S: Is for Soothing!

With the uncertainty of where the economy is going and the added stress of the failing stock market we need items that can boast our moral. With the holidays approaching gifts that show caring, but are affordable pray heavily on our minds. Pier 1 Imports rises to the occasion, offering solutions to ease the burden. Their new line of kitchen and bath and body products blend aromatherapy with practical use. Their private label Pier 1 Kitchen line is made with natural ingredients and essential oils. The fresh and invigorating Green Tea and Lemongrass, Citrus Cilantro, Ginger Peach, Island Orchid and Washabi Lime scents transform the kitchen into a place of tranquility. Beautifully packaged these items not only keep your dishes clean but your hands feeling soft, soothed and moisturized. The line is available in Dish Soap, Hand Soap and Hand Lotion and range in price from$6-$8


Next up is Prann. The name alone comes from a Sanskrit word translating to “life force.” Inspired by nature’s beauty, balance and energy, Prann products provide the ultimate at-home spa experience. Developed in Thailand, and crafted with 100% natural active ingredients, Prann is available in the U.S. exclusively at Pier 1. It softens and smoothes while rebalancing natural moisture. Available in three scents and two sizes you can choose from Relaxing (Lavender and Eucalyptus), Refreshing (Lemongrass and Peppermint) and Rebalancing (Rice Bran and Jasmine). Product line includes an assortment of products such as body mud gift sets and luxurious lotions. Price ranges from $3 to $50 for the entire line.

Featuring minerals from the Dead Sea, Nature's Minerals Salt Scrub works to exfoliate and soften the skin. This scrub removes dead skin cells, helps circulation and tones the skin. Available in four scents, Kyoto Blossom (Rose), Ming Palace (spicy Chai tea), Kashmir Beauty (white tea and ginger) and Ziara Desert (exotic and floral). Dead sea salt stimulates circulation and encourages skin renewal. Straight from Israel these unique elements will sooth even the most stressed body. Price for Naturals mineral $10-$20 price for relieving stress, priceless.

Luxury is not just for the very the very rich, you just need to find those hidden treasure. Pier 1 is one of those places and that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for Time to Vote!

I wasn't going to vote until I saw the vice presidential debate. To be honest, I have never voted. In high school I was into politics and was always in office. I learned right then and there it was a popularity contest. Around the same time I discovered that a college that doesn't exist picks the President. Sometimes against the wishes of the American vote. When I became computer literate and googled and researched the candidates I discovered they switched parties and were incredibly misleading. I became ambivalent. I have never believed we really have had a choice. I think we are mislead to think we do and the Florida debacle is a prime example. But what if I am wrong? I still think neither choice is a perfect choice, however I think one of the choices for Vice President is so horrifying that it is enough to make me change. What if one vote made a difference? What if there were more people out there like me who thought the same way? We are living in a time when we need to make our voices heard. We need to say NO MORE! We need a change and John McCain and more importantly Sarah Palin are not it! Since when did it become alright to blanetly smear another candidate? According to Palin anyone who criticizes George W. Bush’s foreign policy is un-American. Considering that a majority of Americans disagree with Bush's policies, if she and McCain become elected where does that leave freedom of speech? Or thought? Will all of our patriotism come under question? Palin states, "This is not a man who sees America like you and I see America. We see America as a force of good in this world. We see an America of exceptionalism.""Exceptionalism," is the theory preached by the neoconservatives who think that the United States has the exceptional right to operate outside international law. I for one do not see America as Palin or McCain see it. Palin in every speech has twisted Obama's words. Is it because she has none of her own? Palin's "character" assault against Obama would be better served answering questions about her own background and views. McCain is employing the same sort of personal smear tactic done to him in 2000. His campaign announced, openly, its intent to go negative on Obama weeks before Nov. 4. Palin declared, in no uncertain terms, that she needn't answer questions put to her by the moderator during the debate, stating she was gonna talk straight to the American people. My question, for Ms. Palin is when is this going to happen? To quash the rumors (or truth) about your son Trig ...produce a birth certificate! But NO, its easier to skip over your failings and put the spotlight on someone else.

There have been articles written about the reason women hate Sarah Palin stating it is because she is too pretty and she has accomplished more than the rest of us. There is even a website dedicated to it womenagainstsarahpalin.blogspot.com, which is more accurate. Women hate Plain because she is condescending and makes us look bad. I for one NEVER want to be compared to this women. I don't hate her, I don't know her. I do know she is the last person I ever want to see put into a position of power. What she does do is scare me enough to care to see if my vote counts and to see if I can make a difference. We have in New York to the 10th to register to vote. I implore you to go onto cnn.com and read the F.A.C.T.S. about what the candidates are saying about each other. Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/v/PdJUCU1UH2w&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&co
Do research and make your voice heard. You don't have to agree with me but we are in a time when we need to choose sides. If we don't we may lose that right and that is slowly becoming a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for Arts and Crafts!

Fall in New York means it's time for the annual craft fairs. One of the most celebrated is right outside my door and I can even see it out my window. CRAFTS ON COLUMBUS is an event showcasing jewelry, clothing, art and home decor compliment the foliage. From 77th to 81st streets around the Natural History Museum on the Columbus side, talented venders show their wares. This is the perfect place to find that unique gift for the holidays. This fair goes on every Saturday and Sunday rain or shine the month of October. Highlighted here are some of my favorite reasons to spend a pleasant weekend strolling on the UWS.

Seymour Mondshein and Lisa Martin have created unique handmade backpacks, purses, and fashion forward bags created in leather, tapestry and nylon. This is Maple Leather Company and Great Bags first time at the Columbus fair due to the renovations going on at Lincoln Centre and it is to our good fortune. This is craftsmanship and skill rarely seen, that is only passed down from generation to generation. It is obvious that these two artisans love what they do, for it shows in every item. These designs evolve into many different styles and shapes. Striving to create works of lasting beauty and design which are both durable and functional, this company succeeds in every way. Each bag is designed to provide the user with maximum convenience, comfort, and style and I love the organizational pockets and key holders that most of the collection carries. All these bags are proudly made in the U.S.A. My favorite is a bag called the collectable, which is 3 bags in one. I am now proudly an owner. Made in tapestry and nylon it is light weight and offer design and function. "Maple Leather Company" offer a distinctive look and style that allows New Yorkers to look their best.

Kizmet Yogawear is a high quality, upbeat clothing line for the fashion and body conscious athlete in us all. It is clothing used as a canvas and infuse with inspiration from beliefs, ideas & references from different sources. The Lotus flower is often referred to as the seat of empowerment & associated with the bounty of the earth. The Om is representative of the eternal balance of the elements, along with mind and body. Ganesha Hindu is the Deity of success, knowledge & wisdom. The Buddha image is a reflection of Compassion. Namaste' The honoring of one divine spirit to another. The Bamboo stalks for good fortune & happiness. I love this urban wear and vibrant yoga wear line made from the softest cotton/ spandex and the sheerest jersey cotton available. Their belief that we are truly one world all striving for peace, love and happiness in our own way and I for one support that.

Stepanka Horalkova’s creates beautiful ceramics. I have passed by her booth and always admired her craftsmanship. Self-taught ceramic artist born in the Czech Republic who now lives in New York. Her work is all hand built, mainly using slabs, and range from standing vessels, standing abstract forms, wall pillow forms, spheres and functional ware. If looking for a new mug to add to your collection, here is one that will make drinking your morning coffee or tea a artistic expression and that is a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for Art Going Green and Giving Back!

On October 1st community leaders, celebrities and residents gathered in the rain as Bette Midler and Target unveiled the opening of The New York Restorations Project (NYRP) newest Garden ‘Target East Harlem Community Garden.’ NYRP, for those who do not know is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and revitalizing parks, community gardens and public space in New York City.








Midler and NYRP have saved 114 community gardens from commercial development. Underwritten by Target, the garden was designed by nationally acclaimed designer and television host Sean Conway. Using cutting-edge sustainable technology to eliminate dependence on outside energy, the East Harlem garden is truly a green space in which to relax. The newly designed garden has wind turbines and solar panels which will power the 5,000 square foot garden’s LED (Light-Emitting Diode) energy efficient lighting and a built-in irrigation system. A rainwater harvesting system will collect rainwater for gardeners to nourish healthy vegetable and flowerbeds throughout the growing season, reducing the garden’s dependence on local water supply and therefore reducing expenses. This is the second NYRP garden revitalization initiative that Target has supported. This opening also serves as the official kick-off of NYRP’s Keepin’ It Green Month which is being celebrated throughout the month of October and includes community garden openings, tree giveaways and planting clinics, community volunteer planting days, a MillionTreesNYC anniversary celebration, and ends with a gala on October 31. NYRP has achieved dramatic results by investing in the greening and beautification of underserved communities throughout New York City. NYRP is also responsible for transforming an illegal dumping ground along the Harlem River into the five-acre Swindler Cove Park and building the adjacent Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse – the first floating boathouse on the river in over 100 years. Bette Midler and her group have proven that we can make a difference.

Art comes in many ways and when it gives back it becomes even more universal and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for Food to Cheer About!

We all want a place like “Cheers” where everyone knows our name. Hi-Life is that place. Comfy and cozy, a restaurant with qualities that time has not forgotten. Great service from Eve, wonderful homemade food from scratch, satisfying portions and Earl Geer an owner who cares, is what awaits you. There is simply not a more comfortable place to eat or gather with friends for dinner. The decor is a mix of mahogany and leather upholstery, with antique treasures collected with love. Everything is authentic and chosen with care. The bathroom even has fresh flowers, but it is the food and drinks that will win you over. We started with a Mango Mojito and The Drunken Olive” a oversized martini with six pre soaked olives. My Mojito was the best drink I have ever had. It was perfect. For appetizers clams casino, crab cakes, onion rings and sushi got rave reviews. Splitting a Steak Au Pouve complete with homemade mashed potatoes and creamed spinach had us sighing with delight. I could of made a meal on just the creamed spinach, which has a hint of nutmeg. This menu has something for everybody with weekly specials. If you love Sushi and Sashimi get 50% off Monday and Tuesdays. Prices range $2.95 on up for starters and entrees starting at $9.95. Frederique was so excited about her tuna she spilt soy sauce. Alyson our hostess presented her with a tide stick winning bonus points for caring. I can’t wait to try their brunch. Hi-Life is located at 1503 2nd Ave between 78th and 79th as well as 477 Amsterdam at 83rd.