Make a wish on a butterfly's wings!

According to legend, by whisper a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted. Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all...

People have been fascinated with butterflies for thousands of years. Butterflies  have been a symbol of beauty and called "flying flowers".


HappyAvenue Team loves butterflies and had gathered some strange Butterfly Facts to share with you. 

• Worldwide, there are over 25,000 species of butterflies.

• Butterflies taste with their feet. Their feet are actually tiny receptors which allow them to "taste" the food that they are standing on.

• Butterfly wings are transparent. A butterfly wing is actually formed by layers.  These layers are so thin you can see right through them. 

• Butterflies can see red, green, and yellow.

• Some butterflies, such as the Northern Pearly Eye, will fly at night.

• Butterflies don't have lungs.

• Butterflies live just 2-4 weeks, usually.

• Monarchs can fly a 1000km without stopping.

• Male Monarchs never make the return journey the following spring.

• Butterflies live on an all-liquid diet.
Speaking of butterflies eating, adult butterflies can only feed on liquids, usually nectar.

• Butterflies can attain a flight speed of up to 50 kph.

• Butterflies are cold-blooded and will not fly if the temperature is below 50 degrees.

If you love butterflies you'll love these gorgeous butterfly Scarf Accessories. They would make great gifts for yourself or your loved ones.

Wear this exquisite charms as a reminder of your inner beauty.

We put together a few ideas for wearing Butterfly Charms:

Love Hello Kitty? You’re Not Alone!

There are currently about… 22,000 Hello Kitty products on the market!
This cute mouthless character is a billion-dollar enterprise, the biggest selling brand of the Sanrio Company Ltd, which was founded is 1960 by Shintaro Tsuji.

Well, it all started in the early '70s. Sanrio was trying to develop its own in-house design department. Hello Kitty was "born" November 1st, 1974 and named "Kitty White". The first product released with Kitty image was a small clear vinyl coin purse that retailed for 240 yen in 1975. Kitty was brought to the USA in 1976.

In the mid-1980s kitten-mania swelled and she became one of the most recognizable Japanese characters on Earth. She is part of the Japanese pop culture of "kawaii" (cute).You can found her image on everything from pin badges to computer accessories.

The main designer for most of Hello Kitty's history (Yuko Yamaguchi) said: "She is inspired by fashion, movies and TV in creating new designs".
Hello Kitty was originally marketed only to young girls. However, in the 1990s company start selling products for teenagers.  2009 marked the collaboration between apparel and accessory brand Stussy and Hello Kitty: new collection included T-shirts, keychains, and hoodies. Anyone can wear Hello Kitty accessories, as long as you don’t overdo it.

In 2010, Hello Kitty entered the …WINE  market! White Kitten with a red bow on her left ear and no mouth:) continuing an expansion of products targeted at older audiences.


Some fun facts we've picked about Hello Kitty:
- Although she was created in Japan, Hello Kitty lives in London, England.
- Hello Kitty’s weight is equivalent to three apples.
- Hello Kitty does not have a visible mouth because she speaks from her heart.
 -There is also a Hello Kitty restaurant that may be found in Taipei, Taiwan.
- There are some reports that Bill Gates once offered $5.6 billion for the rights to Kitty.
- In Yuanlin, Taiwan, a new hospital has recently opened that is entirely Hello Kitty themed!
- Celebs who love Hello Kitty: Christina Aguilera, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Mariah Carey, Heidi Klum, Lindsay Lohan, Mandy Moore, Kelly Osbourne, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwen Stefani, Steven Tyler, Miley Cyrus and many other celebrities:)

Love Hello Kitty? You’re Not Alone!

Drink of the day: Iced Tea

Iced tea is one of the most common way to satisfy thirst on a hot summer day.
It require's no special equipment:)
Anyone can do that and save money over purchasing bottled tea at store.

We strongly recommend to use loose-leaf teas instead of tea bags (which are full of..."tea-dust" and usually produce a lower quality tea).





Let's start it:

Jasmine Pearls

Use 2 tsp. of Black Tea Peach Flavor per cup and steep it for 4 - 5 minutes. You can also use Black Tea Rose Flavor  or even Jasmine Pearls Tea.  Be sure to have enough leaves, because you need more than usual. Immediately after the hot tea is brewed, pour it into a glass filled almost to the top with ice. The sudden cooling keeps the flavor and scent of the tea intact.
Finish it off with a slice of lemon or sprig of mint for the perfect glass of refreshing and cool iced tea.

Enjoy!
HappyAvenue.net Team

The "Evil Eye"

The “Evil Eye” sounds negative to someone who hears it for the first time. However, it's very ironic since this symbol isn't evil but rather protective and lucky. The Evil Eye, should be viewed as a guardian angel. There is no country in the world people of which are not familiar with the evil eye and where they do not have their own means of Evil Eye protection. The Evil Eye belief is that a person, otherwise not malefic in any way, can harm you, or your kids, your livestock, or even your fruit trees, by simply *looking at them* with envy and praising them. 

For most people, this just means that we were given a nasty look. However, the Evil Eye dates back to ancient times and it is taken very seriously as a curse in some cultures.

In Hebrew it is "ayin ha'ra" (the evil eye); in mainland Italian it is "mall occhio" (the bad eye);  in Spanish "mall ojo" (the bad eye or just the eye);  in Sicily it is "jettatore" (the projection from the eye) and in Farsi it is "bla band" (the eye of evil); in Greece it is "to kako mati" (the bad eye). 

A summary of Evil Eye beliefs:

Perpetrators:

• Envious people 
• Those who praise children 
• Those who suffer from covetousness 
• Those with blue eyes (xenophobia among brown-eyed racial groups) 
• Childless women 
• People born with the unfortunate propensity to inadvertently project the eye

Etiology:

• Overlooking (old British term; means gazing too long upon coveted item or child) 
• Praising without touching or spitting to void the damage 
• Projection from eye (Sicilian term for one who gives mal occhio is jettatura, from the same root-word as ejaculation and projection)

Victims and possible symptoms:

• Nursing infants (they sicken and cry; their mother's milk may dry up) 
• Young children (they sicken and cry; they may vomit or become listless) 
• Milk cows and milk goats (they dry up) 
• Fruit trees (they wither and die or they do not bear fruit) 
• Fathers and sons (orphans or fathers who have lost sons envy them) 
• Adult men (they become impotent)

Some people that are exposed to the influence of the evil eye, may be very vulnerable and moody in the wrong environment which may harm their social functioning. If you and someone you love feel the influence of other people's negativity or their evil eye, the best thing to do is to ward it off with amulet with this symbol on it. This popular symbol is common to see it on almost anything, from babies to walls!  Colorful beads, rings, bracelets, necklaces, talismans and amulets. 

Believe it or not it’s good to have one:)
www.Happyavenue.net

LadyBug Brings Luck:)

Twilight LadyBug Plush Constellation

People have shown a fondness for ladybugs for hundreds & hundreds of years: 

• as an enemy of aphids (aphids are soft bodied insects that suck the juices out of plants),  

• favored insect of the Virgin Mary, 

• bringer of money & good fortune, 

• and a sign of good luck:)

Ladybug European Charm

Some people are fond of ladybugs because of their colorful appearance. They come in all different colors: reds, yellows, orange, pink, gray, brown and even black.  However, garden-lovers and farmers adore them for their … appetite that helps to protect crops.  By the end of its three-to-six-week life, a ladybug may eat up to 5,000 aphids!

How did the ladybug get its name? 

It is believed, during the Middle Ages in Europe, insects were destroying the crops, so the farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon the Ladybugs came. They saved the crops by eating the pests.The farmers began calling the ladybugs "The Beetles of Our Lady", and after awhile they became known as "Lady Beetles". Cute red wings represented the Virgin's cloak and their tiny black spots represented her joys and sorrows. 

While there are many species of "Ladybugs," the Convergent Ladybug Beetle is the most common. They  also popularly known as ladybird beetles in Europe. In America, the name ladybird was replaced by ladybug. Scientists usually prefer the common name lady beetles.

Interesting Facts:

   

Lady Bug Plush Constellation

• A threatened ladybug may both play dead and secrete the unappetizing substance to protect itself.

• In 1999, NASA sent a few ladybugs into space along with aphids just to see how the aphids could escape their predators in zero gravity.

• The spots on a ladybug fade as the ladybug gets older.

• Today people buy ladybugs in smaller amounts to release into their gardens to have healthy plants without having to use pesticides. You can get some from your local nursery or garden center to use in your garden.

Ladybug European Charm

• The old folk ( "Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home. Your house is on fire and your children are alone") legend says that if you capture one of these cute insects and make a wish, it will come true when the ladybug flies away. If you keep one - it will bring you luck and good health:)

www.HappyAvenue.net

Let's take a deeper look on Shamballa bracelets.

The word "Shamballa" (also spelled Shambhala or Shambala) means  “bliss” (in Sanskrit). This kind of bracelet is not ordinary; it is famous because of the hidden meaning and believes. The history of these bracelets goes back to early Buddhists times. They were made by two ancient brothers, known as the Kornerup brothers. Both brothers have accepted the religious philosophy of the Buddhist and Tibetan, and believe that this particular kind of bracelet will fasten the healing effects of the body. It is said that wearing Shamballa bracelet can bring peace and joy in life.

These simple little beaded accessories are taking center stage with celebrities  and gaining momentum in jewelry and clothing stores everywhere. Yes, this item is now sold all over the world! 

They are made from a cord that is tied in special knots based from macramé. Each and every Shamballa bracelet has its basis cord that is braided to continue to keep together the collection of beautiful beads that are made from gems, stones, and  metals. The beads come in all different colors. Depending on the style, color, and shape, each bracelet has built in individual meanings.

Bracelets were always in common and beautiful pieces of jewelry, especially to women.  Shamballa bracelet is one of the few jewelry accessories men can wear. They are comfortable and easy to put on.  They are also a lot less flashy.  The most popular are white and black. However, there is no limit to these items as part of your wardrobe. 

The names of bracelets match the delicate beauty. "Snowball"  Shamballa Crystal bracelet takes its name from the shrub of the honeysuckle family snowball.  "Rose Of Sharon"  takes it's name from a large hibiscus shrub with lovely rose and white flowers. "Threaded Arbutus Flower " bracelet is given romantic name  from the dainty arbutus tree which carries an old Indian tale of warmth & color. 

Find your own personal connection with Shamballa, explore & generate the energy these sparkling crystals emanate & revitalize your soul on the journey.

HappyAvenue.net

P.S Whatever you’re wearing, make sure you don’t go anywhere without a Shamballa bracelet on your wrist.

Shamballa Macrame Technique

Tassels are showing up EVERYWHERE!

The Tassel is the only ornament crafted that has lasted throughout history. It is an item that ties loose ends of yarn (leather, suede, silver or gold chains) together and has been used to adorn many things including clothing and uniforms.

The tassel was very often the status symbol that differentiated people in the military or religious fields. Tassels Dating back to the 16th ladies were using tassels to decorate keys, hats, belts, gloves and bags. They were also used on furnishings and curtains. In Japan, during Ming and Qing dynasties tassels were used to signify status, especially when used on the end of a sword to distract the opponent. Chinese women used tassels on their shoes to draw attention to their feet. Tassels are no longer just decorative additions for royal or bourgeois families, they are a trending accessory for everyone! Tassels are showing up everywhere! It is a versatile way to work it into your new look.

Use this glamorous detail as a keyfob or clip it to your favorite bag, shoes or belt to lend everyday outfits high-fashion appeal.


Hand bags should be one of the things that women should invest on as part of their wardrobes. In fact, you will be surprised what tassels can do to your favorite bag.

Simply attach tassel to one of your bags and enjoy cute look. Delicate design of our high quality suede tassels will add artistic sense to your look. TasselCharm is exactly what you need! Each one comes with small pouch bag, that could be used as a dust bag.
www.HappyAvenue.net

Retro bag is making a comeback:)

"Avoska" is a Russian word that describes a string bag. This "space-saving-bag" was used for grocery shopping in Russia during Soviet times. It was very popular accessory for both women and men.

The same bag called "bilum" with different capacities, colors and shapes was widely used in Africa. Highland women wearing their colorful, bilum bags on their heads.
Bilums are natural string bags, very strong, used for everything: from babies, to food, to personal possessions or even wood fire!

These days they are an excellent replacement to plastic & paper bags. Most people discard their supermarket bags right after they place their recently bought groceries in their refrigerator. Responsible folks try to find second uses for the bags, but things rarely go further than that.

Retro bag is making a comeback because of its practicality and smart design.

String Bag made from 100% organic cotton,
it’s tough to measure them as they’re so stretchy:)

The real test comes when you put your shopping in and they hold
a huge amount. This is a go everywhere, use for everything tote
that will never go out of style.
The perfect MagicNetBag compresses into a tiny ball, so you can always have it on hand.

www.HappyAvenue.net

Be My Valentine:)

Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day.

KISS HER UNDER THE STARS

Twilight Ladybug gently transforms any bedrooms into a
starry night sky that comforts and calms.
Twilight Ladybug Features:
Full night sky projection on ceiling and walls
Three color options: Blue, Emerald Green & Ruby Red
Shell illuminates for a calming effect
Auto shut-off 45 minute sleep timer

BLOOMING FLOWER
Blooming tea is delicious art and healthy beverage for every age and family. Each creation can take from one to ten minutes to sew together. The teas are shaped by hand and formed into heart shaped to dry. They are carefully tied bundles of tea leaves with flowers opening up from the center into an artistic display after immersion in hot water. Bloom sealed in plastic bag to keep its aroma. Bloom packed in a cute, small box. Perfect idea for every for Valentine's Day.

Heart Shaped Tea Infuser

Brew your tea just the way you like it. Infuser allows you to scoop up your favorite tea leaves, close and stir it in hot water to enjoy hot, delicious tea. This elegant heart-shaped infuser brings sophistication to every occasion. The perfect favor for weddings, showers, even Mother's Day and Valentine’s parties.


www.TeaBaza.com
www.HappyAvenue.net

Healthy Beverage: White Tea

What is white tea?

White Tea comes from the buds and younger leaves of the plant which are lightly processed to avoid oxidation and fermentation. Because white tea is carefully harvested and processed, it contains far more antioxidants than any other form of tea, even the highly popular green variety. Even beyond the high antioxidant content, the benefits of white tea outweigh any other tea.

Silver Needle is among the most revered of Chinese white teas, produced in Fujian province. Gathered only in the few days of early spring, the preparation of this tea is governed by strict requirements to ensure a premium product. This dedication to perfection is evident in the cup, which is sweet and very delicate with a clean, airy fragrance.

White Tea Benefits:

- Reducing carcinogens which are any substance directly related to causing cancer
- Reducing the risk of diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels
- Protecting the skin from damage from ultraviolet light by boosting the immune system when exposed to harmful UV radiation
- Potential for improving bone density
- Slowing down viruses and bacterial growth thus protecting against infections such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumonia, fungus growth and even dental plaque
- Reducing the risk of stroke and heart failure by lowering levels of bad cholesterol and increasing levels of good cholesterol
- Reducing risk of cancerous tumors associated with colon, prostate and stomach cancers

Buy organic white tea
“silver needle” at: www.TeaBaza.com
P.S. What's in your cup?

Winter is the perfect time for a cozy tea party//Helpful tips

Warm “cuppa tea” will warm the hands, the tummy, and your spirit!

- Using anything less than the whole leaf would be a major factor in having bitter tea.
- Dust teas do not necessarily mean they are cheap teas. But it would be fair to say that dust tea is a low-quality grade of fine grained black tea. The smaller the particle, the lower the quality:(

- Surprise your guests with blooming tea.
- Drink your tea by lifting the saucer and cup together, with the saucer in one hand, and cup in the other.
- Surround teapot with a stylish tea cozy for extra insulation.
- Serve variety of jams, scones, sugar cookies, and of course, chocolate.
- Use candles to create ambience.
- Don't forget the music.
- and please, hold the teacup normally. Do not stick the pinky out when drinking tea:)

ENJOY!
www.TeaBaza.com

What is a Detox Patch?

What is a Detox Patch?
Detox Patch is made from totally natural tree and bamboo extracts. It is the culmination of centuries of knowledge known to the Japanese, and has been passed down through the generations. It is reputed to relieve fatigue, joint pain, headaches, skin rashes and many other health problems. Apply Detox Patches on the bottom of both feet,

before bed time, and experience better sleep and wake feeling totally refreshed the following morning. Applying pads is like receiving 24 hours reflexology treatment.

Our natural herbal Detox Patches quickly and safely flushes your system of toxins, using a unique formula of herbs, vitamins and minerals.

www.TeaBaza.com

Silver Needle White Tea

For many centuries, White Tea has been one of the luxury drinks consumed by the upper class in China. Today, white tea is known for its mild and smooth flavor as well as for being high in antioxidants. Consisting of the most tender, down covered buds, this tea is only picked for a few days out of the year! Silver Needle is delicate with a fresh, sweet fragrance and a pale yellow brew. The reason for the name, "White Down Silver Needles," is quite apparent with one glance at the buds.

The benefits of drinking white tea tend to be higher than the consumption of black or green tea:

- Reducing the risk of diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels

- Protecting the skin from damage from ultraviolet

- Slowing down viruses and bacterial growth

- Reducing risk of cancerous tumors associated with colon, prostate and stomach cancers

- Along with a healthy diet and exercise program my help accelerate metabolism in the battle for weight

The water used to steep white tea should be about 160-180°F or 70-80°C. Use about 2 teaspoons (3 grams) of tea leaves for about every 6-8 ounces (180-240 ml) of water.

www.TeaBaza.com

Черный чай "Yunnan CTC"

Черный чай (Yunnan Black ctc curl tea). CTC /crush, tear, curl это метод обработки чая, который дает возможность листьям легко завариваться, выделять нежный аромат и приятный цвет c красноватым отливом. Чай доставит удовольствие шумному и веселому застолью, поскольку каждый сможет его вып ить на свой вкус: обычно заваренный, крепко заваренный, с лимоном или без. Хорошая новость для любителей пить чай с молоком - именно этот чай, как нельзя лучше сочетается с молоком и сахаром.

Чай упакован в аллюминиевую обертку - объем 50 грамм.
www.TeaBaza.com

Helpful Tips:

Tea is a gourmet beverage that pairs very successfully with all types of food. Here are some Helpful Tips:

For those who loves continental-style breakfast, prefer a lot of bread and bakery use Ceylon, Indonesian, Assam, Dooars, Terai, Kenya, Darjeeling - Black Yunnan CTC is the best choice!

Fish and seafood suitable with Oolong, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Green Teas and of course - Jasmine Tea.

English-style breakfast, fried foods, eggs, ham and bacon will perfectly match Yunnan CTC, Ceylon, Kenya, African blends or flavored tea.