This Diamond Ring Don't Shine

 My personal  diamond rings (and my beautiful Gucci-like nails), in comparison to a couple of COSTCO's one-of-a-kind rings.

I own a round-shaped diamond; and a pear-shaped diamond with additional channel-set diamonds on the band.

In comparing my rings to Costco's, I ignored the platinum bands  ( mine are 14k gold bands). My main criteria became the size of the stone.

Round Brilliant

Round Brilliant 1.01 ct VS1 Clarity, G Color
price $7999.99

Pear Shape

Pear Shape 1.01 ct VVS2 Clarity, D Color
price $8499.99

I am aware that Costco's diamond rings are rare (only 1 available of each); and their brilliance, color, and so on are several grades above mine.  When I compare costs, though, the benefits of my diamond rings are superior: 

• Hubby spent $600 for my 1+ carat round diamond ring
• The pear-shaped diamond ring was an inheritance (read: free!) from my Parents. 

Sixteen💲thousand+ dollars to purchase both Costco rings, vs $600 for my 2 rings 😧

I am quite content with my diamonds, thank you very much! 

❤😊❤

 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  1 Timothy 6

Round Brilliant Diamond Ring

Pear Shaped Diamond Ring

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Mother's Day: My Beautiful LV Accessory

 

As expensive as the LV Tambour watch is, it did not come with a strap. It needs to be bought separately.  

They also are quite expensive,  yipes. Louis Vuitton certainly knows how to dig deep into our pockets. 

Thus, I asked the kids to contribute to Mom's LV-Strap Fund.  They came through, thank you, Lord:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God

 in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5

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Vintage: Turkish Rug Care and Info

This pretty rug is a "gift" (so is the marble table) from my late Parents. Bought from the country of Turkey years ago.  Mom & Dad loved to travel -- I hope to do likewise  -- and to shop.  

Looking at it reminds me of my Mom who liked the color orange.  My Dad came up with the downpayment $$$ to complete the transaction and finally  get the rug shipped from Turkey to Evanston.  

Hope to also travel to Istanbul, Turkey someday, God willing.  Below are a couple of links that will help Rug owners and potential rug owners. 

 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

- Jeremiah 6:16

How to Care for Your Vintage Rug

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Vintage Rug

24 Reasons You Need to Buy Your Rugs Vintage







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Holiday Decor: Wrapping Your Artwork

Why People Are Wrapping Their Artwork In Christmas Paper  

-  TAYLOR MEAD, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

When it comes to home decor, there is no one-size-fits-all. This is particularly true for holiday decorations, which get arguably more and more creative every year with new trends and ideas popping up every day.

The most recent festive trick I stumbled upon is courtesy of Caitlin Pappas, the woman behind the interior styling and photography company,  Nest Out West. For real truth in reporting, Caitlin says, this is really a trick she borrowed from her mom.

Read the rest of the article H E R E

My version (embellished):  

BEFORE

pc: Anthropologie

Almost Christmas!

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, 

which being interpreted is, God with us.

- Matthew 1:23

A Festive Gallery Wall

State by State Holiday Decorations

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Surprise from him

My hubby never buys gift baskets. So, when this Ghirardelli basket awaited my return from Piano lesson today, it was a bit of a shock. I called him at work, and at first he says Happy Anniversary; then quickly corrected himself and said Happy Valentine's Day.  In answer to my question as to why he purchased the basket, he emphasized that it was on SALE, it was a good deal, they had free shipping, and not to worry about it. So, okay, I won't worry.  Russel Stover from AJ. We'll have great dessert tonight!

Pineapple Mango

A birthday gift from my sister: Bar Soap + Liquid Soap
I have yet to use either.
I would much rather prefer sniffing them.
But the day of reckoning  is drawing close...hence a picture for memory's sake.

Mother's Day Gift

DH gave me a choice of an LV bag (I'm eyeing the Artsy MM) or a Diamond ring that's about 1.5K more.  His thoughts are I should get the ring because jewelry can be passed on to the next generation. I've seen the ring IRL, and it's a stunner.  I countered with: authentic LV can be sold for close to retail if it's in good condition -- anytime, anywhere. 

Odd that I have no sense of hurry to purchase either one. I've OD-ed, I think.

source: louisvuitton.com