Unique Gifts Blog - Ooonique!

Eco Friendly Gifts, Fashion, Bags

2011-06-07T20:35:00.000-04:00

Ecoist handmade handbags are made from recycled candy wrappers, food packages, soda labels, and other recycled materials. The candy wrappers are "upcycled" into eco friendly bags, recycled purses, and one-of-kind handbags!

Ecoist has partnered with multinational brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, Disney, Frito-Lay, and M&M's, to repurpose all their post-industrial waste. So far, Ecoist has saved more than 40 million wrappers from landfills.

Ecoist’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond recycling waste-bound materials, as fair trade is also practiced. The company cares for the artisans who put their skills and love into making the products. Ecoist is a family-owned business, that pays their artisans fair and meaningful wages, as they can see the value inherent in investing in the lives of their workers, their families, and their communities.

Ecoist also plants a tree for every handbag sold. In partnership with Trees for the Future, Ecoist has contributed to reforestation efforts around the world. So far, Ecoist has planted over 100,000 trees.

View all the gorgeous items @ http://www.ecoist.com

P.S. By definition, an Ecoist is “an individual that lives a modern, eco-minded lifestyle.” Each purchase from the Ecoist website contributes to making our planet a healthier, better, and more peaceful place to live.

Unique Custom Portraits

2011-05-28T10:59:00.004-04:00

"Ernie" is the one-person-operation behind Draw Your Face Off -- a website where you can order original, inked portraits.

Under the FAQ, the last question goes:

Q: Can I make a suggestion for my drawing?

A: Nope. I can read your mind. Actually I can't, but I work better alone.

As a one-person-operation team myself (at jessINK), I know how "doing everything oneself" (artistically) allows for 100% undiluted focus, passion, and enthusiasm.

Ernie's portraits are 100% the real deal -- ink to paper (I love ink!), colored, varnished, AND framed.

A great gift for yourself or a friend -- $34 for U.S.-based customers -- about the cost of a nice dinner out. An original portrait / piece of real art lasts way longer than one nice dinner, in terms of tangibility ;)

Check out Ernie's rad, sweet and awesome portraits @ www.drawyourfaceoff.com!

* * * * *

Extra Links:

Couple of quotes/links to do with portraiture:

1) "Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter." ~ Oscar Wilde

2) J. K. Rowling's Portrait, by Stuart Pearson Wright

Gloves In A Bottle

2011-05-18T17:48:00.001-04:00

I have really sensitive skin (face breaks out easily; products always need to have the "hypoallergenic" label; etc etc), so I was quite skeptical at first with Gloves in a Bottle.

My right hand, as maintained/cared for/pampered with Gloves in a Bottle!

I'm currently living in Maine (grew up in Singapore) -- Singapore = very humid (but better for the skin), Maine = not so humid (but much dryer air, in comparison).

I usually have a whole range of moisturizers lying around. I've Hemp Body Moisturizer, Vaseline, St. Ive's, and Nivea (currently using their very-nice shower gel; not sure if I have a bottle of moisturizer lying around somewhere...)...but the best (in terms of protection + hydration) = Gloves in a Bottle.

No reactions to the product, no fragrance/parfum (which according to Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, can be harmful -- especially for sensitive skin).

Just a smooth, hydrating treat for the hands :)

Check it out @ www.glovesinabottle.com

* At the time of this posting, 1 bottle = $14.95 (plus $7.95 shipping and handling, for U.S.-based customers). 1 bottle can last up to 120 applications (according to their website).

* I received some samples in the mail (1 bottle and a couple of sachets). It felt very slightly gooey at first (I think I used too much from the first sachet), though the product absorbs quickly enough into the skin. After a few tries, my hands just feel smooth and well-hydrated (no gooey/sticky/oily feeling at all).

Best Drawing Book, The Elements of Drawing

2010-07-06T23:46:00.006-04:00

If you want to buy just one drawing book (for yourself, or an art enthusiast)...

Make sure this is the one -- The Elements of Drawing, by John Ruskin! I came across The Elements of Drawing at the library on a random day, when I was a wayward 16/17-year-old (I am now 23). I had always wanted to draw, but found many of the drawing books to be not very useful/helpful (as the introduction states, in the "elements of drawing" copy/edition that I read).

Many modern how-to-draw books do not instill/nurture/teach/inspire one to develop their own artistic sense, and a keen observation/attention to detail, which are two things I managed to attain (and continue to attain), as a direct result of this splendid book by John Ruskin.

It's not an easy book to read -- in fact, I believe Ruskin himself states/warns in the beginning that some parts/activities will be quite tedious (such as the careful manual shading of gradients) -- he does say that if you really, really want to learn how to draw, you've got to be prepared to put your life into it (to that effect). He says something about having the diligence to put in 150-200 hours into learning how to draw (or how to do anything)...and since time = life, I guess that puts what he says into perspective.

John Ruskin's fine definition of drawing is as follows: "all art is but dirtying the paper delicately." I love the way he presented whatever he had to say/teach about art and drawing -- it's a real sharing/transference of knowledge.

Drawing's turned out to be a lifesaver for me. It's helped me to develop more confidence in myself and what I do...I'm very lucky to have had the good fortune to have been guided by The Elements of Drawing.

P.S. I think I took a grand total of about 4-5 years to actually get through the book from cover to cover (I read it on and off from the time I was 17-22)...but I'm glad I took the time to gradually let my artistic senses develop (something that money and the average art class cannot buy).

+ Review originally posted @ Goodreads.com

+ I've also blogged about my own experience with art/drawing (with the guidance of The Elements of Drawing) @ http://jesscscott.wordpress.com/2010/07/04/drawing-confidence/

Free Blog Novel

2009-07-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

I will start posting here again in August -- I've been very busy with my debut blog/IM novel...

Which is available for FREE for the rest of July!

Download Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2864
Official Website: http://eyeleash.wordpress.com/

Tell all your friends about it ;)

Soy Candles

2009-04-07T15:21:00.003-04:00

BsaB Candles uses only 100% Essential Oils--pure and unadulterated--for their range of scented candles. Some of the products include coconut candles & bamboo candles.

The coconut candles make a great party idea, as BsaB has researched and developed a way to create coconut candles using the coconut shells as holders. The coconut candles also float and can be used in tubs, ponds or water features. They are a wonderful way to lighten the mood of any gathering.

All of the candles are natural, sustainable and very high quality. The essential oils are blended in France, the wicks are from Germany, and only 100% soybean wax is used for the range of soy candles.

Soy Wax is used because it is cleaner, healthier, and greener than Paraffin. Most candles are made with chemical distillates or paraffin, which is the final byproduct in the petroleum (fuel) refining process. Soy wax is made from soybeans--a renewable resource. In addition, it lasts longer (an average of three times longer) than paraffin wax.

--> Exquisite Beeswax Candles

The scents page will help you choose the right aromatherapy scent.

BsaB is committed to creating the finest organic candles in earth-friendly and people-friendly forms, and delivering sublime, sustainable, and luxurious natural beauty.

Travel And Dining In NYC, Restaurant Week

2008-12-10T11:01:00.006-05:00

This is part two of an article on NYC dining. Kindly written for Oonique by Reed @ Reed's Tickets.

The first part can be found here: Dining in New York.

~

Combine Travel And Dining In NYC With Restaurant Week!

If you're looking to combine travel with good dining in NYC, then Restaurant Week is the perfect event for you. It's held twice a year, once during late January, and then again during June. The event takes place right across the city, with participating restaurants offering a three course lunch for $24.07 and in some cases, dinner as well for $35. The idea behind this event is to allow people to taste foods from restaurants which they normally would not have a chance to visit.

This event allows them to sample food at a reasonable price, whether it’s expensive or exotic fare!

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar, NYC

How To Make The Most Of It

Naturally there are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure that you can get the most out of Restaurant Week. Many people do end up having a rough time because they either seem to choose the wrong restaurants or they are bombarded with disgruntled waiters. It's true that during Restaurant Week, the waiters do see to be a little on edge--this could be because there are lots more patrons to deal with but not nearly enough tips! In any case, it's important to prepare ahead of time before you start hitting the restaurant circuit.

First of all, and perhaps most importantly, you need to reserve early. Since many of the top restaurants in New York take part in this event, you can be sure that people will be clamoring for a table. It's best to get on the phone as quickly as possible and book your table well in advance. In general, it's often much easier to get a reservation for Mondays-Wednesdays than other days of the week.

All That Glitters Isn't Gold

Many people make the mistake of assuming that all participating restaurants in Restaurant Week offer fabulous fare--unfortunately this isn't true. While some restaurants really shine and offer wonderful food, others don't seem to have much apart from bad food and bad service. Rather than blindly choose a restaurant, it makes more sense to check out some of the restaurant reviews first. You'll also be able to get a better idea of what dishes are available, as some restaurants might not offer their signature dishes for this event. You can also check out the restaurant's website to find out what they plan to offer on the menu. Be clear about the prices as well--oftentimes, things like beverages can be extra.

A front waiter | Photo from SFGate

While you might meet some annoyed waiters on your Restaurant Week, do make it a point to generously tip the ones who serve you well. Remember that this event often means extra work for them but at the same salary. Apart from that, many of them feel that Restaurant Weekers are just out for a cheap meal and they don't tip. Generously tipping those waiters who give you good service is a great way to break this misconception.

And if you've liked a restaurant, don't forget to tell other people about it! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to learn about what restaurants are great, and which ones can be missed during NYC's Restaurant Week.

The author of this article writes about New York entertainment and Getting NYC Concert Tickets advice online.

Art T-shirts, by Antistrot

2008-12-10T10:13:00.010-05:00

Presented by Dutch art collective: ANTISTROT

After years of selling limited art t-shirt designs and other goodies to a small in-crowd, straight out of backpacks, plastic bags and the trunks of borrowed cars, Dutch art collective ANTISTROT is proud to announce its brand new webstore.

Some popular designs have around 2-14 pieces currently left in stock. For silkscreen orders, each item is signed and numbered. T-shirts are 25 euro postage paid within Europe, and 30 euro postage paid to the rest of the world.

There's a section where you can obtain some Antistrot notorious, original artwork. If you're gonna go broke shopping, you might as well do it in style ;).

The members of Antistrot found each other while studying illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam. They bonded over a shared dislike of both their professor (Professor Strot--hence the name, Anti Strot) and of the restrictive view of art making they saw as being too widespread.

Ten years later, Antistrot still draw and paint as a group. They do so around a table, by "attacking" the canvas from all sides. They often incorporate images from obscure comics, fashion magazines, and other sources. Each member's distinct style is incorporated. They discuss current events, pop culture, things that piss them off--anything that interests them--which unexpectedly become part of what they are creating. Therein lies the magic of Antistrot.

Antistrot has shown extensively throughout Europe and Japan, including exhibitions at Boijmans van Beuningen (Rotterdam), Centre of Contemporary Art (Prague), Hugh Lane Gallery (Dublin), and others.

More Info:
Official Website
Sara Tecchia Roma New York

Recommended Fantasy Book

2008-12-08T14:56:00.007-05:00

Cover of The Last Realm: Dragonscarpe

Quick Note: Attention, lovers of the fantasy genre. You don't come across publications like this on a daily basis.

The Last Realm: Book One, Dragonscarpe, is a 320 page coffee-table-sized hardback, written by Pat McNamara. The first volume of this groundbreaking epic features more than one hundred pages of stunning, full-color art by multi-Award winning comic book Illustrator and master pin-up Artist, Michal Dutkiewicz.

The book is a collaboration between Pat and Michal, based on an initial concept and character outlines by Gary Turner. It is an ambitious and bold storytelling venture, and could very well high-and-mightily helm a new direction in contemporary fantasy literature. There is a unique multiple-platform type of feel to the presentation (like a book, artbook, screenplay, and virtual world concept all at once).

Story-wise, the text is very readable -- young adult level -- and vivid. The story centers around fiery heroics, doomed love and betrayal (featuring a lead Paladin named Zayd, four beautiful Elementalists, a vengeful Outcast, etc.).

The storytelling has a cinematic atmosphere, moreso than what a traditional fantasy text would read like. Readers that are used to classic/high fantasy material might want to take note of that. That is the intent, as the book draws its inspiration from a wide range of material, from classic fantasy (Lord of the Rings, Pern) to modern genre icons (Star Wars, Babylon 5). The comprehensive lexicon at the back allows the reader at a glance, to know who's who and what's what in The Last Realm.

Due to the size and presentation of the publication [it measures 25cm x 36cm (10" x 14") and is huge + quite heavy], $39.95 is a moderate price range for such high-quality artwork and printing. The paper quality is ideal for showcasing the illustrations: a visual feast of anatomical detail (and a labour of love, having taken up over a year of the illustrator's time/life/effort/energy).

Many fantasy books have eye-catching cover art -- but the illustrations here appear throughout. And because of the generous sizing of the book, one really gets the sense of being transported IN-to the story. Five pages before the actual story begins, is a panoramic illustration of "The Realm of the Dragonscarpe...And The Vast Land Bridges Over The Natmos Lake." You can't help but let your jaw drop when you have something like that in your hands, right in front of you. I know I did!

Links--Michal Dutkiewicz: Illustrator, Pat McNamara: Writer (on myspace)

Cool Magazine, Psychology Today

2008-12-06T11:52:00.006-05:00

Issue: July-August 2008

If you're looking for "something else" (apart from the usual women's/fashion magazines), this is one magazine I've found exceptionally good: Psychology Today.

It's cool because of this combination: the articles are very informative, and written in a concise manner, that sustains the reader's interest.

Most magazines (such as Cosmopolitan; Elle however, is fine :P) have bored me for ages. I just about roll my eyes when I see the new covers each month at a supermarket/wherever. I personally find that a lot of the material is heavily recycled, and I don't get anything useful from the publication after a while (apart from pages of high-gloss, uber pretty advertisements).

Anyway, back to Psychology Today.

A sample of my pick of articles, that are available online:

1. Scents and Sensibility
"Sexual chemistry"--the subtle chemical keys that help determine who we fall for.

2. Plight of the Little Emperors
Coddled from infancy and raised to be academic machines, China's only children expect the world. Now they're buckling under the pressure of their parents' deferred dreams.

3. Neanderthink: Good Girls, Bad Girls
The vagaries of paternity have led men to sharply categorize women—even in a hookup culture. Women can get savvy about this male propensity.

4. Accounting for Taste
Our choices in books, movies, music, and art go to the core of who we are. What your tastes reveal about you.

5. The Style Imperative
Style is more character than clothes, more attitude than affluence. It's you making visible your inner self; so forget what you learned about appearance not counting.

~

Psychology is a fascinating subject. By and large, I find academic sort of publications an annoyance to read. The text tends to be...stuffy. None of that in this magazine.

PS: The publication is bi-monthly (one issue covers two months).
6 issues for $15.97, 46% off the cover price, if you're in the US.

Custom Oil Portrait Painting

2008-12-06T11:09:00.003-05:00

Image #1: Original Photograph
Image #2: Hand Painted Portrait

The artists at Portrait Painting turn your photos into super-duper quality fine art paintings. The portrait artists have over seventy years of painting experience. Only the finest material is used (Winsor & Newton oil paints, and premium art canvas--not the cheap stuff).

The categories include: Children, Family, Wedding, Pets [very, very nice :)], House, Landscape, and Executive. The sample two pages of custom oil paintings showcase the caliber of the artists.

An official portrait painting can cost upwards of $50,000--some artists doing these portraits demand sittings that can total 30 hours. Portrait Painting's artists paint a beautiful portrait from a photo. Their custom portraits start at $149, and shipping is free (worldwide). You don’t need to spend $50k to be immortalized in a portrait painting.

No projective, transferring or computer aided techniques are used. The paintings solely rely on the artist’s own techniques. Furthermore, Portrait Painting works exclusively with artists who specialize in creating life-like portraits based on original photographs. You can check out their blog for some of their latest paintings, and related news.

ArtGlass Confections!

2008-12-04T12:26:00.002-05:00

Glass Mouse / Christmas Treats 2008

Malmsey's features collectible Art Glass Chocolates and Cupcakes. I'd have to do a double take in real life, to make sure I didn't accidentally consume any pieces.

The name "Malmsey's" refers to a robust sweet wine that is a favourite drink with chocolate desserts. Malmsey is a Madeira (a fortified Portuguese wine) with a rich history, as well as a certain amount of lore (including mention by William Shakespeare in Richard III).

The stunning glass confections are small works of art, unique in the world of contemporary art glass. More than 250 Chocolate and Cupcake designs and color combinations are available. The three artists at Malmsey's take great pride in creating their tempting glass confections.

Art Glass & Chocolate. There's not much to dislike. Feel free to indulge.

Cherry Cupcake on Plate

Dining in New York

2008-10-21T09:56:00.008-04:00

Yes, I've still a backlog of e-mails to get to--being a writer is a crazy endeavor. I have a short story to see to first, and then I'm on to writing book03. I'll update my sites when I can.

For now, here's something a little different: an article on NYC dining. Kindly written for Oonique by Reed @ Reed's Tickets!

PS: Part 2 of this article can be found here: NYC, Restaurant Week.

~

Know Where To Eat In NYC!

Let's face it - you could be a lifetime native of NYC and still get confused when it comes to finding a good restaurant. Why? Because new places literally pop up every day here - apart from that, some truly legendary eateries have quietly established themselves in the city but you don't know where to look! The good news is that no matter what your taste or budget is, you'll find the perfect place to eat somewhere in the Big Apple.

1) Budget Meals

When you think about dining on a $10 budget, you're probably not thinking about very fine dining. You're probably not even expecting a very tasty meal - but that's just where NYC proves you wrong. There are a number of places out there where you can have a great meal for as less as ten bucks. A lot of them are hard to find though - for example, there is a burger place next to the Le Parker Meridien but you'll probably have to ask the hotel concierge for directions to get there! But it's a place worth knowing about, as you can get a tasty cheeseburger, fries and a soda for just ten dollars.

Great NY Noodle Town | Photo by Yun Cee Ng

If you're in the mood for Chinese food, even in the middle of the night, then you can head over to the Great NY Noodle Town. Here you can order roast pork and noodles in soup, vegetables in oyster sauce and roast duck on rice for just $9.50.

If you'd like Middle Eastern cuisine, Mamoun's offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in a cozy atmosphere. A falafel sandwich, some Turkish coffee and tabouleh will cost you about eight bucks. You can even get a budget piece of history by dining at Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, which has been around since 1929 - here you can get matzo ball soup, an egg cream and a chopped liver sandwich for just under nine dollars.

2) International Breakfasts

In any other city, your dining options for breakfast would be pretty limited. But not in NYC - you can literally taste any number of breakfast dishes from anywhere in the world.

Feel like having some Dim Sum in the morning? There are a number of places all over the city that specialize in this uniquely Asian style of brunch. Of course when it comes to breakfast in New York, everyone thinks of bagels. Whether you like them toasted, chewy or doughy, you'll find the perfect bagel for you.

But what if you've got a craving for a truly American breakfast? We're talking classic dishes like steak and eggs or buttermilk pancakes - if you want something extra special then head over to Norma's for a really rich breakfast treat.

Breakfast for Lunch? Always @ Norma's

Of course these dining options are just the tip of the iceberg. NYC offers something for everyone in terms of good dining.

For example, opera buffets offer people some great dining and a chance to listen to professional opera singers at the same time. From the most expensive restaurants in the world to places that serve you food for as less as ten bucks, you can find it all at NYC!

The author of this article writes many helpful pages on New York City entertainment, such as How To Get Concert Tickets.

Elegant Gift Baskets

2008-08-20T20:09:00.010-04:00

White Jasmine Spa Gift Basket

Chesapeake Bay has some truly unique gift baskets. The artful presentation is sure to please and impress even the most discerning of gourmets.

The White Jasmine gift basket above comes in a chic black and white polka dot motif hat box. It certainly combines well with the specific range of items -- and adds a modern twist as compared to the traditional woven baskets that gift sets are usually presented in.

As there is some chocolate included in this gift set, expedited shipping for gifts with chocolate is recommended if you are purchasing during summertime. This gift is shipped with ice packs and insulation and must be delivered in 1-2 days, to avoid damage during warm weather months (June through August).

Lavender Serenity Spa Gift Basket

The spa gift baskets are an indulgent range of pampering products, perfect for de-stressing and/or unwinding after a busy day. The Lavender Serenity gift set even includes floral stationary, as well as a book entitled "The Promise of Wisdom". The book contains 350 pages of inspirational stories. The butterfly adorned gift hamper adds a quaint touch to this set.

Other spa sets include The Weary Golfer (Men's Spa Set), and the Yoga and Green Tea Essentials, amongst others.

Grilling Gourmand Gift Basket!

For true gourmet lovers, the gourmet gift baskets are a dream come true. The plentiful and savory items, attractively packaged, pack all the more punch in both style and substance.

Quality Skin Care Product

2008-08-20T15:27:00.004-04:00

I tried a Eucerin body lotion a few years ago -- I wasn't too impressed. I don't remember it doing anything good or out-of-the-ordinary. Perhaps I was expecting more with the hype at the time, about how the line Catered Towards People With Sensitive Skin. I remember forking out about $16 for it when I was in Singapore.

Anyway my skin is still as sensitive as it has been since long long long ago. People with this skin type will be able to empathize with the multitude of annoyances and issues sensitive skin can bring about! I recently received a sample of Skin MD Natural and decided to see what it would turn out to be like.

Turns out that it was a much better experience than I had with Eucerin. I had a look at the ingredients list of the Skin MD product I had [Shielding Lotion for Face, Hand & Body] -- good stuff like Aloe Leaf Extract (Aloe Vera), Vitamin E, Chamomile, Extracts of Arnica, as well as purified water. Pure deionized water is theoretically up to 1000 times more soluble than common tap water.

Arnica is one of those herbs that has traditionally been used externally to heal wounds. It has a pain relieving effect, reduces inflammation and clears fungal infections. Aloe Vera also has a long history of being a safe and effective skin care aid. The aloe plant contains over 75 ingredients (!), such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids (the building blocks of proteins).

The sample I received had a note: "a little goes a long way...", so I only used a little bit of the product. Yes, it was enough to notice an effect. My skin felt very hydrated in less than a minute, and didn't have a weird caustic effect like when I once sampled an SkII product. SkII being a luxury skincare product...they were having some promotional giveaways at a mall. Any-way.

Later, I applied some Skin MD after being out in the sun for a while. There was a comforting, refreshing feeling, and the skin didn't dry out. It was refreshing in the "I've just taken a really nice bath" sense -- but better, because the feeling doesn't go away quite so fast as the former alone.

On the website, it is explained that Shielding Lotions are a new type of skin care product. They form a protective shield and help keep out irritants, while keeping natural oils and moisture in the skin. They're also light in texture, so they go on without a greasy mess. I could feel this at work after applying the product, so all that info isn't just a load of marketing BS.

And since I went for a wisdom teeth op two weeks ago, using Skin MD was an exceedingly welcome treat during my recovery! I'll be applying the product on some eczema spots soon, as I've confidence in this brand and the ingredients that are in it.

Diamond Jewelry

2008-08-20T13:20:00.001-04:00

Classic Jewelry Designs, Inc., provides high quality fine jewelry. Most of the jewelry is manufactured in New York City -- the jewelry is crafted in the company's on-premises workshop. Customers can thus expect the highest level of quality control.

Here are some of their wickedly lovely pieces of jewelry:

Premium 3 Prong Studs

I usually prefer dangling earrings to stud earrings, but nothing says 'glamour' like a pair of diamond earrings! Modern yet classy, these sort of earrings are highly adaptable to any occasion, and a must have item for a lady's jewelry collection. Diamond stud earrings hold a simple and dazzling design which can match different items of attire.

The round and princess cut diamonds of Classic Jewelry are expertly cut, to maximize the sparkle and beauty of each pair of earrings. They are available in both prong and bezel styles (bezel is a groove that holds the gem in its setting).

Three Diamond Princess Cut Ring

This is a very attractive Princess Cut Three Stone Ring. Some people like the Princess because it is rectangular, while still having some of the sparkle of a traditional Round brilliant cut.

Watch out for shape appeal when selecting this type of diamond cut. Judge the attractiveness of the shape by looking at the girdle outline. Be wary of girdles which are too thin, because they are more prone to chipping. Princess cut diamonds also require four-pronged settings -- keep this in mind when shopping for one.

Contemporary Diamond Star Pendant

Last but not least, this is a more contemporary piece of jewelry from the online catalog. I personally quite fancy star-shaped accessories like the diamond pendant above. It's nice having a little piece of the night sky to accent your style.

Upcoming Reviews

2008-07-16T14:42:00.003-04:00

If you have contacted me recently, I've most likely received your e-mail/product suggestion. I'll do my best to get on the posts asap. Thank you for your patience.

God, I had no idea what a pain book revisions could be. And this is a semi-unofficial edit too *scowls*.

Buy Eyeglasses Online

2008-07-09T09:43:00.004-04:00

Frame #3391 ($8.00), by Zenni Optical

I've had to wear glasses for a long time. I remember having to pay quite exorbitant prices from time to time -- due to the frame, lens power, Anti-Reflective coating, etc.

Recently, I decided to check out the prescription eyeglasses available online. I was looking for something very affordable/economically-priced. I also wanted a plastic frame. They're more durable, can be thrown around, and I prefer the bridge as compared to the irritating nosepieces of metal frames.

I decided on 3 stores -- Global Eyeglasses, Eyewear Magic, and Zenni Optical. These three stores have a great selection of frames.

I didn't have problems with any. Here's a short rundown of the experience with each store.

1) Global Eyeglasses

Global EyeGlasses explains how to measure your PD (pupillary distance) very well, thanks to the visual below.

Arrived very quickly -- something I always appreciate.
The frame was a clearance pair, so I got it for just $1.50.
+ $6.99 per side for lenses (high myopia!).
$6.99 for AR coating (which I didn't select).
Shipping (in USA): $5.99

Discount Code: "glassyeyes" (good for 10% off)

Total Cost: $19.37

2) EyewearMagic Inc.

Free Anti-Reflective Coating with all lenses (nice!)
2 free gifts. At the time of my purchase, one gift was a mini screwdriver -- very useful for spectacle screws...
$12, frame + lens
They also let you know if a frame is too wide for your face, according to the PD you input. I thought this was convenient.
Find your best frame by frame style -- good info. My favorite is the executive look, how about you?
Purchasing and production division is in China (so that's where the package comes from)
Shipping (in USA): Flat rate of $8.00

Bits of the lens cleaning cloth were coming off on the glasses, but the lens case was unique.

Total Cost: $20.00

* 3) Zenni Optical

I liked Zenni best.

Trendy eyewear starting from $8.00 (pic right at the top is by Zenni)
+$4.95 for Anti-Reflective Coating
Very high prescriptions available
Shipping (in USA): Flat rate of $4.95

Total Cost: $17.90

That's it. I read about problems a few people had with Zenni -- slow shipping and bad customer service were the two I remembered. I experienced neither (the shipping was within the 2-week timeframe as stated on the website). Their customer service rep contacted me to confirm my order too (due to the high prescription).

I thought there'd be some kind of gimmick somewhere with Zenni, but I'm very happy with my $8 two-tone plastic frames. I enjoy online shopping when it's fuss-free. For me, Zenni takes the top spot.

Incentive Programs

2008-06-21T17:22:00.009-04:00

If you’re a business owner, you’re likely to find a rewards program beneficial in numerous ways.

A well-designed program can result in increased sales, customer loyalty, and improved performance from employees. An effective employee recognition system also reinforces the most important outcomes that people create for your business. This motivates the people you work with to continue to contribute to the overall success of your organization.

Online Rewards provides a range of programs for an effective employee recognition system. The types of rewards you could select from at Online Rewards are almost limitless (to be exact, there are more than 20,000,000 items available!).

Catalogs are flexible as they can be customized to your needs, in terms of pricing and the merchandise you’d like to surprise your lucky employees with. Merchandise ranges from gift cards/gift certs, to DVDs, books, Cartier and Gucci watches, and a whole lot more.

These reward options are part of the innovative and comprehensive incentive programs designed by Online Rewards. A highly experienced and committed management team is behind the company. The team has 40+ years in management consulting, marketing, multi-media, large scale e-commerce, and Fortune 100 internet consulting.

* A Tip: Remember is to include ALL employees in your incentives program. Otherwise, you run the risk of being seen as practicing favoritism -- which would make your program efforts go down the drain.

Corporate Gift Baskets

2008-06-19T18:11:00.003-04:00

As you probably already know, "first impressions count". This certainly extends to gifts baskets. A fine quality gift basket makes for a brilliant presentation, whether the event is a wedding, arrival of a new baby, or business-related.

The Elegant Gift Basket -- suitable for a variety of special occasions

At The Gift Basket Pros, there is a wide selection of gourmet corporate gift baskets, cookie bouquets, gift boxes, and more to choose from (Wine or Spa & Pamper gifts, anyone?).

The selection is impressive, along with the list of Forbes Fortune 500 companies that trust TGBP for their business gift giving services (American Express, AT&T, Harley Davidson, etc).

With the corporate holiday gift baskets, you can let your imagination and taste buds run wild!

Know someone that loves cookies and chocolate? Think of how it'd be like for them, to receive a Mrs. Fields Cookie Gift, or Golden Godiva Gift Basket. I’m sure the decadence would make them feel on top of the world (they’re very likely to remember/appreciate you, not to mention your good taste too).

Deluxe Corporate Gift Basket -- yummy

These are just some of the contents in the Deluxe Corporate Gift Basket:

# Tangy Apple Salsa
# Harry London Chocolate Covered Pretzels
# Ginger Spice Biscotti
# Chocolate Fudge Shortbread Cookies
# Sonoma Jack Cheese
# Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
# Butter Toffee Pistachios
# Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars
# Kasilof Smoked Salmon
# Nunes Mocha Almonds
# Staufers Caviar

*I’m totally salivating...*

Certain products have free ground shipping -- look out for the red diagonal banner on selected items.

PS: For those interested, Cornell University has a page on corporate gift giving research. Companies connect with universities because they view it as a very important resource, and invest in it to ensure its future is secure. Included in corporate gifts for research institutions: real estate, travel grants for students, and gifts of intellectual property.

Sauna Kits

2008-06-11T17:16:00.006-04:00

If you'd like your own home sauna or steambath, Saunafin will take care of your needs. *I can already imagine the relaxation...*

Saunafin specializes in the factory direct sales of saunas, pre-fab saunas, sauna heaters, infrared saunas and steambath generators.

Example of a sauna by Saunafin

The company also provides sauna kits (also referred to as Sauna Material Kits, Sauna Liner Kits, or the somewhat wordy Do-It-Yourself Sauna Interior Material Kits).

The difference between pre-fab saunas and sauna kits is this: think of the latter as the inside "skin" of the sauna.

As the name suggests, pre-fab saunas are pre-fabricated. They can be assembled in 2-3 hours. There is no additional framing as the walls support themselves. However, a sauna kit (supplied by Saunafin) includes the inside materials, such as the cedar lining, benches, vapor barrier, door, molding, heater, etc. You and/or your contractor build the walls, while insulating and finishing the exterior.

The website also sells sauna accessories, including 15 minute sand timers, cedar towel racks, scented essences, and sauna wraps.

Sauna Accessory Pack:
3 peg towel rack, small headrest, scented essence -- US$68

Saunafin prides themselves in being a "brick and mortar" company. They are neither an Internet invention or on-line reseller, as the company manufactures 80% of the products sold.

PS: You might also want to check out this article for ten tips on sauna etiquette -- particularly if you notice everyone in the sauna leaving upon your arrival ;)

Gift for Lovers

2008-05-20T13:39:00.008-04:00

Kama Sutra produces a range of sensual and beautiful gift sets. Featured above is the Love Essentials set ($25.99) -- which contains a sampler of: The Original Oil of Love, Love Liquid Sensual Lubricant, and Sweet Honeysuckle Honey Dust with feather applicator.

Inspired by "The Kama Sutra", the most renowned book on the art of making love, The Kama Sutra Company has created products for over thirty five years -- products that incite the senses. They tingle and tantalize, soothe and seduce, refresh and renew.

There are also luxury bath products, such as Treasures of the Sea. This bathing kit contains a blend of nature's most precious gifts -- vitamins, minerals and nutrients from the sea. The set is complete with freshly scented bath sands and a real sea shell scoop.

Celebrity fans include Bai Ling, Ludacris, Tori Spelling, and more. At their wedding party, Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman presented friends and family with a basket of favourite products from Kama Sutra (including a trio of flavored massage creams).

Trendy, Affordable Handbags

2008-05-05T09:30:00.006-04:00

Brown Large Vicky Heritage Stripe Faux Leather Bag
$45.99

Accessory Bug offers arm candy that’s chic and affordable. From prim and proper to trendy metallic, the picture-perfect handbags and fashion accessories quickly spice up any ensemble.

With girls-on-the-go in mind, the assortment of durable pieces is practical, as well as functional.

Yellow Aiko Faux Leather Evening Bag
$34.99

Pink Vanessa Patent Leather Boston Tote Bag
$44.99

Cathy Chiang and Peter Lin are behind Accessory Bug. The duo is accustomed to operating successful fashion boutiques. Their focus is on hip and unique accessories that exhibit similar craftsmanship as ensured in comparable designer-made goods.

Guided by Chiang’s fashion know-how and Lin’s business-savvy skills, the two ventured out on their own in 2005.

The carefully selected designs boast an amazing assortment of chunky chains, intricate stitching, buckles, beads, glossy patent and supple leathers, and lush fabrics in various faux-textures. All selections allow customers to indulge, or stock up on gifts for special occasions through the year.

PS: To get 20% off, use coupon code: mom08. It expires on 8th May 2008.

Unusual Jewelry

2008-04-25T11:17:00.006-04:00

HeBe Jewellery sources unusual contemporary jewelry from British designers, and generally tries to stay away from the high street brands.

There are a wide range of jewellery gifts for men and women. HeBe Jewellery specialises in handmade jewellery pieces that express one's true personal style.

Nick Hubbard Love is in the Air Locket

A very romantic locket by Nick Hubbard. The locket is a beautifully formed piece on Nick's trademark oxidized silver chain. The door can be opened to reveal a tiny mouse on a red enamel background. Little silver hearts and a special 9ct gold heart complete the piece.

The locket is presented in a luxury HeBe wooden box, with a Nick Hubbard gift certificate.

Silver Necklace set with Opal Flower Detail

Here's a funky solid sterling silver necklace, with silver and opflower detail.

The necklace comes with a 16inch (40.64 cm) chain. The pendant size measures 23mm x 23mm.

Windrose Melange Mint Jewellery Box

This is a luxury Melange jewellery box from Windrose. The box is made from structured mint colored Italian leather, with a soft cushioned interior.

Two pullout draws and handy compartments (more pictures available on website) make this an essential jewellery box for serious collections! The box is also fully lockable for added security.

Unique Gift for Grandparents

2008-04-22T13:32:00.005-04:00

Rory Siefer is a family historian, whose goal is to help others pass on some of their best life stories, so that they will always be remembered. She was inspired by her grandfather, a WWII veteran, who always loved to tell stories.

These gifts are especially great for the grandparent who has everything.

CatchMyMemory.com features two different Family History kits -- MemoryCatchers, the first of their kind! The MemoryCatchers make saving and sharing a lifetime of stories easy and fun.

The StoryCatcher

The StoryCatcher was created so that you never lose your loved one's voice, and most importantly, their life story.

This kit was made so that the entire project could be completed in one weekend. Using the included Interview Guide, you will be able to prompt your parent/grandparent to tell stories about the special events (from childhood through their adult life).

Using a simple digital recorder you may complete up to 8 hours of voice recorded interviews. The best part is that the whole family can be involved.

The PhotoCatcher

This kit was created to save the history behind a loved one's photographs.

The PhotoCatcher helps a parent review, sort, organize, and select 60 of their best photographs. Once the photos are chosen a memory page is created for each image with short written narratives.

By the end of the process, an amazing 60-page storybook is ready to read and share with the whole family! The PhotoCatcher can make a great bedtime story for future generations, or an instant heirloom to keep on the coffee table for everyone to read.

Ms. Siefer truly believes in the importance of taking the time to save the stories while you still can. It is almost like creating a mini time capsule of your loved one's life so it can always be remembered. Both kits retail for $125/each, which includes all the tools needed to complete the process.

World's First Novel, Novelist

2008-02-28T07:49:00.007-05:00

Murasaki Shikibu

Love, intrigue, lust and adventure are all ingredients of a bestselling novel. One such book with these elements thrilled readers almost one thousand years ago. The Tale of Genji, is considered by many to be the first novel in the world. It was written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu.

* I remember borrowing this book from the library some years ago. Didn't finish it (but I'd like to add it to my collection -- next purchase...).

Lady Murasaki's real name is unknown. Murasaki Shikibu roughly translates to "Lavender Secretary". The main source of knowledge about her life is the diary she kept between 1007 and 1010.

The novel is generally regarded as the greatest work of Japanese literature.

The Tale of Genji captures the image of a unique society of refined aristocrats, who were skilled in poetry, music, calligraphy, and courtship. Much of it is concerned with the loves of Hikaru Genji (the shining prince) and the different women in his life. Though the novel does not contain scenes of dramatic action, it is written with an exquisite sensitivity to human emotions. Genji is also very concerned with cultivating a beautiful and elegant lifestyle, a principle called miyabi.

The Tale of Genji continues to have cultural prominence in Japan. Images of its characters grace everything from tee-shirts to stationary, and manga and anime versions of the famous love story have been produced. It is required reading in all Japanese high schools.

Most recently, a new 2000 yen note was produced. One side features an image of Murasaki Shikibu.

References: World's First Novelist, Genji.

Not So Romantic, Quirky Love Quotes

2008-02-13T07:55:00.008-05:00

I think there should be a Single's Day holiday -- since there's V-day for couples. As Mr. Oscar Wilde says: "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

Anyway, I received a forwarded e-mail from a friend long ago. These are some of the entries to a Washington Post Competition. The contest asked for a rhyme with the most romantic first line, but least romantic second line.

Caustic witticism. Enjoy!

Stock Vector: I Heart Evil

~

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I only slept with you, cause I was pissed

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet, and so are you
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,
The sugar bowl's empty, and so is your head

Of loving beauty you float with grace
If only you could hide your face

I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot
This describes everything you are not

I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that paper bag off your face

I love your smile, your face, and your eyes --
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

Every time I see your face
I wish I were in outer space

I saw your face as you walked by
but then I saw a better guy

My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you screwed up my life

I see your face when I am dreaming
That's why I always wake up screaming

My love, you take my breath away
What have you stepped in to smell this way?

My feelings for you, no words can tell
Except for maybe "go to hell"

What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.

Valentine's Day Cards for Geeks

2008-02-13T07:08:00.002-05:00

These are Wii-themed Valentine's Day cards, by Mitch at 4 color rebellion. There are a total of six geek love themed designs -- all are so very nice!

Internet and print versions available for download at the site.

Midday Musings

2008-02-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

After shifting 3 blogs over from Blogger to WordPress, I've decided to keep this blog as it is over here. Never mind importing posts, that's the easy part -- it's the image links I'd have to manually go through and fix one by one.

I *could* of course, start the whole blog over, but I'd rather not (I might fiddle around with the .css file here more freely though...).

I initially wanted to feature items according to the holiday/season, starting from this year. However, I guess I'm just the sort of person that isn't into the whole "commercialized" aspect of, well, things in general. This doesn't mean I don't like stuff -- but if I may say so, it's kind of...unimaginative, to feature a wholeeeee bunch of "romantic gifts", just because "V Day is approaching"...

I know this blog focuses on gifts -- but I like to do things differently / my own way (if only to keep things interesting for myself).

And besides (in this V Day case), I've always figured I'd appreciate being shown I'm loved/cared for etc, on any random day of the year based on simple meaningful gestures (nice gifts from time to time included) -- not just on this allocated "Valentine's Day", where one is socially not only licensed but expected to "do something" for their "significant other" to "show they care".

I probably could've done a much better job summing that up in a more concise and cohesive manner, but I'm in a rambling mood today.

I guess now that my other blogs are settled, I'm thinking of how I could liven this one up a little, so please pardon me if posts and updates get a bit erratic (nothing new :P).

I'm quite happy with the way the other now WP-powered blogs are going. I wouldn't like to simply chuck this one aside, and/or have it be too "predictable"...so yeah. I'll see what I can come up with.

PS: Yep, I've a habit of using lots of parentheses (brackets) when thought-processing ^^.

Geek Gifts

2008-01-17T08:50:00.000-05:00

Here are hi-tech gifts that are functional and look great too. The products are from Fractalspin -- geekcessories galore!

1. Microcontroller Cufflinks & Tie Tack

The set of black cufflinks (and a tie tack in black and silver, shown above) are made from real microcontrollers. The tie tack costs $35.00 (~ € 25.41).

Microcontrollers are tiny, self-sufficient microprocessors that take up little space. The Basic Stamp controller is the most well known. It contains the memory and interfaces needed for simple applications.

2. Duct Tape Hybrid BiFold Wallet

A clean, minimalistic wallet that's super strong, being made of Duct Tape. The Ducti wallet uses Super Duct Tape so it won't peel or leak adhesive -- which can be a problem with traditional duct tape. There's room for credit/debit cards, cash, and there's a picture window for the owner's ID.

3. Odin’s Rage Watch

This LED watch (LED=light-emitting diode) substitutes a large inner dot for the hour hand position, and a small outer dot for the minute hand position. Uber funky.

The four small LEDs at the center represent the minutes between each five-minute increment, and the two small dots in the bottom center represent AM or PM. There are instructions on how to read the watch too.

Reference: Six Valentine’s Day nerdy guy gifts that aren’t lame

Heart Necklaces

2008-01-16T14:46:00.001-05:00

Whimsical Heart Necklace

This is a simple and elegantly designed heart-shaped necklace from MuseumShop.com.

The contemporary design was created exclusively for Museum Shop by Kathleen Scott, a Rhode Island jewelry designer. The necklace comes in gold-tone or silver-tone, each measuring 1" in diameter (2.54 cm). The pendant comes with a matching 17" (43.2 cm) chain. The item is made in the USA.

"Piece of My Heart" Necklace

This is the (rather literal) Piece of My Heart Necklace. It comes in a set of two silver-plated pendants -- a circle etched with the word "Love," and a heart with the word "Always." Each comes with its own chain, so you can keep one for yourself and give the other to your sweetheart. Alternatively, you could also wear both pendants together on one chain. This originally cost $16.95, but is now going for $12.95.

Shona Standing Couple

Museum Shop also has sculptures such as the Shona Standing Couple. This is handmade in Zimbabwe and fair-trade imported. The Shona tribes of Zimbabwe, literally translated as "the house of stone," are renowned for their fine sculpting technique.

International shipping is available for these items. MuseumShop.com donates a portion of every purchase, at no extra cost to customers, to support First Book. The latter is an organization that provides arts education and supplies to children who do not have ready access to such services.

Love-ly Cookies

2008-01-15T14:36:00.001-05:00

Jungle Love Colossal Cookie

Wow, that's really a huge, tempting, sweet-looking cookie. The cookie weighs more than one pound (450 grams), and is hand decorated. Nice way to bring out one's wild side ;)

The giant cookie costs $34.95, and costs $48.95 if you include 12 additional mixed cookies.

Love Notes

Yes, these love note cookie cards are edible. They cost $14.95. Each fresh baked sugar cookie is covered in white chocolate, with a card design and border of candy hearts and sprinkles.

What's nice about this one is that there is an Edible Food Writer included to personalize your own special cookie card message. The gift box is tied with coordinating sheer chiffon ribbon. An optional, personalized (non-edible) gift card is included with the purchase.

Order early -- shipping prices start at $9.99, for 0-3 lbs gift items. You can check the shipping rates on each individual gift page before checkout as well.

Coincidentally, Presentville Gifts was established on Valentine’s Day 2005. Shipping is currently available in the USA only.

I'll look out for stores which have international shipping in the next few posts.

badge review

2008-01-10T11:12:00.000-05:00

The above design is the Kindergarten Tattoo six-piece button set, by YackFou.

I never would have come across this, were it not for badge review -- a blog that features nothing but art and design button badges. I know there are plenty of badges all over the place, but Sven Palmowski (who owns the blog):

1) has a really good eye for design, and
2) really knows button badges!

Stores and studios from around the world are featured -- USA, UK, Mexico City, Australia, Berlin, Ireland. And that's just on the current blog homepage. I guess inspiration can indeed be "found on a 1 inch (2.5cm) diameter".

Sven is a freelance illustrator from Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. His own designs and illustrations are showcased on his website, Sven Palmowski.

Unique Japanese Gift

2008-01-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

A nice way to discover the exotic world of Japanese cuisine (sake in this particular case), is with this seven-piece sake set. The bottle measures about 7 inches (17.7cm) tall, and the cups are 2.25 inches (5.7cm) tall. The set is handcrafted in Japan.

AsianArtMall.com deals exclusively in Asian Arts and Crafts. Most of the products are directly acquired from the artists or production houses. This allows AsianArtMall to offer their items at affordable prices, without compromising on quality control. Some of the products are even custom made for the company, and only available on their website.

They have a special "For Her" section too, which features jewellery imported from Thailand, Bali, Japan, and China. Each piece is hand selected for its uniqueness.

AsianArtMall has full-time buyers which are located throughout Asia. If there's a product somewhere out there, they'll be able to find it.

PS: Sake Bar Hakkaisan is a place where you can read more about the art of drinking/appreciating SAKE.

Violin Table Lamp

2008-01-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Here's something a music lover would find gorgeous!

This is one of AbsoluteHome's current Featured Products -- a violin table lamp priced at $46.40.

The authorized dealer is Trend Lighting. Trend Lighting specialises in creating attractive, unique products. They cover many styles too, from urban contemporary to classic traditional. High quality workmanship and innovation is always a superlative combination.

This is a warm light fixture that would illuminate any home, and make it that much more inviting and cozy.

* Height: 12 1/2" (31.75 cm)
* Width: 4" (10.16 cm)
* Lamping: 1 - 15 watt candle
* Finish: antique brass

AbsoluteHome is a huge website, that proudly states being the online source for everything in the home. They offer a large selection of luxury brands, totaling over 500,000 products in various categories such as Kitchen, Bath, Lighting, Appliances, etc.

Fender: Hello Kitty

2008-01-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

Hello Kitty Fenders

I've always liked Fender. I'm not the biggest Hello Kitty fan on the planet, but this famous kitty logo has been around for ages and has come a long way, and it looks neat. I was delighted when I first knew about these guitars and bass guitars (currently the bass is the Badtz-Maru brand) a couple of years back.

The Hello Kitty Fenders come in pink or black. Those two colours always make a cool and rocking combination. These are some of the specs of the Hello Kitty Stratocaster --

* script Hello Kitty logo artwork on back of pink body
* collage Hello Kitty logo artwork on back of black body
* white knob on pink guitar
* black knob on black guitar
* pink dot position inlays on pink guitar (a tiny but sassy detail)

The site also has a "Fender Players Club", where you can learn the basics of guitar playing. There's a lesson on playing the riffs from "Just a Girl" by No Doubt, and "What's My Age Again?" by Blink-182 for bass players.

Sidenote: Now I know Gwen Stefani is a fashion icon and all, but I really miss her during the No Doubt days, and if you or anyone you know thinks that Blink-182 is what real punk is about, please listen to The Ramones and The Sex Pistols, to get started ;).

The website also has wallpapers -- including a gorgeous closeup of the back of the Hello Kitty black guitar.

Sour Tang

2007-12-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

The homepage of Sour Tang welcomes you to the store for handmade, whimsical and fun jewelry, and accessories for the child at heart (as well as everyday independent woman)!

This is the first time I've seen a faux pearls combination of this sort. To me, its quirkiness and the adorable pink hue turned out to be very interesting. I used to have the notion that pearls were for a chic and mature look -- but pearls with a twist can brighten up an outfit too.

Sour Tang has a range of funky earrings, bracelets, and keychains. Regarding earrings, there's something about star-shaped ones that's entirely and uniquely hip.

This is a simple, calming necklace with a turtle charm as the centerpiece. The necklace was donated to Craft for China, a lovely arts & crafts fundraiser for Chinese orphans. The necklace sponsored two girls, Gracie, and Emma.

Sour Tang is a one-girl indie business started by Kelly Tang. Kelly has been selling her creative jewelry and accessories online since 2004. She hopes to turn the fun business into a real career some day. Currently she is a fashion design student. I'm sure of the high potential that Sour Tang will have a bunch of additions and be an expanded business in the future.

Sour Tang's first ever "After X'mas" sale is running (until 3 Jan) -- so do check it out while you still can at http://sourtang.com.

Martial Arts Supplies

2007-12-30T21:47:00.000-05:00

Black Display Samurai Sword Set

KarateDepot.com has a huge collection of goodies for the martial arts practitioner and/or enthusiast. This samurai sword set can be used for actual practice, or as a decoration for one's home.

The set comes with three beautifully crafted stainless steel "sharp" swords -- they are crafted to look and feel like authentic samurai swords. The scabbards are polished black lacquered wood, and the gold coloured handguard against the black handle catches even the smallest glimmers of light.

The swords included are the Katana (general term for single-edged sword), Wakizashi (similar to but shorter than a katana), and Tanto Black (has a thick pointed blade) Display Samurai Swords.

A real Wakizashi-style sword mounting, Edo period, 19th century

There are also gift items like the really cute Karate Bear. The plush bear from Boyd's Bears stands at 8" (20cm) tall and is dressed in an authentic karate uniform with a black belt. The bear is of the same quality and attention to detail that Boyd's Bears is famous for.

KarateDepot's whole range of martial arts supplies includes uniforms and sparring/training gear, to exercise equipment like leather jump ropes and deluxe exercise mats.

Handcrafted Silver Jewellery

2007-12-28T10:04:00.001-05:00

The original handcrafted jewelry of Kutuu is designed and created by Hannah Salomon. The classy pieces are made primarily with sterling silver with gemstones, using silversmithing techniques.

Hannah loves working with silver and semi precious/precious stones, as they tend to have an organic feel to it. There's also that little something which makes each design different and special.

While there is usually only one of each piece of jewelry available, repeats can be done on request. Commissions are taken on too, if there's something you're interested in or would like to see.

Leaf Bangle

The Kutuu website is updated regularly with new products -- and the Jewellery Information page is a comprehensive overview of processes and materials that are a part of jewelry making.

A lot of time and care goes into making each piece as perfect as it could possibly be. For instance, several hours went into the hand woven "Constantinople" bracelet -- a byzantine chainmaile with a forged ring and small trigger clasp, weighing in at 14g (0.49 ounces).

The designs are stylish, in a subtle understated way. They have an urban coolness, blended with the timelessness of traditional crafting.

By the way, Hannah is someone who can get 2 pendants, bracelets and pairs of earrings out of ONE Paua shell from a customer. Impressive, to say the least.

Art Gifts

2007-12-21T10:49:00.000-05:00

Abstract Thinker

I might not be the biggest fan of abstract art, but I thought this was an interesting take on the classic "thinker" pose. The empty space represents the body dissolving into connection with the world. This piece measures 20cm (around 8 inches).

Bali-Karma has a whole range of other abstract art gifts, which are sure to be talk pieces in a person's room or home. Many of the pieces celebrate the human body, as well as the enjoyment of having a physical form in the universe.

There are funky accessories and animal figurines on the website too. The items are expertly hand carved. The Balinese Carvings section is an inside look at real Balinese Art, which differs from the more commercialized surface that tourists usually see.

Purchasing from Bali-Karma is a way to connect with artists and craftspeople in Bali who are small producers, where the dollars you spend will have the most impact. There's more information on the story of Bali-Karma.

PS: Happy Holidays -- I'll next be back on Wednesday (or earlier, it depends).

Nomad Writing Journals

2007-12-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

Adventure Journals

This makes a neat travel gift -- especially for people who view traveling as an opportunity to experience different cultures, see exotic locations, or simply meet new people from around the world.

Nomad Travel Journals help travelers keep notes about their trips. Who was on the trip, things seen, people met, contact information such as email address, phone numbers and so on can be recorded. Over time, you can wander through the travel journal to relive trips and other details along the way you may have otherwise forgotten.

The compact journals grew out of a passion for traveling and outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, bird watching, fly fishing, paddle sports and live music.

Each journal costs $27 with case. The case is a durable, water-resistant zippered cover, that offers protection from the elements and rigorous outdoor activities. Blank journals are available, for letting the imagination flow.

Student travellers and backpackers would love it.

I have a feeling Miss Lara Croft from Tomb Raider (one of the most awesome games ever), would be delighted to have one of these too.

Handmade Jewelry

2007-12-19T09:15:00.000-05:00

PurpleMe.Com is a quaint business, with an equally charming website. The company has always been about unique and affordable jewelry, handmade and crafted like no other.

The jewelry is designed with gold and silver plated metal and wire hooks, unless otherwise noted, and consists of daring, funky mixtures of metallics, glass and pearls (to name a few). Each item is created from beginning to end in the founder's home in Brooklyn, NY.

The one featured above is called "Blue Ocean Fun", and I like how the two sides aren't identical. Items like "Stars Caught" -- with PurpleMe's signature PurpleBerry wrapped glass bead dangling from it -- have been featured in popular shopping webzines. Necklaces are now included in the product line as well.

PurpleMe.Com began in August '03, when the founder decided to begin a project that would combine her love of fashion and design, and her crazy obsession with the colour purple.

Hint: Keep handmade crafted jewelry inside a bag or jewelry box when not in use. That way the metals will not oxidize and your pieces can retain their unique appearance and last longer.

Guitar Collectibles

2007-12-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Flying V Style Black

Baby Axe manufactures miniature guitar collectibles. The range includes the Stratocaster (by Fender) and the Rickenbacker. The guitars are associated with the world's most famous musical artistes, including Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, John Lennon, and Noel Gallagher.

The Baby Axe guitars look extremely realistic. I didn't even know they were miniature collectibles at first. The guitars are approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm), and come in a simulated aluminium case box. The guitars are made from the finest quality material -- such as high-quality fibre -- which makes them feel a bit heavier than they might look.

In the 1960s, the Flying V style (featured in the above picture) became a statement of individualism and creativity. More recently, it has been used by Lenny Kravitz.

There's also a cool Harley Davidson Fender. Each retails for about £23.

These are droolworthy gifts for music lovers, or people who are into rock music.

You might want to include a note though, that the guitars *are* miniature instruments, and cannot be physically played.

Wilson Manor Crafts

2007-12-14T13:58:00.000-05:00

Coffee Grinder

I was actually checking out the fountain pens of Wilson Manor Crafts, but I thought this was interesting too (by the way, the fountain pens are a favourite among collectors. There's also a complete line of fine handcrafted wood pens).

Buying whole beans is a great way to make fresh coffee every morning. Hand-grinding it makes it much more special. This functional coffee grinder will allow you to do just that.

The coffee grinder is made of cast iron and Hickory. The bottom drawer opens up to let you scoop out the ground coffee inside. The bottom of the grinder is lined with cork to provide a non-slippy base that will not damage table and/or countertops.

And if you know someone who likes to play darts (I was very into it at one time!), they're sold at Wilson Manor Crafts as well. These are soft-tipped Cocobolo darts for electronic dart boards. Weighing 20 grams each, the tips and flights are standard threaded, and come with three replacement tips. Supplies are limited. The darts come in a set of 3.

PS: Cocobolo is a prized wood highly favored for fine inlay work, and musical instruments like guitars and basses.

Shakespeare's Den

2007-12-13T12:42:00.000-05:00

Smart Gifts for Intelligent People

I absolutely love this huge website (their storefront header is spiffy too!).

Shakespeare's Den can easily boast about having the largest collection of Shakespeare related gifts and merchandise, available on the internet.

Classics and hot favourites include The Shakespeare’s Quips, Cusses, and Curses Quiz Deck, and in fact, there's an entire section of products devoted to Shakepeare's Insults.

Here are some of the insults featured on the Shakespeare's Insults T-shirt:

* You scullion! You rampallian! You fustilarian!
* False of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand
* Idol of idiot-worshippers
* I do desire we may be better strangers

The food products (like mints and teas) come in very attractive, charming packaging that any Shakespeare fan would appreciate.

You can even search for gifts based on the plays - Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, King Lear, and so on.

Gifts like the hilarious "To Pee, or Not To Pee" baby bodysuit is a simplified version of the epic quotation, suitably so for the much younger crowds.

Romantic, Tropical Decor Gifts

2007-12-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

The World's Finest

Conch King has an extensive selection of romantic, tropical decor gifts that are fit for queens and kings. Their featured wedding items are fast becoming a tradition at beach weddings!

Some of the tropical South Seas Island wedding horns were used at the wedding of Nicholas Cage to Lisa Presley (and at the island weddings of many other celebrities as well). The oil lamps are refillable for life too.

Each shell is lovingly cleaned and polished, and so far this isn't done anywhere else in the business. It is also trimmed so that it will stand up as an open vase or display and not just roll over.

Seashells do not come from the sea in nice condition. Many things grow on them. They have chipped edges and scratches that need to be trimmed down and polished.

Like any trade, practice makes perfect and the staff at Conch King are well beyond practice. They have developed some very unique methods of cleaning and polishing and carefully go over every item that is sold.

Conch shells are a beautiful gift that evokes high seas, adventure, mystery, allure, and amor.

It's noted on Conch King that conch are not an endangered species. They are also fished legally.

Homemade Potpourri

2007-12-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

Debbie J.'s, with candle holder on top

Inexpensive and Eco-Friendly Giving

There's nothing like walking into a home with the beautiful and inviting smell of potpourri. If you like to make things yourself, you will love making it. A personalized gift is always something to cherish (and the time and thought behind it too).

You basically need four main ingredients.

* Flowers & leaves
* Essential oils
* Spices and Herbs
* Fixative

To get the flowers and leaves ingredients, you can go to your florist shop and ask for any discarded flowers. You can also dry out your own flowers.

You should collect 4 times the amount you need for the final potpourri mix, as flowers and leaves shrink when dried.

After the petals are thoroughly dry, pack them in screw-top jars, in alternating layers of petals with sprinklings of orris root. Orris root helps to preserve the fragrance of the herbs and flowers, and has little scent of its own, so it is a good base to use in a potpourri mix. Use 1-2 tablespoons of the dried orris root per cup of dried mix.

Store the jars in a dark place to preserve the color.

Your mixture can be just rose petals with an assortment of other flowers available, along with two or three spices and herbs, and one or two oils. Use the strong scented ingredients in small amounts.

Lastly, put in two tablespoons of fixative.

The mixtures can be used in sachets, in padding on hangers, and in closed or open porcelain jars. In a closed jar, it will keep for years. The jar stands open when the fragrance is wanted.

For ideas, you can view a collection of potpourri recipes at The Homemaking Cottage and Pioneer Thinking.

Novelty Computer Mice

2007-12-07T09:23:00.000-05:00

Crystal Skull Designer Mouse

"Arghh, matey! Here be pirates!!"

Mousenvy.com believes that (along with your car and shoes), your computer mouse says a lot about you. They've something for everyone, whether you're naughty or nice, crazy or conservative, geeky or chic.

The Crystal Skull computer mouse is designed by Pat Says Now, a (somewhat quirky-named) Swiss manufacturer of individual computer mice. The skull-and-crossbones are set in precision-cut, Swarovski crystal.

Simply plug it into any USB port, and click away. The state-of-the-art 800 DPI optical technology makes the Crystal Pirate mouse pinpoint accurate and fast. Because there’s no mouse ball, you won’t have parts to clean, and there's no need for a mouse pad.

The mouse is imported from Switzerland, and arrives in a sleek acrylic box.

Mousenvy.com has been featured by websites like CNET, PopGadget, GeekSugar, and CNN Money.

Pat Says Now is also the manufacturer behind the world's most expensive computer mouse.

There are two main designs for the moment: the Diamond Flower and Scattered Diamond. Available in 18-carat white or yellow gold, the design is set with 59 brilliant diamonds

At $24,180.00 USD, it's a trendy diamond "desk pet". It would make a great gift for a 60th wedding anniversary (diamond is the traditional gift for this event), or for someone who just plain already has it all.

Coupons and Freebies

2007-12-06T12:23:00.000-05:00

If you do a lot of shopping online, this is a good place to check out!

CouponCabin.com has discount coupons for stores like Nike, Nordstrom, The Body Shop, Figleaves, FragranceX, Ikea, and more. There's a section on deals that are expiring in the next three days. CouponCabin updates itself daily, but the money saving offers on this section are on the way out for good, so be quick if you want to save online.

The coupons ARE:

* "online coupons"
* valid only for orders made online
* free for customers to use
* instantly redeemable
* activated when you click (or type in the code at the seller's site)
* time sensitive
* updated daily

The coupons ARE NOT:

* printable
* valid in retail or mall stores
* rebates

The people behind CouponCabin search consumer emails, online forums, blogs, merchant sites and even the Sunday newspaper looking for elusive coupon codes e-tailers release to "special customers". In total, they monitor discounts to more than 875 online stores, sort through 2,000 weekly e-mails and update the directory three times a day so that visitors can take advantage of these great online savings.

You can also sign up for CouponCabin's weekly newsletter, for the best coupon code findings delivered straight to your inbox. The e-mail is sent on Mondays. The website has a box for you to enter your e-mail address to receive this publication.

Interesting tidbit: Amazon.com pioneered online coupons in the late 90's to reward their best customers with special discounts. Today however, online coupons are also used to attract new customers.

Fish Amulet

2007-12-04T11:05:00.000-05:00

Hanging Fish Amulet

Ooh, purdy.

This home decor accent is made of pewter, and is hand painted. Furthermore, it's decorated with Swarovski crystals, brass and copper beads. It is signed by the artist, Ester Shahaf.

Dimensions: 15.5 cm (6 in) length, 7 cm (3 in) width.

The fish symbolizes prosperity and abundance for many religions (from Christian, to Pagan, to New Age, etc - check out this page on the meaning of the fish symbol for some interesting information).

Handmade Blown Glass Baubles

2007-12-03T09:51:00.000-05:00

Mix of Colours Glass Ball

This lovely glass ball from Gifted in Design, is based on the Medieval Witch Ball. Traditionally, this is hung at the window where any potential trespassing evil spirits would be mesmerized by the reflective beauty of the ball.

Legend suggests the evil spirit would either be absorbed by the ball & trapped forever, or be scared away by the sight of its own reflection.

The hand blown balls on the site were crafted from a lead glass crystal mix. A fragrance bubble was added within the ball. Try dropping some oil into this bubble & hanging it up in a sunny window. Enjoy the beautiful reflections and the lovely aroma as the oil heats up!

Gifted in Design showcases inspirational gifts from British artists.

Hummingbird Cottages Tapestry Throw

2007-11-29T10:46:00.000-05:00

WOW. This is one of the beautiful selection of throws from TrudysTreasures.

The throw is 100% cotton, machine washable, and made in USA.
Dimensions: 46" x 67" (116.84 cm x 170.18 cm, for metric folks).

TrudysTreasures is a premiere online source for unique and unusual gifts, of fine quality.

Gifts include Home Accents (like cutting boards), pillows, and patriotic as well as seasonal flags. To date, I've not seen such pretty cutting boards.

And going back to the throws/tapestries, the Southwest Collection - Native Artifacts Throw or Shaman's blanket - definitely adds flair to any room.

Kooky Pet Gifts

2007-11-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

Cat Fish Bowl

I chanced upon a list of Kooky Pet Gifts by user ID: kayzee, on thisnext.com.

The cat fish bowl above is witty and sleek. It won't clutter your home or clash with other living arrangements you already have.

I loved the cigars for dogs (handmade cowhide chews that come in assorted flavors including beef, chicken, and chocolate - mmm), as well as the retro black Kit-Cat classic clock with rolling eyes and wagging tail, retailing at $40. There's also a red 75th anniversary edition available.

Featured on the page are also movies for dogs and cats. The movie for dogs is 78 minutes and programmed to repeat. Dogs romp in the water, in the park, catch frisbees, do tricks. The cat movie features birds, butterflies, squirrels, gerbils, and fish.

The Polkadot Platypus

2007-11-19T08:56:00.000-05:00

The Polkadot Platypus is run by Bethany Balsis. The maternity products (maternity clothes, diaper bags, tiny shoes, etc.) featured on the website are a choice collection of products that are practical, fun and unique. Her passion for motherhood shows through in the business, both being true labors of love.

The picture above shows a baby kimono, made from certified 100% organic cotton. It's good for baby, and good for the environment too. The baby kimono fits a size of 0-6 months.

Unique features of the garment:

* Wraps around baby instead of going over the head
* Fits loosely to protect the sensitive umbilical cord area
* Seams and tags on outside to protect baby's sensitive skin
* Allows easy access for diaper changes

There are also contests with prizes to be won at the blog!

Kooky CartoonStock

2007-11-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

'We, the Jury, find Michael Jackson kooky, eccentric and flamboyant.'
Copyright owned by the original artist / www.CartoonStock.com

Any of the cartoons on the Kooky Gifts page from CartoonStock, can be bought as prints/originals or printed on a range of available merchandise on the website. Latest merchandise items include: jigsaws, aprons, umbrellas and car sunscreens!

The prints are professional quality fine-art Giclee prints. They are printed using light-fast pigments on acid-free 315gsm soft-textured fine-art board. Out of direct sunlight, these prints should remain sharp and bright for at least 70-80 years.

All mugs, mouse mats and t-shirts are sublimation printed. The difference is that these items are high quality "one-offs", and are superior to the traditional "transfer" printing process. With sublimation printing, the ink is actually absorbed into the surface of the item being printed. This gives a much more durable result than transfer printing with no plastic sheet of transfer on the surface of the item--which crack, chip and peel off over time.

Writers Store

2007-11-10T12:15:00.000-05:00

If you have any friends and loved ones that are writers, Writers Store is sure to be a treasure trove.

While the manuscript box above might look plain and simple, its functionality packs a punch. An entire manuscript draft can be neatly mailed in this sturdy box. White with a tuck flap, this gem will protect up to 500 8.5” X 11” pages from the damages of mail travel.

It is also an excellent way to store and label earlier drafts. Each set comes with 5 boxes.

Writers Store's products are available offline as well. The store is located at 2040 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm.

For Your Special Friend

2007-10-25T09:14:00.000-04:00

HoneysDogTreats is a gourmet dog bakery, specializing in homemade dog treats with all natural, fresh, and healthy ingredients.

Dog cookies, banana biscuit biscotti, and 100% vegetarian dog treats! Honey's Veggie Thins (shown in the picture above) are sumptuous-looking, as they are nutritional. They are fun to feed your pet dog and your dog is very likely to love the taste. Check out Honey's Crunchy Carob Cookies too - an attractive, crunchy, healthy alternative to chocolate.

HoneysDogTreats.com is based in Middletown, New Jersey. All dog treats are baked fresh to order. The dog treats contain no preservatives and should arrive within 3 - 4 weeks of shipment.

Shabby Chic Home Decor

2007-10-15T10:45:00.000-04:00

Established in 2005, Polka Pots is a small (but perfectly formed) creative cottage industry based in the Garden of Kent (UK).

All of the designs are created with tender, loving care, individually painted and signed to provide a unique addition to your home. Colours are selected for beauty, style and their ability to complement a range of contemporary and traditional homes.

The individual quality of their designs is an important part of Polka Pot's ethos. Colours vary and polka dots are not of a uniform size, in true shabby chic home decor style!

Polka Pots has also been featured in several publications, including Country Living and Ideal Homes magazine.

Chocolate Pizzas

2007-10-11T09:02:00.000-04:00

What caught my eye straight away: Chocolate Pizzas!

Roberta's Chocolates are handmade by Colorado's premier chocolatier. In addition to delightful chocolates, Roberta's Chocolates also carry a wide variety of unique confections including scrumptious candies, smooth creams, covered nuts and luscious truffles.

There's also a sweetheart fun-fondue set, which can be found on the MadeInColarado website. The set includes recipes for Chocolate Fondue, Salsa Cheese Dip and Hot Artichoke Dip.

And of course, you can satisfy your sweet tooth over at the gourmet food section. Some items: critter candy, snow snacks, chocolate wine sauce. Don't forget the Colorado Premium Habañero Hot Sauce too!

China Gifts & Crafts

2007-10-02T09:27:00.001-04:00

Glass wall clocks, glass fruit bowls, and glass ashtrays. These are some of the attractive products which you can get from China Gifts & Crafts.

Their high quality glass products are hand-painted, roasted to give a curved-shape (at the corners), then finally put into a stove under high temperatures to be fused. All the processes such as color matching, painting and furnishing are completed by hand. The materials used are non-fading, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.

I found their products very tasteful and liked the wide range of floral designs very much. They're slightly whimsical, which makes each piece unique without being too stark. The products would be more of a complement than contrast to one's home decor.

Celtic Attic

2007-09-30T09:25:00.000-04:00

I've always loved the products on CelticAttic. I also really enjoyed playing chess as a kid, and probably still would if I actually did have a chess set. It's just not the same playing it online (though it makes a just barely suitable substitute)!

The chess sets available on this website are exactly what I'd like a chess set to look and be like. This is the Mandarin Ivory chess set which features detailed pieces in both ivory-like and Hong Tze finishes. It's priced at US$55. They also have a drop-dead gorgeous medieval dragon chess set which is going for US$106.

Hong Tze is a special stone found in the Sou mountains of China. It has a deep red color. Sculptures and items made of Hong Tze are polished to further bring out the intense, deep red.

Poetry of John Keats

2007-09-29T08:49:00.000-04:00

I am someone who loves to read. I wonder what some of the greatest writers would have to say about our digital amenities like TV, the Net, YouTube, etc.

Anyhow, I have always believed in the remarkable power of the written word and poetry especially (save for a few turbulent years of my teenage life, but I'll elaborate more on that another time).

The Complete Poems of John Keats (Modern Library) is intensely and divinely romantic. I still remember the first time I read the poem, Bright Star, Would I Were Steadfast as Thou Art. It still is a sheer delight to read. I thoroughly loved The Eve of St. Agnes as well. Keats based this poem on the superstition that a girl could see her future husband in a dream, if she performed certain rites on the eve of St. Agnes.

At one point in time, I had a difficult time finding books I actually found pleasure in reading. I thought the problem was with me at first. When I shifted my focus to some of the literary greats and classics, I began to find what I was looking for. My choice is not out of snobbery; simply pick up just about any "modern day bestseller" on The New York Times, and compare the difference.

I appreciate writers who not only care about their craft, but actually live and breathe penning down everything they have to onto paper. I'm not interested in formulas (there's enough of that in the music industry), and I'm not interested in writers that are banking on a current hot topic: be it vampires, urban faery, whatnot.

Perhaps I gauge a good writer/a good book, by how little it annoys me in general. John Keats' poetry brings you to another world altogether, and an anthology of his is a worthy addition that should be included in any collection of fine literary works.

Fashion from Spain, Bizarre Accessories...

2007-09-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

Outfits by Carlos Diez during the Spring/Summer 2008 Pasarela Cibeles fashion show in Madrid September 21, 2007

I just saw this on Yahoo! News. I wouldn't exactly like to walk around with that hanging all over my face. Also, check out the close-up of photo number 2 above. Quite frankly, I'm getting tired of viewing pairs of rather sickly-looking, unhappy knees. To be healthy is a better fashion statement.

Photo #3 here shows an "outfit" which I'm not really sure is what. Photo #4 has the same model looking like he's enduring the discomfort. The accessory is covering up that male model's attractive facial features and toned torso, which in my opinion is most certainly a fashion no-no. Don't ever cover up what can be flaunted.

I know fashion is a creative industry, but these accessories don't just border on the line of silliness, they cross it by milestones.

PS: The accessories thing could have ticked me off from the start, but Photo #111 on page 14, shows a model in a voluminous dress with that billowy silhouette type of look.

I find it very difficult to find that honestly attractive. When volume and lots of excess space are in, I'm always waiting to witness the humbler, cheaper, and much more durable potato sack becoming the ultimate fashion statement.

Victoria's Secret Pink: V-string

2007-09-20T17:16:00.001-04:00

The beautiful Adriana Lima for Victoria's Secret

This was the first time I bought something from Victoria's Secret (from VSPink, to be exact, a sub-brand of VS).

And I can say that the V-string is a good buy! Some background info on this product.

The V-string is a variant of the G-string.
The original G-string has less material between the legs and buttocks, with a string-like appearance (and minimal tan lines).
The V-string is a thong with a triangle "v" of cloth at the top of the rear.

Apparently, the V-string was created/named, to separate it from the somewhat trashy (to some people) association with the G-string. Well, I think people should be free to wear whatever they like and want to, as long as there's no harm done to anyone in the process :).

I forgot whose quote this is. I think the person was a model: "A good G-string just sits there." So yes, the V-string does just that.

Needless to say, VSPink has many, many gorgeous prints and patterns for their undies.

Sexy and comfortable is a good combination. And these are cotton with no lace so they're pretty practical too. I admit that's quite subjective to my personal preference. So far, I've preferred looking at lace lingerie (which are very pretty), as opposed to wearing them.

In the meantime, I look forward to trying the rest of VS's product lines.

Cape Cod Potato Chips

2007-09-16T17:11:00.000-04:00

Cape Cod potato chips stand out as old-fashioned, premium kettle cooked potato chips with a crunchiness and hearty potato flavor.

The nice thing is that this brand of chips isn't saturated with additives. Some brands of potato chips have loads of salt and dreadful MSG (monosodium glutamate, a food additive which can trigger headaches and other symptoms in some people. Myself included!). Cape Cod chips aren't soaked in oil either.

At first, I used to think that some of these "premium" brands were only marketing themselves as premium, so that each product item could fetch a higher price from us hapless consumers.

However, after a few years' worth of being slightly more aware of the food I'm actually eating, I think sometimes the higher price IS precisely because the product is of a higher quality than some other mass-produced brands. You spend less to buy stuff like that, but time-honoured traditions and care that goes into making a product (whatever it is), are compromised with mass production.

Whenever I want a good packet of chips - not just to munch on while zoning out watching TV - I'll find myself cruising the potato chip snack shelves of grocery stores, then stalling as I consider which new type of chips of Cape Cod's I'd try, heh.

I liked the Sea Salt & Vinegar packet (some might find the bite of vinegar a tad sharp. I find Sea Salt great on food though). The Cheddar Jack & Sour Cream tastes zingy. And of course, their good old Classic chips can be counted on.

Book Wyrms

2007-09-13T10:47:00.000-04:00

Book Wyrms 1: Tender is the Knight

These fine gift collectibles would make a lovely gift for bookworms, that are fantasy/dragon lovers too!

The one in the picture is by Andrew Bill, a sculptor of dragon figurines.

His Book Wyrms I series, which features four very nice dragons, were actually made to fit together in a row. Book Wyrms II follows this pattern as well. The brilliant, colorful dragons are made from a cold cast resin, and hand painted with much attention to detail. Each order comes packaged in a neat box that looks like a pile of books.

The dragons are cleverly named. In Book Wyrms I, they're called White Fang, Drakes of Wrath, Lord of the Wings, and Tender is the Knight. The dragons in Book Wyrms II are Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger, Gone with the Wind, Black Beauty, and My Friend Flicker.

There are many more products found at IBelieveCollectibles.com.

Fairy cards and tins feature the mystical artwork of Nene Thomas, Amy Brown, and Jessica Galbreth. 2008 Calendars are available in limited quantities as well, so it'd be best to order early to avoid heartache at a later date.

I Believe Collectibles was created to provide a retail outlet for high quality collectibles where magic could be created everyday. They sure are meeting their goal of bringing joy and enchantment into the world, by offering unique items from all over the fantasy realm.

NIKEiD - Custom Designs

2007-09-11T12:01:00.000-04:00

Nike IDs is an online service that allows you to design your own custom sneakers, bags, apparel, and accessories (watches and wristbands). You are free to apply your own choice of colors and materials to a broad range of equipment.

The favorite Nike models are there (Air Max, Nike Shox, Nike+), all from the comfort of your own home/computer. The Air Zoom Moire models (Women's>Running) can even be designed with the latest snazzy iPod colors.

The website interface is incredibly user-friendly. The Nike ID site is completely Flash-driven, so the shopping experience is unique and interactive. The webpages load quickly which is always a plus point for convenient online shopping. The main appeal lies in the freedom of personal expression by designing your own product.

There are color options for lace, midsole, and the iconic swoosh. Even the accent of the shoe can be tweaked (from a maximum range of 16 different colors), to give the product a truly personalized look and feel.

As a company, Nike has established a long-term commitment to eco-friendly organic cotton. Nike has set a goal of using organic fibers for at least 5 percent of its cotton-based garments by 2010. That means more than five million pounds of organic cotton a year. For the sake of our planet, I hope other brands will be more than encouraged to follow suit.

Chimes and Things

2007-05-31T20:21:00.000-04:00

Someone gave us gorgeous windchimes last Christmas and now that I'm out of the house more I can listen to the wind blowing the chimes - really beautiful sounds. This one is a traditional wind chime which is hand tuned and made of weather proof materials.

They don't only have windchimes there, but lots of other cool stuff as well.

Burt's Bees personal care items are sold here (such as beeswax lipbalm and hand repair moisturizing kits). There's a handblown glass heart as well as stained glass suncatchers which rays of sunshine will bring out the best of.

Purses, accessories, and a "Zen" section contain items a little more exotic, with a mystic Oriental touch (such as the World Peace Bracelet by Sergio Lub). You could find something you like for yourself or for a special someone.

Fern's Garden is run by a brother and sister team in the USA. It was started 25 years ago and was set up as a rebuttal to "globalization", which caused many American artisans to fold up their businesses. Fern's Garden is dedicated to ethical trade and fair treatment of artisans the world over. Pay them a visit if you're in Southern California.

Bag It!

2006-12-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

I love bags! Maybe you know someone who does too. Wide selection of bags at: Henrietta's Handbags.

One of the sections I took an immediate liking to was the vintage-inspired purse patterns by Monica Poole. Many of them had a classic old-world charm about them, which seems to be a little lacking in some of the more mainstream, mass-produced bags out in the market.

Here's just one of the pretty designs, featuring three uber lovely and psychedelic-looking feline friends. This range is designed by Laurel Burch. Her designs feature colorful animals and show off a sense of style that's uniquely, distinctly hers. The eye-catching colors immediately jazz up an otherwise "safe" outfit you might have.

The section Indygo Junction contains bag/purse patterns and pattern books for you to get acquainted with the craft itself, as well as more intricate specific designs like the Matilda purse or Nouveau Hobo bag pattern.

There's backpacks for practical folks too. Items like the delicate felted purses (using the time honored technique of pounding, agitation, and scrubbing until the natural barbs of wool fasten on to each other) are sure to be noticed if you take one of them out with you on shopping trips.

With the Folded Kimono Purse pattern, genuine vintage Kimono fabric is used. No two kits are alike as all the patterns are one of a kind.

Write Away

2006-12-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

Personalized stationery for someone with a home office, or any kind of office, or even no office - it just makes a great gift. I know I'd love to receive some!

Mama and Papa Bear

2006-12-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

Visit http://www.bearsinchairs.com/ and order personalised gifts for a loving family you know. Many designs to choose from like those below. You can even choose the kind of bears you want.

Handcrafted Journal

2006-12-02T07:58:00.001-05:00

Before there were blogs, there were journals.

Some stats: at 111, the world's oldest man (Mr. Tomoji Tanabe of Tokyo) upkeeps a daily journal. In a recent scientific study, psychologists determined that putting feelings into words produces therapeutic effects in the brain. Something which practitioners of mindfulness meditation have been doing for millennia.

Maybe you know someone who still journals, the old fashioned way - it *is* more private! Not to mention all the benefits as listed above.

You could get him or her an authentic, beautifully handcrafted journal from Nepal. There are a couple of wirebound journals too for someone with more fastidious habits, whereby they'd prefer ripping a whole unwanted sheet off instead of having a messy, scribbled and re-scribbled page amidst their lokta/recycled papers (the type of paper that SoulfulLiving uses for its paper products).

SoulfulLiving also has unique gift baskets - you can even mix and match items to create your own gift basket. Thoughtful consideration goes into each of their themes and combinations, which are aptly named to the likes of "Tranquil Meditation" (one of my favorites, looking at the colors is soothing enough), "Awakening" (for energizing), and "Om Mantra".

Something funky about SoulfulLiving is that you can select your favorite gift wrapping from eight colorful and fun specialty wrapping papers. These papers are hand crafted in India and Japan.

Towering Gift

2006-12-01T11:03:00.000-05:00

Why not give this elegant chocolate tower for Christmas? It's beautiful to look at and it's filled with goodies - goodies like chocolates, pretzels, popcorn, brownies...

Those with a sweet tooth will find themselves spoiled for choice at Presentville. Some of their mouth-watering confectionery creations include chocolate-covered Oreos, giant fortune cookies, and chocolate pretzels (ooh!).

The Pop Art gift tower is another eye-catching set, which is packed full with solid milk chocolates, a decorated star cookie, gourmet caramel popcorn, crunchie nut mix and brightly wrapped fruit flavoured hard candy.

Their novelty items include cookie bouquets, and I think I'd have a hard time finding someone who didn't enjoy them. There's even Happy Studying and Keep Smiling bouquets for school-goers. Even the most studious of us could do with sugary pick-me-up goodliness from time to time.

I also liked the Happy Anniversary cookie basket - truly a great way to treat your special someone that you care for. There's a large butter crème frosted cookie that's iced with your personal message too.

Presentville's corporate and business sets are fine ways to show a customer how much you appreciate them. Some of their luxurious wine gift baskets are hand delivered. Many of them include crackers, cheese, candies, nuts, seafood, confections, teas, or coffees. Salivating yet?

Feel the Force

2006-11-28T07:32:00.000-05:00

This is a MUST for all Star Wars fanatics!

Your very own light saber, fully licensed by Lucasfilm.

Feel like a true Jedi - may the force be with you. http://www.lastminute.com/lmn/pso/catalog/Product.jhtml?POSITION=1&PRODID=464369157&CATID=105827

Smug Mugs

2006-11-23T07:52:00.000-05:00

These mugs are just perfect for pet lovers. Available at http://www.lang.com/

The Christmas Spirit

2006-11-21T07:29:00.000-05:00

This Christmas you can do something special and give a unique gift to people who truly need it. http://www.christian-aid.org.uk/ has a list of ideas for you to make this Christmas meaningful. You can buy a virtual gift for people all over the world to make their lives just a little easier - for instance you could give the gift of clean water by contributing a community tap for a village.

photo from: http://www.careinternational.org.uk/

Yo Ho Ho

2006-11-20T08:09:00.000-05:00

Maybe you know someone you like to get together with for a few friendly drinks. Give them their own personal pub sign - lots of designs that can be personalised at http://www.simply-sublime.com/

Talking Pinata

2006-11-17T08:23:00.000-05:00

http://www.talkingpinatas.com/

Having a party? This'll be fun for everyone - a talking pinata. There are special ones for occasions like Christmas, but stocks are getting low so order quick if you want one for the coming season.

Christmas Glass

2006-11-16T07:22:00.000-05:00

For a truly spectacular Christmas tree get these beautiful hand-crafted glass ornaments.........and spread some light with this unique Christmas oil candle, also made of hand-crafted glass.
http://glassdimensions.com/site/site_welcome.html

Cheers!

2006-11-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

http://www.steincenter.com/

These are traditional German beer steins. They are collectors' items and these two are musical ones. As they say in German (I think) Prost!

What's Brewing?

2006-11-14T07:45:00.000-05:00

For coffee lovers.........unique coffee........house brewed for freshness.

Here are samples from the collection of http://www.ravensbrew.com/

Don't Forget to Remember

2006-11-11T14:30:00.000-05:00

Know people who are forgetful? Here's a neat gift for them. A magnetic chalkboard to stick on their refrigerator. Now they'll never forget the important stuff. Stick of chalk is attached to the board, so they won't forget where they put the chalk!
http://www.brightfungifts.com/det/magnetic_chalkboards.html

Put on Your Thinking Cap

2006-11-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

.........literally. For all those who love caps, there's a whole collection at

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/cap/-/fpt___________a____________D/c_51

Romance in a Bottle

2006-11-08T08:01:00.000-05:00

For the romantic at heart - send your special one a message in a bottle. Made to look like it came from the sea, with your own special message printed on parchment paper.

http://www.onepassionplace.com/messageinabottle.htm.

A handrolled scroll, placed in a bottle, which includes sand and colorful sea shells to best emulate a feeling of a "bottle washed ashore" (they've really thought of everything). Now isn't that romantic, or what?

The folks at One Passion Place are careful with shipping, as they are well aware of the fragility of this lovely item. These bottles, reminiscent of the seaside, aren't the only two types of bottles that are found on the website.

If I had to select one more, the Top Secret Edition was one that caught my attention too. It's a bottle gift, but a very interesting one as it's solely for the mission of getting a secret note to a special "client". This set boasts an actual lock stopper whereby the gift recipient must use the combination (which is provided to them) to open the bottle, allowing access to the hand rolled scroll that is placed in the 12" glass bottle.

Other items that One Passion Place is selling, include customizable (custom embroidered monogram) spa robes, handcrafted pewter, gift rings and boxes, jewelry and romantic games. Ooh la la love!

Charming

2006-11-07T07:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.harmonydesigns.com/details/charm.php has these pretty little charms you can choose from to do whatever you like with them - put them on a bracelet, bookmark, bag, zipper - depends on your creativity. You can make them for yourself or make a truly special gift for someone special. I've always liked charms - they're just........well, charming.

Give Thanks

2006-11-04T14:54:00.000-05:00

Before Christmas there's Thanksgiving, and it's right round the corner. So be sure you order this gift fast if you want it in time for Thanksgiving. http://www.cindysthrows.com/product/catalog.cfm/nid/1031

The Sound of Music

2006-11-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

For the music lover, these are hand-crafted, traditional Peruvian panpipes. These panpipes called zampoña, are the flute of the Andes and dates back to the Inca empire. Read more about this beautiful instrument at: NOVICA - Wind Instruments.

NOVICA is in association with The National Geographic Society. The global aspect of NOVICA is very inspiring, as the website unites you with more than 2000 extraordinary master artists around the world. There's a wealth of information. You can read about their lives, explore their unique cultures, and select from more than 20000 handcrafted works of art available online.

The regions are separated into the following categories: The Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, India, Mexico, Thailand, and West Africa. The ceramics, glassware, and folk art are fascinating. There's a whole gifts ideas section - earrings (beautiful!), sculptures, bracelets, rugs, tapestries and vases can be purchased. There are also items with a more contemporary feel which would complement a setting that's a bit more urban.

The musical instruments section has the greatest wow-factor to me, because of the sheer vastness of instruments I'd otherwise have known very little about. I thought that I'd never be able to get up close to any of these (apart from them being glass-cased in museums, or extremely well-kept by collectors).

A Share of Stock

2006-10-31T09:16:00.001-05:00

'Give a share of stock for a unique gift' it says at http://uniquestockgift.com/ I know someone who would love this stock certificate as a gift.

Tree of Life

2006-10-30T10:42:00.000-05:00

Now here's a truly unique gift - your family tree - a portrait of it on canvas - this one with Swarovski crystal birthstones. I wish someone would give me one of these.
http://www.familytreepaintings.com/

The Mask

2006-10-28T08:06:00.000-04:00

Wow! I love this glass mask, as would anyone who loves collecting masks. There are other kinds of masks like wooden ones and playful ones. Take a look at them all here: http://pics.novica.com/gifts/masks/index.cfm?c=492&l=3

Jam & Jelly

2006-10-27T07:21:00.000-04:00

http://www.chathamjamandjellyshop.com/

At this shop all jams are hand made. They even hand pick all the local fruit to make sure their products are of the highest quality. A perfect gift for jam and jelly lovers.

And if you happen to be in their neighbourhood (Cape Cod, MA), you can even drop in to sample the jams and jellies - at least 75 different varieties are available for tasting at any one time.

Flying machines

2006-10-26T07:34:00.000-04:00

This one's for anyone who loves flying machines. All kinds of toy planes, helicopters, gliders and other types of fliers including this radio-controlled Boeing 737.

http://www.flyingtoys.com/

Hello Dolly

2006-10-25T07:52:00.000-04:00

These dolls are really collectors' items. Beautifully sculptured by Jan McLean of NZ. You really have to look at them all at her website. http://www.janmcleandolls.com/

Family Shields

2006-10-24T06:54:00.000-04:00

How about a family shield? Hand painted and mounted on solid hardwood base, it makes a wonderful gift for a family, maybe even your own. Each shield can be personalized with its own "Blazon of Arms". Here's an example if your family name is Scott (which is a variant of the name "Scotch" used by some English families.)

http://www.jackscrestandgiftshop.com/

The Look of Gifts

2006-10-23T08:59:00.000-04:00

Whether you've got a unique gift or just a nice gift, how about some unique packaging? http://www.thinkrockpaperscissors.com/
has some truly unique ideas when it comes to packaging your gifts. Now who wouldn't be pleased to receive a gift in a gift box shaped like the Eiffel Tower?

or how about these unique gift buckles?

Custom Tiles

2006-10-20T07:57:00.000-04:00

I can't stop looking at the exquisite custom tiles on this website
http://www.paullewingtile.com/

They are the work of artist Paul Lewing. They are all so beautiful I found it hard to pick one to show on this blog............how about this one of a heron?

And just look at this mural in a bathroom......MAGNIFICENT!

Pretty Patchwork

2006-10-19T07:16:00.000-04:00

Pretty patchwork quilts and matching tablerunners, place mats
and more. It requires patience and precision to make these quilts, so if you don't have it in you to make your own, get them from someone who does.

http://www.patchworkbycyndilou.com/

Enter the Dragons

2006-10-18T08:38:00.000-04:00

My daughter sent me this site. As you can tell she's really into dragons. If you know someone who likes dragons, this would be the perfect gift. Beautiful silver and pewter dragon charms, pendants, ear-rings and other interesting jewelry at this site.

My favourite is this Celtic knot pendant combined with a dragon.

Hold on to your Hat...

2006-10-17T07:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.texashatters.com/ has an impressive collection of hats that you can make to order. They even educate you on their history and tradition of hat making. Many famous people have worn or still wear hats made by Texas Hatters.

Maybe you'd like one like this one that's worn by a member of a famous Southern Rockband? Guess which band and whose head this magnificent hat sits on.

And the ladies might like this number that was worn by Penelope Cruz in one of her movies.

Hooked on Books

2006-10-16T08:21:00.000-04:00

For the book lover - here's a unique gift idea. A bookhook. These are beautiful bookmarks which you can even customise at http://www.hookmarks.com/
There are some related to professions or hobbies so it's a thoughtful and personal gift item. Here are just a couple of what they look like.