Gave That

Thoughts on Giving Well This Holiday '09 - Budgets, Lists, The Whole Shebang

2009-11-08T09:47:00.001-05:00

Thoughts on Giving Well This Holiday '09

Around this time of year it isn't surprising that one of the most requested bits of information is how to budget for the impending gift giving season? For more tips on how to specifically save and perhaps give more for less, please see my 20 Holiday Saving Tips. There are tons of tried and tested suggestions in those pages that I hope will reveal the answers you are looking for.

As for a philosophy on giving well this holiday I have come up with 3 personal steps that focus less on budgets, rules and spending money and more on celebrating the season, using the downtime to our best advantage, reconnecting with the people we love (and love us) and strengthening bonds. Here they are:

1. Turn the holiday gift giving tradition into reflection, not projection.
First: Take a piece of paper and write down the names of people who are closest to you... those who have supported you throughout the year, done incredibly nice things out of shear love... those who you know have your back (or did in a recent time of need). Think about how your gift can be one of thanks (either something they have long wanted, an invitation out to dinner, some time spent together, a heartfelt card or letter).

Second: Close relationships are the ones to focus and zero in on and then, depending on your means and present situation, feather out to more casual friends, then charities and/or acquaintances. [To put this into perspective and for more on the 4 types of friendship you need to know about read one of my favorite Self articles, You Gotta Have Friends, here.]

Third: Resist the urge to give out of fear (e.g. if they do not get a gift from me they'll never speak to me again or what will they think!) as relationships worth keeping and maintaining are not hinged on such things. The same with gambling with futures (e.g. using gifts to sway someones affections and attention in your direction) as they rarely pan out. Instead giving out of gratitude celebrates those who have gone out of their way to be there for us. There is no need to keep tabs on who returns or gives "what" because the act of giving in this case reflects on what has already been. The gifts from them have previously come our way through their love and kindness... anything else is pure icing.

2. Stock up on little gifts and thank you cards for parties, unexpected gifts and invitations. These can be as simple (and inexpensive) as a little plant or showing up with homemade cookies. Always bring a hostess gifts or send a little gift along with your words of thanks. Private parties are going to grow in both popularity and importance for keeping us connected in the coming years as people find their budgets for commercial entertainment slashed. Keep all the fantastic hosts out their motivated by showing your gratitude... and return the favor with your own bash when you can.

In the case of surprise gifts from people you never imagined would give you anything, have those thank you cards handy (even if you verbally already said thanks). Western etiquette says you're not obligated to automatically give a gift in return but you should make it a point to express gratitude with a physical card, note or if possible an invitation to a holiday party.

3. Be thankful and have fun. Be in the moment.

Wishing everyone the best social season possible!

Image: MAM for GaveThat.com

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vlog: Wishlist Pick Headphones

2009-11-06T12:47:00.001-05:00

For the longest I've been wanting to share something that is topping many wish lists... old school style headphones that have the added benefit of being noise canceling. These are so helpful, especially for those who frequently travel or take mass transit, and are now seen hanging off many a handbags handles. After trying a bunch out I settled on a pair that I later found out might have quality issues, so far so good but when you plunk down $100. or more bucks for a pair you expect them to last and perform. The Audio Technica headphones above totally trounced mine in sound quality and were also amazingly more comfortable. Dr. M of Eclectic Sound made a great video about the latest Audio Technica models including the same one recommended by tech blogger Xeni Jardin (Boing Boing Video). I give them major thumbs up as well after putting them through the rigors.

Vlog: Dr. M

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Savvy Gift Sales: Online Sample & Secret Sales for the week of November 9th 2009

2009-11-01T20:51:00.000-05:00

Save Up to 90% with these Secret Online Sample Sales & Special Gift Deal Finds! Click through our special links below to see my calender of events, join and start shopping right away:

This week we found... MATT & NAT eco handbags, The Grand Del Mar, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Isabella Fiore, Y-3, Yohji Yamamoto, L'Object, Emanuel Ungaro, Qi Cashmere, Erica Anenberg, Members Only, Incase, Tailgate, Kate Spade gifts, John Toole, Emma & Posh, MD Skincare, Shu Uemura, American Apparel womens, MOR, Judith Leiber, Thompson London, Burberry, Just Cavalli, Ellen Tracy, Lola et Moi, Tusk, Marquis & Camus, Gurhan, Cole Haan, Furla handbags , and much more! Take a look at our new GaveThat.com Shopping List section THE LIST dedicated to getting you in to the best secret online sample sales on the net >>More

For invitation and coupon codes for all of the above online sample sale websites and more like them visit our Online Sample Sale Site Directory or click through any of the above links for a calendar of sales and start shopping right now.
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Giving Fine Art to Children {Ida Pearle for The Mini Social + Art for Life}

2009-10-26T18:07:00.005-04:00

This is the last week that you will be able to purchase one of New York City artist Ida Pearle's gorgeous hand printed and signed works of art. The concept is a rather unique one... fine art for children. Bright and with major pop these prints are part of a series based on the alphabet and have been created especially for the online little ones boutique The Mini Social. At 22" x 22" unframed and $160. each (down from $212.) these are surely pieces that can transition into adulthood and/or be passed down to the next generation. I know the ones above could easily find a place in my art collection. Along with each piece of art comes Ida's book, "A Child's Day" and 25% of proceeds from this particular sale will be donated to the Art for Life Foundation. For more incredible art by Ida Pearle be sure to visit her website here.

Image: Ida Pearle via The Mini Social "Alphabet print series"

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The Best Candles for Under $30 - Give These

2009-10-20T18:06:00.005-04:00

REVIEW

Smelling new and hopefully pleasant things is a real treat for me so when a candle is seen sitting quietly on a shelf there I am snatching it up to give it a whiff. A few seconds later, if it is that good, images will appear in my mind. A face of a friend or loved one and then I'm off. These candles smell so luxe, unique and captivating but do not come with a $70+ price tag. Who knew? (they won't!). Onward (clockwise from top left):

1) Slatkin & Co. Fireside you sly devils... I bow to you! Talk about a hulking 14.5 ounces of pure masculine delight that's perfect for a smoldering undercurrent to those holiday parties. Yes it's smokey with burning woods, amber and leather... and that's the point. Smell it in person at Bath & Body Works. $19.50.

2) Paddywax - Eco Bergamot & Tobacco Flower candle, the secret needs to get out, Paddywax creates candles that are just as luxe smelling as the popular $60 and $70 models out there (Paddywax's start at 5 bucks!) and comes in special eco editions using recycled materials and natural inks. The personal favorite is their deep blend of Bergamot & Tobacco Flowers and their Lemongrass & Green Tea is gorgeous for the bath. Start at $5. for travel tins. [See my past review of Paddywax here]

3) Archipelago Botanicals Signature Series Bergamot Tobacco candle, this Bergamot Tobacco is a favorite and their most popular request. Love the wax seal touch on both candle and box. Along with the Bergamot Tobacco above be sure to also try their thoroughly modern Archipelago Botanicals A.B. Home Collection Soy Wax Candle in Lavender which has been a major hit with gift recipients. The swoon inducing scent mingles lavender with a hint of thyme. $27.99.

4) Le Couvent Des Minimes Lavender and Acacia Candle This is a case of Overstock.com really pulling through as these French candles from Provence are extremely hard to find in the US but oh-so-worth it. Around $22. each the lavender gives way to an almost creamy acacia and other woods, musk and a hint of vanilla. Not the least bit floral this is perfect for burning on those chilly nights and makes a fireplace completely obsolete. An added bonus... they've been made by nuns in a small convent since 1862 with a keen eye on being eco (some of their packing is made from seaweed harvested during cleaning of Venice waterways).

On The Radar: Royal Apothic which can be found at Anthropologie has my nose itching to give it a whirl. The story behind the finding of old recipes and their Victorian charm seem irresistible... let me at Distillation Of An Edwardian Fireplace and Attar Of High Tea. Unfortunately they come $2 over budget for this spot at $32. each, so maybe a review is in order next time?

Image: Slatkin & Co. via Bath & Body Works, Paddywax, Archipelago, Le Couvent

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Marilyn Minter at INTERMIX for Bright Pink

2009-10-20T06:50:00.003-04:00

The in your face synth-art by New Yorker Marilyn Minter seems only fitting to be transferred to a rather esthetically pleasing tote bag (yes I'd wear this constantly... my new fall/winter bag? We shall see) but the real icing is its support of Bright Pink, a breast and ovarian cancer non-profit. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the cause by INTERMIX where this bag (only $48.!) is an exclusive. A must give to any aficionado of Minter's art film, Green Pink Caviar, Madonna who has been using said film in her Sticky & Sweet tour or the make-up artist / salon owning pal in your life. As seen in Elle.

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Blissliving Home Boxes

2009-10-19T14:47:00.003-04:00

Blissliving Home has created sturdy yet gorgeous fabric covered boxes meant for storage in the home but I like how they can perform double duty as gift boxes... totally reusable gift boxes. Add a bow or some raffia and a little gift tag. Simple chic! Prices range from $30 to $75 for large boxes. The "Amanda Fox" black box is the real eye popper for me... decked out in shinny silver ribbons, glossy orbs, frosted pine cones. Sumptuous! Pictured: 1) Pia Square 2) Oliver 3) Pia 4) Amanda Fox

Image: Blissliving Home

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Versace Art Unite Tote on Gilt Mon. Oct. 19th 09

2009-10-15T18:42:00.008-04:00

I wanted to give everyone interested a quick heads up that the Versace Art Unite tote bag will be going on sale this Monday, October 19th at Gilt Groupe. This is the only authorized online venue selling these limited editions bags (also find them now in Versace boutiques). A collaboration between Donatella Versace and the Whitney Museum of American Art's education department, 100% of proceeds from each bag sold will be donated to the Starlight Children's Foundation and the China One Foundation. The images on the bags were also created by children from these causes. From $200 to $250. As an added bonus, everyone who buys one of these bags now through December 1st will also get a VIP 20% discount at Versace boutiques. Update: All of the bags at Gilt seem to be sold out now (fantastic!) but you can sill find them in Versace boutiques.

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Groupon = Thoroughly Addicting

2009-10-15T08:21:00.002-04:00

A few months ago I mentioned how part of giving well is not just buying and giving physical things but making experiences and memories. Going to a concert with friends, the movies, bowling, are all perfect just because gifts... not to mention date nights. These can get pricey but as of late I've been checking in everyday at the latest best kept secret to hit the web, Groupon. Group + coupon = Groupon which aims to bring the collective buying power of the web together to score some serious deals.

The premise is rather simple, if enough people get in on the deal (which always seems to be the case) the deal will go through. One caveat though, it seems like those living in or near major cities will get the best use out of this site (when you log onto Groupon, it will automatically find the city and deals closest to you). In the NYC area there have been some really great offerings including the mentioned 56% savings at New York Vintners wine classes (great way to mingle), 50% off VIP shopping events, yoga sessions and more. Hayden-Harnett has even popped up a few times with $100 off any of their bags. This place can get thoroughly addicting because you never know what will launch next. [Click here to give it a whirl]

Image: New York Vintners via Groupon

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Fifi Lapin for Forever21 = Adorable Chic

2009-10-15T08:13:00.004-04:00

Had to post about Fifi Lapin's collection for Forever 21 as they're absolutely adorable and very reasonable (as most Forever21 pieces are) at $18.90 a pop. Unlike fellow illustrator of the blogosphere, Sujean Rim (Daily Candy or formally?), these shirts do not benefit charity but are a must for any devote of: "the worlds most stylish bunny"-Elle. I remember when Fifi hopped onto the scene and wow have things snowballed (sorry, couldn't help the goofy puns). Enjoy!

Update: I just found out that Fifi Lapin is part of a charity offering, check out Fifi on these holiday cards being sold over at TopShop. No word on what the charity actually is but I'm sure it's great.

Image: Forever21

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Savvy Gift Sales: Online Sample & Secret Sales for the week of November 2nd 2009

2009-10-14T19:52:00.005-04:00

Save Up to 90% with these Secret Online Sample Sales & Special Gift Deal Finds! Click through our special links below to see my calender of events, join and start shopping right away:

This week we found... Rose Vintage Poster Gallery, FENDI sunglasses, Erickson Beamon, ALEXANDER WANG (!), Cole Haan, D&G, NuFace, CK, Betsey Johnson, Link Up, Bobby Jones, Faberge, Joia de Majorca, Steve Madden, Patricia Hurley, Black Orchid, Just Cavalli BLOWOUT, Sarah Briggs, Erba Organics, Heys, Gucci sunglasses, Bajra scarves, Tara Pearls, Tome Ford sunglasses, Glashutte, Lierec Paris, Lorick , and much more! Take a look at our new GaveThat.com Shopping List section THE LIST dedicated to getting you in to the best secret online sample sales on the net >>More

For invitation and coupon codes for all of the above online sample sale websites and more like them visit our Online Sample Sale Site Directory or click through any of the above links for a calendar of sales and start shopping right now.
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How To Be Social Without Going Broke : Holiday Edition

2009-10-12T16:21:00.005-04:00

Social Season or Bust
REMIX
One Dress, Five Events

It's here... you can feel it in the air. Along with the crackling chill comes something else. Social Season! If I had some melodramatic music to embed here I would but is that really necessary? Personally this is a delicious time fraught with some rather pressing decisions. I like to think of them as possibilities for a positive spin but they can be a real challenge. What to budget for and what to skip? Pencil this and pen that. Oh and what to wear? That last one can be a big, unexpected trap. The main thing is to shop that closet, seek out vintage and maybe get an all around workhorse piece that can be used over and over again. My eye has been on the perfect long sleeve jersey dress in black because the main thing this year is maintaining connections, supporting people and just having fun. I'm not letting clothes, handbags, shoes get in the way of that.
Sometimes you need that something, something. Mine for 2009? Some pop of color at the toe, a luscious scarf that can double as a wrap, sequins, bright purse, some very Diane Pernet-esk shades.
Money Saving Tips: Secret Sales Online | How To Shop Online Sample Sales

Next up... por homme

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A New Leaf Please : Crisp Focus This Autumn

2009-10-08T16:06:00.009-04:00

The Delicious Road Ahead

So long sticky heat of summer and hello chill, beautiful leaves and a sky that seems ever more open. Last year I remember writing about the delicious road ahead and while it has surely been a fasten your seat belts sort of road, there is so much left to drive! Social season is just around the bend and it made me want to refocus this site.

It's about giving encouragement, love and maintaining meaningful connections

When thoughts of giving and giving well come to mind I automatically think about the connections that are usually being strengthened. Not necessarily shopping or constantly buying the latest trend. Instead I'm envisioning volunteer work and connecting to ones community or remembering a loved ones birthday even though they have moved half way across the world. Little things that end up coming full circle in positive ways when you least expect it... little things that deserve to be celebrated and encouraged. To be fostered and explored. This is the core of this site.

I hope to highlight the positive, rewarding and social aspects of giving in all its forms

Look for things, people, images that inspire me along with great food and entertaining, DIY ideas, interviews, reviews and more. This I know will be fun! Experiments always are. (for those who still want my special gift deal finds head over to the weekly THE LIST)

-MARIE ANAKEE MICZAK

Image: MAM for Gavethat.com

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Gossamer : DIY Quick Gift Style

2009-10-08T14:22:00.008-04:00

Right about now, in the garden something shimmers like the moon, poking through the rose hips and drying leaves. Commonly called Money Plant I adore its Latin name as it gives more of a true picture... Lunaria annua. Luminous indeed and perfect for things of a gossamer like nature. Here simple wax paper from the kitchen was used and on top paper with a deckle edge. On top of that the Lunaria seed heads were affixed in a loose rosette. You can add some color with maple leaves or dried and pressed rose petals glued inside the wax paper (trick gleaned from Martha Stewart). Now is the perfect time to sow Lunaria seeds or start harvesting your bouquets. For more gift design inspiration be sure to visit the GaveThat flickr pool.

Image: MAM for Gavethat.com

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Give Twice : Elizabeth & James - Martha Stewart

2009-10-07T14:53:00.006-04:00

Why give once when you can give twice? Below are my pics for gifts that also give back to great causes...

Shopbop is selling an exclusive Elizabeth & James necklace to benefit breast cancer causes and bring about awareness. Find it online for $58.

Martha Stewart has teamed up with Ford's Warriors In Pink to create a little rubber stamp kit, $32. Ford will donate 100% of the net proceeds from your purchase ($13.47 each) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

philosophy has created chocolate chip cookies charity shower gel benefiting cookies for kids with cancer. $16. The perfect gift for all those chocoholics you know.

Fifi Lapin strikes again, this time with a cute series of holiday cards being sold at TopShop. £4.00 Even better these cards are said to be of the charity nature.

Visit Kiehl's for their latest Creme de Corps Holiday collection where 100% of proceeds will go to RxArt which will help provide art programs to children in hospitals. As seen in Marie Claire.

The 6th Annual Sudha Sale at the Corte Madera Town Center Nov. 6-8 and 14-15 to benefit Bread & Roses and The Redwoods. Special designs imported from India will include fine shawls, exquisite jewelry, holiday decorations and much more. The Redwoods is a nonprofit community of seniors in Mill Valley. For more info: visit www.pennathur.com, www.breadandroses.org or www.theredwoods.org.

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Gift Steals: Online Sample & Secret Sales for the week of October 5th 2009

2009-10-04T22:50:00.003-04:00

Save Up to 90% with these Secret Online Sample Sales & Special Gift Deal Finds! Click through our special links below to join and start shopping right away:

This week we found... Cole Haan, Kate Spade, D&G, Wendy Mink, Alexander McQueen, Ben-Amun, DayNa Decker, Elizabeth & James (!). Juicy Couture, Demy Lee, CC Sky, Nameek's Bath, Green Horn Trading, Kalorik kitchen, Carla Mancini handbags, TechnoMarine, Nexxt, Vincent Longo, Tom Ford sunglasses, Ed Hardy scarves, Sean John, Hype, Versace, Sonya Daker, Joe's handbags, Michael Kors, dav , and much more! Take a look at our new GaveThat.com Shopping List section THE LIST dedicated to getting you in to the best secret online sample sales on the net >>More

For invitation and coupon codes for all of the above online sample sale websites and more like them visit our Online Sample Sale Site Directory or click through any of the above links for a calendar of sales and start shopping right now.
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Acts of Kindness Wine Bags at Wisteria

2009-10-01T14:13:00.000-04:00

As of late I've been on a real bag as wrapping kick... especially since most gift bags can be reused over and over by the recipient. These jute bags over at Wisteria are perfectly rustic and aptly named, Acts of Kindness. They can also be used for holding small guest favors or even a plant (scrunch 'em down slightly and use some raffia to hold a gift tag with care instructions). $19. for a set of 4 at Wisteria.com and also check out the corkscrew versions for $16. for a set of 4.

Image: Wisteria.com
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The Pink Gift Guide : Shopping To Fight Breast Cancer

2009-10-01T12:57:00.006-04:00

Over at Shine I've put together some of my favorite gift picks that Give Twice (back) to breast cancer causes in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, keep reading>>

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JetSetter & Row|Nine : Invitations Enclosed

2009-09-30T12:07:00.013-04:00

Yet another double feature... this time two beta invitation only sites (do not worry be have invitations for you) that have just launched. One has been waiting in the wings for some time and the other seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

The first is JetSetter, yet another offshoot to Gilt Groupe which this time focuses on luxury travel including sailing the high seas on expansive yachts to hotel rooms in spa resorts. So far the first offerings were in the 50% off range for such hotels as The Standard. Doing a quick search of Hotels.com I found that JetSetter was about $90 less compared to their offerings. What can set JetSetter apart is if they can snag exclusive packages not found anywhere else on the web or show members locations they would have never thought of going. If you're already a Gilt member use your preexisting account to login, otherwise click here to join.

Second is the new beta Row|Nine, not to be confused with the clothing line The Row by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, is also a free to join site that requires an invitation to get in and says it's pedigree comes from founding members formally from such giants as The Gap, Bulgari and Monster.com, Expedia. The focus they say is on fine time pieces and jewelry yet the most interesting offering they have is in one area all the other private sample sites have avoided (with the exception of wine)... gourmet food. That's right we're talking gift worthy saffron and caviar and truffle oil. They say up to 70% off but so far the highest amount discounted has been around 60%. Looks promising with other boutiques being leather bags and sunglasses by Marc Jacobs, Versace, Bedat & co, etc. Click here to join through out invite.

[Click here to join Row|Nine]
[Click here to join JetSetter]
[Click here to see our entire list of secret sale sites & invitation codes including the above]

Also Read:
- Our Weekly Online Secret Sample Sale Gift Picks, Up to 90% Off
- The Secret To Scoring On Online Sample Sales - Top 10 Tips

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Give Twice: Michelle Roy - Apolis Activism - (FTBC)

2009-09-30T09:01:00.003-04:00

Designer Michelle Roy has created two gifts that give back--one is the Angel Wings collection of shirts, $76. with a portion of proceeds benefiting Project Angel Food, which delivers free and nutritious meals to men, women, and children suffering from HIV/AIDS or other life threatening illnesses. The other is the Breast Cancer Bow collection, $72. with 20% of proceeds going to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Over at h(y)r collective magazine check out their coverage of the latest tote bag by Apolis Activism who has teamed up with the Invisible Children’s cotton initiative. Set for release spring 2010.

Be sure to visit Saks 5th Ave this year for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer's latest collection including their classic blue bull's eye tee shirts designed by Ralph Lauren and other pieces including a handbag and charm bracelet designed by Stephen Dweck, Diane von Furstenberg, Lisa Jenks, and Betsey Johnson. Speaking of this collection if you head over to W Hotel's site (or mini stores) you'll find a Fashion Targets Breast Cancer necklace for $8.99, down from the original $60. price tag. Sadly I guess not much will go back to the cause but old stock does need to be moved and it's nice to show your support.

Once again Payless shoe stores have created a bracelet to bring both funds and awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), for only $2. proceeds will go to benefit Susan G. Kormen for the Cure.

Archipelago has created the Ribbons of Love Candle, $17.50 with a portion of proceeds being donated to The City of Hope. Also look for their Ribbons of Hope candles and home fragrance also benefiting breast cancer causes.

Editor note- many charitable organizations are reporting a drop in donations and funding yet an increase in need for their services. This of course should not come as any real surprise but a great way to try and counter this is to look into ways of combining your gift giving and giving back. Unfortunately, despite what not-for-profits would tell you, one of the top gifts people did not appreciate receiving were donations made in their name, including those new charitable "gift cards". Unless someone specifically requests this you might want to steer clear. In order to make the gift more personal consider purchasing something a person could actually physically use or admire and have it give back. These types of gifts were well received. Be sure to look in our Give Twice section for tons of gift picks that give back to great causes and fit almost any budget.

Image: Payless

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Are You Happy? Well There You Have It

2009-09-29T11:27:00.006-04:00

Just saw this on the automatism blog and had to share it here too because it is absolutely perfect... the Are You Happy? piece by Alex Koplin at blog.h34. Sadly it seems like all of the editions are spoken for but let's hope a reprint is done so other little grubby hands like mine can slap one up on the studio wall.
"I will leave it at the fact that the final form of this design is not important so much as the basic concept of always being empowered with one’s work– if you aren’t happy, you always, no matter what, have the power to change something." –Alex Koplin

Image: Alex Koplin at blog.h34

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Gift Steals: Online Sample & Secret Sales for the week of September 28th 2009

2009-09-27T20:41:00.003-04:00

Save Up to 90% with these Secret Online Sample Sales & Special Gift Deal Finds! Click through our special links below to join and start shopping right away:

This week we found... Oscar Blandi, The Sports Club LA, Devon Leign, Moschino jewelry, Marc Jacobs, Rodial, D.L. & Co. (!), BCBG, Grace Chan, Gorjana, Lollia, Calvin Klein, Missoni scarves, the Sak, Christian Audigier, Angel Dear, Gucci, Betsey Johnson, Ed Hardy, Fendi handbags, Zid Zid, Ida Pearle, Whiting & Davis, Burn candles, RayBan, Majenty perfumes, Havaianas , and much more! Take a look at our new GaveThat.com Shopping List section THE LIST dedicated to getting you in to the best secret online sample sales on the net >>More

For invitation and coupon codes for all of the above online sample sale websites and more like them visit our Online Sample Sale Site Directory or click through any of the above links for a calendar of sales and start shopping right now.
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Hi : Low - Rachel Zoe vs Hollywood Intuition Tote

2009-09-27T18:47:00.007-04:00

Quick... which is $22.99 and which is $122.00? Both are 100% PVC mind you. Both are also part of capsule collections and I couldn't help but notice how alike they were, making a perfect subject for a High - Low feature. The top pictured is the $122.00 model by Rachel Zoe (The North/South tote) for QVC which looks even more identical in its lighter "Natural" colored faux snakeskin version. The other is Jaye Hersh's $22.99 design for Hollywood Intuition (the Snake tote in Natural). I've seen and felt the Hollywood Intuition one in person and found it rather nice. All over snakeskin is always hard to pull off but its simple puffy shape, inspired perhaps by Devi Kroell, was perfect for quickly perking up ones fall and winter wardrobe. The glossy PVC mans little worry about ruinous rainy and snowy season which has now descended upon us Northerners. Plus it makes the perfect gift bag for holding a stash of goodies. The Hollywood Intuition bags flew out of stores but find them here on Amazon.

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2009-09-26T17:39:00.002-04:00

My personal motto for giving well is to Give and Forget but here it is put so much more eloquently:
"When we give from our core being, when we give from love there are no expectations tied to the gift. Love doesn't require an audience to acknowledge that we gave of our self. Love does not expect a gift in return." —The Naked Soul

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Host A Dinner Party at Home for Come + Together & Macy's Matches It

2009-09-23T13:09:00.020-04:00

This is such a great idea and the perfect way to step back into another time... the past eras filled with chic little dinner parties held at peoples homes benefiting good causes. It was second nature and just done. So for day 2 of our Classic Remastered series here is how to hold your own charity fête with the benefit of having your efforts matched by Macy's latest launch, Come + Together - The Great American Dinner Party. Proceeds will go to Feeding America.

The premise is rather simple. Put together a little benefit dinner party for friends, loved ones and guests and collect donations. You then visit the Come + Together site and donate your funds where Macy's will match your donation, doubling it. Rinse and repeat if you like!

Tips On Holding A Stellar Charity Dinner At Home

Plan It Out: Most home charity dinners are much the same as any dinner party although making it feel worth your guests time and support will be even more pronounced and important. Planning ahead for issues such as if this will be a formal sit down (with place cards and so on) or a looser cocktail party will be key. This also needs to be expressed on your invitation cards along with any minimum donation. This way gusts can decide if they want to (or can) participate. The last thing anyone should feel in sprung upon once at the party because they were not clear it was a benefit type gathering.

Plan Your Menu &/or Drinks: Pull together what you're going to serve. This is where keeping things intimate and confined to close friends and relatives can pay off. Knowing what people like (or are restricted to eating) will help you create a spread delectable enough for everyone (or mixed drinks for cocktail parties suitable to everyone's tastes... for drink ideas visit our Mixology section).

For added inspiration grab a cookbook. On the Gilt Groupe blog Tory Burch mentioned she has been working through her advance copy of "Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations" with proceeds benefiting The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, $35. (ships starting October 2009) for her dinner parties. There are a whole host of other new cookbooks that give back as well including "Thursdays With Mom & Michael" a daughter's (Anita Rosenberg) loving tribute to her mother's weekly dinner parties with 100% of proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For additional tips and recipes Martha Stewart has lent her dinner party advice and recipes for free over at the Come + Together site. [for more great charity cookbooks I found click here for my guide, Cooking for A Cause.]

Be Personal When Inviting Gusts: Call your gusts to invite them over the phone or send handwritten invitations being sure to use their name. Try to be as personal as possible so that people feel more motivated and connected in following through and coming to support your efforts. Places like Facebook are too easy to click away and say no to... people need to feel you're intimately involved so go that extra mile to reach out. Also make sure to tell potential gusts that this is a private benefit dinner and what your donation expectations are, if any. Leave no unpleasant surprises for people. Have people RSVP (or ask for "regrets only") and let them know if your party is a formal sit down or something more informal like a Bar-B-Q on the deck.

Brush Up On Your Hosting Skills: As mentioned above charity parties carry a tad more weight for giving people a good time so be sure to brush up on your host/hostess skills. A great book for this is, Town & Country Handbook for Hosts: A Practical Guide to Party Planning and Gracious Entertaining by Adam Bluestein. A lot will depend on who you have invited, how well and if they know one another and so on so you can facilitate mingling, gabbing, laughs and just plain fun. Make sure you're personally not too busy running around and getting things put together to talk and mingle with your own gusts. Especially those who might have come alone or are slightly shy.

Add In Some Extras: Consider giving out favor bags to gusts or create some games so that people can win a favor (this has often been a major highlight for parties... give it a try). Have board games for people to play or screen movies if you have a home theatre system set up. All night Hitchcock or campy films from the 60s are great. Just keep it light and non-depressing so people have a good time—not focusing on even more dire problems in life. Hire a DJ or get a friend to do it (you wouldn't believe the number of kids out there that can do this from their laptops!), have dancing or keep it low key (think swank NYC eateries... what do they play?) with Latin Jazz and World Beats. Just a little in the background for ambiance but not too much that it prevents people from talking to one another.

Tell Your Guests Thank You: In most dinner parties it's the host that gets all of the thank you cards but in this case each gusts should receive a grateful card of thanks for their support. Write it out and pop a stamp on it. This is also a good time to let them know once again where their donations went, more about the cause and who you hope will benefit from your collective kindness.

Do You Have To Hold It At Home? Not everyone lives in a home ready to host guests (especially if you live with a bunch of roommates)... but this shouldn't keep you from having your own dinner party. Consider having a bonfire picnic party on the beach, hold it at a restaurant or club (remember in these cases you will be expected, as the host, to cover everyone's tab) or look for another suitable venue (house of worship, friends home, etc.). Think outside of the box and make it happen.

Do you have any private charity dinner party advice to share? Tips or tweaks? If so leave them in the comments section below.

Image: Macy's

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