News
GK Trading Post has a new Facebook page that offers even more jewelry and accessory options along with women's clothing fashion selections, plus-size and more, so if you haven't visited in a while this is an open invitation to stop by and check out all of the new, cool stuff I have added! Over on the Giftkone website be sure to see the new sewing page, just added to my website. For your needlework and sewing projects, or for the handmade-garment-maker you know there are clothing sewing labels to add a special extra touch to your handmade garment or promote your logo or brand. Sewing accessories like a dress, pants, children's clothes, and curtain patterns for your next sewing project. There is even a link to some one-of-a-kind fabric choices available.
Whether you enjoy making garments with your own hands and sharing your handmade creations with loved ones, or you simply want to view some good looking jewelry and jewelry accessories the Giftkone Trading Post is here for you.
The ancient symbol of an ornate cross with an open loop at the top known as the Ankh; the Egyptians referred to in ancient times as The Cross of Life or the Key of Life is the subject of this post. As in ancient times, the Ankh symbolizes our mortal life, the afterlife, and fertility. The ancient Egyptian language is displayed in symbols and the Ankh was the Egyptian symbol for the word life. The Ankh can also be interpreted as a "mirror" as in a mirror to the soul.
I recently added this interesting piece of jewelry to my Juneteenth jewelry collection and some of the information I have discovered about this ancient object has educated me about ancient Egyptian customs. I share some of what I learned in this post for those who are also interested and provided you are not already in possession of this knowledge. If not, you might find it interesting to know that Ancient Egyptians decorated their homes, inside and out with the Ankh symbol and wore Ankh ornamentation for protections to ward off evil.
The Ankh was believed to have magical powers and was used for everything from fertility rituals to cult worship. The Ankh did not come from the Christian cross, in fact, it predates the Christian cross some scholars believe the Ankh symbol was a model for the Christian cross.
Even though fashion has changed a lot since the fall of the ancient Egyptian empires this ancient symbol of immortality and death, the male and female balance seems to be as popular today as it was hundreds of years ago. So, if you've ever wanted to add to your collection of jewelry a piece of attractive Egyptian protective bling that represents a life that spans not only living in the material world but life in the spiritual everlasting afterlife as well then this ancient good-luck-symbol may be for you.
Dressing in ankh decorated clothing or jewelry has a history that is worth learning a little about. I found it interesting to know that there was once great unity and change connected to the power of ancient fashion and culture. Ancient people understood the powerful meaning of what geometry and symbols had to offer them, and how those things could affect the vibrations in their environment, and the direct effects on them related to the physical plane of existence. Whether you're feeling like connecting with the ancestors and working on your spiritual connection to consciousness or just looking to add a fashionable finish to any wardrobe choice you make---add a little ankh to it.
The joy of life's energy is represented in this historical Egyptian symbol and even though you will find Ankh jewelry rings, Ankh jewelry bracelets, sweatshirts, and other Ankh-cross-images, all presented in many wonderful designs and color combinations, the true beauty of the Ankh is in its meaning---life!
Same-Sex Marriage
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015, legalizing it in all fifty states. So, if you're in a same-sex relationship and want to take things a step further, there can't be a better time to announce and celebrate your love than today. On that note, if you want to make your wedding a unique and unforgettable experience for all of your guests (which you obviously do), then you have to do things a bit… differently. With that said, here are eight ways you can make your same-sex wedding distinctively yours and something people won't be able to forget.
Style: #LWKF15003
1. Keep the invitations interesting
Let’s start off with invitations, shall we? In a typical wedding, the couple has their names printed on the invitation as the hosts. Your invitations don’t have to be so penny plain. You can add a rainbow-colored “With Love” on top of the invite and perhaps two bow-ties or two tiaras followed by your names. And how about a pride flag? If you want to stand up and align yourself with those who are choosing a courageous and just path, this is the way to go!2. Play with traditions
There’s no set formula for any traditional wedding ceremony, but there are a few key components that normally take place. When you have a same-sex wedding, however, you can choose between adopting and ditching all those traditions you don’t think have a place in your big day. Want to sing to your partner instead of reading vows? Go for it. Want to share a wedding party rather than having separate bridesmaids and groomsmen? Totally your call… This is your day, so do what your hearts desire to make it personal.
3. Be creative with the professionals
It’s a time-honored tradition for the bride's father to walk her down the aisle. But what do you do when there are two brides or two grooms? There are a number of options: One partner can wait at the end of the aisle while the other walks or is escorted down, you can walk down together, or you can create a seating arrangement with two aisles that convene at the altar. Do whatever is most comfortable for both of you.4. Wear anything you want
When it comes to wedding attire, you can wear anything that’s uniquely and unquestionably you! Women may choose to don identical traditional princess wedding gowns or more contemporary A-line wedding dresses. If budget is a concern, you can also buy your custom wedding dress online. Men can wear identical tuxedos or a nice suit with coordinating neckties.
Style: #LD4902, Image Credit: Sabrina Fatal Photo
5. Put a creative spin on the ring exchange
Wedding rings are one of the biggest parts of the wedding ceremony, and you have the choice between the traditional and the bold designs such as two males intertwined or curvy females or two symbols of Mars. Oh, and you can totally ditch the rings if both of you would rather have bands.6. Not the usual venue, please
Many same-sex couples play with the idea of renting the clichéd wedding venues (just strike off Christian churches from the list). But since being in the LGBT camp is about being out in the open and being real, wouldn't it make more sense to hold the wedding in unique locations such as forest parks, lakesides, underwater, or on a yacht? Think about it!
Styles: #LD3832, #CWLT1302B, #CWXT16003 & #CWLT13090
7. Time for the sweet tooth
When it comes to same-sex wedding cakes, these are some of the options you can make allowances for long-lasting cakes such as fruit cakes; cakes with liqueurs; or cakes with fillings. The most common same-sex cake toppers are two men in tuxes or two brides dressed in gowns. Just remember to refrain from going too overboard with the same-sex symbolism. After all, you want to celebrate the day, not only promote a cause.8. Give your guests a unique memento of your day
Because same-sex unions are just getting their mitts on popularity, you may not find many wedding favors unique to your wedding on the market today. Having said that, there are a few favors that can highlight the pride of your union very well. You can choose from “rainbow-inspired” mint tins, chocolate bars personalized with your names and/or wedding date, candy puzzles, place card holders, and bears.Lastly, these are only some ways to make your big day more unique and unforgettable and the final decision on what to adopt and what to dump should still rest on you, the couple. You can literally do whatever your hearts desire.
Just about any time is the right time for a wedding, if you ask me, even though most weddings do tend to take place during the summer months. This post is all about choosing and delivering (or rather having delivered) the perfect wedding cake should this part of the wedding plan, ordering the wedding cake, becomes your responsibility.
When you're ready to select a wedding cake, you should arrange to meet with at least three bakers and actually taste their products. If you have attended or are planning on attending a bridal show, you can easily and quickly take care of this, taste-test-task at the show.
If you have a certain look you are going for with your wedding cake, be sure to bring a picture of what you would like when meeting with bakers. It's also a good idea to bring along your cake topper if you already have it as well as fabric swatches of the bridesmaid’s dresses. Also, be prepared to give the baker an estimated number of guests that you are expecting.
When you meet with the baker, be sure to ask to see a portfolio of pictures that have been taken of the baker’s previous work. In addition, always check references before you make the final decision. When you are reviewing a baker’s contract, be sure to note the following; you should immediately see the name, contact person, location, and phone numbers for the bakery. The cake size, shape, and number of tiers must be on the contract. Be sure that the cake flavor(s), fillings, and icing are noted and that all returnable items are clearly stated.
When you are interviewing the bakers, ask each one the same questions so that you do not forget anything and so that you can make an accurate comparison. Some things to inquire about are the set-up and take-down of the table where the cake will be, who will put the cake topper on the cake, who will place napkins, plates, flowers, etc. on the table, and who will direct the cutting of the cake?
Also, find out where the cake will be stored (preferably out of direct sunlight), who will be in charge of boxing up the cake top and you want to receive the cake? What arrangements will be made for the left-over cake, and who will cut the cake and distribute it? Cutting a wedding cake is much trickier than it looks and must be done by someone who is familiar with the process.
Be sure that the number of guests the cake is to serve is on the contract when the cake was ordered. When the cake will be delivered and assembled, what the set-up fee is if applicable, and the due dates for deposits and balances.
In closing, choosing a cake can really be a lot of fun. You have the chance to sample some goodies and make some light-hearted decisions about fillings, flavors, and decorations. However, in the process, make sure you are noting all of the details that need to be covered so that you are confident in your baker’s ability to deliver the product that you are expecting.
