2012 Father's Day Gift Guide

There are few people in our world that shape our lives as much as our fathers. From teaching kids to ride their first bike, to putting together cheap furniture on your first day at college, fathers are always there to mend skinned knees and give fatherly advice.

So this Father’s day on Sunday, June 17, why not give your dad something more meaningful and special than just another tie? There are plenty of great gift ideas for the man that often seems to have everything. Whether your dad likes adventure, sports, cars or just relaxing, make sure to show him you care this Father’s day.

We have some great ideas below:




Tribeca Gear -

For Father’s Day, treat your Dad to a sleek, modern iPhone case that will protect his phone and look awesome at the same time! The Artisan Series from Tribeca Gear combines old world craftsmanship with innovative modern design. Each case is handcrafted with natural materials, bearing the unique grain and coloring from its original source of wood. Gently treated for weather resistance. Available at Apple stores nationwide and Amazon ($49.95)

John and Kira's-

John and Kira's online shop features gourmet, artisan chocolate gifts and handmade confections for all occasions, including Father's Day. It's that time to show dad you care!
Be sure to sample their:

Chocolate Bees 9-pc

Urban Garden Bar - Mighty Mint

-Kimpton’s Vero Beach Hotel & Spa-The Captain’s Chambers Father’s Day package-
 located on Florida’s Treasure Coast

As Father’s Day is approaching, the hotel is offering a great package, The Captain’s Chambers Father’s Day package, which includes the following amenities:

· Signature Gone Fishing amenity upon arrival

· 10 percent off a chartered fishing boat (up to six people)

*Guests must contact concierge at time of booking for fishing reservations

· Ocean-to-table dining experience as dads can bring back to the hotel their fresh catch of the day, and have it specially prepared for dinner at Cobalt Restaurant

Located on one of the country’s most exclusive and pristine beaches in Vero Beach, Florida – less than two hours from Palm Beach and Orlando International Airports – the AAA four diamond oceanfront Vero Beach Hotel & Spa offers 113 West-Indies-style designer guest rooms appointed with dark mahogany woods, Jerusalem stone flooring, granite countertops, flat screen televisions, sumptuous bedding and spacious balconies overlooking the spectacular Atlantic Ocean.

Booking is available now and that package is valid for check-ins beginning June 1 through June 30, 2012.










-Jet Edge International-

Nothing says luxury quite like flying on a private aircraft. This Father’s Day, show dad how special he is by purchasing a flight with Jet Edge International. Whether it’s for a business trip, a weekend golf outing with his friends or a vacation with the whole family, a trip on one of Jet Edge’s 14 aircraft will give him a Father’s Day he will never forget.

Jet Edge is unmatched in accommodating traveler needs and catering to clients’ desires, all while providing exceptional service from take-off to landing. When only excellence is acceptable, Jet Edge is the company of choice.

-Fairytale Brownies-

Fairytale Brownies’ Father’s Day Keepsake Tin Medley will delight Dad on his special day. This mix includes a dozen delicious flavors with three full-sized brownies, six snack-sized Sprites and 12 bite-sized Magic Morsels presented in a premium Father’s Day gift tin. Order online at Fairytale Brownies.com or call 800.324.7982. TD321 $39.95

E.S. Kluft & Co. | Aireloom King | www.kluftmattress.com

The king of your castle deserves a fitting bed – the Aireloom King by E.S. Kluft & Co. – to be exact. Beloved by celebrities and luxury consumers alike, E.S. Kluft & Co. mattresses are world-renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and unsurpassed comfort. Measuring 7-by-7 feet – or 20 percent larger than a traditional king size mattress – the new Aireloom King boasts a square shape and the title as the largest bed in America. This “family-size” mattress is distinct enough to serve as a showcase piece in a master suite, while also providing more functional space in bed.

VTech-

For dads that need to get more done while talking on the phone, VTech offers the LS6475-3. This phone system comes with a comfortable cordless headset (IS6100) mounted on the base station, allowing consumers to easily answer the phone while handling other important tasks. This hands-free calling experience is ideal for busy households with hectic schedules or working professionals in need of a home office solution that enables mobility around the house. In addition to the headset, the system includes two cordless handsets with speakerphones to provide users with a variety of call options. Other features of the LS6475-3 include HD Audio with equalizer for four different audio profiles, Voice Announce^® caller ID and push-to-talk for walkie-talkie functionality within the house. 

Tweet

What to Look for When Investing in a Condo

Are you thinking about investing in a condo? Following are some tips that will help make your decision a lot easier. An educated buyer is a confident buyer.

Condition and Maintenance

Typically, buyers should look for condos that are less than 25 years old. The older condos tend to come with higher maintenance fees and more structural problems. If your building is not in good condition, it will be less attractive to future buyers. However, if you have handyman skills, an older condo might suit you well. If you lack this skill set, a newer condo would be best.

Condo Association

When you purchase a condo, you own the space between the unit’s walls. Everything else (the building and the common areas) are kept up by the condo homeowner’s association. Once you become an owner in the complex, you will begin to pay a homeowner’s fee which will cover expenses to maintain the property. Before investing in the condo, make sure the association is well-managed and has the proper funds for the upkeep.

It is also important to define the services you will receive through your homeowner’s fees. Most associations will cover things like maintenance of the common areas and trash collection. You should compare these services with other condo associations in your area.

Talk to Current Residents

The best way to get a legitimate review of a condo is to talk to current residents. This isn’t always possible, but if you get the chance, take advantage of it. You can ask the residents questions about the homeowner’s association and if the management is effective. This is the perfect way to get first-hand, honest reviews.

Well-Recognized Names

When investing in a condo, it’s a good idea to set yourself (or your condo) apart from the others. This will come in handy when it’s time to sell. Some condos offer in-house designers to help make your condo into your dream home, different from all the rest. You can also evaluate a condo based on who has built it. You can gain a lot of resale value by simply owning a condo designed and built by a well-known architecture. For instance, there are some luxury condos in Dallas built by Robert A.M. Stern. Robert is an architectural scholar, professor, writer, and one of the greatest American architects of our age. 

Luxury Features and Amenities

Certain features are standard in luxury condos. For instance, you will find hardwood floors, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows in most luxury condos. Many of these condos will also include amenities like a 24 hour doorman, concierge service, valet, room service, dry cleaning, and state-of-the-art pool and fitness center. Top of the line condos will include wine tasting rooms, ballrooms and banquet rooms, nightly turn down service, maid service, and a massage or facial by the pool. Some will even have professional chefs who will cook for you in your own kitchen.

Location

As always, location is key to good real estate value.  For instance, a great home in a mediocre neighborhood may be less attractive than a mediocre home in a great neighborhood. A central location near attractions, restaurants, and nightlife are great selling points. It’s also a good idea to invest in a condo that is in high demand. If it’s already heavily populated, that helps ensure the property will maintain its value.

Look for these things while searching for your condo and be a confident buyer!

Tweet

Winner-a-Week Giveaway!

Winner-a-Week Giveaway!: Sign up for your chance to win a Parrot A.R. Drone 2.0.

Tweet

Happy Mothers Day!

Mother's Day...
a time for warm thoughts
and fond memories,
for expressing
the feelings and words
that often go unspoken,
for letting
those special people
in our lives know
that they are loved
and appreciated -
always.

2012 Mothers Day Gift Giving Guide

There are few people who shape our lives more than our mothers. Although we should be celebrating the things our mothers do for us every day of the year, there is that once special day designed to show all moms just how special they are to their children.

The second Sunday in May, this year it falls on May 13, is a celebration honouring mothers, mothering, the bonds between mothers and children as well as the influence of mothers and mother figures in society.  Saying “thank you” for everything that you do, as well as an extra special gift from the heart are a great way to show that you care.

For luxury gift giving ideas for mothers and grandmothers, please consider the following for your gift giving:

- Emanuel Andrén-

The journey begins with passion for chocolate.Unique in flavour and texture, each chocolate is united with the most luxurious and exclusive ingredients into an explosion of taste every mom will enjoy.
Fruits, berries, cheese, tobacco and liqueurs are uniquely selected for their distinct characteristics to complement each chocolate and heighten the taste experience to a new level.


-Polar Pillow-

An award winning cooling pillow that will welcome mom to the most relaxing sleep of her life.Calming and soothing.

  Stays cool for approximately two hours of use (long enough to fall asleep!) then gradually warms over the course of a night

After being used, PolarPillow's coolness will re-energize within 30 minutes of exposure to room-temperature conditions

Helps soothe headaches, hot flashes, night sweats, fevers and skin irritations

Makes a perfect gift

-Frangelico Ganache Truffles-

Frangelico Truffles, an indulgent blend of hazelnut and rich dark chocolate, layered with hints of almond, vanilla and coffee.The chocolates resemble semi-precious jewels as displayed in their beautiful hand-made boxes. For costume boxes with this new flavor, please contact Rodolfo Espinal at rodolfo@mariebelle.com.
A perfect gift to please any chocolate lover this Mother's Day.



New Balance by Heidi Klum-

Heidi is a busy mom who cares about fashion and ease in equal measure. She designed her Heidi Klum for New Balance collection for the modern mom – constantly on the go, seeking style and comfort for everyday wear. A piece from her collection is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, as any mother would appreciate a collection that lends itself to yoga, carting around the kids, or lunch with friends, while remaining unique and chic.



The Madeline Chocolate Company-

Using the finest quality chocolate, innovative shapes and unique Italian foils, The Madeline Chocolate Company are  proud to help make every moment special, including making great chocolates for mom this Mother's Day.They have dedicated themselves to perfecting the superior taste and quality of their chocolate and love to share this experience with their customers.
This Mother's Day find great ideas such as their dark chocolate roses in a display box,( as shown in picture above), mini red hearts,and their Red Chocolate Heart Signature Box.



SANCTUARY SPRING ESCAPE PACKAGE-

Catch the Spring fever in NYC and escape to the urban oasis to enjoy the beautiful weather and happenings in the city! This package includes a refreshing "Spring Blossom" cocktail upon arrival, a $100 gift certificate and guaranteed reservations at the iconic Boat House in Central Park where you will be delivered in style by our dedicated Bentley car service, a 3 1/2 hour Movie Walking Tour of NYC, to enjoy the sights and sounds of NYC in the Spring. You'll even see a few celebrity homes!

Spring Escape Package  extends until May 22.

Rates start at $479 per night for Mother's Day Weekend ( May 11-13).

The package must be booked online at www.sanctuaryhotelnyc.com.

Tweet

A two-night stay is required, and there is a 1-week cancellation period. This package is subject to availability and does not reflect taxes/gratuity.




Tissot Couturier -  a stylish watch with elegant materials

The Couturier family is available in a wide array of individual styles including a diamond bezel, embossed leather straps in several colors, or metal bracelets.A beautiful gift to say " I Love You" anytime of the year.




En Rouge -

En Rouge is offering customized mothers day gift sets with their exclusive mineral based formulations. These sets are available in various sizes, and are customized based on the customers eye color. All of their products are long lasting, and healthy for the skin. You can view their packages and their full line of cosmetics and skin care at www.enrouge.net.




VTech Phones-

Where Style Meets Functionality … without Breaking the Bank

VTech introduces the LS6195 (MSRP: $59.95), a perfect gift for the design-conscious mother looking to add panache to her home decor. Going back to the future, this device makes a vintage style popular again with a contemporary retro design and hints of classic phone styling. With a cordless handset that rests atop a sleek high gloss black base, this phone is unlike any other design in the home phone industry. Though the sleek design is reminiscent of phones from decades past, the technology is far from “old fashioned” as this model incorporates VTech’s advanced DECT 6.0 digital technology, providing the best sound quality, security and range in cordless phones. The LS6195 turns a piece of everyday technology into a work of art that adds flair to any home.

Lierac-

Give your mother a wonderful gift, offer her flowers…

Color, scent, feel…

A synergy of elements, the ideal harmony of ingredients…

The subtle alchemy of the Sensorielles recalls the pureness of white, through original textures and a unique olfactory promise awaken the sensation of wellness.

flowershop.com.au

Make a lasting impression with a stunning bouquet of flowers from Australia's best flower shop!

At flowershop.com.au they make ordering flowers online easy with same-day service and free delivery! They use only the best and freshest flowers and also deliver decadent gourmet baskets.

With plenty of premium arrangements for Mother's Day, you’re just three clicks away from making your Mum smile.

What Presents Can You Give to the Person Who Has Everything?

Christmas, birthdays, and other events can present the challenging conundrum of what to buy that person who seems to have it all. They buy all the new gadgets and are never lacking in material goods, attracting the envy of their neighbors. To buy for someone like this can be frustrating, but rest assured it can be done.

The question of what to buy for such a person can depend on how close you are to them: Tailoring a gift for a neighbor will be very different than preparing something special for a spouse. Furthermore, the kind of relationship will change the appropriate gift, not simply how close it is: A parent and a best friend are also likely to have very different wants and needs. It is important to consider how personal a gift should be, the level of expense appropriate for the occasion, and the interests of the person in question.

If the prospective receiver of the gift is a spouse or partner, many fun or practical arrangements can be made. Many couples resolve to not give each other gifts, but instead save for a special vacation or other agreed upon goal. Other couples simply resolve to save for practical things. For the couple that does want to give gifts, the options are endless. The giver can arrange a romantic evening specially designed to fulfills her partner's fantasies. Creative pursuits, like a writing a song, can be a priceless treasure.

Buying clothes is one way you can go especially if the person has recently expressed a desire for a specific item. How confident would a guy be looking at womens blouses or a woman perusing ties? If the recipient isn’t too fussy, clothes could be a great option.

For less intimate relationships, there are still ways to give unique gifts. If the giver is in a service business, like plumbing or car repair, gift certificates for their business can be both personal and practical, making the perfect gift. With a little crafty talent, many people can whip up handmade items for gifting, whether they be picture frames, postcards, stationary, office supplies, or anything the imagination can dream, making for a gift both personal and sure to be absolutely unique. If the giver knows a little about the person's interests, or even what they might be interested in, a collection of books can be a great buy. Even people who have everything rarely have every book. It is important to be careful with this strategy though; without knowing the person fairly well, the books could be irrelevant.

A person may buy every gadget and gizmo on the market, but no one truly has everything. Beyond even material things, it is often possible to give someone irreplaceable experiences, creative expressions, or services. It is always possible to find that perfect something for a gift.

Tweet

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a "hoppy" Easter! Enjoy time with the family, don't eat too much chocolate and remember the true meaning of Easter.


Tweet