I not only love the look of the Emporio Armani (Product) Red Julia Roberts Bracelet, but I also love the fact that an average of 40% of the gross profit margin sales of Emporio Armani (Product) Red products goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. The bracelet is made out of leather and sterling silver. And, a banyan tree with the words "Revolution, Evolution, and Devotion" are embossed at the top. You can purchase this bracelet for $195.
One of the things I hate about living in an apartment is that there is no backyard to do any gardening. I'm looking forward to moving to a place where I can plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables. But, I know that when I'm ready to start gardening, I'll need to purchase gardening tools. So, I was happy to come across the Gardener's Essential Tool Kit at Brookstone. Anyone who loves to garden will appreciate this great kit as a gift. This well stocked kit includes a cultivator, narrow weeder, trowel, planter, dibble, and fork, Two rustproof, aluminum/brass spray nozzles: 2-way shower/mister, and 3-way adjustable spray nozzle, 6-piece hose connector set with a Y connector and a 3-piece pruning set. This kit is a great buy for only $100.
Who said money clips were just for men? Elsa Peretti's Bean Money Clip will appeal to many women. It's the perfect size for a clutch or a small handbag. I love the sterling silver material and its clean design. It's also a great gift for a trendy male who doesn't want to look like everyone else. Purchase it at www.tiffany.com for $135.
Have you ever wanted to get someone a fragrance but you hesitated because you were unsure if they would like it? Sephora has solved this problem with its Fragrance Samplers for men and women. The samplers contain miniature versions of men and women's fragrances and a gift certificate redeemable for a full sized fragrance bottle. The recipient simply samples each fragrance, chooses their favorite fragrance, fills out the enclosed voucher, and redeems the voucher at a Sephora store. The men's sampler contains samples of Aquolina Blue Sugar, Carolina Herrera 212 Men, Ermenegildo Zegna ZegnaIntenso, Kenneth Cole R.S.V.P., Lacoste Essential, Masaki Matsushima M;Men, Givenchy Very Irresistable Givenchy For Men Fresh Attitude, and Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme, plus a bonus Anthony Logistics for Men Shave Cream. The women's sampler contains samples of Aquolina Pink Sugar, Badgley Mischka, Guerlain My Insolence, Hard Candy Fragrance, Hilary Duff With Love...Hilary Duff, Juicy Couture, Philosophy Inner Grace, Stella McCartney Stella, Vera Wang Princess, and Givenchy Very Irresistable Givenchy Sensual Eau de Parfum, plus an added gift of a refillable atomizer. You can purchase a fragrance sampler for $50.
These four items are great stocking stuffers, or gifts for co-workers or acquaintances.
1. Bankabank
The other day I was telling a co-worker about my plastic piggy bank that looks exactly like a pig. I jokingly encouraged him to get one, but of course he looked at me like I was crazy. So, when I came across the Bankabank, I knew I found his holiday gift. This innovatively designed piggy bank has a top insert for folded bills or coins and a front insert for coins. It looks great at home or at work. Its also a great tool to help teach your kids how you to save. And, what teenager wouldn't love the modern design. Purchase the Bankabank from www.moderntots.com for $12.
4. Collision Kit
Like many New Yorkers I don't own a car but, if I did, I would always want to have the Collision Kit in my car. The Collision Kit is a great practical gift for anyone who owns a car. The kit includes a flash camera, a pen, and a clipboard with pre-printed forms to remind you to get all the details of the accident, including information from the other driver(s) and witnesses. There is also an envelope for your insurance card and registration. The Collision Kit fits perfect in the car's glove-compartment and is perfectly priced at $14.95.
New York Magazine included Anthropologie's Nougatine Perfume Bottle on its holiday gift list and I just had to share this find with you. Any perfume lover would love to own this unique and beautiful perfume bottle. It's made out of glass and comes in a brown or bronze color. I love the bronze version. Make a gift of perfume extra special by including the Nougatine Perfume bottle. You can purchase it at www.anthropologie.com for $32.
A great handbag is always a welcomed gift and a woman can never have too many handbags. Lorelei's Sloan Crinkle Patent Resort Bag is a great addition to anyone's closet. This bag has a great look and can be used as either a clutch or a small tote. It also has an exterior pocket and an internal zipper pocket. I love the apple version of this bag, but it also comes in red, white, and lapis. You can purchase this versatile bag for $414.
I'm a huge fan of collecting recipes and I store all my recipes in a file folder. But, it is really annoying to have to thumb through all the sheets of paper to find a particular recipe. I've been meaning to get more organized but it just seems like such a tedious task. It seems to me that it makes more sense to organize the recipes when I first find them. I'm happy to share that I found a product that helps me organize my recipes. Tastebook is a great new product that helps you organize and store your recipes easily. Tastebook is a hardcover, spiralbound cookbook that you design and create. Simply go to www.tastebook.com to create your Tastebook. You start by adding recipes from either Gourmet and Bon Appetit's recipe files or adding your own personal recipes. You can add up to 100 recipes per book. You can even add notes to a recipe! You then choose your own cover picture and write your own Tastebook title. Once you've purchased your Tastebook all you have to do is wait until it is printed and arrives in the mail. Isn't this great! This is the perfect gift for someone who loves to cook and it only costs $34.95.
I've been using my laptop more frequently lately because of the mobility factor. But, it has really been doing a number on my hands, wrists, and neck. Luckily, I discovered a product by Logitech that eases my discomfort. The Alto Express Notebook Stand raises your laptop to eye-level, which increases your viewing comfort and also reduces the strain on your hands and wrists. This stand is a great gift idea for any Laptop owner. You can purchase this uniquely designed stand for $29.99.
Every day I see more and more people with iPhones. Most owners keep their iPhones protected in a plain rubber case. I'm sure that these rubber cases are just temporary and at some point will be upgraded to nicer cases. An attractive iPhone case would be a great gift for any friend or family member who is planning to upgrade. Sena makes really great cases for telephones, mp3 players, and PDA's. They have not disappointed with their iPhone case line. One case that stands out to me is the Magnet Flipper Case. This case is made out of Napa Leather, has a charging port opening and a multipurpose pocket. The case comes in several colors and is affordably priced at $52.
I've bought several fragrance oil diffusers throughout the year. I love how they make my apartment smell and I love the look of the glass containers in which the reeds are held. While in West Elm today I came across a unique ceramic diffuser that would make a great holiday gift for co-workers or acquaintances. There are three uniquely shaped diffusers, each containing reed sticks and fragrance oil. My personal favorite is the white flower fragrance. You can purchase West Elm's ceramic diffuser set for $39.
I normally don't go shopping in the afternoon because I like to avoid the crowds. But, I decided to brave Rockefeller Center today. I couldn't believe how crazy it was and almost regretted my decision until I visited Cole Haan. While at Cole Haan, I came across the Logo Market Tote, a great looking, multipurpose, canvas tote. I love this tote because it's lightweight but yet sturdy. And, guess what? It's only $40. If you are looking for an inexpensive holiday gift for a friend this tote is the perfect gift.
Today I decided to take a break from work and walk around Rockefeller Center. Surprisingly, even though the area was overcrowded and busy, I wasn't annoyed. I didn't shoot anyone dirty looks for blocking my path by standing in the middle of the sidewalk or bump anyone back if I was bumped on the crowded sidewalk. As I took in the Christmas decorations and bystanders' smiling faces, I felt at peace and I felt joyful. This time of year always does this to me. Unlike many of my friends, I really do love Christmas. Many of my friends hate Christmas because they feel the holiday is commercialized, and, because they feel obligated to buy gifts during this time of year. I don't disagree that Christmas has become way to commercialized. I can empathize with the feelings of frustration and stress associated with deciding who to buy gifts for and deciding how much to spend on gifts. But, unlike many of my friends I haven't become jaded about Christmas. I will always love this holiday.
When I hear my friends say they hate Christmas I almost feel bad for them. I have so many fond memories of past Christmases that I can't wait to share with my children. One memory in particular always makes me giggle to myself. When I was a kid I was always so excited to find out what gifts I got for Christmas that I never waited until Christmas Day to open my gifts. When I was alone I would tear off an inconspicuous piece of wrapping paper so I could get a sneak peak at my gifts. I know awful, right? What can I say? I was a curious and impatient child. LOL. Another favorite memory I have is of my father playing Christmas records. Every year my father played Christmas records and my favorite was Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas record! A few years ago, can you believe I found a cassette tape with Christmas Music performed by Alvin and the Chipmunks. I was so excited. I play that tape every year with no shame. My family was also big on decorating the Christmas tree. It was an event in our house. Every year my mother buys a few new ornaments for the tree and every year we argue about putting too many ornaments on the tree. When I was in college I made sure my mother waited until I got home for Christmas to decorate the tree. Its a great tradition I want to continue with my family.
To me Christmas isn't just about giving and receiving gifts. It's about family, friends, and loved ones. Don't just give gifts because that's what you've been taught to do. Give gifts to celebrate your family, your friends, and your loved ones. Give gifts to celebrate life and love. This is the time to show appreciation to those who are never told they are appreciated. This is the time to give forgiveness to those you've held unyielding grudges against. This is the time to let someone you may have lost touch with during the year, know they are not forgotten. This is the time to give to the less fortunate. Christmas is the perfect time to teach children that its always better to give than to receive. Its the perfect time to make memories that will last a lifetime. Its a time to be at peace and be happy.
Take some time to stop by and take a look at my holiday gift suggestions which I'll be posting every day from Dec. 1 through Dec. 23rd. I also hope you'll take some time to think about what Christmas really means to you. Happy Holidays Everyone!
As I perused the new issue of InStyle magazine, I found another great gift idea. I love cuff bracelets and Hayden-Harnett makes some of the best. My personal favorites are the Mercer and the Celina cuff bracelets.
The Mercer cuff can be worn by both women and men and comes in six great colors. $88.
Well, I've started thinking about trips I want to take during the summer. Since I don't have time to take a long trip right now, I've focused my attention on shorter, weekend trips. Whenever I take weekend trips, I like to keep my luggage to a minimum, i.e. one bag for everything. I've been known to pack everything I need for the weekend in a backpack. But, this year I set a goal to find a trendy, weekender bag. Luckily, I picked up the latest issue of InStyle magazine and saw the perfect weekender bag by Toss Designs. The weekender bag comes in various patterns and colors, but my favorite is the Giraffe weekender bag . This bag is the perfect carry-on, and is a great bag for short trips. $92.
A few days ago, I was surprised to see a package waiting for me at my apartment. I had no idea what it was because I didn't order anything and wasn't expecting a package from anyone. When I opened the package, I was surprised to see a beautiful yellow box wrapped with a black ribbon. I opened the yellow box and found makeup samples from Vasanti Cosmetics. I read the accompanying card and learned that my friend SM purchased a gift subscription to Yellow Box Beauty for my birthday. I was so excited because I love makeup and am always trying and buying new products. Here's how Yellow Box Beauty works. You choose a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription plan. Each month you or your gift recipient receives a yellow box containing various beauty products from a new beauty brand. Isn't this a great idea! Yellow Box Beauty is sure to be a hit with any beauty product junkie. It was with me! Thanks again SM! $29.95 - $34.95.Why is it that whenever you go shopping for shopping else, you inevitably end up buying something for yourself? Last week I went shopping in Soho with the intention of purchasing a Mother's Day gift. I left Soho with a Mother's Day gift AND a new perfume from Le Labo. As I walked by the store I tried to resist the urge to go in, but I was weak and turned around and walked in the store. Well, I have to say my visit was a sweet treat. Le Labo makes some of the most unique fragrances I've smelled in a long time. Le Labo's ten fragrances are classified into three categories; three feminine, three masculine and one baby perfume. I fell in love with Neroli 36, one of the unisex fragrances. The company also makes one exclusive perfume for each city the store is located. The New York fragrance is Tuberose 40. Le Labo also customizes the label of your bottle and prints your name or the gift recipient's name on the label.
Le Labo also offers a Discovery Set that contains three different scents of your choice. This set is only available via the Internet or phone. Don't hesitate to purchase a Le Labo fragrance for the perfume lover in your life. $50-$900.
So guys I'm back from my little hiatus. During this hiatus I definitely missed sharing my gift finds and I'm excited to share my new finds with you. Also, I'm happy to report that my web designer has started to work on my logo. I'm hoping that my website will be up and running by the end of June. I'll keep everyone posted on my website's progress. Keep reading for great gift ideas.
While flipping through the most recent O Magazine, I found the coolest housewarming gift. A new homeowner who loves to entertain will certainly appreciate the Ichendorf double walled oil/vinegar carafes. The carafes are made of handblown glass and appear to have one container floating inside another. The sleek, modern design will add a touch of class to any table. Why not get all three? $19 -$24 at Unica Home.
So, I took a little break from posting the last couple of days to enjoy the great weather. As I basked in the sun this weekend, I thought to myself, this is the perfect weather for a picnic in the park. But, before I planned a picnic, I had to buy a picnic basket. I knew I would have no problem finding an inexpensive wicker basket. But, I decided I wanted something classier. I was pleasantly surprised to come across the Picnic Trunk by Neiman Marcus. I love the Picnic Trunk's flyout table. The Trunk also comes with two glasses, two stoneware plates, cutlery for two, cotton napkins, a corkscrew, tablecloth, and salt and pepper shakers. The Picnic Trunk is absolutely perfect for an afternoon picnic in the park. $150.
I recently began taking Yoga and of course bought a Yoga mat for my classes. A friend recently asked me how I carried my mat to class. I told her that I bought a simple Yoga mat bag. It's cute, but it only holds my mat. After this discussion, I thought it would be great if I could find a bag that holds my mat, workout clothes, and other personal items. Well, I found the perfect Yoga bag at Omma Yoga.
The Omma Yoga and Pilates Mat Bag has a separate zippered mat compartment and a roomy compartment for workout clothes, a towel, a music player and a water bottle. It's the perfect gift for new and old Yoga students. $84.
Ok, so I'm obsessed with bags this week. But I can't help it. There are just too many cute bags! I visited Target's online store this weekend with the intention of looking for an inexpensive shoe cabinet, but instead found inexpensive Rafe handbags. Anyone who's familiar with the Rafe line, knows that Rafe handbags start at $200. So, how could I pass up the Rafe line for Target. These two bags are a great bargain and are great looking.
Know someone who is going on an island vacation? Why not give her the Print Straw Basket Bag? She'll never leave her hotel room without it. $39.99. 
In my quest for the perfect tote, I came across the Kate Spade Hugo Poppy Tote. It was love at first sight. The tote is perfect for work, travel, shopping, you name it. The poppy print adds just the right touch to this peek a boo tote. It has an interior zip pocket and is available with a red or an orange trim. My birthday isn't until May, but, I may just have to get myself an early birthday present. $195.
I woke up this morning to the sound of rain pelting my window. I looked out the window and thought that it didn't look as bad as it sounded. So, I decided to stick to my plan and visit the gym today. A little rain wasn't going to keep me from my workout. I put on my workout clothes, stepped outside, and immediately thought to myself, what am I doing? It was raining a lot harder than I originally thought it was. You would think I would turn around and go back upstairs to my apartment. But, of course not. I opened my umbrella and bravely started walking to the gym. Well, five minutes later, I was back in front of apartment building. My coat and hair were drenched, my pants legs were soaking wet, and my feet felt cold and wet. Needless to say, I was pissed. My experience this morning made me realize that I needed to purchase more appropriate rain gear. My little $8.00 umbrella and my gym sneakers just weren't cutting it. So, I started to look for rain gear on the Internet. But of course it couldn't be any old rain gear; it had to be cute. I definitely think you'll like the products that I've found. These products will keep you and any gift recipient dry.
I love the MOMA store's uniquely designed products. If you are ever at a loss for really unique gifts, you should definitely consider visiting the store for gift ideas. I recently visited the store and came across some really cool products, all under $100.
A friend recently asked for my opinion about a few rings that she is considering purchasing. I promised her I would look for more rings and share what I found. So K.H., here are some great, bold, chunky rings for Spring. And, for those of you looking for Spring birthday gifts, these rings are just perfect.
