Monday Motivation-With Blues

1. Art Object / Sculpture-- psculptures

2. Simply Luxe Robin's Egg Modern Earrings --fairchilddesigns

3. Aqua Ginkgo Leaf --easawyer

4. Aqua Meets Sepia Giclee Fine art print-- karenfaulkneart

Mixed Media Art with February birthstone theme

February's birthstone amethyst's color varies from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple... I picked several mixed media wall art examples with beautiful shades of violet to feature. Ready for great inspiration?

1. Purple Flower Wall Art -- merritthyde

2. My Umbrella --Lauraamiss

3. Mostly Triangle 3D wall hanging --Shirleyjean

4. Flora Wall Wear--Neawear

by Paperinstyle

Monday Motivation

1. Bella Tan and Brown Featherheadband-- liveinstyle

2. Dark Brown Clutch Wallet --VintagePass

3. Faux Boot Legwarmers --Leshasworkshop

4. Fly Girl Goose and Guinea Feather Earrings-- UniqueDesignedJewels

Amethyst- Brazilian Fashion

Being one of the main sources for February’s birth stone, the amethyst, this week we are focusing on the fashion and trends that are currently coming out of Brazil.

Fashion in Brazil is often linked to provocative styling and minimalistic beach-wear, many of us conjuring up thoughts of Carnivale costumes and string bikinis. Recently, however, Brazil has been gaining recognition from the fashion industry. January 2010 brought two major fashion events to Brazil, Rio Fashion Week in Rio de Janeiro and Brazil Fashion week in Sao Paulo. Designers all from all over the world descended on these South American hot spots for two weeks of couture and sophistication.

Rio Fashion Week

A fun color palette of shades of oranges, blues, creams and grays, mixed with interesting textures composed the innovative and fashion forward collection of Melk Z-Da.

In contrast to the softer colors of Melk Z-Da is Cantao’s 2010 Fall/Winter collection, full of bright colors and bold prints.

Giulia Borges’ collection was a dream in black and white.

Brazil (Sao Paulo) Fashion Week

Like Cantao, Alexandre Herchcovitch picks up on the rising trend of gyspy-esque styling, referred to as “Gypset”.

The outdoor runway was the perfect showcase for Maria Bonita’s breezy collection.

by Itsallinthebag01

Monday Motivation- Spring Fashion

1. Urban Samurai Green-- Attilladesigns

2. The Shopper-Pink and Green Eyelash --CecilandCo

3. Stain Elastic Striped Fringed Scarf --everythingunder20

4. Spring Fashion Silver and Fresh Water Pearl Ring-- vineyardcreek

Amethyst – Brazilian Food

While researching the metaphysical properties of Amethyst, (I was born February 14th), I came upon many helpful websites, which expanded my knowledge of this beautiful and charming birthstone, as well as my culinary knowledge of Brazilian cuisine. Remember, Amethyst comes mostly from Brazil, where everyone loves to dance, drink, and especially eat.

Brazilian cuisine includes an eclectic variety of foods from a many countries, Germany, Middle East, Africa and even Japan. Alligator meat, called picadinho de jacaré, is a regional favorite and apparently scrumptious and delightful. Pine nuts called pinhão are often mixed with different traditional foods prepared from the locals of southern Brazil and those dishes take on a completely new identity when mixed in. The Portuguese and Indians brought their own essence to the Brazilian recipes. And when the Africans came along, they added some more unique flavors to the exotic dishes.

New generations of modern Brazilian chefs are adding new techniques into their kitchens, everyday. For example, some add tropical fruits to their dishes, such as mango, coconut milk, and papaya. Mmm!

Below, please find links to my favorite recipes on the Food Network. I am sure you will find many more unique recipes that you try for your family.

By the way, Amethyst in Greek means “without alcohol.” So some of its metaphysical properties will only be awakened when we avoid alcohol during the month of February. Good luck, with that.

In Portuguese - Bom Apetite!

By Tulay Lawton

Motivational Picks for the Week- I can smell the Lavender

1. Lilac Lipstick-- ZosimosBotanicals

2. Blooming Lilacs--Barebummbath

3. Lilac and Lavender Handmade Soap --Seaspritesoaps

4. Lilac Bath Bombs Set of 3-- KBShimmer

Amethyst Design Ideas

A great color of the month is Amethyst. This amazing gemstone has a great Mythological and Geographical history in human lives. But today, I am going to focus on using this amazing color on different design elements. The images I put together will show the use of this color in many different ways and in different shades.

1.I Shall Wear Purple -- Nicholsphotos

2. Purple Haze all in my Brain--Jay PH

3. Purple Chili--Fir...

4. Untitled-- Kwestad

The Image is from my doted collections. To get this color I used combination of two different glazes. Every time I use the glaze I get different effect of the purple.

by Newmoonstudio

The Tale of the Birthstones - February in Amethyst

Starting this month, we will be writing a wide range and aspect of interesting articles. Our starting point is "Birthstones". The articles will cover the home decor, cooking techniques, clothing and accessories and mixed art media that is related somehow with the birthstones... Hope to see you all every week...

Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month.

The Modern Birthstone List contains the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. In the US, this is the accepted list.

1. Amethyst stalactite Slice-- AMD

2. Amethyst Pendant--AjCouturegemstones

3. Large AAA Purple Amethyst--BohoBoutique

4. Onion Amethyst Faceted Briolettes-- Zsuzsag

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Birthstone Color: Purple

Alternative Birthstone: Bloodstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the sixth of marriage. Once considered more valuable than diamonds, this member of the quartz member occurs naturally as crystals within rocks.

Mystical Powers of the birthstone: The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, so it is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem. Whether or not Amethyst holds such power, it's stunning beauty will certainly make anyone who wears it feel like royalty!

Wear Amethyst if you would like to connect with your intuition, your feelings and your values. It is believed to give calmness and to clear the anxiety and stress…

Main sources of Amethyst: Brazil and Zambia. It is also found in Uruguay, Russia, Sri Lanka, Mexico and the US State of Arizona.

Interesting Facts: One of the largest cut amethysts in the world is 343 carats and is housed at the National History Museum in London. Very dark stones are sometimes heated to enhance color.