Shop Talk

For the Entertainer

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:51:02 -0500

The entertainer appreciates anything that enhances the taste of the wine, the look of the table and the atmosphere of the room. Find gifts to delight your favorite host or hostess with our top picks of 2009.

For the Trendsetter

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:43:38 -0500

Luxurious, shimmery, textured and contemporary are the words to describe the best gifts of the season for your favorite trendsetter. See all of our picks.

Holiday Preview

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:18:49 -0500

Holiday decorating options abound! From wall decals and dessert plates to wreaths and ornaments, there is something for everyone, no matter what your style. We've compiled some of the best. Some highlights:

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Fri, 08 May 2009 12:40:14 -0500

I am the queen of last minute shopping. I am not sure why, but everytime I need to purchase a gift, I find myself racing around at the last moment frantically trying to find the perfect present. Maybe I do this because I like the challenge? Maybe I thrive under pressure? I am really not sure, but come Christmas Eve, you can usually find me scouring the aisles at the closest department store braving the NYC holiday crowds. This Mother's Day I have found myself in a similar predicament . . . empty-handed two days before the occasion. Here are some last minute Mother's Day gifts I have been considering this year: 1. Gift certificate to a spa: What hardworking mom wouldn't want a day (or even just an hour) of pampering? Many spas often offer Mother's Day specials on their services. 2. Digital frame: You can upload some of your favorite family photos and she can add more. These can be found at almost any electronics store, but Pottery Barn as some digital frames that will look great in any living room. Check them out here! 3. Wine: A wine-of-the-month club subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. It is up to you how many bottles, what kind, and how frequently you'd like the wine delivered. Williams-Sonoma has a wine club and in addition to offering monthly gifts, they have a great selection of one-time gift packages. The experts pick wines that they think are best suited for certain personalities. For example, "The Connoisseur", "The Explorer," and "The Entertainer." Each gift also includes tasting notes and recipes to compliment the chosen wines. See what they have to offer here. Happy Mother's Day, everyone!

Green Cleaning: Does It Work?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:21:26 -0500

In honor of Earth Day, we are trying our best to help the planet and pay attention to the big eco-issues. First step: Switch from chemical-packed cleaning products to "green" cleaning supplies. After hearing all the talk about how harmful traditional cleaning chemicals are on our pets and our bodies, we didn't need much motivation to jump in head-first to our task.

Enter our two intrepid roadtesters: The green novice (Clay) and the eco-friendly pro (Emily). We sent Clay off into her new (dirty) apartment armed with four products from Seventh Generation:

Natural Dishwashing Liquid
All Purpose Cleaner
Laundry Liquid
Natural Fabric Softener Sheets

Here's what happened... "Until recently, I have not been as conscious of the environment as I probably should have been. If I could not find a recycling bin close by, I would not think twice about tossing my soda can into the garbage. Now I realize that every small change I make can have a positive impact. Last week I moved into a new apartment in New York. I happen to think that unpacking is worse than the packing process. In the past, I have moved everything – not just clothes and furniture, but all of the random hair products, aspirin, and old makeup that have been sitting in the medicine cabinet for years. I have since learned my lesson, so this move was the perfect opportunity to try out some new cleaning products." The Product: Natural Dishwashing Liquid The Result: My plates and silverware were spotless after using just a small amount. I enjoy the lavender and mint smell so much that I prefer to use it instead of hand soap, since it leaves my skin feeling so smooth. The Product: All Purpose Cleaner The Result: I have used this to scrub bathroom tiles, marble kitchen counters, and a glass dining tabletop. The cleaner did not leave any streaks on the glass, and left other spaces shining. I prefer the lavender scent of the dish soap, but the green mandarin and leaf smell is pleasant and not overpowering like many all-purpose cleaners can be. The Product: Laundry Liquid The Result: I like that this laundry detergent is 2x concentrated, yet the bottle is still a good size – it makes me feel like it will last for a while. I chose the free and clear scent because I do not actually want my clothes to smell like anything other than my preferred perfume. My clothes came out clean, and the detergent removed stains that I was not sure it would be able to. The Product: Natural Fabric Softener Sheets The Result: Admittedly, I was very skeptical about the appearance of these. They are not soft and white like I am used to; instead they are brown and paper-like. My clothes did, however, come out feeling just as soft. Top Pick: The dishwashing liquid, especially since I use it every day. I honestly cannot tell the difference between environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies and traditional products. So I'm excited about trying out more!" More to enjoy: 10 Quick Tips for Green Cleaning Shopping for Safer Produce Easy Tips for Saving Money (and the Environment)

Turn flowers into keepsakes

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:01:20 -0500

Many of us have saved flowers from special occasions to dry and keep forever -- wedding bouquets, baby shower centerpieces, birthday arrangements, the list goes on and on. (I think a few of said memories are still hanging in my parents' basement!) But finally someone (two smart sisters, to be exact) has created a unique way to put floral memories to good use. Bella Fiore Keepsake Jewelry just recently turned its brilliant idea into a business, and the timing is perfect for Mother's Day. Flowers you've saved from a special event are transformed into beautiful beads on bracelets and rosaries. The Una Bella Bracelet offers a variety of charm options, our favorite of which is the mother/daughter split heart that is worn, you guessed it, half with mother and half with daughter. >> Bella Fiore Keepsake Jewelry <

Stretch your clothing budget

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:18:53 -0500

Who doesn't want to get more mileage out of their clothes? Jones New York, our partner on the upcoming new FLN show, Closet Cases, is hosting a series of in-store events at major department stores nationwide to help women stretch their clothing budgets. Together with Closet Cases style expert Lloyd Boston, the JNY Style Miles program will travel across the country to help you create a recession-proof wardrobe. Wardrobe clinics will show you how to take classic pieces from your closet and pair them with key items from the spring collection from Jones New York. A fashion show of key looks will be followed by one-on-one style consultations with Lloyd. IN-STORE EVENT SCHEDULE:

Saturday April 18th, 2pm at Macy’s Bridgewater, NJ
Saturday April 25, 2pm at Macy’s Valley Fair, San Jose, CA
Thursday, April 30th, 6pm at Macy’s State Street, Chicago, IL
Saturday, May 2, Time TBD, Dillard’s West Town Mall, Knoxville, TN

For more info on the events, visit jny.com.

Does your closet need a makeover?

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:57:15 -0500

Let's be honest -- whose doesn't? Closet Cases, FLN's new, original series, is a style savior for the style challenged. Expert Lloyd Boston takes you on a shopping spree in your own closet -- helping to identify what works and what doesn't, what to keep and what to toss. Each of the lucky participants on the show needs to get ready -- fast! -- for a big event, from a high school reunion to a hotel launch party. So together with closet expert, Carey Evans, Lloyd transforms their wardrobes from shabby to chic. Closet Cases premieres on Monday, April 13 at 10:30pm ET. Get a sneak peak of the fun, new series:

Get style advice from Lloyd Boston
Check out the amazing before-and-after makeovers
Share the craziest fashion faux pas hiding in your closet
Watch full episodes of the show

A Last-Minute Gift That Never Fails

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:51:32 -0500

Champagne. Alone, with a strawberry, or in a seductive cocktail, Champagne is our favorite no-fail gift for Valentine's Day procrastinators. Forget the ubiquitous flowers and chocolates and opt for something sexier with more romance potential. The classic Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label is a universal favorite, or try the Rare Vintage Rose for extra elegance. How well do you know the world of bubbly? Test your Champagne IQ.

What NOT to Give

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:44:10 -0500

Everyone loves a sweet treat, just not necessarily for Valentine's Day. When asked which gift they would prefer NOT to receive from a sweetheart, 40% of fineliving.com users said to stay away from the infamous box of chocolates! Flowers and "the ring" were next on the list of what to avoid, but diamonds (in general) are still a girl's best friend -- jewelry is by far the most sought-after gift. A little blue box, anyone? Cast your vote for the least appealing Valentine's Day present, and speak out below (by leaving a comment) if you agree or disagree with the backlash on Forrest Gump's favorite feast. Start shopping for Valentine's Day

Sweetie Pies

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:55:29 -0500

A Williams-Sonoma exclusive, heart-shaped Sweetie Pies are a festive holiday take on the popular New England treat, whoopee pies. Created at a bakery in Maine that uses local butter and free-range eggs to make the individual rich, moist red-velvet cakes, they are filled with buttercream in three flavors -- chocolate, raspberry and classic vanilla. $49 for a set of 12.

Fine Lists

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:15:32 -0500

If you're still searching for a great Valentine's Day gift, look no further than our playful assortments of perfect presents. Please be Mine
Still Got It
I'm yours
Secret Lover
Money is no object
Just not that into you
Our days are numbered
I only want you for one thing
Long Distance Lovers
Puppy Love
Secret Admirer

Heart Cookies

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:30:10 -0500

Heart-shaped chocolate butter cookies from Sweet Guy Cookies are edible and adorable. They're prepared, rolled and cut by hand, then decorated in green, pink, aqua, orange or yellow icing, each stamped with the words Kiss Me, Cute, Love or Flirt. We like to think of them as conversation hearts for grown-ups.

Silver Heart Locket

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:06:42 -0500

Isn't this sterling-silver heart locket beautiful? With hand-forged dots covering the surface, each dot represents the sacredness of individual experience, and grouped together are symbolic of the synergy that a whole is much greater than the sum of its parts.

Sweethearts

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:04:24 -0500

These sweet, heart dessert plates from Red Envelope are a playful way to say "I love you." The ceramic dishes arrive in a heart-shaped box, ready to give as a gift (or keep for yourself). For even more brownie points, bake something special to serve on top.