Unique Gifts Blog - Oonique!

Free Blog Novel

2009-07-14T21:58:00.003-04:00

I will start posting here again in August -- I've been very busy with my debut blog/IM novel...

Which is available for FREE for the rest of July!

Download Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2864
Official Website: http://eyeleash.wordpress.com/

Tell all your friends about it ;)

Soy Candles

2009-04-07T15:21:00.003-04:00

BsaB Candles uses only 100% Essential Oils--pure and unadulterated--for their range of scented candles. Some of the products include coconut candles & bamboo candles.

The coconut candles make a great party idea, as BsaB has researched and developed a way to create coconut candles using the coconut shells as holders. The coconut candles also float and can be used in tubs, ponds or water features. They are a wonderful way to lighten the mood of any gathering.

All of the candles are natural, sustainable and very high quality. The essential oils are blended in France, the wicks are from Germany, and only 100% soybean wax is used for the range of soy candles.

Soy Wax is used because it is cleaner, healthier, and greener than Paraffin. Most candles are made with chemical distillates or paraffin, which is the final byproduct in the petroleum (fuel) refining process. Soy wax is made from soybeans--a renewable resource. In addition, it lasts longer (an average of three times longer) than paraffin wax.

--> Exquisite Beeswax Candles

The scents page will help you choose the right aromatherapy scent.

BsaB is committed to creating the finest organic candles in earth-friendly and people-friendly forms, and delivering sublime, sustainable, and luxurious natural beauty.

Exotic Classic Biscotti

2009-03-15T09:29:00.003-04:00

Auntie Ellyn's Mandel Bread is only a few years old and has been gaining a fan base everywhere it's gone. Beyond being delicious, they've really found a niche in the industry, differentiating themselves with jelly-filled, soft versions of the classic biscotti in exotic flavors like Peanut Butter and Jelly, Cookies and Cream, Key Lime Pie and Snickers.

Diverse options like whole wheat and sugar free mandel bread make the product available to all. The entire brand is Kosher and Parve, meaning it can be gifted without second thought to those with any religious and/or dietary restrictions. As if that weren’t enough, creative baskets ornamented with varying holiday décor, platters custom made to order and even individual packages of two treats make Auntie Ellyn’s seem like the only answer to all your needs. You will be the talk of the town for sharing Auntie Ellyn’s…it is truly "love at first bite".

Once you’re hooked, you can even keep the goodies coming all the time with the Mandel Bread of the Month Club!

Travel And Dining In NYC, Restaurant Week

2008-12-10T11:01:00.006-05:00

This is part two of an article on NYC dining. Kindly written for Oonique by Reed @ Reed's Tickets.

The first part can be found here: Dining in New York.

~

Combine Travel And Dining In NYC With Restaurant Week!

If you're looking to combine travel with good dining in NYC, then Restaurant Week is the perfect event for you. It's held twice a year, once during late January, and then again during June. The event takes place right across the city, with participating restaurants offering a three course lunch for $24.07 and in some cases, dinner as well for $35. The idea behind this event is to allow people to taste foods from restaurants which they normally would not have a chance to visit.

This event allows them to sample food at a reasonable price, whether it’s expensive or exotic fare!

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar, NYC

How To Make The Most Of It

Naturally there are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure that you can get the most out of Restaurant Week. Many people do end up having a rough time because they either seem to choose the wrong restaurants or they are bombarded with disgruntled waiters. It's true that during Restaurant Week, the waiters do see to be a little on edge--this could be because there are lots more patrons to deal with but not nearly enough tips! In any case, it's important to prepare ahead of time before you start hitting the restaurant circuit.

First of all, and perhaps most importantly, you need to reserve early. Since many of the top restaurants in New York take part in this event, you can be sure that people will be clamoring for a table. It's best to get on the phone as quickly as possible and book your table well in advance. In general, it's often much easier to get a reservation for Mondays-Wednesdays than other days of the week.

All That Glitters Isn't Gold

Many people make the mistake of assuming that all participating restaurants in Restaurant Week offer fabulous fare--unfortunately this isn't true. While some restaurants really shine and offer wonderful food, others don't seem to have much apart from bad food and bad service. Rather than blindly choose a restaurant, it makes more sense to check out some of the restaurant reviews first. You'll also be able to get a better idea of what dishes are available, as some restaurants might not offer their signature dishes for this event. You can also check out the restaurant's website to find out what they plan to offer on the menu. Be clear about the prices as well--oftentimes, things like beverages can be extra.

A front waiter | Photo from SFGate

While you might meet some annoyed waiters on your Restaurant Week, do make it a point to generously tip the ones who serve you well. Remember that this event often means extra work for them but at the same salary. Apart from that, many of them feel that Restaurant Weekers are just out for a cheap meal and they don't tip. Generously tipping those waiters who give you good service is a great way to break this misconception.

And if you've liked a restaurant, don't forget to tell other people about it! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to learn about what restaurants are great, and which ones can be missed during NYC's Restaurant Week.

The author of this article writes about New York entertainment and Getting NYC Concert Tickets advice online.

Art T-shirts, by Antistrot

2008-12-10T10:13:00.010-05:00

Presented by Dutch art collective: ANTISTROT

After years of selling limited art t-shirt designs and other goodies to a small in-crowd, straight out of backpacks, plastic bags and the trunks of borrowed cars, Dutch art collective ANTISTROT is proud to announce its brand new webstore.

Some popular designs have around 2-14 pieces currently left in stock. For silkscreen orders, each item is signed and numbered. T-shirts are 25 euro postage paid within Europe, and 30 euro postage paid to the rest of the world.

There's a section where you can obtain some Antistrot notorious, original artwork. If you're gonna go broke shopping, you might as well do it in style ;).

The members of Antistrot found each other while studying illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam. They bonded over a shared dislike of both their professor (Professor Strot--hence the name, Anti Strot) and of the restrictive view of art making they saw as being too widespread.

Ten years later, Antistrot still draw and paint as a group. They do so around a table, by "attacking" the canvas from all sides. They often incorporate images from obscure comics, fashion magazines, and other sources. Each member's distinct style is incorporated. They discuss current events, pop culture, things that piss them off--anything that interests them--which unexpectedly become part of what they are creating. Therein lies the magic of Antistrot.

Antistrot has shown extensively throughout Europe and Japan, including exhibitions at Boijmans van Beuningen (Rotterdam), Centre of Contemporary Art (Prague), Hugh Lane Gallery (Dublin), and others.

More Info:
Official Website
Sara Tecchia Roma New York

Recommended Fantasy Book

2008-12-08T14:56:00.006-05:00

Cover of The Last Realm: Dragonscarpe

Quick Note: Attention, lovers of the fantasy genre. You don't come across publications like this on a daily basis.

I wrote a book review of this 320-page, lusciously illustrated coffee-table hardback over at The Galeon. I don't want to repeat myself here word-for-word and risk getting into trouble with Google's indexing, so you can check it out over there by clicking on the link.

GreenMint Corporate Gifts

2008-12-08T10:09:00.004-05:00

Personalizable Cufflinks

GreenMints is a corporate gift company "with a difference". The products are customizable, with a focus on both form and function. There are ecological/green gifts (an increasingly popular choice), gourmet gifts and accessories, luxury gifts, gifts for men and women, and more.

Above is a set of cufflinks, the mark of professionalism and attire etiquette among gentlemen. Younger executives nowadays are finding it suave as well, to include cufflinks in their daily corporate attire. Personalized cufflinks exhibit business competence, and create a sense of identity for the people who make up the organization.

Below is a unique water powered clock--so nope, you do not need batteries or electricity to run it! Looking at the present environmental situation, it'd be a good thing if eco-friendly products like this become more widely available for the public consumer. The clock is powered by specially treated water, which will last for about 2 years before the water has to be changed.

Water powered Clock

Cool Magazine, Psychology Today

2008-12-06T11:52:00.006-05:00

Issue: July-August 2008

If you're looking for "something else" (apart from the usual women's/fashion magazines), this is one magazine I've found exceptionally good: Psychology Today.

It's cool because of this combination: the articles are very informative, and written in a concise manner, that sustains the reader's interest.

Most magazines (such as Cosmopolitan; Elle however, is fine :P) have bored me for ages. I just about roll my eyes when I see the new covers each month at a supermarket/wherever. I personally find that a lot of the material is heavily recycled, and I don't get anything useful from the publication after a while (apart from pages of high-gloss, uber pretty advertisements).

Anyway, back to Psychology Today.

A sample of my pick of articles, that are available online:

1. Scents and Sensibility
"Sexual chemistry"--the subtle chemical keys that help determine who we fall for.

2. Plight of the Little Emperors
Coddled from infancy and raised to be academic machines, China's only children expect the world. Now they're buckling under the pressure of their parents' deferred dreams.

3. Neanderthink: Good Girls, Bad Girls
The vagaries of paternity have led men to sharply categorize women—even in a hookup culture. Women can get savvy about this male propensity.

4. Accounting for Taste
Our choices in books, movies, music, and art go to the core of who we are. What your tastes reveal about you.

5. The Style Imperative
Style is more character than clothes, more attitude than affluence. It's you making visible your inner self; so forget what you learned about appearance not counting.

~

Psychology is a fascinating subject. By and large, I find academic sort of publications an annoyance to read. The text tends to be...stuffy. None of that in this magazine.

PS: The publication is bi-monthly (one issue covers two months).
6 issues for $15.97, 46% off the cover price, if you're in the US.

Custom Oil Portrait Painting

2008-12-06T11:09:00.003-05:00

Image #1: Original Photograph
Image #2: Hand Painted Portrait

The artists at Portrait Painting turn your photos into super-duper quality fine art paintings. The portrait artists have over seventy years of painting experience. Only the finest material is used (Winsor & Newton oil paints, and premium art canvas--not the cheap stuff).

The categories include: Children, Family, Wedding, Pets [very, very nice :)], House, Landscape, and Executive. The sample two pages of custom oil paintings showcase the caliber of the artists.

An official portrait painting can cost upwards of $50,000--some artists doing these portraits demand sittings that can total 30 hours. Portrait Painting's artists paint a beautiful portrait from a photo. Their custom portraits start at $149, and shipping is free (worldwide). You don’t need to spend $50k to be immortalized in a portrait painting.

No projective, transferring or computer aided techniques are used. The paintings solely rely on the artist’s own techniques. Furthermore, Portrait Painting works exclusively with artists who specialize in creating life-like portraits based on original photographs. You can check out their blog for some of their latest paintings, and related news.

ArtGlass Confections!

2008-12-04T12:26:00.002-05:00

Glass Mouse / Christmas Treats 2008

Malmsey's features collectible Art Glass Chocolates and Cupcakes. I'd have to do a double take in real life, to make sure I didn't accidentally consume any pieces.

The name "Malmsey's" refers to a robust sweet wine that is a favourite drink with chocolate desserts. Malmsey is a Madeira (a fortified Portuguese wine) with a rich history, as well as a certain amount of lore (including mention by William Shakespeare in Richard III).

The stunning glass confections are small works of art, unique in the world of contemporary art glass. More than 250 Chocolate and Cupcake designs and color combinations are available. The three artists at Malmsey's take great pride in creating their tempting glass confections.

Art Glass & Chocolate. There's not much to dislike. Feel free to indulge.

Cherry Cupcake on Plate

Dining in New York

2008-10-21T09:56:00.008-04:00

Yes, I've still a backlog of e-mails to get to--being a writer is a crazy endeavor. I have a short story to see to first, and then I'm on to writing book03. I'll update my sites when I can.

For now, here's something a little different: an article on NYC dining. Kindly written for Oonique by Reed @ Reed's Tickets!

PS: Part 2 of this article can be found here: NYC, Restaurant Week.

~

Know Where To Eat In NYC!

Let's face it - you could be a lifetime native of NYC and still get confused when it comes to finding a good restaurant. Why? Because new places literally pop up every day here - apart from that, some truly legendary eateries have quietly established themselves in the city but you don't know where to look! The good news is that no matter what your taste or budget is, you'll find the perfect place to eat somewhere in the Big Apple.

1) Budget Meals

When you think about dining on a $10 budget, you're probably not thinking about very fine dining. You're probably not even expecting a very tasty meal - but that's just where NYC proves you wrong. There are a number of places out there where you can have a great meal for as less as ten bucks. A lot of them are hard to find though - for example, there is a burger place next to the Le Parker Meridien but you'll probably have to ask the hotel concierge for directions to get there! But it's a place worth knowing about, as you can get a tasty cheeseburger, fries and a soda for just ten dollars.

Great NY Noodle Town | Photo by Yun Cee Ng

If you're in the mood for Chinese food, even in the middle of the night, then you can head over to the Great NY Noodle Town. Here you can order roast pork and noodles in soup, vegetables in oyster sauce and roast duck on rice for just $9.50.

If you'd like Middle Eastern cuisine, Mamoun's offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in a cozy atmosphere. A falafel sandwich, some Turkish coffee and tabouleh will cost you about eight bucks. You can even get a budget piece of history by dining at Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, which has been around since 1929 - here you can get matzo ball soup, an egg cream and a chopped liver sandwich for just under nine dollars.

2) International Breakfasts

In any other city, your dining options for breakfast would be pretty limited. But not in NYC - you can literally taste any number of breakfast dishes from anywhere in the world.

Feel like having some Dim Sum in the morning? There are a number of places all over the city that specialize in this uniquely Asian style of brunch. Of course when it comes to breakfast in New York, everyone thinks of bagels. Whether you like them toasted, chewy or doughy, you'll find the perfect bagel for you.

But what if you've got a craving for a truly American breakfast? We're talking classic dishes like steak and eggs or buttermilk pancakes - if you want something extra special then head over to Norma's for a really rich breakfast treat.

Breakfast for Lunch? Always @ Norma's

Of course these dining options are just the tip of the iceberg. NYC offers something for everyone in terms of good dining.

For example, opera buffets offer people some great dining and a chance to listen to professional opera singers at the same time. From the most expensive restaurants in the world to places that serve you food for as less as ten bucks, you can find it all at NYC!

The author of this article writes many helpful pages on New York City entertainment, such as How To Get Concert Tickets.

Elegant Gift Baskets

2008-08-20T20:09:00.010-04:00

White Jasmine Spa Gift Basket

Chesapeake Bay has some truly unique gift baskets. The artful presentation is sure to please and impress even the most discerning of gourmets.

The White Jasmine gift basket above comes in a chic black and white polka dot motif hat box. It certainly combines well with the specific range of items -- and adds a modern twist as compared to the traditional woven baskets that gift sets are usually presented in.

As there is some chocolate included in this gift set, expedited shipping for gifts with chocolate is recommended if you are purchasing during summertime. This gift is shipped with ice packs and insulation and must be delivered in 1-2 days, to avoid damage during warm weather months (June through August).

Lavender Serenity Spa Gift Basket

The spa gift baskets are an indulgent range of pampering products, perfect for de-stressing and/or unwinding after a busy day. The Lavender Serenity gift set even includes floral stationary, as well as a book entitled "The Promise of Wisdom". The book contains 350 pages of inspirational stories. The butterfly adorned gift hamper adds a quaint touch to this set.

Other spa sets include The Weary Golfer (Men's Spa Set), and the Yoga and Green Tea Essentials, amongst others.

Grilling Gourmand Gift Basket!

For true gourmet lovers, the gourmet gift baskets are a dream come true. The plentiful and savory items, attractively packaged, pack all the more punch in both style and substance.

Quality Skin Care Product

2008-08-20T15:27:00.004-04:00

I tried a Eucerin body lotion a few years ago -- I wasn't too impressed. I don't remember it doing anything good or out-of-the-ordinary. Perhaps I was expecting more with the hype at the time, about how the line Catered Towards People With Sensitive Skin. I remember forking out about $16 for it when I was in Singapore.

Anyway my skin is still as sensitive as it has been since long long long ago. People with this skin type will be able to empathize with the multitude of annoyances and issues sensitive skin can bring about! I recently received a sample of Skin MD Natural and decided to see what it would turn out to be like.

Turns out that it was a much better experience than I had with Eucerin. I had a look at the ingredients list of the Skin MD product I had [Shielding Lotion for Face, Hand & Body] -- good stuff like Aloe Leaf Extract (Aloe Vera), Vitamin E, Chamomile, Extracts of Arnica, as well as purified water. Pure deionized water is theoretically up to 1000 times more soluble than common tap water.

Arnica is one of those herbs that has traditionally been used externally to heal wounds. It has a pain relieving effect, reduces inflammation and clears fungal infections. Aloe Vera also has a long history of being a safe and effective skin care aid. The aloe plant contains over 75 ingredients (!), such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids (the building blocks of proteins).

The sample I received had a note: "a little goes a long way...", so I only used a little bit of the product. Yes, it was enough to notice an effect. My skin felt very hydrated in less than a minute, and didn't have a weird caustic effect like when I once sampled an SkII product. SkII being a luxury skincare product...they were having some promotional giveaways at a mall. Any-way.

Later, I applied some Skin MD after being out in the sun for a while. There was a comforting, refreshing feeling, and the skin didn't dry out. It was refreshing in the "I've just taken a really nice bath" sense -- but better, because the feeling doesn't go away quite so fast as the former alone.

On the website, it is explained that Shielding Lotions are a new type of skin care product. They form a protective shield and help keep out irritants, while keeping natural oils and moisture in the skin. They're also light in texture, so they go on without a greasy mess. I could feel this at work after applying the product, so all that info isn't just a load of marketing BS.

And since I went for a wisdom teeth op two weeks ago, using Skin MD was an exceedingly welcome treat during my recovery! I'll be applying the product on some eczema spots soon, as I've confidence in this brand and the ingredients that are in it.

Diamond Jewelry

2008-08-20T13:20:00.001-04:00

Classic Jewelry Designs, Inc., provides high quality fine jewelry. Most of the jewelry is manufactured in New York City -- the jewelry is crafted in the company's on-premises workshop. Customers can thus expect the highest level of quality control.

Here are some of their wickedly lovely pieces of jewelry:

Premium 3 Prong Studs

I usually prefer dangling earrings to stud earrings, but nothing says 'glamour' like a pair of diamond earrings! Modern yet classy, these sort of earrings are highly adaptable to any occasion, and a must have item for a lady's jewelry collection. Diamond stud earrings hold a simple and dazzling design which can match different items of attire.

The round and princess cut diamonds of Classic Jewelry are expertly cut, to maximize the sparkle and beauty of each pair of earrings. They are available in both prong and bezel styles (bezel is a groove that holds the gem in its setting).

Three Diamond Princess Cut Ring

This is a very attractive Princess Cut Three Stone Ring. Some people like the Princess because it is rectangular, while still having some of the sparkle of a traditional Round brilliant cut.

Watch out for shape appeal when selecting this type of diamond cut. Judge the attractiveness of the shape by looking at the girdle outline. Be wary of girdles which are too thin, because they are more prone to chipping. Princess cut diamonds also require four-pronged settings -- keep this in mind when shopping for one.

Contemporary Diamond Star Pendant

Last but not least, this is a more contemporary piece of jewelry from the online catalog. I personally quite fancy star-shaped accessories like the diamond pendant above. It's nice having a little piece of the night sky to accent your style.

Upcoming Reviews

2008-07-16T14:42:00.003-04:00

If you have contacted me recently, I've most likely received your e-mail/product suggestion. I'll do my best to get on the posts asap. Thank you for your patience.

God, I had no idea what a pain book revisions could be. And this is a semi-unofficial edit too *scowls*.

Buy Eyeglasses Online

2008-07-09T09:43:00.004-04:00

Frame #3391 ($8.00), by Zenni Optical

I've had to wear glasses for a long time. I remember having to pay quite exorbitant prices from time to time -- due to the frame, lens power, Anti-Reflective coating, etc.

Recently, I decided to check out the prescription eyeglasses available online. I was looking for something very affordable/economically-priced. I also wanted a plastic frame. They're more durable, can be thrown around, and I prefer the bridge as compared to the irritating nosepieces of metal frames.

I decided on 3 stores -- Global Eyeglasses, Eyewear Magic, and Zenni Optical. These three stores have a great selection of frames.

I didn't have problems with any. Here's a short rundown of the experience with each store.

1) Global Eyeglasses

Global EyeGlasses explains how to measure your PD (pupillary distance) very well, thanks to the visual below.

Arrived very quickly -- something I always appreciate.
The frame was a clearance pair, so I got it for just $1.50.
+ $6.99 per side for lenses (high myopia!).
$6.99 for AR coating (which I didn't select).
Shipping (in USA): $5.99

Discount Code: "glassyeyes" (good for 10% off)

Total Cost: $19.37

2) EyewearMagic Inc.

Free Anti-Reflective Coating with all lenses (nice!)
2 free gifts. At the time of my purchase, one gift was a mini screwdriver -- very useful for spectacle screws...
$12, frame + lens
They also let you know if a frame is too wide for your face, according to the PD you input. I thought this was convenient.
Find your best frame by frame style -- good info. My favorite is the executive look, how about you?
Purchasing and production division is in China (so that's where the package comes from)
Shipping (in USA): Flat rate of $8.00

Bits of the lens cleaning cloth were coming off on the glasses, but the lens case was unique.

Total Cost: $20.00

* 3) Zenni Optical

I liked Zenni best.

Trendy eyewear starting from $8.00 (pic right at the top is by Zenni)
+$4.95 for Anti-Reflective Coating
Very high prescriptions available
Shipping (in USA): Flat rate of $4.95

Total Cost: $17.90

That's it. I read about problems a few people had with Zenni -- slow shipping and bad customer service were the two I remembered. I experienced neither (the shipping was within the 2-week timeframe as stated on the website). Their customer service rep contacted me to confirm my order too (due to the high prescription).

I thought there'd be some kind of gimmick somewhere with Zenni, but I'm very happy with my $8 two-tone plastic frames. I enjoy online shopping when it's fuss-free. For me, Zenni takes the top spot.

Incentive Programs

2008-06-21T17:22:00.009-04:00

If you’re a business owner, you’re likely to find a rewards program beneficial in numerous ways.

A well-designed program can result in increased sales, customer loyalty, and improved performance from employees. An effective employee recognition system also reinforces the most important outcomes that people create for your business. This motivates the people you work with to continue to contribute to the overall success of your organization.

Online Rewards provides a range of programs for an effective employee recognition system. The types of rewards you could select from at Online Rewards are almost limitless (to be exact, there are more than 20,000,000 items available!).

Catalogs are flexible as they can be customized to your needs, in terms of pricing and the merchandise you’d like to surprise your lucky employees with. Merchandise ranges from gift cards/gift certs, to DVDs, books, Cartier and Gucci watches, and a whole lot more.

These reward options are part of the innovative and comprehensive incentive programs designed by Online Rewards. A highly experienced and committed management team is behind the company. The team has 40+ years in management consulting, marketing, multi-media, large scale e-commerce, and Fortune 100 internet consulting.

* A Tip: Remember is to include ALL employees in your incentives program. Otherwise, you run the risk of being seen as practicing favoritism -- which would make your program efforts go down the drain.

Corporate Gift Baskets

2008-06-19T18:11:00.003-04:00

As you probably already know, "first impressions count". This certainly extends to gifts baskets. A fine quality gift basket makes for a brilliant presentation, whether the event is a wedding, arrival of a new baby, or business-related.

The Elegant Gift Basket -- suitable for a variety of special occasions

At The Gift Basket Pros, there is a wide selection of gourmet corporate gift baskets, cookie bouquets, gift boxes, and more to choose from (Wine or Spa & Pamper gifts, anyone?).

The selection is impressive, along with the list of Forbes Fortune 500 companies that trust TGBP for their business gift giving services (American Express, AT&T, Harley Davidson, etc).

With the corporate holiday gift baskets, you can let your imagination and taste buds run wild!

Know someone that loves cookies and chocolate? Think of how it'd be like for them, to receive a Mrs. Fields Cookie Gift, or Golden Godiva Gift Basket. I’m sure the decadence would make them feel on top of the world (they’re very likely to remember/appreciate you, not to mention your good taste too).

Deluxe Corporate Gift Basket -- yummy

These are just some of the contents in the Deluxe Corporate Gift Basket:

# Tangy Apple Salsa
# Harry London Chocolate Covered Pretzels
# Ginger Spice Biscotti
# Chocolate Fudge Shortbread Cookies
# Sonoma Jack Cheese
# Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
# Butter Toffee Pistachios
# Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars
# Kasilof Smoked Salmon
# Nunes Mocha Almonds
# Staufers Caviar

*I’m totally salivating...*

Certain products have free ground shipping -- look out for the red diagonal banner on selected items.

PS: For those interested, Cornell University has a page on corporate gift giving research. Companies connect with universities because they view it as a very important resource, and invest in it to ensure its future is secure. Included in corporate gifts for research institutions: real estate, travel grants for students, and gifts of intellectual property.

Sauna Kits

2008-06-11T17:16:00.006-04:00

If you'd like your own home sauna or steambath, Saunafin will take care of your needs. *I can already imagine the relaxation...*

Saunafin specializes in the factory direct sales of saunas, pre-fab saunas, sauna heaters, infrared saunas and steambath generators.

Example of a sauna by Saunafin

The company also provides sauna kits (also referred to as Sauna Material Kits, Sauna Liner Kits, or the somewhat wordy Do-It-Yourself Sauna Interior Material Kits).

The difference between pre-fab saunas and sauna kits is this: think of the latter as the inside "skin" of the sauna.

As the name suggests, pre-fab saunas are pre-fabricated. They can be assembled in 2-3 hours. There is no additional framing as the walls support themselves. However, a sauna kit (supplied by Saunafin) includes the inside materials, such as the cedar lining, benches, vapor barrier, door, molding, heater, etc. You and/or your contractor build the walls, while insulating and finishing the exterior.

The website also sells sauna accessories, including 15 minute sand timers, cedar towel racks, scented essences, and sauna wraps.

Sauna Accessory Pack:
3 peg towel rack, small headrest, scented essence -- US$68

Saunafin prides themselves in being a "brick and mortar" company. They are neither an Internet invention or on-line reseller, as the company manufactures 80% of the products sold.

PS: You might also want to check out this article for ten tips on sauna etiquette -- particularly if you notice everyone in the sauna leaving upon your arrival ;)

Gift for Lovers

2008-05-20T13:39:00.008-04:00

Kama Sutra produces a range of sensual and beautiful gift sets. Featured above is the Love Essentials set ($25.99) -- which contains a sampler of: The Original Oil of Love, Love Liquid Sensual Lubricant, and Sweet Honeysuckle Honey Dust with feather applicator.

Inspired by "The Kama Sutra", the most renowned book on the art of making love, The Kama Sutra Company has created products for over thirty five years -- products that incite the senses. They tingle and tantalize, soothe and seduce, refresh and renew.

There are also luxury bath products, such as Treasures of the Sea. This bathing kit contains a blend of nature's most precious gifts -- vitamins, minerals and nutrients from the sea. The set is complete with freshly scented bath sands and a real sea shell scoop.

Celebrity fans include Bai Ling, Ludacris, Tori Spelling, and more. At their wedding party, Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman presented friends and family with a basket of favourite products from Kama Sutra (including a trio of flavored massage creams).

Trendy, Affordable Handbags

2008-05-05T09:30:00.006-04:00

Brown Large Vicky Heritage Stripe Faux Leather Bag
$45.99

Accessory Bug offers arm candy that’s chic and affordable. From prim and proper to trendy metallic, the picture-perfect handbags and fashion accessories quickly spice up any ensemble.

With girls-on-the-go in mind, the assortment of durable pieces is practical, as well as functional.

Yellow Aiko Faux Leather Evening Bag
$34.99

Pink Vanessa Patent Leather Boston Tote Bag
$44.99

Cathy Chiang and Peter Lin are behind Accessory Bug. The duo is accustomed to operating successful fashion boutiques. Their focus is on hip and unique accessories that exhibit similar craftsmanship as ensured in comparable designer-made goods.

Guided by Chiang’s fashion know-how and Lin’s business-savvy skills, the two ventured out on their own in 2005.

The carefully selected designs boast an amazing assortment of chunky chains, intricate stitching, buckles, beads, glossy patent and supple leathers, and lush fabrics in various faux-textures. All selections allow customers to indulge, or stock up on gifts for special occasions through the year.

PS: To get 20% off, use coupon code: mom08. It expires on 8th May 2008.

Unusual Jewelry

2008-04-25T11:17:00.006-04:00

HeBe Jewellery sources unusual contemporary jewelry from British designers, and generally tries to stay away from the high street brands.

There are a wide range of jewellery gifts for men and women. HeBe Jewellery specialises in handmade jewellery pieces that express one's true personal style.

Nick Hubbard Love is in the Air Locket

A very romantic locket by Nick Hubbard. The locket is a beautifully formed piece on Nick's trademark oxidized silver chain. The door can be opened to reveal a tiny mouse on a red enamel background. Little silver hearts and a special 9ct gold heart complete the piece.

The locket is presented in a luxury HeBe wooden box, with a Nick Hubbard gift certificate.

Silver Necklace set with Opal Flower Detail

Here's a funky solid sterling silver necklace, with silver and opflower detail.

The necklace comes with a 16inch (40.64 cm) chain. The pendant size measures 23mm x 23mm.

Windrose Melange Mint Jewellery Box

This is a luxury Melange jewellery box from Windrose. The box is made from structured mint colored Italian leather, with a soft cushioned interior.

Two pullout draws and handy compartments (more pictures available on website) make this an essential jewellery box for serious collections! The box is also fully lockable for added security.

Unique Gift for Grandparents

2008-04-22T13:32:00.005-04:00

Rory Siefer is a family historian, whose goal is to help others pass on some of their best life stories, so that they will always be remembered. She was inspired by her grandfather, a WWII veteran, who always loved to tell stories.

These gifts are especially great for the grandparent who has everything.

CatchMyMemory.com features two different Family History kits -- MemoryCatchers, the first of their kind! The MemoryCatchers make saving and sharing a lifetime of stories easy and fun.

The StoryCatcher

The StoryCatcher was created so that you never lose your loved one's voice, and most importantly, their life story.

This kit was made so that the entire project could be completed in one weekend. Using the included Interview Guide, you will be able to prompt your parent/grandparent to tell stories about the special events (from childhood through their adult life).

Using a simple digital recorder you may complete up to 8 hours of voice recorded interviews. The best part is that the whole family can be involved.

The PhotoCatcher

This kit was created to save the history behind a loved one's photographs.

The PhotoCatcher helps a parent review, sort, organize, and select 60 of their best photographs. Once the photos are chosen a memory page is created for each image with short written narratives.

By the end of the process, an amazing 60-page storybook is ready to read and share with the whole family! The PhotoCatcher can make a great bedtime story for future generations, or an instant heirloom to keep on the coffee table for everyone to read.

Ms. Siefer truly believes in the importance of taking the time to save the stories while you still can. It is almost like creating a mini time capsule of your loved one's life so it can always be remembered. Both kits retail for $125/each, which includes all the tools needed to complete the process.

World's First Novel, Novelist

2008-02-28T07:49:00.007-05:00

Murasaki Shikibu

Love, intrigue, lust and adventure are all ingredients of a bestselling novel. One such book with these elements thrilled readers almost one thousand years ago. The Tale of Genji, is considered by many to be the first novel in the world. It was written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu.

* I remember borrowing this book from the library some years ago. Didn't finish it (but I'd like to add it to my collection -- next purchase...).

Lady Murasaki's real name is unknown. Murasaki Shikibu roughly translates to "Lavender Secretary". The main source of knowledge about her life is the diary she kept between 1007 and 1010.

The novel is generally regarded as the greatest work of Japanese literature.

The Tale of Genji captures the image of a unique society of refined aristocrats, who were skilled in poetry, music, calligraphy, and courtship. Much of it is concerned with the loves of Hikaru Genji (the shining prince) and the different women in his life. Though the novel does not contain scenes of dramatic action, it is written with an exquisite sensitivity to human emotions. Genji is also very concerned with cultivating a beautiful and elegant lifestyle, a principle called miyabi.

The Tale of Genji continues to have cultural prominence in Japan. Images of its characters grace everything from tee-shirts to stationary, and manga and anime versions of the famous love story have been produced. It is required reading in all Japanese high schools.

Most recently, a new 2000 yen note was produced. One side features an image of Murasaki Shikibu.

References: World's First Novelist, Genji.

Not So Romantic, Quirky Love Quotes

2008-02-13T07:55:00.008-05:00

I think there should be a Single's Day holiday -- since there's V-day for couples. As Mr. Oscar Wilde says: "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

Anyway, I received a forwarded e-mail from a friend long ago. These are some of the entries to a Washington Post Competition. The contest asked for a rhyme with the most romantic first line, but least romantic second line.

Caustic witticism. Enjoy!

Stock Vector: I Heart Evil

~

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss
But I only slept with you, cause I was pissed

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet, and so are you
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,
The sugar bowl's empty, and so is your head

Of loving beauty you float with grace
If only you could hide your face

I thought that I could love no other
Until, that is, I met your brother

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot
This describes everything you are not

I want to feel your sweet embrace
But don't take that paper bag off your face

I love your smile, your face, and your eyes --
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

Every time I see your face
I wish I were in outer space

I saw your face as you walked by
but then I saw a better guy

My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you screwed up my life

I see your face when I am dreaming
That's why I always wake up screaming

My love, you take my breath away
What have you stepped in to smell this way?

My feelings for you, no words can tell
Except for maybe "go to hell"

What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.