The Gift of Friendship: The Friendship Stone

The Friendship Stone is a fantastic gift that can be given all year long and for many occasions. It is a unique keepsake, for people both young and old, with the purpose of connecting people and reminding them about the power of positive thinking and the ability to alter directions and imporove one's life. The Friendship Stone began on a visit to South Africa when a chance encounter led Cathy Raff, the founder of My Stone Company to notice the Tiger’s Eye. What started with giving a few stones to a couple of friends soon grew into The Friendship Stone – a meaningful give-back gift of love, appreciation and gratitude. The Friendship Stone is meant to be ‘given away’ to people in one’s life who need reminding about their own ability to make better choices and improve their lives. When a person holds the Friendship Stone in their hands, they recall that their loved one is always there for them in both good and bad times, despite their physical presence lacking.

The Friendship Stone is a natural, variegated Tiger’s Eye semi-precious gemstone originating from the heart of the African earth. The stones are not artificially edged, shaped, colored or processed. They display natural honey-brown and blue colors which have the ability to change with the movement of the light. The Stones also reflect Mother Earth’s physical beauty with their powerful, chatoyant colors.

In addition to presenting a loved-one with this special gift, The Friendship Stones have a particular benefit of tangibly helping the rural communities in South Africa from where it originates. 10% of all profits from The Friendship Stones are sent back to help bring water to these underprivileged people.

To learn more or to order your Friendship Stone, please visit
www.thefriendshipstone.com

Happy Gifting!

Gifting 101: Spread Out your Giving

Who decided that holiday gifts were only to be given on or around December 25th? How did we get stuck following this unspoken rule? I'm here to break that rule and suggest that you spread out your giving all year long! Why not give some Thanksgiving gifts this year to show your gratitude for ongoing friendships, family members or colleagues? Now scratch those folks off your Christmas list! How about New Year's gifts? Use those gift cards that you received over the holiday to fill in the gaps for folks you didn't budget for in your holiday budget and surprise them with gift after January 1st. This strategy will also save you tons, as you'll be able to hit all the post-holiday clearance sales! I love to give surprise gifts...I really think they are the best. Try it this year and let me know how it goes! Good luck and happy gifting!

Gifting 101: Know Thy Recipient!

Here's a little trick to consider if you find yourself having to purchase a gift for someone you may not know very well. This could include colleagues, distant relatives, or business contacts that you'd like to recognize with a meaningful gift. With the majority of folks currently using social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Myspace, getting to know their personal preferences is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse. Often you can find out basic info as well as their favorites in books, music, restaurants, movies and sports. Can't find a social networking profile? Try a google search on their email address. This will often times bring up online groups that the person actively participates in...PAYDIRT! The goal is not to become a stalker! The goal is to give a gift with meaning...that will make your gift more memorable and appreciated! Great gifts should enhance your connection with the person that you are giving it to...an intrinsic reward that can't be boxed, wrapped, or tied up with fancy ribbon. Isn't that why we are giving in the first place? I sure hope so! Happy Gifting!

The Gift of Music

In my previous life I believe I was a rockstar, no doubt about it. Music was my religion for many, many years! My drumset and Clark's CD's are still my favorite of posessions that I just can't seem to let go of! An affordable and easy gift idea is the gift of music. Choose a music theme that your recipient would like then head out to BigLots, Gabes or Ollies and buy a bunch to have on hand for the next dinner party hostess gift, or as an addition (remember the rule of 3) to a theme gift that you plan to give this holiday season. Do you have extra time to burn? Save money by making custom CD's yourself! If you want to go the extra mile and you have CD burning software on your computer, go to http://www.spiralfrog.com/ or http://www.deezer.com/ for totally free music downloads and make your own personalized CD's. Remember making mix tapes when we were young? Same principle, different method! Why not make a CD for your best friend with songs that remind you of the great times you had together? Or a doo-wop mix for you cool Aunt Carol? Have fun with the music selection and cover design...Just be creative! Remember it is the thought that counts and not how much you spend! Either choice is a wonderful option depending on how much time you have. Good luck and happy gifting!

The Best Gadgets and Games for 2008

Take a sneek peek of some of my favorite new toys for kids of all ages! Games always make a nice gift for the entire family, so check that family of five off of your gift list with one or two games and gadgets everyone to enjoy!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Rather Be Shopping?

For everyone out there who is a novice online shopper, this next tip will save you time, money and stress during every online shopping spree. Get into the habit of searching for online promotion codes (or coupon codes) before you check out of your favorite online store. Why? Because if you see a box in your shopping cart that asks you to enter a coupon or promotion code, that means that there is a coupon floating out there in cyberspace that can save you a ton of money! One time while ordering from Vista Print I did a quick search for coupon codes and guess what...I found one for 50% my entire order. That five minute search saved me over $250! (I was buying PR materials for my nonprofit program and EVERY dollar counts) With so many similar sites out there, which one do you choose? My new favorite is

http://www.rather-be-shopping.com/. Kyle has everything you need to know neatly organized onto the homepage and even has an entire section dedicated to free shipping deals (and that's a huge incentive) that you may browse as well...not to mention he encourages shoppers to contact him if they can't find what they are looking for...how awesome is that? All codes are regularly updated, as I really hate when those "other sites" fail to update their codes! So go check it out and maybe get some early holiday shopping in while you're at it! It's a free and friendly service! Happy Gifting!

Favorite Pet Gift for 2008: Hooray for Mountainsmith!

Is this not the most adorable thing that you've ever seen in your life? What a perfect gift for the outdoorsy type who never leaves the pup behind! This travel pack comes in three sizes and the prices range from $50-$70 and is available online at http://www.mountainsmith.com/ under the products menu...look for pets! The folks over there are doing some great things in creative carrying solutions, so you may find many other products that are fun, practical and GREEN! From camera bags to trekking poles, this site has it all! Be sure to share with all of your adventuresome buddies who may be looking to buy some new gear! Good luck and happy gifting!

Make Gift Giving Easier: Gift in 3's

Want to really make a splash on your next gift giving occasion? Try this no -fail techinique and watch the recipient be "wowed" by your thoughtfulness and creativity! GIVE IN 3's! I know what you are thinking. I can't think of one gift to give let alone give three! But with a little planning and help from the Gift Therapist, you'll never go traditional ever again! The idea is to choose a theme and pick three items that will embody that theme. Here's an example of how I do it:

I have a very good friend who loves to entertain and have friends over to dinner. Because I was trained to never go anywhere empty handed, I've chosen an "Italian" theme for my hostess gift for the evening because that's what she is preparing. Here's what I take:

• A CD of Italian Dinner Music: This is a great way to set the mood for the evening. Check out the bargain CD's at your local Walmart, Big Lots, or Goodwill. You can even make your own CD and personalize the song selections according to the theme of the evening. Don't know where to start? My new favorite Italian CD is "La Dolce Vita 'NAmerica" by Micheal Castaldo. Purchase online for $14.99 at www.michealcastaldo.com.
• A Bottle of Gourmet Olive Oil: Try your local discount department stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls or even Big Lots for an assortment and prices that will surprise you! (Most under $10!) A sure bet for quality and taste is my favorite choice of pure Calabrian Olive Oil from the the New York City Olive Oil Co-op. A 1/2 liter bottle sells for $20. Try this one and you'll be a customer for life.
• A Loaf of Fresh Italian Bread: For dipping of course! "Italian Butter" makes a perfect appetizer in a pinch. Just pour a little Olive Oil onto a plate, sprinkle with a little parmesean cheese and there you have it. Make sure the Olive Oil is high quality, as cheaper brands can be bitter and bland.

So there you go! Depending on your budget and theme, the possibilities are endless. This is a classy and thoughtful gift that can put together for as little as $15 if you plan ahead and keep your eyes open all year long. Of course you can add more items depending upon your budget size, but 3 items is definitely doable for most of us! To keep your gift within your budget range and not appear tacky be sure to choose one high quality "central gift" that you may have purchased on clearance throughout the year. Compliment that gift with one or two items that you can find in your local dollar store or perhaps a re-gifted item that you've been waiting to pass along on the right occasion. Good luck and Happy Gifting!

Here's a great hostess gift to have on hand for a last minute invitation: The Wine Tasting Party Kit is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or imprompty cocktail party. Only $24.99 at the Lemonade Stand. Click below for more details and ordering information!

The Best Beauty Products for 2008

Today I am featuring some of my favorite beauty products that will be featured on my website this fall. Beauty products and cosmetics are a very personal gift, so I highly recommend that before you buy them as a gift, make sure of preferences in color, scents, and product lines. Beauty accessories like brushes, applicators, and how-to books/magazines are always safe bets! A fun and practical gift in this category is the Tassi. I don't know how us girls have lived without one for this long! They are practicle, comfortable and really do keep your hair out of the way :) Check out my new video for some of my favorite products! Get your Tassi ready!!!

View the Best Beauty Products by Clicking My Badge Below!

My Montage 8/21/08

Back to School Bargains

Are you taking advantage of the big back to school sales in retail outlets near you? If not, you should be. Stores like Staples are GIVING AWAY FREE MERCHANDISE as an incentive to get you in the store and browse their new merchandise for fall. Be sure to hunt down their new line called "M by Staples"...very cool designs that are perfect for school or the office. Who said office supplies had to be boring?

Deals abound can be found online as well. Visit www.freeshipping.org before you begin your shopping spree so you can take advantage of their ultimate resource of free shipping deals on the web.

Don't forget to stock up now on all-season items that you can save for your holiday gift list. For example, techie items like jump drives keep getting cheaper and cheaper as we speak. The SanDisk Cruzer Pattern USB Flash Drive is only $14.99 and it is funky as well as practical...it clips onto your pocket, sleeve or anything "clip-able" to avoid loss. Practical + Fun = Perfect Gift! Do you know someone who is technically challenged, resistant, or just flat out refuses to join the cyber revolution? How about a gag gift that won't break the bank? For only $4.95 you can purchase the Paper Palm Pilot writing pad. Isn't writing it down on real paper so much easier sometimes?

What a fantastic ice breaker! Carry this into a big meeting and it could also start a lot of great converations! Happy Gifting!

Grandparents Day is September 7th

So what do you buy a Grandparent for their special holiday? My close sources tell me that the best gift you can give this year is time. Why not cook your Grandparents dinner...surprise them by cooking up an old family recipe. Can't boil water? Invite the entire family over and have them bring a covered dish. Do you live a distance away from your family? Send the gift of memories in the form of an digital photo frame or handmade scrapbook! Are your Grandparents on a fixed income? Why not send them something they can use...stamps, assorted greeting cards (my Mother LOVES to get these), return address labels, or even something edible! Whip up your famous chocolate chip cookies and send them with an assortment of your new family recipes! Giving gift cards this year will be a wise choice for many, but please do your best to jazz up the presentation a bit and make it personal. For example, if giving a gas card, add a note that says "I can never repay you for all those years you carted me around but at least I'm trying!" Do you have any unique ways to enhance giving a gift card? How do you do it?

Here are some great Grandma Gifts from the Lemonade Stand


The Cozy Crochet: $19.99


The Dots Apron: $14.95
They have matching kitchen gloves, too!


Making Memories Gift Book: $14.95

52 Things and Birthday Cake Bath Salts

I am very psyched to announce that I've finally given into the pressure and am working on a new and improved online store. Because I'm all about easy, I have established an affiliate relationship with "The Lemonade Stand," the official store of Kim and Jason. I absolutely love these folks and their products are a perfect match for my website. Look for my new online store in the upcoming weeks for a rotating selection of really cool and seasonal gift ideas that won't break your budget, but better yet they will make fantastic gifts for children of all ages! Their products are fun, inspiring, and high quality...GIFT THERAPIST APPROVED! Here's a sneak peek of a few of my favorites...

52 Things to Try Once in Your Life
Only $6.95!!!


Birthday Cake Cupcake Bath Salt
Only $7.95!!!


Go ahead shop around...3% of their sales this month go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital :)
Happy Shopping!

Back from the Beach? Polish Your Body with Klean

When my husband and I returned from our annual trip to Punta Cana, not even an ungodly amount of moisturizer could save my bronze tan. Within days I had alligator legs and shoulders as a result of the harsh Caribbean sun. In a pinch, I whipped up my own basic exfoliating sugar scrub that gently sloughed off those old cells and left my skin feeling healthy again. (My recipe can be found on e-How by clicking here) Recently I found a new, fun and affordable alternative that puts my basic recipe to shame. Klean Bath and Body has a menu of scrumptious body sugar scrubs that will knock your socks off! My favorite is the Pink Martini. The site is filled with innovative products to meet every one's taste and budget. Check out there site! Warning...you may leave hungry :) www.kleanbathandbody.com

A Gift for You: SKINN by Dimitri James

I am very fussy about my makeup and tend to get in a rut using the same old products for too many years. Recently I was introduced to a new line of cosmetics and instantly fell in love...with the makeup and Dimitri James! As I watched his appearance on ShopNBC, I was immediately drawn to his products, not only because of his demonstration skills and personality, but by his honesty and compassion for women. He has been a product developer for many years for some of the major brands that cost far too much money in our favorite department stores. Finally, he took all of this knowledge and created his own top of the line cosmetics company and is offering the same high quality at a fraction of the price! My absolute favorite is the his multi-purpose "Eye, Cheek and Lip Glow" in Summer Bronze. Three products in one for only $17. The product is smooth as silk and glides over your lips and skin without having to rub and tug your delicate skin. I can't wait to try more products! You go, Dimitri!

Practical and Fun Gifts: Turbo Tooth Tunes!

With the cost of living skyrocketing, many of us have been forced to rethink our gift giving strategies for the year to include practical gifts that the recipient will both welcome and appreciate. Practical gifts do not have be boring, as indicated by this awesome new product by Hasbro. Turbo Tooth Tunes are fun and practical for kids of all ages. Imagine waking up in the morning, sleep walking to the bathroom, and brushing your teeth to an ivigorating rendition of "I Wanna Rock and Roll All Night"...Talk about starting your day off with a smile...and a clean one, too! The two minute song clip is the recommended "brush time" generally recommended by dentists. VERY COOL! Better yet, they are only $9.99 and available in most retail and drug stores near you! They have several popular performers and bands from the 70's on up to the present. Check them out! You are going to love them! http://www.hasbro.com/toothtunes/

Gifts for My Girls!

I absolutely love buying gifts for my girlfriends! Because we know each other so well I sometimes fear that we may buy the same gifts! Not this year...I've found some of the hottest and stylish gifts that you won't find at your local mall or department store. All gifts are under $30 and quite a few of them "give back" by donating some of their proceeds to a great cause...now that's what I'm talkin' about! Check out my fave's for fabulous girls...

More Sneak Peeks from my Holiday Gift Guide

I'm very busy putting together the best of the best for my Annual Holiday Gift Guide for 2008. The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching~

Language Los Angelas at Gabe's for $14.99!

Found at Anthropologie and Nordstrom, fashions from Language Los Angelas have always been a favorite of mine. But due to the high price ($85-$145 for a 100% cotton top) and lack of access to the upscale stores, I often admired their styles from afar...until today! While browsing the back to school sale at Gabriel Brother's, I found an entire rack of Language LA tops for only $14.99...JACKPOT! Six tops later and a red Icee smile made the best shopping spree I've had in a very long time! Be sure to check out Joe's Jeans for $49.99, 7 for All Mankind for $39.99, and Ed Hardy fo $49.99...but I still won't pay $29.99 for the matching t-shirt :) Good luck and happy shopping!

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom's website.

Guest Blogger of the Week: Lisa Cocuzza of Itsaglamthing.com

Guest blogging season has begun here in the bargain zone! We'll start off with the Diva of Glam, herself, Lisa Cocuzza of itsaglamthing.com to kick off this new and exciting prelude to holiday shopping with her personal insights on gift giving, both past and present. Thank you, Lisa for the following contribution!

What is the best gift you ever received and why?

I received a lovely oak jewelry armoire for my birthday this year. I accessorize with jewelry so much more now as my jewelry is readily available and easy viewed. I discovered that I had more jewelry than I imagined. I took jewelry out of boxes, bags, small jewelry boxes, dresser drawers & more. I laid it all out on my bed and then organized it all into the armoire. I enjoyed rediscovering so many beautiful pieces that I forgot I had!

What is your favorite gift to give and why?

I love to give spa gift certificates. I always include a small gift with them, something to match the spa theme like a candle or a relaxing music CD. I enjoy giving a gift of some precious "me" time to the recipient.

Where are your favorite places to shop when no one else is looking?

I love spending a lazy Saturday afternoon walking the aisles of TJ Maxx!

Can you recommend a "must have" gift for women this season? If so, what is it and where can we buy it?

Reusable shopping totes. You can find some great designs at http://www.ecobags.com/ . They come in sets. You can separate the sets for more than one gift or give the entire set to one person on your gift list. I like the ECOBAGS Classic Color String Market Bags. They come in Red, Blue, Green, Purple & Black. The set of 5 is $32.50.

How can itsaglamthing.com help consumers this holiday season?

itsaglamthing.com is a great resource for the latest beauty & fashion accessory products. With direct links to the product websites, ordering is quick and easy. We only feature quality products from quality companies. You might even get to win a prize or two for gift giving!

Lisa Cocuzza is the founder of itsaglamthing.com She is a beauty publicist and freelance beauty writer. You'll enjoy her column "Glam Boutique" in Ms. Fitness magazine and her reports from the field for The Beauty Industry Report. Lisa travels throughout the US visiting trade shows including Premiere Orlando, Cosmoprof North America, IBS New York, The California Gift Show, America's Beauty Show and The International Salon & Spa Expo. A former beauty business owner, Lisa has always had a passion for fashion and beauty. She began It's a Glam Thing for companies looking for introductions to the mass market and for the loyal consumer who puts these companies on the map. It' a Glam Thing provides gift bags for VIP events and gifts for magazine, newspaper and on-line give-aways. Lisa was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. She spent over 20 years living in Los Angeles and now near Tampa Bay, Florida.

JustBe...AWESOME

Finally...a screened t-shirt with both style and positive message! So far, this one is my favorite!

Just Be is a state of mind...a way of life...a philosophy to live by. It's a new line of graphic tees not meant to inspire…but to Just Be. The tees allow people to express how they feel or how they would like to feel. Just Be is built around an online community/blog for people to share how they Just Be. Each shirt has it’s own Just Be saying—be fabulous, be crazy, be flirty, be sweet, be cool, be groovy, be punk, be spoiled, be unique, etc.You can view the entire product line at http://www.jb-justbe.com/. Prices range from $15-$20 with many new designs on the horizon. A large portion of the proceeds of the Just Be Pink tees is donated to Breast Cancer Research...AWESOME!

Aurora Naturally: The Softest Plush Ever!

Who doesn't love to receive a stuffed animal from time to time? From bears to bugs (yes, I said bugs!) their selection is huge and the quality is unbelieveable! They have a "green" stuffed animal for every occasion and for kids of all ages.

Commonly referred to as “eco-plush,” Aurora’s handmade (in Indonesia) natural plush animals are made from soybeans (exterior) and the sustainable rainforest crop called Kapok (stuffing). Generally double or triple the cost of non-green plush counterparts, Aurora’s eco-plush line retains quality without compromising affordability. Varying from 7.5 to 12 inches, suggested retail prices range from $15.99 - $39.99, respectively.

The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos, department stores, high-end toy stores, top gift chains, as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationary stores worldwide. Take a step into Aurora’s World and see what everyone is smiling about. For more information, please visit their website:

http://www.auroragift.com/