Grace Magazine

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.

Coloring eggs is a tradition dating back thousands of years.

According to Paas, the Easter Egg decorating eggsperts, ancient Persians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used colored eggs to celebrate Spring.

In the thirteen century, Macedonians were the first Christians to use colored eggs at Easter time. The tradition soon spread throughout Europe.

Choose from Paas traditional kits or try one of the funkier ones like, beaded, glow-in-the-dark, tye-dyed, scribblers or egg heads.

Remember to wear something green.

Here are some suggestions:

Silk scarf by Versace
Kenneth Jay Lane jeweled chain link belt
Fendi nappa leather purse

Colette Malouf grosgrain reversible headband
Bulga lizard leather ‘Kelly’ clutch
Borgo degli Ulivi Patent Leather Jeweled Sandal

Here’s hoping there’s a spring in your step today.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Grace Magazine.

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.

Get ready to toast the New Year with a nice bottle of champagne or sparkling wine.

Real champagne only comes from Champagne, France. Here are some favorites:

Dom Perignon 1999 Vintage - $149

The commitment of Dom Perignon is a commitment to creation. It’s a quest for excellence; it is about taking risk, taking a challenge from the vintage, making it to the style of Dom Perignon. Every single vintage of Dom Perignon is an exclusive wine; it is the harmonious dialogue of style and vintage. Dom Perignon Vintage 1999 goes straight to the heart of Dom Perignon. This wine is radiant, pure and vibrant. It is a story of seduction and sensuality.

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998 Vintage - $155

La Grande Dame 1998 has a pale gold color with jade glints. The wine is crystal clear, with unbelievably fine bubbles. The aromatic, impressively complex bouquet is confirmed in the mouth. On the palate, the wine is clear-cut and pure, perfectly balanced with a delightful silky smoothness. La Grande Dame 1998, with its lace-like construction, has a long, lively, and structured finish.

But there are some other great bubbly choices from around the world. Here are a variety in a more affordable price range:

Cristalino Non-Vintage Brut Cava From Spain - $7.99

Straw color, smooth and fresh aromas; fine and fruity palate with a dry aftertaste. Clean, dry and crisp with citrus and apple flavors.

Roederer Estate Non-Vintage Brut from North Coast, California - $19.99

Roederer Estate Brut, the first California sparkling wine produced by Champagne Louis Roederer, builds upon a 200-year tradition of fine winemaking that has made Roederer champagne among the most sought-after in the world. The Roederer Estate Brut debuted in October 1988, and has since established its reputation as one of California’s premier sparklers, remaining true to the heritage of excellence and style of its French forebears.

Canella Non-Vintage Prosecco di Conegliano from Veneto, Italy - $14.79

Brilliant straw yellow with fine, persistent perlage, fruity aromas of peach, apple, pear and citrus fruit, the palate gracefully balances zingy acidity and a subtle hint of sweetness, richness and silky-smooth texture.

All notes and prices from wine.com

There is always such a mad rush at holiday season. When the day finally arrives, it ends so quickly. Then there is always the big let-down. What to do?

Allow yourself a day of rest. Spend some quiet time with your closest family members. Stay indoors. Don’t even think about shopping or returning gifts.

Make a nice pot of tea and enjoy your holiday treats in the quiet of your own home.

That is my recommendation for holiday bliss.

Peace,
Grace Magazine

Merry Christmas!
May all your holiday dreams come true.

Sincerely,
Grace Magazine

Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year.
It marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Here is a lovely little poem by Robert Frost.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.