Love, love, love. . . . love is all you need!

The sentiments of this Beatles song impressed Sally Short so much that she superimposed each letter of the phrase, abbreviated to LOVE IS ALL U NEED, on top of one another and then added a peace sign to create a unique design.  She sent the design off to be case in sterling silver as a Love and Peace pendant to wear.  The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

After receiving the design, various people noticed that every letter of the alphabet and every numbers is contained within the design.  Since the design could then be a personal message on any topic to anybody, the interactive jewelry company, Meridane Design, was born.

A variety of jewelry options are available:  pendants, earrings, bracelets, charms, and necklaces, as well as on shirts.  Design styles are available for men and women, young and old.  The design is cast in the USA, and a portion of the casting is done at Annie’s Orphans in support of their No-Kill Dog Shelter, located in Durango Colorado.  There is plenty of love going around with this design!

Jewelry prices start at $32, t-shirt at $25.  Custom pieces are available.

The symbol allows you to spell out any word or statement that you wish – just try it.

I think this is charming! If you’re interested in making your own personal statement through your jewelry, take a look at the options available at Meridane Design.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Meridane Design

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If you’ve been reading the latest and greatest in business books and sales trends, you’ve read that you always need to be marketing.  Every opportunity to make an additional sale, promote your brand, and create a loyal customer must not be allowed to slip by.  And even more than that, we must constantly be researching and tracking metrics that identify who are customer is.  So that we can continue marketing them.

Sounds good, huh?

Well, not so much!  Having been on the receiving end of far too many of these marketing campaigns this holiday season, I have a new theory.  What I really want from the businesses I patronize is that they respect my time, let me make my purchase(s), and stop making MY experience all about THEM!  I’m tired of emails urging me to make additional purchases, follow up phone calls asking me for a brief interview about my experience, and I’m tired of companies that put barriers in my way when I want to make a purchase.

My most recent experience, and probably the straw that broke the camel’s back, was a few day’s ago at the import store, Pier 1 Imports.  I’m not a regular at this store, but I do pop in now and again when I have a selective purchase to make, and that’s what brought in this time.

I wanted to buy a plate.  I didn’t want a set of dishes, matching stemware, or placemats.  I knew specifically what I wanted, I went into the store, shrugged off assistance from the staff, picked up the plate and, with cash in hand, went to the counter to make a purchase.  I received the obligatory sales follow up, “Did you find everything you wanted?” and replied, “Yes, I just want to buy this plate” and indicated that it would be a cash purchase.

The sales clerk asked for my phone number.  I wondered why I needed to provide a personal detail like my phone number to pay cash for a plate, and said so.  She politely replied that it was for their records.  Records?  I don’t want my phone number part of your records!  Still, she’s just doing her job, and it’s the holiday season and we should be of good cheer, so I rattled off my business number, and extended the $10 bill to complete the purchase.

Your email?  Huh?!  The only reason that I can imagine someone would want my email address is to email me something.  Something like sales flyers, urging me to buy more stuff.  And all this focus on maybe getting me to buy something in the future was getting in the way of making a purchase right now.   And I wasn’t giving out my email.

So I told the nice young clerk that I just wanted to buy the plate.  She said she had to ask, keeping her fingers poised on the computer to enter the information.  I said no, that I didn’t want to give out any more personal information, and again said, I just want to buy this plate.  Finally sensing that I was serious, she said that she was required to ask the information at every purchase, but that I didn’t have to provide it to buy something.  Well thank you very much for removing that roadblock so that I could spend money with you!

Now I understand that this isn’t the clerk’s fault.  She’s merely carrying out a policy set at some corporate level.  A policy likely set by someone who is in charge of tracking metrics, planning marketing campaigns, and keeping the brand in the customer’s eye – but who has never had a person standing in front of them who just wants to buy a plate and get out of the story quickly.

There’s a moral to this story.

And it’s not that Pier 1 needs to worry about me as a customer (I only shop there occasionally), that they’ll lose a sale (I only made a small, negligible purchase), or that there will be some major reprisal (there won’t). There is no reason for the store to pay me one iota of attention.

The important message from this experience is for me to learn a lesson.  And to implement that lesson as I grow my blogging and online travel business.  Looking for selling opportunities is great.  And tracking metrics is certainly helpful.  And building a brand that you can be proud of is a touch, but rewarding, job.

But sometimes you just need to stop making the transaction about marketing, sales, or metrics.  Make it about the customer.  Give the customer what they want.  Get our of your own way and let the customer make a purchase on their own terms.

Photo credit: SXC

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If shopping was healthy, wouldn’t you do it every day?  That’s how I feel about shopping at Spoon Fed Art, the brainchild and creative outlet for Los Angeles designer Karin Collins.

Karin began making jewelry during treatment for an eating disorder, using spoons as the base upon which to build her beautiful designs. These are all handmade pieces, meaning each one is unique – an original work of art that you can wear.  And Karin continues to support recovery from eating disorders with her art and her business is a member of NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association.

All that means my shopping there helps make the lives of others healthier! (How’s that for rationalization?)

I purchased a spoon titled “Purple Rose of Cairo” several years ago, and I always get lots of compliments on it.  They make great one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself or others, allowing you to look good while doing good.  Prices start at $75 and include the spoon pendant on a chain or cord.

Why not indulge both your passion for beautiful things and your social conscious at the same time?!

Photo:  Spoon Fed Art

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My Christmas shopping has been done for awhile now.  Between picking up gifts while traveling to the joys of online shopping, I’ve managed to avoid the lines and crankiness that often infests malls and shops during this time of year.  While I haven’t missed out the shopping frenzy of the holiday season, I have missed out on a lot of other things.  Here’s what I’ve realized:

• I like watching the kids line up to see Santa, their smiles and excitement making them restless as they wait for their turn on the big guy’s lap.
• I like seeing all the holiday decorations and lights.  Thi8s is the time of year to enjoy them – and NOT before Thanksgiving.
• I enjoy listening to the Christmas carolers and holiday music piped throughout the mall or store.  It makes me feel festive and occasionally I even hum or sing along.  Another week or two and I’ll be sick of it, but I miss not hearing the week of Christmas.
• I miss the holiday cheer, running into friends out doing their shopping, too.  The hugs and kisses exchanged during the holiday season, the well wishes, the infectious enthusiasm of the season.  I can look past any grumpiness to find this silver lining.
• I miss the holiday clothes and accessories.  Those silly holiday sweaters, the Christmas tree pins, and even the Santa hats.  I find myself wearing lots of red and green this time of year, too.

Just because I have my shopping done doesn’t mean I have to miss out on all the fun, though.  Crazy as it might seem, I’m heading out to the mall this week.  I’m going to enjoy the best of the holiday season, ignoring the rest, as I countdown to Christmas!

Photo credit:  SXC

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I’m a huge fan of the CLARISONIC Skin Care System. Made by the company that brought us the Sonicare toothbrush system, this little gem deeply cleanses, stimulates and clarifies the skin using any nonabrasive facial cleanser.

Clarisonic Skin Care system

I’ve been using the Clarisonic for over a year now, and here are just a few reasons why I’m a big fan:

1. The design is waterproof. I keep mine on a shelf in the shower, taking it out only when I need to clean or re-charge it.
2. One charge will last for at least 30 uses.  Officially, that means I only need to recharge it every few weeks, but I’ve found that it actually lasts much longer.
3. It’s travel friendly. I can tuck it into my suitcase when I leave on a trip, and because the charge lasts a long time, I don’t need to pack the charging unit.
4. Compatible with any nonabrasive facial cleanser.  I’ve been searching for the perfect facial cleanser, and one of my requirements is that it be Clarisonic-friendly.
5. Unclogs pores with the oscillating brushes. This will save bundles on professional facials, and while I love having them, there are practical budgetary concerns.
6. Deep cleaning, yet gentle. Skin feels healthy and glowing after use, and I use it every day.
7. Reduces problem areas of skin including blemishes, and dry and oily patches.  I don’t have a huge problem with this, but it’s something to keep in mind.
8. Doesn’t strip skin of natural moisture. My skin is dry and abused further by working in a dry environment. I need to clean my face without losing even more moisture.
9. Takes no time at all to use. I keep it in the shower to use every morning while conditioner is soaking into my hair. Easy and fast means that you’ll actually use it.
10. Timer can be set so you use it the appropriate amount of time.  I trusty little device that makes sure you use it long enough to have maximum benefit.
11. Two brush options, normal and sensitive, so you can choose what’s right for your skin type and condition.  I haven’t noticed much difference, but if you have sensitive skin you may want to take this into consideration.
12. Serums and moisturizers absorb better after using it.  I need every fighting chance that I can get to help that moisturize soak in and help out my drying skin.
13. Improves skin texture, and helps minimize small lines.
14. My skin looks and feels better, and I get lots of compliments on how I look. Most people are surprised to learn that I’m much older than they’d guess. (And this reason alone may be the most important of all!)

The Clarisonic, and replaceable brushes are available at leading beauty counters.  For the price of one facial (maybe one and a half), you can have this product at home to use every day. It will pay for itself in nothing flat.

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Wear your affirmations and attitude on your wrist with these wrap around bracelets from Humanity.  When you’re hit by a wave of insecurity all you need to do look down for a little boost of confidence and positive thinking, then put your best face forward once gain – looking confident and feeling confident made easy.

The wrap around bracelets are made of leather, and come in baby pink, snow, grass, rust, natural, and brick red, and include thoughts of Lead the Way, Sow Love, and Make a Difference.

You can find the bracelets at local boutiques, or order them online at the Humanity website.  At $24 this fashion accessory is easy on the budget for yourself or as gifts for a few gal pals.  Wear them proudly to show your solidarity and commitment to positive thinking.

Photo credit: Humanity for All

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Paris is home to one of the most famous streets in the world, the Avenue des Champs des Elysees.

No trip would be complete, without talking time to at least stroll down the Avenue.  Better yet, take time to stop off for a cafe au lait and watch the world go by.   Better still, a little shopping spree!

Avenue des Champs Elysees in Paris, France

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Between my maturing skin and the environment that I work in, fighting the battle with dry skin often seems like a losing proposition.  I count my lucky stars that I’ve discovered products that manage the problem, although nothing I’ve discovered has quite eliminated it.

L’Occitane has natural beauty products that are developed and made in the small town of Manosque in Provence.  Drawing on Mediterranean inspiration, these are products designed with a love of the land, tradition, and with sustainable development in mind.  The company has made a strong commitment to being socially responsible and that mean you can enjoy products that are good for you – and for everyone and everything else, too. 

Making this point, is the L’Occitane sustainable development program in Burkina Faso around the production of shea butter.  The company also supports literacy and support for women in developing countries, the fight against blindness, and the preservation of threatened traditional cultivations.

You can support a great company and some great causes, while still saving a ton of money, during the Winter Sale.  Select products are up to 50% percent, including some of my favorites:

• Olive Paste for Hair – Great for all types of hair as a daily condition or as a weekly treatment.  Sale priced $13.50.
• Honey & Lemon Tartlet Gloss – Keeps your lips nourished with a little bit of shine with it’s shea butter and honey formula.  Sale priced $6.
• Citrus Verbena Fizzy Bath Salts – Scoop up a combinations of sugar and salt and turn your bath into an energizing experience.  Sale priced $11.
• Bonne Mere Soap – Honeysuckle is my favorite choice among these all-natural soaps, with Milk running a very close second.  They smell good, and leave my skin feeling clean and moisturized.  Sale priced $3.50.
• Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream – With a very high concentration of shea butter, this is a miracle worker at making my skin feel a little less like a crocodile.  It protects and rejuvenates the skin, and while it’s incredible rich, it is quickly absorbed and not greasy.  The 14.1 ounce size is sale priced at $49.

There are a lot more wonderful items that are greatly reduced, so turn yourself loose to stock up.  With each order you’ll receive a free sample set, free gift wrapping kit, and the popular boutique gift card.  For a limited time, you’ll also receive FREE standard shipping on all orders over $40.

Click on the ad above to start your shopping!

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Have you ever paid attention to the Sky Mall magazine in the airplane seat pocket?  Sometimes it’s a stand alone magazine, and sometimes in an insert in the in-flight magazine.

I am fascinated by all the fun stuff that you can find in that magazine!

Some of it, while fascinating, I wouldn’t have a clue what to do with it.  But other things I think I might actually use.

Here are a few things that caught my eye recently:

The The Slanket’>The Slanket allows you to keep your hands free while still being all curled up and warm in a blanket.  I could have used this over this past week, as I’ve snuggled up on the couch, but have still wanted to read or work on my laptop.  It comes in five colors. 

1000 Places to See Map’>1000 Places to See Map  allows you to keep track of where you’ve been and plan where you’re going next.  It coordinates with the book 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada, and would be a lot of fun for planning family trips.

The Scooba Robotic Floor Washer’>Scooba Robotic Floor Washer would come in really handy right now, and my kitchen floors are looking a little sad.  This little gem will autonomously prepare, wash and scrub tile, linoleum, or sealed hardwood floors.  What’s not to like about that?!

If you’re like me and enjoy spending time pouring over the Sky Mall catalog, you’ll appreciate this special offer:

You can save 10% off on any Sky Mall order that you place between now and March 31st, 2009.  Maybe you’ll try one of my favorites items here, or select something that you’ve had your eye on for awhile. 

All you have to do is enter the promotion code LSQ19 when you check out. 

The discount does not apply to shipping and handling or sales tax, and cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount or offer.  Gift cards and Bose products are excluded.  Offer expires March 31st, 2009.

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I’m not sure when my skin noticed the dramatic weather change, but all of a sudden my winter skin in here.  And it’s not all good!

My lips are dry, flaking, and I even found myself chewing on that loose bit of skin in the middle of my bottom lip.  That is so NOT good!

I’ve been lathering on a variety of lip balms, but it hasn’t really made a difference.

Today, though, I rummaged through a basket where I toss in my product samples and found the Emulsion Lip Exfoliant from Smashbox.  It’s been in the basket for awhile, just waiting for the perfect opportunity for me to give it a try.

I squeezed out a bit of the emulsion and rubbed into into my lips, hoping it would get off all that dead stuff that’s been lingering around.  Made of poppy seeds and sugar granules, with a little peppermint thrown in for good measure, I immediately noticed a tingling sensation and the peppermint-y taste. 

Massaging it into my lips, it felt tingly and good – grainy, but still a little moisturizing.  And, I figured if it worked as good as it tasted, I’d be pretty happy.  After leaving in on my lips for a few second, I washed it off with a wet washcloth. 

How did it work?  Well, a good deal of the flakes were gone, although my lips still felt pretty dry.  Still, it was a noticeable improvement, enough so for me to give it another try tomorrow. 

After exfoliating the lips, smooth on some of your favorite lip balm or other lip treatment.  It will make a great primer for your lipstick, or a nice moisturizer if you’re leaving your lips bare.

Emulsion Lip Exfoliant is available directly from Smashbox, or from your favorite beauty store.  $18.

Image credit:  Smashbox

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