SkyMall Monday: Five Stones Ring

by Mike Barish on

There was big news out of SkyMall Monday headquarters this weekend. I got engaged! As you can imagine, we’re pretty thrilled. As you might also imagine, there’s been a lot of talk about rings. I was fortunate enough to be able to give my fiancée my great-grandmother’s ring. It saved me the agony of having to shop for jewelry (and, yes, also a lot of money). Ring shopping is tough. It’s nerve-racking, complicated and, of course, expensive. Thankfully, if you’re in the market for a special ring for an ever more special lady, SkyMall makes the search simple. Forget diamonds. In fact, forget the idea of having just one stone. If you really want to impress your lady – and everyone else – then you need to go all out. You need to maximize your stones. You need the semiprecious power of the Five Stones Ring.Everyone gets a diamond engagement ring. Where’s the fun in that? And plenty of girls have birthstone rings. That’s also cliche. What you need is more stones. Why choose just one? Or two? Five is the real magic number. It took five people to form Voltron. There were five members of The Breakfast Club. And there are five semiprecious stones in the Five Stones Ring. Coincidence? Not at all. Five is where it’s at.

Think that engagement rings need diamonds? Believe that haphazardly throwing five stones into a ring looks like a geologist threw up? Well, keep playing with your rock tumbler while we read the product description:

Can’t decide which semiprecious stone is your favorite? This impressive ring features five of the most popular: amethyst, peridot, citrine, garnet, and iolite.

Oval, emerald, and pear-shaped stones are hand-set in sterling silver bezels on a polished sterling band.

While I have only ever heard of two of those stones, I can only assume it’s because the other three – peridot, citrine and iolite – are so fantastic that they are only known to people much more powerful and sophisticated than me. And since you are combining five different stones, it only makes sense to use three different cuts.

Thankfully, the Five Stones Ring can fit anyone, as it’s available in whole sizes 6-10. I mean, sure, my fiancée is a size 4, but the Five Stones Ring looks even more amazing when worn on the thumb. That should ensure a snug fit.

So, if you need to pop the question – or any question, really – make sure that you go all out. Don’t do the expected. Remember Voltron. Remember the power of five.

Check out all of the previous SkyMall Monday posts HERE.

Five Valentine’s Day deals in New England

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Nothing says “romance” like a roaring fire on a chilly evening on Valentine’s Day. Through the windows, you can see snow-laden trees and pure white landscapes. From the warmth of your room, you can enjoy the winter wonderland outside, as you settle down for the perfect evening with the perfect person in your life. If this is how you envision your Valentine’s Day this year, turn your thoughts to New England this year. There are plenty of deals at your disposal through the New England Inns and Resorts Association, and a tough travel market is leading many properties to put together some amazing deals. Here are four to get you started.

1. Diamond & All Engagement Package (Kennebunkport, Maine)

Is this Valentine’s Day going to be the first day of the rest of your life together? If you’re planning to pop the question, let The Kennebunkport Inn give you a hand. This unique package includes robes, a four-course chef’s dinner with wine pairing, and an in-room couples massage. Your Mansion room will be adorned with three dozen roses, which you’ll enjoy while sipping champagne by the fire. Oh, and then there’s the one-carat diamond ring, which comes in a customized chocolate box created by the chef. The package starts at $6,500 for two nights … but that’s to be expected.2. Arts for Sweethearts Valentine’s Weekend (Chatham, Massachusetts)
The Chatham Wayside Inn will welcome you with two arrival cocktails (hot toddies or champagne cocktails) and a coupon gift back from local merchants which includes two $25 gift cards to attend the local Arts for Sweethearts art show. You’ll spend two nights in a room decorated with a red rose bouquet. A continental breakfast is served every morning, and you’ll enjoy a candlelit dinner for two at the Goose Tavern. On Sunday, dine on a Valentine’s Day brunch for two. Rates start at $429 a night, but you can add a third for half price.

3. Menage a Trois (Newport, Rhode Island)
Don’t worry, the Ocean Cliff Hotel isn’t as racy as you might think. For $225, you’ll get a night in a deluxe guestroom and enjoy the “Aphrodisiacs Delights Dinner Menu for Two.” The meal comes with a bottle of Folie a Deux Vineyards Menage a Trois wine and chocolate covered strawberries. If one night isn’t enough, you can book another for only $89.

4. Valentine/Presidential Weekend Value (North Conway, New Hampshire)
Spend three nights at the Buttonwood Inn, and you’ll be treated to a full breakfast every day, afternoon tea service and a dinner for two at a local, premier restaurant — including a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider. Top off the meal with handmade local New Hampshire chocolates, and retire to the “Hot Tub Under the Stars.” The package starts at $509, but you can save an additional 10 percent if you book by the end of the month.

5. An Affair to Remember (Boston, Massachusetts)
The Liberty Hotel in Boston wants to make sure you remember this Valentine’s Day. For $295 a night, you’ll frolic in luxury, enjoy champagne at check-in and receive two tickets to the pre-Valentine’s Day party on February 13, 2010 — where you and your sweetheart will each receive psychic reading. A copy of “An Affair to Remember” will be waiting for you in your room, should you choose to enjoy it. Add a bit of decadence to your stay at the Liberty with the “Guilty Pleasures Romance Package. At $435 a night and up, you will sip champagne that’s brought to you in your room, snack on chocolate-dipped assorted fruit and have breakfast at CLINK or in the privacy of your own room. An intimacy kit will be provided … and the details aren’t being disclosed.