Man Hunt

Buying duds for your dude can be oh so difficult. Whether the man in your life is your BFF, your gay husband, your dad, or your so called sweetheart gift giving for any male is always a mental challenge. Well I have a few ideas that go beyond the watch, the hat, and that bottle of cologne. So say goodbye to the old spice and hello to a new world that's not so heavy on the returns.

Today's goodies come from one of my favorite Brooklyn haunts Cog & Pearl. The non corporate

"damn the man" independent design retailer has a plethora of paraphernalia to appease the male perspective. Made of one of the most sustainable woods, the Cork and Wood Grain Fabric Wallet has an eco chic masculinity.  Handcrafted from Tracy Tanner this bifold style retails for just $60.00. Designed with one bill pocket, two card slots, and an optional snap-close change purse it is also lined with a kitschy cotton wood grain print. 

Adding a spin on a staple in every man's wardrobe the silk screened ties shown in two color ways evoke a rugged yet professional persona. Printed with outdoor industrial images like the 

quentessential water tower found in our New York skyline, each 

neckpiece takes a nouveux approach to neckwear. Retailing for just $45 your guy is destined for an unexpected surprise that is both fashionable and functional.

Smart and stylish cufflinks are an emerging trend taken from the more formal fads in mens fashion past. Designer

 Anne Holman has placed two vintage maps of Turkey behind magnifying resin to create this clever look. Set in oxidized sterling silver this pair is sure to make a statement for the man in your life for just $100. 

All of these great gifts and more are available in store or online at www.cogandpearl.com

Check out their Park Slope location:

190 Fifth Avenue (between Union and Sackett)

Brooklyn, NY 11217

GG

Monkey Around!

One of the greatest gifts my grandmother gave our family was her introduction to monkey bread. This sticky and sweet cinnamon based snack is so much fun. It is one of the few foods kids are actually encouraged to eat with their hands! We would all gather around the living room table like crows to a carcass fighting to get a piece before the big boys let their appetite spoil our fun. 

While strolling down my local supermarket aisle I spotted a variety of these nostalgic treat mixes from Lollipop Tree. Available in Banana Chocolate Chip, Caramel Cinnamon Chip, Wild Blueberry Crisp, and even Organic Three Cheese Pizza you will go ape over the all natural pull apart bread!

Treats from the Lollipop Tree are perfect for any gathering from house warmings to party favors and holidays. The fun food is also an ideal star for anyone's birthday from kids to adults. Monkey bread is making a comeback in full swing! 

GG

*Portions of the proceeds are also donated to the Heifer Project International to fight global hunger. 

Overcast Not Overpriced!

New York is definitely overcast but not overpriced! So why not gift yourself this week? Start by getting your shop on recession style and check out my latest find your all your downtown duds.

Pinky Otto opened its doors in 2005 to an almost instant fashionista following that includes Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Swank, and our own New York "Party Girl" Parker Posey. Trend setting style plus the celebrity stamp of approval made their quaint boutiques a stop on any downtown shopping route in Manhattan and Brooklyn alike. But why should the stars have all the fun? 

The flirty and fabulous New York based designer is offering a steal that can't be kept a secret. Displaying two racks of this season's best in their SoHo local, Pinky show the shopper all her signature moves. Look for everything from basic black to darling prints and avant-garde sihouettes all priced at 50% off!

Think Pink can't get any better than that? Well think again. In addition to the already deep discount all shopper who buy 2 sale items get 1 FREE! So grab your gal pal and give your shopping shoes a workout this weekend at Pinky Otto.

Check out Pinky Otto:

49 Prince Street

New York, NY 10012

East 9th street

New York, NY 10003

204 Bedford Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11211

GG

It's Like Butter

Innovation is often times the key to gift giving on a budget. The ability to envision one product as another is a simple solution to make your pockets more powerful. A self-proclaimed storage junkie, my roomie is the kind of gal who gets more excited about the Container Store than half priced shoes. Yesterday she brought home a beautiful glass butter dish from Crate and Barrel. What's so special about a butter dish...it's miniature!!! We all know everything is cuter when it's pint sized from doggy day wear to baby booties and even bite sized candy bars. 

Today we have gotten a little creative with the condiment container. No longer is this tiny glass domed dish just for jams and chutneys. It can also be elevated to house even the daintiest delights. Rings, earrings, bracelets, and everything in between fit so perfectly in this deep dish you could say, "it's like butter."

GG

Available for just $4.95 at Crate & Barrel stores:

650 Madison Avenue

212.308.0011

611 Broadway

212.780.0004

Everyone's Got a Secret....

Snow days got you trapped inside? Time to catch up on your reading! The Gift Girl is now expanding her shopping services. I will be writing a few articles a week for Examiner.com's New York edition. As the Shopping Secrets columnist I will be bringing you all the inside info on our city's most hush hush steals and deals. In addition look out for tips and tricks straight from the mouth's of some of your favorite designers. Check in with me daily for the best buys for your budget straight from the stores. Sale racks, 2 for 1, discounts, and deep designer dish are being revealed. Shhhh....tell everybody!

Click on the link to read my first article, Think Pink! 

Happy Hunting

GG

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today's post will be just as short and sweet as my mother. Happy Birthday marmie! We love you just for who you are and all the wonderful things you do.  I hope you enjoy this blast from Christmas past photo of you and your girls at our favorite family spot, Chick fil-A!  Don't ya just love it? 

xoxo

GG

BAMBOO, it's what's for dinner!

Today's gift is inspired by a candid conversation between two bloggers discussing everything from fashion to dating faux pas. I had the pleasure of meeting fellow aries and Sexy Sustainable Style blogger Mia while visiting a pop up store in Nolita. She covers all areas of fashion from an eco-conscious point of view which got me thinking about my own environmental Jiminy Cricket. Does the gift girl actually give back? 

In an interesting twist of fate and a quick g chat with my friend LeeAnn, I was reminded of an absolutely rowdy (and yes a little raunchy) b day celebration. However, the drag queens, male member shaped balloons, and gold lamme hot shorts at Lucky Chang's were not my only first that night...

Bringing in the big 30 I gifted these great plates from Bambu Home and gave my premier hug to the world. The perfect present for friend and founder of Qi Living, a green concierge service here in New York, they are made of 100% organically grown bamboo. Picnic season is just around the corner and these all occasion plates are a great alternative to your next party. Biodegradable in just 4 months you can kiss your plastic goodbye! 

Looking for something a little more permanent? Check out Bambu's lacquerware and solidware. Available in bowls, plates, and tabletop both are waiting to take up residence in your eco-conscious cabinet.

Bambu Home is available at Kate's Paperie located at 253 W. 31st street and in fine stores throughout North America.

GG

Bedrock Buys

So Sundays seem to be dedicated to the silly stuff for the gift girl. Today will be no different. This gift idea came from none other than my middle sis. It is definitely the kind of item where you won't have to worry about duplication. It might receive a few "interesting" or "how fun" or "you are just so creative" and finally my favorite "is this a joke?" 

Available on Overstock.com for just $29.99, this moveable dinosaur egg necklace is sterling silver. The pendant opens to reveal a golden baby T Rex. Ready to roar this accessory will be your loudest fashion statement! Check out more rediculously awesome finds from the same line like the moveable toilet seat, skeleton, or pig. Happy hunting!

GG

Kickin' Brass!

It's payday people!!! Time to get your shop on? Well these charms from Loyalty & Blood will have you kickin' brass and taking names. The perfect gift for everyday wear the variety of charms offered by the Brooklyn tee shirt, totes, and jewelry company allows the buyer to customize each piece to fit your personality. 

Treated with a dark patina each brass necklace is what I call "fashion afforward." That's right these baubles won't pick your pocket. So whether you want to rock your frock with the bird and apple pendant, prove that things are bigger in Texas,  or channel your inner Moby Dick with the oh so expressive whale all are available from

$26-$36. 

Any sailor would be proud of the tattoo inspired heart and dagger necklace but this design goes beyond your neckline. Loyalty & Blood also makes mis-matched brass earrings! So look for these and more from these up and coming designers from the 718.

GG

LOVE YOUR LEATHER

Looking for that great gift for the girl in your life who is a dare to wear fashionista? Choose carefully. I have spent too many birthdays, holidays, Valentine's, etc. putting on my "I love it face." You know when you open that gift and you have no clue what it is exactly and the oh so thoughtful giver gushes the "I just knew it was soooo you" commentary. Since when did fashion forward become the definition of accessories for the insane? I once got a necklace that I confused for a puppet...seriously. And one more word to the wise,  just because something is bedazzled does not mean it is hip! Check out my statement making pieces sure to please any fashion palate.

This metallic cut leather necklace from Kristen Aronsson in deep blue is the perfect pairing for a low V tee or or LBD. Fashionjunkee.com features an appropriately named partner in crime with their plunging neckline mini dress from Kristen. 

Want to get ahead in the fashion game? Check out one of 2009's hottest trends, hair adornments. I found these bad hair day beauties at the Brooklyn Flea also from Kristen Aronsson. Again in hand cut metallics these Peacock

Hair Clips prove that leather isn't just for rock stars. Available three color ways I loved the deep chocolate for an extra ooomph and an after workout sweaty hair solution. 

Props for presentation too! 

Look for these and other great accessories from KA in multiple New York locations from Manhattan to Williamsburg and even Park Slope. Share with friends and family as duds from this designer to watch are sure to appear in a boutique near you soon.

GG

LUCKY CHARMS

The Spring 'o9 collection from my favorite Greenpoint designer, Bonbon Oiseau is charming everyone this season with their Le Cirque aux Papillon collection. En Francais for Butterfly Circus the aptly named jewelry line features an eclectic mix of antique pieces and one of a kind finds from street markets worldwide. Inspired from Paris millinary finds to designer, Deborah Stein's own American backyard these whimsical candy colored bracelets, earrings, and everything in between shout spring with vintage renewal style.

The Jardinet Miella with Locket Bracelet as shown on the right will definitely keep your bling all the buzz with its limited edition brass bees and vintage brass locket accompanied by additional

 charms in turquoise, honey, and sage.

In the center ring the Green Tea Rose Earrings are my absolute fave.  Adorn your ears with these drop shaped baubles made of antique and white Bohemian glass. On a personal note, these might not be a bad bday gift idea for the impeding 3.0!

Check out bonbonoiseau.com for the entire Le Papillon Collection and while your there visit their blog! And don't forget a classic never dies. Bonbon Oiseau has the best of their best available for order. Prices range from $48-$700. Don't forget to say you saw it on Gift Girl!

GG

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

It's jewelry week here at Gift Girl! Anyone who knows me has seen my massive and overflowing collection of bracelets, bangles, necklaces, earrings, and just plain paraphernalia. It all began at my grandma DeeDee's house by the age of 5. Although she was a women without many maternal instincts she did know one thing about entertaining two precocious little girls...we loved to play dress up!

Avocado Jezebel is a jewelry line with the same spirit. These perfect for spring pieces by designer, Emily Hendley play with pops of vivid color made up of stones and charms ranging in price as well as size. Each innovative accoutrement has personality that lives up to its very unique name. Inspired by women in her life both past and present the southern heritage of the Georgia born design darling is directly reflected in each piece. Names like Annelle, Lucille, Barnetta, and the aptly named Georgia are sure to send any Steel Magnolia back to her front porch rocking chair.

This time she will be sipping sun tea and gossiping in style thanks to Avocado Jezebel!

Below check out my must give item for that fab gal in your life. Retailing at just $45 Frances is the perfect partner in crime to any little black dress!

Go to www.avocadojezebel.com for these and other fabulous finds before they are Gone with the Wind! 

GG

Show Me Some Love!

Happy Valentines Day weekend to you all! I hope no matter who you're with or how your celebrating cupid's big day has your heart going pitter pat. Wanna know how you can show me some love? Follow my blog! Just click on the icon and enter your gmail account. Don't have a gmail...why the heck not! It's free, it has massive storage space, you can "g chat" with awesome friends like me, and everybody's doing it! That probably goes for tonight as well. On this special day enjoy the gift of laughter is coming from me to you with this cute cartoon from a very close friend and follower!

xoxo,

GG

The Sickest Gifts

So I will begin today's post with an apology for not writing for the last couple of days. I am sure I have disappointed my staggering amount of followers (insert sarcasm here). Instead of blogging I have taken my turn as Nurse Betty. My dear friend Em had some very intensive surgery so my girls and I are channeling our inner mom genes. And I don't mean wearing light wash high waisted pants with pleats!  In case you are experiencing Lee envy check out the great get well gifts straight from her St. Luke's bedside. Oh, and I will preface by saying that I have never met anyone like Em...in a good way.

Now don't get me wrong we still believe in the time honored traditions of sweet sympathy, blooming bouquets, and embarrassing balloon displays. But all of Emily's "thinking of you's"seemed to have a highly appropriate "sick" twist. So in the spirit of surgery that requires something being removed check out the awesome and slightly dark humored sayonara card I found from my favorite SoHo haunt McNally Jackson. Do you think this is just a coincidence that it was blurred? 

These not so traditional tulips from Adore Floral (on Lafayette b/w  Bleecker and Houston) were given with a Euphoria cactus.

The Noho florist is famous for its unique pairing of color and arrangements in flower and plant life alike. For an added touch take a little impromptu advice and forgo the vase for this plastic water pitcher in Pepto pink! 

Don't forget the trashy magazines! Perkiset and Us Weekly are the perfect combination for an afternoon of lazing about in your drafty gown and sterile surroundings. Between the perscription cocktail and pictures of Brad Pitt you will be sure to sleep to dream!

*As an added bonus remember no matter how bad you feel at least your not Rhianna!

Revolutionary Road

New York gave us all a little gift yesterday. As the sunlight warmed its streets and the down coats hung in our hallways we were free to leave the winter blues behind in favor what I call the perfect day. An iced coffee in hand and two friends in tow my journey began. The starting point was Prospect Park as we slowly made our way in and out of some the best boutiques in all of Brooklyn. Each with our own agenda we went shop to shop, window to window, and rack to rack. My little camera began to fill with images just as my writing pad became ink stained and heavily scribbled. My mind however was heavy as the perfect gift pressure mounted. Little sis has a big birthday and I have a very small budget. 

The day wore on and Prospect Heights slowly turned into Boreham Hill and then into Brooklyn Heights. Before I knew it we were inching towards Dumbo and the Brooklyn Flea market at the end of a very long road. The good company kept our spirits high and our shop on. Rounding past the vast tables with a brief stop for an interview with Brazilian TV I saw it! Lying there on a table not much bigger than the one in my kitchen were the most adorable hand made gifts by artist, Wai Sze Zara. Check out my quick pick, the mini scrapbook in a tin. Painted and covered in intricate prints perfect for everyone from baby to baby boomer these little tin keepsakes open to reveal an accordion style scrapbook. Cut and paste photos of you and your someone special to create a pocket size pick me up for your pal.

Available on Etsy price points are a plus starting at just $10!

  

More great gifts inspired by Sunday coming your way...

And God Said...Let Me Be Light!

Sunday is the day of rest so I will make this short and sweet. January has come and gone as I am sure so have many of your resolutions. Well my biggie in 2009 has a major deadline attached. My impending B day which we are calling 3.0 is steadfast approaching. I have until April 7 to work my big ole gin drenched booty into my size 6 pants. So today's gift is for a very important person, YOU! There are two totally awesome websites you must pay a click to. 

Hungry-Girl.com is filled with fabulous recipe swaps for all you dedicated dieters out there missing your pizza, cheese sticks, and fried yummy goodness. A former fatty herself she has even gone the extra step and included weight watchers points for every meal suggestion. Don't forget to subscribe for her free newsletter and fill your inbox with helpful hints.

Now that you have some innovative ideas for healthful meals sure to impact your grocery list your next window will allow you to help others while helping yourself. The Biggest Loser (one of my favorite shows) has partnered with Help Feed America in the Pound for Pound challenge. For every pound you lose these two great organizations have partnered to match one pound of food to a local food bank. So go online and pledge now. Check back in at pfpchallenge.com between April 1st and May 5th to report your results.

 

What better day to start than Monday? 

Lucky for you that's tomorrow!

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper

A very good girlfriend of mine used say whenever you are speaking about an amazing guy you have to introduce him as Mr....fill in the blank. Well, Miss Holmes in this edition I will be evoking your golden rule. Today I am giving a gift to all of you. Whether you are gay or straight, single or not so much girls and gays will love him and guys will want to be him. Inspired by the new movie "He's Just Not That Into You" ladies and gentleman I give you, Mr. Bradley Cooper. I discovered this 6'1 size 14 shoe wearing Hollywood Hunk in his earlier days as Will Tippin on Alias. Since then many of you may have seen him as Sack in Wedding Crashers, Demo in Failure to Launch, and now as part of this all star Drew Barrymore produced cast. Seeing him on screen and in interviews he seems as personable, funny, and charismatic as he his hot. However, there is really only one word to describe this emerging A-lister and that comes from funny man Will Ferrell as James Lipton. Bradley Cooper is simply....scrumtralescent.

His star is on the rise so hopefully this will be a gift that keeps on giving!

XOXO...

Hey all you upper east siders looks like there's more to your hood than Gossip Girl and the Real Housewives. The French patisserie & bistro, Payard is serving up a menu of sinful delights sure to satisfy the most particular palates. Former Le Bernadin pastry chef of Eric Repirt fame (for all you Top Chef fans) Francios Payard introduced the famed UES brunch bistro just last month. Now you and your honey are invited to dine on one of two choice menus sure to say I heart you. The Valentine Bistro menu or Le Menu de la Saint Valentin (4 months in Paris people) offers an amuse bouche duo, entree, pre-desert, and desert options for $98. Accompanied by an harpist in the quaint french setting the four course meal is sure to  transport any couple from NYC to the cobblestone Parisian streets. Le cafe' des Amoureaux located in Payard's Tea Salon is also offering a multi-course champagne and dessert menu. Just $50 per couple this elegant bonne bouche is sure to send you both to bed with very sweet dreams. Bon Appetit!

xoxo,

The Gift Girl

For reservations call 

(212) 717-5252 

Payard is location at 1032 Lexington Avenue (between 73rd abd 74th street)

Muppets Take Manhattan

Valentine's Day is just nine days away so here's my message to all you dudes out there. Don't get caught in Cupid's line of fire! His bow and arrow will be barreling straight through all of you last minute shoppers as the calendar says 14 and your hands are empty. When it comes to your other half no matter how long you have been dating take a little advice from a very wise Muppet, "love is grand but all I really need is chocolate." Miss Piggy in mind I have roamed the streets in search for the best chocolate in New York City.

SoHo was my stop at the ever popular french chocolatier, Vosges Haut Chocolat  located at 132 Spring St. Introducing the new Aztec collection, their store is stocked with a variety of sweet and spicy treats. Infused with ancho chilies, Ceylon cinnamon, Mexican vanilla beans and Argentinean dulce de leche your V Day is sure to be mui caliente!

Are you part of a less traditional couple like a pig and a frog or a man and a dog? Show your pooch a little TLC at The Chocolate Lab. Specializing in carob based dog treats these cookies will have man's best friend panting for more. Check out thechocolatelabnyc.com for all their locations.

Not at the gift giving stage of your relationship? Well you can bring the chocolate into your dinner date. Tailor is the place for a truly sweet adventure. Book your Valentine's reservation and sample chef Sam Mason's signature oh so surprising flavor combinations. Whether it's their foie gras drizzled in chocolate sauce, their fried skirt steak with cocoa and cauliflower, or the cocoa gnocchi with butternut parmesan puree and coffee your chocolate lover will be in sweet paradise! Stop by 525 Broome Street or go online for reservations.

So the moral of this journey through chocolate for all you guys out there is simple. No matter what type or where you are in your relationship with a little suggestive planning all you need to make your valentine feel special is a little sugar rush. 

Maybe you will even make a rainbow connection!

Love is Just a Game...at first

Look out ladies and gentleman I know it is the season based on cupids bow, but what about you couples who aren't in love? Gift giving can be just as hard for all those would be lovers in limbo. Well look no further than the words below. V Day is just 10 days away and I have found some great get outta jail ideas sure to free your mind and mouths from those "where are we in this relationship" woes. 

My inspiration comes from exactly where I was this time last year. Dating a guy for about 3 weeks prior to the 14th is not exactly the formula for a worry free V Day. New York dating should definitely come with an instruction manual. Living in a city full of commitment phobic bachelors it becomes more important to be able to play the game. I know, I know I am committing a crime against women saying such things but ladies it is fact vs. fiction. Whether you have been dating a guys 6 weeks or 6 months if you aren't committed and the magic word hasn 't been spoken the gift can be a deal breaker. Too much too soon? Follow my timetable and worries be gone!

So you have been dating for less than a month. First maybe I should define dating. It is not hooking up, hanging out at his apartment, or drunk dialing. If you are dating he calls and asks you out at least a day in advance. "Calls" is also the operative word. Sure we all text, but if want to be in charge of your dating life don't accept text dating. If he starts sending those "want to meet up for a movie and dinner" texts simply respond "give me a call." 

No one wants to date the cowardly lion right? 

What is the Valentines plan of attack for this guy? Simple. Shoot him an e card and not just any e card. It should be fun and light. Check out someecards.com. The perfectly satirical soundbytes are hilarious and humorous. You also have the option to send him a little message. I would suggest something like "looking forward to tonight" or "thanks for the invite, should I wear something red and tight or black and tight?" 

Keep it light and look forward to a great night!

 

Dudes don't worry I won't leave you out either! Come back tomorrow for the guys inside guide to in limbo gift giving.

Candygram!

                                                        Hey all you cute couples out there. Is your guy or girl so sweet they give you a toothache? Well what better way to show cupid you care than with a sugar rush! Don't be a Duane Reade dufus and make a mad dash for that last box of Whitman's. This year Dylan's Candy Bar is the perfect place for unique novelties and mouthwatering delights. Walking into this Willy Wonka style candy emporium you will find great gifts for him or her like these romantic fortune cookies for just $26. 

Covered in two types of chocolate and sprinkled with mini hearts these chinese cookies are filled with romantic fortunes that are more than a mouth full. 

Maybe gag gifts are more your style? Put a smile on your buff boys face with 

their Big Hunk bars. Filled with honey nougat and whole roasted peanuts they come in a case of 24 so make sure your man shares! Looking for a Barry White type of night? DCB also carries plenty of sweet and sultry treats. Check out the chocolate shower bar for just $8 or their chocolate body frosting gift crate for just $20. Five mini flavors like Original Sin Chocolate, Wild Cherry, Midnight Mocha, Espresso Dream, and Red Raspberry will have your boy begging for seconds. Last but not least for a fun night in how about Strip Chocolate? This dirty and delicious board game will definitely say I Lust You!

Visit their NYC store  at 1011 Third Ave right by the 59th and Lexington or online at www.dylanscandybar.com

Whether you want to whisper sweet nothings or simply say I care Dylan's Candy Bar is sure to show you oh how sweet it is!

Check out this blast from the past inspiration for this blog's title, Candygram!

For the Love of Lasagna!

So it's 2/2/09 and gosh darn it even the date seems to be all about pairs! Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it has each and every one of us thinking about LOVE. Whether you have been hit by cupids arrow or not I think it's about time we stop the single sulking and redefine the day! Inspired by an impromptu outing with 3 other Brooklyn babes I have the perfect recipe to turn a single girls nightmare into a night to remember. 

Instead of braving the Manhattan restaurant scene as the only party of 4 in a sea of couples, I challenge you ladies to call up your besties and ask them to be your at home V Day date. Throw yourselves an in house no boys allowed dinner party where your favorite comfort food is the star. Accompanied by great conversation, a lot of laughs, and of course a little sangria you can celebrate one of the best relationships of all, friendship. 

The Garden of Eden Gourmet Market is a great place to start. Make sure you meet your gal pals there. Picking out the fresh ingredients is half the fun! Sure the"L" word will still be on your mind but this time it stands for lasagna. Check out the 3 cheese sausage dish my girls and I made! 

Thanks to the work of eight hungry hands led by chef di Leonardi we turned a Brooklyn studio kitchen into our own little trattoria. 

Good friends are the greatest gift of all. So no matter what your menu is this 14th don't forget the most important ingredient, LOVE.

Ga Ga Gorilla!

Mom and Dad, do they ever get easier to shop for? 

In my case it is definitely double trouble. My amazing parents have back to back bdays! Well today's personal post comes straight from an order I was inspired to place while standing in line for that oh so needed morning cup of joe. The famous fair trade Brooklyn roasted hot spot, Gorilla Coffee is now offering its Box O' Beans. Giving the gift of Gorilla includes three 1lb. bags of beans of your choice set in their signature logo wood burned box. Perfect for the coffee lover with a sense of style and sense of humor, it retails for just $36.50. Click on the link www.gorillacoffee.com and show someone you care from anywhere! That's right the website offers online ordering so you can ship a little New York love wherever your heart desires. The "Buy it Now" button also allows you to customize your order choosing the blend and grind for each bag. So the next time you are catching up over coffee pay attention to who your drinking with. There might be an ape shaped box coming their way! 

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!

A "Cardinal" idea sure to be a "Steel!"

Pretty punny huh? Don't answer that. 

So the Super Bowl is just around the corner. Many of you may be just like me. I would have absolutely no idea when the kick off commenced if it weren't for a few good friends that host the event every year. Whether your enjoyment lies in rooting for your favorite team, screaming at the opposition, or in the simple things like beer and seven layer dip one thing is for sure; we all enjoy this barbaric American tradition.  But, has anyone ever stopped to think about the hosts? They are the ones who willingly invite you into their home. They calm down noise disturbed neighbors. They set up and clean up after even the most foul of football fumbles. They even keep the peace amongst rival teams sure to engage in unnecessary roughness. Shouldn't we all at least say thank you? 

Well here is a quick and easy idea to show your hosts just how much their annual hospitality means. Start a new tradition in 2009. Instead of arriving in your team jersey with beer in one hand and the boyfriend of moment in the other take some time to do a little pre-planning of your own. Contact a few of your friends also attending and pool together a little cash. Stop by Trader Joe's, my favorite shopping destination, and pick up a gift card. Think about it, 5 bucks for 5 people is a thoughtful way to say hey we appreciate you or.....sorry about last year! Either way no matter who takes the bowl you are still a winner!

Visit your New York Trader Joe's 

Union Square 142 E. 14th Street

or

Brooklyn 130 Court Street

For more info plus super recipes visit:

www.traderjoes.com

Goooooo Team!