Cherry Blossoms in Antique Apothecary Bottles

Antique glass apothecary bottles with somewhat ominous labels are a favorite for housing delicate sprigs of Japanese cherry blossoms...

A few cups of coffee, a heavy raincoat, my trusty wellies and I was off in piercing rain. Foolishly? Well I wanted some sort of antidote to all of this dreariness and more importantly I saw the cherry blossoms were blooming early this year. It had to be done. They needed to come back with me. Dodging flooding I snipped a few and gathered together antique medicine bottles. Really you're not supposed to pick flowers in the rain but imperfection can still be smile inducing.

Image: MAM for GaveThat

Another way that I used old apothecary bottles was to hold rose water as gifts, see the DIY versions here.

Denyse Schmidt Quilts

Today something I have wanted for a good long time came... a Denyse Schmidt quilt! Talk about going to bed and waking up happy over and over and over again. Who knows how long this will last but I'm feeling this can go on a very long time, despite the torrents of rain.

Ms. Schmidt is my absolute favorite artist quilt maker and her work clearly doubles as fine art. You can see this from her recent exhibit Anchor of the Soul: Mount Lebanon Series Quilts #1-5 at Ralph Pucci in NYC. Here she was influenced by the typically minimalistic Shaker's and each quilt was then pieced together by Amish women. There is so much Americana quilt making here yet the result is thoroughly alien. These are the new heirloom quilts to give and yes I'm hooked rather bad.

Image: Denyse Schmidt

Red Wax Seals

Red wax seals are an absolute favorite of mine because they are, in most cases, imperfect yet elegant in a rustic sort of way. So get a kit and stamp away! Especially on top of bottles like this gorgeous Balsamic vinegar from Zingerman's, $14. or give someone their initial in a very unique way. Love this metal red seal pendent from RitzyMisfit designer Brooke Mortensen in the UK, $30.

Image: (pendent) RitzyMisfit etsy | MAM for GaveThat

See my wax seal garland gift wrap here.

Seventh Generation Giveaway - Spring Cleaning

My Top Picks: Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner around $18., Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes around $17., Dr. Dennis Gross Botanical Cleansing Bar with Tea Tree & Aloe $24, Dropps laundry detergent $7.99, Red Flower candles (in Indian Jasmine for the bath and Italian Blood Orange for the kitchen) $34 - $12

Simple Gift... a good spring cleaning

For a good while I have been meaning to write about a very simple gift we can all give ourselves (or help someone else with) and that's a good spring cleaning. Something about the turning of seasons seems to make all of the cozy cocooning of winter a little too claustrophobic... you just want to clear it all out, open those windows and let fresh air in, donate or giveaway unneeded things and most of all swab those decks.

Just as I was gathering up my favorite products to show you all, MyBlogSpark contacted me about the line of green cleaners by Seventh Generation. Perfect. Not only did they allow me to sample their line but even better they want to give you, Gave That visitors, a prize package as well! Your Seventh Generation "Disinfecting Cleaning Kit" will include bottles of disinfecting multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, disinfecting wipes , rolls of 100% recycled paper towels, a recycled plastic cleaning caddy and a copy of the March 2nd release "The Conscious Kitchen" by Alexandra Zissu—a concise, thorough guide to greening up your kitchen and your life.

For how to enter, please scroll down. You have until March 31st 2010, 12pm EST.

Seventh Generation cleaning products were created to replace the typical hazardous to the environment cleaners found in many homes. In Seventh Generation the disinfecting power comes from Thymol, a component of thyme oil. In the two favorites of mine from their line, their disinfecting wipes and disinfecting bathroom cleaner, both combined the pungent thyme with fresh lemongrass making the scent left behind after cleaning rather delicious. Along with cleaning ones home these seem perfect for roughing it in the woods (RV, tent, cabin, what have you) or sailing through the water, where you want to clean up but not harm the environment. I'll be packing the wipes for sure. Stay tuned.

Enter To Win:
One lucky US winner will receive a Seventh Generation "Disinfecting Cleaning Kit" that includes a bottle of disinfecting multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, wipes , a copy of Alexandra Zissu's "Conscious Kitchen", a cleaning caddy made from recycled plastic, and two rolls of 100% recycled, unbleached paper towels.

To Enter: Subscribe to GaveThat via email—it's free*
or
email me with "Seventh Generation Giveaway" in the subject line (gavethat@gmail.com), is Spring cleaning an annual ritual for you too?
Your have until March 31st, 12pm EST to enter!

Giveaway Terms/Rules:
* This giveaway is open to our US audience. One (1) entry per person, per household, per email address, age 13 and up. *Please make sure you confirm your email address by clicking on the link in your welcome email. Some restrictions apply and void where prohibited. In the event a winner fails to reply with his/her address for prize shipment we reserve the right to choose another winner based on existing entrants. Giveaway ends March 31st 2010, 12PM EST. Please note fulfillment of this prize will be handled by MyBlogSpark.

Congratulations to our winner Anquinette!! Hope your green spring cleaning is a refreshing one!

Editor Note - Seventh Generation provided their products for review, product information, and gift pack through MyBlogSpark for this giveaway. Thank you both!

The latest secret giveaway's are tweeted when they go live so add GaveThat on twitter and be the first to find out!

Image: MAM for GaveThat.com

Douglas Little

D.L. & Co Signature Candle in Nightshade & Golden Poppy
Modern Alchemy Owl Candle Snuffer

Image: MAM for GaveThat.com

Bacon! Chocolate Covered & Date Wrapped

Mo's Bacon Bar by Vosges chocolate sprinkled with applewood smokiness and a favorite tapas... almond and dates wrapped in, you guessed it, bacon.


Bacon and beer go so swell together that I wanted to clue you in on a couple of slightly offbeat choices... first up Mo's Bacon Bar by Vosges Haut Chocolate. Called a candy bar library when housed in their purple little gift boxes you have the choice of either milk or dark chocolate (or both in a mixer). Applewood smoked bacon and crackling Alder wood smoked salt finds itself covered in some pretty decent, creamy chocolate. In a little tasting for the gang results were mixed. The bacon bits like texture is very pronounced and never quite melds with the overall bar but the real hit is the smoked salt. Leave the bacon out altogether and I'll have my holiday gift list done in no time. Each chocolate library is around $33.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

This decadent tapas has been made famous by the cult NYC hang Red Cat. Served at the bar with beer, these are a quick fix for impromptu house parties that only look exotically complicated.

Recipe:
Hickory smoked bacon
Madjool dates
Whole blanched Marcona almonds
Maple syrup

Depending on how many tapas you want to make (20 to 30 are perfect for small gatherings) take your date and stuff it with one blanched almond. Repeat until all are done. Then cut a 3 to 4 inch piece of bacon and wrap around the date, securing with a toothpick. Once all dates are wrapped brush lightly with maple syrup. Place in a 400F preheated oven until bacon is crispy and browned. About 10 min. Place on absorbent paper to remove some of the excess grease.

City Guide: The Red Cat is located at 227 10th Avenue, NYC and find Vosges Haut-Chocolate on the upper east side at 1100 Madison ave. and in soho on 132 Spring St.

Image: MAM for GaveThat.com

Spring Skin Detox: Clarisonic & Opal

Dr. M. of Best Picks Magazine Shares Her Top Ways To Give Yourself the Gift of Renewal This Spring...

Dr. M's Top Picks: Clarisonic $225, Clarisonic Opal $245, Lisa Hoffman Vitamin A & C Serum $95, Sea Salt crystals, MD Skincare Purifying Bath Crystals with Himalayan Salt $20, SpaRitual Affirming Scrub Masque $28., D.L. & Co. candle $35, Bellora Robe $34.

Ultrasonic technology has been around for quite some time for use in cleaning jewelry and optics. The same inventor of the Sonicare Toothbrush has developed the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System utilizing the benefits of sonic action.

I tested the Clarisonic Plus Skin Care System and Spot Therapy Kit which comes with brush attachments for face and body. The kit also came with sample sized Clarisonic cleansers to use with the unit. The ergonomic brush offers three speeds which make it versatile for the face, neck, arms and decollete.

The Face Off
After the first use with the sensitive brush which came with the unit, I noticed that my skin felt smooth, deeply cleansed and refreshed. I did notice a few minor breakouts the next day but they quickly cleared up without much fuss and the T-TIMER is customizable so you can start more gently if you wish. Just like my Sonicare Toothbrush, the unit beeps as you complete cleansing the quadrants of your face. 1 minute and you're done.

The Body Beautiful
The Clarisonic Plus Skin Care System is completely immersible and comes with the Spot Treatment Body Brush attachment. The clear brush head holders make it easy to exchange the face with the body brush. No need to adjust your settings when you go from face to body. The Clarisonic handle senses when the body brush has been attached and will give you 3 minutes of steady or pulsing cleansing action. Your settings are remembered for each use so there is no need to reset anything when change brush heads. The recharging cradle holds the unit safely in place and the lights on the back of the handle indicate when a full charge is obtained.

The Wrap
The Clarisonic Plus Skin Care System and Spot Therapy Kit retails for $225 at the Clarisonic Website
This is a bargain really as this same skin cleansing technology is used in many upscale day spas. I am no stranger to such spa visits as well as European Facials. The results I've obtained from just a week of using the Clarisonic Plus Skin Care System and Spot Therapy Kit are impressive to say the least. I highly recommend it as a special gift for yourself, a bridal or Mother's Day Gift. Rating A-


NEW Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System

This is Clarisonic's newly released unit designed as a follow-up to their Sonic Skin Care and Cleansing System. One of the benefits of sonic cleansing is that your skin is more receptive to absorption of face creams and Vitamin C Serums. Less product is needed because your skin is exfoliated, the pores are cleansed and more receptive of products applied to the upper epidermis.

The Clarisonic Opal comes with its own Anti-Aging Sea Serum which is paraben free and gentle enough to use every day. The primary target zone for this product is around the eyes but I see no reason why it can not also be used on the nasal labial folds between the nose and mouth.

Skincare to Go
Perhaps what I like best about the Opal is the compactness of the unit. The Anti-Aging Sea Serum Dispenser magnetically attaches to the top of the device, protecting both it and the soft applicator. It comes with a chic carry pouch for travel but it also can be used to store the Opal between uses on top of your vanity. The Opal comes with a unique, flat magnetic charger, similar to the ones sold with the newer cellphones. The pale blue light on the unit with flash while recharging and glow steadily when fully charged.

Pampered Treatment
Everyone knows that the area around the eyes is the most delicate and excessive pulling and tugging are to be avoided. After applying just a drop of serum on the soft applicator, use the Opal to massage under eye for the timed 30 seconds. Repeat on the other eye area. I have noticed after only two applications, fine lines appear filled in and smooth. The effects appear to be cumulative but it is recommended to be used morning and evening. When used after the Clarisonic facial brush, one drop of serum was all that was needed for the entire under eye area.

The Wrap
The price of the Opal Sonic Infusion System sells for $245 at the Clarisonic Website While that may be a bit pricey for a relatively simple massaging unit, it does come with the Anti-Aging Sea Serum Dispenser. You will need to buy more over time and that can add to the per use cost of the unit. However, the Opal is sleek, elegant and very well thought out. I think it would make a fine gift for a more mature, discriminating woman who may be seeing the first signs of aging which generally appear around the eyes. A young woman may not bother to use the unit very often or pay to replace the serum dispenser when empty. Even so, it think it is the perfect companion for the Clarisonic Skincare System as proper cleansing is only half the battle. Rating B+

by Contributing Editor Dr. M Image: MAM for GaveThat.com

Also Read:
- Dr. M's "Shake Off Winter Weight" At Best Picks Magazine
- Clarisonic Pink Mia & Clarisonic Plus for Breast Cancer

Chocri Chocolate

Thank you Chocri Chocolate for allowing me to be a virtual chocolatier for the day. A few days ago a box from Switzerland Germany arrived and inside were 3 very large bars, as seen above, created at the Chocri website where one can create their very own chocolates. This takes gourmet to the next level for sure.

The possibilities seem endless but one major point of Chocri, who has recently broke into the US market, is some of the rather exclusive ingredients you can add to your candy. For instance a mixture of edible flowers sprinkled on top, gold flakes, salts and spicy nuts. I chose candied violets because I'm creating lavender and violet cocktails for a spring get together. Where else are you likely to be able to do the same without much hassle? Think of the wedding and shower possibilities here.

Bars of Belgian chocolate start at around $5.90 and ingredients rage from .80 cents to around $2. Give yourself plenty of time as my bars took about 3 weeks to arrive. You'll also want to check out Chocri's work with Div Kinder which aims to help children on the Ivory Coast.

My Choices:
- Milk chocolate with toffee chips and walnuts (an attempt at the classic Chocolate Turtle)
- White chocolate and candied violets
- Dark chocolate and salted pretzels

Doing a little impromptu chocolate tasting our experiences of Chocri's chocolate was creamy, smooth mouth feel all throughout, not too sweet (like American chocolate can often be) and not overpowering to the other ingredients. A hint of fruitiness and just plain very good.

Image: MAM for GaveThat.com

Archipelago

Simple solace in scent? Yes and I say give me two at a time to double the effect. Archipelago creates some of my favorite everyday scents to give and burn. Lavende {Lavender} for instance is so very gourmand instead of the typical herbal English lavender and Luna is much the same. A blend of Lemon Verbena, Lavender and Thyme, Luna reminds me more of i Profumi di Firenze's Vaniglia del Madagascar than anything else (and yes I've stocked up!). Travel tins are $12. and large glass versions are $30.

PS Travel = travel tin candles only. Aside from wax spillage when dashing out of ones hotel room there are these insidious little black specks that pop off the wick sometimes. Sure they look benign enough until one tries to remove it from something white (always something white!) and the sooty little things starts to streak down and draw like a grease stick. Travel = travel tin candles.

Image: MAM for GaveThat

DIY Gift — Fire Starters

Coming home from all that chalet, little cabin in the woods, love shack fun during these past cold months it's only fitting that the host receives something rustic and useful in return. Something that's very easy to ship too. These little pinecone fireplace starters are perfect and it's really simple to make batch after batch, then tucking them into hat boxes in order to preserve their scent until given. Here's how:

Materials:
- Natural Pinecones (keep away from anything already synthetically scented)
- Natural bees wax
- Wax dye
- optional - Magic Flames Crystals, Red Sandalwood powder, Pinon wood power, frankincense, myrrh

How-To:
Taking fully open, dried natural pinecones dip each into melted wax. I like to do the tips but others swirl in the entire pinecone. It may take a few dips to build up a good thickness of wax coverage. Allow to dry and harden on waxpaper overnight, unless you will be adding one of the extra optional ingredients. If so, roll your pinecone into one of the optional ingredients while the wax is still wet. The Pinon wood or myrrh for instance will create a rich, natural scent that mingles with the pine.

To Use: You'll want to make a label or gift tag with fire starters so they're used properly. For instance let your recipient know these are to start a fire with, not to toss in while the fire is already going in their fireplace, that these are not candles and to only use one at a time.

For some DIY glittery pine cone ornaments see my post here.

Image: MAM for GaveThat.com