Giving The Gift of Good Health and Beauty Nothing says love more than the gift of good health and beauty.
This could start with healthy gums and teeth and that's where Rembrandt®'s new Deep White™ Whitening System comes into play. REMBRANDT® Deeply White™ collection is the ultimate at-home teeth whitening product portfolio and is uniquely formulated to whiten teeth above and more completely below the surface and the gum line.
BRANDT®
REM-
Deeply White™ + Peroxide Toothpaste ($6.99 – 7.99) is the the first and only all-in-one fluoride toothpaste with Active Dental Peroxide – the same enamel-safe ingredient cosmetic dentists use. The line's Deeply White™ 2 Hour Whitening Kit is a fast, enamel-safe way to whiten your smile in just two hours and is especially effective when you don't have a lot of time to prepare for an evening out. REMBRANDT® products are available at food, drug, mass-market chain stores and specialty beauty retailers. Visit www.rembrandt.com for more information. You couple that to the new REACH® Bydesign™ collection, a limited-edition series curated by BRAVO television star Jeff Lewis (Flipping Out) and fashion designer Shoshanna Gruss and you are golden.
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This unique collaboration adds a splash of style to your brushing routine while offering the uncompromising cleaning performance you’ve come to expect
from
the
REACH®
brand.
REACH®BY design™
The
collection can be found at grocery stores and drugstores nationwide, including Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and www.drugstore.com.
The Piper Tate Serenity Spa Gift Set ($185.00)
comes in a bucket filled with all the necessary ingredients you will need for a good soaking in the tub. Set includes shea body lotion,orange blossom soap, pink grapefruit body butter and more. Lock the bathroom doors, light the candles and put Enya in the CD player.
"Love - a wildly misunderstood, although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker." Philosophy unconditional love fragrance 4-pc discovery set ($48.00), www.qvc.com,
Balance Bar, one of America’s
original nutrition/energy bar leaders, is bringing back its popular “Balance-tine Day” chocolate gift assortment. The Balance-tine Day Gift Assortment includes eight Balance Bar chocolate favorites (Caramel Nut Blast, Double Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Craze, Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough, S’mores and Triple Chocolate Chaos) nestled in a keepsake red and white heart-shaped tin. The very affordable Balance-tine Day Chocolate Gift Assortment is only available online at www.Balance.com while supplies last. The price is $11.99 plus shipping and handling (and taxes where applicable). Orders must be placed by February 10, 2012.
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Giving The Gift of Good Health and Beauty... Capturing the power of the mysterious and potent blend of flowers, spicy accents and alchemists’ herbs in a trademarked distillation that has a powerful impact on moods, feelings and the senses is what sets Opus Gaia and its pioneering
Rhiamon (pronounced ree-amon) Energy Essentials
line apart from other aromatherapy products. The Rhiamon Energy Essential line is best known for its widely acclaimed Clear Away Essential Spray; and Rhiamon recently introduces its newest line of formulas, with each blend is formulated from pure essential oils and rare aromatics, gem and flower elixirs. Oh, the fun you both of you can have exploring new territories with Opus Gaia.... For more information about Opus Gaia, Rhiamon and Trinity Spa Essentials, visit www.opusgaia.com.
Nike and Lance Armstrong
is celebrating the 15th Anniversary of LIVESTRONG with a special Anniversary Collection. For the women who views fitness as a base line part of their lives the women's LIVESTRONG Element Half-Zip Running Top ($65) is the ideal long-sleeve, half-zip running top and it comes with Dri-Fit brushed fabric with side ventilation panels and a defined fit. The women's LIVESTRONG GX Lo Rise Tempo Short ($38), with Dri-FIT and low-rise construction for a comfortable, every day fit, is a must-have for every runner’s wardrobe. The Livestrong Anniversary Women's Lunar Fly Shoe and the LIVESTRONG Vapor-Lite Womens Jacket (Gray metallic) are also pieces that will not help only help her in maintaining her good health but she will look good doing so. The men's LIVESTRONG Vapor Lite Jacket ($95) is lightweight
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protection from the wind and rain, and a versatile look that allows him to easily transition from the gym to the street no matter where his travels take him. The men's LIVESTRONG Fly Shorts ($34) is loose and lightweight, while the LIVESTRONG Fly Men's Training Shorts are the ultimate workout pair made with high performance fabric in a fit that's built to last. Available at www.nike.com/livestrong and select retailers around the world.
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Giving The Gift of Good Health If she can't get away to go to a spa, then bring the spa home to her. and Beauty... 100% Pure Spa at Home Set Pampering one's self doesn't have to be expensive. Most people may remember Epsom Salt only as something their grandparents kept in the medi-
cine cabinet, but Epsom Salt – actually magnesium sulfate – is being used by a growing number of celebrities to help them look and feel better, and you find it in your local pharmacy or supermarket for just a few dollars. By mixing two cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil, you can gently scrub away dry skin patches. To give yourself a mcirodermabrasion facial, mix 1/2 TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing; massage carefully into the skin, rinse with cool water and pat dry tour face. For bathtime bliss:, add two cups of Epsom Salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra aromatic treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent. Most importantly, it will get you through those tough financial times until you can afford to go on a spa vacation.
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($86.00) is a deluxe set of luxurious face, bath, and body products to designed to create your own spa at home. It will provide her face and body with conditioning, and rich, nourishing moisture; leaving her sparklingly clean and refreshed while nourishing your skin with vitamins, antioxidants, and skin-brightening fruits. The set includes a 3.5-oz Lavender Seafoam Facial Cleanser, 5-oz Cherry Honey Facial Scrub, 2-oz Purifying Seaweed Facial Mask, 1-oz Argan Oil, a 1.6-oz Coffee Cherry Corrective Cream and a Gentle Cleansing Brush. Available at www.QVC.com.
"Women wish to be loved not because they are pretty, or good, or well bred, or graceful, or intelligent, but because they are themselves." - By Henri Frederic Amiel
The philosophy “i heart you� gift set ($32.00), www.qvc.com
"Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear." -John Lennon
Philosophy divine romance luxurious lip color trio ($40.00) , www.qvc.com
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Wine, Spirits and Food Phillip D. Johnson
The You Warm My Heart Chocolate Personalized Fondue Set (#32.95) is the perfect ending to any romantic dinner; and if caring is sharing, then you won't soon forget this Valentine's Day any time soon. Dip strawberries, marshmallows, fruit... anything you want into a bowl of gorgeously warm chocolate warmed by a candle. The set includes a ceramic fondue pot, four fondue forks or skewers, a warming stand and the above-mentioned candle. available at www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Chocolate-Fondue-Set-You-Warm-My-Heart One of the best things to come out of the Caribbean since Bob Marley is the exquisitely delicious
Tortuga Rum Cake. Made from
a recipe passed down through four generations and baked daily in the Caribbean using only the finest available ingredients and a special oak-barrel aged Tortuga Gold Rum, each cake is a song to the soul. Voted the “Best Cruise Souvenir� of 2012 by Porthole Cruise Magazine (the eighth year in a row), flavors includes the original Golden with Walnuts; Coconut-, Chocolate-, Banana-, Key Lime-, Blue Mountain Coffee-, Pineappleand Cinnamon Rum Raisin-flavored cakes. The Tortuga A Taste of Florida Rum Cakes come in three uniquely different flavors: Orange, Coconut and Key Lime and packaged in its own vibrantly vivid colors of the Sunshine State. Flavors are available in Tortuga's distinctly original six-sided 16 oz. And 33 oz. boxes and the Florida flavors are available in a 16 oz. Size and a six-pack tower of 4 oz. Cakes.
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Overall, Tortuga Rum Cakes and Gourmet Products are sold in gift and specialty stores throughout the Caribbean and North America, and online at www.tortugarums.com.
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Wine, Spirits and Food... Phillip D. Johnson
I am a beer guy but I am still able to appreciate a refined spirit now and then. I thoroughly enjoyed sampling
El Jimador Tequila, one of Mexico’s top-selling selling tequilas. it is produced by one of the oldest and most respected producers of the spirit since 1870 – Casa Herradura. I enjoyed the smoothness and how it also created an even better drink when mixed with other drink ingredients. I also used it to make Tequila Ice Cream and that turned out unexpectedly good. (I will share the recipe with anyone who wants it.) This 100% blue agave tequila is available in three expressions – Blanco, Reposado and Añejo – so you can select from a wide range of profiles based on your preferred taste. The price ranges from $19.99 to $29.99 per 750ml bottle (depending on the expression) and is available wherever spirits are sold across the U.S.
"Each moment of a happy lover's hour is worth an age of dull and common life." -Aphra Behn
For the man who has almost everything, I would suggest
Herradura Selección Suprema. This tequila is aged for more than 49 months in
American oak barrels, giving it a dark copper color and an intense aroma of brown spice and floral notes. It also has a definitely smooth top note that ended in a creamy, soft finish. It is truly an enormously complex, world-class sipping tequila. Here the process justifies the price: $350 for a 750ml bottle at authorized retailers.
For the man who can buy himself everything that he needs, the
Tequila Herradura’s Barrel Select Experience gives him the opportunity of a lifetime to pick his own barrel of Her-
radura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila (approx 240 bottles) while visiting the brand’s Hacienda San Jose del Refugio distillery near Guadalajara, Mexico. For $10,000, he can create his own labels and box his own tequila in commemorative gifting boxes. He is truly the master of all he surveys when he receives this gift. He will be the cock of the walk as he gift his friends his very own tequila brand. What more could he ask for?
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"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous." - By Ingrid Bergman "Love is as much of an object as an ob-
session, everybody wants it, everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it, those who do will cherish it, be lost in it, and among all, never... never forget it." - By Curtis Judalet
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Wine, Spirits and Food... Phillip D. Johnson
VOGA Italia Wines hails from Italy, the coun-
try best known for producing some of the world’s best wine as well as its’ keen sense of style. VOGA Italia Wines encompasses all these aspects offering a collection of crisp delicious wine thoughtfully packaged in a revolutionary re-designed bottle featuring a unique resealable cap. Since the company’s inception, VOGA has earned numerous awards and accolades for their sleek and sexy glass cylindrical bottle, presentation and most importantly taste. The collection retails from $10.99 to $15.99 and includes Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Moscato, Quattro, Sparkling Pinot Grigio and Sparkling Pinot Grigio Chardonnay. VOGA is available in over 62 countries, hundreds of major cities, and can be found in thousands of the world’s trendiest bars, restaurants and shops.
A premium, ginger-flavored vodka, Yazi is produced by Hood River Distillers, the largest and oldest liquor producer in the Pacific Northwest. Made using only the purest, glacier-fed spring water from Mount Hood (Oregon's highest peak), the sweet and spicy vodka includes delicious notes of ginger, lemon, orange, cayenne and red pepper. Packaged in a fiery red and white, perfume-inspired bottle, Yazi is competitively priced within the premium vodka category, MSRP: $29$35. For availability, please visit: http://www.hrdspirits.com
Rich in iconic imagery, Espolón Tequila celebrates Mexico's storied culture by following the tales of the fictional pair, Rosarita and Guadalupe. Crafted with 100% pure Blue Agave, Espolón Tequila is available in two premium expressions - Blanco and Reposado. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mexico from Spain and returning to the United States, Espolón Tequila has a new and award-winning look inspired by 19th century Dia de los Muertos-style imagery and with a price under $25, you can get that special someone in your life an extra bottle or two.
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Alexandra Elman's inaugural collection of self-titled wines—a Chardonnay, a
Torrontés, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec, all from Argentina is the first harvest to come to market. Each wine is unoaked, fermented in stainless steel vats and selected from sustainable wineries certified organic and made with respect for the land, grapes and traditions of wine-making. What makes them that more special the fact that Ms. Elman lost her eyesight at age 27 due to diabetes but, as she puts, gained a greater sense of smell. She's the ultimate symbol of courage and rolling with the punches. The stylish bottles and accessible price point make this wine collection the perfect Valentine's gift for that special oenophile. Alexansdra Elman Wines are
EFFEN Vodka is a super-premium vodka whose name means smooth, even and
balanced in Dutch. Introduced several years ago at the inaugural IMG Miami Swim shows in South Beach, It is made from a modified, century-old Dutch recipe featuring premium wheat. While most vodkas are produced from grapes, potatoes or corn, EFFEN is produced from wheat, which creates it’s smooth taste on the palette. EFFEN Cucumber is the newest and most innovative flavor to be added to our product line-up, which includes EFFEN Black Cherry and EFFEN Dutch Raspberry. This unique and innovative flavor will add a modern twist to any classic cocktail with it’s essence of freshly harvested vine-ripe cucumbers. EFFEN retails for $29.99 and is available nationwide.
2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide Drink Recipes In anticipation of the big night, here are some pretty awesome drink recipes to light up the evening and add to the romantic mood.
Celebrate in VOGA 1 Cube of Sugar 4 Dashes of angostura aromatic bitters ½ Shot of Bourbon Whiskey Top up with Voga Premium Sparkling Pinot Grigio
Preparation: Coat the sugar cube with bitters and drop into the glass. Pour Bourbon Whiskey into chilled glass and top with Voga Premium Sparkling Pinot Grigio The VOGA Sparkler 2 oz. VOGA Sparkling 5 oz. Vodka 5 oz. Raspberry Liqueur 5 oz. Soho Lychee Liqueur
Preparation: Combine vodka, raspberry liqueur and soho lychee liqueur in the bottom of a champagne flute. Top with VOGA Sparkling Pinot Grigio. Midnight Kiss 2 oz. VOGA Italia Sparkling Wine 1 oz. Apple Cider 5 oz. Ginger Vodka Juice from ½ lemon 1 apple (sliced)
Preparation: Combine Ginger Vodka, apple cider, fresh lemon juice and stir. Top with VOGA Sparkling and garnish with apple slices. VOGA Sangria Ingredients 2 (750-milliliter) bottles of VOGA Merlot 1 Cup pomegranate juice 1/3 cup Triple Sec (orange-flavored liqueur) 1 orange (cut in sections) 1 apple (cut in sections) 1 cup of cherries
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¼ cup pomegranate seeds ¼ cup sugar 2 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, stirring sugar until sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate for four hours or overnight. Garnish with cherries or cinnamon sticks Herradura Ultimate Beso Herradura Silver tequila shaken with chilled raspberry tea, pineapple juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice, served in chilled cocktail glass and garnished with a rose petal. Ingredients: 2 oz Herradura Silver ½ oz Lemon juice ½ oz Simple Syrup ¾ oz Pineapple Juice 1 ¼ Raspberry tea (chilled) 1 Rose petal (for garnish)
Preparation: Prepare the raspberry tea with boiling water then leave to cool. Once cool, place in fridge until chilled Add all liquid ingredients to a Boston shaker and fill with ice. Shake until cold and the pineapple juice has created foam Strain into a chilled coupe/martini glass Garnish with a rose petal
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2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide Drink Recipes Yazi Ginger Vodka Recipes
Preparation: Mix all ingredients well with ice and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with a raspberry.
Yazitini 2 Parts Yazi Ginger Vodka 1 Part Triple Sec 1 Part Cranberry Juice 1 Part Lime Juice
EFFEN® Luxurious Lam (Inspired by Derek Lam) 2 parts EFFEN® Vodka ¾ parts Lime Juice ¾ parts Simple Syrup 5 Mint Leaves ½ part Cranberry Juice 2 parts Club Soda 5 Cranberries
Mischief 2 Parts Yazi Ginger Vodka 1 Part Triple Sec Splash of Lemon Juice Dash of simple Syrup
EFFEN Cucumber 3.1 (Inspired by Phillip Lim) 1 ½ parts EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka ½ parts Dekuyper® Vanilla Liqueur ½ parts Fresh Lemon Juice ½ parts Simple Syrup 1 part Pineapple Juice
Preparation: Shake with ice and serve up in martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel
Preparation: Shake with ice and serve up in a martini glass. Garnish with a cheery (Created by Another Restaurant in Seattle, Washington) Snap Dragon 1 ¾ Parts Yazi Ginger Vodka ¼ Part Green Tea Liqueur Lemon Slices Tonic water sugar
Preparation: Muddle lemon slices in a pint glass. Add ice, Vodka, liqueur and top off with tonic water. Shake and serve on the rocks or strain into sugarrimmed cocktail glass. EFFEN® Z’tini (Inspired by Zac Posen) 2 parts EFFEN® Vodka 1 part Tonic Water 1 part Peach Juice
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Preparation: Muddle mint, lime juice and sugar in tall glass. Add remaining ingredients to the glass with ice and stir.
Preparation: Combine Ingredients in 3-piece shaker and shake vigorously to chill. Strain into chilled cocktail/martini glass. Garnish with Pineapple Wedge.
EFFEN has become a favorite among some of today's most well-known designers including Zac Posen, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Derek Lam to name a few. We've collaborated with them to develop cocktails inspired by their designs, which have all been served at various events that they've hosted. Even if you can't gift that special someone with the designer bag they've been obsessing over you can at least mix up a designer cocktail or two... or three.
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Gifts For Women 2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide... compiled by Phillip Johnson Images provided by the companies and their pr consultants
Create an elegant expression of your everlasting love with a 24K
Forever RoseŠ and Engraved Vase. Red roses and gold
have been perfectly combined with artistic detail and delicate craftsmanship to create this treasured keepsake where an actual "live", two-tone red rose is carefully electroplated in 24K gold from petals to stem, transforming it into a keepsake that is preserved to last forever and ever. Presented in a delicate Glass Bud Vase, custom etched with your choice of 3 loving verses, your first names and optional year, this gift will be unique to her and her alone. Moreover, she will forever remember what a gloriously beautiful day you gave her. $79.95, available at www.theforeverrose.com, http://www.personalizationmall.com
Bahia Will Salles (IrĂĄ Salles)
is a Brazilian designer and Parsons graduate who began her career working with Carolina Herrera and designing for Uma Thurman, Princess Margaret and other NYC socialites. All of her bags are handmade - mixing crochet with fine materials like beads and leather to create a range of colors that reflect the Brazilian way of life and give each style an exclusive look. Her spring/summer 2012 was inspired by the art of Bob Mackie, the fashion designer loved by stars such as Cher, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, Tina Turner and Mitzi Gaynor and features clutches and handbags that has a even mixture of vintage and modern. I can't help falling in love with her vibrant, luxury-for-less evening clutches and wristlets. Some, like the Clutch Murano ($418.00) , has a vintage flare and is adorned in large vibrant beads and a sphere clasp. The wristlets ($198.00) are equally as beautiful with beads and an elegant gold mesh chain. Available in New York City at Blue Bag (Elizabeth Street, near Houston Street, New York, 10012, 212-966-8566).
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Celebrating its 11th year as the largest online retailer for faux Indian custom jewelry and accessories,
Bombay Fashions
(www.BombayFashions.com) has been worn by a variety of celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna, Katrina Kaif, Keri Hilson, & others. The new Bella Collection is the latest and most exciting fashion accessories collection from Bombay Fashions and has a large selection of cuffs, bracelets, bangles, earrings, necklaces, scarves, skirts, tunics, handbags, and more, and boasts eclectic rare finds at prices that everyone can afford. With the Bella Collection, creator and owner Rupee Lota is definitely on trend with what's hot in the accessories market; and is inspired, as always, by the beauty and colors of the culture she grew up in. Either way you look at it, these pieces are just too yummy for words. Available at www.BombayFashions.com.
Little Miss Matched Heart Design Knee High Socks ($21.00), www.qvc.com
Mommy and Me Picture Frame ($40.00), http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/205mommy-and-me-picture-frame.html
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Gifts For Women 2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide... Wonderstruck
, the first fragrance from country singer Taylor Swift, was created by Olivier Gillotin of Givaudan and launched in cooperation with the cosmetic company Elizabeth Arden. I like it. The top notes are raspberry, dewberry, green tea, freesia and apple blossom with floral middle tones (sweet vanilla, honeysuckle, white hibiscus) and end notes of golden amber, musk, sandalwood and peach. This is a fragrance for the 1825 set, not too sweet and it just smells beautiful. Even better, the dry-down is gradual and it lasts longer than more than 6 hours. Wonderstruck (Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 fl. oz/100ml, $59.50; Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7 fl. oz/50ml, $49.50) is available at www.macys.com.
Fantasy , the second fragrance release from Britney Spears
under the Elizabeth Arden label, was created by nose Jim Krivda, and the notes include red lychee, golden quince, kiwi, cupcake accord, jasmine, white chocolate orchid, musk, woods, and orris root. Fantasy's top note is of sweet (and yet stringent) fruits. The good news is that the top notes dries down at a considerably quick pace and leaves behind the tiniest whisper of a floral note. This is also a fragrance –not terribly complex but with a certain level of depth and subtle sophistication-- designed for the 18-30 age group and I am sure that their boyfriends will have a hit on their hands on Valentine's Day . Fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™ (Eau de Parfum, 3.3 fl. Oz/100ml, $57.50; 1.7 fl. Oz/50ml, $47.50) is available at www.Target.com.
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Made from a delightful mix of mandarin orange, wild berries, honeysuckle, gardenia and creamy amber,
Viva La Juicy is amazing, playful and alluring. This
combination of fruity and floral notes is also quite sophisticated in its scope. There's that immediate hint of sweetness that is sweet without being too sweet. That first bolt of fruit and floral quickly settles down into almost hidden bottom notes. Viva La Juicy is the ideal fragrance for the modern, urban, sophisticated woman ; perfect for day, and occasional evening wear on a date or special occasion. Viva, as a Valentine's Day gift, will not be refused. It's a winner all the way. Viva La Juicy by Elizabeth Arden and Juicy Couture is available in Eau de Parfum (Eau de Parfum 3.4 fl. Oz/100ml, $85.00; 1.7 fl. Oz/50ml, $65.00) and auxilliary products (Body Lotion, 8.6 fl. Oz / 250 ml, $65; Shower Gel, 8.6 fl. Oz / 250 ml, $40.00; and Body Crème, 6.7 fl. Oz / 200 ml, $55.00 ) at www.Sephora.com.
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Gifts For Women 2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide... Forever Mariah Carey,
developed in the cooperation with the perfumer Olivier Gillotin from Givaudan and Elizabeth Arden, is a very modern, grown-up fragrance. I like it for what it is – and what it isn't. It's not over-poweringly sweet (expressive notes includes top notes of neroli, lotus and green apple, middle notes of pure tuberose and gardenia, and base/bottom notes of white musk and exotic wood.) It's a floral that's not too floral with an earthy finish. It goes on fresh but quickly diffuses into a sheer, sultry, sensual fragrance a man can appreciate only if he's up close and very personal. The bottle is equally as distinctive: designed in art deco style, made of crystal with a golden bottle neck that has the name engraved in it. The outer package is colored pink with a golden edge on the box. The Forever Mariah Carey Collection includes the Eau de Parfum Spray (1.0 fl. oz. / 30ml, $42.00; 1.7 fl. oz. / 50ml, $55.00; 3.3 fl. oz. / 100ml, $65.00; 0.5 oz/15 ml Parfum, $250.00)), Luminous Body Lotion (6.8 fl. oz. / 200ml, $28.00) is available at www.macys.com. QVC has had the mass-class market cornered for the past 15-20 years. For Valentine's day, the following is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to jewelery collections. Top picks includes the Epiphany Platinum Clad Diamonique 2.60 cttw Heart Pendant, ($139.50) , Wildlife by Heidi Klum Pave' Heart Stretch Ring ($51.75), Affinity's Diamond 1/7 cttw Set of 3 Heart
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Sterling Silver Stack Rings, ($129.00) and the Affinity Diamond Sterling Heart Lock Design Stud Earrings ($64.50). Other noteworthy pieces include Steel by Design Heart Charm Bracelet ($38.75), Steel By Design Multi-chain Heart Charm 7-1/4" Bracelet ($29.00) and the UltraFine Silver Open Heart Pendant with 18" Chain ($52.00). All available at www.qvc.com.
It doesn't get any cuter than this: BloomingBath.com recently launched what has to be the best baby bathtub ever! By best, I mean it's too adorable for words, safe, plush, and practical and designed to make bath time a Kodak moment every time.
The Blooming Bath is made
of plush, cuddly, yet durable, quick-drying foam-filled, flower-shaped pedals that conforms to almost any sink, creating a safe, soft and supportive pouch that your precious little one will enjoy . The Blooming Bath's plush foam-filled petals will cradle your baby unlike any other baby bathtub can, and can be used in the sink or in an existing tub to make bath time easy and fun for everyone. Moms and dads will love not having to endure bending over a low tub to support a slippery baby at awkward angles. Once bath time is over, just squeeze out the excess water and throw Blooming Bath in the dryer. Again, it's durable, easy to clean and quick drying. As one arden fan wrote on a mommy blog: "Who doesn't want to bathe their baby in a sunflower?" The Blooming Bath is available in pink, blue and yellow and available for sale at www.bloomingbath.com
"If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus one day, so I never have to live without you." - By Winnie the Pooh
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Gifts For Women 2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide...
Jewelery generally goes over big on Valentine's Day but we are in a recession. Through hard labor (ha!) I've found some that are distinctive and beautiful but won't break the bank. I am so totally loving the jewelery I have seen on www.ShabbyApple.com (among others). For the most part, they have that Stevie Nicks/Victorian Age/Bohemian vibe. But that doesn't mean that they are not beautiful and fun to wear. My favorites for Valentine's Day 2012 are these.
Vesta Pewter Carned Feather Earrings with Pearls, $18.00 (Curved feather earrings that are stoney hues of
burnished pewter and silvery pearl and inspired by the masonry of Ancient Roman temples). I know that not too many people wears an apron at home while they are cooking anymore. But as someone
who likes to cook, I am always creating an organized mess that leaves its presence on my clothes. I should be wearing an apron.
Therefore, I highly recommend the 50's-influenced (and seriously cute)
Aprons by Sarah Hansen at
www.ShabbyApple.com. They are just too cute for words. Ms. Hansen's Carrot Cake Full Apron with Pink Detailing, Price: $40.00 (a crisp bib of carrot and custard-colored cotton with a gathered skirt descending from a contrasting tie-waist and pleated detailing at the bust) will surely keep your dresses protected from your desserts; and the Strawberry Shortcake Half Apron, Pink with Yellow Detailing, $32.00 is a delightful colorful mossiac of roses, delphiniums and peonies offset by a contrasting tie waist and a daintily ruffled pocket. Again, I say it, they are too cute for words. Visit www.shabbyapple.com.
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"If I could be anything in the world I would want to be a teardrop because I would be born in your eyes, live on your cheeks, and die on your lips." -Author Unknown
Sweet Charlotte White Leaf Crochet Necklace (a white lace leaf suspended from antique
brass chain that looks as if it were floating across your neckline) and their Luce del Sole Ring $45.00 ( with vivid yellow petals blaze along a thick turquoise gem center in this striking sunburst stone ring). www.shabbyapple.com
Ravenna Gold Leaf Dangling Earrings $19.00 (stippled to give the impression of real porous leaves, these versatile dangle earrings are cast in antique gold tone recall the bronzy Byzantine mosaics that illuminated fifth century Italian basilicas).
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Gifts For Women 2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide... For busy mothers, the Personalized Sticky Note Cube in
Multiple Prints ($34.00) is a great way to show that extra effort for the woman in your life. Whether it’s for your mom, your wife or a co-worker, these Personalized Sticky Note cubes with 700 sticky notes make a creative gift this Valentine’s Day that she will remember and use for the rest of the year. http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/435-personalized-sticky-note-cube-in-multiple-prints.html
The Cross Town Clutch In Travel Through Tivoli
(baby bag, $89.00) by Petunia Pickle Bottom offers mothers the convenience of a conventional diaper changer disguised as a stylish accessory. It also allows for a smooth transition from daytime to an evening out. http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/49-cross-townclutch-in-travel-through-tivoli.html.
The original Harveys Seatbeltbag®
was started in the garage of Dana and Melanie Harvey in 1997 while installing seatbelts into their vintage 1950s Buick. Dana decided to use the excess seatbelts to create an eclectic yet timeless accessory that would match the belts in the car, for his wife Melanie and a striving accessory brand and company was born. Each hand-crafted Seatbeltbag is not only ‘guaranteed tough’ to last a lifetime with automotive grade seat belts, but the pieces are a staple to those who exude self-confidence in the pursuit of style. Fifteen years later, the women’s collection is accompanied by a Men’s Black Label collection, iPad covers, dopp kits and sunglass covers. Harveys Seatbeltbags retail from $98 to $298 with accessories falling between $24 to $98. The bags are now sold in more than 500 retail outlets including three branded locations in California and in more than 25 countries worldwide. For additional information please visit www.seatbeltbags.com
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Harvey's Seatbelt Bags are a definite conversation starter. Made with unique automo-
tive grade seatbelts, these bags and accessories are built to last. For the special guy in your life, get him a Men's Black Label Dopp Kit from Harvey's Seatbelt Bags. If he travels a lot, he certainly needs a place to keep his grooming items for any upcoming trips, or you can initially fill it with unexpected treats for Valentine’s Day. Available at www.seatbeltbags.com.
2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide Gifts For Men
The Minus417 Body Kit (www.minus417.com ) has everything a man needs to keep
himself looking great at every turn. All the products in the set is infused with Dead Sea Salt. The Aromatic Body Butter ($61.85) gently exfoliate outer layer dead skin cells and reduce most signs of aging and encourages skin regeneration. The Body Care Kit for Men ($97.38) includes a Body & Hair Shampoo (with Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond oil, Carrot-seed oil and Olive oil), a Shaving Moisturizer Cream (rich in grape-seed oil, ginger- root oil, jojoba, carrot oil and a Vitamin-Mineral Complex that smoothes the skin and improve skin metabolism), and an Active Moisturizer After-Shave (with Aloe Vera and chamomile extracts designed to smooth freshly shaved skin; and Vitamin-Mineral Complex combined with Dead Sea Salt to nourish the skin's top layer). Available online at www.minus417.com.
Creating the Ultimate Man Cave...
Every guy needs a place to call his own, where he totally rules. In other words, every man needs a MAN CAVE. For the 2012 Valentine's Day, please consider the following.
Every guy needs a really BIG television. Launched recently at the 2012 International Consumer Elec-
tronics Show, The LG 55EM9600 OLED 3-D HDTV brings the future of TV into the home today with virtually bezel-less designs, an upgraded LG Smart TV platform with a redesigned Magic Remote and touch-screen plasma. The 55-inch class OLED HDTV showcases precise color, absolute contrast and blazing clarity in a chassis measuring just over 4mm thick and LG applied similar design rigor to other 2012 series (LM9600, LM8500, LM7600 and LM6700) by developing CINEMA Screen technology, which limits the bezel to roughly 5mm. The other awesome features are too many to list here. For where-to-buy information, go to www.lg.com.
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Shaving becomes more than shaving when you have the
"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." -Dr. Seuss
Colonel Ichabod Conk Chrome 5 -Piece Shave Set ($113.99). Crafted
with sleek silver chrome plating and traditional touches that make the everyday elegant, the set includes a double-sided safety razor with a long, comfortable handle and a close-shaving double-edge blade, a pure badger-bristle brush, a deep shaving bowl, a coordinating stand with a circular base, and a round bar of traditional shaving soap gives you the lather you need to get going. The company's classic shaving products have earned a reputation as some of the market's finest; and the full line of straight and safety razors, shaving mugs and brushes, sets, aftershaves and balms, and soaps are designed to make shaving a pleasure at an affordable price. Available at www.hayneedle.com.
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"The art of love... is largely the art of persistence." -Albert Ellis
"Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own." -Robert Heinlein
You know that you have reached the height of multitasking (and laziness!) when you get excited
about The Clicker. The Clicker is the gift for a husband, fiancé, boyfriend or life partner who is a television multitasker. It's a new all-in-one uber-gadget that fuses the remote control with the everimportant bottle cap opener in one sleek device that can be universally programmed for up to eight components, including your TV, DVD player, Cable box, DVR, Satellite, CD and AMP. Engineered to take a beating and withstand the manliest of man caves, and case after case of openings, the Clicker is programmed with over 800 factory pre-sets and works with almost all major cable and satellite dish boxes. In addition to the handy bottle opener, the Clicker has twin view and Picture-in-Picture functions, so he won’t have to miss a minute of his favorite games that may overlap. At $24.99, it’s the must-have gift for interruption-free, multiple game watching! For more information, please visit www.myclicker.com.
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Creating the Ultimate Man Cave...
The Voit 11-in-1 Game Table ensures that he will never be bored on a rainy day. The wide variety of games will keep him entertained for hours. The table features full-color graphics on the side panels, which are covered with a laminate finish. Foosball is the default game, and halfinch hollow steel player rods have ribbed plastic grips for a comfortable feel. Eleven players (in black or yellow) are on each team, playing on a green soccer field surface. Other game overlays include air hockey, soccer, table tennis, knock hockey, shuffleboard, chess, checkers, backgammon, tic-tactoe, poker, and bowling. All accessories are included. (Weight 67 pounds. Dimensions: 43L x 24W x 32.75H inches.) $189.99. Available at www.hayneedle.com
"A life without love is like a year without summer." Swedish Proverb
The Signature
Oak Multi-Game
Table is a complete activity center for you and
your family. That is if you allow them into your man cave. Its beautiful craftsmanship is hard to ignore and it can easily transform from a spectacular end table to a place for a game of chess, checkers, or cards. The game table is great for dens and computer rooms, living rooms and offices. Made from select walnut and oak veneers, it is sure to last through many chess battles and checker wars. It comes with a beautiful set of wooden chess pieces, carved with intricate detail and complete with double queens. Some assembly required. $249.99 Available at www.hayneedle.com.
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Every guy needs a THRONE.
The Hudson Brown Bonded Leather Recliner, upholstered in durable
bonded leather, is not only comfortable, but durable to boot. With a cozy wing-back design and a push-back recline function, this will quickly become his go-to seat for reading, relaxing and napping. In a versatile brown finish, it's certain to complement any number of design schemes. With some shipping restrictions, this item is shipped only in contiguous USA. $449.99 Available at www.hayneeedle.com.
With its wide seat and ultra-modern shape, the
Rissanti Alameda Top Grain Leather Recliner in Chocolate is yet
another option for the ultimate man cave. This leather recliner has a sleek, European look designed for those who seek the topmost comfort of a traditional recliner without the puffy, overstuffed look. In its upright position, this recliner is a space-saving chair with a singlemotion pop-up leg rest seamlessly tucked in and a swivel base. The Alameda is made of luxurious top grain chocolate brown leather with flame-retardant foam cushions, curved spring support and an easy push back design that assembles in two steps. $499.99. Available at www.hayneedle.com.
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Creating the Ultimate Man Cave...
Surround Sound is key to every man cave. Bang & Olufsen, the global provider of luxury, integrated
audio-video solutions and mad cool speakers and headphones, has a new brand, B&O PLAY, designed to offer portable audio-video products that combine convenient ease-of-use with high-quality, contemporary design for the digital generation, at a more accessible price point. B&O PLAY is about stand-alone products with clear and simple operation, rather than integrated home installations, so B&O PLAY will feature portable products that are easy to use, delightful to integrate into ones daily life, which will deliver excellent high-quality experiences. The first product to launch under B&O PLAY is the highly anticipated Beolit 12 Portable Music System, which will be followed by other products during 2012. This collection of high-end, high-performing audio-video products will be available at Bang & Olufsen showrooms around the world, select Apple Stores in U.S. and Europe, and from a new branded online store – www.store.beoplay.com (in Europe) and www.shopbangolufsen.com (in United States). No mancave is ready unless you have some cold weather protection.
Sunbeam's Microplush 50"x60" Heated Electric Throw (QVC Item
#H192589 Approximately $43.75) is just the final piece of the puzzle that he needs to make it perfect. After all, it's manly to tough out the chill and cold; but why do so if you don't have to? Available at www.qvc.com.
"The moment we indulge our affections, the earth is metamorphosed, there is no winter and no night; all tragedies, all ennuis, vanish, all duties even." - By Ralph Waldo Emerson F a s h i o n M a n i a c . c o m
Because it is HIS man cave, he now has a place where he can enjoy a good cigar or cigarillo without intruding on any one's good times. I highly suggests
White Owl FoilFresh速 Silver Cigarillos, the newest ad-
dition to the White Owl Cigarillo product line. Since 1887, White Owl has blended select tobacco to create a mild and fine tasting smoke. White Owl is using its innovative FoilFresh速 technology for the latest addition to the portfolio, guaranteeing each Silver Cigarillo is as fresh as the day it was made. We think this is a fantastic alternative to sweet or flavored cigars." White Owl FoilFresh速 Silver Cigarillos is the latest from Swedish Match, a global Group of companies with a broad assortment of market leading brands in smokeless tobacco, cigars and pipe tobacco, matches and lighters including well known brands such as Garcia y Vega, Red Man, Timber Wolf, and Longhorn. The introductory price for White Owl FoilFresh速 Silver Cigarillos will include 2 for 99 cents deal, 3 for 2 pouches, 5 for 4 packs and bonus box offers. For more information visit the website at www.SwedishMatch.com.
KeepCup, (Suggested Retail Pricing is $9.99 XS 4 oz.; $10.99 Small 8 oz.; $12.99 Medium 12 oz.; $14.99 Large 16 oz). KeepCup is also available online on www.Amazon.com and at www.keepcup.com
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"A true lover always feels in debt to the one he loves." -Ralph W. Sockman
"Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end." -Author Unknown
"Trip over love, you can get up. Fall in love and you fall forever." -Author Unknown
"Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart." -Author Unknown "Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs." -William Shakespeare
"Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning." -Author Unknown
"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along." -Jalal ad-Din Rumi "Life's greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved." -Victor Hugo "Love is the only gold." -Lord Alfred Tennyson
"To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven." -Karen Sunde
"Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!" Thomas Hood "When love is not madness, it is not love." -Pedro Calderon de la Barca
"Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love." -Albert Einstein
"Many are the starrs I see, but in my eye no starr like thee." -English saying used on poesy rings
"Loving is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction." -Antoine de Saint-Exupery F a s h i o n M a n i a c . c o m