Creative Irish Gifts

Creative Irish Gifts
Spring 2011, Volume 2
http://www.shopirish.com

Free standard shipping on all orders (expires 2/28/2011)
On the website: Valentine's Day special - 10% off all in-stock jewelry.

Division of NLC Products, Inc.
P.O. Box 8300
Little Rock, AR 72222
Toll Free: 1-800-843-4538

This catalogue is rather a mixed bag...pretty much what one would expect...Aran sweaters a plenty (both for adults and for children), Claddagh rings in silver and gold, shamrock-patterned tea towels, scarves, socks.....well, you get the idea...

There's glassware for pints and Irish coffees, and Belleek mugs, and various and sundry food items, including (of course) Barry's Tea, mustard, preserves, brown bread mix, shortbread, and Irish "fortune cookies" and candies shaped like potatoes. Sods of turf, too, and a tiny turf burner to bring the scent of rural Ireland into your kitchen. Items for men include t-shirts, baseball caps, jewelry, and golf-themed items.

Items for children include this Child's Shamrock Dress (12 month and 24 month sizes) for $23.99, Children's Aran sweaters (crew and cardigan) for $54.99 and $57.99, and a Falling Shamrock Denim Jumper (12 months, 2T, 3T, 4T) for $26.99.

There is also a selection of cute onesies, bibs, t-shirts, baby bracelets in sterling silver, and a "Bedtime Blessing Celtic Cross."

There is also a nice selection of items for wedding gifts (or for yourself!).

(Pictured above) Wild Iris Glass Jug, $69.99
Belleek 2011 Limited Edition Covered Pot, $35.00
Pourrie Bowl, $87.99
Rose Bowl Glass Vase, $69.99
Silver Celtic Necklace (locket), $39.99
Mountains of Mourne Glass Vase, $79.99
Belleek Mugs (set of two), $50.00

Mixed in with all the other items are some which definitely fall into the category of kitsch. Some of these are:

(Pictured Above) Light-Up Bow Tie, $5.99
Irish Tux for the Holidays (T-Shirt), $21.99
Shamrock adorned Irish Socks, $8.99
Irish Dirt and Shamrock Seeds, $15.99
Lucky Irish Penny, $11.99
Happy Hat and (green) Hair, $14.99

Valentine's Day Gifts (For Him)

http://www.ferrari.com

Ferrari. $200,000.00 (or thereabouts).

http://www.bensilver.com

Crockett and Jones Handmade Shoes

The Savile Monk Shoe in Antique Brown Calf, $725.00

http://www.cabelas.com

Escort Smart Mirror

GPS Smart Navigation / Hands Free Cellular Phone Unit
Direct Help for Emergency Assistance
Bluetooth-enabled Speakerphone System

Valentine's Day Gifts (For Her)

Here's a few suggestions for Valentine's Day! Enjoy....

http://www.godiva.com

Godiva Ultimate Collection, $150.00

20 assorted truffles
36 assorted chocolates
23 assorted biscuits

79 pieces, 21 pounds, 1.45 ounces.

http://www.tiffany.com


Tiffany Garden Flower Necklace in Platinum with Diamonds, $50,000.00

12.61 carats

*Complimentary shipping on orders of $300.00 or more.

http://www.teleflora.com

"Forever Beloved" $129.95

Thirty red roses in an urn vase complemented by fragrant eucalyptus.

Aveen Designs (Jewelry)

http://aveendesigns.com/jewelry/index.html


I recently saw their "Liv" pendant in the Dec./Jan. issue of Men's Journal and thought that it was just about the prettiest (and most affordable) piece of jewelry I'd seen in a long time. They have many other pendant designs which are also lovely.....

Now, this would be a perfect Valentine's Day gift.....I'm thinking I might just get it for myself!!


Aveen Designs
276 Greenpoint Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222

Telephone: 1-732-674-3039
Fax: 1-866-266-8762

Appleseed's catalogue

http://www.appleseeds.com

Appleseed's
P.O. Box 166
Jessup, PA 18434-0166

Toll Free: 1-800-767-6666
Fax: 1-800-755-7557
Customer Service: 1-888-430-5711

"Classic is ageless" is the tagline on the 65th Anniversary catalogue I recently received in the mail. I've always like Appleseed's best for their accessories....footwear (sandals, boots, shoes, sneakers), handbags, and costume jewelery. Some of their other items, most notably the elastic-waisted pants, leave me cold. Some of the cardigan and twinset-type sweaters are nice, especially if you like pastel shades, but many of the items are a little too matronly for me at the moment.

At the moment they are offering free shipping on orders over $50.00 (until 27th February 2011). The code is 1A1FS.

One thing I have always appreciated about their catalogue is that they don't try to put middle-aged looking clothing on twiglets who appear to be suffering from eating disorders. The models here are well-preserved ladies of a certain age....past their first flowering, certainly, but still, admittedly, quite attractive.

They also have very detailed sizing charts, too, which are a definite help for those of us whose shapes have changed over time!!

Some of the items that called out to me in this catalogue are as follows.....

Sling Organizer Bag (Toffee or Black) 1A1-12D, $49.00

Lifestride "Antic" Ballerina flats 1A1-33G, $49.00

Keds "Champion" Lace-Ups (White or Black) 1A1-42D, $29.95

"Cassandra" sandals (Admiral, Hibiscus, White, Horizon Blue, Stone) 1A1-45G, $39.00

Faux-Pearl Necklace - 30 inch length - can be doubled or tripled. Ivory. 1A1-77G $35.00

Walden Tapestry Bag, 11 X 10 X 13, Black Multi Floral, 1A1-87F, Reduced from $55. to $34.99

Daedalus Books - Limited Quantities Winter 2011

Daedalus Books
P.O. Box 6000
Columbia, MD 21045

1-800-395-2655

http://www.salebooks.com


There are few things that please me more than receiving a nice big box of books in the mail. With prices like Daedalus Books has on these "limited quantities" titles, this is very affordable indeed. Of course, one must remember, they also carry a varied selection of bargain priced DVDs and CDs.

In fact, I don't think I can recall when I last bought a book at list price....I have become so used to purchasing remainders...as well as second-hand volumes (online and offline!)...that I really can't see shelling out $30+ dollars for something hot off the presses.

A great source for gifts for the book-lover in your life....and, remember, Valentine's day is coming up before we know it! What could be nicer (and non-caloric, as well!) than a carefully chosen volume, lovingly inscribed?

Some of the titles which struck me particularly.....

Odysseus:A Life (Beye) $2.98
Girl With a Pearl Earring (Chevalier) $4.98
New York Underground:1970-1980 (Cobler) $9.98
Literary Feasts:Inspired Eating from Classic Fiction (Brand) $1.00
Literary Lust:The Sexiest Moments in Classic Fiction (Hyde) $1.00
William Blake: Stained Glass Coloring Book $2.98
The World in a Frame (Dickinson, illus. by Barnet) $6.98
Bryson's Dictionary for Writers and Editors $6.98
The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace (Kornfield) $5.98
The Bell Jar (Plath) $5.98
Dream of Fair to Middling Women (Beckett) $3.98
Wintering (Moses) $3.98
Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo di' Medici (Unger) $9.98
Sex With Kings: 500 Years of Adultery, Power, Rivalry, and Revenge (Herman) $4.98
Helen of Troy:Goddess, Princess, Whore (Hughes) $4.98
Why Can't We Be Good? (Needleman) $5.98
True Crime: New Jersey--The State's Most Notorious Criminal Cases (Martinelli) $3.98
Bill Evans Trio:Sunday at The Village Vanguard CD $5.98
John Fogerty: Revival CD $5.98
The Folk Years: Simple Songs of Freedom 2 CDs $7.98
Live at Newport (Kingston Trio, Seeger, Collins, Baez and others) CD $5.98
Carl Perkins:The Complete Sun Singles $5.98
Econotes (12 notecards with envelopes and seals) $3.98
Edwin Deakin (20 notecards) $5.98
Oxford Dictonary of American Art and Artists (Morgan) $5.98
Toulouse-Lautrec:The Moulin Rouge and the City of Light (Burleigh) $5.98
How to Cook Italian (Giuliano Hazan) $9.98
Pirates (for children) (Matthews) $7.98
Herbert Fieldmouse:Secret Agent (O'Malley) $4.98
The New Yorker Cats 2011 Engagement Calendar $4.98
The New Yorker Dogs 2011 Engagement Calendar $4.98
McCain Paper Dolls (including his wife Cindy) (Tierney) $1.00
Atonement DVD (Keira Knightly et al.) $5.98

"Self Help" books -- Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller's "Bargain Books" catalogue

Edward R. Hamilton, Bookseller Company
P.O. Box 15
Falls Village, CT 06031-5000

One low $3.50 shipping charge for your entire order!!!


Well, the new year has come and gone and perhaps some of us have already broken our resolutions. Never mind that...there is always a fresh start with each new day! With that in sight, I have selected some of the "self help" titles noted in the current Edward R. Hamilton "Bargain Books" catalogue to feature here.

Here are a few that caught my eye:

Better Sex Through Yoga (Greaux, et al.) $5.95

What To Do When the S**t Hits the Fan (Black) $4.95

Keep Your Brain Alive (Katz and Rubin) $6.95

How to Talk to Anyone (Lowndes) $9.95

Get Out of Your Own Way (Goulston and Goldberg) $9.95

Get it Done When You're Depressed (Fast and Preston) $9.95

The Power of Your Subconsious Mind, Revised (Murphy) $9.95

Country Wisdom and Know-How (Black Dog & Leventhal, publishers) $13.95

When Panic Attacks (Burns) $4.95

Restful Insomnia (Kornblatt) $5.95

Where Did I Leave My Glasses (Weinman) $4.95

How Philosophy Can Save Your Life (McCarty) $3.95

Metropolitan Museum of Art Store--Clearance Catalogue!!

Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
(End of Season Clearance Sale and Special Values)
Sale prices valid through 28th February 2011

http://www.store.metmuseum.org

1-800-468-7383

Holiday/Jewelry/Watches/Men's/Scarves/Accessories/Art for the Home/MetKids/Books/Stationery

There are some great values in this sale catalogue. It always appears after Christmas....and all those lovely items you looked at in their Christmas/Holiday catalogue (if still available) have been reduced in price. A particularly good buy are their boxes of twenty Christmas/Holiday cards, reduced from $17.98 to $8.98. The images featured on the cards--taken from paintings and other artworks in the MMA collections are distinctive and make a nice change from what Hallmark has to offer.

There is a good range of jewelry, for a wide range of differing tastes: reproductions from the Bronze Age, Art Nouveau styles, Russian, Minoan, Etruscan, and Greek. If you have ever admired a piece of jewelry in the MMA collections this would be a good opportunity to find that special piece of jewelry (or that special gift) to complete an outfit. A varied selection of men's and ladies watches, as well as ties and cufflinks that are definitely out of the ordinary.

There are William Morris scarves and a collection of Klimt accessories (tote bags, cosmetic cases, and umbrella). Personally, I prefer the William Morris scarves, but I have to admit that the Klimt accessories would provide a nice pop of color, especially in this grey winter weather. Unsurprisingly, there are a number of pages featuring art books, but I suspect that, even though they are discounted here, you could find better prices elsewhere.

The "Art for the Home" section includes small statues, picture frames, mugs, serving trays. MetKids has a small and pricey (even with the discount) selection of children's books and toys. The best of these, I think, is the "Timberkits:Dragon" for $18.71.

Also offered: Complete Cartoons of The New Yorker $24.95 (originally $60.00), plus a wide assortment of notecards for $8.98 (reduced from $17.95 -- most boxes contain 25 cards/envelopes). Other stationery items (Klimt, Morris, Art Deco Flowers, Degas) range in price from $4.98 to $12.48 (journals, correspondence cards, notecards, and engagement calendars).

This catalogue can, theoretically, be a good source for Mother's Day, Easter, and upcoming birthday gifts.....even Valentine's Day, should you want to get that special guy a Cylinder Seals necktie ($25.00, silk twill, reduced from $50.00) or Babylonian Sun Shield Cuff Links ($24.00 18K matte gold overlay, reduced from $40.00).

Sale prices valid through 28th February 2011.

Orvis "Gifts for Men" Catalogue

Orvis
1711 Blue Hills Drive
Roanoke, VA 24012-8613

http://www.orvis.com

Telephone: 1-800-541-3541

Email: customer_service@orvis.com


It's that time of year again and my mailbox has been graced by a veritable deluge of lovely, glossy, four-color catalogues angling at holiday dollars. Some are even perfumed, though most, thankfully, are not!

One of my annual favorites, the Orvis "Gifts for Men" catalogue arrived shortly. Orvis has, it has been my experience, well made, if rather expensive goods (personally, I am a fan of their online "tent sale" where, much like Loehmann's, you can see the reduction of price over time).

Still, the Orvis "Gifts for Men" is a great (and amusing) read. Where else can you find a Brunswick Windsor Billiard Table ($11,250.00) or a Dundee Panel Tartan Sportcoat ($495.00) (which I think should, by rights, come with either a set of golf clubs or a solid silver martini shaker)?

There's an admirable collection of gadgets: keychains, multi-tools, solar telephone chargers, compass watches, and a rechargable flashlight (if he is allergic to wool!).

If he is not allergic to wool, the choices widen up considerably. In particular, the "Black Sheep" Irish Fisherman Socks in pure merino wool for only (gulp) $49.00 a pair. Still, for the right black sheep, they might be the perfect present!

The other, expected, items for men also appear.....caps, small leather goods, board games, Irish linen handkerchiefs....all very tasteful, but, for my tastes, rather expensive.

Bargain Books -- Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller Company

Bargain Books
Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller Company
P.O. Box 15
Falls Village, CT 06031-0015

Edward R. Hamilton is a great source for publishers' closeouts, overstocks, imports, remainders, and current titles at special prices--some titles are as much as 80% off. They do not accept credit cards (if you want to order Hamilton Books with a credit card you will need to go to http://www.hamiltonbook.com but be aware that there will be extra shipping costs).

When ordering by mail (and paying by check) there is only one low $3.50 fee for shipping and handling (a real bargain). CT residents must add 6% tax on the total, including the shipping and handling fee.

Hamilton carries a wide variety of books in a multiplicity of subject areas---from "American History" to "Your Health" (subjects are listed, in alphabetical order, on the inside of the front page of the catalogue, which is, in total, 147 pages in length). Most readers, I believe, will find some title or other that will be of interest to them. They also carry a smaller selection of DVDs and CDs, also well worth perusing.

Here are some of the titles (catalogue dated: 7/23/2010) that caught my eye:



Zaida Ben-Yusuf: New York Portrait Photographer (240 pp.) $9.95

Twilight at Monticello: The Final Years of Thomas Jefferson (322 pp.) $4.95

The Essential Writings of Machiavelli (516 pp.) $12.95

The Dodgers: 120 Years of Dodgers Baseball (445 pp.) $9.95

Cannibalism, Headhunting, and Human Sacrifice in North America (249 pp.) $7.95

Augustine: A New Biography (396 pp.) $5.95

Henry VIII: The King and His Court (642 pp.) $4.95

Hell's Islands: The Untold Story of Guadalcanal (514 pp.) $11.95

Thomas Paine's Rights of Man (Hitchens) ( 158 pp.) $4.95

The Irish-Americans: A History (Dolan) (352 pp.) $7.95

Original Sin: A Cultural History (286 pp.) $5.95

J.C. Leyendecker: American Imagist (256 pp.) $34.95

Headless Body in Topless Bar: The Best Headlines from America's Favorite Newspaper (Staff, New York Post) (191 pp.) $4.95

The Good Rat: A True Story (Breslin) (270 pp.) $5.95

LBJ's Hired Gun: A Marine Corps Helicopter Gunner's War in Vietnam (260 pp.) $7.95

Willie & Joe: The WWII Years (Mauldin) (650 pp.) $24.95

Uneasy Money (Wodehouse) (247 pp.) $11.95