Noblewomen: the first ladies!

by Jan-Olov von Wowern

The role and position of noblewomen in later medieval Europe is a subject about which comparatively little has been written. The noblewomen, particularly those of the higher nobility, usually found themselves in a situation where it was taken for granted they would marry and strengthen the position of the family by forming a union with a man of similar (or better) standing. Then, as now, the importance of the continuation of the family line was a constant concern. For gentlemen who were “upwardly mobile” the marriage to a noblewoman of high standing could be the means of getting estates and allies.

It was not unusual to find noblewomen holding and inheriting land and estates. She could have inherited them from her father, brother or a deceased husband, and in many regions this was fully accepted. The male line in a noble family could become extinct for a number of reasons: the sons could die on the battlefield, they could die of one of many diseases, some would go into the Church and be celibate, etc. So in many cases the continuation of the entire family depended on the succession through the female line, which (certainly in the case of absence of male heirs) was usually accepted.

There was the problem with the dowries, and to avoid the breaking up of the estates there was during the later 13th century and onwards a growing emphasis on male primogeniture, that is, the firstborn son inherited the estates (and where appropriate the title that went with it). The dower became more and more restricted over time during the later Middle Ages, until they were finally abolished and became more of a symbol. This helped to stop the dispersal of the estates outside the original family.

Another important factor in the growing emphasis on male primogeniture was the forming of political alliances through marriages. When arranged marriages became increasingly important as a tool in the political formation of Europe, high social status by birth (and the benefits it brought along) was considered a powerful assset. But many noblewomen were not passive spectators, though the emphasis on the male line of descent meant that their financial and political activities of more and more depended on their male relatives: husband, father, sons, brothers. In many cases, however, the noblewoman was not completely subsumed in the families of her male relatives. There is evidence that noblewomen continued to use the seals, surnames and titles that was theirs by right of birth even after getting married.

In my own family tree I have found several examples of the importance of the role of noblewomen. In some cases on eof my ancestors married a lady from another important noble family, and this was recorded as a significant financial and political alliance. In other cases a lady from our family had a successful career of her own (e.g. as Abbess of a convent). In many cases the coat-of-arms of a noblewoman who married into our family was recorded and quartered in the arms of that branch of the family.

If you’re still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don’t really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it. November Birtthstone: Citrine Birthstone Properties: Increases creativity and feelings of joy Alternative Birthstone: Yellow Topaz Citrine is the birthstone for November and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage. Its name comes from an old French word for lemon — “citrin”. A variety of quartz and the “sister stone” to the purple variety known as Amethyst, citrine comes in a wide range of colors. Some believe that some citrine may have actually begun as amethyst, but that nearby molten rock changed it to the yellow form of quartz. Mined mainly in Brazil, but also found in Bolivia, citrines come in vivid yellows and oranges, and also the unusual and extremely popular “madeira red.” (Citrines that are pale yellow or yellowish-brown are often mistaken for yellow or golden topaz.) Natural citrine can also be found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, in Dauphine, France, and in Madagascar Cure-All Citrine, like all forms of quartz, was believed to have magical powers. People carried citrine as a protective talisman against the plague, bad skin and evil thoughts. It was also used as a charm against the bites of snakes and other venomous reptiles. Yellow and orange colors of the citrine gemstone were said to offer protection from dangers when traveling, to ward off evil, and to keep sickness away on land or on sea. Through history, citrine has been used extensively in improving the function of the body’s organs including the heart, liver, kidneys and digestive system. It is still used by healing practitioners to remove toxins from the body and to treat muscular disorders, as well as help stimulate healing in general. Citrine is also said to help provide relief from the effects of radiation, and to facilitate absorption of antioxidants. Mental Health Citrine is believed to be especially powerful for stimulating one’s mental capacities, thereby enhancing creativity and bolstering self-confidence. It is said that wearing citrine will improve memory, make you feel more optimistic, and give you more energy in everything you do. The magnetic powers of citrine are believed to relieve depression, fear, and give you the confidence that you need to continue with success in your life. Giving citrine as a gift symbolizes wishes for hope and strength. Bursting with sunshine-yellow brightness, it is the ideal gemstone for helping anyone get through tough times! Buyer’s Guide A tremendous amount of citrine that is available on the market today is heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine is much lighter than the heat-treated material which is dark orange-brown to reddish-brown in color.

It’s a whole new day, and there is a whole new look for bridesmaids. It’s a welcome change from the past years. At it’s not just the bridesmaids look that has gotten a facelift, the brides are sporting a whole new look too.

Traditional wedding gowns and traditional white will always be a choice. That’s a tradition that’s just not going to disappear. And that’s okay. But the choices now available for the modern bride are welcome change, allowing those creative juices to flow, and one’s own personality to stand out.

The history of the bridesmaids attire is quite interesting. In past centuries brides wore elaborate colorful gowns, and bridesmaids wore similar gowns. This was to disguise the bride and protect her from being kidnapped by evil spirits. By the Victorian era things had changed producing brides that wanted to stand out in the crowd. Thus the formal elaborate white wedding gown entered the wedding fashion scene. However the bridesmaids attire didn’t change, remaining bold and frilly.

Well this century bridesmaids have a lot more to say about what they wear. Not only have the traditional dresses taken on a more sophisticated and elegant look. Many brides now let their bridesmaids choose their own dress based on the chosen color scheme. All bridesmaids weren’t created equal. By allowing them to choose a dress that flatters them, you have happier bridesmaids and better photo ops.

Gowns and dresses worn by the modern bridesmaid are often functional enough for other formal events and gatherings. A much smarter alternative to the expensive gown that’s worn once then buried deep in the closet never to be seen again. We all remember wearing one of those “awful” dresses at some point.

There are also no longer fast and set rules on how many bridesmaids you must have. The size of your wedding often relates to how many attendants, and these days the choice is entirely up to you. Tradition has gone out the window, a pleasing thought for many future brides. You can even have more than one maid of honor if you wish. The rules you must play by are your own rules.

The same new rules apply to your flower girl[s] and ring bearer[s] choose more than one, have only one, have one of each. The best age range for this very important little people’s job is between 5 and 7. Younger children have a harder time staying focused. Now if you don’t’ mind if they mess up a little bit, then by all means you can choose a younger child. After all they can be a great source of amusement! Older children will also be thrilled to be chosen to man the guestbook or help guests. It makes them feel extra special.

The more bridesmaids you have the more coordination and communication your going to have to take care of. Remember you’ll have plenty of issues to deal with from dresses, to nails, to hair, to jewelry. So don’t choose more bridesmaids than you think you can handle. This is supose to be a happy time for you and stress doesn’t make a person happy.

Forget the old theory that if you don’t include everyone that’s close to you, there will be hard feelings. Most women have outgrown this childish thought pattern, and recognize that the modern bride has tough choices to make to stay within budget and fulfill her special day. Sometimes a future bride just has too many close friends to have them all in the wedding party. Relax! Invite them to the wedding, and if you want ask them to do special favors such as perhaps your nails or your hair, depending on their own unique talents.

The maid of honor has a role to play besides in the wedding party. She needs to be the brides right arm and help with any wedding tasks she can. She can help select the wedding gown, get the invitations in order, arrange a wedding shower, help with choosing a reception location, help decorate, or even help prepare the food. The duties that can be assigned to your made of honor are endless, just be sure not to overwhelm her with too many requests. Your maid of honor is like the brides personal first aid kit. Ready to fix anything that’s broken.

Bridesmaids also play an important role by planning the bridal shower, preparing munchies, cake, or sandwiches for the shower. They are also there to support and help the bride whenever they can.

For the modern bride these are happy times, choices are endless, you can make your fashion statement and let your bridesmaid’s make theirs. No more having to follow traditions unless you want to. Planning the perfect wedding has never been easier!

© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

In a recent episode of my favorite TV show, two of the characters ended up in bed together. Afterwards, the gorgeous and highly masculine man turned to the woman and asked, “What’s going on here? Where are we going with this?”

Her response?

“Come on. I thought I was the girl here.”

In other words, a real man should want to avoid commitment like the H-Bomb.

This may just be a scene from TV, but too many real-life women find themselves turned off when a man shows interest in moving a relationship forward. And whenever I relate a story about a guy I know who wants a commitment from his girlfriend, one of my female friends will comment, “He sounds like the girl in the relationship.”

Huh?

The thing is, the media (particularly women’s magazines, which brainwash us into believing that we have to “get” a guy to marry us) promote the falsehood that marriage is the goal of every female’s existence. Men just want sex.

We walk around believing this nonsense, and when it doesn’t match up to what we encounter in real life (a guy who really wants to be with us, who is monogamous, and eager for commitment), we automatically assume there’s something wrong with him.

The next time you meet a guy, and he actually calls when he says he’s going to, stay the course. Don’t freak out. Don’t assume he’s a loser. Go out with him again. Give him a chance to grow on you. Give yourself a chance to decide whether he might be the guy who could make you happy for the rest of your life.

If you find he doesn’t do it for you, cut him loose. But if you find that every guy who shows genuine interest (or wants to take things to the next level) doesn’t do it for you, if you find yourself continually attracted to unavailable (emotionally or otherwise) men who love you and leave you, ask yourself if you–yes, you!–are a commitmentphobe.

If the answer is yes, figure out what scares you about commitment. Work your way through it. Before long, you’ll find yourself attracted to better men.

And in time, you’ll find yourself waking up every morning next to the man with whom you enjoy a fun, loving, and commited relationship. All former struggle, strain, and strife will be long forgotten.

Terry Hernon MacDonald is the author of “How to Attract and Marry the Man of Your Dreams.” Visit her website at http://www.marrysmart.com Check out her blog at http://happygirlmusing.blogspot.com

Safety should be the Number One Priority for Women! In my book “the Ultimate Online Dating Handbook” I provide tips on being safe on your first encounter with an Internet Dating friend. But really, women need to keep safety in mind whether you are out of town, in a hotel, in a car, at home or going for a walk. Safety should be your first concern. Try following the tips below to help keep yourself safe at all times.

If you are traveling in an unfamiliar area consider these.

- In a hotel room alone at night put a doorstop under the main door and any adjoining doors before you go to bed. This will help to prevent a break in.

- If you’re single and traveling alone, wear a band on your left hand ring finger. It should look like a wedding ring. This way you are not advertising that you’re there by yourself.

- Always carry the address of the hotel you are staying at with you. If you get lost you can ask a store employee, a family or a woman with children for directions. These would be considered safe people to ask.

When driving in your car alone it is a good idea to take some precautions.

- Always drive with the car doors locked.

- Your windows should be up at least three-quarters of the way to prevent someone from trying to get in through your windows.

- Always keep the tank half full. You do not want to be got in an unfamiliar area without gas.

- Be cautious if a stranger is loitering around your vehicle, or sitting in a vehicle parked next to yours.

- Also, if you use public transportation like the bus or subway, sit near the driver or operator. Someone will be less likely to attack in the presence of authority.

If you walk regularly

- Do not draw attention to yourself be wearing flashy jewelry or expensive clothing.

- When walking alone at night avoid walking on poorly lit streets, near ally ways or parks. It is harder for you to see any person around you in poorly lit areas. It is best to stick to well lit streets that you are familiar with. And, never wear headphones - you must be alert at all times. Wearing headphones will not allow you to hear someone who may be approaching you.

There are also things you can do to stay safe in your home.

- When alone keep your doors and windows locked.

- Leave a light on outside and some on inside. If you are coming home late and do not want to leave lights on all day, purchase some timers. For outside and for inside. Set them to go on as dusk falls so it will appear someone is home.

- If you are going away have a reliable neighbor or family member pick up your mail and newspaper every day. If you are going away for a more lengthy period of time put a stop on your mail and the newspaper delivery. If you can, have a car parked in your driveway while you’re gone. Have someone cut your grass or shovel the snow. Do all of this to make the house appear like someone is home. This will help deter burglars.

Follow these easy steps and always be careful and alert when ever you are alone.

Be Safe! Marie Clare Relationship Consultant & Author

“I’ll show you who’s boss!” is what the sight of lion jewelry says — no, roars! In a crowded room, the people most likely to shine out and be the lives of the party may well be wearing lion jewelry. These people are take-charge, charismatic and naturally the stars of the show — much like the lion in their accessories.

This is because people who choose lion jewelry are often strong-willed and proud types. They are also quite often leaders, so don’t be surprised if your high-powered corporate boss happens to be sporting a solid-gold lion’s head ring or pendant! People who wear lion jewelry don’t just do it for show — well, all right, maybe mainly for show. But they also send a message out to the world, and that message is “I’m in control!”

The lion motif in jewelry is frequently associated with the Western zodiac sign Leo. As with rabbit jewelry, it might be reasonable to assume that people sporting the lion motif were born under this zodiac sign. The Leo is dominant, spontaneous, creative and extroverted. They are most comfortable in a position of command. Leos are fun and effective communicators. They are gifted with the unique ability to shine out and take charge in any occasion.

Even in private, Leos like to be fussed over and given full attention. All eyes on the king! The worst thing you can do to a Leo loved one is to wound his or her pride, to belittle his or her achievements.

Leos are idealistic and single-minded — when they are dedicated to a cause, you will know it! They are good at drawing people into their circles, a whirlwind schedule of alternating charity parties and outreach events are nothing to them. They are adventurous, but they are by no means sloppy. Leos are known to suddenly plan getaways like backpacking across Europe — and they will accomplish it, even on a surprisingly small budget!

Add an extra sparkle to your Leo’s eyes with a surprise gift of lion jewelry. Or treat yourself to a few choice bracelets and rings, and feed the lion within!

The pearl has always been a rather prim and proper piece of jewelry - classic and seeped in tradition that never goes out of style. Well things they are a changing! This year not only has the pearl is had a very glamorous make over it’s a front and center fashion statement! Yes, the classic strand still exists as it always will. But we warned we are seeing some vary daring looks from the pearl this season. Extra long lengths, tasseled multi strands, pearls with semi precious stone accents, pearls on gold or silver chains. The pearl has been transformed into a fun and fashionable accessory.

The glow or radiance of a pearl is the most important quality. Avoid pearls that are chalky or dull as they will be weak and may crack or peal. The surface of the pearl should be blemish free - no bumps or cracks. Inspect under a bright light. Baroque pearls are the exception to this rule - their charm is in their irregularities.

Pearls are measured in millimeters. The larger the pearl the higher the cost. A 6 mm pearl is going to be much less than a 12 mm pearl. The least expensive pearls are the freshwaters which mainly come from China. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Average size is around 7 mm

The best way to care for your pearls is simply to wear them. The natural skin oils keep them moisturized. Do not put them on until you are done with your cosmetics. This includes hair, facial, and perfume. The residues from these products will ruin your pearls. Do not wear your pearls in the water - chlorinated and salt water will damage them. Polish with a soft cloth and never use jewelry cleaning products on your pearls.

Quality pearls are not cheap but they will last a lifetime. Freshwater pearls are becoming very affordable. Not all of us will be in the market for “Real Pearls” and lucky us there are plenty of options. Swarovski makes a crystal pearl that is of the finest quality and quite difficult to tell from a true pearl for a fraction of the cost and they are available in a variety of colors. There is an endless supply of imitation pearl or costume jewelry pearls on the market. These are offered in a wide variety of styles and colors. Great fun at affordable prices.

So you ask what’s “In Style” this season? Well I’m glad you asked! Pearl rings get the green flag - from low settings to monster large solitaire pearls, they are all the rave. A pearl ring can go from romantic and simple to sleek and stunning. The Bib Necklace makes a very dramatic statement. A broad necklace that tapers towards the back just like a baby’s bib [thus the name]. They range from extremely wide to as narrow as a “. This style works great with a simple black dress or strapless neckline.

The multi-strand necklace is ever so preppy. They range from 12″ to 18″ and pearls are usually small to medium. The object of these necklaces is for every pearl to be in perfect placement. Very versatile and fashionable. The opera length necklace simply never disappears from the fashion scene. They measure 36″ or longer and they can be worn as a long single lean line, doubled up, tied in a knot, wherever the moment takes you. These long strands are terrific for dressing up a pair of jeans or semi casual look.

The tassel necklace from the footloose and fancy free1920s has made a come back, and rightly so! Today tassels are often made from tiny seed pearls or irregular baroques. They range in length fro short at 16″ to navel length at 36″. The tassel necklace swings and sways with your movement making it a must have for those night of dancing.

This season for first time, we are seeing pearls mixed with colored gems such as amethyst, peridot, or topaz. They compliment each other nicely - pearls with their soft and subtle shades mixed with semi precious gems with their vibrant and bold color. Picture it - what a fashion statement!

Pearls mixed with silver is also new this season. Long silver chain dangle earrings accented with pearls, or freshwater droplets set on silver. This season the pearl is all about the color. Pearls are available in many hues but this season the “hot spot” is “lavender” and the lavender family ranging from pale iris to plum.

If you already own a beautiful classic pearl necklace its very easy to transform it into something from this season. Try adding a group of charms or pendants, fastening a vintage brooch or clip[ on earring at the bottom. You could mix various lengths or sizes of pearls together or entwine a silver or gold chain. How about mixing your real pearls with your fake pearls? The options are as endless as your imagination.

Remember when you freshen your wardrobe for the spring, freshen your costume jewelry too and Make Your Fashion Statement!

When planning a wedding, most brides focus first on the church, lining it with flowers and ribbons. By the time costs for the wedding are taken care of many couple’s find that they are skimming close to their budget. It’s good know that the centerpiece decorations at your reception can not only be inexpensive, but tasteful and original.

Try this idea and score a perfect ten for creativity when planning your centerpiece decorations. Start by buying cute small frames as you see them on sale. Insert photos of you and your groom growing up through the years. Guests will not only love the originality of the idea but they will also get to see what you both looked like when you were younger. Of course, if they have known you your entire life, then this will give them a chance to reminisce about you.

If you are planning on a fall wedding use baskets and terra cotta pots to add a fall touch to your centerpiece decorations. Fill the baskets and pots with tiny pumpkins, apples, corn stalk and gourds. This will add that little extra touch to the season while filling your table with inexpensive decorations.

For a more romantic look, use inexpensive single fish bowls. Fill these centerpiece decorations with water, which can be colored with liquid dye, and add a floating candle. You may also find inexpensive artificial flowers that can be snipped at the tops and laid around the candles. This will create the mood of romance and add candlelight to each of your tables.

For a Christmas time wedding, use poinsettias and gold ribbons for centerpiece decorations. If you have extra money to spend, buy miniature Christmas trees and decorate them with lights and wedding charms for ornaments, which can be found at most bridal decoration stores. Place the trees in the middle of the table and let the guests try and guess what meaning each of the charms hold!

Let your guests get involved in your first day as man and wife by using paper and pens as a centerpiece decoration. Buy decorated paper and pens, placing them at each sitting. Leave instructions for the guests to give you the best marital advice they can. You may also have the guest make up a love poem to give you. This will get them involved and also give you a keepsake to read on your honeymoon. You may also add a long-stemmed rose at each place setting that they can take home with them.

A popular trend added to centerpiece decorations are disposable cameras with ribbons and bows tied around them. You can also type a note to hang from the camera letting guests know to take pictures throughout the night and then place the cameras inside a designated box as they leave. Just imagine the different photos you will have once the film is all developed.

No matter what you choose as centerpiece decorations, you can create a mood and atmosphere that represents your style, at an inexpensive price. So, hang balloons from the ceiling, let the cameras start clicking and begin your life together with friends, family and a lot of good times.

Don’t get so lazy during your pregnancy. Move your body if you want to delivery your baby easily, do some exercise! Some studies show that women who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have easy labor and deliveries and faster recoveries.

This is exactly you must do for the benefit of you and your child, but you must not overdo it and consult your healthcare on the best exercise you can do.

The benefit of exercise during pregnancy not only will make your baby delivery easy, but also can combat fatigue, minimize back pain because your back muscles will be stronger, stress relief, reducing fat, and recover more quickly after delivery. Exercise can help you strengthen your muscles, which makes labor easier. Further, exercise helps you get your stamina and energy levels upwhich will be necessary once baby arrives.

There are some forms of activity that are better than others during pregnancy. Certain exercises can help promote physical fitness and are less likely to result in injury. Among the best exercises for pregnant moms include: walking, swimming, stretching, yoga, dancing, stationary cycling, and low impact prenatal aerobics.

Walking is great exercise that will not cause you to over exert yourself. You can take a brisk walk through a scenic park or even around a shopping mall. Of course, you should also drink plenty of water and stay well-hydrated, especially if you are walking outdoors or in humid areas. And never go into woods or desolate areas alone.

Swimming is also one of the favorite exercises for pregnant women. You might also enroll in a water aerobics class, which is relaxing and can also prepare you for labor. Just don’t get into any hot tubsthat’s not good for you or the baby.

It is essential, however, that you do not indulge in any contact sports or activities that could pose a risk to your or your baby. For example, if you belong to a soccer team, you may need to suspend your play until after the baby is born. You do not want to risk falling down or having someone else land on you by accident. The risks, in this case, are greater than the benefits.

Additionally, if you are used to exercising, it will make it all the easier to lose your baby weight after the birth of your child. You should not concern yourself with following a rigorous exercise plan or a strict diet during your pregnancy. Regular, mild exercise is sufficient. Plus, you need plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, red meats and poultry in your daily diet during the pregnancy.

Still, there are plenty of fun, safe activities that will allow you to get some needed physical activity without all the risks. So, get moving!

To me, there is only one reason to buy a replica or designer inspired handbag….it’s because if you paid $450.00 or more for that authentic Vuitton Monogram Papillion 30 bag you wouldn’t have enough money for that Prada, or that Fendi, or that Chanel. Let’s face it, for most of us purses are as important and exchangeable an accessory as our shoes. One pair of shoes will never do, and one handbag won’t do either! Different outfits require different handbags!

I still wish that I had bought that authentic Balenciaga Motorcycle bag, that aqua colored one that I lusted after, but at upwards of $400.00 for a large one, I just couldn’t afford it. Well, actually I could have afforded it, but was it really worth that price? Would this handbag finally have been “the one”? Would it be the one I carry all the time, the one that will compliment most of my outfits, or will it end up back in it’s dust bag in the top of my closet? Knowing my track record, it would be back in it’s dust bag in a matter of a few months.

Enter replica handbags. Most replica handbags are so perfectly reproduced that most of us, even your friends, and that woman giving you a second glance on the street won’t be able to tell the difference. Most replica handbags are less than half the price of authentic designer bags. Needless to say, the materials used in the manufacture of replica bags are not as high quality as those used in designer bags, but some are very good. There are some high quality replica bags and some not so high quality replica bags. You’ll want to do a little detective work before you purchase. Whenever you’re spending your money you will want to get your money’s worth.

Some online replica handbag sites actually have a hand in the manufacturing of the replicas. Look for these vendors. They choose the bag to be copied, choose the quality of the leather, the buckles and the zippers used. Higher quality business will do their absolute best to copy designer bags, down to the stitches used. They will inspect the bag paying attention to small details. They will also give you a money back guarantee or provide a one month warranty. These bags cost more than cheaper replicas, but they will be worth it.

Then, there are the cheap replica handbags mass produced in China. Generally cheap bags are very easy to spot. The first clue to quality would be the price. A replica Balenciaga Motorcycle bag for $19.95 is going to be a real disappointment. You do get what you pay for. These cheap replica handbags have inferior leather, or, as in the $19.95 bag above are made of simulated leather. Some may have uneven stitching and even puckered seams. They just aren’t worth it.

Enjoy your handbags - choose carefully - and keep them guessing!