Face to feet Beauty Products that Wow Part 3

 

For those of you who’ve been asking for more, here it is Part 3 of Patti’s Prattles’ mini series on the best beauty products on the market–personally tested or soon to be.

I tested these and loving them–the Body Meringue Bronze Glow by Model Co –a foamy substance that smooths on easily and gives an instant bronze glow sans bloches or that orangy color that sometimes happens ($38). I used it on my legs and the results are sun-sational. Got lots of compliments from people who thought the sun did it.  Next I tried the Lip Lights Ultra Shine Gloss ($28)  also by Model CO– never had one that lighted up before, it works great, especially in the dark, can even use it to read a menu in a dimly-lit restaurant (although I haven’t tested this out yet).  The Indian Summer gloss looks great and applies evenly.   Also have a set of the Kiss Everlasting French tip nail kit to try. I was booked for  a French mani so I’ll try this instead at home. The company uses a new technology of bonded layers that won’t chip and they guarantee it; a more flexible fit that goes over natural nail bed and comes in flat and regular nail arcs in a dozen sizes; a rich white tip and a best of all a cheap price of $5.99; www.kissua.com.  For Model go to:    www.model.com.au

 

 

Reviews of these nifty new cosmetics coming very soon (anxiously awaiting my samples):

Wow Factor Beauty Aids for 2009

 WOW FACTOR BEAUTY  PRODUCTS

 just discovered Satin Care^® Lavender Kiss^™ shave gel and tossed out all the others in a bath because this product really comes through. After one shave my legs felt soft and smooth, of course I used the new Gilette Venus^® Embrace^™–a  5-blade female shaving system that glides over your skin leaving no nicks and bruises.  Satin Care Lavender Kiss  smells so great with a lush lavender scent. Rich, creamy and so feminine.  

The disposable Venus Spa Breeze is the first and only 2-in-1 disposable razor for women/

Features & Benefits:             built-in  shave gel bars that flex and respond to fit intricate curves, delivering a close, smooth shave. Package with a shaving compact for easy in-shower razor and blade storage. Available in both system and disposable forms.    Venus Spa Breeze System and pa Breeze Disposables are available at food, drug and mass merchandise stores throughout the U.S. and Canada for about  $9.99. The suggested retail price of a four-pack of refill cartridges is approximately $11.49. The suggested retail price of two Venus Spa Breeze Disposable razors is approximately $6.49 – $8.49.

 

 

MORE BEAUTY WOWIES…

You won’t believe your eyes– You’ll be amazed at the results after using  University Face Lift WrinkleFree Eyes 20 Minute Eye Lift System, I sure was.  I’ve been using it for five days and can truthfully say the wrinkles under and around my eyes have diminished at least 40%. I never thought any of these products could work so well. I got the Starter Set that comes with retinol 4x activating cream,2 micro-charged eye patches, 24hour face lift with timed Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol 4x intensive serum. You apply the patches once a week, and the face lift cream daily.  After my first patch app I saw amazing improvements.  Best part is it’s ony $29.99 and it works.  Available at shops like Costco, CVS, Rite Aid, Target etc. www.universitymedical.com.

Really iron out those wrinkles–I’ll admit I have been skeptical about StriVectin, but that was then, this is now after sampling the  StriVectin-HS  Hydro-Thermal Deep Wrinkle Serum and SriVectin-SD for the last two weeks. This stuff really works.  I can no longer put quarters into my deep frown lines and my forehead is smooth as a child’s. I’m definitely a convert. Just hope the effects last.  *Special package this month only $99.  www.StriVectin.com.

Finally found the perfect non-mascara mascara. It’s called Kiss Me Mascara. It comes in a little tube and makes your lashes fat and fluffy without smudging, it binds not paints and man your lashes look fab. One tip, though, make sure its dry before touching or it will drip a little. www.cimel.ca, and www.spaboutique.ca.

I just got my hands on one of the best makeup products I’ve ever sampled. It’s an exclusive line of eco-friendly handcrafted mineral makeup and natural cosmetics from Zosimos Botanicals LLC –a signatory to the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a
member of Green America (formerly Co-op America), and ranked among the Top
10 Greenest Home-Based Businesses of 2008 by StartupNation.  According to Linda Stein, formulator/owner, the  products are given an Excellent (9 out of 10) in Health Performance on the GoodGuide and have the lowest risk category 0-2 of the
Environmental Working Group’s cosmeticdatabase.com (Skin Deep). I started using the  Hibiscus blush first and the concealer stick in  beige linen and cinnabar  (a woman’s best friend), and the lipsticks in Dahlia and peach fuzz. They really leave a lasting impression. Can’t wait to try her other products.  Okay Linda just sent me her eyeliners, the best I’ve ever used. No more smuges, they go on smooth and professional-looking. Tried the black and the silver, plus a cool blue shadow. You really need to stock up on these products. Check them out at:  http://www.zosimosbotanicals.com

My second Wow Factor for gorgeous locks is Profoundbeauty’s Structure Luxe “Liquid Gold” Cream.  You’re supposed to use it on damp  hair but I couldn’t wait so I dabbed some on my palm and massaged it on and voila my hair took on a glamorous, golden sheen and even curled up.  The product features a styling memory along with an ability to smooth and move hair fiber.  It’s $35 at www.profoundBeauty.com or at the Yves Durif Salon at New York’s Carlyle Hotel.  

AND….

  Just in time for the recession–a budget bag of beauty tricks to make you look great….

 

 

1-Beauty Benefits 100% Natural Lip Color in Barely There ($5.99).  This nude shade is the perfect compliment to any outfit. 

2-Alba Botanica Hawaiian Pineapple Lip Gloss ($4.95).  A yummy tropical treat, this gloss keeps my lips shining all-day long (that is, if I don’t lick it off first!)

 

3-Black Radiance Velvet & Glow Illuminator in Modern Glamour ($4.99).  The perfect all-over shimmer.  Use it as blush, to highlight eyes or even on lips, this is the ultimate multi-tasker.

 

4- Wet ‘n Wild Mega Eyes Defining Marker ($3.99).  Can’t live without your black liner?  This liquid liner is perfect for on-the-go application. 

 

5-Black Radiance Starry Eyes Shadow Stick in Deepest Plum ($3.99).  Purple is the new “it” color, especially in cosmetics.  This shadow stick makes flawless application a breeze.

 

6-Wet ‘n Wile Wild Shine Nail Color in Eggplant Frost ($.99).  Always carry your polish for quick touch ups.

 

7-Tropez Volumizing Mascara ($1.99).  Plump up your lashes for the perfect day-to-night look.

 

8-Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion (travel size $2.50).  Keeping hands silky smooth has never been easier with this natural lotion.

 

9-Modella Patent Perfect Wristlet Blue ($3.97).  This little guy is perfect to store all the essentials.  Throw it in your purse during the day and use it at night for a fashionable wristlet! (Additional colors: white, black and pink)

 I just discovered a fabulous line of skin solutions that nourish, condition and moisturize the skin called  EnPointe. I just started using its  Dr. Christine Rodgers pirouette Bamboo Microderm–a pleasingly-scented exfoliator that leaves the skin silky soft. I follow the ritual with Adagio Gentle Toner, also great smelling and effective. Notice Dr. Rodgers names her products after ballet steps.There’s a balance clarifying toner, Eclairci C. Serum, Encore Renewal serum, Pas de Trois age delay eye solution and more that I must try and you should too  because I think they are on to something good. Each product has wonderful natural extracts and ingredients like grapefruit seed,and/or kiwi fruit, ginseng, ginger, cranberry. You must stock up on these. www.empoweryourskin.com.

 Okay here’s another beauty essential: Skin RX Clinic Multi Starter Kit with two shades of Mineral Secrets’ Ultra Sensitive Mineral Base, a Capra hair brush and eye shadow. Some of the best makeup on the market  that helps you look great and it’s good for your skin, too.  www.mineralsecrets.com.

 

 

I just discovered one of the best makeups on the market for my skin type, it’s

Natural FX Water based Foundation with SPF 15, it spreads on like silk and provides complete coverage of those areas you want to hide from view. I love it, love it.    The company also has a Bronzed FX Mineral Bronzing Powder and Nouveau 10 fps, Mineral Foundation Powder that are exceptional. Had fun trying them all on for Valentine’s Day date. Of course there’s much more to choose from at www.coverfx.com.

 

Another new product worth mentioning and getting your sponge and brushes on is Helio Mineral Cosmetics.  The company sent me an assortment of foundations, concealers, blush, bronzers, shadows and lip balms to sample and I love them all. They go on nicely and look great. Check out the extensive menu at www.heliominerals.com.

 

More  new stuff from  Mixology–this company offers fabulous Loose Mineral Foundations, Mineral Veil/Setting Powder, Eye Liner, dry and wet shadows at affordable prices. I only sampled the shadows and one of their special brushes and I like it. Check out their Beauti-licious Club at www.mixologygmakeup.blogspot.com. 

 

 

All the makeup in the world won’t help you look good unless you…..

Hydrate,hydrate, hydrate– for a glowing complexion, high energy and de-toxing.   It’s my mantra and I’m sticking to it. But I hate water and it’s always an effort for me to drink enough, but that’s before I discovered ZICO Coconut Waters. They not only taste better than the plain stuff but they have more potassium than bananas and lots of added benefits. I was hooked after my first 60-calorie carton of Zirco Natural. I also like the
mango and  passion fruit, but prefer the natural. All have same calorie count and cost about $2 per drink.

 

 Made from 100 percent pure  coconut water ZICO Coconut Water is more effective than water for full-body rehydration and contains none of the added sugars or flavors associated with other sports drinks. It also contains more potassium than a banana and five essential electrolytes. What’s more, in terms of other spa treatments such as facials, drinking ZICO can help maximize effects by producing beautiful skin from the inside out. ZICO is packed with cytokinins which are powerful antioxidants that detoxify the skin by removing free radicals from the body. They also aid in the regeneration of new skin cells and help clear debris from older cells, leading to healthier, younger-looking and softer skin.
 Check it out: www.zico.com

 

 

Beautiful Eyes by Ziba Beauty-

I love this line. Created by beauty expert and Ziba Beauty CEO Sumita Batra, the eponymous collection is developed and distributed exclusively through Ziba
Beauty stores and www.sumitabeauty.com, the company just added two new products:
 SUMITA BEAUTY Gel Eyeliner: a little pot of gel eyeliner that’s long lasting and comes in bhura (brown), hara (green), kala (black). If you do it right, your eyes will look big and defined. It’s also long lasting, water resistant,  easy to apply, smudge proof and only $11.. SUMITA BEAUTY Surma Contrast Eye Pencil,  the secret of the exotic
eastern beauty., Sumita worked long and hard and did not rest until she found the prefect
formulation and the blackest black possible. Traditionally a powder liner, Surma is the
literal translation of the word kohl in Hindi.  It helps define, lines and contrasts the inner rim of the eyes, lasts long, doesn’t smudge or fade and costs $11.

 

 

                               It’s A Sun Block, Moisturizer, Anti-Aging Miracle 

 I just started testing a new amazing-sounding anti-aging product called, RX Systems PF SPF 35 Facial Moisturizer. Designed to protect and hydrate, it’s backed by lots of research and claims. It was developed and tested by board-certified dermatologist and Rx Systems PF® founder Dr. Lawrence E. Samuels, SPF 35 Facial Moisturizer offers broad spectrum UVB/UVA protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Combined with skin conditioning agents that restore the moisture content and pH of the skin, along with antioxidants that provide anti-aging benefits, this one product provides multiple solutions for today’s discriminating consumer shopping for anti-aging skin care products.

 “Ultraviolet radiation is recognized as the single most important contributing factor to aging skin,” says Dr. Samuels. “The ubiquitous nature of ultraviolet rays requires the use of sunscreen agents to block the damaging effects. Since combination sunscreen ingredients are more effective than single-agent sunscreens, we combined four key ingredients in SPF 35 to expand the range of UVB/UVA ray protection, including micronized zinc oxide, which does not leave a residue.

 According to Dr. Samuels, the product is enhanced with antioxidants, which increase the product’s photo-protective properties and neutralize free radicals not blocked by the SPF 35. It also contains skin conditioning agents including organic aloe vera which calms and enriches the skin, moisturizing ingredients, and anti-inflammatory molecules to restore the moisture content and pH of the skin. 

Also safe for children over six months of age, a 2oz. bottle retails for $25.90, available online at www.rxsystemspf.com/SPF35Launch.

 

 Testimonials:

Dear Patti,

Let me just tell you that we took a look at your site and absolutely loved it.  You reviews are compelling, informative, and honest.  We really look forward to working with you!  In fact I think I have a beauty product that would be a perfect fit for your review.

 

Let me introduce you to BeautyScoop (www.BeautyScoop.com

Great Gift Ideas to Make Your Mom Feel Loved and Luscious

Great Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day May 10

“M” is for the Million Things She Gave You

Now give back from the heart…with this adorable hot lace crochet riding gloves and crochet clasp style bloom bag designed by Kimo, owner/designer fo Effie’s Heart, a San Francisco Bay Area
Indie women’s clothing line. Check out all her other delicate gifts at www.effiesheart.com

The crochet riding gloves are only $26. The crochet bloom bag retails for $38
You can see both at:
http://effiesheart.com/html/springcatalog.html

You made her frown enough, now help her get rid of the evidence with StriVectin’s gift-wrapped set exclusively for Mother’s Day. The pretty package contains StriVectin-HS Hydro-Thermal Deep Wrinkle Serum (which is no only proven effective, I tried it and it works), and StriVectin-SD stretch mark cream “turned anit-wrinkle phenomenon”, she will love you for you and her face, neck and skin will thank her. Available at high end department stores for $99. www.striVectin.com.

Help her wake up wrinkle-free….on a SkinGlow Pillow Cover–any woman would love this special anti-wrinkle pillow case. Yes, I mean “anti-wrinkle”. I’ve been using mine for a week and see a big difference when I wake up in the morning. Not only are all those lines and creases gone, friends have been telling me I look radient. There’s before and after photos on the packaging that show results from this special copper infused case ($19.99) at Bed Bath & Beyond or http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/.

 

Soft soap her with this a luxurous ensemble of fragrances from Softsoap: Exotic Orchid, Fresh Essence, Creamy Cotton with one reusable attractive pump. Pump’s $5.99, replacements $2.99.

Wonder Mom

Super Mom– give her gifts inspired by the classic Super Hero, Wonder Woman, really cool stuff available online at the WB Shop (www.wbshop.com/wonderwoman), really cool Tshirts, de clothing, jewelry and accessories.Acessorize her with gifts by Barbour like :

·         Tartan Shoulder Tote  ( $159) – A smart, sophisticated carry-all bag with a Teflon coat inside and out for stain resistance and ultimate durability.      Tartan Tote ($95) – Perfect for just the essentials while strolling in the bright, spring days, or a cool       Linen Reversible Sports Hat  $39) – Great for golfing, running errands, tooling around town in that new convertible Z4 daddy bought her…check out www.barbour.com for more ideas and stores that carry the label.

Jump start her diet—Rainbow Light’s ThinBerry Diet & Cleanse Kit is the perfect gift to motivate your Mom’s weight loss program.  The unique seven day, three-part liver cleansing regimen comes with a special mixture to drink 30-minutes before breakfast and pills that are taken before and after meals. The beverage doesn’t taste all that great, but comes packed with anti-aging and high fiber elements designed to increase colon function, jump start the metabolism, and detox. According to the company, Thinberry Diet & Cleanse’s antioxidant properties also help boasts the immune system.  Ingredients such as green coffee berry, green tea and artichoke leaf product help increase energy even improves mood. It is the first and only kit available on the market that combines the benefits of a cleanse product with a diet product.  It’s just $29.99.   For more information check out www.rainbowlight.com.

 .Plug her in—with the latest Bluetooth technology, the Jawbone II headset,  eliminates unwanted background noise by a patented NoiseAssassin™ technology, which has the ability to separate speech from ambient noise. Plus, the minimalist design is 50% smaller than the original Jawbone and ergonomically designed to provide you comfort

 

 

The  is featuring just for Mother’s Day.  It’s also a cinch to set up and operate and offers great clarity.

• Bluetooth capability lets you use the Jawbone headset from up to 33 feet away
• Patented NoiseAssassin technology separates speech from ambient noise with remarkable precision
• Voice Activity Sensor (VAS) can accurately detect the frequencies in a person’s voice
• Advanced technology was developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
• Invisible button design makes for a clutter-free look
• Constructed with ultra-smooth medical-grade plastic for premium quality
• Jawbone II design is 50% smaller than the original award-winning Jawbone

What’s included…..

• Jawbone II headset
• AC charger
• USB cable
• Earbuds (3)
• Earloops (4)

 

 cool-looking hands free cell phone connector  works and looks great and is just one of the many cool techno gadgets that Radio Shack, www.radioshack.com 

 

My Day at B2V/Borelli-Vo Salon With Super Stylist Steve Lococo

 

Patti Gets a New Do

 

 

 

 

 

The final product: it’s a winner!

When I mentioned I was in the market for a new hair style, my friend Katy, who knows LA’s “It” spots from beauty to hotels and beyond told me I just had to try Steve Lococo. “He’s the best” she beamed.  Since I trust Katy, I made an appointment and I wasn’t disappointed. She’s right.

Affiable, intent and creative the 22 year hairstyling veteran ranks several cuts above the rest in this town of “super stylists”. He’s interested in YOU, no attitude,  runs a gorgeous facility — two actually, but I visited the one at 648 N.Doheny Drive, WeHo, 310-777-7648. The other salon’s at 8822 Burton Way, Beverly Hills (310-278-4430).

So here went my afternoon with Steve:

The First Step:

First he does an assessment to  decide what to do. “I want to keep it long but you can do anything you want,” I tell him. “I love a challenge”, Steve responds and after 3 hours and painstaking preps, he meets it head on, as it were.

The man is a master of his trade and I’m glad I was the recipient of his wizardy.

  

A Brief Backgrounder

Lococo’s salons are no strangers to celebritie. Still Steve says he’s committed to treating everyone with the tools to look their glamorous best, with easy-care styles they can keep up at home. So he offers onthly sell-out blow-drying classes at Borrelli Beverly Hills. Clients are encouraged to bring their own brushes and products for evaluation. The classes are $25; clients receive a shampoo, blow-dry instruction and tips, and $15 worth of Borrelli product.

 

 Steve  has also made numerous appearances on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, Dr. 90210, How Do I Look?, E!, TV Guide Channel, USA Network’s BEFORE & AFTER’noon Movies, Lifetime’s Head2Toe, and KTLA Morning News. His work has been seen on Dr. Phil, The Tyra Banks Show, and Good Day L.A, and in countless print publications.

 

He supervises dozens  of stylists, aestheticians, and manicurists in a three-salon “empire” within a two-mile radius (Borrelli Beverly Hills, an elegant, sophisticated space on Burton Way in Beverly Hills, California, and B2V/Borrelli Vo, two side-by-side cottages on North Doheny Drive in West Hollywood). Lococo works out of Borrelli Beverly Hills Wednesdays and Fridays, and out of B2V/Borrelli-Vo Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

 

Lococo is an integral part of the hairstyling industry, serving on the Board of the prestigious Inter-Coiffure organization and holding memberships in the Salon Association and the National Cosmetologist Association. A Southern California native, he currently sits on the Board of Directors of the West Hollywood and Beverly Hills Chambers of Commerce.

 Most recently, in tandem with dermatologist-to-the-stars, Dr. Jessica Wu, the two have formed “Beauty Shares” which brings hands-on hair and skin-care tips to disadvantaged teens in greater Los Angeles.

 

O.P.I. Salon A Hands Down Winner

I just had the best mani/pedi ever at the new Robb OPI Concept Salon in Studio City, California.

It’s the first Concept Salon in the United States, and according to owner/manager Robbie Schaeffer, it’s

 100% green, a real breakthrough salon model,

 grounded in the nail care standards set by OPI.

“Everyone has asked for it, and now we have a salon that takes OPI’s world-renowned quality and literally pours it into distinctive professional services,” says Schaeffer, CEO of ROB/B, son of OPI President and CEO George Schaeffer and nephew of OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. 

The salon is transcendental with glass walled waterfalls, cushy Murano leather pedicure chairs and ace manicurists and estheticians, like Krysta–the friendly, energic, enthusiastic young woman who turned my toe and finger nails into works of art. Not to mention the job she did massaging my hands and feet and the TLC she provided. 

More a day spa,  ROB/B  also offers facial and massage treatments  in serenely private rooms. Celebrities will feel right at home here in personal V.I.P rooms where they can hide out in a private steam room, take a Vichy Shower or enjoy a mani, pedi, facial and/or massag. There’s also a dedicated  VIP room  for  manicures and pedicures their toes and feet worked on.

A certified nail technician, Robbie melds years of hands on experience in the beauty industry into ROB/B and shines a spotlight on nail care, technology, trends and service.  He acknowledges client well being is paramount.  Every treatment is complemented with a menu of nail amenities–mine included a cucumber  mask on my feet, tropcial citrus scrub and an aromatic nail soak with four different scents. 

 

 

Another  room  is dedicated to facials and massages,with steam and aromatherapy, stand up Vichy Shower and a rooftop patio for outdoor services for four or more (manicures, pedicures, massage and facial).  Available for private parties (complete with sound system and BBQ)
ROB/B is located at 12246 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604. .818-980-7622. www.robbsalon.com

Quirky, Sexy Gifts for Your Special Valentine

 

Okay this is it you’ve got about 24 hours left to get that gift..

Seal the deal with sex, plump and pouty lips from alconecompany’s Lipstamp– a clever new product that puffs up lips to make them  sensuously kissable.   The lip tool comes with 10 sponges that help create different lips to fit your mood like: “bow dacious,” “flavor full”, “peaks pointy”, “sexy slim slender”. All you do is smear your favorite lipstick on the sponge and place over lips. Takes a while to master the trick, but once you get the knack, it’s hot. www.alconeco.com.

Just gave this Sansa fuze to my husband for an early V-day gift and can’t get him to pull out the ear plugs, he’s hooked big time.  I downloaded Monty Python Sings– which is one of his fave raves and he’s digging it.

Okay guys and girls you’ve got five days left  to come up with that special gift for your Valentine.  I’m here to  help with  some sexy, quirky suggestions mingled with traditional ideas, like a bubbly pink Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut CHAMPAGNE that tingles the tongue and jump starts  the mood, especially this special vintage that tastes sooooooooo good….

 

 

Hurry up and pick up the new Sansa Fuze MP3 player from SanDisk, they’re bound to fly off the shelves. The bright pinkish red  player makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for gym rats or even sedentary types who want to download music, listen to the radio, look at photos, record, or play videos It’s totally cool and they’ll love it. A 2 GB player holds 3 hours of movies, 500 songs and 1000 photos–double that for the 4 GB and 8 GB.  While you’re at get them the SanDisk Mobile Untra Microsdhc and memory stick to increase their downloading capacity.  MP3 Players range from $79.99 to $119.99. www.sandisk.com/sansa.

 

OneStopPlus.com, the world’s first and only plus size webmall, has several great solutions for you.

 How about a big Bear hug with a Bella Bear heirloom that says, ”Bear My Valentine” . Cute, cuddily  bears made from treasured vintage furs, made from  recycled fur coats and stoles. Check it out at  www.bellabear.co.com.

 Sexy Stuff to get your mojos moving from Chrystal,the Chief Toy Officer & Romance Coach for www.BlissConnection.com   She warns that this stuff is for adults only so keep the kids away and check it out:  

 Spice up your V-day beverages with Agavero Licor De Tequila . A smooth tasting, 100 percent blue agave tequila licor, hand-blended with Damiana — the legendary flower known for centuries as a potent aphrodisiac. Adding Agavero to a romantic stay-at-home meal spices up the mood and the food. Drink it, cook with it, or give it as a gift. $29.99.   

 

 Jockey sexy black minis so sleek

Jump start their mojo with  Naughtibod – a clever little adult toy from ipod that hooks up to their Ipod for increased sexability– sells for $69 at  www.OhMiBod.com, or retail outlets worldwide such as  Fred Segal on Melrose in LA, Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, drugstore.com and Amazon.com.

Or turn t hem into a pole dancer with The Private Dancer Pole–and watch them wiggle and giggle up and down, gyrate and well do their thing, a real turn on. Designed for home use, easy to install, removable and one of the hottest products going.  http://www.blissconnection.com/shop.cfm/Stripper

Boomark the date– Give them a keepsake  Love” bookmark. Created  by award-winning blind artist Ketra Oberlander, it only costs $3.99  but packed with meaning and inscribe with:   “Love is a renewable energy source,” is one such example of both her creative gift and perseverance.  

  Send them a cake and one for the troops– when you order a “Freedom Cake” from BakeMeAWish.com, they’ll send one to a soldier overseas. The company creates yummy cakes for all occasions. Your sweetie might like the chocolate mousse torte, Tiramisu classico, triple chocolate enrobed brownie cake or a vanilla bean cake–there’s lots more to consider on the web site. Of course they ship anywhere your heart desires.  www.bakemeawish.com; 888-987-9474.

 

New mom on your list?  Send her the adorable pink  Kiddie Kangaroo Car Seat.  Created by a mother, the seat provides child access to bottles, cups, toys, books, pacifiers, snacks and keeps mom’s hands on the wheel.  It’s only $19.99 at  www.kiddiekangaroo.com.

 

Heavenly scent her  with aromatic Klean Bath + Body products. Paraben and sulfate-free, naturally scented luxurious body products. Just go the Blue Hawaii Body Polisher, it’s divine. It smells sooooo good and leaves my skin soft and silky. www.keanbathandbody.com.

 

(Patti’s pledge: all the products, places and things on my web site are personally tried and tested unless otherwise state (which is rare because I won’t put anything up unless I like it, but there’s always exceptions to the rule and if so I let you know).

Exchange underwear–new one that is, from Jockey. Give her flirty, sexy , black  Minis from J0ckey’s Mini Collection. Just got a pair and they fit perfectly and are so  comfortable.   “An Abbreviated Fit™”  with  European styling conjurs up  fun, youth and a little dig me action.  Looks cool under the hottest fashions, making it a wardrobe staple she can enjoy this Valentine’s Day and every day. Available in two comfortable cotton fabrications, there are a variety of “cheeky” styles to choose from. Super cute trim details complete the feminine flair and modern look she’ll be happy to wear this season.   For him, the 3D-Innovations® collection featuring ta festive red waistband.  FYI: Jockey analyzed body scans from thousands of people to develop the technologically-advanced 3D collection, which features a unique eight-way stretch construction for maximum mobility and comfort. The 3D Boxer Brief provides a gentle hold and form-flattering fit that she won’t mind catching a glimpse of everyday. Pair with a classic Henley and you’ll be ready to lounge the day away with your significant other. Available in a variety of styles and colors at affordable prices; at www.Jockey.com, or  1-800-JOCKEY-1.

 

For jet setters or business travelers–give the gift of hassle-less luggage with a gift certificate to Luggage Forward – a luggage delivery provider that collects luggage at your doorstep and ensures that it is waiting for their destination upon arrival. For certificates click: https://www.luggageforward.com/cmain.do?event=gcld

Luggage Forward has an exclusive partnership with Ski.com to provide customers with discounted rates for shipping luggage, ski and snowboarding equipment. For example, customers who ship their skis from Los Angeles to Aspen will pay $78 for Basic service and $60 for Economy service—representing a $65 savings over airlines, which typically charge $100 each way for checking a third bag. The  also offers the personal touch that one won’t find with the airlines or with a typical shipping service like FedEx. For example, if a customer wants their bags shipped to Aspen for this Friday, but there is a potential snow storm prior to arrival, Luggage Forward has luggage delivery specialists monitoring the weather so that they can utilize the best delivery method possible to ensure on-time delivery. Customers also receive personal text messages when their luggage arrives. 

Make someone happy with Happeez Clippers, Frames and Notepads–

a colorful assortment of magnetic backed items that stick to the fridge or any metallic area and look cool. The clippers are great for holding notes and important stuff you need to locate fast; the frames well just stick a photo of yourself in and they can post it where they’d like; and the note pads are ideal for listing daily chores or notes to one another. They are really adorable and different.  There’s lots of stuff on the web site to choose from:  www.mayfairlane.com.

Fotos are forever– Give your Valentine the gift of memories with a Digital Photo Album from Coby. Don’t stop there, fill this fun hoto wallet with favorite shots of the two of you doing fun things. Or some sexy poses of your own. A real turn on and they can take it anywhere. The 1 GB,  2.4 Digital Photo Album comes with an SD card Slot and plays MP3 files. They’ll love it. I’m filling mine with holiday shots and outings to give to my guy on Feb. 14.

Pose for a portrait of yourself–Get over to a photo studio and have a professional photo taken to give loved ones. If you happen to by in NY check out www.LindaCovelloPhotography.com, one of the best picture takers in the country whose work has appeared in major publications, on line and on album jackets. Linda’s technique definitely enhances your looks (not that you need it).

Keep on coming back for more ideas, less than a month to go until V-Day 2009.

 Give the gift of food– all wrapped up in an oatmeal-colored box tie with a hot pink ribbon with fresh rose petals. Eight glorious  courses of sweets and savories. A quart of Luscious lobster bisque with fresh lobster and basil (known to stimulate sex drive and boast fertility;) Fig (the original temptress, the true forbidden fruit.) sweet onion and goat cheese tart; a Delta of Venus Asparagus (known as erotic) and artichoke salad with spicy almonds (associated with passion and fertility); Banana and cardamom—rumored to have grown in the royal hanging gardens of Babylon as a powerful aphrodisiac of ancient love– lollypops; Strawberries with chocolate and caramel sauces served in drizzle bottles; Heartbreaker Devil’s Food Cake; and a Vial of Pomegranate Love Potion—delicious in champagne- will complete the treasure trove of sensual delights. Hot box costs $150 if you pick it up, extra for delivery. www.hotbox@forkandspoonproductions.com or 415-552-7130.

 

 

Bossom buddies of the large variety will love The Comfort Choice® Soft-cup lace camisole bra. 

 functional, versatile and affordable bra all in one.  Put under great wrap dress, a low cut top or blazer to make an outfit “office appropriate” or remove the lace inset for a sexier night time look.

And OneStopPlus.com is offering 30%-60% off now through Sunday, February 15^th.  

Comes in 7 colors and over 50 sizes forf $22.49.

Patti’s Picks for Best Head to Toe Cosmetics To Use In 2009

A Few of My favorite cosmetics  –and some new additions –to help you look your best and put on a happy face  for 2009….

Coppertone–always reliable just introduced NutraShield with 70+ SPF for faces, 70+ SPF Dual Defense Sun Protection and 30 SPF Broad Spectrum  UVA/UVB.  I haven’t tested them in the sun but I did rub some on my face and  on my body and it goes on smoothly and smells natural and nice.  The company claims they help prevent premature skin aging caused by sun damage. They’re also waterproof, hypoallergenic, lightweight and very moisturizing. The 70 SPF is about as high as it goes to protect skin from sun damage and it’s only about $10.49. I think Coppertone raised their bar on these products.Carrie Underwood at the recent Grammy award got her smokey eyes and luminous glow with DEX New York Cosmetics.  Just sweep  Mineral Loose Pigment shadow iover half of lids extending up to the crease.  Next using a brush, apply the Pressed Pigment Shadow in Wall St. Onyx to from outer corner of eyes.  Using a black eye liner pencil, rim inside entire eye top and bottom, then with the same eye pencil apply on top lash line extending thicker on outer corners.  For  Carrie’s luminous skin use DEX New York’s Mineral Glow on the apples of your cheeks.  Eye shadows are available in over 17 shimmering shades and Mineral Glow is available in 2 shades at www.dexnewyork.com

 eos–this luxious shaving cream works wonders my legs, underarms and bikini area. It slides on like silk and leaves my skin soft and supple. Try it you’ll agree.

RoC to the Rescue–my favorite cosmetic company keeps my skin looking great  with RoC Multi Correxion products. I’ve been using it for a few months and it really works.  Let’s face it, there are many cosmetics companies vying for your bucks in the billion dollar beauty industry, so it’s not easy to find the ones that work for everybody. Roc has sure worked magic on my skin.  Backed by  years of Retinol research of RoC scientistsm the skincare remedies were created to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, renew, improve, tone and shrink pores down to size. Can’t image it getting any better than the ones I’ve been using, but bet they will. Starting with the ExfoliatingCleanser, an oil-free, light foaming wash that improves skin tone. Next is the Multi-Correxion ight Treatment with pure RoC Retinol, antioxidants, vitamins C and E and moisturizing emoliients that work while your snooze. Perfect for everyone and all ages, RoC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment contains the same ingrendients and promises to smooth fine lines, reduce wrinkles and firm that delicate skin around the eyes while diminishing circles and puffiness–perfect after a night clubbing it up. The products are amazingly affordable from $9.99 to $24.99. Check out www.rocskincare.com

A less expensive alternative is Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream, promising similar claim and backed by intensive research and testing. Also affordable at less than $20. Stop throwing your money away and stock your beauty bin with stuff that works.

I’ve also been using  AB 10% Glycolic Treatment Pads morning and night after cleansing. They help exfoliate dead skin, dry oily spots  and  moisturize. I love the product. www.abskincare.com.

Another essential for your 2009 beauty basket is  M2 SkinRecovery Moisturizer, I knew I’d like this the first time I applied the rich, repairing cream. I use it morning and night  after apply M2HP Skin Refinish (which you actually use every other day) just a few dabs will do you, too. The combination works magic.  www.M2Skintech.com.

Also fresh out of labs–CTRL Acne Treatment System For Him and For Her.  I haven’t tried them yet but looking forward to seeing if it works when I get those hormonal outbreaks.  CTRLL is created by Videsante Pharmaceuticals, LLC,  with lots of research and back up to their efficaciousness.  Benefits include: oil reducting, paraben-free ingredients, skin replensihing ceramides, reduction of redness, acne attacker.
Check it out at www.ctrlacne.com.

Hair Hair–just finished testing three nifty products from profoundbeauty Hair and the jury’s in–they work great.  I tried Arctic Chill apres my workout at Crunch and strolled from the club with a salon-look hair style. The stuff is so cool, actually it feels cool, where it got the name. Anyhow it makes your hair shine, full and manageable.  $26; profoundbeauty Atmosphere Tropical Dew Gelee provides a different function by reducing bulk and volume and creating a high, smooth shine ($26).  Desert Sand makes blow drying a breeze, creates texturized fullness and a semi-matte finish ($32) www.profoundbeauty.com.

It’s simply de rigeurer to stock up on make up from www.Mirabellabeauty.com this year. The company’s Bohemian Belle Collection-multi-toned eye shadows and creamy lipsticks are simply luscious. I just used the eye shadow and it goes on like a dream and looks ravishing.
“Our Bohemian Belle Colours reflect the free and light mood of Spring with ocean blues, paisley greens and richly accented earth tones that bring the focus to the eyes, while pouty lips glisten with sensuous, reflective hints of colour,” explains Darlene Zembrod, national trainer for Mirabella. “Bohemian Belle offers options, so women of any age can wear these colours as dramatic or as natural as they choose.”

The Bohemian Belle Collection includes:
o     Eye Colour that lets you express your true identity with two ultra-wearable, mesmerizing shadow duos. Choose from Moody (a flirty blue ocean with whitecaps) and Mellow, a natural touch of taupe, or Paisley (a fresh green representing renewed life) and Woodstock, a rich, earthy brown reflecting the reddish gold undertones of a gorgeous Spring sunset.
o     Lipsticks create a flawless finish with two rich and moisturizing formulas that glide on to create a luminous pout in Hippie, a soft 60s pink and Revolution, a spicy copper. As the perfect complement to spring’s light pastel look, Mirabella offers a gift with purchase promotion—receive a Free Lip Reflect, a slick, smooth, natural gloss, in Fluid, Liquid or Meteorite with the purchase of any Cheek Colour in Florencia, Italiana, Milano or Palermo. The No. 1 cosmetics brand used personally by salon professionals, Mirabella provides contemporary cosmetic products in timeless and trendy colours, professional artistry tools and technicals to help women recreate the “oh wow” feeling they get when they look in the mirror after a salon makeup experience at home. Visit www.mirabellabeauty.com or call 800-853-6650.  

 Cargo Liquid Powder

Travel light with this loose powde packaged in a tube. www.cargocosmetics.com.

Mineralize– I love DEX New York’s  new mineral based makeups that not only enhance your looks but are good for your skin.

Patti’s pledge:  As a beauty writer I have an arsenal of products stored up. I try every one in order to provide  honest evaluations. If I don’t like it you won’t see it on my blog.

anJan Cargo on board–fill your makeup bag with great makeup from Cargo Cosmetics like:

  OneBase – an avocado oil, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Chamomile extract-based coverup that goes on smoth, blends in to your skin color.   I put it on this morning and my skin looked great, so natural you hardly knew I was wearing makeup and I like that it’s good for my skin, too.

 Wet/Dry Foundation

blendable foundation and pressed powder in one compact that’s great for touch ups and provides a really natural look.

 Jan Marini Skin Research unleashed two new products I’m excited about: Marini Lash Eyelash Condtioner and Marinia Mascara. I am beginning my testing tonight, first putting on the mascara for a night out and when I get home I will apply the gel like an eyeliner and wait to see how it works. Proposed properties include added density, lushiness and a well a gorgeous finale. Ole. www.janmarini.com

 

 

 

Take Your Valentine To Magical Maui

 

A MAUI Valentine                                                  From the Heavenly Hotel Hana Maui

Mystical, magical Maui lures lovers with balmy weather, verdant

mountains, pristine beaches,  luxurious resorts and sensuous

sweet air perfumed with the  ambrosial scents of plummeria.

The second largest island in this enticing archipelago, l Maui  is mystical, magical and  filled with wonderful experiences for you and your special Valentine.

 

Romantic Hotel:  The Four Seasons Resort.  Graciously Hawaiian with sumptuous guest rooms. , ethereal Japanese sand gardens.  

Cupid’s Calling: romantic dinners, side-by-side massages in an oceanside thatched roof

hut– where the sounds of the waves lure you into nirvana, room service on your private lanai.

Activities: – a  super spa, one of the best stretches of beach in the islands, snorkeling, swimming, rooftop  complimentary tennis, use of a fully-equipped gym with  steam baths and saunas, a lovely pool flanked by two Jacuzzis. Or simply plotz in cushy chaises by the pool and sip potent Mai Tai’s. Stroll down to the beach and pick up snorkel gear at the actitivity center, after your swim you’ll find large glasses or ice water placed on your fluffy beach town by attendants who will also cool you off with refreshing sprays of Evian water.  To enhance the mood book  an outrageously romantic dinner for two.

The Four Seasons 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, Hawaii

800/334.6284 or 808/874.8000.

Beach It:  While every beach is  beautiful on Maui, Polo and Oneloa (known to locals at Big Beach) provide some of the best  swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Situated a few miles apart at Wailea and Makena both face west offering calm seas, sheltered by the nearby islands of Molokai and Lanai. Big Beach sits in thick kiawe groves that hide it from the road. Polo Beach is best for strolling with soft sand, terrific swimming on a sandy bottom that drops fast and affords super snorkeling. Both offer plenty of privacy if you want to stroll off by yourself.

      Sunrise/sunset: l nothing beats watching this magnificent orb rise from the 10,0250 foot high volcanic crater of Haleakala (the house of the rising sun). Bathed by hues of gold, amber, rose and jade the eerie ephemeral phenomenon  evokes images of the demigod Maui who it’s believed snared the sun’s rays as they rose above the summit of Haleakala so his mother, the goddess Hina, could have more hours in the day to do her chores.  You can drive up on your own or (be sure to pack a picnic basket) or book any of a number of hikes, horseback rides or camping trips (they’ll take care of the details).  More than 500,000 people make yearly trips to the top  of Haleakala.  To go it on your own take Route 37 from Kahului to  Route 377, turn onto Route 378 and wind your way up. Before reaching the crater you’ll come to a national park that is open from 7:30 am to 4 pm. There is an entrance fee. 3 pm. For more information call: 808/572.9306.

Love  the Drive: the road to Heavenly Hana Maui– a 44 spine-tingling miles-long “lover’s lane.” To enhance the experience rent a jeep,  which can handle the zigzagging route. Then set out for the ride of a lifetime that swirls past 617 whirling curves, awesome waterfalls, rain forests, jungles and streams.  You’ll pass by tiny Hawaiian villages,  each centered by a picturesque church, past taro and banana farms, over one-way bridges, high above steep gullies, through microclimates, and rolling pastures until finally arriving at “Heavenly Hana.” This verdant, tropical paradise served as the setting for fabled                    lovers Kauiki and Noenoe who according to legend were forever united by the demigod Maui and later changed them into a hill. It was where Queen Kaahu manu, favored wife of Kamehameha was born in 1768. You can spend the night, or simply do a roundtripper. If your budget can handle it, the luxurious Hana Maui hotel is the  only place to stay. Nestled on 23 gently sloping acres, 95  exquisite Southwestern/Hawaii style rooms are  spread out in a clutch of single story structures, each with marvelous baths with inviting soaking tubs, large courtly sitting rooms, overhead fans, hardwood floors, and lovely lanais (patios) where on Sundays sounds of Hymns filter in from a nearby  church built in 1942 from volcanic stone by volunteers directed by a Yankee “kuhu” (shepherd or pastor). There’s a swimming pool, super spa and transportation to a private, secluded beach. For an ultimate experience book in-room “lomi lomi” (Hawaiian style) massages.   For additional information call:  800/321.HANA (Be sure to book a massage in your cottage or one of the inviting treatment rooms, ask for a romantic side-by-side rub, you’ll love it, we did).

Buy Them Something Special:    Front Street in Lahaina:  A shopper’s paradise for more than a century the oceanside shopping street overflows with cute boutiques, jewelry shops, art galleries, bikini shops and cute restaurants. Pick up an antique map or print of Hawaii at Lahaina Printsellers ltd. in the Lahaina Cannery, or a cool  Hawaiian shirt at Crazy Shirts 865 Front St., or some nifty scrimshaw at Lahaina scrimshaw Factory at 845 Front Street.

Spice it up with:  whale watching from January to March, call the Pacific Whale Foundation at 808/879.8811); *Windsurfing at Ho’okipa Beach, call: 808/879.4485; * hiking into the rainforest, contact: Ken Schmitt, 808/879.5270;  * helicopter rides through awesome rainbows, over Haleakala, and into hidden valleys.

Getting There:  splurge on First Class on Hawaiian Airlines www.hawaiian.air.com . You’ll feel like you’ve already arrived in the islands with the onboard Aloha spirit and gourmet food created by Island chefs like Beverly Gannon.

Holiday Gift Guide’s Boy Toys

 

UPDATED November 20, 2008

 Well maybe not all toys, but here’s some cool ideas for the men in your life…

Smooth shaves to make their skin kissing soft.

 

 

Bring ‘em the Bacon–Yup, you can give the man or men in your life monthly memberships to Bacon Freaks –www.baconfreak.com. You really need to take a look at the web site. There are actually flavors of the month (cajun, apple, cinnamon, vanilla bourbon, sun dried tomato), it’s 95% real stuff, dry cured and delicious. Prices range from $40 to $376 so depends on how much you love your man.

 ANTI-JETLAG CREAM –perfect for jet setters, this soft, smooth cream can keep them looking fresh after stressful hours of travelling. Calming and restorative it also helps reduce redness, skin irritations associated with air travel; strengthens the skin’s barrier function and helps it to retain its protective mechanisms, even under stress.

 Safe Trips–bound for Christmas glory, Travelsafe’s 100 anti-theft portable safe should please travellers on your list. It’s cool looking and locks up your valuables with a combination of your choice in an attachable exomesh  bag. Consider also the CarrySafe 300 Shoulder Strap that hooks onto your bags or where ever you want to tie in down and is theft-proof and unobtrusive.  www.pacsafe.com

Active ingredient Imudilin® restores and balances the skin’s day-and-night rhythm.  For frequent travelers, ANTI-STRESS CREAM regulates the effects of jet lag. Comes in an extremely handy 50 ml tube and is an ideal travel companion on board. Available in male and female versions at: Male and female versions   at Adriana Skin Care (www.adrianaskincare.com.

PedEgg for Men– why should only women have nice feet, this macho male gadget is designed to remove calluses, reduce odor and keep  your guy’s tootsies feeling smooth.  http://pedeggformen.com/    Have any friends always moaning about being better off dead? Well now you can get them a Better Off Dead Watch from www.OneStopPlus.com – that should shut them up while making a nifty stocking stuffer or under tree gift 

 For Avid New York Yankee Fans:   Yankee Stadium: The Official Retrospective”– the only book published about Yankee Stadium licensed by the team. Written by Mark Vancil and Alfred Santasiere III, the photojournalistic chronicle traces the diamond and its stands through momentous moments such as Lou Gehrigs farewell speech, Roger Maris’ 61st homer, Papal masses, fights and of course 37 World Series. Call 1-800-GoYanks or go to www.Yankees.com 

Why should only women get gifts fromTiffany–The posh jewelry store has teamed up with the NY Giants with The New York Giants Super Bowl XLII Collection– Super Bowl Champions 2007 commemorative logo on a variety of special and unique items from bracelets and charms to cufflinks and money clips to helmet paperweights and crystal tumblers.The New York Giants Super Bowl XLII Collection will only be available during the 2008 season. Product customization is available. Retail prices start at $60. Products available exclusively online at Giants.com, Tiffany.com/nygiants or by calling 1-800-843-3269. The collection includes: New York Giants pendant with blue accent on an 18” chain. Plated $75, in sterling silver $225 or in 14k white gold, $1,350.  New York Giants round tag bracelet in sterling silver, $225.  New York Giants round tag charm in sterling silver, attaches easily to necklace, bracelet or whatever you like. $

90. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flex360 electric shaver –for men on the go, the cordless and portable Flex360 is minimalism at its best– and they don’t need to pack shaving gels or aftershave which helps going through airport security. The Flex360  has worldwide voltage, a durable, rugged design, and provides a close and even shave around every angle and curve of the face. This completely new line of rotary shavers uses proprietary flex and pivot technology, which allows the three flexing heads to independently rotate a full 360 degrees – delivering a stellar performance every time. The flexible neck pivots in all directions to create a more ergonomic shaving platform, as well as serve as a shock absorber to provide comfort and ease around sensitive, contoured areas like the chin and neck.  Best of all it’s only $34.99 to $79.99.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let them “flow”…. Let them be the first on their block or strand to experience the new Flow Board   from Sport Technology of Long Beach, CA.  The big, 14-wheeler looks like a land version of the snowboard or surfboard. Perfect for Xtreme athletes on your list, it sells for $80 to $110. I must confess I haven’t personally tested this one, a little too extreme for me, but it sounded awesome so I had to put it in this year’s guide.
 Call 800-503-9432 or go to: www.flowlab.com  

 

Patti’s Prattles Annual Gift Guide to nifty outside the box ideas

 

 Patti’s  Prattles Annual Holiday Guide  updated Oct. 13, 2008 with more Nifty, Outside the Box Gift Ideas(scroll to bottom of entry for newer items)–from Louiseville Sluggers to Techno gadgets and beyond. Light a candle, take a deep breath let the shopping begin…..
That’s my Louiseville Slugger complete with my name, the New York Yankees and Derek Jeter inscribed, I love it and so will those on your holiday gift giving list. Every year I hunt for the best of the seasons–   most of these products come from ideas pitched to me by savvy public relations people who understand that this guide is about exciting, interesting gifts, outside the usual box type items (with a couple of exceptions). Anyhow, one company told me about a personalized baseball bat. Well being an avid Yankee fan and having hit a few balls in my time, I was so excited about it that the PR person gave me one as a gift.  It’s soooooo cool. It’s a numbered 125 Louisville Slugger powerized bat with my full name on it along with a Yankee logo. I mean is this a great gift or what. Any baseball enthusiast on your list will love this, male or female,young or old.  It’s only $57 to $87 at www.sluggergifts.com. And for other sports fans: FantasyFootballSherpa.com  provides data-driven, customized advice to fantasy football enthusiasts where league participantsget the gift of winning in their leagues, earning bragging rights.$29.95 a www.FantasyFootballSherpa.com .
I love my Mino FlipVideoo Camera and have been using it since the company sent me one last month. It rocks. Takes perfect videos with sound and makes me feel like a  movie maker. I shot a birthday party recently and played it back on our big tv screen, everyone loved it. This is the perfect gift videophile/camera buffs/UTubers and just about anybody. Sleek, easy to use with foolproof, quick transfer to PC, Internet,email and so sexy-looking. Retails for about $179 but the results are priceless. Hurry while supply lasts, it’s going to fly off the shelves before Christmas..Novel Photo Ops–well here’s a novel idea, the 5second slide&store frames designed for folks who love to line their walls with family and friends’ pictures. It’s pretty cool with a special pouch on the back where photos can be stored and then changed at various intervals–like when you break up with you partner LOL–or have a family feud LOL–or actually just want to look a different person or scenery. 5second frames hit the market in October 2008 so look for the product at major retailers or go on line to www.5second.com
one-stop on line shopping site, www.cafepress.com. Just received a few things I ordered and am very happy. Got a nifty Jr. Hoodie; a cool t-shirt with a man’s shirt and tie on t he front and  a pair of thong undies. There’s lots more on the hip site like mugs, buttons, posters and baby things. Try it you’ll like it and the prices are right, too.  I just found the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone who struggles openingpackages, boxes, CDs etc. to open, it’s called Zibra: Open It–a cute little gadget that takes the angst out of opening anything. Believe me I’ve cursed and yelled trying to get into some packages. Okay, I’ve been using Open It now for a few weeks and it works great, a must have for anyone who has as many FedEx and UPS packages to open as I do. I can’t tell you how much we’ve struggled opening certain cartons and products, OpenIt makes it a breeze. And that’s the truth. Sold at Home Depot, Walgreens, Bed Bath& Beyond or  at www.enjoyzibra.com, $11.99. 
For your gardening pals–fashionista gloves from Ethel that make them look chic while they plant, dig and clean the yard. Perfect for toting the Christmas tree in and out and for working with thorny plants. Believe me, they are really cool and only $18 at www.ethelgloves.com
For gym rats– Wordlocks that use actual words  in lieu of numbers and they look cool, too. One size fits all, too, so you can scratch several people off your list at one time by ordering from: Amazon.com, Target, Walgreens, Sears, or Kmart’s, or check out Wordlock’s Web site at www.wordlock.com. Words are easier to see and more fun to program from and they make cool stocking stuffers and are available in a range of colors. 
Wordlocks use actual words  in lieu of numbers and they look cool, too. One size fits all, too, so you can scratch several people off your list at one time by ordering from: Amazon.com, Target, Walgreens, Sears, or Kmart’s, or check out Wordlock’s Web site at www.wordlock.com. Words are easier to see and more fun to program from and they make cool stocking stuffers and are available in a range of colors. 
 More Novelties– Okay this is just the thing to bring a smile on Christmas morning, a Johnny-Light that actually lights up  with a green glow the toilet bowl at night when the seat is up and turns off when it’s down. Perfect for the hit or missers on your list or mom’s who are potty training, single woman whose boyfriend  never puts the seat back down . . . or a working gal who shares a unisex bathroom at the office might all appreciate a Johnny Light (the “teaching” night light).    www.johnny-light.com, check out the online video while you’re there. Costs just about $15 with postage, get a bunch for all the guys on your list.
 More Novelties– Okay this is just the thing to bring a smile on Christmas morning, a Johnny-Light that actually lights up  with a green glow the toilet bowl at night when the seat is up and turns off when it’s down. Perfect for the hit or missers on your list or mom’s who are potty training, single woman whose boyfriend  never puts the seat back down . . . or a working gal who shares a unisex bathroom at the office might all appreciate a Johnny Light (the “teaching” night light).    www.johnny-light.com, check out the online video while you’re there. Costs just about $15 with postage, get a bunch for all the guys on your list.
Jet Setters will love mysmartpac personal care carry-on kit that comes with toothpaste, face cleanser,deodorant, razor,  hair gel, body lotion and an approved plastic zip top bag. There’s about a 3-4 day supply and it’s much easier than measuring out each cosmetic to pass the security requirements. www.mysmartpac.com
They might also like a Full Spectrum Solutions Dawn Simulator that mimics sunrise and sunset  that helps travelers adjust easier in new time zones. It  wakes you quietly without abruptly interrupting sleep and comes with a large backlit LCD display with tthe year, month, date, day and time, MP3 Player; optionalalarm, sound soother and is programmable from 10 to 90 minutes on a 7 day program schedule.  For tyke-coons–for those little tykes exhibiting tycoon-like traits, the Money Manger Kit for ages 4-7 is just the thing.  The interactive toy offers a 7-step program to teach youngsters the basics of money and increase financial skills. Talk about a Yuppy gift. Anyhow it comes with three books, calculation, posters,job charts and a 3-part bank showing how to save, spend and share. I think today’s tykes know how to spend. Check it out at www.tessyandtab.com/money
 Techno gadgets–The shelves are alive this holiday season with all sorts of techno gadgets for your tech-savvy friends and relatives. Just got the hot new
SanDisk Mobile Ultra high-performance card and it’s amazing. The tiny 2 GB flash drive  provides  accelerated transfer rates of digital files to and from  mobile memory cards and computers.  It downloads videos, photos, games in a literal ‘flash and increases storage in mobile phones. Perfect for amatuer videographers, it enables fast file transfers to websites, PCs or where ever they want to send them. It’s a must have for gift-giving or personal use.

 Candles make cool gifts for any occasion and I found a nifty selection at www.jacksandpearls.com,  designed and created by Jessica Lauber.  Good enough for swag bags, they even made it into the Emmy’s gift bags this year.  The candles are embedded with rolled and fire-glass mosaic tiles – imported from Italy, France and China.  When the wick and glass are parallel, the fire illuminates through the glass tile, giving them an extra dimension of glowing light.   Jacks & pearls, nyc candles are made with the highest quality paraffin and 100% cotton wicks, each candled is hand finished, balanced, sculpted and finely polished – truly a work of art.
Desgined luxuriantly in  deep amethyst paired with loden green and gold, teal with ochre or the palest white layering hey are shaped in tapers and squares with multi-wicks, architectural columns and small square, the candles are beautiful when grouped together to create a glowing, sculptural setting.  Perfect for the the bath and  home spa and a perfect holiday gift.

Gizmos and doodad stocking stuffers…Really nifty for today’s Internet junkie, the Scan-on-the-Go complete Cyber Safety card not only protects PCs from evil doers, it speeds up world wide web connections for those of us who still have archaic dial up service like me. Just got my tester and I love it, of course no way to know if it’s protecting me, but it sure increased my surfing/using speed. I love it. From www.networkintercept.com you can also buy it on www.amazon.com for just $69, whatadeal. Special $10 off coupon for Patti’s Prattles viwers: go to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001F23DUG/
10% bonus code for amazon only 6NXMC2UL.

 

Feedyoursoulcookies.com bakes up great sweet treats for hosts and hostesses and gift givers. Getting samples to taste next week, so come back for my review. Pictured here is pumpkin, but they also have chocolated dipped raspberry,shottbrad, chip mint, peanut butter and white chocolate cherry jubliee cookies, yum. Gift wrapped with custom printed ribbon and personalized silk-screened lids in environmentally friendly containers.

Hot,hot, hot–bound to wow them…Ty.Ku, not only a delicious, low-sugar, low-calorie citrus liqueur, the refreshing l mint green ibation comes in an exquisite bottle that actually lights up when you pour it making it even more fun to open this on Christmas Day. Drink it straight, on the rocks or mixed in margarita for an extra buzz (we did and it’s amazing). Unique in the liquor industry the LED techno-lighted bottle is about as much fun as the beverage. Priced in the $30 range, Ty.Ku has already swept the celeb world (Paris Hilton, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Foxx have partaken according to the company). It’s also been featured in magazines. Check out www.trytyku.com

Yummy…I am sitting here eating Sahale Glazed Cashews with pomegranate and vanilla and it’s the best snack I ever are. This stuff is really tasty. Perfect for holiday entertaining or stuffing in stockings. John & Edmond, who sign the packages make avariety of healthy options like Almonds with cranberries and sea salt or with peanuts and berries–it’s all good. Check it out at www.sahalesnacks.com. Order lots for your holiday noshing.

 

For turkey fixing friends: my husband and I do turkeys year around, still I found a new book, Talk Turkey to Me” (Wishbone Press) very enlightening, well written and lots of fun to read. The  complete guide to holiday meal preparation explores the many facets of this traditional feast with more than 80 recipes, tips, disaster savers, and endorsements from top chefs such as Bobby Flay as well a the National Turkey Federation.  It’s perfect for any of your chef friends who want to learn the ins and out of turkey making.  Check it out www.talkturkeytome.com.

 

Photo ops: in this era of digital photography we all have friends obsessed by picture taking, video making and other optical hobbies, so why not select a gift from the great choices at www.photoworks.com.  They do personalized photo charm bracelets that are adorable and affordable. They sent me a classic silver photo charm bracelet with a photo charm packaged in a pretty little box. It’s  really cool and perfect for young girls on your list $59.95.

MyMovieProducer by aVinci: Gifts don’t get better than this. This company helps people create pro-looking  videos, books and posters with the help of  a professional design team who add all the bells and whistles. It’s a snap, too. Just download your stuff on a DVD and they do the rest. For a really special Christmas gift surprise order the “Polar Express Christmas Gift,”  and put your child, friend, spouse or whomever you choose  right in the film. Imagine when they play the DVD and see themselves in a movie. You can also do  pro-like videos of your vacation, wedding, business trip, baby’s first step,holidays or pivotal events. It’s another nifty, cool gift idea brought to you by Patti’s Prattles, the blog to go to when you want to give the very unique.  For .  Check out  MyMovieProducer at: www.avincimedia.com.momentscaptured/home.html

 

Open It: everybody struggles opening packages these days. Especially yours truly. I get lots of “stuff” to test out for Patti’s Prattles and half the battle is getting the UPS or FedEx boxes open, the rest is getting the iron-clad plastic covering off. Well not any more since my pals at  at WomenKnowThe Zibra Company sent me OpenIt!  a 4 tools in 1 gadget the opens, slices, unscrews the hardest to open stuff. www.becausewomenknow.com

 

 

 

Gift Ideas to make your holiday shopping easier

Naughty or Nice You won’t think twice about these nifty gifts

 T

 

There’s only three months left until Christmas, avoid the rush and start your shopping early. Check out my comprehensive outside the box ideas for great gifts for young, old, friends and family. I add special items regularly so keep coming back for more ideas.

How about a flattering portrait of yourself or your family–Hire a professional photographer to snap a special picture to give to loved ones for posterity.  If you’re in New York or heading for the Big Apple,  top photographer, Linda Covello creates exquisitely composed photographs. In addition to shooting photographs and composites for some of the world’s most famous faces, Linda has shot covers and interiors for Newsweek, Playboy, and many other publicatons and orgranizations. Check out her web site at www.LindaCovelloPhotography.com and you’ll get the picture.

 For friends who love to take their own digitals and need help storing them give them Toshiba’s innovative 400GB external hard drive that can hold either 114,000 digital photos, 177 hours of DVD videos or 47 hours of high-definition videos and up to 105,000 MP3 music files. Perfect for saving all digital media in one location and the ideal gift for any busy mom or dad who stores a lot of digital content on their computer.  The 400GB drive comes in a glossy, sleek finish and is available in Electric blue and weighs only six ounces, which is perfect for consumers who feel more comfortable traveling with important documents/information when away from home (for either work or fun).  Key features include: backkup software features an intuitive, “set it and forget,” user interface that allows consumer to set a schedule for their backup Ready to go out of the box and certified to work with Windows XP andVista as well as Mac OS 10.3.9 or later. USB powered to keep your data mobile.

Beautify your friends: really want to make a statement with friends of a certain age? Fill their Christmas stockings or gift bags with RoC cosmetics. I’ve been using the Deep Wrinkle Day and Night Cream, Serum and Eye cream for a week now and the results are amazing. Yes, I use lots of products and should have exceptional skin. Alas I am a sun-abuser and now paying the price. But my RoC routine really helped diminish sun spots and even out my skin tone. I’m a slave to this and you will be too, and you’ll get your pals on the right beauty track. And the pioneer of stablized Retinol products, just came out with a new line: – RETINOL CORREXION and the new MULTI-CORREXION formulated with pure Retinol and antioxidants vitamins C and E, MULTI-CORREXION products are clinically shown to diminish the multiple signs of aging including dark marks and uneven skin tone, loss of

 

 

My gift guide runneth over with really nifty ideas like this Spa Treatment on the Go Kit from Minimus.biz…I read about it on line but not until I actually got one of my own did I realize how cool it is. The kit itself is attractively put together in soft blue, brown or black Do Good brands travel bags. I like how it folds out for easy access and stores just about everything you’ll need on trip like lip balm, Lavender body lotion; a Razz Sponge Mini Net, deodarant, towelettes, a really comfy eye mask, body spray, scrub, shampoo and more–an amazing feat to get all that in one little tote. It makes me want to travel just to use it. I really love how easy it is to store and get each product.

 

The Spa Treatment on the Go has limited availability so better hurry and get some while they last. Perfect for everyone of your list, including yourself, and only $67.36 at www.minimus.biz.com (includes free shipping).

Affordable Bling–set your browser at: www.liasophia.com for one-stop shopping for nifty pieces of jewelry like an exquisite 17 inch Trish  reversible necklace that goes gold on one side,silver on the other ($118), bracelets, earrings, baubles and bangles that look truly unique. lia sophia jewelry can be purchased exclusively from independent lia sophia Advisors — not through television, retail or Internet channels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 F

irst the amazing Zia Natural Skincare’s Apple Refining Mask–which really perked up my skin after one use. The fruit-based product improves texture,reduces  lines and discoloration and contains organic apple juice, lemon juice and willow bark. Costs $23.95 at health foodstores or at www.zianatural.com.

 

I followed this with Zia Natural Skincare’s Seaweed Lift Serum for normal, dry or aging skin.Made with vitamin A, red marine and blue green algae extracts and a co-enzyme I never heard of, Q10, it completed the job and left me ready for clubbing, also perfect to use both after a night a town, lifts you right up. $36.95, www.zianatural.com.

For my body I applied Zia‘s Ultimate Body Firming Botanical firming gel, man does it smell and feel good with its blend of caffeine, vitamins, ginkg<SPANCLASS=CORRECTION id=”">o and licorice root. Supposed to tone and smooth, $17.95.  Perricone MD’s Ala Body Toning Lotion SPF 15,which protects from the sun while possibly eliminating ugly stretch marks. $75 at Neiman Marcus,  Nordstrom, Sephora or www.perriconemd.com.Then I plumped my lips with Perricone MD Cosmeceutical’s Lip Plump, $35.00, look out Angelina, you’ve got competition. Yeah right. Anyway it’s available at www.perriconemd.com or at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora et al.

Good Hair DaysTo complete my beauty routine I tested Citre Shine Shine Miracle Split End Mender, again it worked miracles on my over-colored tresses, and it‘s only $3.99 at CBS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Target etc. Next I held my do in place with Jason Finishing Spray–first time user and it’s great. Smells wonderful with Aloe Vera & Bergamot scents and it’s long lasting, light weight and non-aersol. www.jason-natural.com. For clubbing scenesters, got2b from Schwarzkopf is just the ticket to ride. The 24 hour Xtra hold shine and mousse  and the styltini after hours 24 hour Laminating Shine Hairspray provide the perfect powder room touch up. www.got2b.com. They make great stocking stuffers, too.

I just sampled a greatcosmetics line from Naturally by Upper Canada Soap & Candle Makers–love it. Slathered the Body Butter (Buerre Pour Le Corps) from neck to toes and am feeling so soft and smooth all over–not to mention heavenly-scented. It‘s made with cranberry Moro Orange and other natural ingredients and is completely free of parabens, mineral oils and synthetic dyes. What’s best, it really does leave your skin tingling. Only $12, too, for a 6.4  ounce jar. You’ll love it for yourself or for gifting this holiday season.www.uppercanadasoap.com, 800-548-4097.
Want to make your bathroom smell like a spa? Get a package of
 Verikira Naturals Holiday Natural Aroma Shower Steamers – little scented balls that you put in the shower or near the bath tub that emit wonderful aromas that turn bathing into a luxurious, relaxing aromatherapy experience.  Verikira Naturals® (www.verikira.com) NaturalAroma Shower Steamers are phthalate-free shower steamers made with the finest natural ingredients andpure essential oils.  Start your shower, unwrap the steamer, and place it to the back or corner of the shower floor.  As the moisture activates the steamer, the essential oils and flowing water make every shower a sensory journey.  And they almost gift wrapped in gold, red, and green aluminum foil!  Fragrances include: Cinnamon & Clove Comfort, Peppermint Awakening, and Eucalyptus Revival (my favorite) - and cost $24.00 for a 5.5 oz. set of 5).  Also, along with Verikira Naturals profound commitment to wellness and passion for creating trulysuperior products, Kira Peterson, the creator,supports iimpoverished, malnourished, and orphan children through various non-profit organizations throughout the world.  With every sale, Verikira Naturals donates a portion of all profits to carefully chosen nonprofit organizations whose purposes align with Peterson’s core values – organizations that work to support human health and wellness. So you’re doing something for yourself, for those on your Christmas shopping list and for mankind.

 Kissing sweet stocking stuffers from Softlips:  I love these and so will you and anyone on your gift list especially since the Orchard Park, NY company turned “green” with 100% natural organic lip  conditioners/sunscreen made with beeswax, shea butter and vitamin E that.  Ideal for the chemically sensitive they come in sheer Pomegranate, vanilla, Honeydew and tinted Rose and Bronze and cost just $3 each, and they come in recyclable packages. www.softlips.com.

Here’s a cute idea from Hershey’s — Holiday tips like including a cookie recipe with your party invitation;  providing gift wrap materials to turn the party into a ‘gifting’ cookie exchange party,  recipe cards and unique gift tags FREE at: www.hersheys.com/recipes/baking-hints-tips.  Speaking of Sweets–how about giving them  Nana’s healthy cookies. Just tasted the product and yummy. We’re talking No dairy, refined sugars, eggs, cholesterol, transfats–totally good for you, albeit loaded with calories. Lucky for me I check the cal count before devouring an entire peanut butter cookie, 190 for half, you do the math, so decided to quarter them up to spare the waist line and keep the hips under control. Not easy on the willpower but doable. And they’ll gift wrap for the occasion. Here’s some ideas: A dozen 3.5 oz. Nana’s Cookies and a Nana’s Cookie CompanyApron or a baseball hat for $48.50 at www.nanascookiecompany.com.  

   

 

 And there is a Nana, aka: MiriamDiamond, a woman commited  to healthy, natural food. In 1980, her 16-year-old son (Robert) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  At this time, Miriam began to change her family’s diet and lifestyle to one that included a healthy and nutritious menu.  Although her son lost his battle with cancer, Miriam continued to create recipes for those on a restricted diet or those looking for a healthy snack alternative to sugary cookies.  She began baking Nana’s Cookies out of her home kitchen in 1992.  She offers six product lines and 29 flavors. “I knew I had made it in the cookie business when I received a phone call directly from Madonna”, said Miriam Diamond, owner and founder of Nana’s Cookie Company, “But more importantly, when I started to receive cards and letters from who were so grateful to be able to give their children a treat and not risk their health, my heart knew I had made it.”  Interested? Check out  www.nanascookiecompany.com or call 858-273-5775.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Want to make personalized greeting cards or buy some great gifts, check out  www.socialbutterflydesigns.com – where you’ll find custom designs and precious treasures to keep or give. 

Yep, once again your intrepid beauty blogger unearthed some awesome supplies for you to try and give for gifts for under the tree or in the stocking (yes, I still hang my stocking and Santa fills it, too).

Patti’s Annual Holiday Gift Guide Gone Wild

 Naughty or Nice You won’t think twice about these nifty gifts NEW STUFF ADDED OCTOBER 28, 2008

 Get a Jump on your holiday shopping with these nifty giftsI just uploaded all my digitals to this cool Coby Digital photo album they look awesome. I love this gadget soooooooooo much. Next I’m downloading tunes into it, which you can do from the web. Scroll down for more info on this nifty gift idea.

TThere’s only two months left until Christmas, so get out and shop and help boost our economy.  To make it easier for you I’ve compiled a list of really nifty gift ideas… for young, old, friends and family. I add special items regularly so keep coming back for more ideas.

 Give a portrait of yourself or your family–Hire a professional photographer to snap a special picture to give to loved ones for posterity.  If you’re in New York or heading for the Big Apple,  top photographer, Linda Covello creates exquisitely composed photographs. In addition to shooting photographs and composites for some of the world’s most famous faces, Linda has shot covers and interiors for Newsweek, Playboy, and many other publicatons and orgranizations. Check out her web site  www.LindaCovelloPhotography.com and you’ll get the picture.

 For friends who love to take their own digitals and need help storing them give them Toshiba’s innovative 400GB external hard drive that can hold either 114,000 digital photos, 177 hours of DVD videos or 47 hours of high-definition videos and up to 105,000 MP3 music files. Perfect for saving all digital media in one location and the ideal gift for any busy mom or dad who stores a lot of digital content on their computer.  The 400GB drive comes in a glossy, sleek finish and is available in Electric blue and weighs only six ounces, which is perfect for consumers who feel more comfortable traveling with important documents/information when away from home (for either work or fun).  Key features include: backkup software features an intuitive, “set it and forget,” user interface that allows consumer to set a schedule for their backup Ready to go out of the box and certified to work with Windows XP andVista as well as Mac OS 10.3.9 or later. USB powered to keep your data mobile.

 

My gift guide runneth over with really nifty ideas like this Spa Treatment on the Go Kit from Minimus.biz…I read about it on line but not until I actually got one of my own did I realize how cool it is. The kit itself is attractively put together in soft blue, brown or black Do Good brands travel bags. I like how it folds out for easy access and stores just about everything you’ll need on trip like lip balm, Lavender body lotion; a Razz Sponge Mini Net, deodarant, towelettes, a really comfy eye mask, body spray, scrub, shampoo and more–an amazing feat to get all that in one little tote. It makes me want to travel just to use it. I really love how easy it is to store and get each product.

 

The Spa Treatment on the Go has limited availability so better hurry and get some while they last. Perfect for everyone of your list, including yourself, and only $67.36 at www.minimus.biz.com (includes free shipping).

Affordable Bling–set your browser at: www.liasophia.com for one-stop shopping for nifty pieces of jewelry like an exquisite 17 inch Trish  reversible necklace that goes gold on one side,silver on the other ($118), bracelets, earrings, baubles and bangles that look truly unique. lia sophia jewelry can be purchased exclusively from independent lia sophia Advisors — not through television, retail or Internet channels.

 

First the amazing Zia Natural Skincare’s Apple Refining Mask–which really perked up my skin after one use. The fruit-based product improves texture,reduces  lines and discoloration and contains organic apple juice, lemon juice and willow bark. Costs $23.95 at health foodstores or at www.zianatural.com.

I followed this with Zia Natural Skincare’s Seaweed Lift Serum for normal, dry or aging skin.Made with vitamin A, red marine and blue green algae extracts and a co-enzyme I never heard of, Q10, it completed the job and left me ready for clubbing, also perfect to use both after a night a town, lifts you right up. $36.95, www.zianatural.com.

For my body I applied Zia‘s Ultimate Body Firming Botanical firming gel, man does it smell and feel good with its blend of caffeine, vitamins, and licorice root. Supposed to tone and smooth, $17.95.  Perricone MD’s Ala Body Toning Lotion SPF 15,which protects from the sun while possibly eliminating ugly stretch marks. $75 at Neiman Marcus,  Nordstrom, Sephora or www.perriconemd.com.Then I plumped my lips with Perricone MD Cosmeceutical’s Lip Plump, $35.00, look out Angelina, you’ve got competition. Yeah right. Anyway it’s available at www.perriconemd.com or at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora et al.

Good Hair DaysTo complete my beauty routine I tested Citre Shine Shine Miracle Split End Mender, again it worked miracles on my over-colored tresses, and it‘s only $3.99 at CBS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Target etc. Next I held my do in place with Jason Finishing Spray–first time user and it’s great. Smells wonderful with Aloe Vera & Bergamot scents and it’s long lasting, light weight and non-aersol. www.jason-natural.com. For clubbing scenesters, got2b from Schwarzkopf is just the ticket to ride. The 24 hour Xtra hold shine and mousse  and the styltini after hours 24 hour Laminating Shine Hairspray provide the perfect powder room touch up. www.got2b.com. They make great stocking stuffers, too.

I just sampled a greatcosmetics line from Naturally by Upper Canada Soap & Candle Makers–love it. Slathered the Body Butter (Buerre Pour Le Corps) from neck to toes and am feeling so soft and smooth all over–not to mention heavenly-scented. It‘s made with cranberry Moro Orange and other natural ingredients and is completely free of parabens, mineral oils and synthetic dyes. What’s best, it really does leave your skin tingling. Only $12, too, for a 6.4  ounce jar. You’ll love it for yourself or for gifting this holiday season.www.uppercanadasoap.com, 800-548-4097.
Want to make your bathroom smell like a spa? Get a package of
 Verikira Naturals Holiday Natural Aroma Shower Steamers – little scented balls that you put in the shower or near the bath tub that emit wonderful aromas that turn bathing into a luxurious, relaxing aromatherapy experience.  Verikira Naturals® (www.verikira.com) NaturalAroma Shower Steamers are phthalate-free shower steamers made with the finest natural ingredients andpure essential oils.  Start your shower, unwrap the steamer, and place it to the back or corner of the shower floor.  As the moisture activates the steamer, the essential oils and flowing water make every shower a sensory journey.  And they almost gift wrapped in gold, red, and green aluminum foil!  Fragrances include: Cinnamon & Clove Comfort, Peppermint Awakening, and Eucalyptus Revival (my favorite) - and cost $24.00 for a 5.5 oz. set of 5).  Also, along with Verikira Naturals profound commitment to wellness and passion for creating trulysuperior products, Kira Peterson, the creator,supports iimpoverished, malnourished, and orphan children through various non-profit organizations throughout the world.  With every sale, Verikira Naturals donates a portion of all profits to carefully chosen nonprofit organizations whose purposes align with Peterson’s core values – organizations that work to support human health and wellness. So you’re doing something for yourself, for those on your Christmas shopping list and for mankind.

 Kissing sweet stocking stuffers from Softlips:  I love these and so will you and anyone on your gift list especially since the Orchard Park, NY company turned “green” with 100% natural organic lip  conditioners/sunscreen made with beeswax, shea butter and vitamin E that.  Ideal for the chemically sensitive they come in sheer Pomegranate, vanilla, Honeydew and tinted Rose and Bronze and cost just $3 each, and they come in recyclable packages. www.softlips.com.

Here’s a cute idea from Hershey’s — Holiday tips like including a cookie recipe with your party invitation;  providing gift wrap materials to turn the party into a ‘gifting’ cookie exchange party,  recipe cards and unique gift tags FREE at: www.hersheys.com/recipes/baking-hints-tips.  Speaking of Sweets–how about giving them  Nana’s healthy cookies. Just tasted the product and yummy. We’re talking No dairy, refined sugars, eggs, cholesterol, transfats–totally good for you, albeit loaded with calories. Lucky for me I check the cal count before devouring an entire peanut butter cookie, 190 for half, you do the math, so decided to quarter them up to spare the waist line and keep the hips under control. Not easy on the willpower but doable. And they’ll gift wrap for the occasion. Here’s some ideas: A dozen 3.5 oz. Nana’s Cookies and a Nana’s Cookie CompanyApron or a baseball hat for $48.50 at www.nanascookiecompany.com.  

              up to drink Little Black Dress Wines

 

Just had to tell  you about a relatively new group of wines called Little Black Dress Wines. Had their Chard last night and it rocks with subtle but loud bursts of fruit, oak and citrus. They also have a Merlot, Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Noir,  each make great gifsts to give your female friends, or at $9.99 a bottle, for everyday consumption. Trust me when I say the Chard is great, I am a major Chardonnay critic. It’s my favorite flavor and needs to be big, round, good  and this one is. www.lbdwines.com. Also check out my review on www.thediningdiva.wordpress.com.

 

 

     

 And there is a Nana, aka: MiriamDiamond, a woman commited  to healthy, natural food. In 1980, her 16-year-old son (Robert) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  At this time, Miriam began to change her family’s diet and lifestyle to one that included a healthy and nutritious menu.  Although her son lost his battle with cancer, Miriam continued to create recipes for those on a restricted diet or those looking for a healthy snack alternative to sugary cookies.  She began baking Nana’s Cookies out of her home kitchen in 1992.  She offers six product lines and 29 flavors. “I knew I had made it in the cookie business when I received a phone call directly from Madonna”, said Miriam Diamond, owner and founder of Nana’s Cookie Company, “But more importantly, when I started to receive cards and letters from who were so grateful to be able to give their children a treat and not risk their health, my heart knew I had made it.”  Interested? Check out  www.nanascookiecompany.com or call 858-273-5775. 

 Want to make personalized greeting cards or buy some great gifts, check out  www.socialbutterflydesigns.com – where you’ll find custom designs and precious treasures to keep or give. 

 Yummy, yummy so good for my tummy–just tasted caramel candies from Route 29–a must have for Christmas gifts and at home entertaining. This candy rocks and comes in adorable packages with cute little animals and illustrations. They even have candy you can hang on the tree. I love the vanilla caramel pop, the vanilla with marshmallow caramells in dark chocolate and well everything they sent me to sample. Okay it means another hour at the gym but it’s worth it. Check it out at www.route29.com. While you’re at it get some for Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

October 27, 2008

New ideas for holiday gift hunters–

Calendars– perfect for tots to teen to seniors, www.calendars.com  offers more than 5000 topics from personal favorites like the New York Yankees 2009 Team Calendar featuring Mariano Rivera #42 who welcomes the New Year, Robinson Cano a February’s child,

 A Rod for March,  Jeter in April, Posada in May,   Pettite in June,  Matsui in July,  Mussina, August,  Damon as September’s star,  Wang for October, Abreu in November and Chamberlain in December–all with birthdays, weight, height, birthplace and MLB debut dates, plus a little trivia on the bottom of each page. . In case you haven’t read all my blogs, I am a major Yankee fan. I know they didn’t go well in 2008 but I am loyal and I love this calendar sent me by Becky at Danielides Communications Inc. Thanks Becky.The company also does adorable cat calendars like “The 365 Kittens of A Year” bound to make them purr–I did anyway, but I’m partial to cats.

Digital doodads that awe–  Jaymie at grand communications sent me two cool items  from Coby Electronics to review and I am raving. One is the DP-153 Digital Photo Keychain– a recently launched pocket-sized keychain in a faux leather case, with a 1.2″ screen that displays up to 60 photos and comes in pink, blue, red and black. Who wouldn’t love it. And only $29.99. The other is a DP-240/DP-350 Digital Photo Album–I’ve already downloaded several pictures and next I’ll add music. Yes it plays MP3s and holds lots of photos to carry with you on trips and to family outings. Only $49.99 and bound to thrill everyone on your list.  Available at Fry’s Electronics, www.frys.com; www.amazon.com; J&R Music World, www.jr.com or www.cobyusa.com.

 Alth

For starters Bacon Freak–the stuff’s amazing.  A little salty, but really meaty and delicious, in many different flavors. Check it out on line. They even have bacon and wine gift baskets and much more. Give them a membership in the Bacon Freak club. www.baconfreak.com, or 877-21-Bacon.

Sweet treats: really yummy snacks from Seattle-based Sahale. I can’t stop eating the  glazed cashews. These are healthy, all natural treats that make great stocking stuffers. www.sahalesnacks.com

Charleston Cookie Company: a real toss up which ones are better, these or the ones below. Loved them both, especially the white chocolate. They also do brownies, Packaged in pretty tins and perfect gifts for everyone.  www.charlestoncookie.com, 800-606-9001. Really good stuff.

Feed Your Soul cookies: really tasty cookies (chocolate chip, honey oatmeal raisen, chunky peanut butter, pumpkin pie, shortbread which are packaged in pretty, personalized tinswith some of the proceeds donated to a charity of your choice. www.FeedYourSoulCookies.com.

Olive Oil– if any of the people on your shopping list like olive oil on everything, as does yours truly, then you must get Pietra Santa Winery’s Rosemary Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil–just poured some over crusty Italian bread and it’s fantastic.  For those who care, Pietra Santa run a family operation in Cienega Valley 25 miles from Monterey Bay. There they grow olives and grapes on 455 acres, 25 of which were plant4ed with 5000 olive trees imported from Tuscany in 1999. The olive oil comes from 100% organic, hand-harvested Leccino olives with fresh sprigs of rosemary.  Retails for about $35 and can even go in their stocking. www.pietrasantawintery.com.
Tawny Port– I love a hit of port on a cold winter’s night and just had my first swig of Warre’s Otima 10 Year Tawny Port–a full-bodied blend with hints of nuts and fruit, light and delicate with just that taste. The company, which goes back to 1670, was the first British Port company established in Portugal. It retails for about $27 and makes a great gift for port lovers, check it out at www.Vineyards.com.

It’s simply de rigeuer for foodies to enjoy wine with a meal and Clos Du Bois’s 2007 Rose from Sonoma County makes the perfect companion to a good repast, an d a great gift at only $12 a bottle, check it out at www.closduebois.com or any place that sells wine.

There’s more gifts in other entries, be sure to check them out I update all regularly.

 Go Yankees at least next season anyway.

 

 Vanity Plates or Gifts for the beauty-conscious:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ough you’ll see some of these nifty edibles listed in my other Christmas guide entries, I thought I’d highlight a few of the best foodie gifts I’ve samples: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Sun glasses always make excellent gifts especially Foster Grants, love mine and they will too. www.fostergrant.com.

  So do cosmetics, perfumes and assorted beauty supplies….

 Spa Sister’s Just Pretty Feet Gift Set ($24.99) is a nice treat for your giftees. Lets them stage their own spa experience at home. Smells so good with scents of fresh pomegranates.  

Beautify your friends: really want to make a statement with friends of a certain age? Fill their Christmas stockings or gift bags with RoC cosmetics. I’ve been using the Deep Wrinkle Day and Night Cream, Serum and Eye cream for a week now and the results are amazing. Yes, I use lots of products and should have exceptional skin. Alas I am a sun-abuser and now paying the price. But my RoC routine really helped diminish sun spots and even out my skin tone. I’m a slave to this and you will be too, and you’ll get your pals on the right beauty track. And the pioneer of stablized Retinol products, just came out with a new line: – RETINOL CORREXION and the new MULTI-CORREXION formulated with pure Retinol and antioxidants vitamins C and E, MULTI-CORREXION products are clinically shown to diminish the multiple signs of aging including dark marks and uneven skin tone, loss of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detoxifying Pomegranate Foot Polish gently sloughs off dead skin cells with tiny beads, leaving tired feet rejuvenated and extra smooth to the touch.  Finish with an ultra-moisturizing coat of Spa Sister’s Pomegranate Foot Butter and feet as smooth and soft as cashmere can be yours!  Effective natural ingredients, including olive oil, are rich in antioxidants to replenish and protect feet from daily distress.  Treat yourself to an at-home pedicure with the help of Spa Sister’s professional Nail File and pretty pastel Toe Separators, then slip into a pair of Shaggy Spa Slippers.  These super soft, comfy slippers are perfect for lounging around the house and keeping your feet warm and toasty during the cold season ahead.

 The complete Spa Sister collection is comprised of luxurious products at affordable prices – the perfect gifts for any occasion, or a special treat for yourself!  Spa Sister is available at fine spas, department stores, and beauty supply retailers nationwide.

Patti’s Prattles Gift Guide Gone Wild

Welcome to my annual holiday gift  for anyone who cares enough to give gifts. I love Christmas especially surprising people with unexpected gifts. Tis the season to be generous, jolly and thankful. Here’s your  blogger last Christmas morning……

Now check out my assorted entries to find the right gifts for you. Ho ho ho, happy holidays.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE GIFT IDEAS AS SEEN IN PATTI’S PRATTLES GIFT GUIDE ENTRIES ON THIS BLOG:

Flip Video– they’ll flip over the new technology and ease of use.

Membership in Bacon Freak Club–yummy bacon of the month sent to them.

Wines and adult beverages–always good gifts for foodies, I found some choice, tasty selections, check out my foodie’s choices.

Portraits by www.LindaCovelloPhotography.com– Linda’s artistry behind the camera can make you look like a million.

Personalized photo bracelet by www.Photoworks.com

Pesonal Pleasures: naughtibod, you really have to read that one.

 Sweet treats: yummy stuff from Route29.com, don’t miss it in my foodie entry, these are caramels and chocolately tidbits to die for.

Movie maker–appoint them writer/director/film editor with their own aVinci’s Movie Producer, www.avincimedia.com

Cookies Monsters/Sweet Treats–found some great choices that mail direct to your recipients. Sahale Snacks; Feed Your Soul; Charleston Cookie Company. Check it out in other entries.

Fitness–do it at home to memberships at SportsClubLA and Crunch.

Check my other entries for details of all of the above categories.In the meantime I put a few teasers right here….

 

 Now these make great stocking stuffers for the forgetful, nannies, housekeepers or those always on the go…DaysAgo Digital Day Counters–little gadgets that stick on the fridge, mirror or where ever,  to remind them when to change the water fileter, water plants, take meds, stop smoking or the expiration date on food products. Cute in pink to help raise awareness about breast cancer, DaysAgo was created by a 8 year breast cancer survivor to encourage women to do monthly self-exams. And 10% of the proceeds are donated to the cause. So get some for the people on your gift list and do a little charity at the same time. Check out the co-founder Kathleen Whitehurst and Debbie Stephens Satuffer, two Napa Valley entrepreneurs at www.howmanydaysago.com.

 

Lavish them with luxurious cosmetics from the Golden Door, simply the best health resort in the world. The Escondido, California resort is dedicated to health, fitness and nutrition and offers unparalleled week-long programs designed to improve mind, body and spirit–and trust me, it does. Anyhow the Door is offering 15% discunts on skin care products through November 30, so hurry up and stock up for your holiday gifting. www.goldendoorskincare.com; 800-231-1444, tell them you heard about it from Patti Pietschmann of Patti’s Prattles who by the way recommends the Golden C, a blend of Vitamin C, amino acids and plant extracts that visibly improve skin tone; Crisis 11 with AHA, accelerates skin renewal and diminishes signs of aging; Skin Cell Regenerator Complex; any of the Confidante collection; Citrus Blend Bath & Shower Gel; Citrus Blend Sea Salt Scrub with Avocado; Botanical Body Oil (it smells sooooo good and leaves your skin smooth and silky),  or one of the many speciality packages. You can see all the products on the web site. Okay read on guys and gals…..Fit for the New Year… now here’s a novel idea that you can give nearly everyone on your gift list. *May not be appropriate for some people. It’s Olympic Gold Medalist Mitch Gaylorfd’s “Melt it Off program.” I just played the video in my office and did a quick workout along with Mitch and his crew. As a fitness enthusiast and writer who specializes in the topic, I’ve tested many programs and videos and can unabashedly attest this one would motivate even the staunchest couch potato. He’s amiable, the exercises, while at times rigorous, can be adapted for most levels and it’s pure fun. Well for me anyway it was enjoyable. Mitch employs a “G-Ball” (he sent me a 2 pounder but I used my 4 lber as I’m a bit advanced. His exercises, which really do work the entire body, are tagged:  Cardio Burn & Sculpt; Sizzlin Abs, High Calorie Melt and Melt in 10.   Included in the regimen are a suggested Melt it Off  nutritionally-balanced diet; tips like a shopping list, a diary for jotting down daily food intake and activity on which you also paste a “before” photo. The whole thing’s pretty cool.   

 Patti’s  Prattles Annual Holiday Guide  updated Oct. 13, 2008 with more Nifty, Outside the Box Gift Ideas(scroll to bottom of entry for newer items)–from Louiseville Sluggers to Techno gadgets and beyond. Light a candle, take a deep breath let the shopping begin…..
That’s my Louiseville Slugger complete with my name, the New York Yankees and Derek Jeter inscribed, I love it and so will those on your holiday gift giving list. Every year I hunt for the best of the seasons–   most of these products come from ideas pitched to me by savvy public relations people who understand that this guide is about exciting, interesting gifts, outside the usual box type items (with a couple of exceptions). Anyhow, one company told me about a personalized baseball bat. Well being an avid Yankee fan and having hit a few balls in my time, I was so excited about it that the PR person gave me one as a gift.  It’s soooooo cool. It’s a numbered 125 Louisville Slugger powerized bat with my full name on it along with a Yankee logo. I mean is this a great gift or what. Any baseball enthusiast on your list will love this, male or female,young or old.  It’s only $57 to $87 at www.sluggergifts.com. And for other sports fans: FantasyFootballSherpa.com  provides data-driven, customized advice to fantasy football enthusiasts where league participantsget the gift of winning in their leagues, earning bragging rights.$29.95 a www.FantasyFootballSherpa.com .
I love my Mino FlipVideoo Camera and have been using it since the company sent me one last month. It rocks. Takes perfect videos with sound and makes me feel like a  movie maker. I shot a birthday party recently and played it back on our big tv screen, everyone loved it. This is the perfect gift videophile/camera buffs/UTubers and just about anybody. Sleek, easy to use with foolproof, quick transfer to PC, Internet,email and so sexy-looking. Retails for about $179 but the results are priceless. Hurry while supply lasts, it’s going to fly off the shelves before Christmas..Novel Photo Ops–well here’s a novel idea, the 5second slide&store frames designed for folks who love to line their walls with family and friends’ pictures. It’s pretty cool with a special pouch on the back where photos can be stored and then changed at various intervals–like when you break up with you partner LOL–or have a family feud LOL–or actually just want to look a different person or scenery. 5second frames hit the market in October 2008 so look for the product at major retailers or go on line to www.5second.com
one-stop on line shopping site, www.cafepress.com. Just received a few things I ordered and am very happy. Got a nifty Jr. Hoodie; a cool t-shirt with a man’s shirt and tie on t he front and  a pair of thong undies. There’s lots more on the hip site like mugs, buttons, posters and baby things. Try it you’ll like it and the prices are right, too.  I just found the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone who struggles openingpackages, boxes, CDs etc. to open, it’s called Zibra: Open It–a cute little gadget that takes the angst out of opening anything. Believe me I’ve cursed and yelled trying to get into some packages. Okay, I’ve been using Open It now for a few weeks and it works great, a must have for anyone who has as many FedEx and UPS packages to open as I do. I can’t tell you how much we’ve struggled opening certain cartons and products, OpenIt makes it a breeze. And that’s the truth. Sold at Home Depot, Walgreens, Bed Bath& Beyond or  at www.enjoyzibra.com, $11.99. 
For your gardening pals–fashionista gloves from Ethel that make them look chic while they plant, dig and clean the yard. Perfect for toting the Christmas tree in and out and for working with thorny plants. Believe me, they are really cool and only $18 at www.ethelgloves.com
For gym rats– Wordlocks that use actual words  in lieu of numbers and they look cool, too. One size fits all, too, so you can scratch several people off your list at one time by ordering from: Amazon.com, Target, Walgreens, Sears, or Kmart’s, or check out Wordlock’s Web site at www.wordlock.com. Words are easier to see and more fun to program from and they make cool stocking stuffers and are available in a range of colors. 
Wordlocks use actual words  in lieu of numbers and they look cool, too. One size fits all, too, so you can scratch several people off your list at one time by ordering from: Amazon.com, Target, Walgreens, Sears, or Kmart’s, or check out Wordlock’s Web site at www.wordlock.com. Words are easier to see and more fun to program from and they make cool stocking stuffers and are available in a range of colors. 
 More Novelties– Okay this is just the thing to bring a smile on Christmas morning, a Johnny-Light that actually lights up  with a green glow the toilet bowl at night when the seat is up and turns off when it’s down. Perfect for the hit or missers on your list or mom’s who are potty training, single woman whose boyfriend  never puts the seat back down . . . or a working gal who shares a unisex bathroom at the office might all appreciate a Johnny Light (the “teaching” night light).    www.johnny-light.com, check out the online video while you’re there. Costs just about $15 with postage, get a bunch for all the guys on your list.
 More Novelties– Okay this is just the thing to bring a smile on Christmas morning, a Johnny-Light that actually lights up  with a green glow the toilet bowl at night when the seat is up and turns off when it’s down. Perfect for the hit or missers on your list or mom’s who are potty training, single woman whose boyfriend  never puts the seat back down . . . or a working gal who shares a unisex bathroom at the office might all appreciate a Johnny Light (the “teaching” night light).    www.johnny-light.com, check out the online video while you’re there. Costs just about $15 with postage, get a bunch for all the guys on your list.
Jet Setters will love mysmartpac personal care carry-on kit that comes with toothpaste, face cleanser,deodorant, razor,  hair gel, body lotion and an approved plastic zip top bag. There’s about a 3-4 day supply and it’s much easier than measuring out each cosmetic to pass the security requirements. www.mysmartpac.com
They might also like a Full Spectrum Solutions Dawn Simulator that mimics sunrise and sunset  that helps travelers adjust easier in new time zones. It  wakes you quietly without abruptly interrupting sleep and comes with a large backlit LCD display with tthe year, month, date, day and time, MP3 Player; optionalalarm, sound soother and is programmable from 10 to 90 minutes on a 7 day program schedule.  For tyke-coons–for those little tykes exhibiting tycoon-like traits, the Money Manger Kit for ages 4-7 is just the thing.  The interactive toy offers a 7-step program to teach youngsters the basics of money and increase financial skills. Talk about a Yuppy gift. Anyhow it comes with three books, calculation, posters,job charts and a 3-part bank showing how to save, spend and share. I think today’s tykes know how to spend. Check it out at www.tessyandtab.com/money
 Techno gadgets–The shelves are alive this holiday season with all sorts of techno gadgets for your tech-savvy friends and relatives. Just got the hot new
SanDisk Mobile Ultra high-performance card and it’s amazing. The tiny 2 GB flash drive  provides  accelerated transfer rates of digital files to and from  mobile memory cards and computers.  It downloads videos, photos, games in a literal ‘flash and increases storage in mobile phones. Perfect for amatuer videographers, it enables fast file transfers to websites, PCs or where ever they want to send them. It’s a must have for gift-giving or personal use.

 Candles make cool gifts for any occasion and I found a nifty selection at www.jacksandpearls.com,  designed and created by Jessica Lauber.  Good enough for swag bags, they even made it into the Emmy’s gift bags this year.  The candles are embedded with rolled and fire-glass mosaic tiles – imported from Italy, France and China.  When the wick and glass are parallel, the fire illuminates through the glass tile, giving them an extra dimension of glowing light.   Jacks & pearls, nyc candles are made with the highest quality paraffin and 100% cotton wicks, each candled is hand finished, balanced, sculpted and finely polished – truly a work of art.
Desgined luxuriantly in  deep amethyst paired with loden green and gold, teal with ochre or the palest white layering hey are shaped in tapers and squares with multi-wicks, architectural columns and small square, the candles are beautiful when grouped together to create a glowing, sculptural setting.  Perfect for the the bath and  home spa and a perfect holiday gift.

Gizmos and doodad stocking stuffers…Really nifty for today’s Internet junkie, the Scan-on-the-Go complete Cyber Safety card not only protects PCs from evil doers, it speeds up world wide web connections for those of us who still have archaic dial up service like me. Just got my tester and I love it, of course no way to know if it’s protecting me, but it sure increased my surfing/using speed. I love it. From www.networkintercept.com you can also buy it on www.amazon.com for just $69, whatadeal. Special $10 off coupon for Patti’s Prattles viwers: go to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001F23DUG/
10% bonus code for amazon only 6NXMC2UL.

 

Feedyoursoulcookies.com bakes up great sweet treats for hosts and hostesses and gift givers. Getting samples to taste next week, so come back for my review. Pictured here is pumpkin, but they also have chocolated dipped raspberry,shottbrad, chip mint, peanut butter and white chocolate cherry jubliee cookies, yum. Gift wrapped with custom printed ribbon and personalized silk-screened lids in environmentally friendly containers.

Hot,hot, hot–bound to wow them…Ty.Ku, not only a delicious, low-sugar, low-calorie citrus liqueur, the refreshing l mint green ibation comes in an exquisite bottle that actually lights up when you pour it making it even more fun to open this on Christmas Day. Drink it straight, on the rocks or mixed in margarita for an extra buzz (we did and it’s amazing). Unique in the liquor industry the LED techno-lighted bottle is about as much fun as the beverage. Priced in the $30 range, Ty.Ku has already swept the celeb world (Paris Hilton, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Foxx have partaken according to the company). It’s also been featured in magazines. Check out www.trytyku.com

Yummy…I am sitting here eating Sahale Glazed Cashews with pomegranate and vanilla and it’s the best snack I ever are. This stuff is really tasty. Perfect for holiday entertaining or stuffing in stockings. John & Edmond, who sign the packages make avariety of healthy options like Almonds with cranberries and sea salt or with peanuts and berries–it’s all good. Check it out at www.sahalesnacks.com. Order lots for your holiday noshing.

 

 

 

 

For turkey fixing friends: my husband and I do turkeys year around, still I found a new book, Talk Turkey to Me” (Wishbone Press) very enlightening, well written and lots of fun to read. The  complete guide to holiday meal preparation explores the many facets of this traditional feast with more than 80 recipes, tips, disaster savers, and endorsements from top chefs such as Bobby Flay as well a the National Turkey Federation.  It’s perfect for any of your chef friends who want to learn the ins and out of turkey making.  Check it out www.talkturkeytome.com.

 

Photo ops: in this era of digital photography we all have friends obsessed by picture taking, video making and other optical hobbies, so why not select a gift from the great choices at www.photoworks.com.  They do personalized photo charm bracelets that are adorable and affordable. They sent me a classic silver photo charm bracelet with a photo charm packaged in a pretty little box. It’s  really cool and perfect for young girls on your list $59.95.

MyMovieProducer by aVinci: Gifts don’t get better than this. This company helps people create pro-looking  videos, books and posters with the help of  a professional design team who add all the bells and whistles. It’s a snap, too. Just download your stuff on a DVD and they do the rest. For a really special Christmas gift surprise order the “Polar Express Christmas Gift,”  and put your child, friend, spouse or whomever you choose  right in the film. Imagine when they play the DVD and see themselves in a movie. You can also do  pro-like videos of your vacation, wedding, business trip, baby’s first step,holidays or pivotal events. It’s another nifty, cool gift idea brought to you by Patti’s Prattles, the blog to go to when you want to give the very unique.  For .  Check out  MyMovieProducer at: www.avincimedia.com.momentscaptured/home.html

 

Open It: everybody struggles opening packages these days. Especially yours truly. I get lots of “stuff” to test out for Patti’s Prattles and half the battle is getting the UPS or FedEx boxes open, the rest is getting the iron-clad plastic covering off. Well not any more since my pals at  at WomenKnowThe Zibra Company sent me OpenIt!  a 4 tools in 1 gadget the opens, slices, unscrews the hardest to open stuff. www.becausewomenknow.com

 

 Check out my foodie gift entry for more informationa about Carolyn’s Handmade awesomely sweet treat….

 

Patti’s Gift Guide Gone Even Wilder

Zounds, I’m sitting here listening to ABBA (okay I’m a little retro, but the music still works) on my new Sansa slotMusic playerand lovin it. What a nifty gift for someone on your list. (That’s me below last Christmas), but below it is more copy about SanDisk’s slotMusic machine.

So as any of my readers know I sample EVERYTHING on all my blogs before I recommend ANYTHING. And I’m really behind this little number. My ABBA Gold is one of the company’s branded slotMusicplayers which is so cool to give fans of certain artists or groups. It’s  portable, plug & play, tiny and great sound, really great sound.  And the best thing it’s only about $35, so you can buy bunches of them (the non name players are only $20). The  hot, new slotMusic machine hit the shelves October 2008 and is destined to change the way we listen to music witha new format Hi Fi, DRM-free MP3 music on a microSD card that can be swapped to other players. Recording artists available from Sony BMG, EMI, Universal, Warner. I  now own quite a selection of SanDisk/Sansa accessories and I love them all.  Check out  www.sansa.com. And speaking of my favorite tech company (SanDisk Corp.), which happens to be one of the fastest growing global inventors of the and supplier of flash sotrage cards, I just got their latest creation a 16GB Wakeupyourphone memory card for mobile phones. This gismo rules. The hi-storage microSDHC card works with video cameras, GPS receivers, MP3 players and SanDisk’s Sansa. Get one for yourself and a few of your closest friends. Makes great stocking stuffers.  Available at Best Buy or Verizon Wireless or at www.wakeupyourphone.com. Costs $99 to $129.99.

 

A FEW MORE OF MY FAVORITE GIFT IDEAS AS SEEN IN  ADDITIONAL PATTI’S PRATTLES GIFT GUIDE ENTRIES TO CONSIDER INCLUDE:

Flip Video– they’ll flip over the new technology and ease of use.

Membership in Bacon Freak Club–yummy bacon of the month sent to them.

Wines and adult beverages–always good gifts for foodies, I found some choice, tasty selections, check out my foodie’s choices.

Portraits by www.LindaCovelloPhotography.com– Linda’s artistry behind the camera can make you look like a million.

Personalized photo bracelet by www.Photoworks.com

Pesonal Pleasures: naughtibod, you really have to read that one.

 Sweet treats: yummy stuff from Route29.com, don’t miss it in my foodie entry, these are caramels and chocolately tidbits to die for.

Movie maker–appoint them writer/director/film editor with their own aVinci’s Movie Producer, www.avincimedia.com

Cookies Monsters/Sweet Treats–found some great choices that mail direct to your recipients. Sahale Snacks; Feed Your Soul; Charleston Cookie Company. Check it out in other entries.

Fitness–do it at home to memberships at SportsClubLA and Crunch.

Check my other entries for details of all of the above categories.In the meantime I put a few teasers right here….

 

 Now these make great stocking stuffers for the forgetful, nannies, housekeepers or those always on the go…DaysAgo Digital Day Counters–little gadgets that stick on the fridge, mirror or where ever,  to remind them when to change the water fileter, water plants, take meds, stop smoking or the expiration date on food products. Cute in pink to help raise awareness about breast cancer, DaysAgo was created by a 8 year breast cancer survivor to encourage women to do monthly self-exams. And 10% of the proceeds are donated to the cause. So get some for the people on your gift list and do a little charity at the same time. Check out the co-founder Kathleen Whitehurst and Debbie Stephens Satuffer, two Napa Valley entrepreneurs at www.howmanydaysago.com.

 

Lavish them with luxurious cosmetics from the Golden Door, simply the best health resort in the world. The Escondido, California resort is dedicated to health, fitness and nutrition and offers unparalleled week-long programs designed to improve mind, body and spirit–and trust me, it does. Anyhow the Door is offering 15% discounts on skin care products through November 30, so hurry up and stock up for your holiday gifting. www.goldendoorskincare.com; 800-231-1444, tell them you heard about it from Patti Pietschmann of Patti’s Prattles who by the way recommends the Golden C, a blend of Vitamin C, amino acids and plant extracts that visibly improve skin tone; Crisis 11 with AHA, accelerates skin renewal and diminishes signs of aging; Skin Cell Regenerator Complex; any of the Confidante collection; Citrus Blend Bath & Shower Gel; Citrus Blend Sea Salt Scrub with Avocado; Botanical Body Oil(it smells sooooo good and leaves your skin smooth and silky),  or one of the many speciality packages. You can see all the products on the web site. Okay read on guys and gals…..Fit for the New Year…now here’s a novel idea that you can give nearly everyone on your gift list. *May not be appropriate for some people. It’s Olympic Gold Medalist Mitch Gaylorfd’s “Melt it Off program.” I just played the video in my office and did a quick workout along with Mitch and his crew. As a fitness enthusiast and writer who specializes in the topic, I’ve tested many programs and videos and can unabashedly attest this one would motivate even the staunchest couch potato. He’s amiable, the exercises, while at times rigorous, can be adapted for most levels and it’s pure fun. Well for me anyway it was enjoyable. Mitch employs a “G-Ball” (he sent me a 2 pounder but I used my 4 lber as I’m a bit advanced. His exercises, which really do work the entire body, are tagged:  Cardio Burn & Sculpt; Sizzlin Abs, High Calorie Melt and Melt in 10.   Included in the regimen are a suggested Melt it Off  nutritionally-balanced diet; tips like a shopping list, a diary for jotting down daily food intake and activity on which you also paste a “before” photo. The whole thing’s pretty cool.   

 Patti’s  Prattles Annual Holiday Guide  updated Oct. 13, 2008 with more Nifty, Outside the Box Gift Ideas(scroll to bottom of entry for newer items)–from Louiseville Sluggers to Techno gadgets and beyond. Light a candle, take a deep breath let the shopping begin…..
That’s my Louiseville Sluggercomplete with my name, the New York Yankees and Derek Jeter inscribed, I love it and so will those on yourholiday gift giving list. Every year I hunt for the best of the seasons–   most of these products come from ideas pitched to me by savvy public relations people who understand that this guide is about exciting, interesting gifts, outside the usual box type items (with a couple of exceptions). Anyhow, one company told me about a personalized baseball bat. Well being an avid Yankee fan and having hit a few balls in my time, I was so excited about it that the PR person gave me one as a gift.  It’s soooooo cool. It’s a numbered 125 Louisville Slugger powerized bat with my full name on it along with a Yankee logo. I mean is this a great gift or what. Any baseball enthusiast on your list will love this, male or female,young or old.  It’s only $57 to $87 at www.sluggergifts.com. And for other sports fans: FantasyFootballSherpa.com  provides data-driven, customized advice to fantasy football enthusiasts where league participantsget the gift of winning in their leagues, earning bragging rights.$29.95 a www.FantasyFootballSherpa.com .
I love my Mino FlipVideoo Cameraand have been using it since the company sent me one last month. It rocks. Takes perfect videos with sound and makes me feel like a  movie maker. I shot a birthday party recently and played it back on our big tv screen, everyone loved it. This is the perfect gift videophile/camera buffs/UTubers and just about anybody. Sleek, easy to use with foolproof, quick transfer to PC, Internet,email and so sexy-looking. Retails for about $179 but the results are priceless. Hurry while supply lasts, it’s going to fly off the shelves before Christmas..Novel Photo Ops–well here’s a novel idea, the 5second slide&store frames designed for folks who love to line their walls with family and friends’ pictures. It’s pretty cool with a special pouch on the back where photos can be stored and then changed at various intervals–like when you break up with you partner LOL–or have a family feud LOL–or actually just want to look a different person or scenery. 5second frames hit the market in October 2008 so look for the product at major retailers or go on line to www.5second.com
one-stop on line shopping site, www.cafepress.com. Just received a few things I ordered and am very happy. Got a nifty Jr. Hoodie; a cool t-shirt with a man’s shirt and tie on t he front and  a pair of thong undies. There’s lots more on the hip site like mugs, buttons, posters and baby things. Try it you’ll like it and the prices are right, too.  I just found the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone who struggles openingpackages, boxes, CDs etc. to open, it’s called Zibra: Open It–a cute little gadget that takes the angst out of opening anything. Believe me I’ve cursed and yelled trying to get into some packages. Okay, I’ve been using Open It now for a few weeks and it works great, a must have for anyone who has as many FedEx and UPS packages to open as I do. I can’t tell you how much we’ve struggled opening certain cartons and products, OpenIt makes it a breeze. And that’s the truth. Sold at Home Depot, Walgreens, Bed Bath& Beyond or  at www.enjoyzibra.com, $11.99. 
For your gardening pals–fashionista gloves from Ethel that make them look chic while they plant, dig and clean the yard. Perfect for toting the Christmas tree in and out and for working with thorny plants. Believe me, they are really cool and only $18 at www.ethelgloves.com
For gym rats– Wordlocks that use actual words  in lieu of numbers and they look cool, too. One size fits all, too, so you can scratch several people off your list at one time by ordering from: Amazon.com, Target, Walgreens, Sears, or Kmart’s, or check out Wordlock’s Web site at www.wordlock.com. Words are easier to see and more fun to program from and they make cool stocking stuffers and are available in a range of colors. 
Wordlocks use actual words  in lieu of numbers and they look cool, too. One size fits all, too, so you can scratch several people off your list at one time by ordering from: Amazon.com, Target, Walgreens, Sears, or Kmart’s, or check out Wordlock’s Web site at www.wordlock.com. Words are easier to see and more fun to program from and they make cool stocking stuffers and are available in a range of colors. 
 More Novelties– Okay this is just the thing to bring a smile on Christmas morning, a Johnny-Light that actually lights up  with a green glow the toilet bowl at night when the seat is up and turns off when it’s down. Perfect for the hit or missers on your list or mom’s who are potty training, single woman whose boyfriend  never puts the seat back down . . . or a working gal who shares a unisex bathroom at the office might all appreciate a Johnny Light (the “teaching” night light).    www.johnny-light.com, check out the online video while you’re there. Costs just about $15 with postage, get a bunch for all the guys on your list.
 More Novelties– Okay this is just the thing to bring a smile on Christmas morning, a Johnny-Light that actually lights up  with a green glow the toilet bowl at night when the seat is up and turns off when it’s down. Perfect for the hit or missers on your list or mom’s who are potty training, single woman whose boyfriend  never puts the seat back down . . . or a working gal who shares a unisex bathroom at the office might all appreciate a Johnny Light (the “teaching” night light).    www.johnny-light.com, check out the online video while you’re there. Costs just about $15 with postage, get a bunch for all the guys on your list.
Jet Setters will love mysmartpac personal care carry-on kit that comes with toothpaste, face cleanser,deodorant, razor,  hair gel, body lotion and an approved plastic zip top bag. There’s about a 3-4 day supply and it’s much easier than measuring out each cosmetic to pass the security requirements. www.mysmartpac.com
They might also like a Full Spectrum Solutions Dawn Simulator that mimics sunrise and sunset  that helps travelers adjust easier in new time zones. It  wakes you quietly without abruptly interrupting sleep and comes with a large back lit LCD display with tthe year, month, date, day and time, MP3 Player; optional alarm, sound soother and is programmable from 10 to 90 minutes on a 7 day program schedule.  For tyke-coons–for those little tykes exhibiting tycoon-like traits, the Money Manger Kit for ages 4-7 is just the thing.  The interactive toy offers a 7-step program to teach youngsters the basics of money and increase financial skills. Talk about a Yuppygift. Anyhow it comes with three books, calculation, posters,job charts and a 3-part bank showing how to save, spend and share. I think today’s tykes know how to spend. Check it out at www.tessyandtab.com/money
 Techno gadgets–The shelves are alive this holiday season with all sorts of techno gadgets for your tech-savvy friends and relatives. Just got the hot new
SanDisk Mobile Ultra high-performance card and it’s amazing. The tiny 2 GB flash drive  provides  accelerated transfer rates of digital files to and from  mobile memory cards and computers.  It downloads videos, photos, games in a literal ‘flash and increases storage in mobile phones. Perfect for amatuer videographers, it enables fast file transfers to websites, PCs or where ever they want to send them. It’s a must have for gift-giving or personal use.

 Candles make cool gifts for any occasion and I found a nifty selection at www.jacksandpearls.com,  designed and created by Jessica Lauber.  Good enough for swag bags, they even made it into the Emmy’s gift bags this year.  The candles are embedded with rolled and fire-glass mosaic tiles – imported from Italy, France and China.  When the wick and glass are parallel, the fire illuminates through the glass tile, giving them an extra dimension of glowing light.   Jacks & pearls, nyc candles are made with the highest quality paraffin and 100% cotton wicks, each candled is hand finished, balanced, sculpted and finely polished – truly a work of art.
Desgined luxuriantly in  deep amethyst paired with loden green and gold, teal with ochre or the palest white layering hey are shaped in tapers and squares with multi-wicks, architectural columns and small square, the candles are beautiful when grouped together to create a glowing, sculptural setting.  Perfect for the the bath and  home spa and a perfect holiday gift.

Gizmos and doodad stocking stuffers…Really nifty for today’s Internet junkie, the Scan-on-the-Go complete Cyber Safety card not only protects PCs from evil doers, it speeds up world wide web connections for those of us who still have archaic dial up service like me. Just got my tester and I love it, of course no way to know if it’s protecting me, but it sure increased my surfing/using speed. I love it. From www.networkintercept.com you can also buy it on www.amazon.comfor just $69, whatadeal. Special $10 off coupon for Patti’s Prattles viwers: go to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001F23DUG/
10% bonus code for amazon only 6NXMC2UL.

 

Feedyoursoulcookies.com bakes up great sweet treats for hosts and hostesses and gift givers. Getting samples to taste next week, so come back for my review. Pictured here is pumpkin, but they also have chocolated dipped raspberry,shottbrad, chip mint, peanut butter and white chocolate cherry jubliee cookies, yum. Gift wrapped with custom printed ribbon and personalized silk-screened lids in environmentally friendly containers.

Hot,hot, hot–bound to wow them…Ty.Ku,not only a delicious, low-sugar, low-calorie citrus liqueur, the refreshing l mint green ibationcomes in an exquisite bottle that actually lights up when you pour it making it even more fun to open this on Christmas Day. Drink it straight, on the rocks or mixed in margarita for an extra buzz (we did and it’s amazing). Unique in the liquor industry the LED techno-lighted bottle is about as much fun as the beverage. Priced in the $30 range, Ty.Ku has already swept the celeb world (Paris Hilton, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Foxx have partaken according to the company). It’s also been featured in magazines. Check out www.trytyku.com

Yummy…I am sitting here eating Sahale Glazed Cashews with pomegranate and vanilla and it’s the best snack I ever are. This stuff is really tasty. Perfect for holiday entertaining or stuffing in stockings. John & Edmond, who sign the packages make avariety of healthy options like Almonds with cranberries and sea salt or with peanuts and berries–it’s all good. Check it out at www.sahalesnacks.com. Order lots for your holiday noshing.

 

 

 

 

For turkey fixing friends: my husband and I do turkeys year around, still I found a new book, Talk Turkey to Me” (Wishbone Press) very enlightening, well written and lots of fun to read. The  complete guide to holiday meal preparation explores the many facets of this traditional feast with more than 80 recipes, tips, disaster savers, and endorsements from top chefs such as Bobby Flay as well a the National Turkey Federation.  It’s perfect for any of your chef friends who want to learn the ins and out of turkey making.  Check it out www.talkturkeytome.com.

 

Photo ops: in this era of digital photography we all have friends obsessed by picture taking, video making and other optical hobbies, so why not select a gift from the great choices at www.photoworks.com.  They do personalized photo charm bracelets that are adorable and affordable. They sent me a classic silver photo charm bracelet with a photo charm packaged in a pretty little box. It’s  really cool and perfect for young girls on your list $59.95.

MyMovieProducer by aVinci: Gifts don’t get better than this. This company helps people create pro-looking  videos, books and posters with the help of  a professional design team who add all the bells and whistles. It’s a snap, too. Just download your stuff on a DVD and they do the rest. For a really special Christmas gift surprise order the “Polar Express Christmas Gift,”  and put your child, friend, spouse or whomever you choose  right in the film. Imagine when they play the DVD and see themselves in a movie. You can also do  pro-like videos of your vacation, wedding, business trip, baby’s first step,holidays or pivotal events. It’s another nifty, cool gift idea brought to you by Patti’s Prattles, the blogto go to when you want to give the very unique.  For .  Check out  MyMovieProducer at: www.avincimedia.com.momentscaptured/home.html

 

Open It: everybody struggles opening packages these days. Especially yours truly. I get lots of “stuff” to test out for Patti’s Prattles and half the battle is getting the UPS or FedEx boxes open, the rest is getting the iron-clad plastic covering off. Well not any more since my pals at  at WomenKnowThe Zibra Company sent me OpenIt!  a 4 tools in 1 gadget the opens, slices, unscrews the hardest to open stuff. www.becausewomenknow.com

   Gifts of Beauty–For her body  Help  her feel scrumptious with Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub with crushed cocoa beans, from Giovanni–I use it regularly during a steam bath at my health club.  It leaves my skin silky and soft and it smells so good.

 

 

 

For her Face:  Let her be the first to experience the wonders of  M2 products, a new line of luxuriant, effective cosmetics. I just started using M2 exfoliating cleanser, Skin Recovery Moisturizer and the  HP Skin Refinish and they work wonders. www.M2skintech.com.

 For Good Hair Days: She’ll flip over celebrity stylist,  Robert Amos’ s new line of hair care products, especially if she enjoys “bigging” up her tresses. The Volumizer springs strands into action with special algae, amino acids and rice protein that help protect while giving her a salon look at home. I just tried it and it’s great.  $31.  Also the Love It & Leave It Conditioner. Her hair will shimmer and shine, mine does. He uses Aloe Vera,horsetail extract and green tea in this formula. Costs $25 at www.robertamos.comor at Estilo Salon in Los Angeles. And to complete the look, Robert Amos Texture Crema,  a styling aid that’s light but effective. I was having a bad hair day and rubbed a dab her and there and puffed up my mane big time. Looks good. I’ve been a beauty writer for two decades and these are some of the best products to come into my test lab in a long time.It’s a Man Thing…Tire Rack Emergency Repair Tool Kit–Flat tires and breakdowns are annoying and can prove to be dangerous for the driver who is usually unprepared.  A necessity for every trunk, the Tire Rack’s Emergency Repair Tool Kit has what you’ll need to help keep you and your family safe or get you back on the road.  All 57 pieces are easily stored within a compact, fully padded storage bag with a separate pocket in the back for jumper cables.  $49 at

 

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/ttr/er_repair_tool_kit.jsp.ttp://www.tirerack.com/accessories/airgauges/air10.jsp.  and while you’re at stuff their stocking with the 

 Accutire Digital Set Point Programmable Air Gauge w/Light–the government estimates some 60,000,000 cars, minivans and SUVs are riding on underinflated tires. Not good, this can cause damage, grip less, wear faster and carry fewer loads.  So help them play it safe with this gadget.  $17.95 at Accutire Digital Pencil Air Gauge– a  light compact pencil-shaped air gauge even the busiest of executives will be able to find time to check their tire pressure going to or coming from the office.  And for those with limited space in their briefcase, a steel pocket carrying clip is available. The Accutire Digital Pencil Air Gauge is available for $8.95 at

 

 

Hot New Additions to Patti’s Prattles Gift Guide Gone Wild

November 23, 2008:  My gift guide really has really run wild this year with more nifty ideas than ever. Remember I only print the very best  I find and here’s some new ideas to mull over…..beginning with the hottest items on the shelves like Flowboards and Mio Motiva heart monitoring watches..and well, lots more…

Let them “flow”…. Help them be the first on their block or strand to experience the Flowboard   from Sport Technology of Long Beach, CA.  The big, 14-wheeler looks like a land version of the snowboard or surfboard. Perfect for Xtreme athletes on your list, it sells for $80 to $110. I must confess I haven’t personally tested this one, a little too extreme for me, but it sounded awesome so I had to put it in this year’s guide.
 Call 800-503-9432 or go to: www.flowlab.com 

It’s just too cool and trendy…Gift of Health–Mio Motiva Petite strapless heart rate watch. Just got mine and trying it out on my run tomorrow. It looks cool on the wrist. Perfect for any exercisers on your list who not only want to keep up on their heart rate but also how many calories they’re burning with personalized data programmed right into the watch. www.miowatch.com

Be Brief & Lift your man’s butt–Your guy need a little help in that department? Get him Andrew Christian Anti Muffin Top Elastic Flashback, Police, Fire and Pro Lifeguard underwear. You can stop nagging him about his flabby mid-section and appreciate his firm and lifted butt. www.andrewchristian.com

Andrew just introduced a female version, and not a moment too soon. It’s scary how many women let it all hang out when wearing low-cut jeans…I’ll be sampling them soon and report back in on how well they function.

Okay now wrap them all up pretty bows by Gliza Classic Bows (getting my samples soon and will let you know, but it sounds good). Each bow has a name like Xmas Mix, Jolly Holly, and my favorite Diva Delight (me being the Dining Diva and the Divaonthego on wordpress.com and on Rick Dees in the Morning on Movin 93.9 FM,the mix that makes you  move).  Anyhow the selection ofGliza bows is awesome, ($12 – $18 for packages of 6 and 12) check it out at www.gliza.net. 

Keep them hydrated with a gift of FIJI Water,  a personal fave, and yes, I can taste the difference in water and FIJI tastes pure and good, I buy it by the case and keep it in my car and gym  bag.  Anyhow while I buy it in bottles I didn’t know they did home delivery. What a great gift idea to buy someone a year’s supply of H20. www.fijiwater.com.

 Sweet Treats–cookies are forever, more about these after I haved a taste….

 

Light up their life– flash lights seem to fizzle out just when you need them or don’t provide enough light. Well the LED tech, Energizer Hard Case Professional solves all that.  It even looks good, black, sleek, handsome, with a smooth taper style that fits in a pocket. Even comes with batteries and a storage pouch, now that’s a plus. Perfect for men and women, it can survive a 20 foot drop, provides 80 lumens of light, has a swivel head and costs just $39.99, www.energizer.com.

 

Toilet-tries–okay, not exactly a romantic gift, but fun to give to female friends living with a guy who forgets this nicety or married folk, households with children. It;s called Seat Down  and can go hand and glove the Johnny Light I wrote about in my other entry, or stand alone as it were. Anyhow it’s a creative idea from LB Products, Inc., a Newport News, VA, company headed by  feisty, entrepreneurial president/CEO Vicki A. LaBarre, who says the million dollar plus invention is made of only the “finest materials.” Anyhow the gadget replaces toilet seat handles with handles in front and 18 adjustments that lower the seat or the lid and seat when you flush. She calls it a “Battle of the Sexes” playful gift but one she feels is well-engineered (it was designed by an inventor whose work appears in the Smithsonian, fyi). www.seatdown.org.

  

Gifts of Beauty–

Twinkle toes–Or rather keep their toes aligned with Flex-Tastic. I just got one and used it for the prescribed initial 5 minute starter time and will keep it up because I have bunions and it’s supposed to help with them as well as aid in circulation , reduce stress and tension in feet and legs and more. A perfect stocking stuffer for everybody. www.profootcare.com.

  

 Body image boosters–  Help  her feel scrumptious with Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub with crushed cocoa beans, from Giovanni–I use it regularly during a steam bath at my health club.  It leaves my skin silky and soft and it smells so good.

Cellulite/slimming aids: okay it might be tough giving a gift designed to eliminate cellulite and reduce bulges, but hey what women doesn’t want to be skinnier. After all one can never be too…..so to the rescue Sineez Skincare Wear designed an undergarment that actually smooths tummy, hips and thighs and reputedly reduces ugly cellulite. If you have a really close friend, sister or even you Mom this might make for a nifty gift. And some of the procceds go to fun women’s health. I’m am wearing a waist slimmer as I blog, just got it. Supposed to keep it on 8 hours a day for a month or so and then notice smoother,firmer, softer skin. I’ll let you know how it goes. Comes in XS to XL, I’m tiny and got a Small which is a little too big but should work.  Here’s what the company says about the product, “Skineez is a brand new product that is going to make a lot of women happy this holiday season – from new moms looking to get their pre-pregnancy bodies back, to women wanting to tone up after holiday splurges, and brides-to-be.   Skineez is the first Cosmetotextile product available in the U.S. Already popular in Europe, Cosmetotextiles is the marriage of cosmetics and textiles.  The body’s heat and the friction from wearing the garment slowly release anti-cellulite and moisturizing ingredients into the skin, which is PROVEN to reduce the appearance of cellulite and the circumference around thighs and the waist. Clinical trials prove the results and the technology.  A portion of every sale goes to Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps (RMA) to help uninsured or underinsured women receive medical care and mammograms. In addition, all packages contain information on how to maintain good breast health. Skineez is available now at Macy’s and Macys.com for $68 and www.myskineez.com .”

 

Face lifts:  Let her be the first to experience the wonders of  M2 products, a new line of luxuriant, effective cosmetics. I just started using M2 exfoliating cleanser, Skin Recovery Moisturizer and the  HP Skin Refinish and they work wonders. www.M2skintech.com.

Give Good Hair Days: She’ll flip over celebrity stylist,  Robert Amos’ s new line of hair care products, especially if she enjoys “bigging” up her tresses. The Volumizer springs strands into action with special algae, amino acids and rice protein that help protect while giving her a salon look at home. I just tried it and it’s great.  $31.  Also the Love It & Leave It Conditioner. Her hair will shimmer and shine, mine does. He uses Aloe Vera,horsetail extract and green tea in this formula. Costs $25 at www.robertamos.com or at Estilo Salon in Los Angeles. And to complete the look, Robert Amos Texture Crema,  a styling aid that’s light but effective. I was having a bad hair day and rubbed a dab her and there and puffed up my mane big time. Looks good. I’ve been a beauty writer for two decades and these are some of the best products to come into my test lab in a long time.

 

Flex-Tastic secret to healthier feet

Put a cap on them: I just got back from Palm Springs where I worn my nigty pink, glittery Madcapz which garnered lots of compliments. The company has all sorts of nifty styles to suit any of your female friends. Madcapz, designed specifically for women by a woman feature an adjustable strap for an easy fit, and 100% cotton. 
Madcapz are made home-grown in the USA – just try to find other caps made in America.
And they’re only $19.99. Check out the styles at: www.madcapz.net. They also do visors.

Patti’s Gift Guide Gone Wild As of Dec.4, 2008

The gift Ideas just keep on coming–so with just a little over three weeks left, it’s time to do some serious shopping. You’re bound to find something for everybody on his year’s Patti’s Prattles Gift Guide Gone Wild. Check out all the entries. I started this in September, by the way.

Put a cap on them–I got lots of compliments wearing my festive Madcapz in Palm Springs,  just t he right amount of glitter. The company has several cool styles perfect for everyone on your list, www.madcapz.net.  

from d’essense..

I love the subtle, yet persuasive scents especially when layered with body wash, lotion, perfume and a wonderful smelling candle made of vegetable and soy wax and scented with d’essense. I actually sprayed the perfume, rubbed the Paris Hilton Shea Buttercream all over my body and lit a candle–the results were amorous.  There is also a Men’s cologne made with  15% to 18% essential oils for $50. For an extensive menu of products go to www.lmsfragrances.com

 

Gift Organic–everyone on your list will thank you for this, pure, organic, naturally-scented cosmetics that leave your  skin radiant without adding any harmful chemicals to your pores from Terressentials  Organic.  The company creates shampoos, moisturizers, face cleansers, toners, and h air, baby and home products that don’t pollute the environment or your person and really work great. I tested the Flower Therapy Detoxifying Facial Cleanser, Flower Therapy Exfoliating Facial Toner, Cool Mint Body Wash, and Organic Lavender Garden Body Wash and love them all. You just feel so pure and clean after.   Any of your “green” eco-conscious friends will love these, www.terressentials.com.

 Exfoliate the negative–I’m a slave to body scrubs and just discovered an amazing new one from Softsoap called Body Butter Coconut Scrub daily luminosity–it not only smells sensational but it leaves your skin so soft and silky. I use in the steam bath at Crunch for extra zing. Pick up a bunch of them for all the women on your list, they’ll thank you for it.

Natural Soaps–ThePigandThePeacock–a cyber/cottage industry with roots on a pig and peacock farm in Georgia where sisters Jenny and Sabrina Abney spent their summers and holidays with their grandparents, creates fabulous, subtle-scented soaps perfect stocking stuffers or under the tree gifts.  I love the eucalyptus, shea butter and poppy seed blend, the Hawaiian Volcano Cherry Seah Butter with black sea salt and the Tropical Papaya & Passion Fruit Handcrafted Shea Butter. There’s lots more at www.ThePigandThePeacock.etsy.com.

Give them a look into the future- with Guy Spiro’s Original “Astro-Weather 2009″ guide–great for any Astrology buff or anyone who wants a peek into the future so to speak. The book is a day by day account of of  how people will react and what’s in store as the “moon and planets move along their respective orbits and form continuously shifting patterns and relationships with one another” and how all that affects our lives. It’s really a good read and for some a Bible to follow. Available on www.amazon.com or at www.theaspectairan.com. Great gift especially in these unpredictable times.

 

Office Gifts– here’s an adorable present to give an office worker or even your boss…….

Office Survival Kit by Mimimus

It’s  the Minimus Office Survival Kit, a miniature filing cabinet filled with handy A to Z products such as bandages, Advil,Bayer Aspiin, gum, hand sanitizer, towelettes, Pepto Bismol (perfect for the holidays), antibiotic ointment and more (about 30 different items  in all). The cute kit was created by a winner in the company’s “Design a Kit” contest and costs $37.51 at www.minimus.biz. 

Gift that relieves–while not quite a glam gift, the Anti-Fatigue GelPro  floor mat is perfect for friends who spend a lot of time on their feet cooking. Ergonomically designed to alleviate foot paint, plantar fascitis, back pain and even diabetes, the mats are like little helpers in the kitchen and they look good, too. I’m trying out one as I blog, feels good on my feet. Great gift, too.  Available in assorted colors and sizes at www.gelpro.com.

 

Every wine lover needs this– an electric wine opener that uncorks up to 40 bottles with one charge quickly, easily and without fail (except for rubber corks, it sometimes doesn’t work right). Love mine and so will the people on your gift list. From Sunbeam/ Oster, available where ever wine openers are sold, check www.jardence.com.

For friends who lose things–know people who keep losing cell phones, lap tops or other valuables? Hook them up with Global Lost & Found
E-Tracker–unique tags they can place on cameras, phones, computers etc. that can be tracked down. The company ofers rewards and special means to find lost items. You buy trackers for $9.99 and register on line or on the phone and the rest is up to them and everyone can settle down for a long winter’s, worry-free night. I haven’t set up mine yet, but I will soon. In the meantime check it out at www.glfound.com. The company claims a 75% recovery rate, not bad.

Another new  eco-friendly idea just came in–a little pricey, so it’s for biggish spenders Straight from Texas-based Alen Corporation it’s the first and only green air purifier ever available in the U.S. called Paralda – featuring 100% lead-free components, RoHS compliance, ozone safe, and Energy Star qualified – using less energy than a traditional light bulb. Unlike any air purifier previously available to U.S.– its  an entirely new category, according to Peter Mann, CEO of Alen Corporation. “The powerful yet extremely energy efficient four-speed Paralda couples stylish design with the most advanced HEPA filtration cleaning system available, a UV lamp to kill bacteria in the air – that is set to last 3 to 5 years, ionizer, the industry’s best lifetime warranty, and an easy-to-use 24-hour programmable timer. For consumers looking for the safest and most efficient air purifier on the market – Paralda is the only green, portable air purification appliance available,” concluded Mann. 

In addition, Alen Corporation is deeply committed to maintaining “green” warranty standards as Mann points out, “We have the best lifetime warranty in this industry sector – which we believe shows our steadfast commitment to not only producing the highest quality air purification products possible – but illustrates our commitment to keeping Alen products out of landfills. We see an Alen Corporation customer as a customer for life … we value the opportunity to provide the absolute best repair and service terms in the industry.” Paralda is available at Alen Corporation and Target for  $499.00.http://www.alencorp.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Paralda

Now put a big  Gliza Bow on it–wrap up  all your gifts then stick-on glittery Gliza decorations that take the stress out of having to tie your own bows. You can put one in the middle or do like I do and put three or four on top of a big package. Pretty arent’ they? And so easy to apply, no fuss no wrestling with tying bow. www.gliza.net. I’ll never use the old-fashion gift toppings again.

 

Latest editions to Patti’s Gift Guide Gone Wild

             Still looking for those perfect gifts?  Here’s a perfect solution and special 

Happy Holidays Offer from  AB Skincare especially for Patti’s Prattles gift shoppers. 
The exceptional line,  developed by dermatologist Dr. Craig Austin, is made with pure, natural, active ingredients designed to brighten, tone and clarify the skin. And with a celebrity clientele like  Christina Aguilera, Bridget Moynahan, Eva Longoria and Tori Spelling, it must be good. 

 Order now and get 10% off by entering code:  HOLIDAYS2008 at the checkout at: www.abskincare.com             Now let me tell you about the new MBTs–the best footwear every made. I’ve been wearing them for over a year and have seen a huge difference in my posture, performance and even the tautness of my calves and thighs. The perfect gift for active people on your list, the company now has more styles than even like this cool pair below..which I will be testing out soon and reporting back to you about…..          

                          

 Let them eat cake  like this special holiday chocolate creation from carouselcakes.com–

 

 

 

 Delivered straight to their door. I just sampled their praline cheeesecake, it’s out of this world delicious. Ordered a butterscotch one, too, can’[t wait to try that. Anyhow this is one gift that really is bound to please everybody’s taste buds. Let’s face it we all throw caloric caution to the wind during  the holidays. So party on Prattlers.

 

 

 

 MBTs new cool design for men:

Merry Christmas To All And to All A Great New Year

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOYAL FOLLOWING. I HOPE YOU WERE ABLE TO FIND SOME NIFTY GIFTS ON THIS YEAR’S PATTI’S PRATTLES ANNUAL GIFTS GONE WILD SITE.  DON’T FORGET TO WATCH FOR MY ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE COMING SOON.

IN THE MEANTIME PRAY FOR JOY, PEACE AND MORE LOVE IN THE WORLD. LET’S HOPE 2009 IS A BETTER YEAR FOR EVERYONE AND THAT OUR TROOPS COME HOME SOON, OBAMA BAILS US OUT AND WE  ALL CONTINUE TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

PATTI PIETSCHMANN

Patti’s Annual Valentine’s Day Gift Guide For Lovers

Wondering what to give  your honey for Valentine’s Day. As usual I’m here to  help with my annual Valentine’s Day Gift Guide that lets you shop in the comfort of your computer. I’m adding ideas daily so keep coming back, like these diamond earrings from www.superjeweler.com.

 

A little bubbly to get you in the mood…

 Patti’s Prattle 4th Annual Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Lovers and other strangers…… Let’s begin with a big Bella Bear  hug,  that says, ”Bear My Valentine” . Cute, cuddily  bears made from treasured vintage furs, made from  recycled fur coats and stoles.

Check it out at  www.bellabear.co.com.

Sexy Stuff to get your mojos moving from Chrystal,the Chief Toy Officer & Romance Coach for www.BlissConnection.com   She warns that this stuff is for adults only so keep the kids away and check it out:  

As they say, makes a game out of dessert:

http://www.blissconnection.com/shop.cfm/Bliss%2DGames%2D%26%2DGifts/Games%2Dfor%2DAdults/StripChocolate/

Truth or Dare Chocolate for couples:

http://www.blissconnection.com/shop.cfm/Bliss%2DGames%2D%26%2DGifts/Games%2Dfor%2DAdults/TruthDareChocol/

 

Get your honey a  Private Dancer Pole–and watch them wiggle and giggle up and down, gyrate and well do their thing, a real turn on. Designed for home use, easy to install, removable and one of the hottest products going.  http://www.blissconnection.com/shop.cfm/Stripper

Boomark the date– 

Give them a keepsake  Love” bookmark. Created  by award-winning blind artist Ketra Oberlander, it only costs $3.99  but packed with meaning and inscribe with:   “Love is a renewable energy source,” is one such example of both her creative gift and perseverance.  

 

 

 

 

 

Oberlander has overcome a myriad of challenges and logistical barriers in building her art career.  Through her company Art of Possibility Studios (www.aopstudios.com), she now licenses her own artwork along with that for other physically disabled artists her firm represents. Indeed, Oberlander owns and operates the only art brand exclusively representing physically disabled artists! Check out: www.kerncomm.com/Oberlander4Bookmarks.zip

 Bookmarks available for purchase online through www.AOPStudios.com.

For jet setters or business travelers–give the gift of hassle-less luggage with a gift certificate to Luggage Forward – a luggage delivery provider that collects luggage at your doorstep and ensures that it is waiting for their destination upon arrival. For certificates click: https://www.luggageforward.com/cmain.do?event=gcld

For jet setters or business travelers–give the gift of hassle-less luggage with a gift certificate to Luggage Forward – a luggage delivery provider that collects luggage at your doorstep and ensures that it is waiting for their destination upon arrival. For certificates click: https://www.luggageforward.com/cmain.do?event=gcld

Luggage Forward has an exclusive partnership with Ski.com to provide customers with discounted rates for shipping luggage, ski and snowboarding equipment. For example, customers who ship their skis from Los Angeles to Aspen will pay $78 for Basic service and $60 for Economy service—representing a $65 savings over airlines, which typically charge $100 each way for checking a third bag. The  also offers the personal touch that one won’t find with the airlines or with a typical shipping service like FedEx. For example, if a customer wants their bags shipped to Aspen for this Friday, but there is a potential snow storm prior to arrival, Luggage Forward has luggage delivery specialists monitoring the weather so that they can utilize the best delivery method possible to ensure on-time delivery. Customers also receive personal text messages when their luggage arrives. 

 

 Spice up your V-day beverages with Agavero Licor De Tequila . A smooth tasting, 100 percent blue agave tequila licor, hand-blended with Damiana — the legendary flower known for centuries as a potent aphrodisiac. Adding Agavero to a romantic stay-at-home meal spices up the mood and the food. Drink it, cook with it, or give it as a gift. $29.99.

 

Luggage Forward has an exclusive partnership with Ski.com to provide customers with discounted rates for shipping luggage, ski and snowboarding equipment. For example, customers who ship their skis from Los Angeles to Aspen will pay $78 for Basic service and $60 for Economy service—representing a $65 savings over airlines, which typically charge $100 each way for checking a third bag. The  also offers the personal touch that one won’t find with the airlines or with a typical shipping service like FedEx. For example, if a customer wants their bags shipped to Aspen for this Friday, but there is a potential snow storm prior to arrival, Luggage Forward has luggage delivery specialists monitoring the weather so that they can utilize the best delivery method possible to ensure on-time delivery. Customers also receive personal text messages when their luggage arrives.

Jump start their mojo with  Naughtibod – a clever little adult toy from ipod that sells for $69 at  www.OhMiBod.com, or retail outlets worldwide such as  Fred Segal on Melrose in LA, Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, drugstore.com and Amazon.com.

Pamper them silly at a day spa like La Praire at the Beverly Hills Hotel which just added enticing, albeit expensive, new treatments to the menu:

Day Spa Alert!

 

The posh  La Prairie Spa at  The Beverly Hills Hotel,– the only La Prairie spa in California – rings in the New Year with over a dozen new therapies from anti-aging  facials to The Art of the Bath. The Spa also offers what they call, “the world’s priciest restorative treatment”, Cellular Cream Platinum Rare..

 

 

The 1,900 square-feet facility caters to tinsel town’s self-indulgent with treatments fit for their pocket books but not so much for the rest of us. If you can afford it however, it’s worth the splurge, while I’m not sure $1,000 can be justified for the Cellular Cream Platinum Rare–would have to see for myself, but alas it’s beyond your Diva’s budget. According to the PR release, the treatment ”harnesses the astonishing abilities and age-defying benefits of platinum” – at $1,000 for 1.7 ounces, no less. They also offer The Art of The Bath collection of fragrant and natural oil blends for customizing your bath at home or travel for $500,but it comes in a limited edition package.

 

Other Offerings:   a full hour of Caviar Massage followed by a 90 minute Caviar Firming Facial.

 

-Advanced Marine Biology * Youth Protection Facial: From the depths of the ocean come the rarest ingredients derived exclusively from marine plants grown my sustainable means. Repair, re-hydrate, replenish and energize your flesh with powerful anti-oxidants, sea algae, sear pearls and mineral-rich seawater.

 

-Aging-Intervention Facial: A revolution in the fight against aging, this collection of specialized repair and rejuvenation treatments aggressively combats signs of aging, rebuilding firmness and elasticity while delivering superior hydration.

 

-In-Room Indulgences: ith a trio of treatments in the privacy of your Beverly Hills Hotel room that include a Suite Dream Slumber with Swedish body massage and indulgent soak in aromatic waters followed by warm tea, personal eye mask and La Prairie “deluxe-size” skin-care luxuries; Suite Retreat for Two is even more relaxing than it sounds, with soothing side-by-side massages surrounded by candlelight and a special evening cocktail for the deux of you; and The Art of The Bath..

 

 

For reservations, call (310) 276-2251 or (800) 283-8885 or visit the website at www.beverlyhillshotel.com.

 

 

 

 

Diamonds are Forever especially when you can get them cheap at: www.SuperJeweler.com. The on-line company is offering a special through January 12 on a variety of gorgeous jewelry including diamond earrings, diamond pendants, fashion diamond and gemstone rings, diamond bracelets and a range of colored stone jewelry. 

Heavenly-Scented Gifts for Your Valentine

 

 

Panty raid– don’t see enough of your girl? Give her Passport Panties by  MMK–her ticket to ride, as it were.

Sexy little thongs that fit into a discrete passport case that easily packs in her purse or pocket of her jeans.  Perfect for overnight booty calls, travel or just when she needs a change of undies. There’s also a  Passport Panty Camisole  in a matching beautiful shear cami with lace trim that matches the panties and comes in an array of fun colors. The set retails for $67 (or $42 for the cami and $25 for the Passport Panty). I love the panties and the cami, they make me feel sexy and naughty. The soft, sheer fabric feels great and the delicate lace border adds an extra touch.  MMK Brands is sold in over 500 stores, at Neiman Marcus and online. www.mmkbrands.com and www.passportpanties.com.

 

Sweet Scents for Valentine’s Day

 If your sweetie Joneses to see stars, give her the next best thing, their fragrances. Elizabeth Arden just launched celebrity fragrances especially for Valentine’s Day gifting no only smell fabulous but come gorgeously packaged. She’ll love you for spraying her with perfumes by Mariah Carey, Britney Spears,  Hilary Duff and Badgley Mischka.  And gals, you can make him smell good with Jay-Z’s first fragrance, 9IX Rocawear that a It’s fresh, macho scent that women love. Heard he dabbed it on himself to see what reactions he would get before giving his approval. Britney Spears has a new fragrance, HIDDEN fantasy Britney Spears just time for the holiday and it comes in that wonderful Valentine’s Day color, Red. The original inspiration for this fragrance comes from Britney’s love for white florals, vanilla, and luscious desserts.

Mariah Carey’s Luscious Pink is a sparkling and intoxicating new fragrance that captures the pure radiance of Mariah Carey. Luscious Pink embraces Mariah’s ever-captivating presence and playfully seductive personality, translating these qualities into an exquisite and effervescent fragrance that reflects Mariah’s aura of femininity. Badgley Mischka is also luanching a new fragrance, Badgley Mischka Couture–a blend of rich fruits, feminine florals and seductive musks. You can’t go wrong with any of these glamorous gifts on Valentine’s Day–even works on birthdays and anniversaries by the way. 

Price List: 

 With Love…Hilary Duff™– www.elizabetharden.com

 9IX Rocawear – www.stayonhermind.com,

3.4oz EDT Spray                                             $65.00

1.7oz EDT Spray                                             $50.00

 

HIDDEN fantasy Britney Spears– www.elizabetharden.com

Eau de Parfum Spray 1.0 fl. oz/30ml                     $35.00

Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 fl. oz/50 ml                    $45.00

Eau de Parfum Spray 3.3 fl. oz/100 ml                  $55.00

 

Mariah Carey’s Luscious Pink– www.macys.com

Eau de Parfum Spray 1.0 fl. oz. / 30ml                              $42.00

Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 fl. oz. / 50ml                              $55.00

Eau de Parfum Spray 3.3 fl. oz. / 100 ml                           $65.00

 

Mariah Carey’s Luscious Pink Deluxe Edition– www.macys.com

Available in a 1.7 fl. oz Parfum Spray, Mariah Carey’s Luscious Pink Deluxe Edition will retail for $75.00, with an actual value of $600.00.

 Badgley Mischka Couture– www.neimanmarcus.com

Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 fl. oz/50ml                                 $65.00

Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 fl. oz/100ml                               $90.00

Parfum Elixir 0.5 fl. oz/15ml                                                  $48.00

 With Love…Hilary Duff

Eau de Parfum Spray

3.3 fl. oz.                                             $55.00

1.7 fl. oz.                                             $45.00

1.0 fl. oz.                                             $35.00

Wine & Dine Her in Style–whip her off to the Napa Valley

MATANZAS CREEK PLAYS CUPID on Valentine’s Day– with  complimentary wine tasting

on Feb. 14 that includes the winery’s L’Ultime dessert wine paired with chocolate.
●     Matanzas Creek lavender. An aphrodisiac, lavender’s scent arouses men more than almost any other
aroma in the world, according to the Smell and Taste Research Center in
Chicago. Pick up a Valentine’s Day themed lavender gift basket ($55),
or mix and match your favorite home and bath products. All lavender
items come from the winery’s one-acre lavender garden.
●   Guess what? The Matanzas Creek hospitality staff  will help you plan
the perfect way to pop the question. Contact Chris at 707-521-7033 for
information.
●    Give the gift of good taste: A wine club membership. As a club
member, your loved one will receive quarterly shipments of Matanzas
Creek wines and invitations to exclusive events, such as “An Enchanted
Evening in Bennett Valley” on Feb. 14. Hosted by winemaker Francois
Cordesse, this semi-formal event features a candlelight dinner in the
cellar and dancing. To learn more, call Erin at 707-521-7030.
●    If you’d rather cozy up at home, make Matanzas Creek part of
your romantic homemade dinner. Balanced and elegant, Matanzas Creek
wines pair well with a variety of foods, from hearty steaks to delicate
pastas. Extra virgin olive oil and culinary lavender are also available
if you need special ingredients for your meal.
●    For more information, call 1-800-590-6464, ext. 7019 or visit
www.matanzascreek.com. The winery is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
and is located at 6097 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa, Calif. Tours
are available by appointment.

ABOUT MATANZAS CREEK WINERY
Matanzas Creek Winery was founded in 1977 in bucolic Bennett Valley.
Over three decades, the winery has developed a reputation for crisp,
versatile sauvignon blancs, luxurious chardonnays and fruity, earthy
merlots. In 2003, Bennett Valley was recognized as Sonoma County’s
13th American Viticultural Area due to its distinctive climate, soil
profile and topography. The beauty of the winery, vineyards, lavender
field and gardens has earned the estate worldwide recognition as a
California wine country destination.

 

 

 

Get them off on the right foot with MBT’s–the best athletic shoes every made–they not only look great but excelerate fitness, protect knees, ankles and feet and in some cases actually help cure ailments like plantas facitus and achilles problems. No kidding. I just got a pair of the nifty new style pictured below and they are awesome. They look great, feel wonderful and I can use them to go out on chores or on a hike or power walk. You must check out MBT’s web site for all the documentation of these fantastic shoes. Remember my pledge I told say it unless I believe it’s true. I love my new MBTs  theyre the best footwear ever made– amazing shoe with many health benefits, like improved posture, less stress on knees and joints, increase calorie burning, cure for foot problems and more.

Words from the manufacturer:

 Designed to exercise the support and posture system’s muscles everywhere in the body – MBT’s  newest  fashion-forward collection offers the benefits of MBT footwear morning, noon, and night. The unique brand is revamping its Casual, Athletic, and Professional lines with  stylish boots for men and women, hip loafers, and the introduction of two Gore-Tex-integrated models. The brand continues to make huge strides in developing their designs and incorporates the latest trends to evolve and establish MBT as the ultimate lifestyle footwear, without compromising any of its functional integrity.                 

So in addition to style advancements, every new model preserves the core MBT element: the patented Masai Sensor in the sole.

 

Already a mainstay for the active individual intent on boosting overall well-being, the MBT Casual line continues to become even more fashionable this fall. The lineup consists of high- and mid-cut top-grain leather boots for women and men, slip-on and lace-up loafer models, and an alternative closure for select models ensuring optimal comfort, fit, and style whenever and where ever you go.

 

While not only offering sporting footwear, the MBT Athletic line is a crucial component for the athlete in all of us. The additions to the MBT Athletic collection include six new colors and two new models, one of which is waterproof. Perfected to put you on a healthful track more quickly, the MBT Athletic styles add another dimension to your morning walks, accelerate recovery after vigorous workout, and have even been shown to support the treatment of sports injuries.

 

The Professional line,  is perfect for anyhone  who walks or stands a lot. It comes in  five new business-appropriate styles. There’s a slip resistant outsole with the added benefit of MBTs strengthening, toning, and energizing effects. The line offers a variety of style options, including two lace-up models, a clog, a loafer for men, and a tall boot for women. I am Jonesing for a pair of these, they really look cool, imagine, fashionista boots that are good for you. What a concept.

 MBT’s latest models include seven new Casual styles (designed in both form and function to be used for everyday activities in most every environment), two new Athletic styles (crafted for the more adventurous and built to withstand more strenuous activity), and five new Professional styles (designed with the demands of the  workplace in mind).  Believe me these shoes are made or walking.Men’s styles are available in sizes 8 to 14; women’s are available in sizes 5 ½ to 11. Prices range from $240 to $390. My husband’s been wearing the style below and it’s helped his knee and feet.  

 

Inspired by the way the Masai

of Kenya walk, MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology, the revolutionary technology used in the shoes that enables the body to stand and walk in the way intended by nature. MBT offers proven stress relief to the knee and hip joints, and strengthens and tones leg, abdominal and buttocks muscles using proprietary technology that mimics the effect of walking barefoot on uneven terrain. MBT is the first physiological footwear and is patented worldwide.

 

The MBT line

the seminal brand and product of Masai USA Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Masai Group International, Ltd, is now available in 28 countries around the world. Introduced into the U.S. market in 2003, MBT shoes can be purchased at finer specialty retailers nationwide. U.S. headquarters are based in Venice, California; operations are based in Hailey, Idaho. Visit MBT on the web at www.swissmasaius.com.

 

Take your honey on a cruise… 

 

1-800-258-7245  www.windstarcruises.com.

 Hook them Up with Happeez– a clever, colorful line of magnetic stick on clips, frames and note pads that adhere to fridges, mirrors, glass. I already festooned my fridge with the frames filled with holiday photos. Go one better, get a frame and put a photo of  the two of you in it or just you. Then everytime they look in the mirror or go to the fridge they’ll see it.  www.mayfairlane.com

 

 

 Sexy as it gets–Little looks sexier than a woman draped in diaphanous, lacey, lingerie like the lascivious playtime numbers created by Shirley of Hollywood  especially for Valentine’s Day.  I just got two hot little numbers, which I was going to model for the guide, but well, they’re just a little too naughty, but nice.  The mail order company is perfect for men who feel self-conscious shopping in lingerie departments and also for guys on a budget–Shirley’s stuff is outrageously affordable with special super sale Valentine Specials ranging from $5.75 to $14.75, check it out at www.shirleyofholywood.com or call 323-261-0265 for a catalogue

 

http://www.nokia.com/A4632350.  

 

 

 

 

Products To Wow You (Part 2)From Patti’s Bag of Beauty Tricks

Part 2 of my mini series on the hottest, wow-factor beauty products of 2009…..

Add Some Zing to Your Hair Style

  I just got a nifty HairZing – a unique  double comb hair accessory that helps create “hair healthy” quick, easy, comfortable, funky, fun and fashionable hairstyles.  Handcrafted by female artisans, no two HairZings are exactly alike. It comes in three different sizes—and looks really cool for casual days or even formal nights.  You can match it with a swimsuit, fancy dress or tee shirt. Nice thing about it is it doesn’t leave creases when you take it off, plus it’s only $14.95. Check out the website for a complete how-to design different styles:   http://www.hairzing.com/ 

Go Organic  with Nurturing Beauty’s Lavender Vanilla Souffle and Pearberry Body Butter–luxurious creams for soft, silky skin made with ingredients like shea butter, mano butter, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, grapefruit extract, Vitamin E and other natural elements. I love these moisturizers, they smell good and are good for your skin, too. No harmful additives, it’s all natural.   www.naturallynurtingbeauty.com. 

 

Be intuitive:  Glimpse Intuitive Skin Care—a promising new personal skincare line adds intuitive aspects as it helps rejuvenate the skin.  I love the texture of the Moisturizing Lotion—smooth, silky, feminine and the gel cleanser that foams and cleans and makes my face feel so soft.  The toxin-free cosmetics are designed to “reinforce the skin’s natural defenses, promote luminous glow and younger-looking skin, brighten, stimulate cells, defend against environmental stressors and maintain firmness and elasticity”—according to the company. There are two Glimpse systems that include a cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer and contain bioactive X3 complex xanthone-rich ingredients like mangosteen pericarp oil, polymeric complex and acidic complex (mangostten is a fruit by the way).  Anyhow the company claims intense  “in-vitro testing” of the formulas that offer 30 times  the antioxidant levels of green tea. I just started using the products and so far I like the results.  For more in dept information go to: www.glimpseskincare.com . The product that works “intuitively with all skin types” retails for $200.

New from Organix-South, Inc.–the world’s leading maker of certified-organic Neem products recently introduced the TheraNeem Organiz Hair Therape:  I haven’t tried it yet, still waiting for my samples but this company always comes out with great stuff.

Shampoo & Conditioner with coconut and grapefruit and TherNeem’s original forumla;  Intensive Moisture Therape Shampoo & Condition with Calendula, llavender and Aloe Vera; Kids’ Therape Shampoo/Bodywash & Conditioner; Volumizing Therape Shampoo & Condition with panthenol and rice protein, and Scalp Therape Shampoo & Conditioner with peppermint, limeon and Tea Tree extracts. www.organixsouth.com; 888-989-NEEM.

I just tested Coppertone’s new NutraShield Dual Defense under a hot, blazing Palm Springs sun and was thrilled with the results. It left my skin so soft and silky and even my Dematologist wouldn’t know I sat in the sun. The company has really improved with this collection that includes…

an SPF 30 and SPF 70 for the body and an SPF 70 just for faces. It smells wonderful and its about the best I’ve tried in a long time. Claims includer: “helps prevent premature skin aging, nourishing antioxidants, promote natural skin repair.” It’s all good.

It’s all in the Peptides–RSF Pharmaceuticals sent me samples of the company’s new High Potency Peptides anti-aging collection. Just tried the eye serum, caviar daily cream and moisturizer this morning and liked how they felt and went on, very dense and oily and like they were doing something good for my skin. I don’t have enough to really test out the results, but it feels like it works pretty fast.  Apparently the peptides do the work to stimulate collagen, remove wrinkles, firm, tone and moisturize. Lots of back up research from in depth studies to back it up.   www.rsfskincare.com.

Beautiful eyes:  just tried a fabulous new product, eyemajic instant eye shadow–it’s a foolproof system of applying shadow with pre-colored strips that fit easily over the lid to provide nifty coverage. You simply apply the strip, slide around and blend and voila–model-like eyes.

Now bat those lovely lashes  – Enhance your lashes and brows with  RapidLash, an eyelash renewal serum that the comapny (Promaxyl) claims “promotes healthy, natural lashes and brows in a month or so.” I just got my tube and will report back after I use it for said time. I’ve tried several of these products over the last year or so and can’t really attest to any major changes, so let’s see how RapidLash fares on the lashometer.

RapidLash, created by entrepreneurs  Barry Tatelman and Robert Trow, IRapidLash sells for $49.85 and is really easy to use (once a day). Ingredients include polypeptides, proteins and vitamins and agents like pumpkin seed and licorice extracts that promote shine and flexibility (according to my press materials). ). I’ll let you know.  check out: www.rapidlash.com.

Get the scoop:  Beauty Scoop, the edible beauty accessory developed by a  mom and doctor team “ helps boost the body’s own regenerative power and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, add shine to hair, and even strengthen nails in 3 weeks”, according to the Opus Skincare, LLC (www.beautyscoop.com). I only  got two packages to try so I won’t be able to definitive testing. But if I like it I’ll order more.  Basically you empty the packet into cold or hot beverages and drink it down. Cheers.

AminoGenesis: One of my favorite cosmetics companies, AminoGenesis just keeps on giving us great products. This time they’ve come out with Wrinkle Arrest, a moisturizing day cream with SPF 18 for $69 that comes with all sort of wonderful benefits. But the company doesn’t stop here, they also have a complete anti-aging “CoreFour Collection” that includes “Really, Really Clean,”, “Therapeutic Facial Repair”, “Counter Clockwise Under Eye Treatment,” “Cocoon” body cream, “Perfect Reflection Anti-Aging, Anti-Oxidant,” and more, check it out at:  www.aminogenesis.com.

 Wow factor accessories:

The Clever Clip—recently launched at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago, this handy hair accessory works with every mane from thin to thick so you can put your up, in braids, in a bun or plopped on your head. And it’s guaranteed to hold or your money back. Can’t beat that.  I tried mine out in the pool and it worked even during vigorous laps. Only $10 for a pack of three clips,  www.thecleverclip.com, 1-877-303-2547.

Bring out your inner Eve–with nifty products from Garden of Eve, specially crafted cosmetics that revitalize the skin naturally with no synthetic ingredients such as parabens and pthalates.  Products contain organic cold press oils, unbleached and unrefined hand pressed butters and waxes as well as organically grown herbs and essential oils.  Garden of Eve as pure as it gets, www.gardenofeveskincare.com, 800-329-4748.

The Perfect Pout–You’ll love it,

the Serenlipty Lip Tint SPF-15 and little ball that opens up, with a mirror inside that omes with a retractable lip brush so you can paint the perfect pout. It’s really cool and makes a great accessory.

Man Care:  Lest we forget the men in our lives, Pert Plus has come out with a fab new line designed for “him” like  which recently launched Pert Plus for Men, a  3-in-1 (shampoo + conditioner + body wash), along with three new 2-in-1s.  It’s  the only brand dedicated solely to 2-in-1s.

Soap Opera– The Sonoma Soap Company (www.sonomasoapcompany.com)  has an exciting new line of all-natural body care products, including shampoos, conditioners, liquid soaps, bath and shower gels, shaving creams and body lotions that capture the essence and organic goodness of California’s wine country.  Each one is like opening up a gift at Christmas. A slave to lavender, I love the Lavender Reserve natural hand and body lotion, it’s so lusciously luxrious and smells fantastic ( contains organic lavender flower, olive leaf and grape seed extracts), also love the Sonoma Natural Daily Conditioner with grape seed, red raspberry and green apple extracts and the Citrus Medley Shower Gel–just feels good going on and great when you’re finished showering or bathing–with pink grapefruit, sweet orange,  and grape seed. I mean this stuff rocks, all so natural. www.sonomasoapcompany.com.

 Every Sonoma Soap Company product is made from a blend of certified organic ingredients, including lavender, citrus, wildflowers, cedarwood, oatmeal, maple and more. The products are between 99% and 99.7% natural, 100% vegetarian, paraben and phthalate free, and the colors and fragrances are 100% pure, with no artificial aromas

More must haves for your beauty bag; Ambi Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30–it is so sensuous feeling on the skin, protects, hydrates and helps clear acne.  And for those of us of a certain age:  Dermadoctor Poetry in Motion intensive retinol 1.0 anti aging lotion. This ultra-chic cosmetic is designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and age spots while texturing the skin. It works, too.  www.dermadoctor.com.

 

Keep coming back as I’m adding more products regularly. And remember Patti’s Pledge–you won’t see anything that wasn’t personally tested and believed to be one of the best.

Archie Comics’ Betty & Veronica Featured at Riviera Palm Springs

From the Funnies File…

TEEN FAVES “BETTY AND VERONICA”  HIT THE RIVIERA RESORT & SPA

The perpetually popular teen duo, Betty and Veronica, bring new sizzle to the traditional “Palm Springs Weekend,” descending on the glamorous Riviera Resort & Spa in a zany new comic to be unveiled at the resort April 1. According to Kevin Herbst, Riviera’s director of sales and marketing, the newly refurbished mid-century resort is the ultra-glam setting of the newest Archie comic strip – “Palm Springs Weekend at The Riviera Resort & Spa” – featured in the Betty & Veronica Digest #193. “We are thrilled to be showcased in one of the world’s most enduring and appealing comics,” said Herbst. “Like the Archie series, Riviera – with its rich history, 1960s roots and iconic design – offers a vibrant snapshot of American culture.” Indeed, the colorful comic could also be a boon for Palm Springs tourism. “This is a huge bonanza for Palm Springs and Palm Springs history,” said Hollywood columnist and pop historian Hal Lifson, who penned the comic, working in tandem with illustrator Rex Lindsay. “In addition to spotlighting Riviera, Betty and Veronica’s latest adventure truly showcases the best of Palm Springs, and will be sold in hundreds of high profile stores across the country.” In the strip, BFFs Betty and Veronica leave the bucolic town of Riverdale to embark on the weekend trip of their young lives – ultimately experiencing all that Palm Springs has to offer, including breathtaking scenery from the Aerial Tram, magnificent celebrity homes and the famous Indian Trails. The friends stay at the newly upgraded Riviera – a legendary Palm Springs hot spot – indulging in lavish spa treatments and poolside fun amidst the resort’s uber-hip, 1960’s-style backdrop. They are later joined by the rest of their famous gang: Jughead, Archie and Reggie. Launch Party Set Hosted in conjunction with the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, Riviera’s lively “Comic Book Launch Party” is set for Wednesday, April 1, and will feature Victor Gorelick, editor-in-chief of Archie Comics, with rockin’ entertainment by Ron Dante, longtime lead singer of the popular bubblegum pop band, “The Archies,” and the familiar voice behind the group’s blockbuster hit from 1969, “Sugar, Sugar.” Local Archie aficionados and area dignitaries will receive complimentary copies of the Betty & Veronica Digest (with the “Palm Springs Weekend at The Riviera” images and title emblazoned on the cover), imbibe in icy Victoria Lodge martinis and Betty Cooper shots, and take in color-splashed Archie comic clips as they flash across the flat-screen TV in the resort’s swank Starlite Lounge. About Archie Comics Archie Comics is an American comic book publisher, known for its enduring series featuring the fictional teenagers Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Reggie Mantle and “Jughead” Jones. The Archie characters first appeared in an Archie comic book published in 1941. Nearly 70 years later, the teen friends remain a staple of entertainment for readers the world over – chronicling the trials, tribulations and triumphs of teenagers – and representing the fads, fashions and attitudes of contemporary youth. Betty & Veronica Digest #193 is available at retail outlets and supermarkets stores across the country, as well as at the Riviera Resort & Spa gift shop. Suggested retail price: $2.49. About Riviera Resort & Spa Following an extensive $70 million modernization, Riviera Resort & Spa – a legendary 24-acre property that was once a playground for the likes of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Elvis Presley – reopened to the public in October 2008. The restored resort, originally 475 rooms, now features 406 masterfully-revamped guest rooms and luxury suites – outfitted with handsome retro furnishings; chic marble bathrooms; flat-screen plasma TVs; wireless Internet access and private patios or balconies – set amidst lushly-landscaped gardens with intimate courtyards. Other resort highlights include: SpaTerre, an 11,000-square-foot retreat with cross-cultural and global treatments; and an array of inventive food and beverage offerings, including the signature Circa 59; the outdoor Bikini Bar adjacent to a spectacular pool; the swank Starlite Lounge; and sidebar, offering tantalizing cocktails in an atmosphere of sleek sophistication. Riviera Resort & Spa is located at 1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr. in Palm Springs. For further information, visit www.psriviera.com or call 760.327.8311.