Giving Fine Art to Children {Ida Pearle for The Mini Social + Art for Life}

This is the last week that you will be able to purchase one of New York City artist Ida Pearle's gorgeous hand printed and signed works of art. The concept is a rather unique one... fine art for children. Bright and with major pop these prints are part of a series based on the alphabet and have been created especially for the online little ones boutique The Mini Social. At 22" x 22" unframed and $160. each (down from $212.) these are surely pieces that can transition into adulthood and/or be passed down to the next generation. I know the ones above could easily find a place in my art collection. Along with each piece of art comes Ida's book, "A Child's Day" and 25% of proceeds from this particular sale will be donated to the Art for Life Foundation. For more incredible art by Ida Pearle be sure to visit her website here.

Image: Ida Pearle via The Mini Social "Alphabet print series"

The Best Candles for Under $30 - Give These

REVIEW

Smelling new and hopefully pleasant things is a real treat for me so when a candle is seen sitting quietly on a shelf there I am snatching it up to give it a whiff. A few seconds later, if it is that good, images will appear in my mind. A face of a friend or loved one and then I'm off. These candles smell so luxe, unique and captivating but do not come with a $70+ price tag. Who knew? (they won't!). Onward (clockwise from top left):

1) Slatkin & Co. Fireside you sly devils... I bow to you! Talk about a hulking 14.5 ounces of pure masculine delight that's perfect for a smoldering undercurrent to those holiday parties. Yes it's smokey with burning woods, amber and leather... and that's the point. Smell it in person at Bath & Body Works. $19.50.

2) Paddywax - Eco Bergamot & Tobacco Flower candle, the secret needs to get out, Paddywax creates candles that are just as luxe smelling as the popular $60 and $70 models out there (Paddywax's start at 5 bucks!) and comes in special eco editions using recycled materials and natural inks. The personal favorite is their deep blend of Bergamot & Tobacco Flowers and their Lemongrass & Green Tea is gorgeous for the bath. Start at $5. for travel tins. [See my past review of Paddywax here]

3) Archipelago Botanicals Signature Series Bergamot Tobacco candle, this Bergamot Tobacco is a favorite and their most popular request. Love the wax seal touch on both candle and box. Along with the Bergamot Tobacco above be sure to also try their thoroughly modern Archipelago Botanicals A.B. Home Collection Soy Wax Candle in Lavender which has been a major hit with gift recipients. The swoon inducing scent mingles lavender with a hint of thyme. $27.99.

4) Le Couvent Des Minimes Lavender and Acacia Candle This is a case of Overstock.com really pulling through as these French candles from Provence are extremely hard to find in the US but oh-so-worth it. Around $22. each the lavender gives way to an almost creamy acacia and other woods, musk and a hint of vanilla. Not the least bit floral this is perfect for burning on those chilly nights and makes a fireplace completely obsolete. An added bonus... they've been made by nuns in a small convent since 1862 with a keen eye on being eco (some of their packing is made from seaweed harvested during cleaning of Venice waterways).

On The Radar: Royal Apothic which can be found at Anthropologie has my nose itching to give it a whirl. The story behind the finding of old recipes and their Victorian charm seem irresistible... let me at Distillation Of An Edwardian Fireplace and Attar Of High Tea. Unfortunately they come $2 over budget for this spot at $32. each, so maybe a review is in order next time? Update: Find my review and favorite picks from the collection here.

Image: Slatkin & Co. via Bath & Body Works, Paddywax, Archipelago, Le Couvent

Also see:
- Modern Alchemy

Marilyn Minter at INTERMIX for Bright Pink

The in your face synth-art by New Yorker Marilyn Minter seems only fitting to be transferred to a rather esthetically pleasing tote bag (yes I'd wear this constantly... my new fall/winter bag? We shall see) but the real icing is its support of Bright Pink, a breast and ovarian cancer non-profit. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the cause by INTERMIX where this bag (only $48.!) is an exclusive. A must give to any aficionado of Minter's art film, Green Pink Caviar, Madonna who has been using said film in her Sticky & Sweet tour or the make-up artist / salon owning pal in your life. As seen in Elle.

Blissliving Home Boxes

Blissliving Home has created sturdy yet gorgeous fabric covered boxes meant for storage in the home but I like how they can perform double duty as gift boxes... totally reusable gift boxes. Add a bow or some raffia and a little gift tag. Simple chic! Prices range from $30 to $75 for large boxes. The "Amanda Fox" black box is the real eye popper for me... decked out in shinny silver ribbons, glossy orbs, frosted pine cones. Sumptuous! Pictured: 1) Pia Square 2) Oliver 3) Pia 4) Amanda Fox

Image: Blissliving Home

Versace Art Unite Tote on Gilt Mon. Oct. 19th 09

I wanted to give everyone interested a quick heads up that the Versace Art Unite tote bag will be going on sale this Monday, October 19th at Gilt Groupe. This is the only authorized online venue selling these limited editions bags (also find them now in Versace boutiques). A collaboration between Donatella Versace and the Whitney Museum of American Art's education department, 100% of proceeds from each bag sold will be donated to the Starlight Children's Foundation and the China One Foundation. The images on the bags were also created by children from these causes. From $200 to $250. As an added bonus, everyone who buys one of these bags now through December 1st will also get a VIP 20% discount at Versace boutiques. Update: All of the bags at Gilt seem to be sold out now (fantastic!) but you can sill find them in Versace boutiques.

Update x 2: For those who missed the above online offering of these bags Gilt Groupe will be holding an encore sale this December the 22nd 2009 starting at 12pm EST. For more see here.

Update x 3: Gilt groupe is having these gorgeous bags again at their site this Wed., April 28th 2010. For more click here.

Groupon = Thoroughly Addicting

A few months ago I mentioned how part of giving well is not just buying and giving physical things but making experiences and memories. Going to a concert with friends, the movies, bowling, are all perfect just because gifts... not to mention date nights. These can get pricey but as of late I've been checking in everyday at the latest best kept secret to hit the web, Groupon. Group + coupon = Groupon which aims to bring the collective buying power of the web together to score some serious deals.

The premise is rather simple, if enough people get in on the deal (which always seems to be the case) the deal will go through. One caveat though, it seems like those living in or near major cities will get the best use out of this site (when you log onto Groupon, it will automatically find the city and deals closest to you). In the NYC area there have been some really great offerings including the mentioned 56% savings at New York Vintners wine classes (great way to mingle), 50% off VIP shopping events, yoga sessions and more. Hayden-Harnett has even popped up a few times with $100 off any of their bags. This place can get thoroughly addicting because you never know what will launch next. [Click here to give it a whirl]

Image: New York Vintners via Groupon

Fifi Lapin for Forever21 = Adorable Chic

Had to post about Fifi Lapin's collection for Forever 21 as they're absolutely adorable and very reasonable (as most Forever21 pieces are) at $18.90 a pop. Unlike fellow illustrator of the blogosphere, Sujean Rim (Daily Candy or formally?), these shirts do not benefit charity but are a must for any devote of: "the worlds most stylish bunny"-Elle. I remember when Fifi hopped onto the scene and wow have things snowballed (sorry, couldn't help the goofy puns). Enjoy!

Update: I just found out that Fifi Lapin is part of a charity offering, check out Fifi on these holiday cards being sold over at TopShop. No word on what the charity actually is but I'm sure it's great.

Image: Forever21

How To Be Social Without Going Broke : Holiday Edition

Social Season or Bust
REMIX
One Dress, Five Events

It's here... you can feel it in the air. Along with the crackling chill comes something else. Social Season! If I had some melodramatic music to embed here I would but is that really necessary? Personally this is a delicious time fraught with some rather pressing decisions. I like to think of them as possibilities for a positive spin but they can be a real challenge. What to budget for and what to skip? Pencil this and pen that. Oh and what to wear? That last one can be a big, unexpected trap. The main thing is to shop that closet, seek out vintage and maybe get an all around workhorse piece that can be used over and over again. My eye has been on the perfect long sleeve jersey dress in black because the main thing this year is maintaining connections, supporting people and just having fun. I'm not letting clothes, handbags, shoes get in the way of that.

Sometimes you need that something, something. Mine for 2009? Some pop of color at the toe, a luscious scarf that can double as a wrap, sequins, bright purse, some very Diane Pernet-esk shades.

Money Saving Tips: Secret Sales Online | How To Shop Online Sample Sales | SampleSaleCrush

Next up... por homme

A New Leaf Please : Crisp Focus This Autumn

The Delicious Road Ahead

So long sticky heat of summer and hello chill, beautiful leaves and a sky that seems ever more open. Last year I remember writing about the delicious road ahead and while it has surely been a fasten your seat belts sort of road, there is so much left to drive! Social season is just around the bend and it made me want to refocus this site.

It's about giving encouragement, love and maintaining meaningful connections

When thoughts of giving and giving well come to mind I automatically think about the connections that are usually being strengthened. Not necessarily shopping or constantly buying the latest trend. Instead I'm envisioning volunteer work and connecting to ones community or remembering a loved ones birthday even though they have moved half way across the world. Little things that end up coming full circle in positive ways when you least expect it... little things that deserve to be celebrated and encouraged. To be fostered and explored. This is the core of this site.

I hope to highlight the positive, rewarding and social aspects of giving in all its forms

Look for things, people, images that inspire me along with great food and entertaining, DIY ideas, interviews, reviews and more. This I know will be fun! Experiments always are.

-MARIE ANAKEE MICZAK

Image: MAM for Gavethat.com

Gossamer : DIY Quick Gift Style

Right about now, in the garden something shimmers like the moon, poking through the rose hips and drying leaves. Commonly called Money Plant I adore its Latin name as it gives more of a true picture... Lunaria annua. Luminous indeed and perfect for things of a gossamer like nature. Here simple wax paper from the kitchen was used and on top paper with a deckle edge. On top of that the Lunaria seed heads were affixed in a loose rosette. You can add some color with maple leaves or dried and pressed rose petals glued inside the wax paper (trick gleaned from Martha Stewart). Now is the perfect time to sow Lunaria seeds or start harvesting your bouquets. For more gift design inspiration be sure to visit the GaveThat flickr pool.


Image: MAM for Gavethat.com

Give Twice : Elizabeth & James - Martha Stewart

Why give once when you can give twice? Below are my pics for gifts that also give back to great causes...

Shopbop is selling an exclusive Elizabeth & James necklace to benefit breast cancer causes and bring about awareness. Find it online for $58.

Martha Stewart has teamed up with Ford's Warriors In Pink to create a little rubber stamp kit, $32. Ford will donate 100% of the net proceeds from your purchase ($13.47 each) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

philosophy has created chocolate chip cookies charity shower gel benefiting cookies for kids with cancer. $16. The perfect gift for all those chocoholics you know.

Fifi Lapin strikes again, this time with a cute series of holiday cards being sold at TopShop. £4.00 Even better these cards are said to be of the charity nature.

Visit Kiehl's for their latest Creme de Corps Holiday collection where 100% of proceeds will go to RxArt which will help provide art programs to children in hospitals. As seen in Marie Claire.

The 6th Annual Sudha Sale at the Corte Madera Town Center Nov. 6-8 and 14-15 to benefit Bread & Roses and The Redwoods. Special designs imported from India will include fine shawls, exquisite jewelry, holiday decorations and much more. The Redwoods is a nonprofit community of seniors in Mill Valley. For more info: visit www.pennathur.com, www.breadandroses.org or www.theredwoods.org.

Acts of Kindness Wine Bags at Wisteria

As of late I've been on a real bag as wrapping kick... especially since most gift bags can be reused over and over by the recipient. These jute bags over at Wisteria are perfectly rustic and aptly named, Acts of Kindness. They can also be used for holding small guest favors or even a plant (scrunch 'em down slightly and use some raffia to hold a gift tag with care instructions). $19. for a set of 4 at Wisteria.com and also check out the corkscrew versions for $16. for a set of 4.


Image: Wisteria.com

The Pink Gift Guide : Shopping To Fight Breast Cancer

Over at Shine I've put together some of my favorite gift picks that Give Twice (back) to breast cancer causes in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, keep reading>>