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The use of silver to make jewelry has been around for centuries, and although the silversmith techniques have changed somewhat throughout the years, the attention to quality and detail has not. Sterling silver, at one time was reserved only for those who were wealthy, and few could afford it.

Thankfully, in the modern world Sterling silver has become much more affordable and one does not need to be wealthy in order to have a Sterling silver pendant within their jewelry wardrobe. In today’s market it is relatively easy to choose a quality Sterling silver pendant, if you keep your eyes open to the little details. They make great gifts, too — especially in the shape of a heart for Valentine’s Day.

Read on and you’ll be equipped with information to impress the person you are gifting with silver.
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February is National Wedding Month in the United States, sponsored by the Association of Bridal Consultants of America. So, I thought this might be a good time to provide a simple list of six things you should think about while picking out a DJ for a wedding reception. Of course, these tips can be used for other types of parties, as well.

Choosing the right disc jockey for your wedding entertainment can be the key to the success of the event. Below are some questions that should always be asked before saying “how much do you charge?”

1. What type of party experience does the DJ have?

Is he or she experienced enough to handle unforeseen circumstances that may arise? DJs should offer appropriate music during certain times. Dinner and cocktail music should be played during the meal. Dance or upbeat music gets played afterward, when the couple feels it is appropriate. Additionally, the DJ should work well with other professionals, such as the caterer and photographer.

2. What type of events does the DJ regularly play?

Obviously one would prefer the answer “weddings.” Many disc jockeys serve other markets and only do weddings when one comes along. Weddings are unique events, different from proms and clubs, and should be treated that way by entertainers. There is certain etiquette that needs to be displayed in a wedding entertainer, and an inexperienced DJ can end up ruining your wedding reception.

3. Can the DJ provide local references?

The key to DJ service is repeat business and word of mouth advertising. Ask for phone numbers or email addresses of past customers and have questions prepared to ask these reference about their experiences with the DJ.

4. Is the disc jockey’s price a good value?

Shop around, but don’t settle for the bottom line. There are bargain DJ services where you get more than your money’s worth. There are also services that will charge you too much. Watch out for companies that will try to take advantage of a couple preparing for a wedding.

5. What type of equipment will your DJ use?

Make sure all the equipment is professional — no home speakers and home-built lights. You are, hopefully, hiring a professional who takes his job seriously. Make sure they have made an investment in equipment. Expect the best. No bride and groom should have to worry about the microphone or speakers dying in the middle of their reception!

6. Will the DJ play a wide variety of music?

You want to find a DJ that will entertain everyone at the reception. Ask for a sample music listing. The music library should contain everything from big band, oldies, disco, country, rock, and should be on digital compact disc. They should also offer to purchase any of your special songs that they do not have in their music library.

As you might have noticed from other posts on this website, I’ve a big proponent of planning ahead for gift-giving and party planning opportunities. Toward that end, the first post of each month will now highlight the observances coming up in the following month. That way, you won’t have to be worried about being caught off guard.

NOTE: You can also keep an eye on the “Next 5 Gift-Giving & Party Occasions” I have listed in the right-hand navigation bar.

February 2008 Gift-Giving Occasions

Chinese New Year, Thursday, Feb. 7

Valentine’s Day, Thursday, Feb. 14

February 2008 Party Opportunities

Love Your Pet Week, Feb. 17-23

Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3

Mardi Gras, Tuesday, Feb. 5

Pancake Tuesday, Feb. 5

Chinese New Year, Thursday, Feb. 7

Valentine’s Day, Thursday, Feb. 14

Banana Bread Day, Saturday, Feb. 23

Leap Day, Friday, Feb. 29

Other Events

Be sure to keep in mind any birthdays and anniversaries that your friends and family might have coming up in February.

One thing you can be fairly certain of is that you can always find a gift of movies, music or a book for anyone on your holiday gift lists. But you don’t want to do it in an ordinary way.

For example, my aunt gave my father a book of Tom Lehrer songs. One of the lyrics is “Life is skittles and life is beer.” So she included a package of skittles and a can of beer with the book. Another time, I gave my husband a movie withe trinkets that were mentioned in (and integral to the plot of) the movie.

Movies

Movies are sold everywhere from Blockbuster Video Rental stores to Walgreen Drug Stores. You can find movies in convenience stores and grocery stores. Many of the larger retailers, like Wal Mart, have bins of “bargain” priced movies and if you don’t mind digging through them you can find some really good movies at rock bottom prices. If you aren’t bothered by the words “previously viewed” you can get some current hits for $8 to $10. With a diligent search and good timing you can get some great new unopened movies off of eBay for a fraction of the cost in stores. It’s also a good source for movies that are out of print.
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