National Black Diamond Month

National Black Diamond Month is observed annually in January.

New Year, New Dreams! The New Year is a time to slow down.  The majority of people are thinking, “What can I do better this year?” What about today?  The Black Diamond Collection jewelry pieces are designed to remind us to be present, allowing us to incorporate meditation, peace and style into our daily routines.

While black diamonds are rare like thier gem grade whites they are not as rare as other diamonds of color. Diamonds of color are not imitation, simulated or created. Each natural diamond must possess specific elements to make thier color. Many are famous, The Hope Diamond is actually blue. Other colors include Champagne, Red, Green, Pink, and Yellow.

Diamonds are always a girls best friend, no matter their color. The same 4 C’s are just as important these colorful gems as they are in white diamonds. Many colors have a ranking system for color intensity as well.

History

Carole Shoshana, founder of the Black Diamond Collection, trained with a Grand Master of Feng Shui in Hong Kong for 16 years, and became a Grand Master herself upon his passing. The “Black Diamond Collection” was inspired by Carole’s spiritual journey through the sacred images of nature depicted in the philosophy of Shan Shui art.  As an art form, Shan Shui evokes a sanctuary of peace, patience and harmony.  Based on the teachings of the I Ching, Shan Shui captures the emotion and atmosphere of the mountains and waters, and Carole wanted to design a line of jewelry that also depicts the beauty she found in her personal journeys in the Far East. The black diamonds represent the reflecting stones she saw in the mountain streams as she walked with her Master and learned valuable lessons.

The Black Diamond Collection emerged from something called cracked ice, which is about finding breath and energy.  Each part of the collection is symbolic of the wearer. The jewelry pieces are considered “portable energizers,” meaning that they provide support for wearers.

“My jewelry was inspired and designed to evoke and maintain those same meditative qualities in whomever wears it, to follow them throughout their day and to remind them of their dreams and desires,” says Carole. “Like all of my designs, every piece in my Black Diamond Collection works like a life compass, keeping the wearer on course toward personal happiness.”

More Jewelry….

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take some time to think about your dreams and desires. Post on social media using #BlackDiamondMonth.

NATIONAL PLAY MONOPOLY DAY

National Play Monopoly Day on November 19th recognizes the iconic board game that lands us on Park Place, Boardwalk or even in jail.

Known as one of the most popular board games in the world, Monopoly was originally based on a board game designed by Elizabeth Magie in 1902. Since then, the game has been played by an estimated 500 million people since 1935. 

The object of the game is to collect as many properties as you can to create a monopoly. When players land on your property, you get to collect rent. The more properties you own, the more money you make, too. But watch out, there are taxes and other fees involved. To win the game, you need to bankrupt your opponents and be the last landowner standing. Many families have house rules that make the game more interesting, too. 

Monopoly also comes in numerous versions. Do you enjoy a particular book or movie franchise or hobby? The game likely comes in themes focusing on famous characters and likely scenarios. How about sports teams or pop culture? Monopoly money goes there, too!

Monopoly was  published by Parker Brothers, an American toy and game manufacturer since 1883.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #PlayMonopolyDay

Put your banker cap on. Gather your family and friends together and play Monopoly. See if you can come out the winner. What are your house rules? How long do games last in your house or do they end up in turmoil? Use #PlayMonopolyDay to post on social media.

Be sure to check out other games too. Start a family game night. Not only is it fun and competitive, it teaches skills that will be used later in life like managing money. Be sure to try Scrabble day too.

SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH

During December, participate in Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Since December is the biggest gift-giving month in the world, it’s important to keep safety in mind as you’re shopping for the little ones in your life.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 251,700 toy-related injuries were treated by hospital emergency rooms around the U.S. in 2010. Of those, 72% of them were people younger than 15 years old. A few years earlier, toymakers recalled over 19 million toys across the globe due to safety concerns like lead paint and small magnets. Since then, toy safety has improved, but shoppers can take precautions to keep children in their lives safe.

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Buying toys and other gifts are one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season. I mean, who doesn’t love watching a friend or family member open a gift and seeing their eyes light up with excitement?! In all the eagerness, it’s easy to forget about simple safety. So before making any purchases this year, keep safety in mind, so the holidays don’t turn from the happiest time of the year to the scariest!

HOW TO OBSERVE #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth

Post on social media using #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth to spread the word and raise awareness this December. Here are some ways to be sure you’re shopping safely this year.

  1. Make sure to inspect the toys before you buy them. Try to avoid toys with sharp edges, lots of little parts, or parts that can be easily pulled off. (Especially if it’s for a baby or toddler)
  2. Make sure the age and skill level marked on the toy matches the age and skill level of the child you’re buying for.
  3. Label check! Toys should have a label for ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) that proves it’s up to standard. ATSM testing is more important than many people realize.
  4. Do not give toys with ropes, cords, or that can heat up, and avoid crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic.

Follow this advice, and your whole family is sure to have a very merry (and injury-free) holiday season!

SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH HISTORY

The American Academy of Ophthalmology sponsors National Safe Toys and Gifts Month.

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