Thursday, February 14, 2008

Valentine's for Singles - Part III

"Amantes sunt amentes!" or at least that is what my Latin phrase-a-day calendar says for today. Our third and last segment for this Valentine's is for confirmed bachelors/bachelorettes and those clinging less adamantly to singlehood but willing to have some fun along the way! So grab some chocolate, a few strawberries, and a glass of wine, and take a look at these great items!

So what exactly does it mean to be single? This scrabble charm by Found and Made Designs has all the answers! Made from a salvaged Scrabble letter tile and a silver bail, it features the dictionary definitions of the word "single." Singlehood is no longer considered a contemptible state. Show off your singleness with pride!

Not afraid to be alone? Take a look at this interesting t-shirt from Cackle! An unusual, and somewhat more positive, spin on the "I'm with Stupid" shirts, it declares, "I'm with Myself." Available in grey or white, this shirt would make a great gift for anyone who is comfortable with himself/herself and quite content to spend some time in solitude!

Want the ring but not the significant other? Take a look at Shade Jewelry's selection of unique titanium rings! In particular, this graceful diamond and titanium ring is a show-stopper and a refreshingly distinctive piece in a world of déja-vu jewelry! A diamond may not be a girl's best friend, but it does not hurt. If you are looking for a more masculine piece, I recommend this striking ring that was inspired by jewelry hand-forged in the days of yore. By the way, Shade Jewelry's diamonds are non-conflict, so you can enjoy their beauty without offending your conscience (yay!).

Before everyone complains that I skipped the best part of the holiday, here is a piece inspired by my favorite Valentine's Day activity, eating chocolate! This chocolate love bubble charm from The Cutting Edge reads, "forget love, I'd rather fall in chocolate." Which is better, chocolate or love? You decide. Hmm... what about falling in love with chocolate?

Have a wonderful romantic or non-romantic Valentine's everyone!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Valentine's for Singles - Part II

Of course, there are those of us who are not content to stay in the single state. The second part of this series is for those who are looking for "the one" and those who think they have found him/her and are not sure how to suggest expanding the relationship from a friendship to something more. What better time is there to make this step to a romantic friendship than on Valentine's? Just be sure to make dinner reservations early!

This purse made from a recycled book with a rather unusual title was not quite what I intended to feature when I chose the theme of singles looking for love, but I could not help laughing when I saw it! I am sure most of you can sympathize (guys, just replaced the word "Guys" in the title with "Girls"). I know of very few people who did not go through an awkward phase at some time or other when positive attention from the opposite sex seemed nothing short of miraculous. If you are interested in other repurposed and vintage items, take a look at Retro Grandma's other items! (I cannot believe I actually recognized a few things in the toy section...)

This gorgeous silver "Oui" necklace from Meg Leigh Designs would be appropriate to wear next time you are hanging out with that guy who needs just a wee bit of a hint (no pun intended)! Alleviate his fears about asking you out by letting him know that he will not receive a "Non" or the dreaded "Peut-être." This simply elegant piece is a combination of a sterling silver filigree heart charm, a sterling silver round "oui" charm, a 17" [43.2 cm] sterling silver chain, and a Karen Hill Tribe silver toggle clasp.

If you think your prospective new sweetheart requires a more straightforward approach, try this gamer-inspired card by BS Angel! The front of the card reads, "Your friends list is full.", and the inside concludes with "May I add you to my more than friends list instead?". The teal and brown color combination allows this card to stand out in the Valentine's sea of red and pink, so that it will be noticed by "you know who."

Cute of a Million's "Kiss Me Already" card is perfect for when subtle hints fail and you need a bolder strategy! Give it to that guy you keep on calling to fix your unbroken T.V. or the girl whom you asked if she would hypothetically date a guy like you! The front of the card reads, "Put down the card and kiss me already. Don't make me repeat myself." (Non-singles, this would be a useful card to have on hand for those "just because" moments!)

Perfectly content to stay single or ready to just go where the wind blows you? Come back in a little while to see the third part of this series!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Valentine's for Singles - Part I

Valentine's Day is often reserved for children and those who are in romantic relationships. So instead of putting together a traditional Valentine's Day Gift Guide, I decided this year to focus on those of us who are usually ignored this time of year, that is, the singles. Whether you spend Valentine's Day with friends, rejoicing at having escaped yet another year still single, alone crying over a box of chocolates, staking out potential sweethearts, chasing away wannabe worshippers, or oblivious to the fact that the holiday even exists, this series of posts is for you!

One of the best ways to celebrate Valentine's Day while single, if you do decide to go ahead and make the most of it, is, of course, to spend it with other singles.

In the sometimes tumultuous and often lonely sea of singlehood, it is comforting to have the safe harbor of a lasting friendship. This notecard entitled "Old Friends" by Mary Ann Archibald symbolizes the sort of friendship about which I am talking. A constant friend who serves as a companion, a morale-booster, a confidant, an advisor, and even, at times, a critic is one of the greatest treasures in life.

Our second featured item is a tribute to the time-honored tradition of going out drinking with friends! "Double Trouble," an adorably odd t-shirt by Tsai-fi, features two unusual drinking buddies who have had one drink too many and have begun to spew out cosmos! The design is also available in pink printed on a charcoal t-shirt. Get one for yourself and one for your drinking companion!

Many of us have at least one friend who knows too much about us: that friend who has been there to comfort us and sometimes laugh at us when we are having issues with the opposite sex, that friend who finishes our sentences and shares our peculiar sense of humor. "Up to no Good," an altered domino that can be used as a keychain or pendant, celebrates those friends without whom we could not imagine going through life. Created by Art by Heather, this domino can be converted to a magnet upon request.

Lastly, what better time is there to cause mischief than on Valentine's when all your other friends are preoccupied with their sweethearts? They will never suspect a thing...
"Partners in Crime" is an original acrylic painting by Jo Knee Appleseed, featuring co-conspirators. I will leave it to you to decide which is the criminal mastermind and which is the accomplice.

One last note, Mary Ann Archibald, Tsai-fi, and Art by Heather also have websites and/or blogs, in case I have piqued your interest, which I certainly hope I have. Be sure to check in later for the rest of this series!