Precious Gems
"A Look at some of the World's Finest Gemstones"
By Jaye C. Modena

Winter is the season when there is plenty to celebrate and parties a-plenty! Because even the best dress is hopeless without the perfect accessories, it may be time to add a piece or two to your jewelry collection. Why not step out this season? Be bold and extravagant. This year consider a stone that stands out and beams with brightness. No stone shines more brightly than the diamond, and unlike most other gemstones, flaws are not preferred. Nearly 50 percent of the world’s diamonds come from South Africa and the rest are found in India, Brazil, Russia, Australian and even Canada. The purest diamonds are colorless and rare; however, diamonds thick with yellow or brown are classified as fancy, and can be truly wonderful, like a canary diamond ring or black diamond cuff-links. From the perfect teardrop pendant to sassy new hoop earrings, the diamond’s fortitude is undeniable. But the holiday season is ripe with color, and green is definitely one of them. Nothing says green like the emerald.
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Redefining Sex Appeal
Beauté Cachée
By Gretchen Michals

Delicate fabrics and intricate lace patterns are not usually synonymous with cold winter attire. Beneath bulky layers and wool mittens lies a woman who still has the urge to feel sexy – no matter what the thermostat reads outside. Like the mystery behind Mona Lisa’s smile, any woman has the ability to don the most delicate of fabrics and face the day with an extra strut in her stride.

This season, treat yourself to some unmentionables worth talking about. Vintage lace slip dresses or black lace bra ensembles complete with garter belts are just as essential as the right trousers or lip gloss. While you might not be marching out into the world in your underwear, your hidden armor does not translate into sacrificing your otherwise impeccable sense of style. Lingerie is not limited to special occasions, but rather, a means to express your sensuality to yourself, adding that extra strut in your stride. Reacquaint yourself with silken dressing gowns and lace; rest assured that today’s offerings are not what your grandmother used to wear.
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Do You Smell Good
By Carol Patton

If you’re like most people, you probably stick to one or two types of perfume or cologne. But did you know that more than 800 fragrances were introduced just this past year? Consider pampering your nasal cells in a totally new experience. But don’t overdose. If people can smell your fragrance from more than several feet away, that’s a sure sign of a happy trigger finger. All you need is a small dab or spritz at the nape of your neck, behind your knee, on your cleavage, behind your wrist, in the crook of your elbow or behind your ears, says Jacquelyn Tran, president and founder of perfumebay.com. She explains that scents last longer when applied to the body’s pulse points. So does keeping them in a cool, dry place like your closet, vanity or fridge, she says. Or consider layering your favorite scent with body lotion to make the scent last longer.
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Hidden Secrets
Photos by Ron Harden

The secrets that lie beneath those winter coats, and layers of sweaters and scarves, may make your heart stop beating.... A look at todays latest and sexiest lingerie
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Mouradian Jewelers
By mary Charbonneau

Mouradian Jewelers, owned by Harout Mouradian, has been specializing in gems and design for over 25 years. Mr. Mouradian earned a GIA degree (Gemological Institute of America) grading diamonds. He prefers to offer and sell custom-made jewelry. Mr. Mouradian works directly with his client as he feels jewelry is a personalized item. The piece should fit your personality and unique style. His first step begins with the selection of the color and shape of your gemstone. The selection and color of the metal follows. Clients can provide brief explanations of their style, or a sketch. It does not have to be professional. This information gives the designer enough information to create and depict a design in a 3-D representation. Computer-aided design software (CAD) is also utilized.
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