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Yesterday I did what I hoped was final shopping. When I got home late in the afternoon, I packed all of the clothes I think I'll take, which is all the few "cold weather" clothes I own. Beijing is very cold this spring, still freezing at night. I've been procrastinating about packing, hoping the Beijing weather forecast will change and perhaps warm up above 55 degrees, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening visiting with friends who stopped by to wish us a good trip. Once I arrive in China I'll be fine, but getting ready is taking me forever! Last year we went only to Guangzhou and the weather was warm, packing was light and I still left clothes and a pair of Reebok's behind to have enough room for our purchases. So lots of decisions on "what to take" now, and we'll have to deal with the logistics of "how are we getting it home" later. March 29

My shopping list for China gets longer every day! I need a "paper list" to remind me, because after traveling more than 30 hours, the jet lag really affects my brain and it's difficult to think straight. On my first day in China, I'll be in Beijing, will probably go to a park in the morning and play tai chi, then I hope to go to the Yong He Gong Buddhist temple, also called the Lama Temple, to calm my spirit, pray with my Chinese friend, and burn incense with prayers for a good trip. Being on the other side of the world energetically feels so different, combined with jet lag I get euphoric, and the first day of shopping is very impulse buying and fun. If I can't get a video uploaded because of the Chinese blocks on internet access, I'll save them all for when I return to keep you entertained while I get caught up. March 27

I haven't started packing, but I'm getting ready to go to China. I read on BBC News that China has blocked youtube because there's a video from last year that shows Chinese police beating Tibetan monks, which the Chinese government says is a fake video, so they blocked all access to youtube. If it's blocked I won't be able to do a daily video for you to see. And I've been practicing making videos for two weeks! Hopefully that will be the worst thing that happens. I always keep my expectations low, and trust that things will work out the way they should. But, I'll wear my "overcoming adversity" jade, just in case! March 25

Yesterday I received an order for small jade rollers from Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas. The popularity of jade rollers is growing, and while "enlightened" estheticians have been using jade rollers for facials, their use is becoming more mainstream. I've sold jade rollers to quite a few "famous" people and places, and a company that publishes the magazines that airlines provide in the seats has requested to feature YYJ jade rollers for one of their Asian airlines, but I opted out of that because of the logistics, probably more headaches than advantages! Jade is becoming more popular as people discover the beauty, the energy, and mystery of pure, natural, gorgeous jade. March 24

This week will be the final week for Daily Specials until further notice. If you are thinking about placing an order in the next week or so, please do so this week. I've never "closed the store" while we were gone, but since we'll be away almost two weeks we will probably turn off the automated section of the store so orders will not be able to be placed. So if you were considering a jade baby bangle for an Easter gift, or a beautiful jade gift for any occasion, or something for yourself, and you want it before April 15, please plan ahead and get it this week. Thanks! March 23

Last year when we were shopping in China I intended to upload a video daily to youtube, but during the time we were there political problems arose about Tibet, as it was an anniversary of the Chinese take over of Tibet, and the Chinese government closed down much of the internet and news. When we watched CNN the screen went black whenever there was mention of Tibet. And youtube was not accessible, so I only got one video uploaded. The other political problem was that of pollution, which the government doesn't want to acknowledge, and it was prior to the Olympics, so again all mention of that was blacked out. I planned our trip for after the anniversary of the Tibet take over this year. However, now the political problems include two U.S. reporters arrested by North Korea at the China/North Korea border. I have been to Dandong several times, near that border and it is very obvious when you are not where you are supposed to be, and those reporters probably in N Korea. Where US citizens are not supposed to be. However, they have an affiliation with Falun Gong, which is outlawed in China, and a missionary, which is allowed as long as they keep a low profile. So there is a lot more to this than "innocent reporters" being detained by N Korea. When you are living and working in a foreign country, it is foolish to not respect the local laws, and I am always respectful of laws and customs and never have a problem in China. The other political tension is that N Korea is launching "something" between April 4-8, which is rumored to be a missile, and Japan has promised to intercept it which will cause N Korea to "declare war". N Korea is escalating it's bad behavior to get the POTUS attention in this new administration, so it's kind of scary wondering what they will do to rise tensions in Asia. And while I'm all ready with my camera for photos and videos to upload to the daily blog, I have a feeling that I'll be lucky if I get any internet access while we're there. I would say that more times than not, when I have been in China it has been during some heightened tension. But, because of the news and internet blackouts, I didn't know what was going on, and I decided not to worry about it, and although I didn't have internet access, everything worked out OK. It is certainly getting more difficult to travel outside of the USA, from airfare and air schedules and being treated like a less-than-valued customer by the airlines, to acts of violence throughout the world. I always have to wait to list items I purchased when the trip has been very difficult, because I tend to make them more expensive than I intend to, adding on the price of the misery endured on the trip! So let's hope this is a good trip, an easy and enjoyable one! March 22

Several customers who have purchased YYJ jadeite bangle bracelets have also purchased the weekend special Chinese jade bangle bracelet that is flat inside, size 60mm. The Chinese jade is such a "modest" jade, so why would you own it when you have a fabulous jadeite bangle, or a collection of fabulous jadeite bangles. Chinese jade is so pure and natural, there is never any doubt about whether or not it's color treated or genuine, because it so obviously is what it is. It's the same kind of jade the health instruments are made of: rollers, ben wa balls and eggs, gua sha tools, combs, bongers. I think of it as "comfort jade", like chicken soup, when you need healing. Sometimes the body gets out of whack, out of balance, and you know you're not as you should be, but don't know what to do about it. Wear Chinese jade for awhile, and it will balance you and make you feel better. I have a jade pillow cover I often sleep on especially when I'm distressed, worried, depressed, fretting, have a headache, out of sorts and crabby, and it balances my brain during the night, and I wake up feeling much better, refreshed and balanced. Chinese jade is very affordable, and at the Weekend Special price, a real deal and chance to try it. March 21

This morning when I was cleaning the tile in the bathroom I whacked my rounded inside jade bangle and was so relieved when I didn't feel or see any chips or cracks, and took it off. I want the energy of a "moss in snow" or "emerging spring", some fresh green or mossy green on light or white jadeite, and also wanted something "interesting" so I chose one of my carved jadeite bangles. And it's a beauty with flowers, lingzhi "immortal plant", and a bat, symbol of happiness. Perfect for these beautiful spring days when the air is fragrant with orange blossoms, jasmine and gardenias. It's very harmonious and "dao", which is living in harmony with nature. And peaceful. Sometimes my heart gets so heavy with all the problems of the world, and this jade bangle calms my spirit, balances me and gives me perspective and hopefullness. Wear your jade! March 19

I often get asked if I have more selection in the classic rounded inside jade bangle bracelets. It's very difficult to find these now, and most of the new ones are carved flat inside. One of the reasons for carving them flat is to use less jade, but the biggest reason is that they are made for "modern women". The rounded inside jade bangle "clunks around" more than flat inside, and is more susceptible to getting hit, and cracking or breaking. In "old times", women who wore jade bangle bracelets were rich and pampered, and didn't do physical work, and could wear a precious imperial green rounded jade bangle without worrying about if she would accidently whack it on the kitchen counter while making dinner. The flat inside bangle is easier to wear. I think you can get a really small size on so it fits closer to your wrist, so it is very comfortable to wear and less likely to be struck or hit something that will damage it. So that's the reason for the flat inside style...better for us "modern women" who need to work! I put on one of my classic rounded ones today to remind me to write about this topic, and it sure is less comfortable than my regular flat one. March 18

A reader wrote that she hasn't worn her jade bangle bracelet for a long time, and wanted to know which wrist she should wear it on. My response: Try your jade bangle on both wrists. You might find it feels better, fits better, one one more than the other. If they both feel the same, then I suggest you wear it on the left, which is closest to your heart. If you want to see the newly listed jade bangles on JadeBangleBracelets, click here, and use coupon code JBB25 to take $25 off any jade bangle on this web site $235+, March 16-17 . March 16

A question from a reader: What is Malay or Malaysian jade and why does it look like imperial green jade, but so inexpensive?

Malaysian "jade" is not jade. It's quartz, and it looks and feels like precious imperial jadeite because it's dyed. And to further complicate the issue, there's "fake" Malaysian jade and genuine Malaysian jade. The genuine Malaysian "jade" is also color enhanced but has a "flower" pattern and you can see the stone in the color treatment. It looks so good that I have to test with refraction. Although the price for imperial jadeite this color would be near $100,000 and Malaysian "jade" that's genuine would be around $100, so that would be a sure indication that it's not jadeite. Most of the Malaysian "jade" on the market is the artificial glass or polymer variety, and the genuine Malaysian "jade" is more rare. I personally like it, it has a good energy "feel", and I own one. I used to sell it but I don't have a category for it, because it's not Chinese jade and it's not jadeite, and I listed it under "colors of jade" in the Chinese jade section. I stopped selling it because although I described it, some customer would buy it and then send me scathing emails that they took it to their jeweler and it's not "imperial jade", like what did they expect for under $100! So that's the scoop on "Malaysian jade". And, sorry to say, I don't have any to sell. March 15

As you can guess, I have "nothing to wear" for my China trip! Beijing will be like Ohio weather, and Hong Kong will be like south Florida weather. I've been out shopping often recently, and am really sick of "winter clearance" and wish there were more "spring" clothes. The biggest problem is pants, because I wear "tall", and because of the shoes I need to wear. No cute shoes for China. The streets are filthy so all shoes have to be closed toes (and I'm partial to peep toes, sandals), and I really have to wear an athletic shoe with socks because last year I was on my feet so long that I lost both of my big toe nails and they still are tender. So I have a pair of Earth shoes that are kind of cute for Earth Shoes, a pair of Reebok running shoes, and a pair of Skechers that won't kill my feet. Tops are hard to find, too, because of the long tee shirts that you have to have slender hips, or the "maternity" looking tops I refuse to wear, and the cheapness of fabrics. I bought two high quality cotton tee shirts, but I'll have to tuck them in. So I'm still looking for tops, maybe a sweater to layer. And what did I find to distract me in the department store from my mission: the jewelry counter. Most of the time I wear diamond stud "headlights" earrings, but am not going to take those to China ( don't want to look "rich" or be a target for theft), and pearl earrings would be the perfect earrings to wear. After jade, Chinese people love pearls. So I'm drooling over the 10-12mm pearl studs, and consoling myself for NOT getting any for two reasons. First of all, 6mm is the appropriate size, respectable, to wear, and I have 6mm white pear studs (any other color isn't as "respectable). And the second reason is that I'll be in one of the best pearl markets in China in a few weeks, the Hongshao Pearl Market. I'll get the "tourist" label for sure by looking at those big, beautiful pearls! I did waste a lot of prime shopping time looking at pearls, though, and can't wait to get some high quality China seas BIG pearls! March 11

The first thing I do when I get to China is get a Chinese medical treatment for jet lag. The reason I first went to China 10 years ago was to learn Chinese medicine, and try a treatment for fibromyalgia and migraine headaches, for which I had no relief with "regular" medical treatments. Those treatments are the only thing that has ever helped relieve my fibromyalgia, and I can't even get the same kind of treatments from practitioners here in the USA. I get some in Beijing, then a different treatment on Shamian Island, and of course my "check up" includes taking care of all my medical care. Then I'm ready for shopping. Beijing is the best city to buy silk items and pearl jewelry. The background you see in all the photos is a fine silk fabric with dragon and phoenix pattern, and I need a new one. There are also many Chinese jade items available, and genuine antiques. I have Chinese friends in Beijing and Tianjin, so visits with them. I want to go to the Yong He Gong Buddhist temple that has some of the most Buddhas. And eat Peking Duck. There's a lot I would love to do in Beijing, and there is never enough time. Beijing is one of my favorite cities, I feel very comfortable there, and can always find my way around. My two favorite shopping streets are Wangfujing, and Dazhalan, where the oldest Chinese pharmacy in Beijing is located, as well as the most famous tea store, and the biggest traditional Chinese shoe store where I can get good tai chi shoes if they have my BIG size! Well, big according to them. I hope that the interesting shopping hasn't disappeared as the city modernized for the Olympic games. The Chinese don't understand that we "foreigners" go to China to see Chinese things, not modern cities that we can see anywhere in the world. I could spend a month in Beijing and shop, wander, eat, visit parks and attractions, and learn more Chinese medicine and tai chi from Dr. Li. I hope Beijing hasn't changed too much. March 10

Last week my husband kept asking me what I was so angry about, and I was confused because I didn't feel angry about anything, so I asked him what was making him think I was angry. He told me that I had been scowling for awhile. So a close look in the mirror, and sure enough, big scowly frown lines between my eyebrows. I have been neglecting to use my Frownese wrinkle reducer system and the frown lines were really significant enough to make my face look different. So I started using it again at night, and the next morning saw some softening, and today there is a significant improvement. I usually use it 2-3 times a week for maintenance, but for some unknown reason, stopped using it. The pad had fallen behind the nightstand, and out of sight, out of mind. I sell a lot of these, all over the world. The best part about using it is when I first put the heat pack on my forehead, it is sooooo relaxing, gets rid of any headache from stress during the day. Then the cool jade roller continues the relaxing process, and the patches keep the forehead smooth and re-train the muscles to be soft and relaxed. Better than Botox! March 8

Deirdre and many others of you jade lovers are in good company with your JAD. Thanks for all your comments. I had a few emails from readers who thought I had JAD really bad because I am going to China to purchase more jade for YYJ when the economy is in such bad shape, and I would probably lose my business because of my unbridled jade buying. This morning I read an article in the business section of the newspaper about a hotel owner if Orlando who made his fortune as a result of the last economic downturn by using his "down time" to invest in his business and make improvements that would delight hotel customers when times got better, and that's exactly what happened. He's doing the same thing now, adding luxury touches to his hotels, and keeping people employed doing the work so when people start spending money again, they will have quality accommodations when they visit Orlando. And he's doing his part to help the economy because he has the money to do it. Throughout the year I set aside a certain percentage to reinvest in YYJ, and that's still the plan. Jade prices continue to increase, and by purchasing now I will have good jade for later. When the economy improves, the US dollar will have so little value against the Chinese yuan that I won't be able to have the same purchasing power as I do now. So I will have wonderful quality jade, and be able to sell it at affordable prices by buying now instead of later. People all over the world love jade, and many have JAD! I am always ready to feed your jade appetites! March 6.

Why do we want more jade bangle bracelets! A friend sent me an email about her theory of "Jade Acquisition Disorder" (JAD). You can read about it, click here. As a psychologist, however, I would call a "syndrome" instead of a disorder, because jade is so healthy for us, brings us happiness, doesn't cause us to gain weight, and has no side effects! It's what makes us "jade princesses"!
March 5

I replaced my Palm pilot that doesn't work most of the time and crashed when I was using a Chinese language translation program in China last year, with an IPod Touch. I downloaded two Chinese language translation programs which are really easy to use. And I found an application called "AcuPalm" for only $1.99. It shows the acupuncture points on the palm of the hand and where to do acupressure for common ailments. It further instructs you to use a pointed object to press on the points. So I took one of the jade needles, and they work perfectly! I can't wait to show this to my friend Dr. Li in Beijing, and he'll get a good laugh! He's been teaching me Chinese medicine for almost 10 years and since I don't have any kind of licence to practice, I use acupressure, tui na, instead of needles, which is the reason we developed the jade "needles". I can never remember all the acupuncture points. In fact, I found an application that shows all the acupuncture points, their names and their purpose. Chinese education focuses on memorization, and my theory of learning is that if you know where to find the information, then you don't need to memorize it. So that's why he'll have a good laugh, because we Westerners have it so easy! Ha! It is a cool app, though. March 4

I've been sorting throught my inventory, consolidating items to make room for the new jades I'll buy in China later this month. Most of the jade bangle bracelets come in the silk lined red rice paper packets and I keep them in boxes until I'm ready to list them on the web site. Those little packets tend to work their way out of the boxes and behind the storage units, and when I clean up, I find all kinds of surprises, things I forgot I bought! It's like getting a new shipment! I found a really pretty lao pit pale lavender jadeite bangle about 56mm when I was cleaning up today, it has some "hong" veins on it, very unique, and since it's so fine grained you can see and feel a small natural crack in the jade stone and it's "not perfect" but to me it's a pretty darn nice jade bangle. I decided to wear it today. My usual bangle size is 51-52mm, so it's loose and sort of clunks around. And it's really cold here today, and because it is away from my wrist, it's icy cold when it contacts my skin. It's an example of my "forbidden love affair" with my merchandise, I want to keep so darn much of it! The dilemma about this lavender and hong jadeite bangle is that I can't sell it for it's actual value of about $800, but it's too good to put in clearance at a low price. I often wear these kinds of imperfect jade bangles when I travel, by car, and because they are so unique they get noticed (usually in the restrooms), and I can sell them off my wrist. Once a woman tries it on, an audience gathers, and usually someone can wear it. The allure of jade is so interesting! There's something for everyone who loves jade. March 3

Cathy from Canada writes: "When jadeite is bleached, how are the natural colours of lavendar, apple green, spinach green, yellow, etc. affected? Does the bleaching change those colours in any way? And does bleaching comprimise the structure of the jade?"
Jadeite is bleached to remove the color that it has, so that other color can be added. And this is often done to make jade more marketable, commercial quality. For example, a jade rough that is gray and spotty might be bleached to make it clear, then polymer color added so that the pieces carved from it are "pretty". Jadeite that has the colors other than green is not usualy bleached because those colors are precious and would be left natural. And bleaching is done with acid, so it makes the jadeite more brittle. This is C and D quality jadeite. It's more fragile, and more easy to crack or chip. But, it certainly can be a pretty piece of jade, and because more work is put into it, it is often priced higher than A grade jadeite. Good question, thanks for asking! March 2

The Calm Spirit / Ying Yu Jade complete March newsletter is available online now, click here. This month features Chinese medicine wellness information for March 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.
March 1

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