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

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

August 2010 catalogue

1-800-933-3365


The thing that strikes me most about Nordstrom's August 2010 catalogue is the mixture of Seventies (yes, Seventies) style with that of the late Nineteen-eighties. Here we have wedge sandals, platform heels, flared leg (sequin, no less) trousers, and slouchy hobo bags--but--we also have weirdly hybrid legging-pants, denim mini-skirts and quilted leather handbags. The less said about the animal-print handbags the better, I think (hello Mrs. Robinson.....). There are two perfume inserts in this one--Donna Karan's "Cashmere Mist" and Dior's "Miss Dior Cherie." The Donna Karan scent is the less noxious of the two (see how faithful I am to you, my dear Chanel No. 5?).

As in (almost) every catalogue there is One Perfect Item that speaks to me. In this catalogue it is the dress on page 76--a sleeveless black and navy dress for $158.00, which, amazingly, is available in sizes 2 to 14.

The prize for Silliest Item of clothing has to go to Steve Madden's "Trouser" laceless Oxfords. $69.95 and you don't get laces? I think not, Mr. Madden. I recall, all too well, losing a shoe on the stairwell up from the 14th Street Union Square Subway station and the resulting traffic jam as I hopped about on one foot looking for my lost shoe. No my shoes, especially at that price, must have laces!

So, off I go now, to shop in my closet, and see what vintage looks I can recreate (wait....they're all vintage looks, LOL....).

National Wholesale Liquidators

National Wholesale Liquidators

Locations in: The Bronx, Brookly, Queens, Long Island City, Yonkers, Dorchester, MA, Jersey City, and Lodi, NJ

http://www.nationalwholesaleliquidators.com/

I love the Liquidators. It is true, though, that there are certain things I would never consider purchasing there--electronics, for one, clothing, or furniture (bad bad experience with a computer "work station"). This being said, I have been more than happy with some of our purchases there, particularly in the area of foodstuffs (excepting milk--you may not want to buy Liquidators milk....). A nice selection of teas, jams, preserves, candies, cookies, spices, and ethnic foods (Mexican/Middle Eastern/Italian) as well as mainstream American brands such as Lipton, Heinz, and Tropicana. Cleaning products, small housewares, and paper products (bath tissue and paper towels) are good values. Personal care products (shampoo, soap, shaving cream) seem to be priced comparably with those in any CVS, Duane Reade, or large supermarket (so you may as well wait for a special and use a coupon). Liquidators does not accept coupons, nor do they do rain checks. What you see is what they have....and their merchandise is ever-changing....so....if you see something you want/need and it's the right price....grab a couple, because it might not be there next week. Or tomorrow.

A good source for inexpensive greeting cards ( .99 cents ). Much of their stock--if one checks labels--seems to originate in Canada (yes, I am thinking of you, Nescafe). I am not sure why this is, exactly, though it has been cause--on more than one occasion-- for my husband to opine that there was no way he was going to drink "Canadian" coffee or use "Canadian" toothpaste, though, frankly, I can't tell the difference.

I particularly enjoy the Liquidators prior to Christmastime. They are the only store, in my experience, that play non-secularized Christmas carols (yes, the religious ones) instead of sanitized Santa-songs (which is, I must admit, refreshing). I have heard though, that some have ventured the opinion that they are afraid they are supporting the Jihad whenever they shop there. Of this, I cannot venture an opinion, not having any sure knowledge or certainty considering the political affiliations of the owners. All I know is that they stock the most delicious chocolate biscuits and Walker's shortbread cookies before Christmas and that is sufficient for me!! So...herewith some of their current specials (good through 8/17/2010). Keep in mind, too, that the Liquidators gets very crowded on the weekends. The best time to go is a Tuesday morning at around 11:00 a.m. or so. That is when I would go.....

Black and white composition notebooks .50 cents each

12 pack Papermate pens .88 cents

Brita Slim Pitcher $8.88

20 pack Wood Hangers 9.99

Mr. Clean 40 ounce refill 2.49

Heinz Ketchup 36 ounces 1.49

20 lb. imported Basmati Rice 15.99

McFarland Military History Books

McFarland Military History Books
McFarland & Company Inc.
Box 611 Jefferson, NC 28640-0611

Orders: 1-800-253-2187

http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/

McFarland is continuously making more titles available in an e-book format. Check their website for the latest availability information. In their attractive, four-color catalogue, they list new books for Fall 2010 (several noted below) as well as an extensive backlist. Detailed histories of most every military conflict and war are represented here (though there does seem to be a preponderance of titles dealing with the Civil War), many from a first-person perspective--memoirs, diaries, letters, accounts of particular battles.

Some of their titles:


The Egyptian Expeditionary Force in World War I: A History of the British-Led Campaigns in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria, Mortlock, PB, $38.00

Abner Doubleday: A Civil War Biography, Barthel, PB, $35.00

Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Beyond, Rogal, PB, $29.95

Women Military Pilots of World War II, Merry, PB, $35.00

Mollie's War: Letters of a World War II WAC in Europe, Schaffer & Schaffer, PB, $35.00

New York's Fighting Sixty-Ninth, Mahon, PB, $35.00

The Jewish Revolts Against Rome, Bloom, PB, $45.00

Guerrilla Warfare in the Irish War for Independence, 1919-1921, McKenna, PB, $65.00

Gulf War Nurses: Personal Accounts of 14 Americans, Rushton, ed., PB, $35.00

Battle History of the United States Marine Corps. 1775-1945, Clark, HC, $75.00

Lullabies for Lieutenants: Memoir of a Marine Forward Observer in Vietnam, 1965-1966, Cox, PB, $29.95

The War of 1812 in Person: Fifteen Accounts by United States Army Regulars, Volunteers, and Militiamen, Fredriksen, ed., PB, $45.00

Out of the Mouth of Hell: Civil War Prisons and Escapes, Casstevens, PB, $39.95

Lens of an Infantryman, Leff, PB, $45.00 (backlist, published in 2007)

Hanes.com - More than Socks......

One Hanes Place. com
One Hanes Place
P.O. Box 748
Rural Hall, NC 27098

Telephone: 1-800-300-2600

http://www.onehanesplace.com/


Hanes.com is more than just socks. They have a great selection of bras and panties by Bali, Playtex, Barely There, Wonderbra, and Champion. Their current catalogue features a "bra sale" with prices as low as $13.99. They also carry "shapewear" (formerly known as girdles!), stockings, swimsuits, men's underwear (some items currently 25% off), women's and men's exercise wear, and casual separates for boys and girls.

Some items:

Wonderbra Uprising Strapless Bra (Frost, Midnight, Soft/Taupe Pink) $22.99

Hanes Tagless ComfortSoft Cotton Stretch Lace Waistband Bikini (3-pack) $6.99

Bali Never Ending Smooth Firm Control Shaping Brief (White, Black, Soft Taupe) $12.99

Hanes Silk Reflections Lace Top Sandalfoot Thigh High Stockings (Black, Barely There, Little Color) (3 pairs) $18.99

Pleated Front Tank Swimsuit (Red, Black, Brown - Sizes 10-18) $26.24

The Tog Shop

The Tog Shop

P.O. Box 176

Jessup, PA 18434-0176

Telephone: 1-800-367-8647

Fax: 1-800-755-7557

http://www.togshop.com/

For all of us, along with death and taxes, comes the inevitable spectre of elastic-waisted trousers. I recently received a catalogue from The Tog Shop and was surprised, indeed, that it was not accompanied by an invitation to join AARP (my husband has already received one of these and it was not a pretty sight). To be perfectly frank, the prospect of aging horrifies me far less than that of wearing elastic-waisted trousers (which I feel should be relegated strictly to maternity wardrobes). This being said, The Tog Shop catalogue carries a number of brands: Leon Levin, Haymaker, Alfred Dunner, Foxcroft, and Koret--whose speciality is clothing for women of a certain age.

It is true that, as one ages, most of us do not want to encounter the horrified glances and averted eyes occasioned by that syndrome known as "mutton dressed as lamb." There is something to be said--at any age--for three-quarter sleeves (covers upper-arm wobble, sometimes cruelly called "bat-wings") and low-heeled loafers. The advantage of these clothing lines is that all the separates will easily mix and match, interchangably, they are, undoubtedly, very practical, and I am sure they wash and pack well. There is, somehow, something about these clothes that depresses the hell out of me. It is probably because I can see most of these outfits coming off of a chartered tour bus, completed by fanny packs stuffed with senior discount coupons.

I would say that they are best for their accessories--handbags, shoes, sandals--and for their bathing suits, which are (unsurprisingly) very modest and offered in a nice range of colors and patterns--but I somehow, just cannot get my mind around those elastic-waisted trousers (shudder). As with any catalogue, check their website before ordering, especially the "clearance" page, to see if there are any good deals not represented in the printed catalogue (it can't hurt to get into the practice, in anticipation of all those "senior" discounts!!).

Dr. Leonard's Discount Healthcare Catalogue

Dr. Leonard's Healthcare Products

100 Nixon Lane

P.O. Box 7821

Edison, NJ 08818-7821

Telephone: 1-800-785-0880

Fax: 1-732-572-2118

http://www.drleonards.com/

Ah, what can one say about the Dr. Leonard's catalogue? It has a wonderful collection of products...not all healthcare-related, even though the name of the catalogue may seem to indicate this. Aside from the miracle hair cream and the copper and magnetic (designer jewellery), there are housewares (slipcovers, curtains, bedspreads, sheets, air purifiers), clothing (dresses, robes, nightgowns, shoes, sandals, non-binding cotton socks, elastic-waisted pants for men and women), weight loss products, including "fat burning patches" and "colon cleansing" products. Sonic pest repellers and solar powered mole repellers. "Detox" foot pads, blood pressure monitors, folding cane that opens into a seat, the "Snuggie", waterproof bed pads and incontinence products, and Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer. Many of the items are "as seen on TV." One surprise is that, amongst the folding canes, walker baskets, and shower chairs, there are a number of intimate personal products for couples.

The Pyramid Collection: Myth, Magick, Fantasy, and Romance

The Pyramid Collection
Altid Park
P.O. Box 3333
Chelmsford, MA 01824-0933


Telephone: 1-800-333-4220
Facsimile: 1-800-866-3235

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/

In MA only there is a 6.25% tax on non-clothing orders.

Gift cards are available in the following increments: $25. / $50. / $75. / $100.

Standard delivery, Rush Service, and Two-Day Express Delivery available.


Jewellery, jackets, dresses, boots and shoes, fingerless gloves, capes, tunics, skirts, some items with a markedly "dress up" feel to them. It seems that they are adding more out-and-out costumes: pirates (male and female), mermaids, Goddesses, and several other tarty outfits suitable, I would think, only for a Halloween fancy dress party or behind a locked bedroom door!! To be sure, there are a number of striking garments here, many of which could safely be worn down a busy city street without provoking a third glance (a first or a second glance can be lovely, but that third glance....I think not!).


A number of items, especially the jewellery items, would be suitable as presents, but, as in all things, you should be very sure as regards her tastes before ordering because many of the pieces of jewellery (to me) seem rather out of the ordinary. The tunics/dresses/pants seem to be cut in a swingy, forgiving fashion, with plenty of fabric, in most cases, to ensure coverage. Their patterned cowboy-style rain boots (skulls and roses) at $49.95 do nothing for me, but the 52" Dashiki (100% cotton, machine washable) at $39.95 is attractive and a good value. They specialize mainly in floaty romantic gear for women of a certain age.


There are several long-sleeved blouses I would advise against cooking in as you would surely set yourself alight. They also, ahem, have a selection of "massagers" for women, and---shades of Peggy on "Mad Men"---massaging lace briefs for ladies, which, I kid you not, can be activated by a remote control. So. Some pretty things--especially the tunics--some tarty things (best for dress-up), cute but impractical handbags, velvet coats and capes (attractive, but bound to attract every bit of lint in a five-mile radius), unique pieces of jewellery, shoes (mainly very high-heeled), and a mixture of ethnic-y, new-agey, wiccan-ish garb in sized XS (2-4) to, in some cases, 3X (22W-24W).

The Catholic Company

The Catholic Company

P.O. Box 7445

Charlotte, NC 28241-7445

Telephone: 1-866-522-8465

Fax: 1-704-940-2249

Standard/Two-Day/Next-Day Shipping

Tax on NC orders only.

http://www.catholiccompany.com/

Their catalogue states that they have "over 18,000" products. Many would be excellent gifts, either for a housewarming, a Christening, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, or for a wedding. There are also publications for children, mothers, and teenagers, as well as classic works of Roman Catholic theology, wall plaques, Bibles, crucifixes, and jewellery.

A sampling of some of their items:

Illustrated Catholic Children's Bible $26.95

4 CD Set / Gospel Rosary of Pope John Paul II $29.99

Sterling Silver Brown Cocoa Bead Rosary $67.95

Douay-Rheims Bible (black leather binding) $54.95

St. Joseph Statue 10" (resin/stone mix) $28.95

Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska (pb) $15.95

Handbook for Catholic Moms (pb) $15.95

Italian Alabaster Crucifix (15" high) $84.00

Connemara Marble Rosary (25") $54.95

The Imitation of Christ (Thomas a Kempis) $18.95

Leaflet Missal - Religious and Church Goods

Leaflet Missal

Publisher and Supplier of Religious Goods

976 West Minnehana Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55104-1556

Telephone: 1-800-328-9582

Fax: 1-800-355-0650

http://www.leafletonline.com/

Tax on Minnesota orders only. Ground, Two-Day, and Next-Day Shipping Available

Leaflet Missal has a large selection of religious goods including Christmas ornaments, gifts, and decor, Fontanini Nativities, home incense kits, scapulars, inspirational clothing, car accessories, garden statues, nightlights, holy water fonts, statues, framed art, many rosaries (of widely differing price ranges) and cases, medals, holy cards, quality religious jewellery, crucifixes, pins, Church goods (vestments, chalices, patens, Mass and sick call sets) candles, playsets and toys for children, DVDs, CDs, and books (including Bibles) for children and adults, including a selection of pre-Vatican II prayerbooks.

Daedalus DVDs

http://www.salebooks.com/

Telephone: 1-800-395-2665

Daedalus is best known for their books, of course, but they also carry a great selection of DVDs at discounted prices.....here are some from their Summer 2010 catalogue......

The '70's Experience Collection (3 dvds) $12.98

A Day at the Races (Marx brothers) $7.98

13 Rue Madeleine (Cagney) $6.98

Alexander the Great (Burton) $5.98

Battle of Britian (Caine) $6.98

Flying Down to Rio (Astaire) $6.98

Funny Face (Hepburn) $6.98

The Great Escape (McQueen) $6.98

Guys and Dolls (Brando) $6.98

Kings Row (Reagan) $6.98

A Man for All Seasons (Scofield) $6.98

The Man With the Golden Arm (Sinatra) $6.98

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Taylor) $7.98

Broadway Danny Rose (Allen) $6.98

The Brothers McMullen (Burns) $6.98

The Pink Panther (Sellers) $6.98

American Splendor (Giamatti) $6.98

Charlie Wilson's War (Hanks) $6.98

Cinderella Man (Crowe) $6.98

The Departed (Nicholson) $6.98

Good Night and Good Luck (Clooney) $6.98

The Interpreter (Kidman) $6.98

Road to Perdition (Hanks) $6.98

Serpico (Pacino) $7.98

The Seven-Ups (Scheider) $6.98

The Wind That Shakes the Barley (Murphy) $6.98

Dare Not Walk Alone (Dean) $6.98

Wordplay (Shortz) $6.98