Thursday, January 31, 2013

How Much Would You Pay For Love?

Matchmaker, matchmaker!   


I caught an article on MSNBC a few weeks ago about a modern day matchmaker who will find a great catch for you...... for the bargain basement price of $250,000!

$250,000?  Um....  I think I'd rather be alone.  But the 250 grand is the top price that men will pay if they use the services of the named matchmaker, Janis Spindel.  Her charge ranges from $100,000 to $250,000:  The article states that the more you pay, the more time Ms. Spindel will spend with you, and she will hook you up arrange for you to meet more desirable females.  It's not clear, however, what kind of "less desirable" woman you might get for the cut rate price of a measly $100K.  Perhaps women who didn't go to Ivy League schools and aren't heiresses or business owners?  Perhaps women who are not models?  (The article doesn't specify.)

Really Special...  Really..


Of course, you men out there have to be really, really special to use the services of Ms. Spindel:  You've got to be well educated, well-groomed; you need to be some kind of "upscale professional" and  you need to be targeting "commitment", as Ms. Spindel is NOT interested in hooking up people for one night stands or fun "on the side".  (I wonder how she checks.)

The article quotes a 48 year-old man named Jeff  who claimed that he was "ready for marriage and was tired of the dating game."   He explains, “I could forgive myself for spending the money and not finding someone, but I’d be less forgiving if I didn’t take a chance on what’s really important — a great relationship and family,” he told TODAY.com  He says that it worked; he is now married and he and his wife are expecting their first child. The article doesn't really go into Spindel's techniques for matching people...  I remember computer dating, in fact, we just watched an old Perry Mason in which dozens of punched cards were being run through a machine by some kind of computer dating scheme.  I would hope that Ms. Spindel's techniques are a bit more...  sophisticated.

Women!  Jump into the Pool!  

The dating pool, that is.

Ms. Spindel does work with women, and, even though they don't need to cough up as much change as the men, they still need to present themselves well... very well.  If you are interested in one of these top notch, well-groomed men, you've got to write a long bio, you need to read her books, you need to fill out a questionnaire and attend a $250 "meet-and-greet".  If you aren't sure if you are coming off well, you can get coaching from Ms. Spindel for $1000 for a 30 minute session.   (I would hope that you would get more information than that you need to lose ten pounds.  But maybe she doesn't take women who need to lose ten pounds.)  


Spindel, according to the article, is "internationally known" and claims that she has 994 marriages to her credit.  She does not guarantee a visit from the Love Bunny, only 12 introductions over 12 months.   Even without a guarantee to find love, Jeff was willing to shell out six figures.

So.. If you have a spare $250,000 hanging around, gents, you may yet find a special lady for Valentine's Day!

Gifts and Shoes..

In the meantime, if you have a special someone, here are a few ideas for gifts:   




Or the brightly colored crystal necklaces at Dorota's Jewelry:
Dorota's Jewelry: My Valentine's Day Wish List

And, ladies, if you have a special someone and are going to someplace special for Valentine's Day, you may need a special, Valentine's colored pair of shoes.  Here are a few ideas: 


My Valentine's Day Wish List (Updated for 2014)

Counting down to Valentine's Day:  15 Days of Love.
(Note for 2014: Dorota has 322 items at her etsy shop right nowis 

Swarovski Crystal hearts and Icicles for Valentine's Day.. and all year round!
(Note for 2014: Though I wrote this last year, Dorota has 322 items at her etsy shop right now, most with the Swarovski crystals and Czech glass of the items featured here.) 

Dorota's Blue Purple Heart Necklace


I first found Dorota's Jewelry, at etsy.com over a year ago, and the items always take my breath away.  I hope that you will have the same reaction.  Prices, buying, and shipping information at the links.  (And most of these items are remarkably reasonably priced.)  

Dorota, the shop owner, writes:
I.. was born and raised in Krakow, Poland. From a young age, my appreciation for arts and craftsmanship was influenced by my mother, an antique restorer and a painter, and by the enchantments of my hometown....  Filled with breathtaking medieval architecture, Krakow is a city so bewitching and so rich in art and history, that large portions have been named World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultured Organization (UNESCO).
I spent many years studying about gems and learning the delicate trade of bringing them together to create balanced and beautiful jewelry. Since the mid 1990s, I have sold many of my creations in boutiques across Europe as well as the United States, and now they are available to you from this online gallery.
So, from Dorota's Jewelry, here are SOME of my Valentine's Day favorites for Day 15 of 15 Days of Love: 

Ruby Crystal Earrings with Raspberry Swarovski Crystal Cranberry and Antique Gold Icicle: (Necklace on this picture is sold separately.)



"Eye-pleasing, refreshing blend of eco-chic and sparkling elegance with a touch of vintage flair!

- 14K Gold Filled (not plated!), handcrafted ear-wires

- Top Quality Antique Gold Brass Victorian Style bead caps, all nickel and lead safe - hypoallergenic!

- Large Swarovski faceted crystal teardrops in in Ruby Red/Pink, 40mm x 11mm
- Czech Crystals in Cranberry, 3mm"

Red Purple Heart Necklace of RARE Swarovski Plum Ruby Crystal Heart & Sterling Silver:


"Make an entrance with this amazing and dynamic and RARE Swarovski Crystal Heart Necklace. Precision facets and brilliantly flashing purple, amber, copper and pink sparkles create stunning elegance that is truly unforgettable.. The picture truly does not do it justice :)



- ALL Sterling Silver (1.4mm Double Rope Chain, lobster claw clasp and fancy jump-ring bail) 

- Brilliant, Faceted Swarovski Heart in Brandy Purple (RARE!), 18x17.5mm. The crystals change colors at each angle -- from brilliant amber browns & fiery oranges to alluring rose pinks & eggplant purples. A special coating is applied over half the bead which creates a metallic play of color on the outside, and amazing depth and flash inside the crystal. When looking down into the stone, you will see a kaleidoscope effect. It makes these crystals so unusual and multi-dimensional. Because of its unique features, this crystal is impossible to capture in a photograph. It can only truly be appreciated in person."



"So Feminine and Elegant!

- ALL Sterling Silver including gorgeous detailed roses and fleur de lis lever back ear-wires

- Faceted Swarovski Wild Hearts in Indian Pink, 12mm. These brilliant crystals features an elongated shape and asymmetric faceting for an innovative interpretation of the classic heart.
- The earrings are approx. 1 1/2" (40mm) long"

Ruby Red Heart Pendant Necklace of Sterling Silver and Swarovski Garnet Crystal:


"Make an entrance with this amazing and dynamic Swarovski Crystal Necklace. Precision facets create stunning elegance that is truly unforgettable. The picture truly does not do it justice :)
- ALL Sterling Silver (diamond cut double-sided heart, elegant 1.6mm Ripple Shape Chain, ring bail, wire and lobster claw clasp)

- Faceted Crystal Passions, Swarovski Crystal in Deep Ruby/Siam Red Aurora Borealis, 18mm

- Czech Crystals in Antique Clear/Red, 3mm

- The necklace is approx. 17" PLUS 1" extension"


I could post Dorota's beautiful crystal jewelry all night here, but she has over 400 items listed at her shop.  Hurry over there and find YOUR favorites! 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Fifteen Days of Love: Valentine's Day Is Coming!

Fifteen days from now we'll all be celebrating (or ignoring) the great yearly festival of flowers, flutters, pink, purple, hearts, and heartaches known as Valentine's Day.


Join us every day from now until then as we explore the myths, the misery, the facts, the fantasy, and the weirdness of  Love.  Gifts, decorations, clothing, food are all a part of the fun, so don't miss any of it.

Dorota's Amber Purple Heart Earrings
Counting down the days... Watch for new links every day!