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Nifty, Unique, Outside the Box Holiday Gift Ideas
 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).his entry has 0 comments:4:25:18 PM EDT Edit Entry Delete Entry
Naughty or Nice You won’t think twice about these nifty giftsOnly 3 Months Until Christmas ho,ho,ho
 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. Toshiba’s innovative 400GB external hard drive 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 firmness and elasticity, and fine lines and wrinkles. For brighter, younger-looking eyes in apply the RoC MULTI-CORREXION EYE TREATMENT ($24.99) to visibly diminish dark circles and puffiness around eyes while smoothing wrinkles and improving skin’s elasticity. See more gifts in entries belWritten by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry |  4:14:46 PM EDT Edit Entry Delete Entry
Patti’s Annual Gift Guide Blings in the HolidaysPatti’s Holiday Gift Guide–Goodies from Bling & Beauty to Cookies and GismosAffordable 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.
 
Great gizmos–the young and youthful will love the Mijam Drummer. Too cool for words with 2iPod or MP3 player with six real drum sounds. Bring out the musician in them *$29.99) from b2; or the PC Gizmo–a whimsical virtual pet that plugs into a USB port into the comp8ter and sends out email, instant messages or internet phone call alerts. It spins and flaps and provides fun for all ($29.99). Great for kids but acceptable for adults, too, I mean I really get a kick out of it. www.b2stuf.com or www.blueboxtoys.com
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).
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, 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. 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 for gifts, check out www.socialbutterflydesigns.com – where you’ll find custom designs and precious treasures to keep or give.
Written by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry |  This entry has 0 comments: Add your own Written by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry | This entry has 0 comments: Add your own Friday, September 12, 2008
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Exclusive Patti’s Prattles Giveaway, Be the First to Discover Wrinkle Free EyesFive Lucky Viewers Can Win the Chance to Have Younger Looking Skin with Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Eye Creme, containing a Youth Molecule, derived from the anti-oxidant Resveratrol. In vitro testing has shown that the Youth Molecule more than doubles the survival rate of skin cells. ideeli wants to share this exciting announcement with your readers and provide you and your patrons with this private invite URL to join ideeli and participate in this giveaway event: www.ideeli.com/in/media?mi=renutriv <http://www.ideeli.com/in/media?mi=renutriv> .
Written by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry | This entry has 0 comments: Add your own Monday, September 8, 2008
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Patti’s Holiday Gift Guide From Beauty Products to CookiesHoliday Shopping Just Got Easier with Patti’s Prattles Annual Guide
to great gifts that go outside the box from head to toe beauty products, techno gadgets, Flip Video camcorders, clothes, cookies, candies and more…..
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). 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, ginkgo and licorice root. Supposed to tone and smooth, $17.95. Another anti-cellulite, toner that seems to get the job done is 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 Days To 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. 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, transfat–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.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” /> 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 Company Apron or a baseball hat for $48.50 at www.nanascookiecompany.com;
And there is a Nana, aka: Miriam Diamond, a woman commitment 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 for gifts, check out www.socialbutterflydesigns.com – where you’ll find custom designs and precious treasures to keep or give.  Written by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry | This entry has 0 comments: Add your own Thursday, August 28, 2008
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Polaroid Pogo: a must give; Diamonds, buy with cautionUltimate Gift Guide–Polaroid PoGo, a Must Give; buying diamonds online
Okay it’s almost September and really time to get a leg up on holiday shopping which you can do by checking out my annual gift guide entries. This one features the new Polaroid PoGo portable printer, a nifty one-stop-shopping website (www.suburbanriot.com) and a Q&A on how not to get ripped off buying diamonds.
It was really amazed how easy it was to use with my Canon PowerShotA530–I thought I was going to fumble and stumble, but just shot a photo, clicked on menu, clicked on print and voila a perfect picture came out. Your friends will love for it, of course you should probably get one for yourself while you’re at it.
Check out www.thenewinstant.com or www.polaroid.com/PoGo  If you’re considering giving diamonds this holiday season, use caution. Had a bad experience recently from a reputed “reputable” local dealer. So I heard about an online company andasked them for tips on how to buy the precious stones…here’s their reply and worth noting…. -From the experts at www.B2CJewels.com: Question: How do you best buy diamonds online? What do you look for? Answer: According to the experts at B2CJewels.com, the first thing would be to educate yourself on the 4 C’s. Understand Cut, Color, Clarity, & Carat. Then second thing would be to find a reputable jeweler online who you know has been in business and can assist you in helping you find your perfect diamond. This online jewelers should be able to help you sort out all the diamonds and find a diamond based on your specific criteria and or budget. Question: In the case of this reporter: “My husband bought me a beautiful diamond pendant, he picked out each diamond and the jeweler made the piece, it was supposed to be 2.6 ct and after I had it appraised was much less. After much hassling, we were able to return it and get our money back, but it soured us on diamond buying. How can people avoid this pitfall and the cost of appraisals, which in our case was $175. Answer: This again would fall into the credibility of the jeweler. This can happen at an online or brick and mortar retailer. Once dealing with an established jeweler you know his reputation is on the hook and will do whatever it takes to give the customer whatever he or she has been promised. Often at www.B2CJewels.com on loose diamonds, we sell GIA certified diamonds. GIA is the most reputable grading laboratory and its ethics is held at the highest level. At B2CJewels we are proud to have a selection of over 40,000 GIA certified diamonds. With each GIA certified diamond the customer gets a certificate stating exact details of the diamond they are buying. This helps in resolving any questions a customer might have regarding quality of the diamond they are purchasing. Also, B2CJewels.com offers a 30-day money back guarantee. http://www.b2cjewels.com/education.aspx
 One-web-site-stop-shopping–Really get a jump on holiday shopping with a spree through www.suburbanriot.com. This site is really cool, environmentally-correct and has awesome clothing and accessories for everyone on your list. Of course I ordered something to sample before putting Patti’s stamp of approval. Got myself a fabulous blue,100% cotton dress. The quality is tops and the fabric so smooth. Fits perfectly, too. In the $70 range, so a real bargain. There’s lots of other choices and 1% of your tab goes to help the environment.
Advertisement:The Savvy Seafarer Tells All
Check out my savvyseafarer blog for everything (almost) you ever wanted to know about cruises from one who knows…. http://journals.aol.com/ppietschma/thesavvyseafarer.com Written by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry | This entry has 0 comments: Add your own Written by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry | This entry has 0 comments: Add your own Monday, August 25, 2008
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Patti’s Ultimate Holiday gift guidePatti’s Annual Holiday Guide To Nifty, Outside the Box Gift Ideas
UPDATED AUGUST 25, 2008
The weather outside may be sizzling, especially if you live in the east, but it’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas and just thinking about Yule time can make you feel cooler. FYI: 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 very excited about it and ordered a bat. It came and dudes and dudettes, 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 any baseball enthusiast on your list will love. It’s only $57 to $87 at www.sluggergifts.com. I just died and went to chocolate heaven. I’m talking the best tasting chocolates my husband and I ever sampled from experience chocolate operated by an actual chocolate sommelier who does chocolate tastings. We dug into two sets Chocolate for the Vine–a collection that you can pair with different wines and Pure Rapture–varietals, single origin and estate grown chocolate bars that awaken the senses and sensuality in you. It’s a must for holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries or anytime you want to give great gift. check it out at www.experiencechocolate.com.
For the perfect one-stop shopping go to: 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.
 For the videophile/camera buff/UTuber–Run out now and get the latest Mino FlipVideo, this skeek little number may sell out fast. Just got mine and it’s vido-sensational. So easy to use, foolproof, quick transfer to PC, Internet,email and so sexy-looking. Retails for about $179 but the results are priceless. Remember I warned you, get yours now for Christmas gifts or yourself.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 2008so look for the product at major retailers or go on line to www.5second.com
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
Wine ‘em and dine ‘em– Napa Valley Kitchen — offers Napa Valley wine sets with two delectable cooking rubs and a HALL Flour Sack Tea Towel. The fruit-driven 2005 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON with notesof ripe blackberry and cassis and the 2007 NAPA VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC comes packaged in a festive red gift box alongside Tulocay’s “Made in Napa Valley” Asian Accents Herb Rub and Mexican Fiesta Rub. $84 Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder, and Pernod Absinthe is just the gift to give this year. For single malt lovers The Glenlivet XXV is just the right drink–smooth, rich and delicious and expensive at $350 for a batch numbered botle. www.theglenlivet.com/XXV. 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.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 Also perfect for the jet set– The T-Ion Mini Dryer compact and powerful as a regular size dryer but so portable it fits into the palm of the han. Also perfect for the gym or office. Can’t wait to get mine and when I do I’ll do a review, until then learn more at: www.MetropolisTechnology.com For tyke-coons–, 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. www.tessyandtab.com/money For the baseball fan–I’m a big time Yankee fan and never miss a televised game so I love the idea of giving a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat as a gift. I just ordered one for myself with my name on it of course. www.sluggergifts.com
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.
Available
optically correct, scratch resistant lenses, and adjustable Flex2Fit® temples, provide complete eye protection like no other over prescription eyewear. In addition to Cocoons, Live Eyewear manufactures a wide range ofOveRx eyewear brands including Vistana™, EyeArmor™, Cocoons® Clip‐Ons and Live Xtreme®. For more information– Live Eyewear at (800) 834‐2563 or www.liveeyewear.com.
Treats for your sweeties….Great American Cookies packaged in festive holiday tins for only $15. The cookies are yummy. You can even have the tins personalized with a band that includes a celebration message. I just gave a tin to my UPS man who said he, his kids and wife thought they were “AWESOME”, I love making my UPS man JP happy and you’ll enjoy doing likewise to people on your gift list. www.greatamericancookies.com
 For the Linquist: if you have friends or relatives tyring to learn another language get them Earworms CDs. For just $24.95 you can give the gift of bi-linqualism. I’m learning Spanish right now, downloaded the CD into my MP3 player and take it to the gym. Its easy to grasp and you really get a handle on the language–18 different dialects available. www.earwormslearning.com.
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Looking for a car that’s sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos.
Written by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry | This entry has 0 comments: Add your own Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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Dressed up to drink Little Black Dress WinesJust 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.
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Gifts that go outside the boxPatti’s Annual Holiday Guide To Nifty, Outside the Box Gift Ideas
UPDATED AUGUST 23, 2008
The weather outside may be sizzling, especially if you live in the east, but it’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas and just thinking about Yule time can make you feel cooler. FYI: 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 very excited about it and ordered a bat. It came and dudes and dudettes, 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 any baseball enthusiast on your list will love. It’s only $57 to $87 at www.sluggergifts.com. I just died and went to chocolate heaven. I’m talking the best tasting chocolates my husband and I ever sampled from experience chocolate operated by an actual chocolate sommelier who does chocolate tastings. We dug into two sets Chocolate for the Vine–a collection that you can pair with different wines and Pure Rapture–varietals, single origin and estate grown chocolate bars that awaken the senses and sensuality in you. It’s a must for holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries or anytime you want to give great gift. check it out at www.experiencechocolate.com.
For the perfect one-stop shopping go to: 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.
For the videophile/camera buff/UTuber–Run out now and get the latest Mino FlipVideo, this skeek little number may sell out fast. Just got mine and it’s vido-sensational. So easy to use, foolproof, quick transfer to PC, Internet,email and so sexy-looking. Retails for about $179 but the results are priceless. Remember I warned you, get yours now for Christmas gifts or yourself.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 2008so look for the product at major retailers or go on line to www.5second.com
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
Wine ‘em and dine ‘em– Napa Valley Kitchen — offers Napa Valley wine sets with two delectable cooking rubs and a HALL Flour Sack Tea Towel. The fruit-driven 2005 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON with notesof ripe blackberry and cassis and the 2007 NAPA VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC comes packaged in a festive red gift box alongside Tulocay’s “Made in Napa Valley” Asian Accents Herb Rub and Mexican Fiesta Rub. $84 Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder, and Pernod Absinthe is just the gift to give this year. For single malt lovers The Glenlivet XXV is just the right drink–smooth, rich and delicious and expensive at $350 for a batch numbered botle. www.theglenlivet.com/XXV. 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.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 Also perfect for the jet set– The T-Ion Mini Dryer compact and powerful as a regular size dryer but so portable it fits into the palm of the han. Also perfect for the gym or office. Can’t wait to get mine and when I do I’ll do a review, until then learn more at: www.MetropolisTechnology.com For tyke-coons–, 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. www.tessyandtab.com/money For the baseball fan–I’m a big time Yankee fan and never miss a televised game so I love the idea of giving a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat as a gift. I just ordered one for myself with my name on it of course. www.sluggergifts.com
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.
Available
optically correct, scratch resistant lenses, and adjustable Flex2Fit® temples, provide complete eye protection like no other over prescription eyewear. In addition to Cocoons, Live Eyewear manufactures a wide range ofOveRx eyewear brands including Vistana™, EyeArmor™, Cocoons® Clip‐Ons and Live Xtreme®. For more information– Live Eyewear at (800) 834‐2563 or www.liveeyewear.com.
Treats for your sweeties….Great American Cookies packaged in festive holiday tins for only $15. The cookies are yummy. You can even have the tins personalized with a band that includes a celebration message. I just gave a tin to my UPS man who said he, his kids and wife thought they were “AWESOME”, I love making my UPS man JP happy and you’ll enjoy doing likewise to people on your gift list. www.greatamericancookies.com
For the Linquist: if you have friends or relatives tyring to learn another language get them Earworms CDs. For just $24.95 you can give the gift of bi-linqualism. I’m learning Spanish right now, downloaded the CD into my MP3 player and take it to the gym. Its easy to grasp and you really get a handle on the language–18 different dialects available. www.earwormslearning.com.
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Looking for a car that’s sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos.
Written by ppietschma Permalink | Blog about this entry | This entry has 0 comments: Add your own Saturday, August 9, 2008
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Hot Products Alert–from head to toe literally UPDATED AUGUST 15, 2008
In my relentless pursuit of more efficacious products I recently tested a batch of exceptional head to toe essentials that I just had to share. The biggest surprise was the PedEgg–an amazing tool that removes callouses and dry skin. I tested it on my husband’s and my feet. It was amazing. My feet are in the worse shape, I hate to admit, especially callouses on my big toe. Well the PedEgg practically removed the entire callous in one short session. Even Consumer Reports has raved about this invention. It’s cheaper than a pedicure and actually more effective than most. And only about $10 at Walgreens, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wal-Mart, Target, CVS or Sally Beauty Supply. Check it out a www.PedEgg.com or www.TeleBrands.com. It also makes a great stocking stuffer or anytime gift for men and women (see my gift guide below). I also recommend Nikkel Holistic Skincare Microdermabrasion Kit for In-Home Use and Hair Play Custom Blend Set & Seal. Let’s start on the face. The Microdermabrasion Kit is amazing. I’ve had the procedure in salons but nothing beats saving gas and time by doing it at home. The stuff really works, too. It’s the crystals that do the trick, but if you go out and get it be sure to follow directions. I screwed up the first time. You’re supposed to wash your face first and pat it dry but leave it a little moist. However your hands should be dry. Then you apply a smidgeon of Step 1 to problem areas on your face and massage until the crystals exfoliate fully. Rinse and go to Step II for really baby soft, radiant skin. This really could be the fountain in the youth in a jar we’re all searching for. Trust me, lines are erased and wrinkles diminished. It’s as good as a chemical peel, but less invasive and safer. Alas, it’s not cheap, but much less expensive than at a day spa or salon at $79 per kit. Check it out at www.microdermx.com or email: info@microdermx.com.
Obviously Set&Seal is for hair, and these products also wowed me. First you apply Set foam to clean, towel-dried hair and you can make curls or go straight and sassy. Then add a little “Seal” for a shiny, glossy texture and voila you look like you just walked out of a pricey New York or Beverly Hills salon. www.hairplayproducts.com. I also found a great teeth whitening product called iWhite–an in-home tooth whitening product that works magic. It’s right up there on Patti’s Prattles top 10 list. I tried for the prescribed 5 days and it worked. Comes with a try which you fill with the whitening solution and wear for about 20 minutes–while you’re watching tv, working at your pc or reading the paper. www.iwhitesmile.com |
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Patti’s Prattles Moves to WordPress.com
October 1, 2008 by Pietschmann
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For starters here’s one for every digital camera buff, it’s really nifty. Lets you print photos on the road, at home or wherever you are instantly. Works great–just tried it out. Anyhow it’s called the Polaroid PoGo–abbreviated or Polaroid-on-the-go–a pocket-sized, inkless digital photo printer that produces full-color photos wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and via PictBridge from digital cameras. 
