Elephants & Babies
Elephants, weighing in at over 200 pounds at birth, you can’t help but respect the mother who carried him. Whether you are shopping for a mommy-to-be or choosing your own nursery theme elephants are the ideal icon.
- Elephants look great in yellow, green, blue & pink.
- Very popular and heavily available
- Matures well from baby into toddler
- They are real
- Babar & Dumbo
- Easy to draw
- Educational
Very Sweet Life
Home Decorators 
Giggle
Moma Store Estella NYC Virginia Johnson
Necklace Trends
Right now many retailers have great jewelry pieces on sale and ones that will look great through the spring and summer. Retailers are stressed about excessive inventory, so pick a weekend in February to visit your outlet malls and shop online TODAY! Since starting my research some great options have sold out already.
Check Your Jewelry Box!
Gold Chains in a variety of lengths (16, 18, 24 & 32 inch)
Long Pearls
Pendant Necklaces
Chunky Beads and Gems
Long Beaded Strands
Here are a few HOT finds and 100% are ON SALE NOW!
Ann Taylor Aldo Adia Kibur BCBG Bop Bijoux
BR Blue Fly J. Crew Bergdorfs Anthropologie
J. Crew Blue Fly Wendy Mink Anthro Bloomies
AnnTaylor BR Blue Fly Anthro GS Lillian
Blue Fly Wendy Mink Wendy Mink Ann Taylor Blue Fly
MOre More More…But Act Fast
Bullion Coins
A co – worker came in yesterday wearing the greatest coin necklace. As I inquired it got more fabulous and I have to have one. Her grandmother collected a few of these bullion coins from Canada, America, China, Australia etc. over the past 50 years and had them made into necklaces for the women in her family. My friend received her Chinese Bullion in the year she was born, awe. Her mother has received the Canadian and the American Buffalo. Aunts and cousins have also been adorned with this precious metal from South Africa etc.
The coin is HEAVY. Bullion means, a metal deemed to be precious if it is rare. It contains one troy ounce of pure 24k gold and it is legal mint, so not to be carried around lightly. It is a collector’s item and investment that will always be of value. Many nations mint bullion coins, of which the most famous is probably the gold South African Krugerrand. They will run you approximatly $700- $1000.
Anyone having a daughter this year?
Here are the images on the coins and once I get a photo of her necklace I will share.
Five Favorite Fragrances
Sorry the page isn’t scratch & sniff
Creed
Sold at Neiman Marcus, I have the Spring Flowers and it is wonderful. Silver Mountain Water is another popular aroma.
Bond No9
DNA For Her- I wore this in my wedding, wonderful gardenia smell. *The Scent of Peace is a wonder fragrance too.
Jo Malone
Buy two and MIX & MATCH the scents. They specialize in combination scents so buy two and you get a third scent free!
Le Lebo
The Discovery Set is an easy and (relatively) economical way to discover our scents. You get to chose 3 fragrances from our collection and you will receive them in 3 beautiful 5 ml glass rods (with atomizers and your name printed on the label). A beautiful way to either get addicted to one of them or to use them as fancy mini purse sprays. The Bergamot is amazing!
Isse Miyake
Earth’s most precious element, water, is the central theme of L’eau d’Issey. By blending the sparkling qualities of water with the warm undertones of earth, the fragrance represents purity, serenity, movement, and vivacity-awakening a feeling of total beauty. The fragrance is a pure floral with musky and woody tones, including:A wide range of floral scents including lotus, cyclamen, freesia, carnations, and white lilies. Hints of amber-seed musk.
Holiday Tips
Is this year any different than years past? Yes and No. Expectations for holiday tipping are still there, but the value doesn’t have to be as high. Everyone understands and would rather you come in and get your hair cut than not to avoid a tip. It is also O.K. to play favorites and give different values to each individual for their service. The suggestions for 2008 aren’t very different from years past, but you are only expected to give what you can. Remember, it is the season of giving.
Dog Walker/ Cat Nanny- Cost of 1 weeks fee
Door Man- $20 - $100 (’07 Average was $50 pp)
Gardener- Up to the cost of 1 service
Hair Stylist/ Colorist- Double your usual tip or the cost of 1 visit
Babysitter- Cash or Gift up to 1-2 nights pay
Assistant- $50 Gift
Boss - Gift value $50 or under
Day Care Staff- Tip or Gift $20 - $80
House Cleaner - Cost of 1 visit
UPS Man- $20 or less Gift Card
Newspaper Carrier - Cost of 1 month subscription
Trainer- Cost of 1 session
Any Clean Freaks Out There?
Whether you are cleaning up after a dinner party or just general day to day stuff; the kitchen sink is the enemy. There is research to support that the average kitchen sponge contains approximately 50 Million bacteria, don’t believe me read on.
If you already knew it is true, what do you do? These facts don’t get you out of cleaning and you don’t get to stuff the earth using paper towels for every job.
Searching high & low we have found some products that meet function, purpose and design.
For a Little Abrasion
The Dolls Sir La Table
Plastis IkeaI buy 10 at a time. The suction keep the scrubber in the sink, but off the basin floor.
Dispensing Brushes
Good Grips Container Store
Casacolor Scrubby Sponges Better Homes and Gardens Store 100% natural cellulose& treated with Ultra-Fresh, an EPA registered anti-microbial and are biodegradable HOW GREEN OF YOU!
Twist Loofa Sponge Twist AND GREEN!
All Clad Anyone
Jetz-Scrubz Scrubber Sponge Gracious Home (Won’t scratch chrome, copper, stainless steel, anodized surfaces, non-stick cookware, glass, crystal, porcelain, china, ceramics and so on)
Their Containers:
Suction Sponge Holders Target
Oxo Sunction Basket Amazon
Frog Sponge Holder Etsy & KitchenKapers Or if you prefer a monkey, KitchenWorks
Bangles of Fun!
Two things that will bring me joy in life, being asked to roller-skate with my crush to The Bangles, Eternal Flame and the leather and gold that can adorn my wrists. While you shop below sway to a slow tune or jam out like an Egyptian. Enjoy!
Left to Right
Coach
Enamel Legacy stripe, Solid Brass/ Gold Plated/ One Size
$78
Charlotte Moss
Shagreen cuffs, made from hand-worked and textured genuine sting ray leather. If one is good and two are great, we recommend one for each cuff!
$150
Isaac Manevitz for Ben-Amun
Metallic Silver Italian Resin Cuff
$125
Hermes
Wide enamel bracelet in silver and palladium plated (2.5″ diameter)
$445- $495
Kenneth Jay Lane
Kenneth Jay Lance stretch bangles. Wood stretch bracelet with rhodium plated inset.
SALE: $55.99
Tejani
Topaz colored glass & zircon bangle. 1/2″ in width.
Available in extra small, small, medium, large.
$95
Anthropologie
Cupcake Cuff, Lemon ChiffonA tart gem, pooled like a meringue and set atop a brassy band.
$74
Tods
Alligator wrap bracelet with silver detail
$325-$1595
CC SKYE
Black Patent Single Stud Cuff
Gleaming patent leather bracelet with a single oversized pyramid stud, shining in vibrant mirror polished 18kt gold plate. Turn lock closure. 2.25″ Wide. Black/gold
$185
Holiday Art, Craft and Shopping Fairs
In Brooklyn
Saturday 10 am - 5pm
PS 307 and PS 287 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
More Details: http://brooklynfriends.org/RelId/607423/ISvars/default/PAT_Craft_Fair.htm
In NYC
Saturday 11am - 7pm
The Altman Building
135 W18th St
More Details: http://nymag.com/shop/
Saturday 10 am - 5pm
The Knitting Factory
More Details: http://www.thenewnewny.com/handmadecavalcade/
Richmond, VA
Thursday, December 4th through Sunday, December 7th
Richmond Raceway Complex
More Details: http://www.thebizarrebazaar.com/
Boston, MA
December 13 - 14
Boston, MA
South End Holiday Fair, http://www.sowaholidaymarket.com/
December 7th 12pm - 7pm
The Castle at Park Plaza, Boston
Bazaar Bizarre http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/boston.html
Mill Valley, CA
December 6th 10am - 5pm
Milly Valley Community Center
More Details: http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=34&recordid=265&returnURL=%2fIndex.aspx%3fpage%3d69
San Francisco, CA
December 7th 9:30am - 5pm
Ft. Mason, Bldg. A
More Details: www.risd.edu/pdf/alumnisale/nocaholiday08.pdf
Singing in the Rain
I have the fondest memory of a spring time torrential down pour at the age of 8. The rain came for hours. Every house I lived in growing up always had the best puddles after a storm. At this house, the pools were deceivingly deep between the ridge of the lawn and the street. The dark green grass camouflaged the quick drop in elevation and set up the perfect setting for pretend play. My mom was home and for whatever reason that day granted my brother and me carte blanche to play outside in the rain. We were outfitted with thick slicker coats, boots and umbrellas. I remember being overcome by excitement and fear as the large rain drops hit my umbrella. I felt chills run down my back as the rain dripped down my coat. Between shrills and laughter I remember looking up at my mom under the overhang of the house smiling down on us.
When dressed properly, being caught in the rain can be the time of your life.
The rain boot provides a purposeful function and is no longer reserved for toddlers and Paddington Bear. Today, many designers have youthful patterns to remind you to get out and play or opt for the fashionable styles to match your most posh outfit.
from left to right: Hunter $115 / Tretorn $42 / Chinese Laundry $48 / Chooka $60
EMU Australia $59 / Kamik $40 / SPERRY $75 / Lily Pulitzer $69 / Burberry $195
CYBER MONDAY
In search of an original gift? How about a gift that fits the personality? In a credit crisis, we are all looking for quality verses quantity. So Shop Smart & Be Thoughtful!
For the traveler
Lingo Look, http://www.lingolook.net/home.html
Flight 001 http://www.flight001.com/store/index.htm?SID
Kindle, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FI73MA/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=2510749105&ref=pd_sl_20wgx685w_e
Those who are going green
New London Pharmacy Beauty Products, http://newlondonpharmacy.com/organic/
Whole Foods Market Better Bags, http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/abetterbag/index.php
Vegan Nail Polish http://www.sparitual.com/
Foodies
Personalized Taste Books, http://www.tastebook.com/
Everything Food, http://www.chow.com/stories/11390
Winos
Bargain Bottles, http://domaine547.com/
NYC Winery, http://www.citywinery.com/winemaking
Hostess with the mostess
Home Décor, http://velocityartanddesign.com/
Paper Products, http://www.carrotandstickpress.com/
Gracious Home, www.gracioushome.com
Babies & Moms
Sling, http://www.serenaandlily.com/Gift/Gift-Market-Sling
Clothes, http://www.teacollection.com/site/index.htm
Toys, http://www.giggle.com/index.aspx
Sisters (-in-Laws)
Lotions & Potions, www.kiehls.com Grapefruit Smells Awesome
Unique Gifts, www.wrapables.com
Unique Gifts, http://wishingfish.com/
Vintage Sunglasses, www.vintage-sunglasses-shop.com
Anthropologie, http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp
Co-Workers & Everyone Else
Great Gift Ideas, http://spoonsisters.com/
More Great Gift Ideas, http://charlesandmarie.com
Grandparents & Parents
John Derian, http://www.johnderian.com/index_decoupage.html
Yogis & Athletes
Personalize Yoga Mats, http://www.yogamatic.com/home.php
Everything Yoga http://www.gaiam.com/
Apparel, http://www.activasports.com/
Apparel, http://www.athleta.com/
EVERYTHING, http://www.sportsbasement.com/
Apparel, http://www.titlenine.com/
Looking for art
Posters & Prints, www.allposters.com
Rob Miller, www.millervisuals.com
Alphabets, www.gregoireganter.com
Judith Greenberg, http://jtgreenberg.com/
Check out museum shops
Whitney Museum, http://whitneystore.stores.yahoo.net/info.html
MOMA, http://www.momastore.org/
MET, http://www.metmuseum.org/store/
Guggenheim, http://www.guggenheimstore.org/
I love my pets
Strictly Pet Supplies, http://www.strictlypetsupplies.com
Sky Mall, http://www.skymall.com/shopping/dept.htm?c=10700&cm_sp=TopNav-_-DeptHOL08-_-PetProducts
For the guys
The standards are all they want!
Brooks Brothers; http://www.brooksbrothers.com/
Best Buy; http://www.bestbuy.com/
Orvis; http://www.orvis.com/
Amazon; http://www.amazon.com/
Antique Maps, Books, Prints; www.vjduncan.com
Before you purchase
http://www.mybargainbuddy.com/
