Grace Magazine

Because of my love for all things beauty related and my penchant for mixing up my own soaps and lotions, friends are always letting me know of new products they’ve tried and giving me samples of things they’ve picked up.

A friend discovered LUSH while travelling on business. She was looking for ways to pamper herself while she had a prolonged stay in a hotel.

The Serenity Set by Lush - $35.45

A beautiful collection for calming, inspirational baths
Some people go an entire lifetime without experiencing a waking moment of serenity. Some of us have got to the point where we think that five minutes a day is pretty wonderful, but wouldn’t ten be better? Up your friends’ serenity quotient by giving them our Serenity box with five soothing treats, including A Ring of Roses buttercream for soft skin and Bathos bubble bar for a lovely, peaceful bath time.

Set includes:
Alkmaar Handmade Soap, Ring of Roses Conditioning Buttercream, Bathos Bubble Bar, Butterball Bath Bomb, Ceridwen’s Cauldron Luxury Bath Melt

Available at LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

Price: $35.45

Looking for a five-minute morning routine that still leaves you feeling sensational?

Avon Five-Minute Beauty Collection - $24

Product Description: A $62.99 Value! 6 beauty must-haves including a Get-the-Look Card so you can make the most of your makeup in 5 minutes…or less.

6-piece collection includes: a stylish top-zip case to carry all your beauty must-haves with detailed instructions on how to get the look. Cotton canvas bag includes side pocket & double zip top.The Get-the-look card helps you achive a great look with our must-have products in only five mintues or less. Products include sample sizes of ANEW Advanced All-in-One Max SPF 15 UVA/UVB Cream AM, Light & Luminous Face Highlighter in Warm Shimmers, Face Brush, Glazewear Liquid Lip Color in Mirage and SuperFULL Mascara in Black.

Perfect for a Mother’s Day gift or a travel set.

Available at Amazon.com

Milk soap is fabulous for dry and sensitive skin. This Italian gift box of 3 soap bars has a clean, fresh scent and gentle, rich lather.

Santa Maria Novella: Rose Milky Soap Box - $48.00

Triple milled, each exquisite bar is hand-molded using 19th century equipment, aged for 60 days in ventilated cabinets, then hand-wrapped. The all-natural, milk-based formula is infused with the romantic scent of rose for a lather that is rich, gentle, and softly moisturizing.

100% whole milk base. Softens dry and sensitive skin. Lasts about three times longer than ordinary soap while maintaining its shape and scent. Limited, controlled production at the original Florence site. All herbs and flowers cultivated naturally without pesticides.

This would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift.

Available at eluxury.com

Moms are great. How can we ever repay them for all they’ve done for us, taught us, shown us.

Mother’s Day in the U.S. is Sunday May 11, 2008.

Here are some ideas for gifts so you can give back in a small way.

Numi Tea Assorted Teas and Tessans - $32.41

Includes Morning Rise, Aged Earl Grey, Berry Black, Golden Chai, Temple of Heaven, Monkey King, Water Sprite, Moonlight Spice, Sweet Meadows, Simply Mint, Fields of Gold, and Ruby Chai varieties. Certified organic, fair trade, and kosher.

Packaged in a mahagony wood chest, this set included 60 tea bags. My personal favorite is Monkey King (Jasmine Green).

Leading Ladies Collection, Vol. 2 - $44.99

DVD set includes:
A Big Hand For The Little Lady
I’ll Cry Tomorrow
Rich And Famous
Shoot The Moon
Up The Down Staircase

I particularly love Up the Down Staircase and I’ll Cry Tomorrow.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Divas - $14.99

Tracks include:
1. Memory (From Cats) - Betty Buckley
2. Music Of The Night (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Katherine Jenkins
3. Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina (from Evita) - Madonna
4. All I Ask Of You (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Shirley Bassey
5. Surrender (From Sunset Boulevard) - Sarah Brightman
6. With One Look (from Sunset Boulevard) - Glenn Close
7. Learn To Be Lonely (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Minnie Driver
8. The Perfect Year (From Sunset Boulevard) - Dina Carroll
9. I Don’t Know How To Love Him (From Jesus Christ Superstar) – Yvonne Elliman
10. Buenos Aires (From Evita) – Patti Lupone
11. As If We Never Said Goodbye (From Sunset Boulevard) – Barbra Streisand
12. Rainbow High (From Evita) - Elaine Paige
13. Tell Me On A Sunday (From Song And Dance) - Marti Webb
14. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
15. Another Suitcase Another Hall (From Evita) - Barbara Dickson

Stand-out numbers include Surrender By Sarah Brightman and The Heart Is Slow To Learn By Kiri Te Kanawa.

Andre Rieu - Tuscany - $14.00

Product Description:
1. The Godfather (Love Theme) 2. Strangers In Paradise 3. Romance Anonyme - Jeux Interdits 4. Once Upon A Time In The West 5. Chanson d’Amour 6. O Mio Babbino Caro 7. William Tell Overture 8. Opera Potpourri 9. Italian National Anthem 10. L’Italiano 11. Marina 12. Roses From Tyrol 13. Lagune Waltz 14. The Rose 15. Italiana 16. Barcarole 17. La Paloma 18. Light Cavalry 19. All Men Shall Be Brothers (Ode To Joy) 20. Radetzky March 21. Vino 22. La Montanara 23. I Love You

A joyous concert set in beautiful Tuscany. The players really look like they’re having fun and their spirit is infectious.

Divisadero (Vintage International Paperback) - $10.32

From the celebrated author of The English Patient, comes another breathtaking, unforgettable story, this time about a family torn apart by an act of violence. Divisadero is a rich and rewarding read, Ondaatje’s finest novel to date.

If you loved the English Patient, Ondaatje’s latest novel will captivate you.

All items available from Amazon.com.

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”

–Ruth Gordon, Actress and Playwright

You can buy these thought-provoking words on a key ring at Victorian Trading Company. Perhaps for Mother’s Day?

Oscar’s nominees get showered with gifts even if they don’t take home the golden statue.

But not everything in the 2008 Oscar gift bag is for the stars. This year’s goody bag contains some items for the pampered pet of Hollywood.

Distinctive Assets, which distributes the “Everybody Wins at the Oscars” gift bags to the nominees has selected the following items to be included:

Diamonds for Dogs Solid Swarovski® Crystal Dog Collars
Pick of the Glitter Pet Jewelry is providing the collar and and matching “Mommy & Me” crystal owner’s bracelets valued at $600. (Pictured above)

For more information, go to Pet Glitter’s Web site at www.petglitter.com.

Limited Edition Gold and Diamond Dog Collar Charm
Gothic Dog’s skull and crossbones 14kt yellow gold dog collar charm is encrusted with pavé diamonds in the skull’s eyes and has a pear-shaped diamond solitaire for the nose. It retails for more than $2,000.

Visit Gothic Dog’s Web site at www.gothicdog.com.

I know, I know, it’s only January.
But V-Day will be here sooner than your heart can skip a beat.

Here are some Italian luxury gift ideas for men and women in various price ranges and different levels of commitment.

FOR HIM

Gokan Kobo Touch Black and Red ‘I Love You’ Script Woven Silk Tie - $72

A new line of neckwear designed by the Japanese stylist Kenzo Takada for a refined and personal collection, elegant in its simple lines yet luxurious in the materials and textures. Made in Italy

Forzieri Solid Black Cotton Italian Dress Shirt - $98

It does not get any more chic than Forzieri’s classic spread collar dress shirt in inky black complemented by creamy black mother of pearl buttons. With its smooth front and clean lines it will transport you to the highest level of sophistication. Gift box included, Made in Italy

Gianfranco Ferre Men’s Burgundy Soft Italian Leather Billfold Wallet - $129

A fine accessory for the man with classic style, this sleek and subtle billfold wallet is perfect for everyday use. Finished with an embossed Gianfranco Ferre signature on the front flap. Gift box included, Made in Italy

L.A.P.A. Cognac Leather Vertical Briefcase - $475

This piece locks with a key and can be used with its adjustable shoulder strap. The interior is divided into 3 sections, one of which contains a zip pocket. One section contains pockets for a cell phone and pens, and on the back there is an additional open pocket. Made in Italy

Forzieri Sand Italian Handcrafted Leather Lace-up & Strap Shoes - $548

The new men’s shoe collection by Forzieri is exclusively hand-made by the most expert Italian artisans that combine traditional excellent craftsmanship with original new designs. These sand lace-up shoes are embellished by cut-out details on the side and heel, and by a top snap leather strap for a fashionable and dressy touch. Dust bag included, Hand-made in Italy

Forzieri Exclusives Men’s Four Vices Double-Sided Oval 18K Gold Cufflinks - $1,495

For the contemporary dandy, an astonishing pair of vintage 19th century-style porcelain cufflinks set in 18K yellow gold and entirely hand-painted with men’s four main vices such as women, horses, gambling and drinking. Gift box included, Made in Italy

FOR HER

Akuamarina Silver Leaf and Murano Glass Heart Pendant Necklace - $64

The new Akuamarina collection is made of beautiful necklaces in Murano glass, creating colored reflections and magic transparencies. This heart pendant has a silver leaf inside and comes with a black cord closing with a lobster-claw clasp. Pattern may vary slightly, unique handmade pieces. Gift box included, Made in Italy

Nuovegioie Lavender Stone Sterling Silver Drop Earrings - $116

Simple, delicate, and completely wearable with anything from the most elegant evening dress to your favorite pair of worn in jeans, Nuovegioie’s lavender drop earrings in sterling silver will complete your look with a dash of refinement. Gift box included, Made in Italy

Leonardo Delfuoco Black Canvas and Leather French Purse ID Wallet - $198

Make a bold statement with understated elegance with this striking french purse wallet featuring an ID window and a signature corset design detail that is seductively refined. Made in Italy

Forzieri Croco Stamped Leather Triple-compartment Jewelry Box - $598

Carry and protect your valuables in high class style with Forzieri’s bright candy colored, croc-embossed leather jewelry box. Two removable trays with ring holders and small compartments, suede lining, and lock feature make this the ultimate jewelry carry-all. Made in Italy

L.A.P.A. Pink Croco-style Leather Double Gusset Briefcase - $798

An ultra-chic pink croc-embossed leather briefcase features dual interior gusset sections. Made in Italy

Forzieri Diamond and Garnet Hearts 18K Gold Earrings - $1,726

A beautiful reflection of a romantic affection or a charming personality, these 18K gold dangle earrings feature a diamond encrusted base with a heart shaped garnet and diamond adorned drop. Gift box included. Made in Italy

All items available at Forzieri.com.

I must have been a very good girl this year because I received the complete Gilmore Girls for Christmas.

I loved this series for several reasons. It’s not often you get so much time devoted to women on television. Designing a series entirely around the lives of women is very rare.

I also loved the fact that so much emphasis was placed on education and reading. Rory always carried a book with her and Lorelei always interjected literary quips into her jokes.

There were also the girly things, like fashion, music, and boys.

My favorite character was Emily Gilmore, Rory’s grandmother. Kelly Bishop should have won many acting awards during the lifetime of this series.

I’m more than halfway through the first season already. It’s fun going back and watching them without commercial interruptions.

So pour yourself a mug of coffee and spend some time with Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel and Kelly Bishop, the Gilmore Girls.

Looking for that little extra something that will make your family and friends laugh?

Try buying strange and wonderful items from Archie McPhee. They have the most creative gifts imaginable.

Here is a sampling.

Dr. Freud’s Therapy Ball - $7.95
Save thousands of dollars on psychiatric office visits with this modern-day version of a magic 8 ball. Shake and hear twenty different responses, such as “How did that make you feel?” and “Talk about your mother.”

Shakespearean Insult Gum - Set of 2 $4.95
For your favorite theatre lover, try this gum that provides lasting flavor and renaissance insults in iambic pentameter.

Nihilist Chewing Gum - 48 Boxes $4.95
College students, especially philosophy majors, will enjoy the gum that doesn’t believe in flavor. It’s completely devoid.

Marie Antoinette Action Figure - $8.95
History buffs and French haters will enjoy this Marie Antoinette doll will ejector-head action.

Paparazzi Play Set - $14.95
We all have that one friend who can’t get enough attention. Give them the gift of their very own paparazzi.

Bacon Strips Bandages - Box of 15 $4.95
For some reason this site is obsessed with bacon. These are real bandages that look like bacon. Mmm.

Did I mention the Electronic Yodelling Pickle?

Ah, good times.

Men covet, too. I know a man who wants this for Christmas. Will he get it?

Gianfranco Ferre Black Signature Leather Billfold Wallet and Belt Set

Chic, elegant and practical, this beautifully crafted matching belt and wallet set will express your personal style with modern fashion. Signature box included, Made in Italy.

$128 at Forzieri.com