S: Is for the sweetness of giving

Since Christmas has always been about children and giving, gift 6 and 7 combine both. Out of the hearts of babes.

#6 1>10: Eight teenage girls found a way to step outside of their ordinary lives and become spectacular human beings by making jewelry to raise money to rescue children that have been sold into slavery in the fishing villages of Ghana. They donate 100 percent of their proceeds to the International Organization for Migration to rescue and provide 2 1/2 years of healthcare, food, education, counseling and love for each child. In 2002 watching Oprah and seeing an episode that showcased rescue missions they felt they had to do something.It started when they thought what if we only saved one child? What was a question became a company called "One is better than none" otherwise known as 1>0. They started off with the jewelry and now have a clothing line. The jewelry is made from eight wooden beads that represents the eight girls. The center bead is an authentic recycled glass bead from Ghana. Thousands of bracelets have been made and each one is numbered and initialized by the girl who made it. The necklaces are made in a group. As of Feb 2008 you can officially buy 1>0 at Bloomingdale's. The website has a listing of all the boutiques nationwide that are carrying the line. Their goals for the future include changing causes every year helping children in need but we are focused now on saving the fishing children in Ghana. For more information, visit at www.oneisgreaterthannone.org.

#7 TUTU: Dasia Dawson had no training, she's only 11 and has a book of sketches filled with designs for jeans, jewelry and other clothing. A few years ago she had an idea to take her nickname "Tutu" and turn it into something her peers can learn from. Recently she launched a jewelry line called TUTU Luv Me and expand into a full clothing line. Tutu stands for teach you, teach us, teaching young girls how to love themselves. "You're teaching people how to love themselves. Like I won't have sex because I love me. I will eat right because I love me and it goes on and on". "The larger influence is not just about the apparel it's about the meaning behind it, it's about the upliftment of young girls and even boys. To buy and learn more about Dasia
log onto www.tutuluvme.comny

One person can make a difference and this shows you that is a F.A.C.T.

T: Is for Unique Trends

Have you been to the supermarket lately? Prices are on the rise and that $100 you use to spend at the grocery store is more than cut in half. Christmas gift #4 and #5 are two thrifty way that not only help the environment but puts your hard earned wages to better use.

#4 AeroGarden: This NASA tested technology grows plants in water, nutrients and air so simply and easily that anyone can succeed. Choose from over 20 different seed kits. This fully automated garden requires no green thumb and if there is little food or the price has made it impossible in your house fresh tomatoes, herbs fruits and vegetables will keep you healthy. To learn more got to http://www.aerogardenonlinestore.com

#5 Sustainable Gardening: which can be either pre-grown or planted on the roof and walls of buildings. If we had these gardens on our buildings, roofs and inside our houses we could all not only be growing food but help and improve our air quality. The world would turn just a little more beautiful with a purpose of greatness. To learn more log onto www.agreenroof.com.

By helping yourself you can also help the world and that is gift that gives back and that is a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for how to have a soothing Christmas

Christmas is a stressful time, what with trying to find the perfect gift to pleasing your family and all of this without breaking the bank. This year is even more stressful with the news of Wall Street rising and falling. Item #3 is something I've found is the perfect stress reliever and now that I have found it, I can't imagine being without it.

#3 Lush: This eco green company, makes products your skin ooo's and aahh's for. One bath bomb and you bath becomes a sensual delight to your noes as well as a must have for cold abused skin. My favorites include a Vanilla Fountain bath bomb. Within seconds a delicious vanilla crème brûlée scent sends you into aromatherapy heaven. The comforting vanilla scent comes from natural vanilla with a touch of restful sandalwood and a note of burnt caramel. For$5.95 this bath bomb keeps going and going and going. Even after the shower your skin will tingle with a scent that leaves your noes in bliss and your skin softer than a babies butt.

Next a conditioner that's name seems unappealing. Oh how wrong I was. Okra is a spicy vegetable combined with nettles, grapes, vinegar and rosemary oil add a fresh herbal fragrance, this is one strong conditioner. Lush lets you sleep easier, with heavenly smells and luscious dreams. With Lush those sugar plums sure dance in you head. If everyone used Lush the world would be in bliss and smell heavenly and that is a wonderful F.A.C.T.

A: Is for art that goes up in value

Art is the one thing that never loses it's value. It is recession proof. Holiday #2 is an artist who can only go up in value.

#2 Danielle Mailer: Danielle is the daughter of the late Norman Mailer and the abstract artist Adele Morales Mailer. She is also the wife of jazz trombonist Peter McEachern. Danielle credits Kahlo and Klimt among her influences and they are there to see in her work. Conjuring up her Latin-Jewish background in all of its vibrancy and color, through her paintings she beomes a cat, a goddess hidden away or a actress center stage. Narratives dealing with contemporary issues of womanhood upon an intimate landscape. A Surrealistic terrain full of artichokes, chile peppers, trombones and skulls. A tapestry of personal symbols that speak to all who enter her world.

Danielle is an artist coming into herself. Her work now reasonable and soon will be out of the normal price range. Owning a Danielle is satisfying in so many ways and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for Food that cleanses the Palate

Tis the season to write my list for the 24 most have items. Last year I named 12 but this year, I have so many to put on my list that I need all 24 days. The first item to make it is one I named last year. I went to a performance for a show called "Lamppost Reunion" which was also a benefit for "Books For Kids" and at the after party, there it was being served and it brought back all the reasons I loved it in the 1st place. It answers the question of what do I bring to show my hosts I care, as well as how do you cleanse you palate in between those courses to savor the next item? How do you end a perfect meal?

#1: Wine Cellar Sorbet

The flavors: Three reds: a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from California, a 2005 Pinot Noir from New York and a non-vintage Sangria from Spain, Two whites: a a non-vintage Champagne from California and a 2004 Riesling from New York and one blush wine: a non-vintage Rosé from New York. This is definitely not a dessert you send a kid out for. As a matter of F.A.C.T. you have to be at least 21 for their alcohol, content is up to 5% by volume. Since wine changes with each passing season, so do their sorbets. Based on the vintages, varietals and viticulture regions from where the wines were produced. Therefore each flavor is truly unique and limited in availability. It as dairy free, soy free, trans-fat and gluten free. To learn more of this intriguing new desert log onto: www.winecellarsorbets.com.

It is a F.A.C.T. that this new and soothing taste treat will be accompanying me to a dinner party in the future. I highly recommend the Sangria and Champagne.