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Fashion Gifts

Oct 032011

Be the fashion designer and have your clothes modeled by your family and friends as gifts. Do everything on your own from the illustrations to the serging on the sewing machine.

SKETCH BOOKS

Ready, set, race to the drawing board. First, draw an outline of a woman or man’s figure with a pencil. Then, start designing the attire, whether it is a dress, skirts, etc… Use colored pencils to blend all the colors together evenly.

TYPES OF FABRICS

Then, decide if you want to use cotton, wool, silk, polyester, rayon, or even nylon. Once you make your choice you go to threading.

SEWING MACHINE

The most commonly used machine is called the SINGER. This is the oldest sewing company and the number one. They even have sergers and books to guide you through how to sew and thread the needles.

TYPES OF STICHES

Of course, you have the typical straight edge stitches. Then, you have zig-zag, embroidery, etc… Now, every time you change the stitching you have to either tighten or loosen the needle tension.

STYLE OF CLOTHES

Your artistic fashion will be seen no matter what you design: whether it is shirts, skirts, skorts (it’s a pair of shorts and over that is a skirt effect), dresses, pants, hats, purses or any other accessories for that matter. Whether you are sporting a posh or tom-boy look you can do it all yourself. Be your own fashionista and start creating!

Cayetano Legacy Collection

Sep 292011

Fashion designers are beginning to do more than create what’s fashionable; they’re now responsible for creating opportunity in less fortunate countries. The success has already been seen through the work of the Toms Shoes and EyeWear business, which serves as inspiration for the founders of Cayetano Legacy Collection [CLC], a company based in metro New York City and Los Angeles.

Cayetano Legacy Collection, a women’s fashion accessories brand that designs luxury statement jewelry pieces using genuine stones such as jade, amethyst, citrine and pearls, was formed in 2011 by sisters Karen Cayetano Leano, Gail Cayetano and Christine Cayetano Brigino, first generation Filipino Americans. With their deep experience in both the business world and fashion industry, they’ve come together to form a brand that not only gives back to the beautiful but third world country of the Philippine Islands by sourcing material from there, but also partners with the country’s programs which train the citizens to construct their designs, effectively creating more jobs to boost its economy.

While the company plans to expand their jewelry offerings with new styles each season, plans are also underway to debut a new handbag line, exclusively sourced and made in the Philippines through the design and manufacturing training programs that CLC supports.

Here are four of their most popular necklaces from their Fall Collection:

Irene

This hand embroidered bib style statement necklace consists of large yellow agate stones surrounded by gold Japanese seed beads. It is enforced with black felt backing. Black ribbon makes this piece adjustable in length.

Price: $179

Norma

This bib necklace consists of multiple gemstones perfect for adding a splash of color to wardrobes. It consists of genuine turquoise, tiger eye, and howlite accented with gold and silver seed beads. Black ribbon makes this piece adjustable in length.

Price: $119

Dominga

This stunningly delicate necklace is comprised of German crystals artistically wired together and draped in a waterfall fashion to bring class to any style. Black ribbon makes this piece adjustable in length.

Price: $169

Melissa

This piece is comprised of brown mother-of-pearl and Swarovski crystals artistically hand-wired into flowers. Myriads of the flowers are draped together to form this eye catching necklace.

Price: $179

All photos courtesy of Cayetano Legacy Collection.

Make, Play and Display! RoseArt® Introduces New Color Blanks™!

Mar 152011

photo courtesy of Color Blanks

RoseArt® introduces the next generation of Color Blanks™ characters and all-new Color Blanks™ accessory packs. These 3D figurines inspire imagination by providing fun canvases for kids to make, play and display! Color Blanks™’ newly available accessory packs make it even easier for kids to discover their inner artist. With accessories like hats, sunglasses, clothing items and more, kids can make their Color Blanks™ characters better than ever before!

Featuring rocker, surfer, fairy princess and Western designs, anything is possible with the help of these new accessories. Now, kids can rock out, hang ten, daydream, or go on a wild ride. Additionally, new Clip-A-Blanks™ are portable mini Color Blanks™ that clip on backpacks, belt loops, and more! Color Blanks™ are tough and 100% shatter-proof so they can be taken anywhere.

There are over 20 unique Color Blanks™ designs including seasonal styles for Easter, Halloween and Holiday. They make great gifts for children, but siblings, parents and grandparents also love how easy it is to transform Color Blanks™ into something personal and full of life. With new accessories and portability, you can create a whole world of Color Blanks™!

photo courtesy of Color Blanks

How to Thank Your New Year’s Eve Party Host

Dec 312010

Start the New Year Off Right (Photo courtesy of Ginnerobot)

There are few better reasons to party down than the start of a new year. Millions of Americans will be heading to holiday bashes this New Year’s Eve, ringing in 2011 with friends and family. Start the new year off on the right foot by making sure you show gratitude to your party host. Here are some easy ways to say thanks.

Champagne Glasses That Won’t Break

Champagne glasses are lovely and delicate. But when mixed with tipsy party guests, that can create a bad combination. Give your party host some inside out champagne glasses. A pair sells for just $39.95 at RedEnvelope.com. And nothing says “happy new year” quite like champagne. With a gift like this they’ll be toasting your friendship year around.

Assistance with New Year’s Resolutions

Starting a new year is about launching new goals. Help your hostess do that with a New Year’s resolution pack that includes a custom journal, countdown cards, a bookmark, pencil and more. It’s made by Etsy artist Cookstah and sells for $35.

Distinguishable Wine Glasses

As a party host, it can be annoying when guests use multiple glasses because they forget which one is theirs. Help your host keep down on the dirty dishes by giving them a set of wine charms like these from BedBathandBeyond.com. A set of six is only $19.99 and they’ll help each guest remember which glass their lips have touched.

A Sweet Treat and Cute Display

You can never have too many yummy treats at parties. Bring an extra one to share along with a cute pedestal to display it that will serve as a lovely gift to your party host. The white scalloped pedestal from Rosanna.com comes in three sizes and will fit with virtually any party decor.

Help for the Morning After

Your host will likely need help starting off the new year after after a long night of celebration. Give them something to help them wake up on the first morning of 2011 with a cute coffee mug from Pier1.com. The monkey mug and the elephant mug are creative and affordable at just $5 each. These African animals will always serve as a reminder of your wild night of ringing in 2011.

How to Add Flair to Your Holiday Packages

Nov 262010

Make Your Gifts Memorable (Photo Courtesy of craftapalooza)

You spend lots of time picking out the perfect present. You toil over whether to buy the crimson shirt or the maroon one. You stress about the decision of whether your grandma would like gloves or mittens better. But often when it comes to wrapping those lovely presents we just shove them in an old gift bag or pull out last year’s wrapping paper and hope there’s enough left on the roll to make it around the box. This year, resolve to put a little more thought into what’s on the outside. Here are some tips for adding flare to your holiday packages.

Stick with a Color Theme

Rather than adding a hodgepodge of wrapped gifts under the tree, pick a color scheme. It doesn’t have to be the traditional red and green, either. By sticking with your color theme you’ll create a cohesive look with your gifts and make more of a style statement.

Always Include Ribbon

A Christmas package without ribbon just seems incomplete. Stock up at your local craft store. Buy ribbons that work well together and on their own. Try stacking a thicker ribbon under something thin and sparkly. And don’t be afraid to recycle the ribbon once you’re done with it.

Head to the Office Supply Store

Gift tags are like earrings for a package. Don’t overlook this important accessory. You can even get creative with them. Simply head to an office supply store and purchase some jewelry tags. Embellish them with stamps, glitter, or even by stitching on some ribbon. Get as creative as possible.

Use “Green” Tissue

Instead of buying tissue paper, try something more creative, cheaper and more green. Put old, discarded wrapping paper through the paper shredder. You’ll end up with a colorful and earth-friendly alternative to tissue paper.

Put a Gift on the Gift

Use your ribbon to tie a small gift onto your package. Include a Christmas ornament, small picture frame or even a gift card holder onto the top of the box. By making the outside so appealing, you’ll build even more excitement for what’s on the inside.

How to Make Your Thanksgiving Host Feel Appreciated

Nov 082010

Don't Forget the Host that Made Your Thanksgiving Happen. photo courtesy of CarbonNYC

Anyone who has prepared a Thanksgiving meal at home (without the help of the Honeybaked Ham Company!) knows that the entire process is time consuming and exhausting. While the rest of the family is watching football or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the cook is in the kitchen making sure the meal is perfect. Wondering how to make sure your Thanksgiving host feels appreciated? Show her your thankful with a fabulous gift.

Dessert

Take something off the host’s plate by bringing dessert. Make something from scratch or enlist the help of the best local bakery to create a yummy pumpkin or pecan pie. No matter what type of sweet treat you bring the host will be thankful for your contribution to the meal.

Ritz Engraved Wine Bucket

Few names embody luxury like “Ritz.” Bring a little glam to your Thanksgiving table with the engraved Ritz wine bucket from CentralChef.com. It holds two bottles, which you may want to include as well for extra points.

Gourmet Food

Bring a tasty addition to the dinner table with some gourmet food products from Williams-Sonoma. A couple tasty options include the Pecan Pumpkin Butter or organic Butternut Squash Puree.

Home Spa Gift Set

The Thanksgiving host will surely be ready to relax once the meal is complete. Give them a gift that does just that. The Home Spa Gift Set from GiftsandBlessings.com has everything you need to help your host relax after a long day in the kitchen.

Box Frame

Pick up the Lexington Box Frame from Pottery Barn and fill it with happy photos from Thanksgiving celebrations in years past. It will remind your host why all their hard work is worth it.

Do Some Dirty Work

Better than many gifts would be the offer to help do some of the dirty work. Create a “coupon” redeemable for free dish washing services. The cook should definitely not have to handle clean up as well.

How to Help Someone De-Stress with a Gift

Oct 282010

Gifts Can Ease Stress. photo courtesy of stuartpilbrow

We all know people who are frazzled, strained, worried and tense. With the holidays approaching chances are you’ll encounter this even more. Want to help your loved ones de-stress and calm down? Here are some gift ideas that can spread a little relaxation to your over-worked friends and family members.

Stress Relief Tea

This warm relaxing tea will wash away tension. It’s one of the best sellers on LocalHarvest.org. Pick up 12 bags for $10.50 or six for $5.51.

Stress Relief Games

Games can be a great way to chill out. Give your loved one the Puzzle-a-Day Sudoku so they can have a few minutes of stress-free enjoyment each day. The book is $9.35 at BarnesandNoble.com.

Stress Relief Yoga DVD

Exercise is one of the top ways to reduce stress. Not only is it healthy for your body, but it’s good for clearing your mind, too. Encourage others to relieve stress with a healthy habit like yoga. The Stress Relief Yoga for Beginners sells for $11.86 at Walmart.com. Or try Yoga for Stress Relief on Overstock.com if you need a more advanced option.

Stress Relief Massage

For the super stressed, pamper them with a trip to the masseuse. Massage is a great stress-reliever and provides a way to ease tense muscles and quiet busy minds.

Anti-Stress Neck Pillow

The microwavable Anti-Stress Neck Pillow from HealthSuperstore.com is made of super soft material and filled with herb-infused flax seeds. The aromas of lavender, chamomile and citrus will help ease worries and prompt relaxation.

Custom Stress-Reliever

Think about what’s causing your friend or family member’s plate to overflow. Do they need help with household chores? Childcare? Or perhaps they could use a meal away from the kitchen? Give them a thoughtful gift that you know will take something off their to-do list and lighten their load.

How to Ship Gourmet Desserts for Gifts

Oct 162010

Did you know October is National Dessert Month? Maybe it’s designated the sweetest month because of the quest for candy so many trick-or-treaters embark on, but there’s no need to wait for October 31 to celebrate. Just about everybody enjoys a sweet treat now and then, so why not give the gift of indulgence with a gourmet dessert? Here are some tips for finding and shipping the best gourmet desserts safely.

Review Shipping Policies

Shipping policies are very important to consider when ordering gourmet desserts that could be perishable. For instance, at CheesecakeFantasy.com, shipping prices are calculated into the cost of the product. But there are many circumstances where your dessert will not be covered if it doesn’t arrive on time, including weather delays or if the recipient wasn’t home to accept the delivery.

Look for Proper Packaging

If you’re considering buying perishable dessert items, do some research into how the company packages them. According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, items should be packed in foam or heavy corrugated cardboard and shipped with a cold source.

Spring for Overnight Shipping

Overnight shipping can be expensive but it is usually the way to go when buying gourmet desserts online. This way there is less chance for the gift to sit on a hot truck or airplane waiting to be delivered.

Alert the Recipient

Although it’s nice for gifts to be a surprise, let the recipient know to expect a gift. Tell them the expected arrival date so they can make sure someone is there to receive the package. That way they’ll know that the box needs to be opened right away, and possibly refrigerated.

Check the Temperature

If you receive a perishable dessert in the mail, check the temperature. According to officials it should be below 40 degrees when measured with a food thermometer. If it shows up warm, alert the company and don’t eat it. But if the temperature seems good, go ahead and dig in.

How to Give a Gift to Someone You Don’t Know Well

Sep 132010

Not Sure Which Gift to Choose? (Photo Courtesy of epSos.de)

Maybe you can relate– I got invited to a birthday party of someone I had hung out with a few times, but didn’t know well. When there’s not a gift registry to fall back on, and you don’t know the person enough to pick out a great gift you know they’ll love– what do you do? Here are some tips for how to give a gift to someone you don’t know well.

Try to Chip in With Others

Do you know anyone else that you can go in on a group gift with? Perhaps you have a friend that’s closer to the person or knows them better. You may be passing the buck, but at least there’s a better chance they’ll end up with a gift they really like or can use.

Do a Registry Search

Even if the event is not for a baby shower or wedding event, there’s a chance this person has registered for something in the past few years. Most stores keep records of registries at least two years after the event. Search for a registry that might provide clues into the person’s taste. For instance WeddingChannel.com lets you search the registries of more than a dozen stores at once.

Find More Clues

Are you friends with the person on Facebook? Do you follow them on Twitter? Do a little digging into their social networks to find out what they like and don’t like. Plenty of people offer up lots of details about their lives online these days.

Go with a Standard

There’s a chance that shirt won’t fit or that vase won’t go with their decor. So why not go with a standard gift? Pick out a gift card to a local restaurant, book store or to the movie theater. Pretty much everybody likes going out to eat, reading a good book or taking in a movie now and then. And even if they don’t, they could always give it to someone else.

Gifts for Teachers

Sep 122010

In the spirit of the current back-to-school season, ensure the teacher in your life is off to a good start when you choose appropriate gifts and keepsakes. Whether guiding kindergarteners towards their ABCs or grooming tomorrow’s lawyers, doctors and scientists – teachers need a little pick-me-up every now and then. The start of a new school year poses the perfect opportunity to show you care. A couple of gift ideas for teachers include:

Candy Apples

Young students have been decorating the desks of their teachers with apples for quite some time. However, the more current twist on this thoughtful gesture is to shower a loved one with the delicious sweetness of candy apples.

Neck and Back Pillow

Let your loved one steal away a relaxing moment in-between class or while waiting for students to finish up a test with a neck or back pillow for their chair. There are a lot of different kinds of pillows that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. For example, the Lumbar Cushion is molded to curve around the sides of the back. A neck or back pillow also comes in handy at home when the school day has come to a close.

Gift Baskets for Teacher

When creating a gift basket for a teacher, consider the power of relaxing goodies, such as bath salts, aromatherapy candles, scented lotions, bubble bath, and moisturizing glycerin soaps. It’s easy to create your own gift basket with the above suggestions. Choose lavender scents (seen in the Renewal Spa Relaxing Lavender Bath and Body Set Gift Basket ) to promote relaxation, while grapefruit offers an uplifting burst of energy. If you’re on a budget, discount stores offer basket fillers for $1 in a variety of sizes, shapes and scents.

Customized Mug

From their favorite pet to the smiling faces of their own kids, gift the coffee-drinking teacher with a mug customized with a thoughtful picture.

Personalized Frame

A personalized picture frame allows loved ones to stay close to a teacher throughout the day. Choose an inspirational quote or customize with your own memorable words. Another photo gift for teachers is the wooden To Love You© Personalized Photo Cube, which allows you to customize with names and a verse of your own. This gift is especially special for teachers just starting out in the wonderful world of education – gives them something thoughtful that dresses up their first desk.

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