Clever Aromatherapy Candles

Dec 312009
 

GIFTS THAT SAY I KNOW YOU

The best gift of all is the one that says I know you. Finding that perfect, thoughtful gift just got a little easier. Aromatherapy Interventions has blended the science of scent with insights into the modern mind to create a candle line perfect for every personality, mood and occasion. These are gifts your friends will get!

APPLIED TO EVERY MIND, MOOD AND OCCASION

Aromatherapy Interventions Soy Candles are true aromacology applied to life— the milestones like her 30th, 40th, or 50th birthday, the moments, the passages and the parties, the housewarmings and the heart-warmings, the sick days, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the days of heaven (Unwedded Bliss) all wrapped in the perfect gift; a personal expression of friendship, and a wonderful experience in scent.

Rachel Machacek, columnist for the Washing ton Post had such an experience:

“When I burned the Aromatherapy Interventions’ Panic Attack soy candle right before a tough-love conversation,  I actually felt my nerves release and my throat unclench—I was kicking back on my couch surrounded by the woodsy scent of  frankincense…”

Got a shopaholic friend in recovery? Aromatherapy Interventions Withdrawal candle is not only clever, it’s fact: geranium and clary sage help lessen the anxiety of withdrawal. Shopping gifts for geeks? The Essences of Eucalyptus and Ginger in the Aromatherapy Interventions Left Brain Candle “stimulate logic and intellect.” Need a gift for the host? Bring the Feng Shui-ology candle and warm any home with the clearing scent of clary sage.

Whether it’s get well gifts or thank you gifts, employee, co-worker or Teacher Appreciation, or just thinking-of-you, an Aromatherapy Interventions soy candle says: I looked for something clever, unique and thoughtful—just for you.

S P O N S O R E D  P O S T

How to Throw a Glam New Year’s Party

Dec 282009
 
Celebrate New Year's in a Glam Way

Celebrate New Year's in a Glam Way. photo courtesy of quinn.anya

Get ready to countdown the end of a rough year and usher in a new decade! As 2010 arrives, why not celebrate the start of a new year full of possibility by throwing in some sparkle and glamour? Here are some easy ways to add a high-end feel to your holiday party.

Stand Out from the Crowd

As the hostess of the party, it’s your job to set the mood for the event. Let everyone know this will be a night to remember by wearing an unforgettable outfit. This golden yellow raw silk shoulder wrap is the perfect piece for a memorable New Year’s Eve. It’s stunning and romantic– both things that the new year should hold.

Wear Sparkles

If you can’t be glitzy on New Year’s Eve– when can you be glitzy? Go all out with a waterfall of sparkles and chains. The Cascade necklace from Madewell is a whole lot of glam for $98.

Offer Glam Party Favors

Just in case your guests left their feather boas at home, give them one to party with. They’re the perfect dance-floor accessory and just $19.99 for six of them at The House of Bachelorette. Also, pick up enough top hats, tiaras and noisemakers for everyone. This black and white party assortment kit from PromoPeddler.com comes with enough stuff to outfit 50 people for New Year’s Eve.

Serve Caviar

Nothing says glam quite like caviar. Your guests will have no idea just how simple these extravagant looking caviar appetizers from theNibble.com were to assemble.

Give Guests Something to Remember the Night

Send your New Year’s Eve guests home with a gift that will turn any ordinary night in 2010 into a glam evening. These Sofia Blanc de Blancs are so glamorous you’ll hardly be able to stand it. A four-pack is $20 at FrancisCoppolaWinery.com. Your guests will probably just keep one in their fridge all year long to remember how they kicked 2010 off with a glamor and glitz!

How to Return Gifts for What You Really Want

Dec 212009
 
Hold On To Your Gift Receipts (image courtesy of billaday)

Hold On To Your Gift Receipts (image courtesy of billaday)

Is that new sweater too small? Get a gift that you already have? Or perhaps you just want something different? Returning gifts for what you really want can be a hassle, but it can also be great to exchange something you don’t have a need for for the present you were really hoping would show up this holiday season. Here are a few ways to return gifts for what you really want.

Use the Gift Receipt

Chances are retailers are going to be a bit more strict post-Christmas than they have been in the past. They know lots of consumers may want cash-in-hand instead of the gift they received. If you’re lucky, your box held a gift receipt along with your present so you can return it. Some stores still may only give you gift cards instead of a refund. This is OK if you like the store, but if not you may have to get creative.

Sell the Gift Card

Whether you were given a gift card for a store you don’t usually shop at, or you ended up with one because you had to return something, you can still sell that gift card online for cash. A couple of sites to check out are PlasticJungle.com or SwapaGift.com. With Swapagift.com, the card must have between $25-$200 in value and be one of the dozens of stores on the preferred merchant list. They’ll pay you up to 70% of the card’s value. You’ll get the most if you’ve got gift cards from stores like Best Buy, Lowe’s, Target, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods. You’ll take a hit on the value of the card, but at least you’ll be able to put that money towards the gift you wish you would have received.

Ask for the Receipt

If you didn’t get a gift receipt, consider asking for the original receipt. This can be a touchy situation depending on your relationship with the gift giver. Be tactful and honest. Explain why you’d like to return or exchange the gift. With the original receipt you shouldn’t have a problem getting a full cash refund for your item. If you expect the person to get offended, you may want to consider another alternative.

Sell the Gift

If you can’t return the gift, try selling it yourself. List it on eBay or even Craigslist.com and then use the cash to buy yourself something else. This option is a little risky since you may not know what kind of cash the sale will generate. But if you truly hate the gift you received, or you simply don’t have a need for it you may as well try to get something you really want.

How to Stuff a Stocking

Dec 202009
 
Stockings Still Empty? Fill Them Up!

Stockings Still Empty? Fill Them Up! (Image Courtesy of Dawnzy58)

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but if they’re empty this post should help. Christmas is rapidly approaching and chances are you’ve got a lot on your to-do list, including picking up some stocking stuffers. Need some inspiration? Here are some tips and ideas on how to stuff that stocking in time for Christmas.

Candy

Candy always makes a good stocking stuffer. Jelly Belly offers a great selection of unique candy in over 50 flavors. This is a great way to start a tradition, too. Pick a treat and put it in the stocking year after year. May we suggest Fruit Gems?

Coal

As the old story goes, anyone who’s been more naughty than nice can expect coal in their stocking. Play a Christmas morning joke on your loved ones by filling their stocking with coal. Of course this coal is actually blackberry bubble gum and comes packaged with cute quotes like “because you’ve been very bad” and “It’s all you get.”

Activity Books

Stuff your stockings with activity books that will be perfect during that relaxing time after Christmas dinner. Choose small books like Sudoku, word finds or crossword puzzles. These are good fillers for just about every stocking hanging on your fireplace.While you’re at it, throw in a pack of playing cards to keep everyone occupied before dinner, too.

Socks

Throw a little irony into Christmas morning and stuff socks into your stockings. These Christmas Tree Pom Slipper Socks from Sears are the perfect blend of festive and tacky.

Funny Trinkets

Give everybody something to laugh at when they unpack their stocking Christmas morning. How about stashing in some astronaut ice cream, a mic sponge for singing in the shower, or a hot dog coin purse. Chances are these funny little stocking stuffers will be what your loved ones remember most about Christmas morning.

Snowman Gift Ideas

Dec 132009
 

Christmas Character Mugs

Grab your favorite holiday character and enjoy a mug filled with something warm and delicious on a cold winter night. Choose snowman penguin Santa or reindeer design. You can personalize your mugs with any name up to 9 characters. Ceramic mugs hold 14 oz. Hand wash.

Price: $4.98 each or $19.97 for a set of 4.

 

snowman soap gift set Snowman and Snowflakes Soap Gift Set

Our favorite winter soap gift set from MagicSenses.com: a cute little snowman and two beautiful snowflakes in an elegant, branded gift box. It makes the perfect Christmas gift.

Handcrafted from vegetable glycerin soap.

Price: $17

 

 

Snowman Aprons (set of 2)

Delightful mother-and-daughter aprons are ideal for holiday baking! 100% cotton aprons with cute snowman appliqués.

Buy separately or save $1.99 and buy both. Machine wash. Imported.

Price $26.99

 

 

 

 

Snowman Bathroom Set

Dress your toilet in holiday style with this plush 100% acrylic lid cover and contour rug. Rug with non-skid backing is 22″ x 23 1/2″; lid cover is 15″ x 16 1/2″; with elastic anchors fits standard lids. Machine wash. 2-piece set.

Price: $21.99

 

 

 

 

 
Ty® Snow Much Love Personalized Snowman

Let this lovable plush snowman warm your heart this holiday season. He’s dressed for winter weather in his soft blue fleece hat with white yarn pom-pom and shimmering velvet swirl trim and coordinating scarf. An ice blue t-shirt completes the look – perfect to enjoy and snuggle with during the holidays and all year through!

It measures a full 14″ long featuring movable arms and legs. His plump little tummy and super soft fur makes him perfect for snuggling all year through! Features a bean bag bottom, hands and feet as well as bead eyes and a 3-D plush “carrot nose.”

Price: $24.50
 

Snowman Family Kitchen Personalized Cutting Board

Make the Holidays and family get togethers extra special with this gift. Your finest Christmas dinner will carve to perfection on this unique and colorful Personalized Snow Family Cutting Board. This heat resistant glass cutting surface is dish washer safe. Includes self-adhesive rubber feet. You can even personalize it by choosing a custom message on top and bottom.

Price: $32.95

 

 

Snowman Clock

Large clock on wooden base has easy-to-read numbers. Snowman sports a fleecy white body. Runs on 1 AA battery; not included. 12″ x 18″.

Price: $14.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

SnowmanChristmas Stocking

Make Santa’s job a little easier with Christmas stockings! A great way to make each child feel extra special, these stockings make great gifts, too. 100% polyester; 20″ long.

Price: $8

Holiday Candles

Dec 122009
 

This Holiday season, we decided to write about some of the nicest holiday candles out there. Before we start, I must say this: it was hard to choose!

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iconiconElegant Monogram© Personalized Candle Set
icon

Accent any home with the elegant look and scent of natural, vegetable based, monogrammed candles.

This luxurious 2 candle set is carved with any name or monogram in your choice of 11 styles for a truly unique look.

Each candle is delicately infused with your choice of 2 soothing scents – green or orange tea. Choose to have both candles in the same scent or one of each.

Price: $44.95

 

carved solutions candles Carved Solutions, Custom Carved, Vermont Made Candles

Each Vermont made, hand poured candle slowly melts (tunnels) into itself as it burns illuminating the carving and creating the perfect holder for a tea light. That means the carved candle is yours to enjoy for years to come. It’s the perfect keepsake!

These luxurious candles are carved from 100% palm wax, with all cotton wicks. The tantalizing scent (100% pure essential oils) is gentle yet uplifting with relaxing notes-a true aromatherapy experience! With their beautiful aesthetics and enchanting fragrance, Carved Solutions candles are enjoyed by all-a must have!

Personalize with a simply elegant initial, classic monogram or spoil with a family name, graphic or even a custom logo. Imagine the appreciation from the receiver knowing you truly thought specifically of them! With our 24-48 hour turn-around time giving “personal” is easy!

Price: $15 – $80

 

clear candle Clear Candle

Clear Candle features refillable, burnable white mineral oil candles art made right here in the USA. Made with edible grade mineral oil and zinc wicks! Zinc wicks are lead-free the candles are wax-free, toxin-free, soot-free & worry-free!!! We use real roses, orchids, fruit & foliage.

Our favorites: Apple pie, Tangerine, & Honeydew!

Elegant candles for exquisite lifestyles… Giving light & art for a lifetime!

Price: $20 and up

 

vanilla peppermint holiday candle

Shine Vanilla & Peppermint Holiday Candle

Celebrate the Holiday Season with HollyBeth’s SHINE Vanilla & Peppermint Candle – a relaxing blend that combines the sweetness of Vanilla with the fresh crisp tones of Peppermint. Made from 100% eco-friendly soy wax and infused with essential oils HollyBeth’s SHINE Vanilla & Peppermint Candle is hand-poured and contains no petroleum products, synthetic fragrances, boosters or colorants.

Cool and refreshing Peppermint Oil stimulates the mind and increases focus while the rich sweet aroma of Vanilla Oil is calming and soothing, aiding relaxation and creating a peaceful environment. Both bouquets harmonize to promote health, healing and happiness.

Price: $20

 

OBCC candles Ocean Bay

Ocean Bay Candle Company makes going green an easy process. Their soy candles are non-toxic and leave behind 90% less soot than your typical candle, so there will no longer be black walls or ceilings for you to stress about. They also burn longer, even, and are scented throughout. You can’t be wrong when going green, so start using Ocean Bay Candle Company’s scented soy candles. They are a perfect gift for yourself or the candle lover you know.

Price: $15.95 – $19.95

 

Christmas Tree candles Christmas Tree Candles

Light these decorative Christmas Tree candles (from Hudson Goods) on your table or mantle and enjoy the holidays. They come in sets of two. (5w x 9h)

USE PROMOTION CODE 400

Price: $29

 

 

All these candles make great stocking stuffers, host gifts or “just because” gifts.

Gifts for Majesties of the Kitchen Domain

Dec 112009
 

Have you ever gone to someone’s home for a party, and noticed that all the guests have congregated in the kitchen? For those who love to cook, a well designed and decorated kitchen can be the heart of their home. If this sounds like someone you’re shopping for, here are some gifts to consider.

  

Blackbird Baked in a Pie

Remember the old nursery rhyme about “four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”? Well, this pie dish is a simply charming depiction of that event that is sure to put some grins on faces. To meet the needs of a discerning baker, the dish and bird are both made from oven and dishwasher safe, ceramic stoneware. 

 

 

Napa-inspired Cruets Set

If the cook you’re shopping for also happens to enjoy a good glass of wine, then this cruet set is could be the perfect gift for them. Fill the outer part of the container with extra virgin olive oil, and the inner part with balsamic vinaigrette to make this useful condiment dispenser look like a bunch of ripe grapes hanging in the sun. Best of all, it’s a set of two, so they can keep one in the kitchen and another in the dinning room.

 

 

Infusion Pitcher

Lemon water, raspberry ice tea, strawberry limeade, sangria, mojitos, and more! A true foodie knows that drinks have as much opportunity for culinary mastery as food. This pitcher is specially designed to allow the essences of fruit and, for the daring, herbs to infuse into a drink. Unlike a punch bowl, this pitcher is easy to store and keeps drinks free of floating debris, like pulp and leaves.

How to Give a Gift that Lasts for Generations

Dec 112009
 

These days it seems like a lot of products and gifts are made to be disposable, or will become obsolete in a few years. You can spend $200 on a designer purse, but it will likely fall out of fashion next year. Or, you can spend $200 on the latest video game system, which will most likely be replaced by new and better technology in a couple of years.

Here are some gifts that are guaranteed to last, and be cherished for years. When you give someone a gift that is well-made and designed with timeless appeal, they will be able to pass it on to their children to cherish as well. Best of all, with some diligent hunting you should be able to find all these items for less than $100. Now that’s some real value for your dollar.

crystal vase

Crystal Vases

Cut flowers are a beautiful way to decorate a home, and the right vase can set them off perfectly. Crystal vases reflect light from each facet, making any flower arrangement shine. Quality crystal is different than glass, so make sure you choose a respect brand name, like Waterford. A Waterford crystal vase is a classic and beautiful collectible that when given as a gift is sure to become a cherish heirloom.

Fine Table Linens

If it fits your price range, consider a tablecloth. Or if you need sometime a little more affordable, try a set of napkins. Superior table linens are usually made from linen fabric or Egyptian cotton and feature handmade lace or embroidery. White and beige are classic colors that are sure to compliment most table settings. Don’t worry about food stains. It can actually be easier to remove stains from white fabric, since you don’t have to worry about dye running or changing odd colors. Since textiles are not as durable as other materials commonly used in heirlooms, it is very important to select table lines that are well made from high quality materials.

Stained Glass Panels

Home décor items made with stained glass immediately evoke mental images of beautifully appointed homes and revered churches. They’re opulent, but classic; artistic, but structured. Fortunately, choice stained glass is more affordable than you might think. There are many independent stained glass artists that make handmade pieces in a range of sizes for every price point. You will most likely want to get a stained glass panel that is designed to hang in a window, so your recipient won’t be hassled with installing an entire window. Top-quality stained glass is handmade by an expert artisan using real glass edged in copper foil, soldered together, and then reinforced with a metal frame.

How to Celebrate Baby’s First Christmas

Dec 032009
 
Make Baby's First Christmas Memorable

Make Baby's First Christmas Memorable. photo courtesy of Raphael Goetter

Is there a new bundle of joy in  your life this Christmas? Celebrate this special gift with the perfect gift that marks baby’s first Christmas in a memorable way. When that little boy or girl grows up they’ll appreciate the gift used to welcome their arrival into your lives during this very special time of year.

Christmas Ornament

Of course a Christmas ornament is a great way to mark this special arrival and to celebrate baby’s first Christmas. Lenox.com offers a great selection of keepsake Christmas ornaments that can be personalized with the baby’s date of birth. Also, check out SantasOrnamentShop.com for dozens of styles of ornaments that can all be personalized.

Baby Long Johns

Get your new addition some adorable red baby long johns from RedEnvelope.com. The outfit features a traditional back flap and buttons down the front. The PJ’s can be personalized with up to two lines of text such as “my first Christmas.”

Photo Book

Make a photo book that your new addition will be able to look back on for years to come. Include snapshots from their first holiday season. Use promo code “photobooks” to get 25% off and receive free shipping at SeeHere.com.

Christmas Stocking

Baby will definitely need a Christmas stocking to hang on the fireplace mantel. Pick up a special one that will always be known as their first Christmas stocking. Home-n-Gifts.com has a cute, pastel stocking for just $3.95, or you can use these instructions from Better Homes and Gardens and make your own.

Baby Casting Kit

Preserve those little hands or feet forever with a Baby Casting Kit from CastingGifts.com. Choose between metallic gold, pearl, champagne or bronze. Your kit includes enough material to make multiple molds of baby’s hands and feet to create ornaments or shadow box designs.

Save-the-Date Necklace

Celebrate the special day of your little one’s arrival with this Mark  Your Calendar silver necklace. It includes a rhinestone marking on the date of the new baby’s birth and is a gift any new mother would love.

How to Support Causes with Christmas Gifts

Nov 252009
 
Give More Love This Christmas

Give More Love This Christmas. photo courtesy of mysza831

As you tackle your Christmas gift list, try to think about how your dollar can do good. Not only will you be getting great gifts for your loved ones, but you’ll be supporting worthy causes at the same time. Here are some ideas that will make your dollar do more this Christmas season.

Flowers

Check out OrganicBouquet.com’s Flowers for Good section. Not only do these flowers smell good, but they do good, too. There are fifteen gorgeous bouquets to choose from, each one supporting a great cause like the American Lung Association, Nature Conservancy and Humane Society. Five percent of every purchase will support these charities.

T-Shirt

Everyone needs a funny t-shirt. Even though you can find these wardrobe staples in about three-fourths of the stores at the mall, why not pick one up at BringtheHope.com where 25% of profits go to charitable causes? That will make an ordinary t-shirt seem way more special.

Art

The beautiful photography found at AllieArt4Children’s Etsy shop supports Reach Out Children’s Fund, an organization committed to improving the lives of those living in the remote Andes mountains of Peru. Not only will you be purchasing an original work of art, but you’ll be supporting a great non-profit. And most of the art in the shop is under $20.

Soap

Magic Senses, the designer soap company, created a “Believe in You” Butterfly soap to support “Count Me In” in their efforts to promote economic independence and the growth of women owned businesses. 25% of the proceeds will be donated to this cause.

Purse

At Clutch for Cures, $10 from every purchase goes to a charity. When you make your purchase you’ll be asked to choose from a selection of non-profits and that’s the charity that will receive your $10. The unique clutches are designed by a mother of six in St. Louis. Choose from dozens of colors and designs to find one that someone on your gift list will love.

Food

Who doesn’t love good food? It’s a great gift idea for just about anyone on your list. And when you buy the food from AmericanFeast.com you can feel good about supporting family-owned sustainable farms in your area. Search for meat, cheese, and sweets that are made by farmers– not huge corporations.

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