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This evening I went to dinner with friends. It was a hot day, 98 degrees so I wore a short and skimpy sundress that needed something at my neckline to give it substance. I put on a jade flower necklace, the chrysanthemum jade pendant, that has dangles and filled up that bare neckline nicely. I got lots of comments on it. Jade is a perfect accessory, and on a hot day it's fun to feel the coolness of the jade as you move around, and it moves away from your body and cools fast, then you feel it cool when it touches your body again. And jade looks good with everything. I have one each of the flower necklaces and wear them often, including over high neck long sleeve tee shirts in winter. Jade for all seasons. July 29

A girlfriend who is living and working in S Korea is planning a trip to Beijing next week, and we've been discussing what she wants to do. She trying to decide between going to a Chinese opera, a kung fu show, or acrobat show. The Chinese operas include kung fu and acrobatics. My first trip to China included an opera, but I didn't know what the name of it was because it was in Chinese. . Amazingly, it was the classic "Jade Bangle"! Jade bangles are cherished by the Chinese people, so it included not only jade bangles, but love, martial arts, and wonderful costumes but I think the "singing" is an acquired taste. Subtitles in "Chinglish" were flashed on a screen, it was quite an experience. On the way back to the hotel I found a wad of about 500 Chinese RMB as I got out of the taxi, and the doorman insisted it was mine, so I walked into the hotel and purchased my first jade bangle for exactly what I found. It was Chinese jade, as was the jade bangle in the opera. And that was the beginning of my love affair with jade bangle bracelets. I still felt uncomfortable about not finding the owner of the money, and the next day when I was dawdling behind the early morning walking tour of the Houtongs, I tucked 100 RMB bills in the hands, pockets, etc of homeless people sleeping on doorsteps. Most of the "real" houtongs are gone now, torn down to build new modern buildings, and I think part of the reason is that these were in the downtown area and projected an image the government wasn't proud of, including people wandering around in the pajamas, men wandering around in underwear, the communal cooking and living, and a place to sleep for the homeless. Now there are the most expensive hotels and international designer stores off Wangfujing where the houtongs, little wonderful restaurants and shops were. Progress, right? July 28

I have three laptop computers, and I have them set up on my dining room table. One is the Macbook Pro that I inteded to sell, then changed my mind, the other is the Dell laptop I used as a back up when my desktop computer crashed in June, then again in July, and I keep it set up to use if anything like that happens again. You know, Murphy's Law, by keeping it set up and current I know nothing will happen to the desktop. The third one is my Toshiba netbook I bought last fall so I would have a small lightweight laptop I could carry in my handbag, tether to my smart phone wherever I needed it. When I got my iPhone in April, tethering wasn't available, and I am reluctant to give up my unlimited data plan with ATT for a 2GB tethering plan, and the Toshiba only gets used for travel so it's not up to date with my business "stuff". I purchases a skin to keep the exterior protected from scratches, so it's in perfect condition and it's a pretty bamboo, big sun and cranes Asian design, with desktop screen to match. The small netbooks are no substitute for a "real" computer, but if you travel and really want a lightweight, available laptop, this is just right. You really can carry it in a large handbag, which makes it very handy and accessible. So if you want one in great condition at a low price, this is your chance. I'll keep it on the web site for a few days. Click here for details. July 27

I put together a custom order for a bridal party this weekend. The bride ordered a translucent green Chinese jade bangle bracelet a couple of weeks ago, and liked it so much that she decided to give one to each member of her bridal party. She measured for everyone's size, and placed her order for the same style, flat inside. Chinese jade green color varies so much, and I chose jade bangles that were similar in color and translucency. I can picture how lovely she will look in her beautiful wedding gown with this glowing jade bangle on her wrist, and how elegant the women in her bridal party will look, also. What a thoughtful and significant gift she is giving them. Long after the wedding, each woman will have a special, precious jade bangle to wear. July 26

The weather has been hot, hot and hot here. I love to wear jade all the time, but sometimes even cold lao pit old mine jadeite feels and looks hot. I pulled out my jade beads and baubles bracelet to wear today, and it looks and feels really cool with the big crystal beads (not glass!) and silver accents. It was fun to wear to the grocery store, then later with a dress for a quick dinner. I'm making it the Weekly Special, because this is perfect weather for it. Free shipping, too. July 25

I finished getting the Jade Bangle Bracelets web site updated and all of the new jade bangles I added are in the "value" category, $250 or less. I am committed to offering jade bangles in a price range for everyone, and there are some real values on real nice jade. Click here to see what's new. July 24

Husband and I had talked about going to the Florida panhandle to enjoy the beaches, and put it off thinking it will always be there. Now with the BP oil spill disaster, we regret we didn't go. Instead we went to Miami beach area and Keys area, to enjoy before a tropical storm hits this summer. While we were having lunch on a marina in Key Largo on our final day, it started raining, and after we got home and watched the weather, we saw it was the beginning edge of tropical storm Bonnie. These lessons from nature make a big impact on me about the importance of living in the moment. It goes along with my "ancient Chinese saying" on the Daily Special page, which is "get it or regret it". We paid more than we normally would for some things on our road trip, and I paid three times as much for a souvenir item, but I don't regret it, because, like the Gulf of Mexico, what you know and expect to always be there can be changed in the blink of an eye. Around the time of the full moon each month, I get sad emails from women who tell me they broke their jade bangle, and can't recall striking it. There's a Chinese belief that jade protects the person who wears it, and that if a jade bangle breaks for no reason, it took the injury to spare the person pain. From stories I received from readers, I believe this, because so many people write about it. Of course I wore my jade bangle when I travel, but I carry a "spare" just in case mine broke because I feel so uneasy without a jade bangle. July 23

My eyes always look at women's wrists. While we were in Miami Beach I expected to see some women wearing jade bangles because I sell a lot to that area. I saw only one woman wearing jade, and she was wearing two jade bangles on the same wrist. They were similar in color and pattern, and really bad job of color treatment, very splotchy and fake looking. But she was happy with them, I could see her touching them while she shopped. If you like "fancy" deep color jadeite, but don't want to pay what natural color costs, especially now when the supply is so limited due to the jadeite mine being closed, then consider getting color treated. I own some color enhanced jadeite bangles and wear them mostly for travel, dress up occasions. The Thursday Special is a "fancy" high colored jadeite bangle, natural color, purchased several years ago when this kind was readily available and the price was moderate back then, so this is a "deal" now, lower than retail priced in China. July 21

The Easy Rebate special will be on while we're gone, and end on Thursday. Check the Daily Special for details. Orders placed today will be shipped before we leave, and shipping will resume Thursday. Get some great jade, and get an easy rebate when you pay with Paypal. July 19

Since I wrote about jade beads earlier this month, and last month, both jadeite bead bracelets and Chinese jade bead bracelets and malas bracelets have been popular order items. This week the special is the Guan Yin bead mala bracelet. Guan Yin is Buddha of compassion, protector of women and children, and Buddha of Peace. Not only are the jade beads serene and peaceful but the image of Guan Yin flows peaceful energy to the wearer and our universe. And don't we need that now! When I worked as a counselor in a middle school, I kept a Guan Yin mala in my office and a student who "needed it" could wear it for the day. It was always out on loan, and students, both boys and girls, told me it helped then get through a tough day. Sometimes I need to wear mine for the energy, serenity both the jade and Guan Yin provide. July 18

We're going to take a few vacation days, sightseeing in Florida. The Florida tourist business has been hit hard due to the BP oil disaster, so we are traveling and spending locally. Orders placed by Sunday night will be shipped Monday, then shipping will resume Wednesday or Thursday. I'm going to wear my soft, peaceful seafoam green veins on white jadeite bangle. It has a high polish so sunscreen, ocean salt water, lotions and perfume won't hurt it. A quick polish with a towel after I take a shower will keep it looking good. That's they beauty of natural jade. July 16

Yesterday I wrote about how we usually choose the kind of jade that has the energy we need, and when our eyes see the jade, our brain sends us messages and if the message is positive, our body reacts. A reader sent me some emails about this, and then the question about how the brain can get damaged, and heal. That inspired an article for the Calm Spirit "Ask the Counselor" web site, which you can read here. I had been collecting articles about the subject for a longer article I am writing, and the Calm Spirit article is a summary and compilation of tips on keeping our brains healthy. Jade, the brain...it's all part of the Dao. July 14

A reader asks " Your descriptions for each bangle includes healing descriptions like calming, love, happiness, success, etc. Can you please tell me if the energy and healing powers differ between the types of jade, i.e. Chinese jade, Chinese river jade, and the Burmese jade? Which jadeite has more healing and energy? Also, what about wearing jade bead bracelet? Is there a difference in energy between wearing a bangle verses wearing a jade bead (elastic) bracelet?"
All good quality jade has qi energy. I've been a Qi Healer and Reiki master for many years and it's my first instinct to "feel" everything I come in contact with energetically. So when I'm working with a piece of jade to take the photo, measure and describe it, I include an energetic description. That's what makes this website different from others that sell jade. Sometimes customers ask me to wear/hold a piece and give them a more elaborate energetic description, usually not telling me what they want the energy for, so they can decide if its the right jade for them. And my experience is that people choose the jade that has the energy that is best for them, whether it's Chinese jade or Burmese jadeite. The eyes see the jade, the message goes to the brain and spirit, and you can trust your judgment if it's right for you. I can think of only a handful of times in the 11 years of selling jade that a customer asked to return a jade piece because it didn't feel right for them. Beads vs bangles is also a personal choice. Some women just cannot wear a jade bangle, although they would love to, because of size, arthritis or other physical issues. I have made it a point to sell only the best quality of jade bead elastic bracelets for this reason. I even found a jade bead and magnetic 37"strand to wear as a bracelet, necklace or wherever you need to wrap magnets and jade around for health and healing. My inspiration for these products comes from my own needs, and I try them first, then if I like them I get more to sell. So whatever works best for you, or whatever kind of jade you like, trust what your brain is telling you when you see it that it is the right jade energy for you. July 13

It's hurricane season, and time to have our emergency plans in place. My husband and I discussed what we need to be prepared, and when I told him I have everything ready, he looked around and wanted to know where the emergency food and water was. Oh. Yeah. Well, I have a safe place for the jade, and that's what is most on my mind. And a couple of days food and water. It's not the hurricane I'm mostly concerned about, but the tornado that often accompanies, and we don't have a storm shelter, and most of our neighbors don't either. It feels risky and there's always a little lump of anxiety but bad things can happen anywhere, any time. I have good feng shui in our home and my jade room and office, and hope all this wonderful jade qi will protect us. July 12

Today I replenished my jade ben wa ball supply from storage. When these are shipped to me from China, US Customs often opens the box to inspect. All the balls must look "suspicious" and we have to keep our country safe! One time US Customs called me to "describe the contents of the parcel I am expecting". I had 7 boxes in transit, so I asked for a hint, and I don't know in advance what is in each box. The Customs agent asked "how many marbles" I was expecting, so that was a good clue, and I told him, and he wanted me to describe the "other game pieces", so I guessed they were the gua sha tools and I guessed correctly. After they were properly inspected, they were not properly re-packed and many arrived cracked from thunking around in a 70 pound box. So new they get packed in smaller sections so they travel more safely. This also includes NOT doing the final polishing as the wax protects them also. But that means I have to hand polish them. And that inspired me to offer them as a Weekly Special. They are our most viewed and purchased product. The jade looks so nice, they are enjoyable to hold, and consequently they wind up all over our home (I try to carry too many at a time when I'm moving them from polishing to the "jade room"). When a guest comes across one in a chair cushion or under an end table, it's quite amusing explaining what they are. July 11

Customers often ask if the Chinese old river jade bangle bracelets are natural color, because the range and variation of color is spectacular. And the next question is often why are they so inexpensive. They are indigenous Chinese jade, not Burmese jadeite, so they are not imported, and not affected by the jadeite embargo so I can still buy these from China. It's a very old jade that ancient emperors cherished for its color and variety. There were imperial maidens, young girls with strong yin who went into the rivers and energetically felt for this jade with their feet, and it was believed they would feel the best quality of this jade. The yin of the maidens qi could discover this jade. The minerals in the river are responsible for the variation of color, from green, honey, "hong" red, charcoal and browns. This kind of jade bangle is generally not carved commercially, and I have a carver who makes these mostly by hand and not by machine. You can often feel the uneveness of the rounded part which adds to the pure and natural character. I also have river jade pendants, tea pots and some jade pillow covers made from this beautiful, natural jade, and it is famous for carvings. July 10

Most of the time I'm not aware of my jade bangle on my wrist. It fits tight and is comfortable, and feels like a natural part of me. But it seems to grab my attention when I'm in situations where I need something to distract, when I'm waiting for something, like a boring meeting to end, or waiting in line at a grocery store. My latest distraction has been because it's so hot, and when I'm driving and trying to get home it seems like I hit every red traffic light, and I feel my jaw getting tight, so I play with my jade. My left hand is usually on the steering wheel, and to pass the time I turn my arm over so the part of the jade bangle that has not been touching my arm now feels really cool and relaxing, and by the time it warms up with my body heat, the other side has cooled, so I rotate my arm a couple times, and enjoy the sensation, and it makes waiting for the light to change less annoying and stressful. And THAT surely has to be good for your body, mind and spirit! July 9

My Chinese supplier is getting a jade order ready for me for the end of this month. I'm getting anxious watching the US dollar go down against the Chinese yuan, and I am losing buying power every day. Chinese people are raising their standard of living, which is a good thing, but a bad thing for a jade business when the price of jade increases and the US dollar buys less. I've made a list of the prices that I'll have to increase, mostly jade rollers, ben wa balls, eggs, and other Chinese jade items. Also, the US post office announced it will raise the price of postage. I haven't raised YYJ shipping costs for the last two price increases. So if you are thinking about giving jade items for gifts during the Christmas (yes, time to think ahead!) holidays, now would be a good time to get some and stash them away. July 8

Did you every wear your "cute shoes" that look great but you really can't walk in them, and then you wind up walking a lot and your feet really hurt? I have some thin soled sandals I really like, but when I find myself walking on hot parking lots, I wish I hadn't worn them. My soles were burning today, and I took a handful of clearance jade ben wa balls and put them in a box lid, and moved my feet over them. My poor hot achy feet felt much better after a few minutes of rolling around the balls. Some of the balls have slight dents or nicks and I use them for a variety of things, including putting in vases to hold arranged flowers, putting them with ailing plants so the qi energy helps them. And today giving myself a foot massage felt really good, cooling and healing. I takes about 10 to get good contact on the feet. July 6

I'm still working on a new article about jade energy, the yin and yang of jade. There's so much that can be said about it, I could write a book. So I'm deciding if I want to keep it a short article, or do more on it. I've heard from several readers and customers this weekend that they are wearing their "summer" jade, or looking for a new, cool, "yin" energy jade bangle to wear, and this week is going to be a hot one in most of the USA. So I'm going to leave the "cool jade" bangle bracelets as the weekly specials this week. More than half sold over the weekend, I added some new ones, so get these cool jades while they're "hot". July 5

USA Independence Day, and the final day of the Cool Jade for Hot July Sale. 10 years ago I was on the final day of my 10 day China trip, the last day of June, and looking forward to getting home for July 4 family picnics. It was my last day and I still had money to spend, and I went back to a government department store on Wangfujing Street in Beijing where I had purchased some Chinese silk blouses and fell in love with a string of pearls that was priced 80,000 RMB or about $10,000 US dollars. I had bought a string of pearls at the Hong Qiao pearl market, choosing the strand I liked and having them hand strung, double knotted while I waited. But these pearls were bigger, whiter and more lustrous (Chinese prefer white pearls), As I was calculating how I might get them, a Chinese man in an expensive suit came over and told me about why those pearls were so expensive, and then offered me a discount because the next day was the Chinese government holiday of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party of which he was a proud member. And a second discount because he knew Americans were celebrating Independence Day soon. In 2000 you couldn't use credit cards in China (and in most places you still can't)and I didn't have enough cash, so that pearl necklace is always in my mind as "the perfect pearl necklace". I didn't get it, and I regret it. And every time I put on my pearl necklace from the Hong Qiao pearl market I think about it. Anyway, best wishes to all Americans for happy July 4 holiday. Wear your red, white, blue and JADE today! July 4

A jade friend sent me some photos of her antique family jade. They are truly awesome. She also has some 24k gold bangles, which are fabulous and look great with jade. Her imperial green jadeite with the gold looks very expensive, and is a treasure. Thanks for the photos and letter, Jean. I remember the first second time I went to Beijing, I was with a tour, but my agenda was to get some Chinese medical treatment and I had a tour guide take me to the tuina hospital. I took off my 14k gold and pearl necklace for the treatments, and everyone took a look at it because it was "American jewelry" (the women also loved to sneak a peak in my handbag). Finally the English speaking tour guide asked me if it was gold, to which I replied it was and they talked some more. I thought they were admiring it, and later learned that they couldn't understand why a "rich American" would wear such a cheap thing! The tour guide took me to a Chinese high end government jewelry store that sold mostly gold, the 24K gold Chinese and Asian people wear, and gave me the "opportunity" to buy some good gold. So I fell in love with 24k gold right after I fell in love with jade. I listed my final three jadeite bangle bracelets with 24K gold inset, unique treasures to wear. The combination is gorgeous. July 3

The "July Sale" jadeite bangle bracelets are continued part of YYJ committed to providing affordable jade for every budget, and a perfect time to list them during July 4 Independence Day weekend. I included some that are different from the "apple green" color. The green is more of a cool green, referred to as "chalk blue hues". The term comes from the imagery of white chalk mixed with green to give it the somewhat bluish hues. Blue is not a natural color found in jadeite, but this is as close it the green comes to having the cooler, bluer hues. Very nice to wear in summer, as it's cool and balancing. And looks great with jeans, the color in blue clothes, or jeans, make this jade really show off. There are some much more expensive chalk blue hues jadeite bangles on the web site, and it's the coloring throughout that make them more expensive and valuable, as well as the fine grain of the jadeite, but for everyday wear, fun with your jade, these are a great buy. July 2
PS Before I had the Specials uploaded and was working on listing them, a lucky customer snapped one up, leaving a note that she learned her lesson about "get it or regret it" from the last sale!

The Calm Spirit / Ying Yu Jade complete July newsletter is available online now, click here. This month features Chinese medicine wellness information for June regarding balance of body, mind and spirit. There is information about what kind of jade to wear this month if you wear jade for your health, and more. There's a story about jade qi energy near the end of the June 2010 blog.

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