A descendant of the founder of the original five and dime, Priscilla Woolworth offers a breath of fresh air and green twist to the classic American general store. Each item in her eco-friendly store has a story.

Inspired by her youth, which was spent in the south of France and New England, and later her adulthood, spent in New York City and southern California, Priscilla developed a knack for finding fabulous items. Taking her passion a step further, Priscilla hand selects each wonderful eco-friendly product available in her store.

I received three fabulous eco-friendly items from Priscilla Woolworth to review. The wood and metal Bird Bread Feeder, $10.00, offers a delightful way to dispose of leftover bread while enjoying Mother Nature. The sweet Vegetables Letter Press Greeting Card, $5.00, was expertly handmade on an island off the coast of Maine, using a 77-year-old printing press on recycled paper. The beautifully presented, fair trade Kitchen/Tea Towel, $14.00, was hand crafted by women from remote mountain villages of Tipling, Sherthung and Lapa in Nepal, and is sure to brighten any kitchen. Each beautifully crafted, eco-conscious product is a treasured gift that one cannot find by walking into your typical store.

Visit the Priscilla Woolworth website to pick up something green, unique and fabulous. From home life to office and school, this store can add an eco-friendly touch to your day.

Add a little glitz to your earth-friendly shopping bag collection with its-laS-tik by what’Surbag. This company knows that being eco-conscious doesn’t have to be a drab experience. Made in a factory rebuilt after being devastated by Hurricane Katrina, each bag carries a dash of New Orleans flavor.

I received a medium its-laS-tik bag in bullion, $14.99, to review.  This gold metallic bag definitely makes grocery shopping a more glamorous affair.  The entire line is made with a stretchy nylon/lycra blend that feels like bathing suit material.  Super strong and stretchy, these bags are designed to fit the shape of their contents.  Each its-laS-tik bag can hold up to twice as much as one plastic bag.  its-laS-tik bags can also be folded up and reused again and again, springing back into shape every time.

Visit the what’Surbag website to find your favorite bag. You’ll find a wonderful assortment of solid, print and metallic bags. You can also pick up a multipurpose pouch and find out how to recycle your old what’Surbag bag. Enjoy your little piece of The Big Easy!

Just like your best friend, Gal Pal is there when you a little help. This company is dedicated to offering health and beauty products that come to your rescue when you need them most. Created by two gal pals, Gal Pal knows what women need to feel beautiful and confident.

I received five fab products from Gal Pal to review. Each product comes in glam packaging that will make any girl feel special. The Original Gal Pal Deodorant Remover, $10.00, is a set of dry pads that easily remove those pesky white deodorant marks, which tend to ruin your overall look. The Travel Gal Pal, $12.50, is a powerful sister to The Original Gal Pal. This product removes various stains, including crusted on food and makeup. Gal Pal Everything Tape, $6.50, keeps clothing in place, and can be used in your office as well.  My personal favorite, the Retro Ice Bag, $15.00, soothes your aches and pains with style. Available in several prints, these cute bags can be filled with hot or cold water to meet your needs. The Original Lint Remover Mitts, $10.00, pat away lint, pet hair and dust, leaving your outfit looking fresh. I consider each product a health and beauty must.

Visit the Gal Pal website to find out more about these innovative products. Pick some up for yourself, and be sure to share with your gal pals!

Design Your Inspiration by Successories allows you to add a personal touch of inspiration to your home or office. Successories, a 25 year veteran in inspirational art, now offers more creative control with this collection of customizable art.  You can choose from an array of professional photographs, add your favorite quote or personal message, and finish up your masterpiece by selecting the frame and mat of your choosing.

I received a 13″ x 9″ desk size framed and matted print, $45.00,  from Design Your Inspiration by Successories to review.  A 24″ x 19″ wall size  framed and matted print option is also available for $119.00. I found it both easy and fun to create my unique piece on their website. I browsed through the exclusive collection of photos and found the one I liked most. The next steps prompted me to select a frame, mat, text, and message. The entire process took a few minutes and a few clicks. Within a few days, my beautifully matted and framed piece arrived, ready to add a special touch to my office.

You can create your own piece on the Design Your Inspiration website. Adding your favorite quote or personal message to a beautiful photograph creates a gift that will surely be cherished for years to come.

Alphabet Photography reminds us that art is all around us.  This company creates works of art with photographs of everyday objects that resemble letters.  Put together, these letters tell a story, capture the imagination, and inspire us to look around.

After spending a year traveling through Canada, capturing photos of everyday objects that resembled alphabet letters, Jennifer Blakeley opened Alphabet Photography. Since then, this unique Canadian company has enjoyed rave customer reviews and has been featured in places like O, The Oprah Magazine, and On Air by Ryan Seacrest.

I received a custom Create a Word piece of framed artwork from Alphabet Photography to review.  I adore my unique artwork (pictured left), which depicts the word “LOVE”.  This expertly framed and matted creation is breathtaking.  The “L” is seen in the curve of a bench, the “O” in the sun, the “V” in a pipe, and the “E” in a fence.  I like that the black and white photos, mat, and frame will complement any home decor or office.  I look forward to showing this off for years to come.  I hope that the photographs will encourage my family and friends to take the time to appreciate the everyday art that is all around them.

Visit the Alphabet Photography website to pick up a piece for you or someone special in your life. You can design a custom piece by selecting your frame and mat, and choosing your letters from over 500 photographs available. You can also choose from pre-made pieces from the Inspirational Series, posters, and calendars.  The artwork is affordable, with individual letters starting at only $5 each.  Each design is sure to inspire and be admired.

Tuscan Trattoria Wine Collection Gift $59.99
Nestled in a five-quart stainless steel colander is everything you need to cook authentic, savory Italian pasta dinners. Two types of pasta, Trombette and Trottoloni, pair well with both of these classic sauces: sugo di pomodoro and pesto alla Genovese. Enjoy your pasta with the bottle of Banfi Col di Sasso, a hearty Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. For dessert, an all natural, twice baked almond anise biscotti completes the meal. La dolce vita!

Starbucks Coffee 16-oz. Red Holiday To-Go Mug In Red $6.95
‘Tis the season to carry your coffee in style. Get into the holiday spirit with this festive mug. Tall mug with red holiday to-go cup pattern and classic siren logo. This mug keeps hearts warm, too.

12 Ways You’ve Made A Difference Journal $28.00
When was the last time you told someone how important they are? Whether it’s a mentor, friend, teacher or parent, thank the people in your life with the “Twelve Ways You Made A Difference” album. Inside the cotton cover are pages to fill in with thoughtful prompts such as, “I don’t tell you this enough…”, “The best advice you ever gave me…”, “Our favorite day together…” Guaranteed to make someone’s day, make someone smile and, maybe, even make a difference in someone’s life. Handmade in Rhode Island by Jason Thompson.

Saxsy Stuff offers whimsical, yet practical, reusable bags for the eco-conscious.  Eco-friendly doesn’t have to look blah, and Saxsy Stuff is happy to help by adding a pretty pattern or splash of color to your everyday tasks.

I received 2 gorgeous Flower Sax and a Stuff Sax to review.  The bags retail for $16.00 each and hold up to 30 pounds.  Made of 100% cotton, these bags are expertly crafted and wash well.  The prints carry an elegant, boho charm.  The Stuff Sax, which retails for $8.00, is a pretty pouch that holds up to 4 of your reusable bags.  Also made of 100% cotton, these washable pouches make everyday tasks even more convenient.

Browse through the Saxsy Stuff website to learn more about the story behind this brand, and to shop!  Have fun picking out your favorite designs.  Whether you want to coordinate your bags with your outfits or just want a fun print that fits your personality, you are sure to find it at Saxsy Stuff.

The holidays are on their way!  Enjoying the festivities is much easier when we can step confidently into our roles of  hosts and hostesses.  I am excited to share my interview with Jorge Perez, a popular entertainment expert, who is here with tips that will help us impress our holiday guests this season.  With help from an expert, our 2009 parties are sure to reach new levels of greatness.

How did you become an entertainment expert?

I was brought up in a home where etiquette and fine manners were always first and foremost. And when it came to entertaining my parents always did it with the utmost of style. Although there were 3 boys in the house, there was always a sense of formality no matter how casual the occasion. I learned early on the importance of using the proper tools when entertaining. The way you entertain is a reflection of who you are. There is no better way to express your sense of style and creativity then at your table.

One of my favorite parts of my job is that I am able to work with the most beautiful tabletop and gift products in the world. My job takes me around the country and involves many social functions. I particularly enjoy sharing my knowledge of entertaining and bridal registry via TV shows, magazine interviews, blogs and personal appearances.

What are some of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when entertaining for the holidays?

Forgetting to have a good time and simple principles such as stocking up with the tools needed to entertain from platters to barware, candles, linens, and all the other essentials you will need. I love Bloomingdale’s for all my entertaining needs. With the very best assortment anywhere, they have all that I need to Entertain with Style.

Your china, crystal, flatware, and linens should be of good quality and enduring style. Stick to manufacturers like Waterford, Wedgwood, and Royal Doulton and you will entertain for years with confidence. You will love it for life.

What are 3 of the most important things to remember when entertaining for the holidays?

Here are some stress-free tips for your holiday dinner parties:

1.  Set up your flowers ahead of time so you can enjoy them for a few days and the buds will be open for the party. Your Waterford crystal fluted champagne glasses make great trumpet vases.

2.  Set up your table and bar ahead of time (no more then 2 days early for dust purposes). Remember; “Your Table is Your Label”. It tells your story and helps set the tone for an event. Take a look at any tablescape designed by famed NYC-based event designer David Beahm and you will know the power of a well-designed table.

3.  Lots of candles. You can never have too many. They help set the mood and we all know that everyone looks better in candlelight! Did you know that you can turn over any Waterford glass and you have an instant 3” pillar candleholder? And your Wedgwood fine bone china teacups make beautiful glowing votives.

Do you have any extra special tips that will wow our holiday guests?

1.  Wow your guests with a glass of champagne the moment they walk in. I always have a separate champagne station by the front door which includes an assortment of different champagne glasses to kick off the evening the moment my guests walk in.

2.   Impress your guests by using your things in unconventional ways. Pour popcorn out of your pitchers. Turn your Waterford footed cake plate upside down and serve chip-n-dip, shrimp cocktail or chocolate and strawberries. Use your bud vases and posy vases to pour peanuts and M+M’s. Have fun!

3.  Never let your guests walk away without a gift to commemorate the evening, like a holiday ornament or a homemade treat with recipe card.

– Always Entertain with Style!  Jorge