Centralia, a spooky ghost town

Centralia, Pennsylvania.
It all started in 1962 with a fire...

"... started by five members of the volunteer fire company when they were hired by the town council to clean up the landfill... The landfill was located in an abandoned strip mine pit and as the firemen had in the past, they set the dump on fire, let it burn for a time, and then extinguished the fire, or so they thought." (source)

They fought the (underground) fire for twenty years. It just kept on burning (it still burns today). With carbon monoxide levels continually rising and risks such as the ground suddenly sinking (in 1981 a 12-year old boy fell into such a sinkhole but was saved), the inhabitants started to leave in the 1980s.

It's now an abandoned ghost town, apart from the 9 or so inhabitants who refuse to leave. It's hard to find because it's been taken off the map and does not officially exist (the US Postal Service has revoked Centralia's zip code.). But it's real. It's a town where streets lead to nowhere. Streets that have no names, nor houses because they have now either been burnt down or demolished.

But wait... was this town allowed to die for a reason? If it doesn't exist, it can't have mineral rights. And it's sitting on some rich coal deposits... That's what some people believe. 

Is Centralia haunted? There have been no known related deaths. But many visitors have talked about the 'strange feeling' that they get when they're there. There are two stories that you can read about here. These people heard a voice out of nowhere... and footsteps in an abandoned house. To believe or not to believe? Sony thinks so... they developed Silent Hill - a popular video game (Playstation) and film - which was inspired by Centralia.

I think... I sort of believe (I want to!) that it's haunted... at least enough that I will stay away from the place. But many go there for that reason! Would you want to visit a ghost town like Centralia? (click for map!)

Happy Halloween! 

Mourning Jewelry – Cool or Creepy?

(This is a popular older post that seemed appropriate to share again before the Halloween weekend. Be safe and bedazzle, jewelry hounds!)

Most of us associate jewelry with happy occasions like weddings, birthdays and Valentine’s Day. But many folks are wearing jewels these days that symbolize quite the opposite.

Mourning jewelry is apparently all the rage right now, according to TrendHunter, and with vampire chic taking over our pop culture – from Twilight to True Blood - it’s no wonder.

So what is mourning jewelry exactly?

The earliest examples of mourning jewelry were found in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. Black and white enameled heads or skulls were often set into both rings and brooches and worn to signify a period of mourning after the death of a loved one.

The jewelry category reached its height of popularity in England with Queen Victoria after the premature death of Prince Albert in December 1861. Black jewelry soon became a must-have accessory, as thousands of Brits sympathized with their grieving Queen.


In the United States the use of mourning jewelry increased with the outbreak of the Civil War, which included the emergence of hair jewelry – lopped off locks given to loved ones by soldiers who went off to war, often worn as pendants or in closed lockets.


Today, mourning jewelry is making a comeback, with young designers like Anna Schwamborn from London designing a range of styles made with the hair and cremated ashes of loved ones mixed with black bone china. Her “Mourning Objects” collection includes a rosary, necklace and a watch chain tear catcher, among other styles.

So what do you think about this ‘trendy’ jewelry category? Would you wear the remains of your loved one around your neck, for example, or in the form of a ring? Or is the thought of it too morbid to even consider?

I'm curious. Has anyone out there worn mourning jewelry before? Share your story!

Twisted Baseball Necklace Ropes In Players

With the 2010 World Series underway (GO GIANTS!), I had to get an answer to a question many of my guy-friends have asked me this year:

"What's with those weird rope necklaces?"

I have to admit, while I am thrilled to see the menfolk embrace a jewelry tradition, these things look about as appealing as a twisted chain of sea slugs. And neck ropes? They don't really conjure up the warm/fuzzies, if you get my drift...

But apparently there is method to the rope-filled madness (and I mean 'madness' literally).

Phiten, maker of the official "Phiten rope necklace"explains it this way on MLB.com:

"We have a really unique product. It has the effect to stabilize your electric current inside the body. Every single product has been permeated with what we call the aqua titanium. We have technology to dissolve the metal into the water. That specially treated titanium allows the flow of energy."

"So many players believe in our technology, and at the same time, some players wear [them] as a fashion statement, some as a lucky charm. It all depends. There is a reason why they're wearing it -- that special water we permeate into the fabric."

Special water? Electric currents? Aqua titanium? And I thought we women were the only suckers for jewelry marketing. It's never dull in Mudville.

Baseball players may use twisted logic to rock the Phiten rope, but the Los Angeles Lakers don't need ANY excuse to sparkle in one of these little beauties... See Jewelry.com today for more on what folks are calling the most extravagant championship ring in the history of sports!

"Unstoppable" Jewelry: Glam, Gauche & Gawdawful

Red carpet jewelry hunting season is in full swing, and last night's Unstoppable premiere in Los Angeles brought out some A-list lovelinesss and some D-list dregs.

The Glam:

Rosario Dawson's dusty blue Stella McCartney gown was a hands-down winner, and her Vhernier jewelry added just the right amount of sparkle. Loving the shoulder-duster earrings -a trend I think we'll see a lot more of in the months to come. (See why here).

The Gauche:

Why was Real Housewife of Orange County, Gretchen Rossi, at the Unstoppable premiere? Perhaps the better question is: What was she thinking when she put on that outfit? Nevermind. I don't want to know.

Look, the statement necklace could have rocked - but the lace bustier and piled on gems pushed the look to the wrong side of 'street walker chic' in my humble opinion.  Sorry.

The Gaudy:

Bless her, Cloris Leachman is having as huge a heydey as Betty White. And she's just as saucy - so leopard and layers are working for her in a Mrs. Roper kindof way (look her up, youngsters).

Can I just say, though, that I'm kinda tired of the over-the-top octogenarian fashion statement? These women look great for their age. Being funny doesn't mean you have to 'dress funny'. You know?

Here are some other shots from the carpet. Anything strike you?

Kate Middleton style

Kate Middleton seems so nice and down-to-earth... and I really like her style. She looks elegant in dresses and hats, and stunning in evening gowns. Her casual look - often jeans and boots - is simple but stylish. Nothing too fashionable... but she always looks good. Which is how a Princess-in-waiting should dress, no?

Here she is with William. I used to think he was cute - when he was what, 10 years old or something - but now I don't find him all that attractive. But what do looks matter when he's a Prince, right? 

Because they will get married, I just know it! I hope so! 

Princess Kate... Queen Kate... can you imagine?! Would you want that (kind of life)? 

All via Google Images, Last via.

Cushion-Cut Craze Goes Courtside

Maria Sharapova's diamond engagement ring photos are making the rounds this week, and it looks like we've got another cushion-cut cutie on our hands.

US Weekly reports the tennis phenom is wearing a 7 or 8-carat cushion-cut stone in a platinum setting with a price tag of approximately $250,000. Her Los Angeles Laker fiance, Sasha Vujacic popped the question in his Manhattan Beach home a while ago, but the ring is making its first appearance in shots like these taken during an afternoon stroll in Los Angeles last Sunday.

So why are celebs like Ivanka Trump, Anna Paquin, Alyssa Milano and Ashlee Simpson opting for the cushion-cut over, say, the more popular round-cut diamond engagement ring?

The cushion cut dates back to the 1800s and derived its shape from the fact that back then cutters were not capable of making a perfectly round stone, according to Jewelry.com. 

Today, the square shape is marked by a more affordable price point than the traditional and more frequently seen round stones - unless you're going for a whopper like those seen on Hollywood ring fingers.  Once we're in the 7-8-carat range, folks, saving money is clearly not on the agenda.

I think it's because the cushion offers more of a vintage-y feel over the sleek lines of the traditional (read: boring) round stone?

Here are a few of my favorite cushion-cuts here for your browsing pleasure. The good news is: You don't have to walk down the aisle to wear one - and they come in a variety of stone variations outside of the diamond category.

You like?

Rose chandeliers

It's always nice to have flowers around the house... but as lights? These rose chandeliers and round hanging lamps (made to look like a bouquet) are made with Swarovski crystals. I can't decide if I like them or not. Would you like to kiss your significant other under one of these?

More information here.

Diamonds Get Saucy at the Millionaire Fair

So you're a Russian billionaire on a lazy Sunday afternoon. You've already polished the Ferrari, fluffed up the fur coat collection, and toured the indoor football stadium. Sigh. Now what?

How about a trip to the local 'flea market' to pick up a trinket or two for the kitchen?

Enter: The Millionaire Fair - an annual celebration of conspicuous consumption that's targeted right at the Russian billionaire demographic (all 62 of you!). And wouldn't you know it? They've got that must-have kitchen item you can't live without - a diamond-encrusted saucepan!

The saucepan has a handle and lid studded with a whopping 270 diamonds over 18-carat gold. Made by German cookware brand Fissler, the utensil is not really suitable for cooking (whatever that is).

"It is for serving food beautifully," the Fissler brand manager, Natalya Oreshikina, explained to The Daily Telegraph.

And at a measly $210,000, the pan costs roughly the same as, oh, a Porsche Cayenne SUV. BUT! It's a better value, Oreshkina pitched.

"A Porsche Cayenne turns into a pile of metal once it leaves the showroom. This is an investment."

Throw in a set of steak knives, and I'm in!

Spotlight on Spooky Jewelry

So you weren't invited to Heidi Klum's famous Halloween party. Again. That doesn't mean you have to throw out the bling with the bathwater! 

I'm still working on my Kanye West/diamond teeth costume (Heidi? Your loss, sister.), but I hunted down these fun finds to throw in the spooky style rotation in the meantime:

Gemstones Meet 'The Great Pumpkin':

Add a splash of orange spice to go with your little black dress - like this Great Pumpkin-esque cocktail ring that could work with many a fall ensemble. 

Get Back in Black:

Get in touch with your dark side with some sleek onyx jewelry in any incarnation. And one of those Darth Vader voice boxes.

Kitty Cat Couture:

I've had my eye on this cat pendant for a while now. Love the price. Love the chocolate diamonds. Love that it will satisfy my maternal instincts without making too many demands on my personal time.


Skeletal Chic:

You know you have some skull jewelry lying around from your Morrissey-loving goth girl past.  Taylor Momsen didn't invent this wheel!


P.S. Click here for a fun find you can grab if you had Heidi's accessory budget. And the stomach to wear possum bones.

One more week 'til Halloween! Got some costume ideas you'd like to share?  Weigh in!

Perfect Halloween snacks!

How would you like a chocolate covered scorpion that is "similar to Kit Kat in texture"?
Or BBQ worm crisps that "taste similar to popcorn"?
Or toasted ants that have a "nutty, bacon-like taste"?

Or maybe a "crispy and crunchy" oven-baked tarantula? (Mmm look at those long, hairy legs)

For more yummy snacks, visit their website. Don't miss the photo on their recipe page... of something that looks like mashed potato with ants!

I bet you're hungry now, aren't you?!! You have to admit, these would be perfect for a Halloween party. You must let me know if you try any of these!

Blue Diamond Rocks The Auction Block

Huge diamond alert! Christie's held their "Jewels: The New York Sale" yesterday, and the famous Bvlgari Blue Diamond wasn't just their top seller at a whopping $15.7 million - it broke the price-per- carat barrier to boot!

What a little over-achievor...

"A world record price was achieved on Oct. 20 for The Bulgari Blue, a much-celebrated stone that came up for sale at Christie's for the first time in almost 40 years," said Rahul Kadakia, head of jewelry for Christie's Americas in a release.

The jewel was purchased in Rome in 1972 for $1 million and was given as a gift from the collector to his wife to celebrate their first son's birth, according to Christie's.

How could I have left $15 million diamonds off my Jewelry Gift Guide for New Moms? The horror.
 
Do ridiculous diamonds give you 'the giddys' too? Scratch the itch with me by gawking at yet another blue beauty - this one fetched more money than any stone at auction. Ever!

Hyperventilating. It's the world's worst cologne.

Canadian citizen getting married in Italy.

Town hall of Siena

Photo by Edoardo Agresti

Couples celebrating a civil wedding in Italy are surprised at the stateliness of the civil ceremony. The Representative of the state wearing the traditional Italian red, white and green sash reads the articles of law governing the rights and responsibilities of married couples in Italian and is simultaneously translated into English.

The ceremony lasts approximately 20 minutes in its pure form but you can personalise the ceremony with your own vows and readings if the town hall agrees to the additions.

You are legally obliged to have an interpreter present throughout the ceremony, even if you or your partner can speak Italian. The interpreter must be a professional who will sign and make an oath to translate accordingly.

Paperwork requirements focus on certification of no-impediment. All paperwork is submitted to the town hall wedding office when you go to sign your wedding promise two or three days before your wedding date. Please note some town halls are happy for you to sign the promise on the morning of your wedding.

Below you will find the legal requirements for a Canadian citizen getting married in Italy.

Do not obtain documents and certificates more than six months prior to wedding date or they expire.

Documents to Bring to the Italian Embassy in Canada:

• Canadian passport


• Proof of Canadian citizenship (Birth certificate, Citizenship certificate, Certificate of Registration of a Birth Abroad, Certificate of Retention of Canadian Citizenship)


• Parents' consent if under 18 years of age.


• Final Divorce Decree or Death Certificate of previous spouse if divorced or widowed.

• Complete details of the future spouse are also required (full name, father's and mother's maiden names, date and place of birth, residence)

• Notice of no impediment issued by the Provincial Vital Statistics authorities in Canada.


• Complete and swear an Affidavit at the Italian Embassy that there is No Impediment to the proposed marriage.

Upon your arrival in Italy:

• A visit to the Canadian embassy is nessecery to obtain a Nulla Osta. This is a sworn declaration by the Canadian citizen at the Canadian Consulate stating that there is no legal impediment to his/her marriage under Canadian and Italian law. After obtaining the Nulla Osta from the Consulate, it must be taken to the Prefecture to be authenticated (legalized), as described below.

• Authentication (legalization) of this declaration by the Legalization office of any Prefecture in any capital city. Office hours are usually from 10am to 1pm, Monday through Saturday. The Italian wedding planner can take care of this on your behalf so you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day.


• A waiver for any woman divorced within the last 300 days, obtained from the Procura della Republica (District Attorney), issued on presentation of a medical certificate that she is not pregnant.

• The Italian wedding planner will then present the legalized Nulla Osta to the Marriage Office of the Municipality, then you can get married!

Town hall of Orvieto

Photo by Edoardo Agresti

For more information please see the links below:

Italian Embassy in Ottawa: http://www.ambottawa.esteri.it/ambasciata_ottawa

The Italian wedding planner: http://www.theitalianweddingplanner.com/

Canada Embassy in Roma


Via Salaria 243, 00199 Rome (Political, Academic, Cultural and Trade Sections)

Via Zara 30, 00198 Rome (Visa and Consular Sections)

tel: (+39) 06 85 25 41

fax: (+39) 06 85 25 43 01

website: http://www.international.gc.ca/canada-europa/italy/menu-en.asp

email address: rome@international.gc.ca

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00 (visa section is open Monday-Thursday 08:30-11:30 only, consular section is open Monday-Friday 08:30-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 only)



Canada Honorary Consul in Naples

29 Via Carducci

80121 Naples

tel: (+39) 081 401338

fax: (+39) 081 4104210

website: http://www.international.gc.ca/canada-europa/italy/naples_consul-en.asp

email address: cancons.nap@tiscali.it

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 (call for an appointment)



Canada Honorary Consul in Padova

25 Riviera Ruzzante

35123 Padova

tel: (+39) 049 8764833

fax: (+39) 049 8781147

website: http://www.international.gc.ca/canada-europa/italy/padova_consul-en.asp

email address: consolatocanada.padova@virgilio.it

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 09:30-13:00