Friday, May 27, 2016

Gem of the Month --Emerald

The Birthstone for the month of May is  the emerald, a symbol of rebirth.  It is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth.  It is fitting to symbolize rebirth as spring continues to awaken in the month of May.


  The emerald is referred to as the “stone of successful love”  it is associated with the heart chakra promoting friendship and balance between partners.  It is also a stone of great vision, enhancing memory and increasing mental clarity.  It has been a source of fascination amongst many cultures. It was sold in ancient Babylon markets in 4000 BC, worshipped by the Incas, the mines in Egypt unearthed some of the oldest emeralds in the world and have adorned royal crowns for hundreds of years.  





Friday, May 6, 2016

My Gem of the Month


Embracing Motherhood


April 8th, 2016


The journey began.  This was the first glimpse of my baby boy.  

I had months to prepare for motherhood but it never really felt real until I heard the words "here is your son." 


Nicholas "Niko" Lennon Barnhart-Yung
7.7 lbs 20 1/4 inches


My sunshine and my shining "diamond"



It has been a whirl wind 5 weeks and I am just starting to play catch up with all things Aprilierre.  Somehow in between the feedings and the naps I am managing to get my studio prepped for Art-a-Whirl taking place next weekend, complete a couple custom orders and write a newsletter and blog post. 

Though the month of April has passed but I still want to write about the Gem of the Month and my own special “Diamond.”


Those who are fortunate to be born during the month of April have the birthstone of a diamond.  


Adopted from the Greek work adamas, meaning “invincible,” diamonds come in a wide range of colors such as black, blue, green, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow. The color is dependent upon the type of impurities that are present in the stone.  Diamonds are one of the hardest substance on Earth.  



They are thought to provide the wearer with better relationships and an increase in inner strength.  Wearing diamonds is purported to bring other benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance. It's also symbolic of eternal love, hence why it is commonly associated with the wedding ring.  

I may not be wearing any diamonds on my fingers or my neck but I couldn't feel a bigger sense of gratitude that little Nicholas has come into my life.   

He my little gem.