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Monday, April 30, 2012

Mother's Day handmade gift cards

We are proud to introduce our new handmade Mother's Day flower gift cards.  No two are exactly alike, as each gift note is set with individual handcrafted flowers of either crepe paper as in the case with the poppy cards, and heavy weight card stock, giving a 3-dimensional effect.

Labels: cards, gift, holidays

by: Deco Belle Inc.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Card Writing Help - Examples and Suggestions For Our Jewelry Gift Cards

Recently in posting our new handmade Valentine's Day cards for jewelry gift purchases, a friend of mine mentioned that the cards are all good and great, but what to write for such a nice card. He asked if I had suggestions, and immediately I thought if this ever so witty friend is having a hard time putting pen to paper, then perhaps others might appreciate some suggestions. A special thanks to CS for inspiring this blog.

We at Deco Belle Jewelry will hand write your personalized message (up to 300 characters for the larger A7 cards, and up to 125 characters for the smaller cards, character length noted on each card page), included with handmade card purchase. Our cards feature embossing which give the stamped image a raised surface, we also accent the Valentine and Thinking of You cards with a pearl.

When the paper is in red, fuchsia pink, or purple color, we will hand write the message in white ink, so that the message will stand out against such dark paper.

Paper color in aqua blue (as shown to the right), or other light colors, will be hand written in black or blue ink. Please write your personalized message in the gift wrapping/message field in the shipping section of the shopping cart checkout wrapper when finalizing your jewellery gift purchases.

Suggestions for card messages:

For Birthday cards:

• What a wonderful day to celebrate you! Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday! Thank you for your wonderful friendship throughout the year, what a lovely way to celebrate you today!
• Wishing you a very happy birthday, an even better year, and happiness always.
• Through the miles I wish you a lovely birthday, and wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you on your birthday!
• All the very best on your Birthday. May the coming year be filled with love and smiles.
• Don't think of it as getting older, think of it as becoming a classic.
• A simple celebration, a gathering of friends; here is wishing you great happiness, a joy that never ends.
  

For Mother's Day cards: (new Mother's Day card designs to debut late April 2012)

• You are a loving mother, Who is nice in every way. My wishes are full of love, for you on Mother's Day!
• Mom (or for our UK, Australia, and NZ friends, Mum), You are the first to give encouragement and support, unconditional love, yet you are the last to look for praise. Thank you for your love!
  
• Thank you for all you do, with lots of love for you! Happy Mother's Day!
• I wish you a very happy Mother's Day! And hope that it blooms with happiness!
• Happy Mother's Day! You are a constant inspiration to me, and you have always believed in me, offering me unconditional love and support.

For Thank You cards:

• Thank you so much for the lovely gift. What a wonderful surprise! It was very thoughtful of you and much appreciated.
• Thank you isn't enough, you are the best!
• Thank you so much for _____. It means a lot to me, and made me feel so special that you are so thoughtful toward me.
• Thank you for ______. I was really touched that you _____.
• (As houseguests): Thank you for welcoming me into your home. I really enjoying spending time with you. You made me feel so welcome and at home.

For Thinking of You cards:

• (Anniversary): Love and friendship fill our days together, growing together, sharing experiences, and making new memories are what I love the most about sharing a life with you. Happy anniversary!
• You brighten up my life and make me want to be the best that I can be for you. I love and appreciate you.
• I am so privileged to go through life with you. Just wanted to let you know how much you are loved.

For Valentine Day cards: (please also see "Thinking of You", above)

• With you it's Valentine's Day 365.25 days a year!
• Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. Happy Valentine's Day!
  
• Many are the starrs I see, but in my eye no starr like thee. (from an English saying used on poesy rings)
• Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine! -Thomas Hood
• For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow. -Rosemonde Gerard
  
• Be my Valentine, because you are most certainly my Valentine!
• A special heart (assuming heart jewelry is purchased) for the woman with the most special heart in the world. Happy Valentine's Day!
• Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love. -Albert Einstein
  

We hope that you find the perfect words to express your sentiment, adding a personalized gift card makes a wonderful jewelry present even more special. All of our orders include free gift wrapping.

Labels: art/lit/film, ask_Deco_Belle, cards, customer_service, gift, holidays, quotes

by: Deco Belle Inc.

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Saturday, April 23, 2011

World's Best Top 50 Restaurants San Pellegrino

Here at Deco Belle Inc., we love jewelry, accessories, traveling, exploring, and food! Food the world over, delicacies that are not easily replicated across the globe, yes, we love that. This week, the San Pellegrino sponsored 50 (and 100) Best Restaurants in the World list has been published. We have not yet been to the top three, but did do a bit of research to prepare ourselves for when we find ourselves in the neighborhood, and for our blog followers to enjoy as well:

#1 - Noma in Copenhegen, Denmark has not only taken the top ranking of Best Restaurant in the World (according to Restaurant Magazine, sponsored by San Pellegrino) for 2011, but has also earned this prestigious position last year as well. Run by acclaimed chef René Redzepi, the restaurant boasts two Michelin stars.

Known for its reinvention and interpretation of the Nordic cuisine, the name is an acronym of the two Danish words "nordisk" (Nordic) + "mad" (food) = noma. A modern take on Nordic cuisine, the restaurant itself is located in an old warehouse on the waterfront in the Christianshavn neighbourhood of the Danish capital, near the Greenlandic Trading Square (Danish: Grønlandske Handels Plads). The square itself references Greenland, but only because this square was for 200 years the hub of trade to and from the Faroe Islands, Finnmark, Iceland, and in particular, Greenland. The goods were stored in the warehouse here, before being traded off to European markets.

From reviews that we have read on various blogs and travel websites, the standard here is 12 courses, one reviewer noted that the meal lasted 3.5 hours. An interesting course was a clay garden pot filled with edible soil (made with malt). Way to think out of the box.

One comment read "Worth every Øre (penny)", and another noted that it is worth adding yourself to the waiting list as that is how they earned a seat in this award winning establishment.


#2 - El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. This family restaurant is founded and operated by three brothers specializing in traditional Catalan meals, with the eldest brother, Joan Roca as head chef, middle brother Josep Roca being the sommelier, and the youngest brother Jordi Roca in charge of the desserts. The three Michelin star restaurant has steadily risen in the Best Restaurants in the World ranking, starting in 2009 at 5th best in the world, then in 2010 moving up one spot, to 4th best, and now making it to second best in 2011. (El Celler de Can Roca images courtesy of gastronomyblog.com)

Prix fixe courses are set for the Feast Menu (9 courses and 2 desserts, €145), Tasting Menu (5 courses and 2 desserts, €115), and Signature Dishes Menu (3 courses and 1 dessert €95), and one can add on complimenting wine selections at €45 for a flight of wines.



(Image: A plank of wood with anchovy bones embedded into rice tempura)

It is a 1.5 hour train ride through the countryside from Barcelona, and from what we read, well worth it. Also, the earliest booking is at 9pm, with meal times at traditional Spanish hours.


#3 - Mugaritz in San Sebastián, Spain, in a sleepy village to the south of town. A remote part of the city more like it, in a beautiful setting of the basque countryside, up windy roads and narrow streets.




This Spanish restaurant, like El Celler de Can Roca has also ascended to it's current position. In 2007, Mugaritz ranked as 7th best in the world, in 2008, it moved up to 4th best, now it has moved up to 3rd best in the world.


A tour of the kitchen is granted for inquiring guests. The clay potatoes pictured right, are mean to look like zen pebbles.





The complete 50 Best Restaurants in the World list:

1. Noma, Denmark

2. El Celler De Can Roca, Spain (+2)

3. Mugaritz, Spain (+2)

4. Osteria Francescana, Italy (+2)

5. The Fat Duck, UK (-2)

6. Alinea, USA (+1)

7. D.O.M, Brazil (+11)

8. Arzak, Spain (+1)

9. Le Chateaubriand, France (+2)

10. Per Se, USA

11. Daniel, USA (-3)

12. Les Creations de Narisawa, Japan (+12)

13. L’Astrance, France (+3)

14. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Paris, France (+15)

15. Hof van Cleve, Belgium (+2)

16. Pierre Gagnaire, France (-3)

17. Oud Sluis, Netherlands (+2)

18. Le Bernardin, USA (-3)

19. L’Arpege, France

20. Nihonryori RyuGin, Japan (+28)

21. Vendome, Germany (+1)

22. Steirereck, Austria (-1)

23. Schloss Schauenstein, Switzerland (+7)

24. Eleven Madison Park, USA (+26)

25. Aqua, Germany (+9)

26. Quay, Australia

27. Iggy’s, Singapore (+1)

28. Combal Zero, Italy (+7)

29. Martin Berasategui, Spain (+4)

30. Bras, France

31. Biko, Mexico (+15)

32. Le Calandre, Italy (-12)

33. Cracco, Italy

34. The Ledbury, UK (new)

35. Chez Dominique, Finland (-12)

36. Le Quartier Francais, South Africa (-5)

37. Amber, China (new)

38. Dal Pescatore, Italy (-2)

39. Il Canto, Italy (+1)

40. Momofuku Ssam Bar, USA (-14)

41. St John, UK (+2)

42. Astrid Y Gaston, Peru (new)

43. Hibiscus, UK (+6)

44. La Maison Troisgros, France

45. Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athenee, France (-4)

46. De Librije, Netherlands (-9)

47. Restaurant de l’Hotel De Ville, Switzerland (-33)

48. Varvary, Russia (new)

49. Pujol, Mexico (new)

50. Asador Etxebarri, Spain

The 51-100 Best Restaurants in the World list:

51. Quique Dacosta, Spain

52. Mathias Dahlgren,Sweden

53. Attica, Australia

54. De Karmeliet, Belgium

55. Les Amis, Singapore

56. The French Laundry, USA

57. Frantzen/Lindeberg, Sweden

58. Tetsuya’s, Australia

59. Fasano, Brazil

60. Hakkasan, UK

61. Rust en Vrede, South Africa

62. Jean Georges, USA

63. Oaxen Krog, Sweden

64. Bo Innovation, Hong Kong

65. Momofuku Ko, USA

66. Zuma, UK

67. Maison Pic, France

68. Mirazur, France

69. Manresa, USA

70. Marque, Australia

71. Fäviken, Sweden

72. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Hong Kong

73. Die Schwarzwaldstube, Germany

74. Mani, Brazil

75. Coi, USA

76. Caprice, Hong Kong

77. Nahm, UK

78. La Grenouillère, France

79. Vila Joya, Portugal

80. Tantris, Germany

81. WD~50, USA

82. La Colombe, South Africa

83. Semifreddo, Russia

84. Le Gavroche, UK

85. The Bazaar, USA

86. La Pergola, Italy

87. Malabar, Peru

88. Gäste Haus Klaus Erfort, Germany

89. Bar Boulud, England

90. Kitcho Arashiyama, Japan

91. Blue Hill at Stone Barns, USA

92. Wasabi, India

93. Sant Pau, Spain

94. Akelare, Spain

95. Masa, USA

96. Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, UK

97. Le Meurice, France

98. L’Arnsbourg, France

99. Chaika, Moscow

100. Andre, Singapore

Labels: awards, culture, food, holidays, travel

by: Deco Belle Inc.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Summer 2009 jewelry trends

Original article as submitted by Deco Belle for Mocha Bride Magazine Summer 2009:

As Eartha Kitt sang 1962, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. But today, crystals and pearls are too! Bring on the bling in clear crystal, or colored gemstones, and cubic zirconia (CZ). Save a considerable sum while being in style for a summer wedding. Rhinestones are out of style, as Swarovski crystals offer fire and brilliance at a low price, with a luxe look.

Vibrant colors are hot on the catwalks for this season. These intense hues of aqua, lapis, coral, lemon, peach and hot pink are rainbow bright now! Intense blue and aqua jewelry can definitely take care of the adage: Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue. Colorful crystals and CZ set in gold or silver offer a dramatic statement for modern gowns, and a striking accent for strapless or skinny-strap dresses.

Dramatic upswept hair lends very well to another hot trend this year, the demure stud earring.

Studs, or button earrings, are feminine and traditional, and are always in good taste. Larger stud earrings have a vintage charm. The 2009 Oscars showcased this trend as well as the other IT shape for this year: the drop earring. From Michelle Obama (the First Lady is also a major stud earring trendsetter, since official portrait to European visit) to Angelina Jolie, drop earrings, are all the rage.

A dramatic turn from these trends is lace filigree; it’s the new, old thing. Lace is delicate, darling, and delightful, and makes any dress complete with that traditional, romantic look.

Also, collar or statement necklaces are in right now; be sure to pair with small earrings that grant the focus to the grand necklace.

Bridesmaids are generally allowed more color, and more drama with both dress choices and accessories. Our global jewelry store at Deco Belle Inc. has often honored requests to send duplicates of certain jewelry items for a bridal party, as the bride often gifts her bridesmaids jewelry that they can use in the wedding, and if it’s fabulous enough, to be worn at various occasions.

Whether you want to accessorize glamour, romance, or modern, there are various ways to implement the spring and summer 2009 trends in your wedding. Wishing you the best on your special day, I hope that these tips will help you stay stylish, without breaking the bank.

-Deco Belle
Deco Belle Inc. Global Jewelry

Labels: accessories, art/lit/film, beauty, culture, deco, event, fashion, gemstone, holidays, magazine, paris, usa, vintage

by: Deco Belle Inc.

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Friday, October 31, 2008

Day of the Dead celebrations

With the approach to November comes the Day of the Dead, or All Saint's (and Soul's) Day. Deco Belle Global Jewelry would like to shed some light on this celebration.

The celebrated Day of the Dead, as it's known in Mexico and most of Latin America as well as the Czech Republic, and All Saint's Day (Nov 1st), and All Soul's Day (Nov 2nd) is approached as a joyful event to celebrate and honor the lives of the deceased.

Throughout Mexico, the traditional mood is jubilant, with emphasis on celebration of the deceased. Offerings of the deceased's favorite food and beverage are left out in the homes as a welcoming gesture for the deceased. Time and meals are spent at the grave site of a loved one as a means to enjoy a meal with the loved one.

In most regions of Mexico, November 1st honors deceased children and infants, whereas deceased adults are honored on November 2nd. Goodbye October, and hello November! Visit our Taxco page to see more Mexican sterling silver jewelry. Also, new Taxco sterling silver jewelry to be added through mid November.

During the Nepali holiday of Gai Jatra ("Cow Pilgrimage") every family that has suffered a loss of a loved one within the previous year makes a construction of bamboo branches, cloth, paper decorations and portraits of the deceased, called a "gai."

Traditionally, a cow leads the spirits of the dead into the next land. Depending on local custom, either an actual live cow, or a construct made of paper maché or other materials, representing a cow may be used.

The festival is also a time to dress up in costume, including costumes involving heated topics of the day such as political comments and satire.

In Kathmandu city, children are dressed as "cows" complete with straw horns and elaborate paper decorations, sometimes leading a real cow in a procession that, according to custom, must pass before the window of the old Royal Palace. Visit our Himalayas page for more Tibetan gemstone jewelry. Deco Belle Global Jewelry brings you jewelry from around the world at your fingertips!

Labels: culture, holidays

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