age is opportunity no less than youth itself.<br /><strong>Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</strong><br /><br />This wine is forty years old. It certainly doesn't show its age.<br />Latin: Hoc vinum Falernum annorum quadragenta est. Bene aetatem fert.<br />Cicero<br /><br />Every man over forty is a scoundrel.<br /><strong>George Bernard Shaw</strong><br /><br />The first forty years of life give us the text: the next thirty supply the commentary.<br /><strong>Arthur Schopenhauer</strong><br /><br />Life begins at forty.<br /><strong>W. B. Pitkin</strong><br /><br />At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgement.<br /><strong>Benjamin Franklin</strong><br /><br />Age is a matter of feeling, not of years.<br /><strong>George William Curtis</strong><br /><br />Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age.<br /><strong>Victor Hugo</strong><br /><br />The I just woke up face of your 30's is the all day long face of your 40's.<br /><strong>Libby Reid</strong><br /><br />What most persons consider as virtue, after the age of 40 is simply a loss of energy.<br /><strong>Voltaire</strong><br /><br />Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.<br /><strong>Jack Benny</strong><br /><br />Women are most fascinating between the ages of 35 and 40 after they have won a few races and know how to pace themselves. Since few women ever pass 40, maximum fascination can continue indefinitely.<br /><strong>Christian Dior</strong><br /><br />Age is a high price to pay for maturity.<br /><strong>Tom Stoppard</strong><br /><br />Women deserve to have more than twelve years between the ages of twenty eight and forty<br /><strong>James Thurber</strong><br /><br />The lovely thing about being forty is that you can appreciate twenty-five-year-old men.<br /><strong>Colleen McCullough</strong><br /><br />When I passed forty I dropped pretense, 'cause men like women who got some sense.<br /><strong>Maya Angelou</strong><br /><br />You've heard of the three ages of man - youth, middle age, and 'you're looking wonderful'.<br /><strong>Francis Cardinal Spellman</strong><br /><br />Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.<br /><strong>Bob Hope</strong><br /><br />At middle age the soul should be opening up like a rose, not closing up like a cabbage.<br /><strong>John Andrew Holmes</strong><br /><br />Middle age is when you still believe you'll feel better in the morning.<br /><strong>Bob Hope</strong><br /><br />Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed.<br /><strong>Charles Schulz</strong><br /><br />Middle age is the time when a man is always thinking that in a week or two he will feel as good as ever<br /><strong>Don Marquis</strong><br /><br />Middle age is having a choice between two temptations and choosing the one that'll get you home earlier.<br /><strong>Dan Bennett</strong><br /><br />The first sign of maturity is the discovery that the volume knob also turns to the left.<br /><strong>Jerry M. Wright</strong><br /><br />The best years of a woman's life - the ten years between 39 and 40.<br /><strong>Author Unknown</strong><br /><br />35 is a very attractive age. London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years.<br /><strong>Oscar Wilde</strong><br /><br />To me, old age is always fifteen years older than I am.<br /><strong>Bernard M. Baruch</strong><br /><br />To be 70 years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be 40 years old.<strong><br />Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.</strong><br /><br />Be wise with speed; a fool at forty is a fool indeed.<br /><strong>Edward Young</strong><br /><br /><br />And below is a message for my BIL - Have fun young man!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq-KeB8bT-8mVRx-Rgfehxkz77hakNGpaQPrI-q3xicZA2w87htMT4KMW5yRHTuPedTaa4K1-XqB4ayHh9BkZlsmM76ZxzjUWDRanp8JnBsV_JNBoB9kDtKMVn5uFcbinU09eu39L39t-/s1600/over-the-hill-gift-t-shirt-old-farts-agenda-200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq-KeB8bT-8mVRx-Rgfehxkz77hakNGpaQPrI-q3xicZA2w87htMT4KMW5yRHTuPedTaa4K1-XqB4ayHh9BkZlsmM76ZxzjUWDRanp8JnBsV_JNBoB9kDtKMVn5uFcbinU09eu39L39t-/s400/over-the-hill-gift-t-shirt-old-farts-agenda-200.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574149508597259378" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-26453436181610474532011-02-08T18:39:00.000-08:002011-02-08T18:50:29.197-08:00Valentine's Day is coming......here are some quotes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgs5FrMmU3lEiHJ7fLusVIZEsTLAIaoR8MI_I18zvxJcCGI4mHf2FJkmZz4rFvLHhEm2s93K4JaIUIFQ6LB1bwvvKjemKcMHzJQMEIyYHm4gh5QsW9UEJ-1n1l00jm7t__bVQCoMSZ41O/s1600/Promo-PinkHeart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgs5FrMmU3lEiHJ7fLusVIZEsTLAIaoR8MI_I18zvxJcCGI4mHf2FJkmZz4rFvLHhEm2s93K4JaIUIFQ6LB1bwvvKjemKcMHzJQMEIyYHm4gh5QsW9UEJ-1n1l00jm7t__bVQCoMSZ41O/s400/Promo-PinkHeart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571516272522574866" /></a><br /><br /><br />With Valentine's Day less than a week away many of you may be racking your brains thinking about how to convey your true love and what to write in your cards. So here are some quotes which you might find useful.......Happy Valentine's!<br /><br />"Love is not love that alters when it alteration finds."<br />-Shakespeare<br /><br />"If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand."<br />-Unknown<br /><br />"You don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without."<br />-Unknown<br /><br />"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."<br />-Saint-Exupery<br /><br />"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous."<br />-Ingrid Bergman<br /><br />"I never knew how to worship until I knew how to love."<br />-Henry Ward Beecher<br /><br />"True love is like ghosts, which everybody talks about and few have seen."<br />-La Rochefoucauld<br /><br />"Better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all."<br />-St. Augustine<br /><br />"To love another person is to see the face of God."<br />-Les Miserables<br /><br />"Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition."<br />-Alexander Smith<br /><br />"Sympathy constitutes friendship; but in love there is a sort of antipathy, or opposing passion. Each strives to be the other, and both together make up one whole."<br />-Samuel Taylor Coleridge<br /><br />"The richest love is that which submits to the arbitration of time."<br />-Lawrence Durrell<br /><br />“Very small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of love."<br />-Stendhal<br /><br />"There is no remedy for love but to love more."<br />-Thoreau<br /><br />"Love cures people - both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it."<br />-Dr. Karl Menninger<br /><br />"To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, the next best."<br />-William M. Thackeray<br /><br />"If you love someone, let them go. If they return to you, it was meant to be. If they don't, their love was never yours to begin with..."<br />-Unknown<br /><br />"True love never dies for it is lust that fades away. Love bonds for a lifetime but lust just pushes away."<br />-Alicia Barnhart<br /><br />"Some love lasts a lifetime. True love lasts forever."<br />-Unknown<br /><br />"If love is great, and there are no greater things, then what I feel for you must be the greatest."<br />-Unknown<br /><br />"The Eskimos have 52 words for snow because it is so special to them; there ought to be as many for love!"<br />-Margaret Atwood<br /><br />"Love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to play by the rules, then you must forget the rules and play from your heart."<br />-Unknown<br /><br />"Within you, I lose myself. Without you, I find myself wanting to be lost again."<br />-Unknown<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJn-bUVjn7hXal7EPQbH7BcE-wZ3qhAq5xVHpo-JXbTC0rHcA7CDKVxIrh5_Uti5xi_MuvYx8Y3VsNUZoWwMCaJ2ETpcr8pfJu5zNuY1mwB0BfNIbU0nkUQ9j7y3yDtnKKMUekcn-iCb-S/s1600/Etsy_BlueHeart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJn-bUVjn7hXal7EPQbH7BcE-wZ3qhAq5xVHpo-JXbTC0rHcA7CDKVxIrh5_Uti5xi_MuvYx8Y3VsNUZoWwMCaJ2ETpcr8pfJu5zNuY1mwB0BfNIbU0nkUQ9j7y3yDtnKKMUekcn-iCb-S/s400/Etsy_BlueHeart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571516107736319682" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-708797136138220132011-02-02T17:23:00.000-08:002011-02-02T17:25:34.709-08:00Happy New Year!May your life be filled with blessings and joy! <br /><br />Kung Hei Fa Choy!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-29232698811195235932011-01-27T20:23:00.000-08:002011-01-27T21:18:31.479-08:00Greetings for CNYTraditionally Chinese New Year greetings are short and to the point. They use a play on words and are often only four characters long. The meaning of these greetings, whilst they have a literal translation into English, do not always make a logical saying and can somtimes appear to be just random words. Therefore, even though the meaning of Chinese sayings in Chinese makes perfect sense, in English they can often only be understood with explanation. Here are a couple of examples:<br /><br />Let us start with the commonly used greeting which is "Happy New Year"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57HJw2z-RXj6gCMGFk4cbiMAz4I9IFMWhzQZj09w0wmM08CqEgaeau0vSS7l5av8pqtsiL6IP7a7Avjf0-MlrSGv1E1YYj2Mdkyimfhq-ACSswlYJ-926XavNiPuRAZntw5J2ai6Yj1z9/s1600/GungHeiFaatChoy+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567091958063418658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57HJw2z-RXj6gCMGFk4cbiMAz4I9IFMWhzQZj09w0wmM08CqEgaeau0vSS7l5av8pqtsiL6IP7a7Avjf0-MlrSGv1E1YYj2Mdkyimfhq-ACSswlYJ-926XavNiPuRAZntw5J2ai6Yj1z9/s400/GungHeiFaatChoy+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Literally translated this means 'Congratulations get rich'. Of course metaphorically, it means 'Wishing you prosperity' and is used as a CNY greeting.<br /><br />There are many words and greetings which on the surface appear to say one thing whilst having a deeper hidden meaning. Let us look at another example:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievhaFDQuuHVe8C63qexYGapwBVT69WvX5p9cnj3CtuGjTo93l7FYZ6z7208m7YvOuVzGudFfWcIDRB7cv29yAEfrqQ3ZZdCjYwOaP0Fthmbel59WR23UWUVI0RD_rFlME3xzjmdLvxtJG/s1600/MaanSeeYuuYi+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567094191709224258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievhaFDQuuHVe8C63qexYGapwBVT69WvX5p9cnj3CtuGjTo93l7FYZ6z7208m7YvOuVzGudFfWcIDRB7cv29yAEfrqQ3ZZdCjYwOaP0Fthmbel59WR23UWUVI0RD_rFlME3xzjmdLvxtJG/s400/MaanSeeYuuYi+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />When literally translated, this saying means 'ten thousand things according to your will'. Metaphorically, it means 'May your wishes come true'. The character 'maan' is the word for ten thousand, which is a Chinese unit. 'See' is the word for things or happenings. 'Yuu' means 'according to' and 'yi' can be put together with other characters to mean different things but in this case it's understood to mean 'what you want'.<br /><br />And one of the most common characters you will see around and about during Chinese New Year - Fook<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdntS79rDv7s63yL0eJbpbvcHQGkAyzB-KTubSZzDH-cR3qoaV1sXJXCah5jlty8oOrcF-Roch09D1lMZgvTP0qujQtISvAgaNyEUYuXM_GXHI9n9AdXZ7GHzOQrajeCuvyZs6ce5xYOC/s1600/Fook+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567095068039498130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdntS79rDv7s63yL0eJbpbvcHQGkAyzB-KTubSZzDH-cR3qoaV1sXJXCah5jlty8oOrcF-Roch09D1lMZgvTP0qujQtISvAgaNyEUYuXM_GXHI9n9AdXZ7GHzOQrajeCuvyZs6ce5xYOC/s400/Fook+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Fook can literally be translated as 'Blessed'. But it does have deeper significance which can only be expressed in English through combining several words, such as 'good luck', 'being fortunate', and 'auspiciousness'. That's why you often see this single character used on many things, especially during Chinese New Year, where this character is stuck on doors, printed on red packets (lei see envelopes) and many other things.<br /><br />Here are some more with the literal translations attached:<br /><br />龍馬精神 <br />lung ma jing sung <br />(meaning Spirit of dragon and horse) <br /> <br /><br />心想事成 <br />Sam seung sih sihng <br />(meaning accomplish that in your heart) <br /><br />恭賀新禧 <br />gong ho san hei <br />Congratulations on new blessings <br /><br />大吉大利 <br />daai gat daai lei <br />Much luck and much prosperity <br /><br />五福臨門 <br />ng fuk lam mun <br />five happinesses bestowed on your household <br /><br />出入平安 <br />chut yap ping on <br />leave and enter in peace and safety <br /><br />年年有餘 <br />nin nin yau yue <br />every year have bounty in excess <br /><br />for children: <br /><br />快高長大 <br />faai gou jeung dai <br />quickly grow taller and become bigger <br /><br />添丁發財 <br />tim dang fat choi <br />add more (male) heirs, and become prosperous <br /><br />招財進寶 <br />jiu choi jun bou <br />seek wealth welcome in the precious <br /><br />生意興隆 <br />sang yi hing lung <br />let the business be popular and prosperous <br /><br />盤滿砵滿 <br />pun mun but mun <br />basins full and bowls full (of wealth) <br /><br />笑口常開 <br />siu hau seong hoi <br />laughing mouths opening frequently <br /><br />天天向上 <br />tin tin heung seung <br />daily heading upwards! <br /><br /><br />Wishing you prosperity, may all your wishes come true and may you be truly blessed. <br /><br />Happy New Year!!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-86071047247556820862011-01-16T18:50:00.000-08:002011-01-16T19:09:46.987-08:00Chinese New Year - 15 days of celebration!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxTZHismpx3FiSzepPvcph4R4lMvXk5fqC0ygtgehJHYX8ZJ2kqBik8l_KB2_ryu5QPr6yLk_yIjBQHFWGc_pyRTson3o6KSyO_4u0YFnrQRMP73lbZ2K7dM84pRImY_J04wTZbewUTz0/s1600/Chinese+New+year+luck.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxTZHismpx3FiSzepPvcph4R4lMvXk5fqC0ygtgehJHYX8ZJ2kqBik8l_KB2_ryu5QPr6yLk_yIjBQHFWGc_pyRTson3o6KSyO_4u0YFnrQRMP73lbZ2K7dM84pRImY_J04wTZbewUTz0/s400/Chinese+New+year+luck.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985700292230466" /></a><br /><br /><br />As you may know Chinese New Year is the most important festival to Chinese people and lasts over a period of 15 days. Each day has a significance and a tradition attached to it; from eating with family, gift giving, staying at home, being kind to dogs, praying in temples and ending with lanterns.<br /><br />The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth." Many people abstain from eating meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.<br /><br />On the second day, people pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs. <br /> <br />The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law. <br /><br />The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits family and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck. <br /> <br />On the sixth to the 10th day, people visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health. <br /> <br /> <br />The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success. <br /><br />On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven. <br /> <br />The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor. <br /><br />During the 10th to 12th days friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day people usually have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse their system. <br /> <br />On the 14th day preparations begin for the celebration of the Lantern Festival which is then held on the 15th night. <br /><br />And so it is..........the 15 days of Chinese New Year!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-22171403061718537232011-01-10T18:18:00.000-08:002011-01-10T18:58:34.021-08:00Lunar New Year Approaches..........And so does the Jade Rabbit!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SjGBd8yozP1_NAC_3xcrw_ePBJCbBlGeiz3r88eVNHKuttgfQwtNIvUs0GzGon2F_elcIFA7KZzDhTEAC2YI4fo8GR5rxYuKiSFj5RmpZKGhB_BC5rfXj6q2Ss_-rpqFv3rOz1_xv7KP/s1600/RedDragon.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 367px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560755387051922578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SjGBd8yozP1_NAC_3xcrw_ePBJCbBlGeiz3r88eVNHKuttgfQwtNIvUs0GzGon2F_elcIFA7KZzDhTEAC2YI4fo8GR5rxYuKiSFj5RmpZKGhB_BC5rfXj6q2Ss_-rpqFv3rOz1_xv7KP/s400/RedDragon.gif" /></a><br /><br />I'm back!!<br /><br />After the madness of Christmas and New Year has now passed we can look ahead to the celebrations for Chinese New Year. Over the next few posts we will be looking at different aspects of the festival and the related traditions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jCMyGB95moEYcfxzCVs93hIVQ658ZLUEFGEyXkSqvosXtRBR-9f2czpH9wyJ5LP3bRSeEy7ChyfkTQ0f0iNuxa6PowyAHtG0wicOV9rKMth5mJshOjfz0J8hya47p1WUFvgCyVl_Lfcj/s1600/chinese-new-year-Dragon+dance.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560756102246018610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jCMyGB95moEYcfxzCVs93hIVQ658ZLUEFGEyXkSqvosXtRBR-9f2czpH9wyJ5LP3bRSeEy7ChyfkTQ0f0iNuxa6PowyAHtG0wicOV9rKMth5mJshOjfz0J8hya47p1WUFvgCyVl_Lfcj/s400/chinese-new-year-Dragon+dance.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So let us begin..........Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrIXHAQdVBTQ66Yv2xhwr_RYsSNstk-KlD-NJdjcSQweDPjsn67dPxaPi_4DyMLGmTWFwsvbbIA6z6WhSWp2a6YXrm3evRFoQhQ1uaE8FE0eri3tHwYFCpzHEe-AllVnlHbuOvQ-ZwUJ7/s1600/chinese_rabbit.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560756535352878706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrIXHAQdVBTQ66Yv2xhwr_RYsSNstk-KlD-NJdjcSQweDPjsn67dPxaPi_4DyMLGmTWFwsvbbIA6z6WhSWp2a6YXrm3evRFoQhQ1uaE8FE0eri3tHwYFCpzHEe-AllVnlHbuOvQ-ZwUJ7/s400/chinese_rabbit.jpg" /></a><br /><br />2011 is the year of the Jade Rabbit. The official date of the Lunar celebration is February 3rd although Lunar festivities last for 15 days.<br /><br />People born under the sign of the rabbit are traditionally thought to be gentle, sensitive, modest, and merciful and have a strong memory.<br />They like to communicate with others in a humorous manner.<br />They cannot bear dull life, so they are good at creating romantic or interesting situations but they lack meditative abilities and often sink money into ideas that may cause failures in their career.<br />People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious.<br />They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste.<br />Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky.<br />They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind.<br />Rabbit people seldom lose their temper.<br />They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract.<br />They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise.<br /><br />Chinese New Year gifts:<br />Exchanging of gifts is a prominent tradition followed by the Chinese community all over the world. Parents and relatives living far from home are sent greeting cards, gifts, lucky charms, and new clothes as gifts for New Year. Children will receive new clothes from their parents and elders. The popular Chinese New Year gifts for children can include the following:<br />Storybooks, Shoes, Clothes, Decorative items, Board games, Bags, Colour pencils, Toys, Dolls, Teddy bears.<br /><br />Adult gifts might range from useful household things to luxury items. Couples will often exchange clothes, perfume, jewellery sets, pendants, rings, chimes, Chinese antique pieces, and household appliances.<br /><br />Gifts for friends and siblings might include things of decorations, makeup, books, pens, and food baskets.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaXdFHHXqEkduWH1Ka1TWfItUaHFnGQAoxCWrCI5jA66BNj6Ew1HuypqwX_dB-fbmeK6SsTLfUXgCO87dqmmSEDF2amGNHAGOvsUw5svDMcSrXGLiof-AZttMBccnLg6UnYkGXoMAxpy2/s1600/RedLuck.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560755091610449314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaXdFHHXqEkduWH1Ka1TWfItUaHFnGQAoxCWrCI5jA66BNj6Ew1HuypqwX_dB-fbmeK6SsTLfUXgCO87dqmmSEDF2amGNHAGOvsUw5svDMcSrXGLiof-AZttMBccnLg6UnYkGXoMAxpy2/s400/RedLuck.gif" /></a><br /><br />In the next post we will look at the festival itself...........Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-50438280060356410262010-12-20T01:06:00.000-08:002010-12-20T01:25:55.422-08:00It's snowing and only 6 more sleeps until Christmas Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj6_mU31yol4b5hn2ZMk8YlOZYXki_D5iA1W22Z19ZgAp0sDW97AOeI5X3BDcE-H8AYWSkwriIDKKFDbaIc8PDs1Oels4MgGtsUab_EZxqK9LoHtsY3XtCVKNu-maKoh57W5hrT237UPK/s1600/Robin+in+snow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 392px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552691851361156946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj6_mU31yol4b5hn2ZMk8YlOZYXki_D5iA1W22Z19ZgAp0sDW97AOeI5X3BDcE-H8AYWSkwriIDKKFDbaIc8PDs1Oels4MgGtsUab_EZxqK9LoHtsY3XtCVKNu-maKoh57W5hrT237UPK/s400/Robin+in+snow.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Snow is falling in Europe and the US and this year and the odds for a White Christmas in the UK are the lowest they have been for decades. However, there seems to be a bit of a dispute arising! See the article from Martin Wainwright from The Guardian UK, below:<br /><br /><strong>Bookies braced for storm over 'white Christmas'Definition of the white stuff likely to be trigger for gambling rows as odds slip on new falls for 25th</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt68VMJY6y1157_KsBI-7rBwcw64lJ3407B9XgZRde9-pUHOkgL5eO1laciF6HYPJZzRSlhUVlpsLaylVt3rhknuknS7FQKZx8s_kltHljpBsgOCmn_nyaIAMhWjvkoBwWdzYgjtioGTK/s1600/Snow-on-holly-bush-Liverp-007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552691045802609186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt68VMJY6y1157_KsBI-7rBwcw64lJ3407B9XgZRde9-pUHOkgL5eO1laciF6HYPJZzRSlhUVlpsLaylVt3rhknuknS7FQKZx8s_kltHljpBsgOCmn_nyaIAMhWjvkoBwWdzYgjtioGTK/s400/Snow-on-holly-bush-Liverp-007.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><em>Does this holly bear new snow, or old, melting, snow? Bookies could face many betting arguments in the new year.<br /><br />Lawyers could be busy in the new year if disputes arise between bookies and punters over defining a "white Christmas". The phrase made famous by Bing Crosby will be pored over if the day itself bears out the forecasts: that much of Britain will be snowbound but seeing no fresh falls. Payouts in almost all "mass betting" offers on seasonal snow are based on the odds of the white stuff actually coming down, rather than just lying around from previous showers.<br /><br />Graham Sharpe, of William Hill, said yesterday: "The market would be killed off if you could win a bet just because there's some slush from four days ago."<br /><br />But Britain's whiteness, seemingly sealed in by sub-zero temperatures next week, does threaten to put the issue into a different league. Wind flurries and "snow" that is really thick frost falling from trees, could complicate things.<br /><br />The weather has led to bookies being "inundated" with "white Christmas" bets; William Hill has taken more than 10,000. The firm's spokesman, Rupert Adams, said today that the pressure had tilted Scotland's main cities into odds-on for snow falling, with evens for Birmingham and Manchester, and London at 5/4 against. "If it snows on every city we bet on, there's a real chance the infamous industry 'million pound payout' will happen."<br /><br />Undoubtedly, two-thirds or more of the UK will be "white". For falling snow, Metcheck offers 10% for London and 30% as far north as Aberdeen.<br /><br />Snow's always been good for litigation. Most famously there were largely unresolved rows over whether flakes did fall on a series of 20th century cricket matches in "flaming June".</em><br /><br />Come on William Hill - where's your Christmas spirit!!<br /><br />Just Brilliant!!<br /><br />P.S. Thank you to my lovely friend Tim Lynch for the fab photo of the robin at the top of this post!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-27414752446083762782010-12-11T16:48:00.000-08:002010-12-11T16:53:43.225-08:00Christmas Cartoons.....Here are some Christmas Cartoons I found........<strong>Enjoy!!</strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1kjs7zu3aS6RgzOg46Db4AKDb44Mrr1jzAmLUBvhXjKxyHd3w2Zk29eC2AqUFCesHy2nkDaTenkbNCZ9BCHz0N3sSpLUzhm3qRMoTmDlf8MHdRUYqpjCg9Lty2tin6qcDu1rpFGi_qao/s1600/funny-pic-christmas-drinks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1kjs7zu3aS6RgzOg46Db4AKDb44Mrr1jzAmLUBvhXjKxyHd3w2Zk29eC2AqUFCesHy2nkDaTenkbNCZ9BCHz0N3sSpLUzhm3qRMoTmDlf8MHdRUYqpjCg9Lty2tin6qcDu1rpFGi_qao/s400/funny-pic-christmas-drinks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549592369203015298" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcJMwzFUPVQQi1xJHyFILAlT4odOlIINjfH6931NZD1_myC8iZ1XE9yr3GB5aETW9pSZct7hFlVOXa_RkdaBXKTML5d5oX3L1H2wEJaKWDitF3YnumUOGGHPrWt8qRMrYZJk1WfpU4bM-/s1600/funny+christmas+cartoon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 346px; height: 346px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcJMwzFUPVQQi1xJHyFILAlT4odOlIINjfH6931NZD1_myC8iZ1XE9yr3GB5aETW9pSZct7hFlVOXa_RkdaBXKTML5d5oX3L1H2wEJaKWDitF3YnumUOGGHPrWt8qRMrYZJk1WfpU4bM-/s400/funny+christmas+cartoon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549592208250325634" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIySUrF1OUhHKdPB_VPMAMCeRDFCUspgIubD87A-r95yfaWp3hThKu-XJ7xXIXt7zJN94WUXN8B2bBFsHxKRNjcGZ7-Bw_F7u5_8DvFvFa2oeMvaRmq8dNqECj2x-luDZcZmGK8veOit4/s1600/funny-pic-christmas-santa-plane.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIySUrF1OUhHKdPB_VPMAMCeRDFCUspgIubD87A-r95yfaWp3hThKu-XJ7xXIXt7zJN94WUXN8B2bBFsHxKRNjcGZ7-Bw_F7u5_8DvFvFa2oeMvaRmq8dNqECj2x-luDZcZmGK8veOit4/s400/funny-pic-christmas-santa-plane.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549592079380152018" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYaQ5ciMQrrZxcS9_u9CQnJXdV2aAh3vI9sl6gSPiwAeiSngz2-3LpK9S9C3HN0DaAZBSQXb8yrltosj47jMaPMDKttPi7jteIkyBdqwJ-0uzZVZSokG_4DA0SRvFmjt4k8oxFXr3Hjt9/s1600/Funny-Christmas-Cartoons-No-Rocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYaQ5ciMQrrZxcS9_u9CQnJXdV2aAh3vI9sl6gSPiwAeiSngz2-3LpK9S9C3HN0DaAZBSQXb8yrltosj47jMaPMDKttPi7jteIkyBdqwJ-0uzZVZSokG_4DA0SRvFmjt4k8oxFXr3Hjt9/s400/Funny-Christmas-Cartoons-No-Rocks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549591926709823266" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSeI57F32nUx7i5tvaE3yRmL2rUJuSuK5wL_Rl8o1WU19tJUZHV2C3Uo9GrEn0FJL2D0jZ8N78sSbqT1EHo8kvkcmySGN4OHzqOQULV4Zv7xJmFmunkB9KlTX4_KQV8ty6Wzcq1doF9Nz/s1600/funny-pic-christmas-cat-dog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSeI57F32nUx7i5tvaE3yRmL2rUJuSuK5wL_Rl8o1WU19tJUZHV2C3Uo9GrEn0FJL2D0jZ8N78sSbqT1EHo8kvkcmySGN4OHzqOQULV4Zv7xJmFmunkB9KlTX4_KQV8ty6Wzcq1doF9Nz/s400/funny-pic-christmas-cat-dog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549591770217883266" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-35489659887180134502010-12-10T13:38:00.001-08:002010-12-10T13:59:58.596-08:00Christmas Quotes....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrCTE8cHWE3lrK26sIoHR7-gsrJ3klSgjoeqSVa-ZAf-OYqWX9bgwbHMHzZggTht__7dx4kb5omhFnBh97MCqo01BDhLr36j7m7NAKC8L8Nws8AxQc-r6VoEz7MqGDJvcO5hLUXm9Tvre/s1600/snowglobe.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrCTE8cHWE3lrK26sIoHR7-gsrJ3klSgjoeqSVa-ZAf-OYqWX9bgwbHMHzZggTht__7dx4kb5omhFnBh97MCqo01BDhLr36j7m7NAKC8L8Nws8AxQc-r6VoEz7MqGDJvcO5hLUXm9Tvre/s400/snowglobe.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549176399432308002" /></a><br /><br />Over the next few days I will be posting quotes that can be used in cards and on gift tags over the holidays. So here we go.........<br /><br />The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis<br /><br />One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. ~Andy Rooney<br /><br />Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves. ~Eric Sevareid<br /><br />At Christmas, all roads lead home. ~Marjorie Holmes<br /><br />It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtIzbzEZ0UKjj0cgHSyglXuzP7rY2pWEokHY3OccAOvYppg4ZP7SSHtRdfJ4R8dRWDq8RV6PznWbs7e_0XPOzZBYEpdW-iGOUf04ZbC1dmwY_35guHbaq9CJdiPjIEG1HLjbNvwtJa68l/s1600/angels.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtIzbzEZ0UKjj0cgHSyglXuzP7rY2pWEokHY3OccAOvYppg4ZP7SSHtRdfJ4R8dRWDq8RV6PznWbs7e_0XPOzZBYEpdW-iGOUf04ZbC1dmwY_35guHbaq9CJdiPjIEG1HLjbNvwtJa68l/s400/angels.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549176236011546434" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Do you have a favourite quote you would like to share?</strong>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-74758830679511298832010-12-09T18:17:00.000-08:002010-12-09T18:32:38.634-08:00Birthday thoughts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7pjcdyxXBXM63gE7o4ie9v7AtcKGCdk8Ap-JKpYyGtdVNDUln9SF8eRUYqnYpgY2hTqsf0Ub0Y1YUltpxWBH362p2QsmjrEqX3NrWSrrAVK8m5XiQX8JYe6plgF22NqkMTSdmfH_5HHy/s1600/birthday+cake.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 78px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7pjcdyxXBXM63gE7o4ie9v7AtcKGCdk8Ap-JKpYyGtdVNDUln9SF8eRUYqnYpgY2hTqsf0Ub0Y1YUltpxWBH362p2QsmjrEqX3NrWSrrAVK8m5XiQX8JYe6plgF22NqkMTSdmfH_5HHy/s400/birthday+cake.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548875340961496354" /></a><br /><br /><br />You have probably guessed by now that I love the month of December, this is because of it being my birthday as well as Christmas in December, two things I get VERY excited about.<br /><br />So this week it was my birthday and my family and friends made the day, the weekend and whole event special, as always. I really am a lucky girl and on special occasions I realise all over again just how lucky and blessed I am in my life.....Thank you to everyone who made my day special. x<br /><br />Here are a couple of my favourite quotes:<br /><br />When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it happened or not.<br />- Mark Twain<br /><br />A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age.<br />- Robert FrostKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-35794894336737383502010-12-01T19:38:00.000-08:002010-12-01T20:22:41.260-08:00Did you know this about December?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZRuWnhH3h9mVlakMACQKtEJE4VqKCkV2Gh1yNiRW4sfGHxyk1-8NkRA3PySNnekhkBshmQWKuU8vYPozxcfJGcwFQYyB8J_zzM0nDsDGjQBbQDS-Y_ORq6d7fyTmNVJnP1mygS3-lSn2/s1600/poinsettia.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545931075314087090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZRuWnhH3h9mVlakMACQKtEJE4VqKCkV2Gh1yNiRW4sfGHxyk1-8NkRA3PySNnekhkBshmQWKuU8vYPozxcfJGcwFQYyB8J_zzM0nDsDGjQBbQDS-Y_ORq6d7fyTmNVJnP1mygS3-lSn2/s400/poinsettia.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />December is my favourite month of the year, not least of all because my birthday is in December and it's Christmas during this month too - I love Christmas!!<br /><br />Here is some info about December:<br />December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days.<br /><br />December's flower is the narcissus or holly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmVlsLJjGcGKgxpIau9l2L48rLAQH-61wQqlK1Jn-OZl-kIOduzekBXki1PNFjOEGaVeuex_TonmGNKtjcmGqWEE_FhH-XSoo-1-FgO2-H9Pps1_H3o8Gn5wBtlJUzRwbaZxNFfDH7QzG/s1600/Holly.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 158px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545931388716102770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmVlsLJjGcGKgxpIau9l2L48rLAQH-61wQqlK1Jn-OZl-kIOduzekBXki1PNFjOEGaVeuex_TonmGNKtjcmGqWEE_FhH-XSoo-1-FgO2-H9Pps1_H3o8Gn5wBtlJUzRwbaZxNFfDH7QzG/s400/Holly.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br />December's birthstones are turquoise, lapis lazuli, zircon, topaz (blue), or tanzanite.<br /><br />In Latin, decem means "ten". December was also the tenth month in the Roman calendar until a monthless winter period was divided between January and February.<br /><br />December is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.<br /><br />December in the Northern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent to June in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa.<br /><br />In the Northern hemisphere, the beginning of the meteorological winter is 1 December. In the Southern hemisphere, the beginning of the meteorological summer is 1December.<br /><br />December starts on the same day of the week as September every year. December ends on the same day of the week as April every year.<br /><br /><br />Events in December<br /><br />Union Day of Romania (1 December)<br /><br /><br />World AIDS Day (December 1)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lvBnchOh05ukt5Pfxr1Oz5Q-4WO-rsacL37wRUQN78yVX-r6NDzrC3YhxA31XVnuOpoHJ9rkoMOMlx5cZE8qDUA9TmZUSBIvNwTEB4T5JcN278mcptnH3EWe90yEgWQ08jxCiHsk5IZa/s1600/aids4.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 104px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545931651450046050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lvBnchOh05ukt5Pfxr1Oz5Q-4WO-rsacL37wRUQN78yVX-r6NDzrC3YhxA31XVnuOpoHJ9rkoMOMlx5cZE8qDUA9TmZUSBIvNwTEB4T5JcN278mcptnH3EWe90yEgWQ08jxCiHsk5IZa/s400/aids4.gif" /></a><br /><br />National Day of United Arab Emirates (December 2)<br />Sinterklaas in the Netherlands (December 5)<br />Father's Day (King's Birthday) in Thailand (December 5)<br />Independence Day in Finland (December 6)<br />Constitution Day in Spain (December 6)<br /><br />Saint Nicholas Day in Greece (December 6)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrlmQnhhS9LfyEecbRgV-sdWYmn6pDKbsGIWkT-NaAYhloUShFbALz9MnV6TiM3a4VYykcMwPZ3xpj_RGuCp32-b1TiYOoz47AL6DgMQlpGJIvPcu5q-0z5kWFzj6IWYWRvCS-P9FfWWf/s1600/St+Nikola_from_1294.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545932301937949842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrlmQnhhS9LfyEecbRgV-sdWYmn6pDKbsGIWkT-NaAYhloUShFbALz9MnV6TiM3a4VYykcMwPZ3xpj_RGuCp32-b1TiYOoz47AL6DgMQlpGJIvPcu5q-0z5kWFzj6IWYWRvCS-P9FfWWf/s400/St+Nikola_from_1294.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Pearl Harbor Day in the United States (December 7)<br />Fukuoka Marathon is held on first Sunday in December.<br />Día de la Madre en Panamá (Mother's Day) in Panama. (December 8)<br />Day of the Mary Immaculate Conception. (December 8)<br />Constitution Day in Romania. (December 8)<br />[[andre phillips] birth day (December 8)<br />In the Ásatrú religion, Egil Skallagrimsson's Day (December 9) is a day of remembrance for the Viking hero.<br />Nobel Prizes awarded (December 10) on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.<br />Human Rights Day (December 10)<br />Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, or Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, in Mexico<br />(December 12)<br />Independence Day (Jamhuri Day) in Kenya (December 12)<br />Saint Lucy (December 13)<br />Honolulu Marathon is held on second Sunday in December.<br />Bill of Rights Day (United States). (December 15)<br />Zamenhof Day (December 15)<br />Victory day of Bangladesh (December 16)<br />Day of Reconciliation in South Africa (December 16).<br /><br />First day of winter (December 21)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAQOOpPecMRLup1QbM_b6iVhHZhbMwKf6oS6SNqzogmHQ6Q93pMya0OKtazXNCoNLMSba1VVwoZ_BbmDEF548l-GQ4FiNvuE9iAopt4lCJjiaOvRrpgYRYFeSBkZyfEDDpSCLWTko4gkN/s1600/Stonehenge.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545933210001371122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAQOOpPecMRLup1QbM_b6iVhHZhbMwKf6oS6SNqzogmHQ6Q93pMya0OKtazXNCoNLMSba1VVwoZ_BbmDEF548l-GQ4FiNvuE9iAopt4lCJjiaOvRrpgYRYFeSBkZyfEDDpSCLWTko4gkN/s400/Stonehenge.jpg" /></a><br />Solstice (called the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere) occurs on dates varying from December 20 to December 22.<br /><br />The Emperor's Birthday, a national holiday in Japan (December 23)<br />Festivus (December 23)<br />HumanLight (Humanist Holiday), (December 23)<br /><br />Christmas Eve (December 24)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5bxUqIRf_TMYVTaimbtwv1hsmHr0ErUpQRsuQS3bhAlkBgZqqsYHWMyEvnnQfbzUEGWvqFVWVzcbQcICKDUUKRTrqVZv0Vd7r78PJwQ_XyQifdwfsZtAs8yswSkPndijzKmqsTixnmJX/s1600/Christmas+lights.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 83px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545931207837886386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5bxUqIRf_TMYVTaimbtwv1hsmHr0ErUpQRsuQS3bhAlkBgZqqsYHWMyEvnnQfbzUEGWvqFVWVzcbQcICKDUUKRTrqVZv0Vd7r78PJwQ_XyQifdwfsZtAs8yswSkPndijzKmqsTixnmJX/s400/Christmas+lights.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Christmas Day (December 25)<br />Boxing Day (December 26)<br />Day of Goodwill (December 26)<br />Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1)<br />Proclamation Day in South Australia (December 28)<br />Philippines – Rizal Day (December 30)<br />New Year's Eve (December 31)<br />Hannukah – [December 1 in 2010]<br /><br />The Zodiac sign for those born in this month is either <br /><br />Sagittarius<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawcWQu5rJ8FdPuNcMh1JKdk6SjbSjO4Z9pz6TAGZ8uzHqDxCmJM6BYmL5MuatQRmW1p42w34wxked5moJ1_Tmn5KVk4JDj5BknOkPhEATjzuWS9RM3nU2kHPKVGefPPhr3djP61i3AiFO/s1600/saggittarius.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545934411424794722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawcWQu5rJ8FdPuNcMh1JKdk6SjbSjO4Z9pz6TAGZ8uzHqDxCmJM6BYmL5MuatQRmW1p42w34wxked5moJ1_Tmn5KVk4JDj5BknOkPhEATjzuWS9RM3nU2kHPKVGefPPhr3djP61i3AiFO/s400/saggittarius.jpg" /></a><br /><br />or<br /><br />Capricorn,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFCgEt1mB4csGl8rT0PXeag3ZG-qP_rYEC7acI_6-bwZIdntnFWjDbHBMA0pXqACav167oPtD85NshNSeJ1dRM65hXIl37ncDsnIbtjQVNf7oxpjeFvpKHXKFyK0bsStrrjgDOA8muOKx/s1600/Capricorn.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545934095021766210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFCgEt1mB4csGl8rT0PXeag3ZG-qP_rYEC7acI_6-bwZIdntnFWjDbHBMA0pXqACav167oPtD85NshNSeJ1dRM65hXIl37ncDsnIbtjQVNf7oxpjeFvpKHXKFyK0bsStrrjgDOA8muOKx/s400/Capricorn.jpg" /></a><br /><br />depending on which day you were born.<br /><br /><strong>What is your favourite month of the year?</strong>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-31704163905085057622010-11-30T16:10:00.000-08:002010-11-30T16:28:40.397-08:00December is here - bring on the lists!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAkyv1yMA4cplAqUMM-Kb43gxeFPEUosmnBJRPmr0rJUYFX09gKgc8kCnjk9M6NtAgm0I0KgwI8vmVBS9-W2BvxTgBjeTGL_VLPGbQjGWMeM4Z4oSxPZEYj1fOPnywkREdgWPbpkzWklu/s1600/list2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545502595082080162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAkyv1yMA4cplAqUMM-Kb43gxeFPEUosmnBJRPmr0rJUYFX09gKgc8kCnjk9M6NtAgm0I0KgwI8vmVBS9-W2BvxTgBjeTGL_VLPGbQjGWMeM4Z4oSxPZEYj1fOPnywkREdgWPbpkzWklu/s400/list2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>It's December 1st and that can mean only one thing - the lists begin to get really serious. Here are my lists:</div><br /><br /><div>1. Christmas cards (overseas)<br /><div>2. Christmas cards (Honkers)<br /><div>3. Presents for posting (by Dec 7th)<br /><div>4. Presents for boys and their girls<br /><div>5. Things to wear in the US<br /><div>6. Gifts for people we visit<br /><div>7. Things to get in for the cat<br /><div>8. Things to be done in the house before we leave<br /><div>9. People to see in Dec<br /><div>10. Schedule meetings/parties/get-togethers in December<br /><br /><div>And that is just the start...........</div><br /><br />I love making lists, there is something very comforting in knowing that you have thought of everything either to do or to buy and with a list it is almost certain you won't forget anything..........unless you forget the list, of course!!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLqiDeyJGj_pjGPwnGtXG2X7-E_O7BZjM5ezNOM8FQCJw1pXR54Ofqc1UqnBMJeJjSyGAA24_veFLS7wwnfJC3pDt0KnSh_ngZp8bznxc7W7Rj3M21XwQnvwds1wLspijRYLaHl6DQPBn/s1600/Lists+2008-12-30-images-topten.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545502453389874514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLqiDeyJGj_pjGPwnGtXG2X7-E_O7BZjM5ezNOM8FQCJw1pXR54Ofqc1UqnBMJeJjSyGAA24_veFLS7wwnfJC3pDt0KnSh_ngZp8bznxc7W7Rj3M21XwQnvwds1wLspijRYLaHl6DQPBn/s400/Lists+2008-12-30-images-topten.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>How many lists have you got going?</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-14592987860654336692010-11-29T18:50:00.000-08:002010-11-29T21:58:28.602-08:00Christmas is coming. Have you written your cards yet?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63qBBPWbe6J48JuZ7oiIW_YymGVTzGWoyJTLwITuK903y-kI4VjjZc9lup_8v7XR9wD2sQJkjToCitOMX5UggQ3l7EiIFDJ6ZMo7D-KBEqA2JvXAEZjqDeBt9Brxn89M5-Ax3Yy0E8dja/s1600/037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545179340169122866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63qBBPWbe6J48JuZ7oiIW_YymGVTzGWoyJTLwITuK903y-kI4VjjZc9lup_8v7XR9wD2sQJkjToCitOMX5UggQ3l7EiIFDJ6ZMo7D-KBEqA2JvXAEZjqDeBt9Brxn89M5-Ax3Yy0E8dja/s400/037.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Above is the Christmas decoration display at The Landmark in Hong Kong. It is very impressive and for the first time this year I felt very "Chrismassy" when I saw it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pJ-4Zs0BDQJu4nrGqCbFdNFqSr-TDedsa6YxGCf7XgrE3-CRu_POvmjBvZ8yhrOiuk3tYONdawbj93N2gFP4gHEXAi0BSrj5eNFjW4jCHmtzav7dmpZKySmUXcn8hVCB1ozyxykvE6Qh/s1600/XmasRange2010%2528low%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545171241667246466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pJ-4Zs0BDQJu4nrGqCbFdNFqSr-TDedsa6YxGCf7XgrE3-CRu_POvmjBvZ8yhrOiuk3tYONdawbj93N2gFP4gHEXAi0BSrj5eNFjW4jCHmtzav7dmpZKySmUXcn8hVCB1ozyxykvE6Qh/s400/XmasRange2010%2528low%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here are some of the Kimona Creates Christmas range for 2010. These limited edition Christmas cards are made with ribbed fabric and hot-pressed metallic motifs. The fabric is duo-toned and together with the glittery snowflakes and stars, produce a delightful festive effect. Comes in Red/Green, Gold, and Silver/Blue. Price range is the same as ribbon cards and there is also a saving of 10% if you buy 10 or more.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXRW5iKAB431ZYYZTRfwEN0BnVVm2N0he0br_epY3uwxZQ14NEaFdElE_EPUoTEIvkLX5YSH8IRbK1rhLkz7AmzFIHZc148TeERyp1lRIq3ngGvoEuU2j226Nw1QwC9sP86oOSRN5xqf7/s1600/045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545180233476292818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXRW5iKAB431ZYYZTRfwEN0BnVVm2N0he0br_epY3uwxZQ14NEaFdElE_EPUoTEIvkLX5YSH8IRbK1rhLkz7AmzFIHZc148TeERyp1lRIq3ngGvoEuU2j226Nw1QwC9sP86oOSRN5xqf7/s400/045.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Don't you just love the feeling when the Christmas cards are all in their envelopes with messages written, just waiting to go to the Post Office to be weighed and sent off. I know I do!<br /><br />Let me know if you would like to order some of the limited edition cards so you can get your pile ready, too.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-24515985452633617512010-11-23T19:15:00.000-08:002010-11-23T19:19:02.686-08:00Discovery Bay International School FairWe will be taking our cards to the Discovery Bay International School Christmas Fair this saturday (27th Nov).<br /><br />Come and see us there. We will have lots of different cards for sale, including the Christmas range and the prices are specially set for the fair.<br /><br />Starts at 12 noon until 4 p.m.<br /><br />See you at the Fair!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-1584403584923723812010-11-18T17:39:00.000-08:002010-11-18T19:32:44.374-08:00Dates to Remember - Diary Transfer Time<a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 334px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541087736656945538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9JW67CxtoDKGWaxfMnWkfl1YY3jz843AXwzLWXdrbjCb4iYJmiTZkrAB7uKdoYTPfy5zHOuVd9tyzN17YcxvJN8rNtp49iPC-YB9fUlzDbxhiQX9b_y8c-fdxGnEm-1vArO5i_sbNGZE/s400/Diary.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yesterday a friend of mine gave me a 2011 diary. She told me that even though it was my Christmas present she was giving it me now so I didn't go out and buy one because last year, in an attempt to be organised and transfer all the important information into my new diary before the end of the year, I did just that! </div><br /><br /><div>There is something so special about writing important dates to remember into a new diary; birthdays, anniversaries, travel dates, public holidays, the cat's vet's appointments, etc. It would be easier and simpler to keep all this data digitally, I know, but, I have found if I do that then I tend to foget important dates because I haven't actually had to write them down again each year. It reminds me a little bit of the drama which can follow losing a mobile phone these days, especially if there is no easy back-up process for the contacts list. Just because we don't have to physically dial the number each time we call someone, as was the case in the "olden days", then if the phone dies or is lost, life becomes chaotic for a while because it is so hard to remember a single number and the scramble begins to collect all that data again. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I love the ritual of writing out names next to dates and it is this which seems to keep the information fresh in my mind. I find I am much less likley to forget someone's birthday if I had to look it up and write it down at the end of the previous year.</div><br /><br /><div>So, here's to diaries and keeping the hand-written tradition alive!!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZrl11oUzFVdKESEN5Zwl9d_7xSacKU6hHsVePu0P6bUFIk6FF4xbDfFxH2iC3wOvtxIgncle3BXvQ6J_L-caZ2ajaPZbwxqvjreeXl4H2ocjQK-A8kCJOdcZNURF65zt5BeZOOo7bGQf/s1600/diaries_two_open_520.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541098202893871410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZrl11oUzFVdKESEN5Zwl9d_7xSacKU6hHsVePu0P6bUFIk6FF4xbDfFxH2iC3wOvtxIgncle3BXvQ6J_L-caZ2ajaPZbwxqvjreeXl4H2ocjQK-A8kCJOdcZNURF65zt5BeZOOo7bGQf/s400/diaries_two_open_520.jpg" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-84376338727769588952010-11-16T15:07:00.000-08:002010-11-16T15:36:01.867-08:00Humourous Thanksgiving Quotes<strong>Mark Twain: </strong>Thanksgiving Day, a function which originated in New England two or three centuries ago when those people recognized that they really had something to be thankful for -- annually, not oftener -- if they had succeeded in exterminating their neighbors, the Indians, during the previous twelve months instead of getting exterminated by their neighbors, the Indians. Thanksgiving Day became a habit, for the reason that in the course of time, as the years drifted on, it was perceived that the exterminating had ceased to be mutual and was all on the white man's side, consequently on the Lord's side; hence it was proper to thank the Lord for it and extend the usual annual compliments.<br /><br /><strong>John Baillie: </strong>The very fact that a man is thankful implies someone to be thankful to.<br /><br /><strong>Erma <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bombeck</span>:</strong> Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.<br /><br /><strong>Rita <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rudner</span>:</strong> My mother is such a lousy cook that Thanksgiving at her house is a time of sorrow.<br /><br /><strong>Ellen Orleans: </strong>I have strong doubts that the first Thanksgiving even remotely resembled the 'history' I was told in second grade. But considering that (when it comes to holidays) mainstream America's traditions tend to be over-eating, shopping, or getting drunk, I suppose it's a miracle that the concept of giving thanks even surfaces at all.<br /><br /><strong>Charles Lamb:</strong> Gluttony and surfeiting are no proper occasions for thanksgiving.<br /><br /><strong>Irv <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kupcine</span>:</strong> An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.<br /><br /><strong>Arnold Schwarzenegger:</strong> I love Thanksgiving turkey... it's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts.<br /><br /><strong>Kevin James:</strong> Thanksgiving, man! Not a good day to be my pants.<br /><br /><strong>Mike Connolly:</strong> Coexistence: what the farmer does with the turkey - until Thanksgiving.<br /><br /><strong>P. J. O'Rourke:</strong> Thanksgiving is so called because we are all so thankful that it only comes once a year.<br /><br /><strong>I love Arnie's quote here. Which is your favourite?</strong>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070174629440567461.post-15208801516255106002010-11-14T19:42:00.000-08:002010-11-15T20:46:02.943-08:00Thanksgiving quotesWe thought we would share some quotes with you which might be useful for your personal greetings to friends and family at special times of the year.<br /><br /><br />The following are some special quotes for <strong>Thanksgiving:<br /><br /></strong>For each new morning with its light,<br />For rest and shelter of the night,<br />For health and food, for love and friends,<br />For everything Thy goodness sends.<br />~Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br />We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder<br /><br />Dear Lord; we beg but one boon more:<br />Peace in the hearts of all men living,<br />peace in the whole world this Thanksgiving.<br />~Joseph Auslander<br /><br />We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. ~Author Unknown<br /><br />Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. ~Aesop<br /><br /><strong>Please share with us your favourite quotes for Thanksgiving.</strong>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15481459014830218246noreply@blogger.com0