Archive | October, 2010

What to get Baby for the Holidays?

27 Oct

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE…By JackieBelle

This Christmas/Chanukah, gift-giving is definitely not about the fastest, the flashiest, or the shiniest new toys.  Thoughtful gifts are always in fashion, and a gift from the heart is sure to make Baby, and Baby’s parents, feel totally special.  This year there are so many unique, creative, and inexpensive gift ideas out there!  Here are a couple of small packages that pack a really big punch:

Baby’s First Christmas is a special day for parents and families, and an ornament to commemorate the event will be something they cherish for years to come.  Ornaments With Love has over 2,000 custom ornaments for you to chose from and have personalized with Baby’s name.  (It is a well-known fact that anytime you can have something monogrammed, personalized, stamped, or initialed, you should do it!  The personal touch is always the way to go when giving gifts.)  A gift for new baby, will become a noted and cherished gift that will last a lifetime and Ornaments With Love has an abundant selection to pick from. These charming ornaments range in price, averaging around $12, and they ship at a flat rate so you aren’t breaking the bank by ordering more than one.  It doesn’t cost a lot to be completely-sweet and thoughtful!

And if baby hasn’t arrived in time for the holidays – give a loving token to the parents to be…an “expecting” personalized ornament will have everyone smiling from ear to ear…perfect for hanging on the Christmas tree or the Chanukah bush! Looking for other gift-giving ideas? They also have ornaments for family, couples, grandparents, children, special occasions, friends, sports, hobby, armed forces and more! www.OrnamentsWithLove.com

The holiday season is all about giving and spreading joy, and when it comes to putting the spirit of Christmas and Chanukah into action, IKEA‘s newest collection of Soft Toys do double duty.  They’re good for the babies in your life because they deliver positive benefits like stimulating babies’ sight, hearing, and sense of touch, (plus they’re huggable, snuggable, and adorable!), and they’re also good for children everywhere- for every Soft Toy purchased from November through December 24, IKEA will donate one euro to UNICEF and Save the Children to help provide children around the world with a chance to go to school and further their education.  The Soft Toy campaign is part of the IKEA Social Initiative- a global initiative dedicated to, among other things, improving children’s right and opportunities.  Ranging in price from $.49 to $19.99, IKEA Soft Toys are an easy way to give back and provide babies and kids with benefits sure to last a lifetime.  And that price range is not a typo- I found the cutest little bear for $1.99!  Last year the Soft Toy program generated more than ten million dollars, so lots of little numbers really add up!  A small gift from you to Baby can be a large gift to children everywhere…

Shopping for Baby this Christmas is going to be good for the soul and easy on the wallet- it truly is the thought that counts!

Gen Art Foundation to Host “Gen Art Resurrection Benefit”

26 Oct

By Christabelle

Edward Norton, Jeremy Renner, Rooney Mara & Others Rally To Raise Money to Support Talent Affected by the Arts & Entertainment Organization’s Recent Closure

On Thursday, November 4th, the Gen Art Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity, will host the Gen Art Resurrection Benefit at Good Units at the Hudson Hotel at 356 West 58th Street from 8-11pm.  Gen Art was the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing the best emerging talent in film, fashi on, music and art in major cities in the U.S. The event’s Honorary Host Committee is composed solely of Gen Art alumni and includes academy award nominees Edward Norton & Jeremy Renner, Vena Cava’s Lisa Mayock & Sophie Buhai, Duckie Brown’s Steven Cox & Daniel Silver, Eva Amurri, Twinkle’s Wenla n Chia, Jason Ritter, Chrissie Miller of Sophomore, Paz de la Huerta, Whitney Port of Whitney Eve, Josh Radnor, Lisa Salzer of Lulu Frost, Krysten Ritter, Norman Reedus, Jordan Betten of Lost Art, Michelle Smith of Milly and Rooney Mara. All proceeds from the Benefit will go to emerging filmmakers and designers who lost money when Gen Art (the for-profit production arm of the enterprise) became insolvent in May. DJ Reach, a longtime Gen Art supporter, will spin.

Come out on November 4th and help support the award winners from April’s 15th Anniversary Gen Art Film Festival as well as some designers involved in Gen Art’s Shop events that were cancelled. Co-Founder and CEO Ian Gerard stated: “In these trying economic times, every dollar counts to an emerging artist. To know that our business troubles had a negative effect on a group of young talent was unacceptable to us. As an organization founded on the premise of benefiting and supporting such emerging talent, we want to do what we can to make it right and this Benefit will hopefully achieve that.”

Tickets for the Gen Art Resurrection Benefit start at $75. For more info on the event or to purchase tickets, visit: http://genartresurrectionbenefit.eventbrite.com

Gen Art Resurrection Benefit
Good Units at the Hudson Hotel
356 West 58th Street
November 4, 2010
8-11 pm

For questions regarding the Benefit or Gen Art, contact: info@genart.org

About Gen Art

Gen Art was the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing the best emerging talent in film, fashion, music and art. Founded in 1993, the company reached a devoted audience of 21-39 year old influencers and is a prominent and lasting force in the arts and entertainment arena. Gen Art’s platforms including Fresh Faces in Fashion and the Gen Art Film Festival have proven a successful launch pad for talent such as Zac Posen, Phillip Lim, Adrian Grenier, Peter Som, Rebecca Taylor, Zach Braff, Milly by Michele Smith, Ryan McGuiness, Cary Brothers, Emma Roberts & Jeffrey Sebelia.

A Rockin’ Bottle of Wine…Enter to Win

25 Oct

By Christabelle

Wines that Rock pairs the lifestyle of enjoying rockin’ wine with rock legends from Pink Floyd to The Rolling Stones and now The Police! To celebrate the release of their newest wine – The Police’s Synchronicity Red Blend, Wine Enthusiast and Wines That Rock are offering the ultimate wine and music themed sweepstakes – The Wines That Rock “The Message in a Bottle” Sweepstakes.

One grand prize winner will receive…

  • Two round trip tickets to California Wine Country
  • Two nights stay at the vineyard’s private bungalow
  • A tour of the vineyard with Wines That Rock Winemaker, Mark Beaman
  • A case of rock and roll classic t-shirts
  • One autographed bass from Sting!

The Police’s Synchronicity Red Blend Tasting Notes: Aromas of fresh rose petals and wild berries. Flavors of juicy strawberry, bright raspberry, with a lush lingering finish. The Grenache and Viognier definitely lighten up the heavy hitters making this a delicious, approachable, and very food friendly wine.

On Monday, November 8, 2010, all are invited to enter for their chance to win this amazing rock and wine getaway on WineEnthusiast.com/WinesThatRock – Good luck…

Put a Taste of the Tropics Under the Tree!

23 Oct

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE…By JackieBelle

The best boss I ever had was one who went away a lot.  It wasn’t that his absence made his employees’ hearts grow fonder- it was that whenever he came back from Grand Cayman or whichever gorgeous place he and his gorgeous wife visited over the holidays, he always brought back Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes.  For those of you who have not experienced the pleasure of having a boss who travels often and returns bearing tropical treats, let me fill you in on what you’ve been missing:  Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes are decadent little desserts that are baked in the Caribbean from a generations-old family recipe and hand glazed with five-year-old, oak-barrel aged Tortuga gold rum.  Their classic flavor is the Original Gold with walnuts, and there are seven other irresistible varieties, like coconut, chocolate, banana, key lime, Blue Mountain coffee, pineapple, and cinnamon rum raisin.  Stick with the classic style and serve them alone or get creative and dress them up with toppings like fruit, chocolate shavings, or even ice cream.  (This would also be a really good time to drag out that well-loved but underused fondue pot!)

Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes are baked fresh daily in the Caribbean and then specially vacuum sealed to lock in freshness so they can be shipped anywhere in the world.  You used to have travel to tropical locales or find a really unique gourmet shop to get these, but now they are available www.tortugarums.com.  While you’re there, check out their savory Caribbean sauces, gourmet coffees, fudge, gift baskets and more.  You can also order by calling 1-877-486-7884 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-877-486-7884      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, and they can be shipped anywhere in the United States for only $32.95 each, including shipping.  Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes are known worldwide and are always a welcome gift – especially in a fuzzy red stocking hanging by the fireplace.  And they’re perfect for any occasion, so don’t feel like you have to wait for your boss to go away to celebrate!

Erase Your Problem “SPOTS”

22 Oct

By JackieBelle…

It is my belief that with age comes great wisdom, self confidence, and serenity.  Unfortunately, while our hearts and minds are rewarded for all of their hard work over the years, our face is left holding a bag of unwanted consolation prizes like wrinkles, age spots, scars, and sags.  Yes, that’s right- as we age we become both wise and saggy.  There is a secret weapon, though, to help protect against the negative effects of the natural aging process, and it’s called TriDerma MD® Spot & Wrinkle Erasing Cream Anti-Aging Complex.

As we get older our skin has to combat hormonal changes, heredity, sun damage, and its own inability to retain moisture, especially on our faces, chests, and hands.  TriDerma MD® Spot & Wrinkle Erasing Cream Anti-Aging Complex lightens, brightens, smoothes, and firms to help erase those problem spots.  It provides results similar to those seen with chemical peels and other expensive treatments without all the harsh chemicals and irritants, and it is literally not even a fraction of the cost.  TriDerma contains clinically proven botanicals, antioxidants, five specialized brightening ingredients, and AP4® Genuine Organic Aloe, which is a proprietary complex that naturally contains over 200 healing properties, so it’s safe for all skin types.  It also contains anti-irritants, so it’s safer than Hydroquinone and Retin A.   If you would like to gently smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and resurface your skin to reveal a smoother, brighter, more refined looking complexion, you can save yourself a trip to the dermatologist, not to mention a significant chunk of change (the suggested retail price is only $15.99!).  Stop by select Walgreens locations and toss some TriDerma into your basket or go to www.TriDerma.com.  Just because you’ve earned your wisdom doesn’t mean you have to wear it on your face!

*Note from Jackiebelle:  Regarding my exclamation that TriDerma is “literally not even a fraction of the cost” of chemical peels:  Although I was happily absent the day in grammar school when fractions were taught, I’m still pretty sure that it’s impossible for one number to not be at least a fraction of another number, so my statement stemmed from my excitement over finding such a nice skin treatment for $15.99 rather than from traditional mathematical theory.  It will in no way hold up in a third-grade math class.  You’ll just have to trust me when I tell you that you will not find a chemical peel or other similar treatment for anywhere near $15.99!

Method Acting Classes in NYC…

21 Oct

By JackieBelle

“Art is longer than life…” ~ Lee Strasberg

christina carathanassisWhat do Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Al Pacino, Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Burstyn, Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, and James Dean all have in common?  They are all Method Actors.  What they make look like natural talent is actually really hard work and a true dedication to their craft.  Method Acting, which is the oldest acting technique in the world, was developed by Constantine Stanislavski and promoted by Lee Strasberg, and it’s turned out some of the best actors the world has seen.  Gary Swanson was a student for over ten years, and he and a selected few others are still teaching Lee Strasberg’s Method to this day.  In fact, they are the only ones who have a direct connection to the master himself.  After 30 years of teaching Gary has come across one student he feels is ready to pass the torch.  Yes, one student in 30 years!  Alexandra Vino is that student and she is now teaching classes in Manhattan.

Alexandra is teaching Gary’s new students to prepare them for his Advanced Class.  Working together weekly they teach you how to create freedom of your body and soul and how to open up your “true self.”  These classes not just for actors- they’re also highly recommended for anyone who wants to better themselves.  Everyone who has put the Method to work for them has said that it affects them in such a positive way that they can actually use it in their daily lives, not just for acting.  It can help you in your career and in your personal life, or it can be something you do just for yourself.

Here’s how the classes work:  The first one is free so you can see if it is something that might interest you.  After you fall in love with it, which you will, you will be encouraged to become fully committed and join the weekly class.  After each month of classes there will be a private session scheduled with Gary to assess what you have learned.  He will later invite you to join the Advanced Group once you have gained the knowledge you need to join.  It’s up to you to do the work at home, and the more you do the faster you will progress!

Classes are held every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 in a theater space on 54th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.  To apply, email directly by clicking HERE.

As James Dean once said, “The gratification comes in the doing, not in the results.”  So give it a try!

See Kenneth Cole and Atomic Tom LIVE – TOMORROW!

19 Oct

By Christabelle

Now is your chance to see Kenneth Cole, the launch of Kenneth Cole Reaction men’s sportswear collection and musical guest Atomic Tom LIVE - all in one day and all at Macy’s in NYC on 10/20/10!

WHO: Fashion designer Kenneth Cole will be making a special in-store appearance at Macy’s Herald Square to celebrate the launch of Kenneth Cole Reaction Men’s Sportswear Collection, available exclusively at Macy’s.

WHAT: Kenneth Cole Reaction Men’s Sportswear Collection focuses on denim, graphic t’s, and woven shirts and is geared toward customers with a cool, downtown sensibility.
Additionally, in partnership with DETAILS magazine, Brooklyn-based band, Atomic Tom, known for the songs “Let Let Go” and “We Were Never Meant to Be” from their album, The Moment, will be hosting a live performance during the event.

MORE: Customers who make a purchase of $75 or more on REACTION products will receive a KCR branded portable speaker set. WOW – awesome…

WHEN & Wednesday, October 20 @ 6pm
WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square
2nd Floor, Kenneth Cole Reaction Shop
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

Click on HOP STOP to get subway directions! See you there!

Impatience is a Virtue…

18 Oct

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE…By Christabelle

Sometimes, I just don’t like to wait. Correct – all the time, I just don’t like to wait (consider it one of the finer Aries traits). Well…now I don’t have to – at least when it comes to my vino.

Red wine, while amazing on its own, could reach an ever higher standard of flavor with the magical touch of a Philip Stein Wine Wand. The company, traditionally known for creating watches that relieve stress and help people maintain a general healthier well-being, introduces the breakthrough device which uses natural energy to aerate wine, enhancing flavors and aroma almost instantly.

Epicureans have taught to let the wine breath close to an hour before consumption. The wand works within 2-3 minutes in a glass and 5 minutes in a bottle or decanter, which living in the instant gratification world of today could satisfy even the most impatient. The elegant wand with encapsulated glass jewels uses natural frequencies and allows the full bouquet and taste of wine to be enjoyed within minutes. I don’t have to sit, stare and wait anymore…thank you Philip Stein!

The Wine Wand makes for a great picnic companion, coming in a mini size – perfect for a glass; it retails for $325 and comes in a bevy of colors – including pink (my fave!). For a dinner party bring the full size version, retailing for $525.

Looking for a gift for that “someone who has everything”…well…you are welcome.

Smooth and Soave…Just the Way I Like It!

17 Oct

By JackieBelle

Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  The day is all about food and family, and what goes more perfectly with food and family than a nice bottle of wine?  This year shopping for wine can be very simple- whether you’re doing the hosting or the visiting, make one of these Soave wines your go-to favorite, or do what I’m doing and stock up on all three!  Either way you’ll have a fresh, crisp white wine that can be paired with almost anything.  For those of you who love the language of wine, let this entice you:  Soave is made from the Garganega (gar-gah-nay-gah) grape of Italy’s Veneto region, and it’s described as a “late-ripening and vigorous vine that is capable of producing refreshing, easily-enjoyable white wines.”  (I love saying gar-gah-nay-gah with as much flourish as possible.)  Soave is the ideal compliment to a Thanksgiving feast because of its lightness, gentle acidity, and slightly bitter finish.  Here are a few pairing suggestions from the pros:

Soave DOC is crisp and clean and offers a bouquet of herbs and flowers, so it pairs well with things like fish dishes and poultry.  It would be as nicely matched with a lavish Thanksgiving spread as it would be with a simple meal of rustic risotto and crusty bread.

Soave Classico DOC opens with pleasant aromatics that lead to crisp, articulated fruit, and because of its zingy acidity it is nicely paired with sweet or rich dishes, like eggs, cream based sauces, puff pastry, pasta, and vegetables.  If there is anything better than a glass of wine and a plate of puff pastry I am definitely not aware of it- I’m pretty sure there is nothing better.

Soave Spumante DOC is bright and clean, and with its smooth and silky textures and flavors it’s a perfect match for light cheeses and raw shellfish.  It can also stand alone as an aperitif.  Spumante is wine-speak for sparkling wine, and anything that sparkles is sure to add festivity to any occasion.

Soave is a leader in Italian wines, and even though it is luxurious, it happens to be a very affordable luxury.  At the approachable price of $10 to $20 a bottle you can give it as a gift, serve it to your guests, or share it with your family and friends over the holidays, and you’ll still be able to keep some stashed away for when it’s just you and a plate of puff pastry.

Arm Candi for your Cell…

16 Oct

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE…By JackieBelle

Here is the perfect product for the person who has everything but a free hand- Cellies by fashion designer Andrea Behar.  Cellies bring fashion and function together by allowing you to not only wear your phone, but to wear it with style- it’s like “Arm Candi for Your Cell.”  The stylish stretch cuff bracelet slips on your wrist and keeps your cell phone, Blackberry, or iPhone right where you can get to it all the time.  There’s even room for lip gloss, credit cards, or business cards, and everything stays securely in place, so there’s no more rummaging in the bottom of your bottomless bag or trying to get your phone to stay in the waistband of your workout shorts.  Until Cellies, you could have either fashion, i.e. skins, faceplate designs, and Swarovski crystals, or function, i.e. the ugly black pleather cases that look like police-issue holsters for your phone.  (I just want to make a call, not an arrest.)  Now your phone can become part of your wardrobe, and there are Cellies for everyone, including men.  There are sporty Cellies and dressy Cellies and even leather Cellies.  (Sporty, and dressy, and leather, oh my!)  Choose from black, pink, white, or blue, and take your pick of studs, grommets, or faceted stones.  Or don’t choose- at $35, you don’t have to.  I love the Cellies Black- nothing says Urban-Glam like a bedazzled black wrist cuff.  Answering the phone is finally fun and fashionable!

TIP FROM CHRISTABELLE: Got a phone obsessed person in your life? Cellies is the PERFECT stocking stuffer!

A Twinkle on My Eye…

14 Oct

By JackieBelle

Bare Escentuals has put a new Rock Star on the block with bareMinerals High Shine Eyecolor. There are six intense metallic colors that you can wear alone or layer with other colors to create a unique look, and they all provide the rich, smooth feel we have come to love from Bare Escentuals. They also happen to be impervious to smudging, running, or fading so you can get intense, creamy color without feeling like you have to hold your face perfectly still to avoid ruining your look. (So go ahead and get crazy- wink at someone, scratch your face, or even make the occasional facial expression. You’ll still look as gorgeous at 7 p.m. as you did at 7 a.m.) Plus, the plush sponge applicator is portable, so it’s perfect for girls on the go and it makes application totally effortless. So if you’re anything like me and you’ve shied away from intense, bold colors because they were tricky to wear, now is your chance to shine. High Shine Eyecolor is also paraben-free and safe for eye contacts. So with six super rich, intense colors, great application, and a totally luxurious feel, there is nothing standing between you and Rock Stardom!

My personal favorite…Patina Shine…brings out my peepers like no other. For just $16, you can get you twinkle on with Bare Escentuals, bareMinerals High Shine Eyecolor

Lancôme Unveils Genes Day…

13 Oct

By Christabelle

A former PR gal for Lancôme , I was thrilled to read that in a celebration of the beauty of scientific research, Lancôme will donate $7 from each bottle of their latest skin care breakthrough Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to aid with scientific research. Way to go Lancome!

Internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases, St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.

Coveted by celebrities like Julia Roberts and Christina Hendricks, Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate is the product of ten years of research and recipient of seven international patents.

DATE: Friday, October 22nd, 2010

WHAT: Lancôme will unveil Genes Day, a celebration of the beauty of scientific research. On this one day, Lancôme will donate $7 from the sale of every bottle of Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Lancôme, the world’s largest luxury beauty brand, has pledged to donate a minimum of $100,000 to St. Jude.

ABOUT GÉNIFIQUE: Génifique is a star product that garnered an immediate following after its launch last year, making it the natural choice for this one-day initiative. It was an instant success because of its ability to boost tone, texture and luminosity within just seven days. The unique, sleek packaging with the dropper system only adds to its appeal. Fans include “Mad Men” actress Christina Hendricks, Lancôme ambassador Julia Roberts, British songbird Lily Allen, supermodel Veronica Webb and star makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury.

The suggested retail prices for Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate are $78 for 1 ounce; $98 for 1.7 ounces; $125 for 2.5 ounces. The $7 donation will be made for every concentrate sold at a Lancôme counter in the United States or at lancome-usa.com on October 22nd. Those new to Génifique are welcome to stop by the counter that day for a deluxe seven-day sample of the product. No purchase is necessary.

Razzle Dazzle this holiday season with Redken…

12 Oct

By Christabelle

The holiday season is just around the corner…literally…and Redken continues its year-long celebration of their 50th anniversary with special holiday collections for the ideal gift for everyone on your list! Beginning October 2010, Redken offers an array of haircare, styling and men’s gift options to help you customize a gift for him or her with seven sets to pick and choose from!

Need a gift that gives the best of all of Redken Styling? Give them the opportunity to try our 5 best selling products in mini sizes with the ‘Find Your Favorite’ Gift set! And what’s the best part? The set also includes a gift certificate to mail in to receive their favorite full size product, for FREE:

Find Your Favorite! gift set from Redken:

Includes outshine 01 anti-frizz polishing milk, blown away 09 protective blow-dry gel, guts 10 volume spray foam, align 12 protective straightening lotion, quick dry 18 instant finishing spray, and the GIFT for 1 FREE full-size product! Suggested retail price: $38 value for only $22!

In NYC? You can also visit Redken by stopping by the Redken Gallerie. The Gallerie is Redken’s one-of-a-kind retail store in the heart of New York City, located on 5th Avenue between 46th and 47th Streets. With 300 square feet, it is a specialized boutique that sells all Redken haircare and styling products as well as Redken logo-wear and salon accessories.

How to Save Your Small Space…Thank you Ikea!

1 Oct

By Christabelle…

Let’s face it, NYC living (or any city living for that matter) can be not only expensive, but cramped and at times not very “user friendly”…But our friends at Ikea have come to the rescue with some space-saving kitchen ideas that will make you jump for joy (and make your wallet sigh happily!).

NYC KITCHEN - BEFORE

NYC KITCHEN - AFTER

Our client’s space came with a small kitchen – I mean SMALL…tiny, miniscule. And for a typical female, New Yorker, probably not a big deal – except, this client is a cooker. Not pop a can of soup in the microwave, but Food-Network-Iron-Chef create a magical meal from scratch cooker.

NYC KITCHEN - AFTER (2)

With a small addition of 2 Ikea Expedit bookcases (one Expedit 2 x 2 unit in white, bolted to the wall and one Expedit4×2 unit on its side), we were able to not only maximize existing wall space and otherwise wasted floor space, but created an ideal cutting surface and storage space for our queen of the kitchen. All for under $300!

With a small white shelf we also picked up at Ikea, we maximized the open space above the stove and moved the microwave. This opened up a large space for our client to install a countertop dishwasher.

Best of all – she was so happy with her kitchen make-over, she spent the money she saved on her home repairs for a kickin’ home cooked meal for the Christabelle team!

Thanks Parker – we hope you are in love with your new space as much as we are!

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