Pretty in Pink Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day, established in 1908, is a day to recognize mothers and the contributions they make to society. Celebrated each year in the U.S. on the second Sunday of May, Mother’s Day falls on May 12th this year. Make your mother feel pretty in pink on her special day with all things pink!
1. Pink Peonies
Peonies are in season from late spring to early summer and are fragrant flowers that come in a range of colors. The peony is symbolic of wealth and honor, but also embodies romance and love with the Chinese name for the peony meaning “most beautiful.” Click here to order a bouquet of pink peonies for your mother.
2. Pink Presents
Your mother will (literally) feel pretty in pink with pink presents! 1stdibs offers a whole section of Mother’s Day presents from furniture to fine art and jewelry that are all pink. Take your (or your mom’s) pick from designer items for her present(s) this year! Click here to see what they have.
3. Pink Moscato
Moscato is a sweeter wine created from the Muscat grape. Pink Moscato embodies flavors of red berries and orange blossoms with fresh citrus and peach aromas, while Pink Moscato Champagne is a sweet bubbly with candied cherries and sweet citrus flavors. Uncork a bottle of Pink Moscato or make a drink using Pink Moscato to toast to your mom. Click here for to learn more about Pink Moscato and other kinds of Moscato.
4. Pink Macarons
A macaron is a sweet meringue-based confection – a sandwich of cookies most commonly filled with ganache, buttercream or jam. Laduree offers a wide range of macaron flavors as well as other pink pastries. My favorite two pink macarons are raspberry and rose. Click here to find out more about Laduree.
5. Pink Cocktails
Top off your celebration with pink cocktails! Try out this recipe for Pink Punchful Spirit using pink moscato. Click here for the recipe.
6. Pink Smoothies
Say bye to your blender with these easy to make smoothies. Dole offers Fruit Smoothie Shakers in which all you have to do is add your favorite juice and then shake. My personal favorite is the combination of pineapple juice to the strawberry shaker…it makes the perfect pink smoothie! Make one for your mom this Mother’s Day and click here to learn more about them!
Holiday Gifting for Men and Dads
“What does he want?” “How much can I spend?” “Will he like it?” Finding the perfect gifts for your dad or the men in your life can be the most stressful part of the holiday season! Leave your worries behind and save your time searching because I’ve found a wide range of great gifts for your men. No matter what kind of gift you’re looking for—something high, medium, or low-priced, or even a stocking stuffer–I’ve got something for The Foodies, The Gadget Guys, and The Connoisseurs in your life.
The Foodie
If the man you’re buying for loves to eat, loves to cook, or loves to eat what he cooks, click on the link above to see what you can get for your Foodie.
The Gadget Guy
If he’s gadget lover, click above to see great accessories you can buy him.
The Connoisseur
For The Connoisseur in your life, the man who tends to enjoy the finer things or is a collector, click here.
Holiday Gifting: The Foodie
If your dad or any of the men in your life love to eat or love to cook or grill, then search no more—one of these gifts would be perfect!
High - $200+
Murray’s Meat of the Month Club
Give the man in your life the gift that keeps on giving from New York City’s own Murray’s Cheese! Although Murray’s is famous for its cheese, they offer membership into the Meat of the Month Club for the meat lovers out there. It’s delivered to your doorstep each month and is offered in 4, 6, or 12-month shipments.
Pricing:
- 4 months – $200
- 6 months – $300
- 12 months – $600
You can find this item at: www.murrayscheese.com
Medium - $100+
Cuisinart Griddler
If the men in your life like to cook, the Cuisinart Panini Press could be the perfect gift! It’s versatile in that it works as a contact grill, Panini press, full griddle, full grill, and a half grill/half griddle all in one. The nonstick grill and griddle plates are removable, reversible, and dishwasher-safe.
Price: $99.95 for Griddler
You can find this item at: www.surlatable.com
Low - $50+
Steven Raichlen Adjustable Handle Clamp Grill Light
For the man who loves to grill, this adjustable light makes it possible for him to grill all day and all night. It’s made of heat and weather resistant high density plastic, features 15 LED lights, and adjusts to fit on grill handles of up to 2 inches.
Price: $39.95
You can find this item at: www.greatgiftsformen.com
Stocking Stuffer – Under $20
Personalized Tabasco Chef’s Size Bottle
Add a little bit of spice into your guy’s life with a personalized Tabasco bottle. You can add a personal message of up to 20 letters to a 12 oz. chef’s size bottle.
Price: $14
You can find this item at: countrystore.tabasco.com
Holiday Gifting: The Gadget Guy
If your guy is into gadgets or accessories for his electronics, I’ve got the perfect gifts for you to choose from.
High - $200+
Boomchair Gaming Chair for Tablets, Gaming and Movies
For the guy who uses different several different types of electronic systems, this boomchair is the perfect gift for him. It connects via Bluetooth technology or cable to any gaming system or other portable devices. There’s a built in USB and the chair can even be folded up for storage.
Price: $199.99
You can find this item at: www.brookstone.com
Medium – $100+
TakTik Premium Protection System for the iPhone
The TakTik Protection System is especially great for the dads out there who have young children! It has a shockproof suspension system, has acoustic water and dust resistant microphone and speaker covers and is made from anodized aircraft grade aluminum.
Price: $99.95
You can find this item at: www.lunatik.com
Low - $50+
Portable Trunk Organizer and Cooler
This gadget is for the man who likes drive and be organized in every aspect of his life—even his car! This organizer has a softsided cooler made of nylon that can fit up to 20 cans. It has 3 individual storage sections and is completely collapsible for easy storage.
Price: $46.75
You can find this item at: www.greatgiftsformen.com
Stocking Stuffer – Under $20
LunaTik Chubby Stylus
If your man has a tablet, this stylus is perfect for at home or on the go! It’s great for the dads out there with children who love to play games and draw on their tablet—it’ll leave his device sans fingerprints!
Price: $19.95
You can find this item at: www.lunatik.com
Holiday Gifting: The Connoisseur
If your man is a collector or enjoys the finer things in life, check out the gifts below.
High - $200+
Personalized Bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue
For the man who enjoys whisky, a personalized bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue, is a great fit. Johnni Walker is the world’s leading brand of Scotch Whiskey and is blended from the rarest and most exquisite whiskies available to the House of Walker. There is a complimentary engraving service on bottles of the Blue Label—all you need is 10 days to personalize it and you can add a message of up to 45 characters.
Price: $220
You can find this item at: 1-877-spirits.com
Medium - $100+
Techwinder Automatic Watch Winder
This automatic watch winder is for the watch collectors out there—it’s high tech, yet friendly and simple to use. To use it, all you need to do is turn the knob on the front and you’re all set!
Price: $157
You can find this item at: www.amazon.com
Low – $50+
Canvas Prints from Shutterfly.com
If your man loves taking photographers or is a photographer, why not get him one of his favorite photos printed on canvas? Shutterfly.com offers canvas prints with gallery-wrapped edges that you can hang up with or without a frame. Photos can be printed in full color, black and white, or sepia tones in landscape or portrait orientation.
Pricing:
- 12×12 – $63.99
- 10×14 – $63.99
- 16×20 – $71.99
- 20×30 – $103.99
- 24×36 – $119.99
You can find this item at: www.shutterfly.com
Stocking Stuffer – Under $20
Cork Coaster Kit
For your man, the wine connoisseur, the cork coaster kit is a wonderful way to make memories last. He’ll be able to collect his favorite corks and craft them into a coaster with solid mahogany frames.
Price: $19.95
You can find this item at: www.wineenthusiast.com
Mark’s Father’s Day Entertaining Gifts and Tools
Getting that perfect gift for Dad can be tricky, but I have entertaining gifts for any kind of Dad … and we’re not just talking ties and power tools! I will cover all bases for Dads from smooth talking (and drinking) Mad Men to tech-savvy X-Men and even Mr. Mom! Discover your Dad’s type as I pair purposeful items to help Dad entertain that are equally entertaining for Dad himself.
For more of my Father’s Day Entertaining Gifts for Dad, click the links below!
Mad Men Dad
X Men Dad
Mr. Mom
The PERFECT Father’s Day Recipes
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Mad Man Dad – The Power Player
He’s definitely got a man cave he retreats to. He does enjoy his alone time yet also has many friends especially very close friends he had since childhood. Mad Men Dads entertain with a passion for making people feel welcome and have everything they need – the consummate host.
The PERFECT Entertaining Gifts and Tools for The Mad Man Dad:
Johnnie Walker Blue Label – Personalized Spirits Bottles
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the world’s leading Scotch whisky brand, is blended from the rarest and most exquisite whiskies available to the House of Walker
- Johnnie Walker offers a complimentary engraving service on bottles of its finest blended Scotch Whisky, Johnnie Walker Blue Label which turns this already rare whisky into a truly memorable and one-of-a-kind gift
- Messages of up to 45 characters in length may be engraved in multiple languages including specific phrases in Chinese, Korean and Hindi
- National engraving is available at 877-SPIRITS.com; to find out about engraving in your city, visit JohnnieWalker.com
- To order an engraved bottle in time for Father’s Day call 1-877-JW-Blue-Label (orders placed by June 14th can be expedited for Father’s Day)
- New Yorkers can also visit the engraving studio in Grand Central Terminal
There are two ways to serve whiskey: On the rocks or neat!
The Perfect Ice Cubes
- Skybar™ Whiskey Chill Drops
- Enjoy a whiskey on the rocks without diluting your drink’s flavor and aroma, Skybar™ Chill Drops are an innovative, reusable alternative to ice cubes
- Simply place a pre-chilled stainless-steel drop in your glass and your drink stays cold.
- Pre-chill in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to use
- Chill drops fit in a standard cocktail glass
- The set includes two Whiskey Chill Drops and two holders that protect tabletops and other surfaces from moisture
- Available at William Sonoma – $39.95
- King Cube Silicone Ice Cube Trays
- To keep cocktails, soda, lemonade and iced tea perfectly chilled, pour them over generously sized ice cubes made in our unique trays.
- The 2” cubes melt slowly to keep drinks colder longer, and it’s easy to create flavor infusions by freezing fruits, herbs, or citrus zest right into the ice.
- With the King Cubes you can customize cubes with your favorite garnishes
- Each flexible silicone trays makes 4 two-inch square ice cubes that release cubes instantly
- Available at William Sonoma - $19.95
Rocks Glasses with “Personality” - Orrefors Street Rocks Glasses and Ice Bucket designed by Jan Johansson
- The hand-cut grid pattern suggests Manhattan’s famous street network, while the symmetrical décor lends and outspokenly masculine air to the series as a whole
- The ice bucket, besides the decorative cutting, features two square, black handles
- Indeed, its square-cut clear décor and contrasting black details seem practically decadent
- Orrefors Information
- Orrefors has produced utility glass and art glass made of crystal since 1898.
- At the glassworks in Smaland, Sweden, skilled Orrefors glassmakers work with some of Sweden’s top designers to develop craftsmanship, design, and new techniques. Timeless Scandinavian elegance, innovative design and genuine craftsmanship are the defining characteristics of Orrefors products
- Orrefors regularly presents new collections of utility glassware produced in large-volume series and limited-edition art glass.
- Orrefors Information
The Perfect Food Pairings for The Mad Man Dad: 50′s style bar snacks are perfect to serve with this classic cocktail!
Mixed Nuts
- Click here for the recipe!
Dried Cherries
Macy’s Cheese Sticks
Fried Green Beans
- Green beans make great fries too!
- Snappy with garden-fresh flavor, lightly dipped in a crunchy batter and fried until golden.
- Simply crisp in your oven and enjoy this restaurant-quality snack or side dish any time.
- A must-have dipping delight, serve with Honey Mustard
- Available for purchase at www.schwans.com or by calling 1.888.724.9267
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X Men Dad – The Techie
He’s extremely logical. He’s a computer savy and enjoys math and science. Yet he’s also extremely creative. He is a fan of fiction stories and particularly loves science fiction. Xmen Dads entertain with all of the latest gadgets for sharing photos, movies on demand – he’s the guy with the digital photo album on his phone.
The PERFECT Entertaining and Gifts and Tools for The X Men Dad:
3M Pocket Video projector – Home Movies On-The-Go
- With 3M’s latest mobile projector, the 225a, anyone can create a memorable summer moment by hosting the ultimate, outdoor movie night with family and friends which adds a fun entertainment layer to any backyard or rooftop party
- It’s quick and easy to connect the projector to any mobile device, including the Apple iPad
- The 3M MP225s can project up to 80’ on virtually any flat surface and offers a full, two hour battery life
- Available at target or 3mmobileprojectors.com for $299.99
3M iPad Screen Protectors: Antiglare and Fingerprint Fading Screen Projectors – The Perfect Accessory for the Techie Dad!
- 3M has added to new screen protectors to it’s long line of natural view screen protector products – Anti-Glare and Fingerprint Fading.
- Antiglare Screen Protectors
- New matte screen protector makes it easy to read mobile devices outdoors and in bright light conditions.
- Perfect for summer reading by the pool or at the beach.
- Available for new Apple iPad/iPad 2, iPhone 4S and popular ereaders.
- Available at Target – $19.99
- Fingerprint Fading Screen Protectors
- First ever clear, glossy screen protector that fades fingerprints overtime without reducing the screen’s pristine display.
- Great for parents who are tied of cleaning their screen after letting their kids play games or watch movies on their iPad.
- Available for new Apple iPad/iPad 2
- Website: www.3MScreens.com – $24.99
- Antiglare Screen Protectors
The Tech Savvy Watch – For Family Photos On-Demand
- LunaTik Lynk
- The Lynk is available in lightweight silver or black aluminum with a silicone underbelly to offer comfort against the skin and full butterfly clasp
- Compatible with iPod Nano 6th/7th Generation (not included)
- $139.95 for Black aluminum and $129.95 for Silver aluminum
- Black TikTok
- Simple snap-in design that allows the user to quickly and securely snap the iPod Nano in and out of the wrist dock
- Cleanly and simply integrates the Nano and transforms it into a modern, multi-function timepiece.
- Designed for those who want to easily transition from clip mode or watch mode
- Molded for reinforced PC/ABS and the straps are made from compression molded high-grade silicone rubber with an anti-dust coating, all hardware is stainless steel
- Compatible with iPod Nano 6th/7th Generation (not included)
- $39.95 each
The PERFECT Food Pairings for an easy movie night meal that will please Dad’s hearty appetite!
Schwan’s 5 Cheese Flatbread Pizzas
- Enjoy restaurant quality flatbread pizza at home!
- A thin, crispy flatbread crust is topped with marinara sauce and the right blend of 5 cheeses - Mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, asiago and romano
- A great new appetizer for entertaining or a snack or two
- Each flatbread serves 2
- To purchase, click here!
Schwan’s Popcorn Chicken
- Finger-licking, tender chunks of all-white chicken breast meat is a family favorite
- We coat these in a savory seasoning, and then fully cook until crispy and golden
- We’ve got you covered – this entrée is ready for you to serve in a flash
- Get out the checkered tablecloth and the dipping sauces and serve with corn on the cob, bakes beans and coleslaw for family-picnic fun all year long.
- To purchase, click here!
Schwan’s Mini Corn Dogs
- Our blend of all beef and pork cocktail wieners are wrapped in a rich cornmeal batter and fried to a sweet and savory golden crisp
- One mouthwatering bite and you’ll remember the first time you enjoyed them, probably at the fair on a stick
- These bite-sized must-have minis are a classic snack
- Dip in ketchup, mustard or honey mustard.
- To purchase, click here!
Schwan’s Mini Donut (Ice Cream Sandwiches)
- Reminiscent of a state fair classic
- Mini donuts are now brought to the comfort of your home all year round!
- The included cinnamon-sugar packet allows you to shake up your donuts in that sweet sugary topping for hot, fresh mini donuts anytime.
- Simply microwave in under 1 minute and coat with cinnamon-sugar
- Perfect for snacks, dessert, or even breakfast!
- To purchase, click here!
- Slice in half, add ice cream and make an even tastier treat, a mini donut ice cream sandwich!
Schwan’s Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel Poppers
- Enjoy an all-time American favorite now in a fun poppable size.
- These pretzel poppers are stuffed with sweet cream cheese filling and have a soft pretzel dough outside
- These low-fat, small bites make a delicious option anytime for a quick and healthy breakfast, snack or dessert!
- To purcase, click here!
ALL above items are available for purchase at www.schwans.com or by calling 1.888.724.9267
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Mr Mom – The Nester
I think he defers to Mom or his one best friend for anything deep and heartfelt and prefers to just have fun with people who enjoy the same activities and have the same sense of humor.
The PERFECT Entertaining Gifts and Tools for Mr. Mom:
- Make sure you don’t step into the battlefield unprepared, gear up with our unique camouflage apron and BBQ supplies vest
- Features a bottle opener, 2 enormous pockets to fit your BBQ weapons of choice, 4 sauce/condiment pockets, salt and pepper/spice pockets and a 6 beer/soda ammo bandoleer to make sure you stay locked and loaded at all time.
- With room to store everything, this camouflage apron makes for a perfect birthday or fathers day gift that will give him everything he needs to tip the battle between fire and man
- Made of 100% cotton and features a one size fits all adjustable strap (grilling tools are not included)
- Available for purchase at homewetbar.com for $29.95
- New Tabasco Buffalo Style Sauce is an easy and delicious way to add authentic Buffalo flavor to whatever you’re eating or cooking
- Tabasco Buffalo Style Sauce does much more than make great wings; its thickness and moderate heat level make it a great condiment as well, try it on pizza or stirred into party dips
- Our spice kits offer several flavorful, aromatic seasonings in small quantities – they are perfect for a summer house, vacation villa or small home kitchen
- The seasonings come in leak-proof, water resistant package with a patent-pending design: Long-lasting, BPA-free, recycled plastic pots screw together into a single, ultra-portable stick, each kit comes in a sturdy cardboard tube for extra protections, and the label offers a “key” to all the seasonings within
- All herbs and spices are 100% USDA-certified organic
- Mobile Foodie Survival Kit – $26.00 ($13.00 wholesale)
- Regional Essentials Kits – $20.00 ($10.00 wholesale)
Dyson Digital Slim – for the Dad who cleans up before, during and after the party, with rechargeable batteries, the Digital Slim goes wherever the party is
- The most powerful cordless, handheld vacuum cleaners
- Powered by the Dyson digital motor, the vacuum has anti-static carbon fiber brushes to remove the fine dust particles from hard floors.
- It’s a handheld vacuum that has a detachable, long-reach 26 inch lightweight aluminum wand that attaches directly to the machine to convert it from a handheld to a slim vacuum cleaner
- Dyson Digital Slim retails for $329.00
- Statistical Fact: Dad’s who cook and clean.. CLEAN UP more often in the bedroom!
The PERFECT food pairings for Mr Mom: a hassle-free meal made just for Dad – now that’s GOOD COOKING!
Schwan’s Fiesta Lime Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers
- Seasoned with just the right blend of citrus lime flavoring, these shrimp and vegetable skewers are ready for the grill.
- Perfectly grilled in minutes!
- To purchase, click here!
Schwan’s Turkey Mignon
- Turkey breast “steaks” are wrapped in hardwood-smoked bacon, which lends a hearty smoky-sweet flare.
- To purchase, click here!
Schwan’s Beef Sirloin Steak Tip for Kabobs
- Making steak tip kabobs is a fun, creative way to go beyond everyday burgers
- To purchase, click here!
Schwan’s Grilled Garlic Texas Toast
- Big, thick slices of French bread, loaded with buttery garlic, tasty herbs and full-flavor spices.
- The Perfect compliment to Dad’s grilled masterpieces
- To purchase, click here!
ALL above items are available for purchase at www.schwans.com or by calling 1.888.724.9267
Green Popcorn and Shamrock Whoopie Pies
Two of my St Patrick’s Day’s Must Haves are Green Popcorn from The Popcorn Factory and Shamrock Whoopie pies from Cranberry Island Kitchen. Both are adorable, affordable, and are delivered right to your home!
For more of Mark’s St Patrick’s Day recipes and tips, click here!
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Shamrock Whoopie Pies with Baileys and Creme de Menthe Filling
Cranberry Island Kitchen is the one and only place to purchase Whoopie Pies. These adorable shamrock whoopies are made with chocolate cake and filled with Baileys Irish Cream or Creme de Menthe icing for after brunch treat!
For more of Mark’s St Patrick’s Day recipes and tips, click here!
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Romance Rendezvous with your Valentine – Mark Addison on The Better Show
Valentine’s Day is about showing your lover how much you love them. What better way to celebrate than with a romantic rendezvous? I have curated three different rendezvouses to romance your Valentine: A Shared Romance, Romance On-the-Go, and The Ultimate Romance. I have decided to go beyond the norm of greeting cards, flowers and chocolate and shows you how to romance your Valentine the right way!
Champagne is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. I have decided to incorporate three different gift sets from Moet Hennessey to pair with your romantic type, shared, on-the-go, and ultimate as well as a sweet treat to share with your sweetie and a gift or gadget to “wow” your significant other on Valentine’s Day.
Click the links below for more information on the three romantic types
A Shared Romance
Romance On-the-Go
Champagne Cupid Cups
The Ultimate Romance
24K Gold Creme Brulee
Check your local listings for dates and showtimes!
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Romance Rendezvous #1: A Shared Romance
A shared romance is for the couple who shares everything and loves to spend all their time together.
With this romantic type, I have chosen Moet Hennessey’s Ruinart One-For-Two. The Ruinart Rose is a charming treat that two can enjoy. Each set contains a 750 ml bottle of Ruinart Rose and serving spoon to pour two glasses of champagne simultaneously. The Ruinart Rose, which is presented in an elegant package, retails for $75.00.
Whoopie Pies are the new cupcake. Cranberry Island Kitchen bakes adorable whoopie pies in the shape of X’s, O’s and hearts for Valentine’s Day which allow you to spell out your desires; xoxo = hugs and kisses, xx = kiss kiss, and xxx = sex. The cream in the whoopie pies come in four different flavors, Vanilla, Chocolate, Chambord and Champagne. These delicious treats pair perfectly with the Ruinart Rose!
Hook -Link Bracelets are the perfect accessory for the couple that is attached at the hip! These magnetic love bracelets now allow this romantic couple to now be attached at the wrist! Hook-Link Bracelets retail for $30.00.
For more of Mark’s tips and tricks, “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter!
Romance Rendezvous #2: Romance On-The-Go
Romance On-the-Go is perfect for the active couple that likes to take their romance to the beach, park or rooftop.
For this romantic type, I have chosen Moet Hennessey’s Krug Flanerie with leather carrying tote. The Krug Flanerie is the perfect on-the-go Champagne. The original and unique carrying tote sports an interior cooler that will keep your Krug Flanerie at the ideal temperature of 50 degree Fahrenheit. This gift set retails for $200.00.
When bringing your romance on-the-go, what better way than to pack an intimate picnic for two. I have found these great eco-friendly picnic boxes from Boxsal that come in a variety of great designs. For Valentine’s Day, The Paint By Numbers picnic box is the perfect fit! The picnic box is broken down into sections to house your food, such as cheese and crackers, fruit, mixed veggies and a cold bottle of sparkling water, and come equipped with compostable dinnerware. The Boxsal picnic boxes retail for $25.00.
The perfect dessert to share during your romantic picnic is the Cupid’s Champagne Cup. This delicious treat is easy to make and is perfect to pack in a picnic box because it will not spill!
The 3M Mobile Projector is the perfect travel gift. The mobile projector allows you to take videos and pictures and project them from wherever you are with the battery operated devise . The two hour batter life makes is perfect to show a feature film or your favorite home movies. The 3M Projector streams content from your iPhone, iPad or iPod and with the option of an additional adapter for other media players. The 3M Projector retails for $299.99.
For more of Mark’s tips and tricks, “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter!
Romance Rendezvous #3: The Ultimate Romance
The Ultimate Romance is for the couple that feels you can’t put a price on love.
For this romantic type I have chosen Moet Hennessey’s Dom Perignon Side by Side. This gift set is a limited edition with two bottles of Dom Perignon with two different levels of maturation. These bottles were created for one to enjoy a new experience and an unforgettable champagne tasting experience. This gift set retails for $459.00.
24K Gold Creme Brûlée, made with edible 24K Gold and Silver Leaf is the ultimate dessert for this amazing couple! Each creme brûlée is adorned with a gold or silver gilded white or dark chocolate truffle.
You & Yours Signature DNA Rings are the perfect personalized gift for the person who has everything. These rings bring a new meaning to sharing your DNA. With these rings, you are able to give your loved one your DNA to treasure for the rest of their lives. Signature DNA Rings are an intimate reflection of a one-of-a-kind person and the one that means the most to you. These rings retail at $400.00/each.
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Mark’s Holiday Must Haves
Three of my “Holiday Must Have’s” this season are Champagne with the accompanied by a great homemade cordial to mix a signature champagne cocktail and a selection of Scandinavian inspired homemade chocolates.
I had the pleasure of sharing my Holiday Must-Haves with Audra and JD from The Better Show at their Holiday Special at Rockefeller Center. The holiday special will air on December 23rd, 2011. Check your local listing for scheduled show times in your area.
Click the links below for recipes, tips and holiday must haves.
Holiday Must Haves:
Champagne and Sparkling Wine for the Holidays
MYO Holiday Haute Chocolaut
MYO Holiday Cordials
For more of Mark’s tips, recipes, and trends, “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter.
Champagne and Sparkling Wines for the Holidays
We all know Champagne is a staple during the holidays – nothing says celebration like the sound of a cork popping!
Champagne is great to serve at a party as well as to share as a gift, but the choices can be overwhelming. Champagne comes in many different varieties and price points. I have narrowed down the playing field to to include my favorite Champagnes and sparkling wines covering three different price points, $10, $20 and $40.
Varietals of Champagne
1. The drier, less sweet classification is called BRUT
2. The slightly sweeter classification is called DRY
3. The sweet classification is simply called SWEET
There are different price points of Champagne. For this holiday season I chose some of my favorite Champagnes and Sparkling Wines with a range of price points.
- $40 – Moët and Veuve Clicquot
- $20 - Cava and Prosecco
- $10 – Barefoot Bubby
Champagne 101
Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of the wine to effect carbonation. The term “Champagne” is used to refer to wine produced exclusively within the Champagne region of France from which it takes its name.
Champagne first gained world renown because of its association with the anointment of French kings. Royalty from throughout Europe spread the message of the unique sparkling wine from Champagne and its association with luxury and power in the 17th, 18th and 19th century. The leading manufacturers devoted considerable energy to creating a history and identity for their wine, associating it and themselves with nobility and royalty. Through advertising and packaging they sought to associate Champagne with high luxury, festivities, and rites of passage. Their efforts coincided with the emergence of a middle class that was looking for ways to spend its money on symbols of upward mobility.
Champagne Etiquette
Champagne is usually served in a Champagne flute, whose characteristics include a long stem with a tall, narrow bowl, thin sides and an etched bottom. The Victorian coupe (according to legend, designed using a mould of the left breast (signifying a giving from the heart) of Marie Antoinette as a birthday present to her husband, Louis XVI) is not recommended as it disperses the nose and over-oxygenates the wine. Champagne is always served cold, its ideal drinking temperature at 7 to 9 °C (45 to 48 °F). Often the bottle is chilled in a bucket of ice and water before opening, which also ensures the champagne is less gassy and can be opened without spillage. Champagne buckets are made specifically for this purpose, and often have a larger volume than standard wine-cooling buckets (to accommodate the larger bottle, add more water and ice).
For more of Mark’s tips, recipes, and trends, “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter.
MYO Holiday Haut Chocolat
On a recent trip to Norway, I came across these delicious candies called chocolates plates found in the gourmet chocolate shops.
To make these homemade haut chocolats, you can add your favorite fruits, spices, nuts, and candies to create an assortment. I used Wilton Candy Melts as my chocolate base, they come in variety of flavors and a plethora colors .
The candies and toppings I recommend are:
- Wilton Dark Chocolate Candy Melts
- Wilton Milk Chocolate Candy Melts
- Wilton White Chocolate Candy Melts
- Wilton Peanut Butter Candy Melts
- Wilton Red Candy Melts
- Wilton Green Candy Melts
- Dried Fruit – Mandy, Apple, Fig, and Cranberries
- Candied Ginger
- Wasabi Peas
- Coconut
- Cashews, Peanuts, Almonds
- Candy Canes
- Chocolate Chips
- Smoked Salt
- Chopped Pistachios
Steps to MYO Holiday Haut Chocolat:
1. Cover a ceramic plate with parchment paper. Lay the Wilton Candy Melts on the plate with 1 inch of space between each candy. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until candies are soft.
2. Once melted, use a knife to spread out the candy melts in a circular motion.
3. Top the melted chocolates with your favorite gourmet and exotic ingredients.
4. Place in the freezer for approximately 5-10 minutes until hardened. The hardened candies are easily removed from the parchment paper.
5. Display candies on a serving plate. You may also display the candies in small clear plastic bags. The candies make great hostess gifts.
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Mark on Martha Stewart Radio’s “Morning Living” for July 4th
The summer season is well under way, meaning it’s the perfect time to entertain guests. With the 4th of July weekend fast-approaching, Mark got the opportunity to talk with hosts Betsy Karetnick and Brian Kelsey on Martha Stewart Radio’s “Morning Living” show. Highlights from the segment include the basics for summer entertaining as well as some red, white, and blue entertaining.
Summer entertaining doesn’t have to cost a fortune…the trick is starting with white and adding color on top of that as well as re-using pieces to create a new look. A white table cloth can be a great template–a blank canvas to do whatever you please–which allows you to bring in the melamine dinnerware and table chameleons to add a pop of color. Acrylic glassware is also popular for the season–stemless ones that are not only easier to wash, but add the possibility of less spillage.
Going along with the red, white, and blue theme for July 4th, you can mix it up with a backwards BBQ that’ll make you think outside the bun. You can start the BBQ with a “dessert” of meatloaf cupcakes topped with red, white, and blue mashed potatoes. The recipe for that can be found here. In addition, you can make a grilled romaine salad and serve it with a bacon melon-tini. If you want to add accents to the table, flowers are always a good choice. However, since red and blue flowers can’t always be found where you are, red and blue acrylic stars or something of the like can be slipped into the vase instead.
Mark on “Better” TV for Summer ’11 Entertaining Essentials
Mark’s segment from “Better” TV aired and is now up on his YouTube channel. Click here to check it out!
Table Chameleons on Newlywish
It’s official…Table Chameleons are on the Newlywish website for purchase! You can find the website here.
Summer Must-Haves from Crate & Barrel
If you’re going to be entertaining all summer long, here are some essentials from Crate & Barrel that can be “re-used, re-interpreted, and created” in order to maximize use and minimize spending. 
The Bianca Melamine Dinner Plate, Salad Plate, and Individual Bowl come in summer colors as well as white, which make them great for layering.
The dinnerware also comes in a citrus Melon Ball pattern, adding lots of color to your table.
These lolli candleholders can complement your melamine dinnerware and if you want, can serve more than one purpose. Whether you choose to put votives in them or some kind of dipping sauce, they will be a fabulous addition to the table.
The same thing goes for the Ona Vase in that it can be used in several ways for various occasions–a centerpiece with flowers or even as a salad dressing holder.
As for this acrylic pitcher with infuser, it’s wonderful for adding a little bit of a lemon or lime twist to your water.
You can see how I’ve used some of these pieces above–the layering and stacking of the melamine dinnerware in order to add height to the table, the pop of color coming from the candleholders as they are being used for dip as well as candles, the acrylic pitcher with lemon and cucumber slices and dill, and the ona vase for salad dressing.
Mark’s Appearance on Better TV for Father’s Day
Mark will be on Better TV on Friday for a segment on Father’s Day. Check your local listings here to see what time it’ll air in your city!
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is right around the corner and if you’ve got a dad who loves to entertain or loves to be entertained, then this is for you. Entertaining is all about having the right tools and I’ve got three things you can get to help him out.
If your dad is a Grillmeister or the King of barbequing, here’s the perfect present for him. This grilling must-have is called the ManGrate, a grilling enhancement system that sits on top of any grill and turns aluminum grills into pro grills. It not only holds in the heat, but it sears the meat and locks in the flavor, leaving you with perfectly cooked chicken, burgers, steak and even fish! In honor of Father’s Day, ManGrate is having a special, which can be found here.
If your dad likes to turn the heat up on something other than the grill, Tabasco sauce is a great option for him since it comes in several different flavors. Find the recipe for grilled chicken skewers–both Tabasco and honey bourbon here.
For the dads who like to shake it up, there are a few essentials that can help him out. A cocktail shaker, muddler and classic glassware like martini glasses, highball glasses for mixed drinks and rocks glasses for drinks over ice are all necessities.
If he already has these tools, he might need something like an all-American bourbon whiskey as his drink’s main ingredient. My Dad’s Day favorite is Russell’s Reserve, which was actually created by the father-son duo Jimmy and Eddie Russell. The two are partnering with Operation Once in a Lifetime, a nonprofit that raises money to provide free flights home to U.S. military service members stationed around the world. During the month of June, a portion of Russell’s Reserve sales will be donated to this cause.
Find the recipes for the mad men bourbon cocktails pictured above here.
Lastly, a great present for the caffeinated dad who loves his coffee and doesn’t want just an ordinary cup of Joe would be the new Nespresso Pixie.
It not only has the fastest brewing time of 25 seconds, but it’s smart and lets you know your now—switches off automatically and lets you know when water needs to be added. The Pixie is also small and has a great design, so if you have a travelling dad, he can take it with him wherever he goes!
It’s also stylish and it’s offered in several different colors as well as versatile in that your dad can make several different drinks including a cappuccino with a milk frother, a latte, a macchiato, and even an espresso martini if he wants a little kick with his drink. Find the recipe for an orange espresso martini here.
