Archive for the ‘Gifts’ Category
Last Minute Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your Christmas List
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1. Sports Game or Concert Tickets: You should know your friends and family well enough to figure out what team they’d like to see play or what musician they’d kill to watch live. Armed with that information, all you have to do is take to the Internet and find an event nearby. They’ll never know you purchased those tickets on Christmas Eve, but if you choose well you’ll be a favorite far beyond New Year’s Day.
2. Netflix Subscription: As much as customers may hate the company, they still love the service, and offering to pay for a year of free DVDs and instant viewing is sure to make you a family favorite.
3. How to Cook Everything App: For less than $10, you can get the entirety of Mark Bittman’s James Beard-award winning cookbook, including advice on equipment, technique and ingredients, cooking photos, shopping lists and a built-in timer with each recipe.
4. Louis CK Live at Beacon Theater: Of course Louis CK is funny, but the comedian’s latest special is also insanely cheap and easy to buy. All you have to do is go his web site, download it for $5 and burn it, and you’ll have a present that will make your adult friends laugh all through Christmas.
5. Gift Baskets: Lame when you buy one at the store, amazing if you put it together yourself. This Christmas, go to Target or Walmart and pick up a bunch of inexpensive baskets and ribbons. Then fill the baskets with little knick-knacks and presents that your friend or family member would enjoy. Have a father who loves to cook? Put in some good olive oil and vinegar, a fun apron and quirky kitchen tools like a melon baller or an avocado slicer. Have a sister who loves reading and writing? Follow that book theme and stuff her basket with things like a new paperback, bookmarks and a leather-bound journal.
For Kids (or the Kid in Them):
Your little cousin, new sister or teenaged nephew are probably expecting presents even if you’re not coming over for Christmas, and who are you to disappoint? Nor are these gifts limited to children, especially if you have a friend or older family member who still enjoys the goofy things in life. All these gifts are easy to find, but the kids in your life will still love you for getting them.
1. Homemade “Coupon”: Does your niece need a ride to the mall more often than her parents can take her? Does your cousin love to hang out with you when you babysit, but you just haven’t had the time? This is the moment to give back to the little guys in your family, be they five years old or 16. It’s also a great way to give a present to the parents, too, like offering to take them to a movie while their mom and dad relax at home.
2. Fun Winter Gear: Kids often “forget” to stay warm during the winter, especially if they’re sporting bulky snow pants while the rest of their friends are wearing Hello Kitty gear. Make keeping toasty fun by getting them a gift like Arizona’s critter gloves, running for $15.99 at JC Penney.
3. Cool Candy: Don’t get too carried away here, unless you feel like facing their dentist’s wrath. Rather than just buy them a bunch of Snicker’s bars or a Russell Stover set (a bit rich for kids, anyway) try something like Buddy Bars, which have cute animal faces and come in flavors like key lime, caramel and peppermint bark.
4. MightyText App: For the tech-savvy high schooler in your life. The app itself is free, but few enough people know about it that it’s still a great last-minute gift for the holidays. Download one app on their Android phone and the other on Google Chrome, and you’re able to send and receive text messages through your browser, using your cell phone number. Similar apps are available for Apple products, as well.
5. Classic Children’s Book… And Its Adaptation: There are so many remakes of classic stories out there that it can be hard to convince kids to read the original first. Cut out the middleman and deliver them both at once, so that if your little sister really does decide that “Percy Jackson The Olympians” is her favorite movie, she can have a first book in the series to tide her over for a sequel.
For Co-Workers, Bosses, and Casual Friends:
Most of the time, you aren’t expected to get gifts for your co-workers, and certainly not for your superiors. More and more offices, however, are getting into the holiday spirit by hosting Secret Santa swaps, and there are some instances where a present may feel necessary even if you don’t know the person that well.
From the friend you run into at the coffee house to the co-worker who just helped you get promoted, here are some gifts that say “Happy Holidays!” without veering too much into the personal or threatening your bank account.
1. Wine: available everywhere, appreciated by (almost) everyone. If your boss is more of a beer drinker, mix and match some local brews for a fun holiday samples.
2. Ferrero Rocher: These chocolates aren’t very expensive, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the box, checking out their wrapping, or by their quite decadent flavor. Just make sure nobody has a hazelnut allergy.
3. Gift Cards: Easy to find, easy to buy, and easy to please. This helps if you don’t know your new friend as well, or if you want to thank your co-worker for a great project but feel anything beyond $15 at Starbucks is pushing it.
4. Shatterproof Ornaments: This is especially good if you have an office holiday tree, but it’s best used as a gift for a friend who’s putting Christmas off or a co-worker who’s expecting a kid soon. Sure, these might be a little late for the holidays this year, but your forethought will be appreciated when the dog knocks over grandma’s antique ornament on Dec. 25.
5. Scented Candles: These are always welcome around the Christmas season, and say “Happy Holidays!” without veering into the personal. It also sends a message depending what scent you choose, so be sure to think carefully about whether you want to choose “Red Apple Zest” or “Soothing Zen” for your boss’s Christmas present.
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Student, volunteers wrap gifts, raise $21,000 for clinic
Andrew Carlone and his mother, Tami Carlone, have no idea how many presents they wrapped this holiday season as volunteers at Laurel Park Place mall in Livonia.
But they know that it helped raise money for a great cause.
Andrew recently presented a $12,500 check to the Hope Medical Clinic, part of $21,200 raised by the Carlones and other volunteers who wrapped gifts at Laurel Park Place every day between Black Friday and Christmas Day. The volunteers received donations from shoppers for wrapping gifts for the shoppers. The Hope Medical Clinic provides medicine and other prescriptions for families in Wayne County. The clinic needed to find a new location after the W.C. Frank Furniture store explosion next door to their office one year ago. The clinic is currently in Wayne, but is expected to open an office on Palmer in Westland in the spring, according to Mary Dekker, clinic coordinator for the Wayne satellite clinic.
The clinic has been operating for 30 years and is based in Washtenaw County.
Serving the community
Andrew Carlone, a junior at Northville High School, serves as a youth administrator with the U.S. State Department.
“Part of the agreement of being a youth ambassador is to do some service in your community,” his mother said.
Andrew said he and his mother spoke with church members at Ward Presbyterian Church in Northville and they came up with the gift-wrapping idea.
“I went to a Bible study at church and one of the ideas was to wrap,” Andrew said. The U.S. State Department provided $1,000 for the gift-wrapping supplies, Tami said.
Andrew specifically requested that the money assist those who need insulin for diabetics and inhalers for those with respiratory ailments.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Dekker said. “It’s a big boost for us, especially with a new location for us. We have more patients who need help. It will help those who don’t have health insurance.”
Approximately 1,000 patients have visited the Wayne satellite, Dekker said.
A gratifying experience
Tami and Andrew said the community service gave them gratification for helping others in need.
Tami said 420 people volunteered from the church and local schools, including Livonia Franklin, Churchill, Mercy, Ladywood and Garden City high schools.
“It took us away from our traditional Christmas stuff,” Tami said. “We didn’t overdecorate, overshop or overeat. It put our focus on an organization that really needed it.”
Andrew was pleased with the fundraising effort.
“It feels good to raise all that money,” he said. “We got a lot more than I expected.”
kabramcz [at] hometownlife [dot] com (313) 222-2591
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Blue Star Bazaar Announces One Day Clearance and Inventory Sale – Rare Opportunity to Stock Up on Unique Gift Ideas for Women, Men, and Children
Blue Star Bazaar provides great values every day. However, in an effort to make room for new spring merchandise, they are hosting a rare sale. Shop in Wilton, CT on January 11 or shop online with the code below.
Wilton, CT (PRWEB) January 06, 2012
Blue Star Bazaar is hosting a one day sale on current inventory to make way for new spring merchandise. Save up to 60% by shopping in Wilton, CT on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. Save 20% now through January 15, 2012 by shopping online.
The event will take place at 7 Rolling Ridge Road in Wilton, CT from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on January 11, 2012 at the headquarters for Blue Star Bazaar. Owner, Megan LaBant Abrahamsen will be on hand to offer unique gift ideas for women, men, and children. Items include jewelry, heirloom quality toys, scarves, handbags, accessories, and children’s clothing.
Some of the items to be included are:
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Watches from Tokyobay. These fashionable watches for women and men look great year round. Normally priced at $75 to $85, they’re always a great value. However, during the sale, you can pick up select styles at 30% off.
- Whimsical t-shirts for children. Blue Star Bazaar offers fun cotton t-shirts for kids featuring superheroes, rockets, Hello Kitty, and more. Brands include DxXtreme, Green Egg, and Imagine Greenwear. Prices are normally $30 each. Stock up on select styles for 50% off.
- Ladies Handbags. Functional tote bags and stylish clutches some in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials. Most will be 50% off.
- Toys for Children. Christmas may be over but you can stock up on great heirloom quality toys for birthday parties, Valentine’s Day, or Easter. Many toys will be up to 50% off.
- Holiday items. Stock up on stockings, Christmas linens, and hostess gifts for next year. These items will be 60% off.
For those shoppers that aren’t able to make it on January 11th, you can still save online. Use code NEWBLUE at checkout to save 20% on your total purchase online through January 15th, 2012.
Blue Star Bazaar, founded in 2010 by Megan LaBant Abrahamsen, is an online retailer of unique gifts for women and kids. For those looking for unique gift ideas, Blue Star Bazaar offers a range of products that meet the tough standards of quality, individuality, style, and value. Product categories include jewelry, scarves, watches, handbags, t-shirts, toys, and home accessories. Find the perfect gift at Blue Star Bazaar, headquartered in Wilton, CT.
To learn about future events and sales and receive a $10 bonus, register here.
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Megan Abrahamsen
Blue Star Bazaar
646-337-3377
Email Information
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A crime not to bid on this gun
Too bad Christmas has passed. Heres a gift idea for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list:
Bonnie and Clydes Tommy gun.
Later this month, Mayo Auction Realty of Kansas City will sell a .45-caliber Thompson sub-machine gun along with a 12-gauge shotgun, both supposedly left behind when the infamous duo shot it out with police in April 1933 in Joplin.
The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Jan. 21 at the Mayo Auction gallery at 8253 Wornall Road. Bids also may be placed online.
Interested? Well, get your special government permit the Tommy gun is fully automatic and fully operational and bring money. Maybe a bunch of it.
Auctioneer Robert Mayo declined to predict what the Thompson may bring, but safe to say it could go for more than Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow ever got away with in any bank job.
Maybe all of them combined.
Mayo said potential bidders will come from two camps: Guns and history.
First off, guns. The Tommy gun is a Model 1921A, produced in the early 1920s and made famous by law enforcement, military and legendary criminals of the Roaring 20s and The Great Depression.
John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd blasted away with it as well as the Barrow Gang. With some models capable of firing more than a thousand rounds a minute, it was nicknamed early on the Chicago typewriter.
So regardless of past owners, a working Thompson is coveted by collectors, particularly those of fully automatic firearms.
There are people who do that, Mayo said.
According to the National Rifle Association, the National Firearms Act of 1934 requires that anyone wishing to own a fully automatic weapon must pay a fee to the IRS and then be approved by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Then there is the history side the Bonnie and Clyde following. Among outlaws, perhaps only Jesse James rivals the two in American folklore.
Barrow met Parker in January 1930 in Texas and the two soon embarked on a crime spree of holdups, bank heists and murders. With their unmarried status adding sex appeal, Bonnies published poem and the photographs of them clearly enjoying their notoriety, the public eagerly watched as they seemed to stay one step ahead of the law across a wide swath of the Midwest.
Shortly after the April 13, 1933, Joplin shootout in which two surprised and outgunned lawmen died, the gang had to fight their way out of a tourist cabin north of Kansas City in Platte County. Days later in Iowa, police surrounded their campsite and captured Clydes mortally wounded brother, Buck, and Bucks blinded wife, Blanche.
Parker, Barrow and another man escaped.
A year later, Bonnie and Clyde drove into an ambush by law enforcement along a Louisiana highway. Parker was 23, Barrow 25 when they were killed.
A 1968 Academy Award winning movie, with Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty in the title roles, told their story, albeit a romanticized version. A musical played recently on Broadway.
Today, absolute proof that the soon-to-be auctioned guns the other being a 12-gauge 1897 Winchester belonged to Bonnie and Clyde does not exist. After being left behind in Joplin, they reportedly ended up in the possession of a detective by the name of Mark Lairmore.
Lairmore family members say newspaper accounts support the link. Also, the Thomspons serial number, No. 4208, matches one stolen in Ohio, a theft Barrow allegedly bragged about.
Mayo, the auctioneer, said that in the well-known photo of Parker playfully pointing a long gun at Barrows chest, the weapon looks identical to the Winchester being offered in the upcoming auction.
Since the early 1970s, the guns were displayed at a police museum in Springfield.
Family members recently made the decision to sell. In a statement provided by the auction company, Mark Lairmore, a great-grandson of the detective, said that with deaths of his namesake as well as his grandfather and father, a sentimental reason to hold on to the guns no longer existed.
I feel its time for someone with an appreciation of antique guns and the history behind these guns to own and care for them, Lairmore said.
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Video: Perfect last-minute gift for your young Occupiers
Did you wait until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping, only to discover that the selection for gifts has narrowed considerably? Fear not, for we at Hot Air have the perfect gift idea for youngsters of all ages in this holiday season. Why not give the fun and educational gift of the Lego Civil Unrest set, especially with its “authentic Zuccotti Park smell”? After all, nothing fits the mood of the (secular) celebration of Christmas like hordes of the immature demanding an ostentatious redistribution of wealth. Enjoy this satire — I hope — from SlateV, via StockTwits, which is briefly NSFW due to language:
By the way, if you’re still not done with shopping by this time, you’re not alone. Rasmussen polled 1,000 adults on Wednesday and Thursday and discovered that only 59% had completed their gift shopping, and that almost one in five hadn’t yet begun to “occupy” the malls:
Panic time? Thirty-eight percent (38%) of American Adults haven’t finished their holiday shopping with Christmas coming on Sunday, and 18% haven’t even started yet, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
Still, there’s been a lot of shopping going on this week. On Monday, we reported that 57% hadn’t finished shopping yet, and 26% still hadn’t begun to shop. Balancing out those 26% who haven’t started yet are 23% who had started by the beginning of November. Roughly half the nation fits in between those two extremes.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) have now finished their shopping for the holiday season, meaning that one out of five Americans (20%) bought their final gift during the past week. Those figures are similar to results from recent years. Only three percent (3%) are not sure if they’re finished yet.
Don’t expect spectacular retail numbers this year, if this poll is accurate. Almost six in ten (58%) say that they are spending less this year than last year, while just 16% say they’re spending more. That’s actually worse among women (62/12 less) than men (55/20), while independents turn out to be more flush this year (53/22) than Democrats (58/17) or Republicans (63/10).
Finally, after a number of requests from readers yesterday, I have created a Christmas celebration video from the clearing of the Occupy Scranton camp, complete with the closing theme from the Benny Hill Show, “Yakkity Sax.” Perhaps this will make a nice stocking stuffer ….
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2012 Valentine’s Day Gifts
Valentine’s Day will be here soon…What? You saying it’s a month and little away? It’s closer than what you’re imagining. Seriously. All the plans well thought of? Last minute bustling, perhaps? So what are you planning this year? A quiet dinner at home? A Valentine’s Day party at a friend’s place? Or maybe a romantic evening out in town? Good, good. All that sounds really nice. And what are you doing about the Valentine’s Day gift? Cause of course there has to be that. That’s what adds that little something sweet to the whole day, right? Plus at the end of the day, who doesn’t like a gift? When it’s Valentine’s Day, the probability of a romantic gift is just that much more special…at least that’s what I think.
In keeping with that thought, if it’s Valentine’s gifts you’re looking for, then you really should be scouting the top 2012 Valentine’s Day gifts list. This list will give you some ideas that are in vogue as we speak, err, read. If you need to have that perfect gift for that special someone on Valentine’s Day, then here’s exactly that in the paragraphs that are to follow. Read and take notes from these Valentine’s Day gifts.
2012 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her
This day? Yeah, pretty much one of the best days for us. Think flowers, roses, mush, poems, red hearts…we want all that. Really. It’s just how it is and we can’t help it. So maybe you aren’t a hopeless romantic and coming up with mush is beyond you, but try, alright? Here are some of the best gifts for Valentine’s Day 2012 that you can choose from for that lady friend.
Massage
You know she’ll love it even before you start. That’s what makes this Valentine gift really special. Go all out. Think aromatic oils, flavored candles, soft romantic music, bath salts, and strong hands (your strong hands). After the massage (and maybe some other things) you can have her lie down on the softest Turkish bath towel you can find. Heaven. No better way to spend the most romantic day of the year. Special finger foods and some great wine, and you’ve just about made her year with this idea for unusual romantic gift. Swear.
Jewelry Set
Cliché? No, no. Not if you know how to make this Valentine idea work. Don’t go in for the same old generic heart shaped white diamond stone. There is so much variety out there that you’ll be completely astounded. Think stones and colors, think mix and match. Think chunky jewelry or dainty sets (if she’s into that). Crystals and metals is also another great choice to look into. And there’s no need to stick to simple earrings and a necklace set. Foray into watches, rings and bracelets as well. It’ll be worth it.
Jewelry Boxes
A girly gift no doubt, but this one is really fun to have. Gift her an exquisite jewelry box that is carved or has stones set in it. If your local market does not offer any, then there are certain sites that have Indian jewelry cases with fine works like paintings and carvings set in beautiful colors and stones. It’s something new and useful, don’t you think? Oh and don’t forget to put something in the box, so that when she opens it, more surprise comes pouring in.
Heart Gift Basket
Maybe this Valentine’s box is not for everyone, especially if she’s not really into hearts. In which case you stay far, far away from this one and take a pick from the others that have been mentioned on this page. But if she is into hearts, then make a day of it and go all out. How? Anything that is hearts goes in that basket – key chains, stuffed red heart cushions, jewelry sets, shirts with hearts on them, heart-shaped dial watches…just about anything. Then all year through will be a repeat of the excitement of Valentine’s Day, simply by looking at all things heart.
Surprise Date
You’re not the only one who wants to celebrate Valentine’s Day by going out in the eve for a romantic dinner. That is probably the most common plan for the day. You agree? So why not beat the crowd, do away with the same-old trodden path and put a different plan in place? Why don’t the two of you ditch work or college and get to another city? Give yourself a whole day of romance or just chilling about. Do some sight-seeing, go sit in the cinema (don’t watch the film) and do whatever else comes to mind. What an awesome gift, this one.
2012 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him
So for the guys, it’s not necessary that the 2012 Valentine’s Day gifts for him have to be all romantic. They can have a utility value as well. But maybe a little romance won’t hurt. On that note, let’s get to the best Valentine’s Day gift ideas, shall we?
Hookah
Although I’m not really a fan of this one, this seems to be one of the best Valentine gifts to gift a guy. It evokes a royal feeling just sitting there and blowing smoke rings into the air. To make it even more special, there are many, many flavors that you can choose from. And of course the Sheesha (which is what it is called in Arabia and India) itself comes in several different shades. So much choice with this unique Valentine’s Day gift.
Soft Robe
You think it’s girly? Who’s asking him to wear it out? You be with him when he wears it. Problem solved. Also, the important thing here is the way it feels to touch. So soft, so cuddly and so comfortable. Once you get him in there, try it just once and he won’t want to shed it. You should also give him a pair of fluffy slippers and it’ll be a complete cute Valentine’s Day gift for boyfriend or husband.
Pin-Up Girl Poster
…a poster, girls. Not what you’re thinking. This one’s way up there on the cheeky gifts list. So what you do is find this really erotic pin up girl poster and gift it to him. It’ll tickle him to no end and give you something to tease him about. So what if you don’t want to gift him a pin up poster….why don’t you take a sexy picture of yourself (sexy, erotic, hot!) and then blow it up and gift it to him? Nothing like this Valentine’s Day gift to make him happy.
And there you have it, some of the best 2012 Valentine’s Day gifts for your picking. Now all you have to do is find that perfect gift from these (or gift ‘em all, why not) and make this Valentine’s really, really special. Have a great one, guys. Happy Valentine’s Day in advance.
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Gift cards can be worth more, even cash
Love the idea of gift card but find yourself months later with a dog-eared envelope that has gotten moved from car to mini-van, purse to wallet, all without getting spent?
Since 8 out of 10 shoppers expected to buy someone a gift card for the holidays-just-past, there’s a good chance you got one.
Here’s some info that may help you cash in on the card for extra value and just what you want. The deals are for online shopping.
This weekend (Jan. 6-8) is Gift Card Weekend. Retailers are offering special deals through www.giftcardweekend.com though the participants are limited and the one I tried to check demanded I register with all my contact info before finding out the deals.
ShopAtHome.com has a more useful list, although the primary goal is for you to use the site to redeem your card and get cash back from participating retailers.
* Look for online coupon codes to stretch the value. (The website has a list.)
* Shop early in the week as retailers tend to release new deals on Mondays.
* Check the online store a day before the in-store sales, as many retailers preempt the sales there.
* Check whether you get extra reward points by registering with the retailers. If you’re a frequent shopper, those reward points can be of benefit.
* Check to see if retailers owned by the same company (like Gap and Banana Republic) accept the card as well. Perhaps you prefer the other store.
Or if you just want to cash in on your gift cards, there are a plethora of websites that will let you sell them for a percentage of the value. If you have a big-box, mainstream card, you’ll probably get more of the value.
Try giftcardgranny.com, cardpool.com, plasticjungle.com, giftcardrescue.com or monstergiftcard.com.
Tags: gift cards
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Student, volunteers wrap gifts, raise $21,000 to help clinic
Andrew Carlone and his mother, Tami Carlone, have no idea how many presents they wrapped this holiday season as volunteers at Laurel Park Place mall in Livonia.
But they know that it helped raise money for a great cause.
On Tuesday, Andrew presented a $12,500 check to the Hope Medical Clinic, part of $21,200 raised by the Carlones and other volunteers who wrapped gifts at Laurel Park Place every day between Black Friday and Christmas Day. The volunteers received donations from shoppers for wrapping gifts for the shoppers. The Hope Medical Clinic provides medicine and other prescriptions for families in Wayne County. The clinic needed to find a new location after the Frank Furniture store explosion next door to their office one year ago. The clinic is currently in Wayne, but is expected to open an office on Palmer in Westland in the spring, according to Mary Dekker, clinic coordinator for the Wayne satellite clinic.
The clinic has been operating for 30 years and is based in Washtenaw County.
Serving the community
Andrew Carlone, a junior at Northville High School, serves as a youth administrator with the U.S. State Department. “Part of the agreement of being a youth ambassador is to do some service in your community,” his mother said.
Andrew said he and his mother spoke with church members at Ward Presbyterian Church in Northville and they came up with the gift-wrapping idea.
“I went to a Bible study at church and one of the ideas was to wrap,” Andrew said. The U.S. State Department provided $1,000 for the gift-wrapping supplies, Tami said.
Andrew specifically requested that the money assist those who need insulin for diabetics and inhalers for those with respiratory ailments.
“I think it’s fantastic,” Dekker said. “It’s a big boost for us, especially with a new location for us. We have more patients who need help. It will help those who don’t have health insurance.”
Approximately 1,000 patients have visited the Wayne satellite, Dekker said.
A gratifying experience
Tami and Andrew said the community service gave them gratification for helping others in need.
Tami said 420 people volunteered from the church and local schools, including Livonia Franklin, Churchill, Mercy, Ladywood and Garden City high schools.
“It took us away from our traditional Christmas stuff,” Tami said. “We didn’t overdecorate, overshop or overeat. It put our focus on an organization that really needed it.”
Andrew was pleased with the fundraising effort. “It feels good to raise all that money,” he said. “We got a lot more than I expected.”
kabramcz [at] hometownlife [dot] com | (313) 222-2591 | Twitter: @KenAbramcz
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Gifts For My Fiftieth Birthday
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Tue Jan 03, 2012 at 11:02 PM PST
Gifts For My Fiftieth Birthday
My 50th is coming up in a couple of months. It’s still a shock whenever I say those words.
I’ve been trying to come up with gift ideas, and I’m a bit stuck. I know you wonderful people are chock full of excellent ideas, so I come to you for help.
I don’t want gifts for me–I have an embarassment of riches compared to so many. My first thought was to request gifts to “someone who really needs something”. Then I thought I could suggest donations to a cause I support, such as Partners In Health. But what I think I’d really like to do is organize some sort of service project. That’s where I’m stuck. Ideas? I’m in the San Francisco Bay area.
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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
In need of some gift ideas for Valentine’s Day? Check out our suggestions for everyone from your sweetie to your BFF.
Gifts for Your Sweetie:
1. Why not try making your loved one a batch of organic cookies? Check out allhomemadecookies.com for some yummy recipes.
2. Be like Christian Slater in Bed of Roses and show your love with flowers. Sprinkling rose petals around your bedroom is a quick, affordable way to spice up your night. They’re available at The Stag Shop for $17.99.
3. A (RED) IPod Nano is not only cute, it’s charitable: proceeds help fight AIDS in Africa. The 8GB model is $149 US at apple.ca.
4. Instead of giving flowers, try planting a tree together and watch your love grow over time. Check out evergreenmemories.ca for ideas.
5. Capture your love. The Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera is available at Canadian Tire, Staples and Best Buy for $179.95.
6. For some fun on Valentine’s Day night, why not try out furry handcuffs from The Stag Shop? $16.99.
7. Say I love you with the PS I Love You collection from Bath Body Works, starting at $11.00.
8. To have a green evening, try using organic potions. goodcleanlove.com has complete sets starting at $34. And instead of grabbing the cheap wine off the shelf, look for organic wine for your romantic night in. We love Ontario’s Southbrook Framboise, $15.85 at the LCBO.
9. Have a laugh with your loved one while watching Couples Retreat, available now on DVD and BluRay.
10. Godiva candles smell good enough to eat and are available at Bath Body Works for $22.50
11. Unlock your sweetheart’s heart with an adorable Tiffany’s key for $210.00.
Gifts for you and your girlfriends:
1. The Love and Beauty Candle from Forever 21: This soy votive is sure to tingle your senses with a burning time of up to 40 hours. ($7.80)
2. Accessories are a great gift idea for your BFF. Try the Red Hot Scarf from Dynamite ($15.90)
3. La Senza has an assortment of cute knickers for $12.50 each or 3/$30.00.
4. The Little Pink Book of Cocktails, full of treat recipes and advice, is a cute idea for a girl’s night in. ($11.69 at amazon.ca)
5. Pick up an adorable, nautical inspired necklace at Dynamite for $14.90.
6. Do you have a friend who is recovering from a bad breakup? Grab her a cute ‘Rebound’ tee from UrbanOutfitters.com for $24.00 US.