Grandma Sarah Palin…

FROM PEOPLE.COM

People.com has reported Bristol Palin, the 18-year-old daughter of former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, gave birth on Sunday to a healthy 7 lb., 4 oz., baby boy in Palmer, Alaska. 

The baby’s name is Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, according to Jones.  Baby Tripp takes his surname from his dad, Levi Johnston, an apprentice electrician and former Wasilla High School hockey player who has been dating Bristol for three years.

For the entire story – click HERE…

Bring on the Yum…

BRING YOUR APPETITE…by Christabelle

If you have a love-affair with food…I mean really love food (especially Northern Italian cuisine)…you will thank me eternally  for this blog.  If you live in NYC or plan to visit, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Crispo - NOW (and I am not being dramatic – the place reserves out weeks in advance…so when I say now, I mean NOW…stop reading this  and call: 212.229.1818 ).

Our group walked into Crispo on Saturday night and waited to be seated at a cozy table for four (on reservation, of course!).  The place was packed and energy bounced off the 150 seat restaurant like music. With a  spectacular entry way of black steel, glass inlaid awning, the flat iron glass doors, enclosed patio with an old oak leaf wrought iron fence, the design of the restaurant makes you feel like you are back in time – “19th Century – Old New York”.  Hoping we would be escorted down the secret passageway into the warmth of the Garden (where the backdrop is of all things, antique Berkel slicers, cast iron toys and meat hooks), I was a bit disappointed when we were brought to the table right off the kitchen (where I became all too aware of a meat slicer – fully functioning - in the vicinity of my head). No sooner had we sat, that my disappointed turned into pure glee, when I realized the man behind the meat (which I later found out to be called the “Salami Station”) was none other than Frank Crispo himself! An honor…indeed.

Looking over the menu, I could feel a pool of saliva as it gathered under my tongue (and in all my graces, actually showed it to Phil at the dinner table). Each meal looked better than the last (which had looked better than its predecessor).  Finally (after a good 20 minutes – 20  solid decision making minutes) I chose the Prosciutto, Bufala Mozzarella, Cippolini & Arugula to start with the the “Ravioli di Ricotta” Tartufo Nero as my main course. My only compaint is that the meal had to end…so very depressing. I ate everything. I even pulled a Tony Soprano and sponged the plate clean with a loaf of bread.  No wonder my jeans won’t button this morning (sigh!).

With a quick look over my shoulder, I got the opportunity to converse with “the man” – who graciously took some time out of his very (insanely) busy evening, to give us some history on the artifacts and design of the restaurant (and of course, the cuisine). Chatting with the owner, Frank, turned an exemplary meal into a full encompassing experience that went above and beyond just satisfying a growling stomach.  We left feeling as though we had taken a little subway ride to Italy…an epicurean journey that will continue to bring us back to Crispo time and time again.

With the most intensely spectacular Northern Italian food  money can buy – they carry a very simple philosophy at Crispo: purchase top quality ingredients; make the dishes with love;  let the guest enjoy.  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! AND all the meals are cooked to order…need I really say any more?  Visit Frank Crispo and experience cuisine the way to was meant to be…a multi-sensoral experience. A festival for all FIVE senses.

While you are there – make sure to try the Prosciutto (it is what they are known for), the “Ravioli di Ricotta” Tartufo Nero (my mouth actually called my cell to thank me for eating it!), and the Limoncello (which is made fresh - on-site – thanks Frank!).  Looking for more mouth-watering items to order…click HERE to view the entire menu of Crispo delights.  I will be seeing you there…fork in hand…smile on face.

Crispo
240 West 14th St.
New York City, NY 10011
212.229.1818

Organic? Yes, Please!

FOR YOUR ORGANIC LOVING FRIEND…by Christabelle

Sometimes it is challenging to find just the right eco-friendly gift for everyone on your list.  This year I had no problem finding the PERFECT presents with the help of Pangea Organics. This year, the good folks over at Pangea Organics created Holiday Gift Sets for every budget that are not only aromatic and oh-so soothing, but offer a surprise within the gift itself.  Just when you think you’ve gifted a lovely box of top-of-the-line organic body and skincare products—there is more…you’ve also given the gift of giving back to the earth by way of a spruce tree.  Inside the fibers of this (100% compostable, biodegradable, and plantable!) gift box, there’s a Christmas tree just waiting to be planted.  There are three gift boxes available and range in price from $30-$40. You can skip the wrapping paper this season, save a tree, and give the gift of less waste.   (Pictured: The “Joy” Holiday Gift Set, $30, includes Indian Green Tea with Mint Bar Soap, Malagasy Cinnamon Cassia with Cloves Bar Soap, and Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom LipCare). www.PangeaOrganics.com

And if you have a foodie with an organic sweet tooth on your list, you will score a home run placing Chilean Raw Honeys from Chileangourmet under the tree!  New raw and exotic honey are now available from the environmentally and socially responsible producers of indigenous gourmet foods form Chile – Chileangourmet. These exquisite honeys are the ideal gift for your organic honey. 

The Ulmo Tree Honey was awarded “2007 Best Raw Honey” by the Fancy Food Show. Ulmo tree 100% pure honey inherits an amazing aroma, perfect creamy texture and light cream color. It smells like flowers and has a buttery smooth sweetness that could be paired with mild cheese. Absolutely unique and delicious!

Tiaca Honey, also known as the “white honey” is made from the flowers of the Tiaca tree (Caldcluvia paniculata) producing a unique light clear color and creamy texture. This honey was hand harvested in the Lake Region, 650 miles south of Santiago, the Chilean capital.  

The Native Tree Honey is a multifloral honey with a light golden color, a sharp sweet taste that ends with a delicate floral finish, and a consistency that sites between liquid and whipped.

Raw Honeys from Chileangourmet are available at Whole Foods, Balducci’s and other gourmet specialty food markets nationwide for an SRP of $7.99- $19.99 for each 8.8oz bottle. Visit www.chileangourmet.cl

If cool, trendy tees in luxe organic cottons is more the style of your eco-conscious gift list, Sub Urban Riot might be just what you are looking for. As leaders in progressive casual, they offer up the finest in ultra radical chic, which you’ll need for keeping it fun in an otherwise serious world.

With a bevy of styles to choose from, everyone in the family (men, women and kids) can be uberly, organic-chic in Sub Urban Riot’s assortment of rockin’ t’s.

Shop soon – they are offering a BUY 2 TEES, GET ONE FREE promotion (thru 12-30-08)…rock it out.

(Pictured: Joshua Tree T-Shirt (men), $39.00, Umpqua T-Shirt (women), $30 – www.SubUrbanRiot.com)

The Gift that Keeps on Giving…

THE GIFT THAT GIVES 365 DAYS PER YEAR…by Christabelle

Stumped for a grab bag gift? Looking for a gift that gives all 365 days a year? Need an affordable but cool present idea? A fifth night of Hanukkah gift? Start the new year off right with a fashionable calendar!

With 5000 calendars to choose from you can gift virtually everyone on your holiday list with www.Calendars.com. From your nine year old nephew who adores The Dark Knight and Batman ($13.99)…to your thirty-something sister who loves Audrey Hepburn ($15.99)…to your husband who loves Fender guitars ($13.99)…to your eighty year old grandma who has an affinity for Georgia O’Keeffe ($6.99)- there is truly a beautifully crafted calendar to please the whole room. AND they carry every format on the market – wall, desk and engagement calendars!

Shop NOW- www.Calendars.com is offering FREE SHIPPING with any order over $20…get to it! The New Year is right around the corner!

To: ME, From: ME

For YOURSELF…by Christabelle

Every girl wants to sparkle all over with a little bling. Even if you are a tree hugging, granola eating, back country gal…you still let a little “OOOHHHH” pop out when you see a gorgeous piece of jewelry. You can’t help it. It is part of  your DNA.  What is better than getting a gift you might like? BUYING YOURSELF A GIFT  YOU KNOW YOU WILL LOVE. I am dedicating this post to all the finer things in life that you should gift “TO:Me, FROM: Me”

I am always on the lookout for the obsure item that no one else has…something with texture and depth. Something just like this….The Firenze Necklace by artist Jessica Liebling of Liebling Designs. One look at this Malachite and Onyx necklace you lose a little bit of oxygen for it’s pure beauty and intricate design. You’ll love to step out wearing this attention getting necklace – for sure!

A perfect ring of gorgeous green malachite chips is topped off with a single black onyx bead, and wrapped in sterling silver wire. The pendant is strung on a dainty sterling silver chain and has a hand formed hook and eye closure.  It is pure perfection.  Measuring 16″ (perfect with my v-neck sweaters!), this stunning piece of HAND MADE jewelry is only $34.00 – NICE PRICE. Rumor has it - Jessica Liebling also created matching earrings…gotta go score me a pair of those!

I love that I have a Greek heritage…the food, the history, the gorgeous country…and now the JEWLERY. Though not made in my homeland, this stunning bracelet was made with the love of the Greeks in mind.  Jill Golden, Designer and Owner of FlutterNYC.com knocked me clear on my ass (my Greek one at that…thank goodness…it cushioned the fall!) with her “Greece” collection of jewelry this season.

The Greece collection is named for the site chosen by the gods for their reveries and holidays.  Since the bronze age, dating back to 1200 bc the Greeks had a passionate love for gold and objects of beauty (me too! blame my ancestors) . Todays Greece is known as the playground for the wealthy, arty and influential. True to its inspiration, the Greece collection is effortlessly beautiful and cleverly designed – a bit ancient with a modern twist. The Kos bracelet ($145 for the 3 piece set) is especially droool-worthy, with unexpected design elements, this heart pounding  3/8″ rounded square bangles (with includes two plated 1/8″ bangles!) with 20 domed studs conjure my inner Aphrodite.  Available in 4 plated colors  – oxidized silver, 18k gold, gunmetal and oxidized brass.

The entire collection pays tribute to the most beautiful islands in Greece…Ios, Paros, Crete, Santorini, Andros, Rhodes…but sadly no Samos (my dad’s island). Perhaps I can convince Flutter NYC to make a special piece just for Christabelle!

Available at:  www.ravinstyle.com, www.flutternyc.com, and

Thistle & Clover
221 DeKalb Ave
(between Adelphi St & Clermont Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 855-5577

Germs Be Gone!

For Your Germ Filled Friends…by Christabelle

My sister is a teacher.  A fourth grade to be exact…the dirty, Pig Pen from Peanuts kind.  Every year at this time,  she gets inundated with presents from her colleagues, friends and, of course, her current rug-rats.  A box of cookies here, a bracelet there – she is overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone around her. Sure wish I had a cool teacher like that. Well, this year, I got MY teacher sister the best present EVER invented for someone who is surrounded by germs all day long.  I sure hope she isn’t reading this blog posting…it is going to spoil Christmas morning!

So let’s start with the “gross” factor:

• Desktops have almost 21,000 germs per square inch and phones more than 25,000 per square inch (compared with a mere 49 per square inch on toilet seats).
• Highly contagious infectious particles can spray from a sneeze at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, landing at a distance of three feet from the offender and survive there for over 24 hours.
• According to the Center for Disease Control, 164 million school days are lost annually due to illness.
• In the course of a year, people in the United States suffer from one billion colds, according to some estimates.

Enter Pocket Purifier…a handheld device (small enough to keep in your purse, on your desk, in your briefcase and even in your car console) that with a flick of a switch can rid germs and other nasty buggers from your life.  The Pocket Purifier™ has a built-in UV-C bulb that when turned on and exposed to surface areas or items needing purification, will attack the germs and bacteria killing their DNA, and preventing them from reproducing and growing.

Use it everywhere…your desk, your phone, your computer keyboard, the kids toys, your remote controls, the steering wheel and SO MANY OTHER LOCATIONS!  Here are the amazing benefits and features:

Built in 4 watt germicidal ultraviolet light, deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens destroying their ability to multiply.

The specially designed UV-Lid™ helps avoid any harm of ultraviolet light to eyes and skin and also enhances the germ-killing function.

Suitable for purifying masks, kitchen utensils, telephone sets, nail clippers, scissors, baby toys, pacifiers, cribs, strollers and most everyday items.

Powered by 4 (AA) batteries for easy carrying and safe usage.

 
For just $29.95 you too can zap away germs and other “icky” things from your presence…and  you can do it in either black or pink (how fashionable!). Available at http://www.purelyproducts.com/products/pocket-purifier/default.aspx

Make it Pop!

FOR THE “THEY-HAVE-EVERYTHING-ON-THE-PLANET” FRIEND…By Christabelle

Turn your snapshots into artwork by giving the gift of Pop Art! Tuck a custom made gift  under the tree this year – something UNIQUE – with the help of our friends at AllPopArt.com – where you can make art out of your very own life.

Whether it is a new baby in the family – a wedding - a new pet – or even a family reunion portrait, you will sprint to the top of Santa’s “Good List” when you gift these thoughtful, colorful and heartwarming gifts this holiday season. Who doesn’t want to see themselves imortalized in such a creative way?

With a varirty of styles to choose from – Silhouette (which was given kudos by Elle Decor, The Today Show and Oprah Magazine!) to geometric style, retro-pop and my personal favorite, Warhol Style - you can cross everyone off your holiday list with AllPopArt.com!

Desperately in search for a novel, “WOW” gift for my Phil, I chatted with Ana over at all PopArt and she helped to guide me in a clear, informative and exceptionally kind way. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to design a beautiful piece of artwork for the man who seemingly owns EVERYTHING. I felt a little like Picasso as I chose different, sizes and frames…always with a helping hand from Ana. And OH what arrived on my doorstep just a short time later…!!

With the help of the amazingly talented team at allPopArt.com, I created a one-of-a-kind Gibson Les Paul Anniversary Edition guitar photo into the perfect (and affordable) Warhol style gift for my guitar loving man!   Thank you all PopArt – this is truly an unparalleled gift idea. One that offers thought, creativity and a that pop of “WOW” that will exude “ooohhhhs and aaaahhhs” from everyone in your circle.

Get your creative juices flowing and order some of these wonderful gifts for the ones you love – and let them know Christabelle sent you…http://www.allpopart.com

Light Up the Little Ones…

FOR THE TINY TOTS IN YOUR LIFE…by Christabelle

Don’t know what to get the kiddies in your life for the holidays? Me neither! But some super sleuthing this past month led me to three VERY DIFFERENT and VERY ADORABLE gifts for the tiny tykes in your life.

No more run-of-the-mill gifts under the tree when you can actually gift– well – a tree for your child. Teach them about nature and art at the same time with notNeutral – Season Decals. Highlight any room (big or small) with these attractive 19” peel-and-stick Season Decals by WallCandy Arts! Let your child’s creativity (and yours too!) roam the wild by decorating a tree trunk and branches with leaves, flowers, birds and butterflies. What a fun and unique way to family bond – and how great to do on a blizzard day! And for parents – no need to re-paint, sand or spackle the walls after the artwork is complete – these decals leave behind no unsightly marks or wall damage. The notNeutral Season Decalsincludes 44 decals, made of removable and reusable vinyl and fully coordinates with the other Season series made by WallCandy. SO FUN! Available (and on sale right now) for $60 at AllModern.com.

Starlight, Star Bright …first star I see tonight…The Twilight Sea Turtle by Cloud B  helps children sleep easier and makes bedtime fun by projecting a starry night sky on the ceiling and helping bring awareness to endangered sea animals. This interactive nightlight illuminates stars in three magical colors and five sea animals, which allows your child to pick a different color and animal each night (the animals featured include the Blue Whale, California Sea Otter, Knysna Seahorse, Leatherback Turtle and Vaquita Dolphin). This unique kids night light makes the perfect sleep companion and educational tool for children of all ages (including ME – a 30-something).

The adorable Twilight Sea Turtle is 14 inches head to tail and stands about 4 inches high. This wonderful interactive nightlight also includes a battery saving time out function, push button reactivation, easy color selection, and 3 AAA batteries. Get your future Marine Biologist this precious nighttime toy for the holidays – $38 available at The Wooden Horse.

What do you get your mini-fashionista? Look no further, as this is truly the gift that keeps on giving…Baby Legs the original leg and arm warmers.  So many styles, colors and patterns to choose from – my favorite is the Fresh Collection. Vibrant and lively, these BabyLegs leg and arm warmers pop with color. The Fresh collection is filled with designs like Watermelon, Pop Heart, Jelly bean, and more. Pinks, reds, yellows, turquoise, and oranges make up a collection perfect for any sunny day in the winter or summer. Give someone a gift that is not only fashionable, but functional and can be worn in a myriad of ways. Baby legs can be worn by the tiniest infants – up thru – moms and (and even dads!)  SRP $12 available at BabyLegs.net

Monkey See…Monkey Do

FOR YOUR WINE LOVING FRIEND…by Christabelle

George Michael would DEFINITELY not have minded having a monkey on his baby’s back if they were THESE set of monkeys! No doubt – he would have embraced them - the way that I have.

It is thanks to my friend Lanie and her husband George that I fell in love with New Zealand’s finest Sauvignon Blanc  – MONKEY BAY! No need to spend hundreds of dollars on an amazing and aromatic white wine, when Monkey Bay gives you everything you need for under $10 per bottle. Yes – you heard me correctly. And for all of you wine snobs out there…don’t turn your nose up until you have at least taken one sip – I can bet it won’t be your last.  Light yellow in colour, with green tints and brilliant clarity, this fruity vino smells like a bouquet of ripe grapefruit, kiwifruit and pineapple. It is a charming and elegant wine – one that displays intense varietal character. Crisp and refreshing, with vibrant flavours of ripe citrus and tropical fruit, the palate has excellent weight and length. And if you don’t trust me (which you should since you are reading this blog!) – the February 2008 issue of Wine Spectator named Monkey Bay BEST BUY and 87 POINTS. Enough said – now go get a bottle for yourself (and send me one as a thank you for turning you onto it) – MONKEY BAY, $9.49

Don’t waste an ounce of your precious wines (especially Monkey Bay!) with the most adorable wine stoppers on the market – the Alessi Banana Boys trio of bottle stoppers. Featuring three different facial expressions (See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Say No Evil), these endearing wine stoppers make for a great gift! Designed by  Stefano Giovannoni whose whimsical style and penchant for vibrant colors are very apparent in the hand-decorated “Banana Boys” set – these little monkeys are certain to bring a smile to any wine (or monkey) lover’s face! Drop these primates in a stocking, under a tree or beside a Chanukah bush – Alessi Banana Boys – Set of Three Bottle Stoppers, $36 at CSN Stores.

Every monkey needs a home! Now you can bring a bottle of wine (or two) to your next dinner party wrapped in an Original Sock Monkey Wine bag. With button eyes and a crooked, drunken smile, your bottle of wine will never be more of conversation piece. And with a presentation like the Sock Monkey – you will no doubt be on the list for the next dinner party – the top of the list. Get this cutie patootie wine sleeve for a mere $15 at Baron Bob.

“Do you love your monkey or do you love me?”…Sorry George – I love the MONKEYS!! Especially this one (sorry – shameless plug for my little boyfriend ZACH).