March 25, 2008

Heavenly Sinful Jewels giveaway

To enjoy Jeckyll, you need some Hyde. To love Sandy, you need to feel Rizzo. And to truly know bling, you need to experience Heavenly Sinful Jewels, a blissfully schizophrenic jewelry line that creates pieces for the angel in your heart... and the devil on your shoulder.
Heavenly Sinful Jewels houses two collections—Twistted and PURE. The Twistted collection is rock 'n roll inspired, comprising diamond-studded skull faces and little hearts with devils' horns. Handcrafted from silver or white gold, Twissted appeals to fast-living bad girls who believe rehab is for wimps and take leather over lace, every time (think Angelina Jolie in "Girl, Interrupted").
And then there's the PURE collection, an array of delicate, feminine pieces, hand-crafted from white and rose gold. These adornments are designed for Earth Angels with virtuous hearts beating behind their heaving bosoms (think Uma Thurman in "The Age of Innocence").
Jaime Pressly, Mary J. Blige, and Ashley Roberts from the Pussycat Dolls have all sported items from the Heavenly Sinful collection, and so can you—Heavenly Sinful is gifting one lucky Stylephile reader an 18 karat white gold ring with a green amethyst center encrusted in golden leaves and diamonds from the PURE Collection (pictured). It's worth $2,000, and will make your halo glow every time you wear it.
To win, simply leave a comment telling us about the most virtuous thing you've ever done (don't forget to leave your email address in the body of the comment). Deadline is Tuesday April 1 at 5PM.

March 25, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink

Comments

so who won?

Posted by the winner? | Apr 9 2008 9:01PM

This past summer, two friends were to be married in a lavish and long-awaited wedding. A couple of days before the ceremony, the bride's 40-ish brother-in-law died suddenly of a heart attack while vacationing with her sister and their 2 small kids. Her sister showed up to the wedding to act as a brides maid and even gave a magnificent speech, all while mourning her husband's sudden death. I could not imagine a more virtuous act. She was truly happy for her sister despite her own agony. I will never forget that brave act. dani_1981@hotmail.com

Posted by lyne | Apr 2 2008 10:42AM

We have the choice to be virtuous every day of our lives. However, sometimes I simply need to put myself first - that doesn''t make me ‘un’virtuous - I will give up my seat on the train to someone who cannot stand for as long as I can, I will stop and give directions to someone as I know what it''s like to be stranded and lost, I will collect my friend''s children from school when I hear the stress in her voice because she cannot manage all that is expected of her. I will find a lady''s gold dress watch on the sidewalk and hand it into the nearest police station because I know what it feels like to lose something precious, and 20 years later I will wear that watch and be grateful for those choices. lizzi_lowell@hotmail.com

Posted by Lizzi | Apr 2 2008 7:47AM

I guess it was quitting my job as a lawyer to move in with and take care of my mom, who was dying of breast cancer. We spent six months together -- hard months, but in some ways they were the sweetest of my life. I got to be there with her at the very end -- 5:30 AM, looking out over the water that ran past her backyard, now mine, as dawn broke and she left us for something better. sasisk@mac.com

Posted by Sherrie | Apr 1 2008 4:31PM

I'd have to say giving up a fully-paid ski trip with old college friends for my nephew (and godson's) first birthday party. How could I go on a ski trip when it's his first birthday party? I struggled with family vs. fun, and family won out. No one loves you and will be there for you as much as your family! Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do, and as long as it's the right thing to do, I'm OK with that!! missliz7ic@yahoo.com

Posted by liz | Apr 1 2008 3:17PM

vienazee@hotmail.com - It was late and I was in a hurry to get to a rehearsal but needed gas so I pulled into a gas station I use often along the route. This time, when I pulled in, there was a homeless man begging for money, who offered to clean my windows. My windows really were not that dirty but I could see he did not want just a hand out. I asked what he wanted to eat and drink and bought them in the gas station’s mini-mart while he cleaned my windshield. I wanted him to know I cared about his situation but also give him the chance to earn his dinner.

Posted by vienazee | Apr 1 2008 2:59PM

This is a tough one, because I agree that a truly virtuous person would have trouble listing all of the amazing things she has done. She doesn''t think about it. She just does what she knows is right. For me, what''s right is to be a good listener and to accept people, truly accept them, for who they are. It''s the simplest thing a person can do, yet also the most difficult. chicdiva05@aol.com

Posted by chicdiva | Apr 1 2008 2:56PM

Virtue is subjective. I do acts of kindness everyday to strangers, co-workers, loved ones. But the FUNNIEST act of virtue I ever did was this: while volunteering at a mental hospital during college, there was a co-ed Halloween dance. But men and women were not allowed to dance together. (No touching!) I am a woman, so I would dance—including slow dances—with all the women. Some were heavily sedated, one wore a helmet for her epilepsy. In makeshift costumes. It's like I fell into a Diane Arbus photo. The women were so sweet and funny, it was touching. icansee66@hotmail.com

Posted by glasshalffull | Apr 1 2008 2:03PM

I don't really believe in showing off virtuous deeds. Kind of negates the whole thing, wouldn't you say? Much charity work is done to make the giver feel better about themselves, and while giving of yourself certainly does and should feel great, I find hypocricy in bragging about good deeds, going to high-profile events, etc. I think old J.C. said the same in the Bible so hey, I have a good source to cite. However, I still will say that I think I'm a fairly good person and definitely deserve the ring. I'm a poor student for pete's sake; I could never afford it! dorsia830 at yahoo dot com

Posted by K | Apr 1 2008 1:22PM

I was appointed Guardian for an elderly poor Lady who was facing eviction. She prevailed in the proceeding and then died shortly thereafter. I learned by chance of ehr passing and secured her Body away from Potter's Field and unto a more amenable grave site. As I entered the Burial Place I realized that our paths would only cross this one time on this plane. I sang with all my heart as the Holy Water was sprinkled over her coffin. Later I was contacted by the County Administrator to advise that I letter I wrote her notifying of the legal victory had been found - open - amongst her possessions. She is my Angel. [feslaw@aol.com]

Posted by francie | Apr 1 2008 12:57PM

Giving a bottle of ice cold water to a choir member that wasn't particulary fond of me and she always would let me know. But one evening at rehearsal, the church was really warm and as we were singing, I heard her softly say, oh my God, I really need some water. So I gave her mine and she was so surprised, she gave me a big hug and has been a buddy to me ever since. My email address is musicver@aol.com

Posted by musicver | Apr 1 2008 12:54PM

When I was in 4th grade my teacher in art class had us make these special cigar boxes. You deco pauge them with old newspaper, magazenes, children's books and you have a really unique and special little treasure box. Well i'm 19 now and i still make these boxes, but I got to the point where I had WAY too many and neede to do something with them. So I knew a local children's foster care center and thought maybe the girls would like them. well, the girls LOVED them, and I now get special orders. Every christmas i take a huge box of boxes and the girls pick out there new treasure boxes for the little they posess. Right now I'm working on "Pinocchio"! lastfewartists@yahoo.com

Posted by Cella's Boxes | Apr 1 2008 10:05AM

the most virtuous thing I do every morning is to pretend to all those whom I love that everything is fine and to go on living another day. I know that if one day I were to take my lie like I wish to do every morning and every night, so many people would be so hurt that I keep living for them. And to the most wonderful mother in the world I would give this beautiful ring. Almost as beautiful as she is she deserves to have only beauty in her life and not sorrow.

Posted by maria | Mar 31 2008 8:00PM

aforrester@hotmail.com

Posted by Anthony | Mar 31 2008 5:30PM

I am getting married in August and I would love to surprise my new wife with this awesome ring. I know she would love it!! She is my angel!

Posted by Anthony | Mar 31 2008 5:28PM

I trained with AIDS Marathon training group and ran the Honolulu marathon even after missing some training due to an emergency appendectomy. I raised more than $6,000 overall for AIDS research and treatment/care —and ruined my shins in the process! But, you know what? It felt great and I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. doctheop@aim.com

Posted by Dr. Theopolis | Mar 31 2008 12:18PM

I believe the most virtuous thing I've ever done in my life was when I was 17 years old. I had already moved out on my own, and was working fulltime and finishing high school as I only had 2 classes left to graduate. My mother was very close to having a nervous breakdown, divorced, and trying to raise my sister, which was adding immeasurably to her problem. One night, my mother came home early from work, and found my sister, who was almost 12 at the time, alone in an apartment with a guy who was 19 or 20; it appeared that they, or at least he had been smoking drugs. My mother hit the ceiling and, to teach my sister a lesson, had her arrested! When I found out, I contacted the place where my sister had been taken and got the information necessary to have my sister removed. In no uncertain terms, I was informed that my mother was deemed unfit at the time to keep my sister, until she underwent treatment. I was also told that I qualified to take my sister in since I was already emancipated and almost 18. I became my sister's legal guardian, and raised her until she was 18, and my mother got her much-needed rest. lyncham@hotmail.com

Posted by deblyn | Mar 30 2008 8:23PM

I used to sell my body but now I just give it away for free. I just felt that I should give back to the community. andrewclarkrealty@yahoo.com

Posted by andrew clark | Mar 30 2008 2:33PM

I used to be a Sunday School Teacher helping members of my youth group make the right decisions in their life. Heather7533096@hotmail.com

Posted by Heather | Mar 30 2008 1:23PM

i try to donate as much of my old things as possible. i figure that it's better to have someone else who may need it have it, then to throw it away. atyersyde@yahoo.com

Posted by le coco | Mar 30 2008 11:47AM

One of the most virtuous things I have ever done, well I had just pawn my wedding ring I had only $10.00 dollars left. I was on my way to a fruit stand when I saw a young Mexican woman holding a baby with a young toddler looking dirty and homeless. The children look hungry. I just want some fruit but I was not hungry so I just gave her the ten dollars. She started thanking me in spanish. If I had more I would have given it to her.

Posted by Hazel@e-mortgageworks.com | Mar 30 2008 7:52AM

I was eating at a restaurant and noticed that a women sitting by herself was crying. She was trying to hide it but you could see she was crying. Without saying anything to the woman I paid for her meal. I just wanted to bring a little sunshine into her life. ckcoe@msn.com

Posted by Christy Coe | Mar 28 2008 4:10PM

I may not be an angel—but who of us really is! I recently found my slice of heaven on earth and I got to have that ring! My daughter and I had been living on our own out in sunny SoCal when I met the best thing that has even happened to me. After a long engagement, we have finally saved up enough money to bring our family and friend together for a wedding. With all the excitement to blend our families we forgot to budget in a wedding ring. This would be perfect and worn everyday with much pride, admiration and earth angel inspiration. francescaforr@gmail.com

Posted by Francesca | Mar 28 2008 3:33PM

Posted by Francesca | Mar 28 2008 3:32PM

I wake thankful for each day, hoping that with every decision I make, as small as it may be, I make it wanting to bring a sense of balance to the people/world around me--one little thing t a time--baby steps--they do add up. Sarah leah. email: house-acct@sbcglobal.net

Posted by Sarah leah | Mar 28 2008 2:29PM

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? If a virtuous act is used to win a sparkling gem, does the good deed lose some of its shining qualities? blondienati@yahoo.com

Posted by Natalie | Mar 28 2008 2:26PM

I lost all my jewerly and clothes in hurricane katrina... this item is something i could wear with EVERYTHING. Its beautiful & something i could never afford at the moment but would cherish & LOVE TO HAVE!!! ashleygomila@yahoo.com

Posted by ashley | Mar 28 2008 2:13PM

Oh i dont think this idea will really work. The most virtous thing you ever done? I think we all do them on different scales, and i dont think you can really measure virtousity within people who want a tremendously expensive ring.... i know one thing, if i get that ring i will sell it to one of you eager people so i can pay for my father's heart transplant. bmnemeth@yahoo.co.uk

Posted by Monika | Mar 28 2008 5:23AM

You've really laid down the gauntlet this time! Hmmm, what's the most virtuous thing I've ever done... Given $$$$ to charity? Raised funds for a hospice program in the UK? Nursed my sick mother while in college and maintained an A grade average? Or was it that "prom dress" I donated to Oxfam? (That dress had a lot of sentimental value and was hard to part with!) But no, it's really none of these things. The most virtuous thing is when you do something to help others even though every pore of self-interest is screaming at you not to do it. And it doesn't have to be on the scale of Mother Teresa. It can be something quite simple. So yes, I did buy those girl scout cookies even though I was on a diet. And I managed to resist them, too, by feeding them first to my husband and then to the dog! Hopefully that's a standard of virtue we can all relate to. (Does it count as being doubly virtuous - buying the cookies and not shattering a diet halo?) Peace out. kingaruthur@hotmail.com

Posted by Kristy | Mar 27 2008 7:16PM

I took four years off of college to start an after school music program for kids that provided free music instruments and lessons for middle school kids. It was tough. It took four years to do, and when my parents declared bankruptcy, I had to choose between the kids and finding a job that would pay my medical bills (I got sick from the stress of family finances and running the program). I chose to stick with the commitment I made to the kids. When I started, the kids had no music, arts or elective. Now the pilot school has a full time music program and the instrument bank helps low-income kids all over the district enjoy playing in the band! sjhale1970@yahoo.com

Posted by Susan | Mar 27 2008 4:02PM

Not sure how virtuous, but here goes. Last March, my husband and I took a week''s vacation to New Orleans to support the rebuilding effort there. We typically volunteer, but that was the hardest work we EVER did. We fed 350+ people daily 3 hot meals. So up at 4:30am and back home by 10:00pm-Whew! Met lots of great people, though and gained a real sense of satisfaction. posumsmommy@yahoo.com

Posted by Pamela | Mar 27 2008 2:07PM

Compared to everyone else's fantastic deeds of virtue, I guess mine seems perhaps a little to simple and on the ground to be noticed. But in a world of tragedy at every turn, I know I certainly appreciate it when someone else does it for me, not only that, but it undoubtedly brightens my day from there on in. It's not the most virtuous thing, but I think that it may be the most appreciated: Whenever anyone passes me by, I always smile and say hello and hold the door open for them. (if a door is involved) Never once have I encountered someone who didnt smile back or say thank you. v.harazim@btinternet.com

Posted by VickyH | Mar 27 2008 2:05PM

What if I lied and made you think I was some mother theresa? let's me honest here...we're all a little materialistic...come on! we want that ring. I can't think of the most virtuous thing I've done....i call my mom every day and tell her I love her? that counts for something right? jennifer@jglasgow.com

Posted by jennifer | Mar 27 2008 1:21PM

Virtuousness is a characteristic of humanity that is recognizable every day in the way you interact with your family and friends, your colleagues at work, the waitress at the restaurant across the street and the people you bump into in a crowded subway station. I don’t think a truly virtuous person would feel comfortable pointing out “the most virtuous thing he’s ever done”. handyfinder@gmail.com

Posted by Merli | Mar 27 2008 11:43AM

Shortly after I moved into my existing home, my next door neighbor came by to complaint about my daughter parking on the grass area beyond the sidewalk. They had planted a tree there and were concerned that she would destroy it. It was not a friendly request and since that day we had not said a word to each other. I always felt sad that we were at such a stand still but learned to accept it.Last week, she was pulling out of her yard in reverse and was almost hit by a school bus whose driver was in my opinion speeding but before the accident was to have happened, I yelled and raise my arms at her to stop. She was very shaken up and decidedly happy that the accident never happened. She got out of the car, came out to me with tears in her eyes, hugged me and thanked me for my deed. I haven''t felt this good in years and even if we don''t say another word to each other ever again, this was surely a sublime moment in social interaction. may it last forever.

Posted by odel | Mar 27 2008 10:53AM

On 9/11/2001 I was running out of the Trade Center as it was burning and saw/met a pregnant girl (who was quite disoriented) on the stairs. I grabbed her hand, got her out of the building and dragged her about 20 blocks away and parked her on a park bench to make sure we would be safe. Since we both left all of our belongings at Tower 2, I borrowed a $20 from a stranger and kept buying her water so she wouldn't get dehydrated. I was finally able to get through to both of our families 4-5 hours later. We walked over the Brooklyn Bridge together and I took her on a bus to a destination her mother and I agreed to meet. I waited with her for 2 hours for her mother to pick her up at that location before trying to find my own way home back in Manhattan. The girl was extremely shook-up and I was afraid for her and her baby, so for me it wasn’t a question of saving myself – if I didn’t help her it would be on my conscience for ever. Extreme situations require extreme virtue. victoriavanunu@msn.com

Posted by vanunu | Mar 27 2008 10:22AM

On 9/11/2001 I was running out of the Trade Center as it was burning and saw/met a pregnant girl (who was quite disoriented) on the stairs. I grabbed her hand, got her out of the building and dragged her about 20 blocks away and parked her on a park bench to make sure we would be safe. Since we both left all of our belongings at Tower 2, I borrowed a $20 from a stranger and kept buying her water so she wouldn''t get dehydrated. I was finally able to get through to both of our families 4-5 hours later. We walked over the Brooklyn Bridge together and I took her on a bus to a destination her mother and I agreed to meet. I waited with her for 2 hours for her mother to pick her up at that location before trying to find my own way home back in Manhattan. The girl was extremely shook-up and I was afraid for her and her baby, so for me it wasn’t a question of saving myself – if I didn’t help her it would be on my conscience for ever. Extreme situations require extreme virtue. victoriavanunu@msn.com

Posted by vanunu | Mar 27 2008 10:22AM

We live in a charming 4-plex in the SFV and every unit has hard-wood floors. Three years ago an old man (late 70's) moved in upstairs who had a walking handicap; he had no muscles to gently put his feet on the floor---so from below it sounded like an earthquake everytime he walked. When he would get up at 2am it would wake up our whole house. It was unbearable! We did everything we could-researched "noise" laws, offered to pay to put carpeting upstairs, we even tried to switch units with him to which he replied, "No. I like my view." He was totally unsympathetic and unapologetic about the HUGE affect his presence was having on our lives. He was unpleasant to everyone that lives in our building--just imagine your quintessential kurmugeon. Last year; let's call him George; George was diagnosed with lung cancer. Oxygen tanks were being delivered on a regular basis. Anyways, one night his waterheater had busted and there was water just POURING into our kitchen, so we ran upstairs to help him. I hadn't seen him in months. He was emaciated and couldn't walk...he was pushing himself around on his office chair to get around the house. We started to talk and apparantly he couldn't even get out to buy groceries. I realized i had an opportunity to teach my daughter something about charity--about "the good samaritan." I didn't want to give to this man who had been disrespectful to my family. But i found myself in a unique position to do what was right. Since i cook almost everynight for my family, I offered to bring George dinner as well. He eagerly accepted, which surprised me because he was soooo independent. I knew he needed a hand, and my daughter and I needed to learn to love this man. At first my daughter didn't want to participate (she's 6), but soon she was delighted to go upstairs and would run in the back yard and pick flowers to put in a vase for him as well that he could enjoy while eating. It lasted only a few months because "George" died a few weeks before Christmas last year. But before he died we developed a mutual respect for each other. It was a great lesson for me and a great lesson for my daughter as well. Of course everyday we all try to make good choices, i guess sometimes the most important choices we make take the most effort but leave us in awe of how simply our actions can change our hearts....forever:) samarah@mac.com

Posted by LifeLessonMama | Mar 27 2008 9:55AM

While I see the impressive lists so many have been submitting, it was a great exercise for me to think about my actions and see if I had done something truly virtuous. At a small industry function, I met an old time Hollywood accountant, the kind that used to deal with bag men from the mob so films could go forward. He had a distinguished career and had been responsible for a couple of major players coming together. He was in ill health but was so proud to display for me the $500 check he got from one of these people whose career he had been so instrumental in making. To me it was shameful as they could have afforded so much more in money and in friendship. He had no one, so for weeks I took him to the hospital, sat with him and brought him things, checked on him and listened to his stories. He died not long after that but I'm glad his last days were not alone and he felt respected and not forgotten. Paigecam1@aol.com

Posted by paigeboy | Mar 27 2008 9:51AM

God, it's so hard to think what's the most virtuous thing I've done. I guess it would be lending a large amount of money to my friend who was in dire need of it. And I didn't mind knowing that I wouldn't be paid back anytime soon! bunnybox9 [at] lycos [dot] com

Posted by Bunny B | Mar 27 2008 3:28AM

Virtue is in the eye of the recipient, no? I teach at a community college, and found out I had one of two severely autistic twins in my course. The first two weeks of the online course were too much to handle for him, tempting him to drop out. After consulting with our disabilities advisor, the student's mother and his personal assistant, we decided to find mutually acceptable ways to keep him going. 12 weeks later, I'm proud to say he's averaging an "A" while teaching his assistant proper use of grammar and punctuations. What's virtuous? Not me, as I consider it my job, regardless of the time spent, whether it be on Sundays when we work or the virtual office hours I hold for him. Not the school, as it's the law to help such students. And, not the student, as he's genuinely kicking ass in the course. Virtuous is his tireless, fearless mother, who supports him unconditionally. She explained how she tried taking on campus courses with him, but couldn't keep up with the material or process. She didn't want to deny her son a college education, so she tried an online course (mine being the first). She deserves the treat, not I. ekdari [at] yahoo.com

Posted by DK | Mar 26 2008 9:55PM

I forgot to leave my email:heyfrankclothing@hotmail.com

Posted by Valerie D. | Mar 26 2008 8:02PM

When I was 16, I was madly in love with my best (guy) friend. He had no idea and was unfortunately, crazy about a good friend of mine since kindergarten. And being the great friend that I was, I tried all year to get her to go out with him. She never was interested in him. And neither one knew about my feelings for him until a few years later. nobodysangel1919@aol.com

Posted by ryrena | Mar 26 2008 7:40PM

At 40, my baby window is closing. My husband and I have been trying without success for two years have conceive and we have visited several fertility doctors and undergone expensive procedures with no luck. My sister-in-law got pregnant "on the first try" at age 43. Instead of being bitter and jealous, I threw her a lovely baby shower and she had a beautiful baby girl on Dec. 7th. I am a very proud aunt and my husband and I continue our quest for our own baby.

Posted by Valerie D. | Mar 26 2008 7:10PM

I didn't send my dog to the pound when he chewed up and destroyed a vintage Armani gown! lexilion@sbcglobal.net

Posted by Lexi | Mar 26 2008 6:22PM

When I was in college, a guy at the pool started choking. I yelled for him to get out of the water. I tried to control him to give him the heimlich (I'm very petite) but he was so frantic, he wouldn't stand still. I managed to get him to stand still and out popped some gum that got stuck in his throat. We was as white as a sheet. He never said thank-you, but that was okay. I always wonder what he's doing now. Hopefully something good for mankind! contest@inbox.com

Posted by Quirky Girl | Mar 26 2008 5:44PM

I saved a friend in need: While at a club with a girlfriend, her zipper broke on her much too tight designer jeans. I had on a fabulous TSE cashmere sweater set, so I loaned her the cardigan to tie around her waist and cover up the peep show she was giving everyone. Needless to say, when I got the sweater back, the arms were stretched out to a giraffe length that even the dry cleaners couldn't fix. But, we both had a great night! emmythecat@sbcglobal.net

Posted by Valerie | Mar 26 2008 5:25PM

I believe the most virtuous thing I can do here is to keep the virtuous things I've done for others between me & them. I can tell you the most money I've ever raised for one charity in a short time period (so far in my life) is $2000. That ring is beautiful and my b-day is in May (emerald is my color!) And even virtuous people deserve great gifts, right:) rosefilmus@yahoo.com

Posted by rose | Mar 26 2008 3:38PM

christmas_at_the_zoo@yahoo.com One day, I was buying tickets from a box office. I was about two subway stops away when I realized that the box office lady had given me $60 too much change. I went back and gave it to her. You may think I was a schmuck, but it felt like the right thing to do.

Posted by Kristen | Mar 26 2008 12:33PM

I was about 18 and after working all week and getting paid I went shopping at the mall. I was on the 2nd floor standing at the railing watching people and teens walk around when I decided to take all my change and start dropping it. It was fun to see all the happy teens running around collecting the money. I didn't let them see it was me. sarahjd766@yahoo.com

Posted by Sarah | Mar 26 2008 12:15PM

emily.barsh@gmail.com I always have and always will give most people the benefit of the doubt...and even a second chance, as long as I see potential for them to correct course!

Posted by Emmy B | Mar 26 2008 11:07AM

The most virtuous thing I've ever done—to deserve a super-cute ring, at least—is give my awkward friend (think Josie Gross-ey in "Never Been Kissed") a total makeover. We're talking hours of shopping and style counseling, here! She no longer beckons the fashion police and is happier and more confident than ever. amandaalt14@hotmail.com

Posted by Mandy | Mar 26 2008 9:25AM

I was 17, had just gotten my license, cashed my paycheck for $121 and was feeling good. I went to the local diner to have a congratulatory cup of coffee. My waitress was obviously having a bad day. She was about my age but her eyes looked like they were 80 years old and had lived through a war. I could tell she was holing back tears. I finished my coffee and went to the register to pay my $1.05. I told the owner behind the counter that I wanted to leave my waitress a tip, but not on the table. I handed him my crisp $100 bill. He said I was crazy. I told him she deserved it. allmathews82@aim.com

Posted by Allie | Mar 26 2008 9:24AM

Taking in the unwanted animals that find me - right now it''s 12 cats, 2 dogs and a bird. txgordons@hotmail.com

Posted by schnoodle | Mar 26 2008 9:20AM

I've helped many a friend out of a bind but my calling is the abandoned animals that find me. Right now I've got 12 indoor cats, 2 dogs and a bird.

Posted by schnoodle | Mar 26 2008 9:19AM

I was 17, just gotten my liscense, cashed my paycheck for $121 and was feeling good. I drove myself to the local diner for a cup of congratulatory coffee. My waitress was obviously having an aweful day. I could see it in her face. She was about my age but her eyes looked like they were 80 years old and had lived through a war. I could see she was holding back tears. I finished my coffee, and went to pay my $1.05 at the register. I told the owner behind the counter that I wanted to leave my waitress a tip, but I did not want to leave it on the table. I took out my crisp $100 dollar bill and handed it to him. He said I was crazy. I told him she deserved it. AllMathews82@aim.com

Posted by Allie | Mar 26 2008 9:06AM

The most virtuous thing anyone can do is to never be self-righteous. During a 5k run, I had an asthma attack. Someone I had never met before in my life stopped, took my hand and said she would not finish the race unless I finished it with her. And she did. Last. But she never left my side. I have never seen her ever before or ever again in my life. I don't even know her name. That's virtuous. jaguarkittengirl@hotmail.com

Posted by jaguarkittengirl | Mar 26 2008 8:47AM

I try to forget all the virtuous things I've done because I do them with no strings attached. Recently I gave a friend $1000 because she was having a tough time with bills. hockiemack@hotmail.com

Posted by Roxy | Mar 26 2008 8:45AM

It is helping an old man crossing the busy street.

Posted by JANNET | Mar 26 2008 12:33AM

Damn, that's a beautiful ring! But I think it would tarnish any virtuous thing I've done to try and swap it for jewelry. Next contest please! yelphets@yahoo.com

Posted by stephley | Mar 25 2008 11:21PM

I was filling in temporarily at a better job in my office when it opened as a permanent position. While I was more than qualified, another person got the job. Even though I was hurt, for the next three months, I trained that person on how to excel in that position. I was able to ensure the good of my company and made this person was a better employee. We've both moved on since then, getting even better positions, but she has told others that what I did for her, helping her like I did, was the truly a generous and remarkable thing. I only knew it was the right thing to do.

Posted by aprilse | Mar 25 2008 10:10PM

I did some work that helped substantiate a settlement awarding compensation for unfair work practices to more than 20,000 people. I would not call it virtuous, simply the right thing to do. shoppingqueen@gci.net

Posted by shoppingqueen | Mar 25 2008 8:30PM

I would have to say it is helping out my sister in life. Life has been pretty good to me ,and has passed her some hardballs..so I am trying to help her out :) madforfashion@aol.com

Posted by zoe | Mar 25 2008 7:48PM

Luke 6:27-36 :) debbie.eubanks@comcast.net

Posted by hogan'smom | Mar 25 2008 7:36PM

The aspects of Virtuousness can encompass many things including charity. But doesn’t telling others of the most virtuous thing you ever did remove the essence from the act? My mother loves to remind me when I was eight years old I came home from school with my new friend and took out all the dresses from my closet. I told my mother I wanted to give my friend all of my dresses that didn’t fit me any longer. I put my best dress on top of all the rest and insisted this one would be much prettier on her than on me. The ruffled collar with lace edging and the puckered fabric with pretty violet flowers on a soft, pastel blue background was a perfect match for her long black hair and blue eyes. I remember how thrilled she was to go home with a big bag filled with dresses. What I didn’t tell my mother, until later, was that my friend was teased at school because she wore the same worn dress to school every day. My friend happily wore her “new” dresses to school, but until today, 40 years later, I never told anyone they were from me. dcstagner@earthlink.net

Posted by Diana Claire | Mar 25 2008 6:09PM

I took in a 6-year boy from Haiti for a summer. He was born with a congenital heart defect and had only a couple of years left to his little life. I found out about Alex through friends who supported an orphanage and hospital in Haiti; his mother left him there every day for daycare while she tried to earn pennies a day selling second hand items. I talked American Airlines into giving him open-ended roundtrip airfare, his mother gave me temporary custody, his doctors sent his files and x-rays to the county hospital and Alex arrived, only to find out that he also had cataracts that were making him almost blind, he was almost deaf from another birth defect, he was half the size of a normal 6-year old due to malnutrition and his heart defect, and he had a terrible parasite that caused constant diarrhea. I spent hours upon days upon months waiting for standby clinic appointments and getting him nourished and healthy. Alex had successful heart surgery and successful cataract surgery and was fitted for a hearing aid. By the time he recovered from his surgery, he was saying his first words ever. I sent him back home to his mother and 3 months later, he was a normal, healthy little boy saying complete sentences. For 3 months, a day didn't go by when I wasn't in the hospital with him and it was worth every second. Thank you for letting me share. catherineeliz2@excite.com

Posted by Catherine G | Mar 25 2008 6:03PM

The most virtuous thing I do every day is take care of my amazing dog Chachi. I rescued him from a shelter 5 years ago when I saw him stand on his hind legs and smile at me wagging his tail. After I said I was interested, they said to me, did you know he was diabetic and insulin dependent? He was also going blind because of his cataracts. But he is a happy dog who has a good life and giving him needles twice a day seems a small price to pay to keep one more dog from being euthanized. ddblunt@hotmail.com

Posted by D Blunt | Mar 25 2008 5:36PM

Love and support my friends, flaws and all, because they accept mine too. verdellwilson@gmail.com

Posted by Verdell | Mar 25 2008 5:35PM

Eleven years of marriage ... 100 percent fidelity and still crazily in love. A rare thing in this world. cmb9099@yahoo.com

Posted by Stinebro | Mar 25 2008 5:09PM

Every year since 1981, I have been running a Holiday Toy Drive on Staten Island, exclusively benefiting the Ronald McDonald House in Manhattan. I look for nothing in return except some smiles on painful faces. I do get a moving truck's worth of new toys and gifts. To me, this is the most virtuous thing that I could ever do in my life, in memory of my son. vickytattoos@netscape.com

Posted by Vicky Ferrara | Mar 25 2008 5:08PM

Not sure how virtuous it is to brag about how virtuous you are, but for the sake of REAL jewelry instead of my usual costume jewelry, here goes! I was a virgin until 26, I pay for my nephew's daycare, opened him a college account and buy all his clothes/toys because...how can I say this nicely...his parents have different priorities, I threw a party for a house full of Olive Crest orphans last Christmas, I let a girl live w me rent free for 9 months and then when I found out she was scamming me about how much money she had, I still let her stay until she found a place (she had to pay me for that though!) I have low cal/low sodium meals delivered to my mom's home so she can hopefully lose weight and control her blood pressure (her bp's out of control and she had to be hospitalized for it 2x's~freaked me out so I'm trying to help her live longer, please God) I pay all my ex's expenses while he pursues his dreams of being a rock star (yes, we're still friends,) I bought my parents and nephew plane tickets to come out to LA in May so my nephew can see there's more to the world than small town GA, I'm sending my parents to Wicked in Charlotte, NC next month because my mom's really been wanting to see it and I'm worried she may not be around long enough for it to come back to ATL, I ALWAYS tip 20+%, and to top it off, I do all this on an assistant's salary! I just drive a crappy car and shop for bargains. I'd rather my family and friends be taken care of than have the latest must have. I'm VERY blessed and I like sharing that with others. I admit I'm a bit of a Pollyanna, and most importantly, I really try to treat every one I know/meet with the same respect I'd like shown to me...you know, the golden rule "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you" philosophy. It works! wileyskye@yahoo.com

Posted by Louisa | Mar 25 2008 4:53PM

Posted by Sarahleah | Mar 25 2008 4:23PM

My 2 friends and I were heading to my place after a really long bad day. We had gone to karaoke but there was no one there to sing but us and the regulars were booing and harassing everyone. So to make up for it we blasted "Once More With Feeling" and Reefer Madness the Movie Musical soundtrack. As we're singing along we get near my house and I could swear I saw something moving on the road. I realize it's a person and even though its 2am and I want the night to end we u-turn and I can see its a girl stumbling slowly down the road wearing all black. We pull up and ask if she's okay and she tried to run away. She fell and we stopped after some time we gathered that she was drunk, lost and 15 years old. Her friends invited to a party in my neighborhood but left her there alone. She was drunk frightened and trying to walk home. So we convinced her that we weren't going to hurt her and asked where she lived, after some time she finally managed to tell us her address. I threw it in my nav system and realized that she was maybe a 20 minute drive from her house. We drove her home and let her out she hugged the three of us and ran off into the house.

Posted by maestro610 | Mar 25 2008 4:10PM

I live in Manhattan, where people tend to be upset and angry on the streets, so I try to make eye contact with anyone I can and smile - smiling is so contageous - almost everyone smiles back and sometimes they even laugh :) I also play the "find the positive" game - where when I look at someone, I find the (truly) best quality about them - eyes, shoes, hat, hair, beautiful ring - whatever - and tell them - you would be suprised how much it can suprise an introverted New Yorker and take him/her out of a funk. I also have two angels of shelter dogs who I love to pieces and when I take them on walks, the happiness they exude makes people happy as well :) Hope any of this counts! Thank you!!!! heidikristoffer@yahoo.com

Posted by HeidiK | Mar 25 2008 4:03PM

I help victims of domestic violence two weekends a month. Something I thought I was doing for them. Besides giving the victim someone to lean on I'm making myself aware of how grateful I should be for my life, family and friends. tlundy1016@yahoo.com

Posted by Teresa | Mar 25 2008 4:02PM

You really shouldn't make people post their email addresses publicly in order to win the ring. Not cool.

Posted by Missy | Mar 25 2008 3:50PM

As I have gotten older, I find that it is more virtuous to look for good in people rather than relish in gossiping about the bad. It may not be as fun, but you end up feeling better about yourself in the long run.

Posted by AKWalls | Mar 25 2008 3:50PM

The most virtuous comment I can make is that this ring ROCKS and I would love it for all the morality and virtue there is. Somehow I just can''''t do that listing thing...ahhhhhh maybe that is virtue... gcasny@earthlink.net

Posted by Cricket | Mar 25 2008 3:44PM

I take care of my two beautiful daughters, one born in February (amethyst) and one in May (emerald). The green amethyst is a lovely way to keep them close to my heart all day! coughlinhm@sbcglobal.net

Posted by Melissa | Mar 25 2008 3:44PM

A neighborhood stray cat had kittens. we found them and took them to the vet --turned out they were VERY sick. We had to bottle-feed them and put medicine in their mouths and eyes every 3 hours, even at night. we did it (my husband and I) until they were all well, then found homes for them (we already had 2 cats of our own). later the vet told us he hadn't expected ANY of them to live.

Posted by LIsa | Mar 25 2008 3:37PM

I was at a drive-thru ordering a burger late one night and the car behind me had two gals who clearly thought I wasn't ordering fast enough. The delay was the restaurant, not me. they were taunting me and wanted to get into a fight, but I fought the urge to engage and when I pulled up to pay for my midnight nosh, I paid for their's too. dragosine@earthlink.net

Posted by Dorrit | Mar 25 2008 3:29PM

Well, I've been an angel and a little devil. But for the most part I'm an angel. I sing in my church on the weekends and I lead a children's choir. I wrote and produced a song called "What Does it Take to Change the World" in the end the children sing "Give a little peace to your sisters and brothers show them an open smile, Give your strength to your sons and daughters, teach them the way of love" One day I was so burnt by a guy I started to write a new song, it was entitled, "I want a man like Jesus" I'm not sure how many I'm gonna sell with that one but my heart is in the right place:) My email is mariavargo@hotmail.com, thanks!

Posted by maria v. | Mar 25 2008 3:26PM

I think I honestly practice all seven on a regular basis. I waited longer than most people I know did (chastity); I've left many desired pairs of shoes behind at the store (temperance); I've only ever had rescue dogs and donate to the ASPCA and Humane Society (charity); I keep busy with learning to dance, speak different languages, make films and art (diligence); I'm always a good listener when my friends need an ear (patience); I let people in in front of me on the highway and give deserving compliments without reserve (kindness); and I'm the first to admit when I've made a mistake or apologize if I think I may have hurt someone (humility). fleurdelisgrrl@hotmail.com

Posted by fleurdelisgrrl | Mar 25 2008 3:24PM

I chose to be a mom. Although that does not seem like a huge or dramatic act of virtuousity--it is not glamorous---and it is a common occurance in the population maintenance of our species---but I am humbled by the capacity of love in taking care of another soul. julie@redlovefilm.com Thanks! The ring is stunning.

Posted by julie | Mar 25 2008 3:22PM

I returned to a private school near me (Curtis School) someone's set of school uniforms that were tossed on my front lawn...either the kid didn't like the school, and wanted to get rid of his/her uniforms, or someone stole their parent's car, and tossed out the goods from the window...either way, the uniforms found their way back to school. shollihan@yahoo.com

Posted by Godric | Mar 25 2008 3:18PM

Oops -- I forgot to leave my email in the comment box...just in case... sepiaura@aol.com

Posted by Sepiaura | Mar 25 2008 3:18PM

Rats! I was born & raised a Catholic - fed guilt 24-7-365, born a sinner, etc,etc...not sure if I can win this but here goes: I selflessly let my bff in 6th grade say the winning poem I wrote was hers so that the teacher wouldn't fail her. It worked! It was all worth it to see her smile...I'm lying! I hated her ever since & myself for letting her take my credit..oh well, I guess I blew that one...hmmm...can I win anyway?

Posted by Sepiaura | Mar 25 2008 3:13PM

I worked with people living with HIV/AIDS and helped educate the public in the continuing effort to eradicate the stigma attached to this disease. I don't know how "virtuous" per se, but I do what I can to help others. ckembry@vorys.com

Posted by Cynthia | Mar 25 2008 3:13PM

Several years ago I played Secret Santa to a very good friend. She and her family were going through a very rough time and were living in a bus. The 3 small children ages 2 through 8 would not have had a Christmas that year. I had another friend that Brenda didn't know deliver the gifts and clothes for the children. Months later, Brenda asked me if I knew who had sent the gifts and I told her I had no idea where they came from. 18 years later, Brenda still doesn't know that I was the Secret Santa but I do and it makes me feel good.

Posted by traymona | Mar 25 2008 3:11PM

I was watching the news one morning and they had a segment on dog adoption. They showed this very sweet dog on TV-she needed a home. I happen to look at the TV at that very moment, saw the dog and had to have her. I called the Humane Society and I was able to leave my job that day so that I could go and adopt her. I felt so good being able to give her a loving home. kmoloney@mayors.com

Posted by KarenM | Mar 25 2008 3:11PM

You live, you learn, you get Luvs. Life shouldn’t be based on one virtuous thing , but a string of virtuous things. Every day is a chance to brighten someone else’s day. One of the virtuous things I’ve ever done is being there for a friend, who has never been there for anyone else but themselves. Astoriazswtheart@verizon.net

Posted by Alice | Mar 25 2008 3:09PM

When my neighbors were down and out with no job and were hungry. I had went and bought them some grocerys and helped them the best way I could. govchick2010@yahoo.com

Posted by MCJunkie | Mar 25 2008 3:07PM

I let my sister live with me for over a year rent free and free of other bills so that she could get it together and save some cash. She, however, will tell everyone she knows that i've never done a thing for her and hasn't spoken to me for 2 years since I finally made her leave. spuffylover24@yahoo.com

Posted by spuffylover24 | Mar 25 2008 3:04PM

Every Christmas at work I organize and particiapte in giving holiday gifts to underprivileged children (who would otherwise have not gotten any gifts at Christmas) in the city where I work. I've put together and mailed care packages to our troops. I donate money and supplies to local animal shelters, The Humane Society, SPCA. I did however, kick Britney when she was down, though. buscemi_fan_2000@yahoo.com

Posted by SBuscemi | Mar 25 2008 3:04PM

I gave my entire My Little Pony collection away when I was about 12. They were my favorite toys, but seeing the look on the little girl's face made me happier than hoarding them away! methesea9@hotmail.com

Posted by courtney | Mar 25 2008 3:02PM

I don''t keep track, I try to live every day honestly.

Posted by Kathryn | Mar 25 2008 3:02PM

When I was moving to a new house and tight on money I found out a coworker of mine was asking her friends and family to give her the value of a gift they might purchase for her birthday so she could afford to get an apartment (her fiance who she dated for 9 years had cheated on her then left.) While I was myself not sure where to turn for cash I wrote her a check. She wasn't a good friend or anything but I was touched by her situation. Plus men suck. ksrhinehart@yahoo.com

Posted by Kristi | Mar 25 2008 3:01PM

I buried the hatchet with my son's father for my son's sake

Posted by masmola | Mar 25 2008 2:57PM

You are virtuous or not, there is no in between, and I think it is something you do all the time and not just once. Every year I volunteer to help non profit organizations. Whether it is writing letters to deployed troops or reading for elementary school children or face painting …it doesn’t matter…I am willing to volunteer to make my community, city, and why not the world little bit better place to live in. ancientfutures2001@yahoo.com

Posted by Angela | Mar 25 2008 2:55PM

I didn't kick Brittney when she was down. cujocon@hotmail.com

Posted by cujocon | Mar 25 2008 1:44PM