What's Fresh 11/19/2007: Easy Gift Giving

This season, there are tons of sites and lists that are making holiday gift giving easy and even fun.

Check out these sites for gifts.
My favorite, is the

Neiman Marcus Big 100...and you get free gift wrapping for any gift on this list!

Lucky Magazine 50 gifts under $50

2007 Holiday Gift Guide by CNET.com

Gifts for EVERYONE!


Some great and FRESH gift ideas:

For Men:


Motorized Cooler


Gucci Scarf


For Women:

Tory Burch Patent Tote

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod52580136&parentId=cat15110734&masterId=cat15310777&index=9&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000003cat15070733cat15310777cat15110734

Burberry Slippers

For Children:


HASBRO MP3 Player for Kids


Accordian


Ice Cream Cone Spinner

For Couple/Family:


Wrapables Trellis Bedding
(Couple)


(Family)

What's Fresh 11/16/2007: Tyler Perry's Open Letter to the Media

I love it when people take charge, take control, and take responsibility.
Here is one wonderful example of that I thought I would share:

From TylerPerry.com

By Tyler Perry

Hello, hello, hello!

Before I get into this I just want you to know that this one may be a little long. (smile)

These last two weeks I have been on a promotional tour for Married. 9 states, 25 private screenings, several TV and radio appearances; all in about 12 days! And let me tell you--it has taken a toll.

- I have been told that since I'm not in a dress this movie wouldn't work.
- I have been called a racist (among other things) because there are no other races represented in this film (that's not something that I ever think about...I just want to tell a good story).
- I have been lied to, tricked, deceived.

There was one reporter, who I was told was coming from New York to do a favorable piece. She sat in my office and smiled and asked me all kinds of questions. When the article came out it was all out of context and all about how my movies are the worst thing that have ever happened to Black people and that I am doing nothing but modern day step-and-fetch it, and that I'm just trying to get rich. I was shocked and quite upset by the trickery. Not only by her but also the things that were said about this movie in print were so awful. Several Hollywood trades didn't even mention that Married was a contender for No. 1. They thought that the No. 1 would be George Clooney's movie or Mark Walbrurg's movie.

Now I had never ever read any of this stuff in the past, but for some reason I felt led to read it this time. The venom and disdain for what I do was apparent. And speaking of venom, what they did to Janet was unacceptable. Janet, who was under no obligation at all to promote this movie, sat with me while I was doing a round of TV interviews. Half way through the three hours of sitting in the same spot she was attacked by a reporter on a Sacramento morning show who only wanted to talk about the Super Bowl incident.

Now, I made it perfectly clear before we went live on the air that I wasn't talking about the Super Bowl or Janet's family. We had less than 5 minuets so I wanted to keep it positive and focus on the movie. But he didn't want to keep it positive. I had to maintain my composure because we were live on the air. I didn't let her speak. I kept jumping in because it was just so unfair to her. I have not seen Justin Timberlake attacked like that. I wasn't going to let them do that to her. Believe me when I tell you--Janet worked so hard on this film. She deserved more respect from this man than that! We both did.

In the midst of all of this I was fighting, trying to get more screens because every other movie that opens with a track record like mine has not had to deal with fighting for screens. Most of the movies of my counterparts open to at least 3,000 screens. Married was given 2,000. Needless to say, I was exhausted and mentally drained. So, by this time it was last Thursday and I just had no more to give. So, when I started to write that email (about the movie and for you to please check your tickets and so on) all that I could think was, "Tyler don't let these people get you down. As a matter of fact, speak a word of encouragement to the people that have been there for you and let that be that!"

Every time I'm overwhelmed by negative I just have to remember how good God has been to me. And as I was thinking about all of this all I could hear was LIVE YOUR DREAM BOY! LIVE YOUR DREAM!!

I wrote to you about dreams because I was just in a place of realizing that I had done all that I could do and the movie was in God's hands, so I just wanted to encourage somebody. After I sent that email to you I was reading your responses on the message board and, well, you don't know what you did for me. Here I was thinking that I was encouraging you and then you turned around and encouraged me! That's why I thank God for you and your messages.

But little did I know how much more was to come...Jesus!!!

So, now cut to Friday. . .Dear GOD!!!

I decided to go to the movie and just relax. I was trying to buy tickets online so I tried the 7 o'clock show. It was sold out. I then tried the 8. It was sold out. Then the 9. It, too, was sold out! So I thought, "I need to call the theater. Maybe they'll save me a seat since I know some of the folks that are in this movie." (smile)

After the movie started I was brought into the back of the theater, and no sooner than I sat down I realized why I was having such a battle. I then realized why there was such an attack. As I looked at the faces of the people in this theater laughing and crying I got it. I got it! I had a feeling that this movie was special, but I didn't know how special. I could literally see husbands and wives coming together. I could see people letting go of past hurts. And I could feel forgiveness in the air. I enjoyed watching your faces while you watched the movie. Between the tears in my eyes and the watching of your faces I didn't get see much of the movie.

And then I got home and went to the message board and you all confirmed in words all that I was feeling in that theater. So, with all of that said I want to say to you, thank you. Thank you for crowding into those theaters. Thank for dealing with the headaches. Thank you for fighting your way across town. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for the number one movie in America.

You did that and believe me—all of the ones that I mentioned at the top of this email are shaking their heads wondering why their weapons didn't prosper.

Truly Grateful,

Tyler Perry

P.S. I guess Judah will have to find a loving family somewhere else.... :-)

What's Fresh: 11/15/2007: Short Hair...Long Hair...HAIR!

Unlike many of our ethnic counterparts, Black women have a serious history with our hair. Whether long or short, curly or coarse, fine or thick...every Black woman can relate the the great hair debate.

So, to tame those tresses, keep them shiny and soft in between sessions with your stylist, try Carol's Daughters wonderful hair products. The Hair Milk and Hair Balm are my personal favorites, and keep hair moisturized, smelling good, manageable, and silky to the touch.





Try a new hairstyle to bring some life back into your hair. A good trim will keep the split ends at bay and reveal healthy ends that will keep your style neat.

What's Fresh 11/14/2007: Fashion Styling

Fashion


Polyvore
www.polyvore.com

If you have an extensive wardrobe, need to update your look, want to experiment with how certain pieces will go together, or just love clothes and like to mix and match them, then visit Polyvore, where you can upload clothing items you love and use the existing database of hot and current styles to style your perfect birthday outfit, plan your wishlist, or just play.
I love the site, and I spend a few minutes there each day making up things to keep my fashion mind fresh.
Here are some of my own creations.




Wear to: Casual Dinner with In Laws




Wear to: Holiday Party




Wear to: Work



Wear to: Kid's Birthday Party



Visit Shopstyle.com to view clothing, bags, and shoes...make wish lists...and best of all get e-mail alerts when your items go on SALE!

What's Fresh 11/13/2007: Jewelry and Jabs

JEWELRY


Alexis Bittar


Jewelry is one thing you can ALWAYS buy a woman, and she will find some occasion to wear it, guaranteed. Even women who are not particularly into jewelry will love the earrings and understated luxury items made by Alexis Bittar. Known for her lovely lucite creations, Bittar's jewelry is modern and fresh, but also signature. You will stand out in her dynamic pieces that have both a modern appeal and vintage feel...that will make them classic staples in your jewelry wardrobe.
You can buy Alexis Bittar at TwistOnline, Saks, and other online boutiques and major department stores.








TOYS

Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots




This is a classic toy that kids will STILL enjoy. I am getting one for my son for Christmas. It is pure fun! Get them at Back to Basics Toys www.backtobasicstoys.com.

FITNESS

TAE BO



Let me start by saying, that I once had a perfectly toned stomach, thighs, and arms doing this ONE video 5 days a week. I spent about 40 minutes, per day, taking time out for myself and I achieved in about three months, the body that I had always wanted. So if I just get off my bottom, I could have that body again, even after a rough and rugged pregnancy and child birth. That said...Tae Bo is a fantastic way to lose inches, burn fat, and tone your body...you get the effects of a cardio workout and strength training all at once, so there is no need to separate the two. You will have increased flexibility, tons of energy, and a great body. Try it...it is at your own pace, and no matter what anyone says, you feel like Billy Blanks is right there in your home with you, pushing and encouraging you! GREAT WORKOUT!

What's Fresh 11/12/2007: A Little Love, A Little Marc, and a Lotta Notes

FOOD


Edible Arrangments are fruit bouquets that you can send to someone in celebration, thanks, or even in times of sadness to provide a wonderful pick-me-up! These beautiful and great tasting baskets of fruit come in a variety of arrangements, styles, and price ranges. You can also select from chocolate dipped fruits...to add a little more dessert-like sweetness to the arrangement. Visit www.ediblearrangments.com for ordering and information.




KIDS

Little Marc by Marc Jacobs

If you ask 100 women who their favorite designer is, at least half of them, if not more, will tell you it is Marc Jacobs. The designer, known for his fun, loose, and casual style lauched a kids line earlier this year, which has done very well. While the pieces are on the expensive side, they are meant to be basic but classic additions to a childs regular wardrobe and not necessarily fashion pieces. The line consists of great tops and skirts for girls, rugged but versatile jeans and button down shirts for boys, and wool overcoats and tough cotton parkas and rubber boots for outdoor wear.
While my regular clothes shopping for my own son is done at Old Navy, Children's Place, and Baby Gap...the cotton parka would be perfect to add to his wardrobe and its strong construction and classic style would last him at least two winters (if it is bought in a bigger size!)







PERSONAL EFFECTS



I am a list maker...and if you are a list maker, you know that it is a part of your daily life that keeps you and your life in order. I make lists about everything...goals, shopping, wish lists...even at work I make a daily list of what I need to accomplish that day. So when I stumbled upon Knock Knock and the wide variety of list notebooks on the site, I was in heaven. Featuring lists such as shopping, money spent, party planning, and We're All Out of... these lists will help keep you in top form, make sure you always have what you need, and make your life a little easier. Go to www.knockknock.biz to see the entire collection.

What's Fresh 11/9/2007: Laces, Lace, and More Lace

FASHION:



I don't know about you, but heeled oxfords or lace-ups are on my fashion RADAR ladies.
The menswear inspired shoes, often complete with wingtips, are just the thing to liven up the boring open toe pump shoe scene that is infiltrating the shoe racks of women everywhere.
These look great with tights and sweater dresses, trousers, and even jeans. They are perfect for the office, but give a classic and sort of androgynous look to a party or after work drinks and dinner outfit. Check out these styles I am feeling:









Chloe Shift with Lace Balloon Sleeves

Lace is usually seen as something old and tends to remind people of doilies their grandmother's displayed on the family dinner table. But today, designers are adding lace to shoes, dresses, tops, and other fashions in very chic and modern ways.



Alessandro Del Acqua Lace Sandals



BCBG Lace Trapeze Dress



Nanette LePore Lace Cardigan



Marc Jacobs Ruffle Lace Dress



MOVIES:



I was really dramatic as a kid, and I loved dramatic television. So when "Lace" the TV miniseries aired for the first time in 1984, I was eight, and I loved it. I watched with baited breath as Lili asked "Which one of you bitches is my mother" the movies famous tagline. It was a story of friendship, fame, family, lies, and deceit. It was full of pretty women and dashing men, and at its helm was Phoebe Cates ( Lili aka Elizabeth Lace) who was searching for the identity of her mother, one of three women who made a pact as teens to never reveal the identity of the one of the three who became pregnant and gave up the child for adoption. It is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a great movie...but it is one I will forever love and remember. It was the 80s right!



HOME DECOR:


Baroque, Brocade, and Renaissance are all words used to describe home furnishings in some way. Baroque and Renaissance are historical periods of art, where these styles reigned over paintings, sculpture, and architecture. Brocade is a style of furniture and decor that is ornate, vintage, and most often feminine. Much of the furniture, art, and other pieces that fall into these categories have lace-like patterns integrated into them. They are perfect for a room accent, a small powder room, a woman's dressing room, or for those who love highly ornate and decorative pieces. Some FRESH ones are shown below:













All home furnishing available from Neiman Marcus and Brocade Home

What's Fresh 11/8/07: Legacy, Old School, and Sending Notes

COACH LEGACY HANDBAGS




Coach is timeless...and great fashion is all about classics that NEVER go out of style.
Coach has reintroduced its Legacy handbags, some in the old school styles of the 1980s, and others in new and reinvented shapes and colors with the same feel of those classic bags. The Legacy Thompson is one of those bags, in its beautiful shades of Ink (shown), toffee, and parchment and its frame style,it is sure to be a bag that stands the test of time!

Visit www.coach.com to purchase this bag for $898.00

ONLINE SHOPPING

Girlprops


Find great and CHEAP jewelry on this site, from old school hip hop inspired pieces, to 80s pop plastic charm necklaces and earrings, doorknockers, Zodiac earrings, and even replica Kanye West Alain Mikli "shutter" shades too....
FRESH 2 DEF!

Visit www.girlprops.com

STATIONARY


I love a great set of stationary. So, I fell in love with Expressionary.com, an
online personalized stationary store, where you can pick from tons of styles and even order stamps and embossers to add more personal effects to your notes.
There is nothing more special than sending someone a personal thank you or thinking of you card, on stationary that is uniquely yours.

Go to www.expressionary.com for more styles and options.

What's Fresh 11/7/07: Sneaks, Grafitti, and Mary J.

There is something SO FRESH about a pair of brand new pair of sneakers...especially a pair of limited edition Nike Air Force Ones. These designs are made to coordinate with your favorite outfits and add a touch of personality and style to your casual gear.

Visit Sneakerhead.com, one of the few online sites that sells authenic Nike and other popular name brand sneakers in limited edition colors and styles.

Here are a few more pair that will add some serious freshness to your shoe game:





ART



On www.teamsugar.com, you can find tons of inspirational people, blogs, and ideas.
I was introduced to Fafi on this site,and I instantly fell in love with her unique and feminine style of grafitti. This French grafitti artist creates girly figures, reminiscent of pin-up girls of the 50s with modern style and flair, that each seem to have a unique personality and story.

If you are a fan of non-traditional art, Fafi will surely intrigue you.
To see her work, log on to www.fafi.net.

Here are some of her creations that I particularly like:







MUSIC



Just Fine by Mary J. Blige

This song is a feel good track by Mrs. Mary J...she is looking flawless, and I love the little stop and go move at the end! Mrs. Thing just keeps the hits flowin'!