Who Gives A Gift?

Jewelry is a great gift, and gifts of gold are a classic. However, gold jewelry is not always affordable for everyone, so what choices are there that will fit into your budget this Holiday season?

Three popular and less pricey types of gold jewelry are gold-filled, gold plating, and gold vermeil. They are all used to make all kinds of beautiful pieces–but what’s the difference?

Ever had a piece of gold jewelry that over time began to look more silver? It’s probably gold plated Gold plated means that a base metal, such as steel or brass, has been coated with a thin layer of gold. The base metal is dipped into a bath of electroplating solution, along with a small piece of gold. When an electrical current is applied, poof! The gold coats the base metal. The gold color can wear off over time due to how thin the plating is.

Similarly, gold vermeil refers to sterling silver that has been coated in gold. To be considered vermeil, the gold must be at least ten karats. (Karats refers to the purity of the gold itself.)  The gold coating must also be at least 2.5 micrometers thick, making it much thicker and more durable than gold plated items. Today, vermeil is also made through a process of electrolysis (that is, using electric current to drive the chemical reactions), but it was developed in mid-eighteenth-century France, where it was made through a process known as fire-gilding. However, mercury was a significant part of the fire-gilding process, and France banned it because it was causing the craftspeople to go blind!

gold vermeil and pearl earrings

From classic traditional styles to flowing designs, gold vermeil can be combined with stones and beads of any kind. Elegant freshwater pearls entwined in gold vermeil circles come together to make these beautiful earrings that are a customer favorite!

There’s a long history of fine vermeil pieces of jewelry and even tableware. There’s a room in the White House called the Vermeil Room, named after the collection of vermeil tableware housed there. The tableware was given as a gift in 1956 from a woman named Margaret Thompson Biddle, and contains a wide variety of old French and English pieces, including work by English Regency silversmith Paul Storr and French Empire silversmiths Pierre-Philippe Thomire and Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot.

Gold filled is also referred to as rolled gold, and it means that the gold coating is much, much thicker–up to 10,000 times thicker than gold plating! The gold is transferred to the base metal (brass, or more expensively, sterling silver) by heat and pressure, instead of electrolysis. The gold comprises 5% of the total weight. Gold filled can often closely resemble 14K gold.

Jane Basch Custom Monogram Necklace

Our custom monogram necklaces by Jane Basch are available in gold filled and sterling silver. Although it can’t be guaranteed for Christmas delivery. Your special someone will receive a gift wrapped box containing a picture of the necklace and “coming soon” enclosure. When your necklace arrives, it will be carefully inspected and sent free of charge to your recipient.

All gold reacts with chlorine, so no matter which type of gold jewelry you select, don’t wear it when you go for a dip in the pool! And to keep your gold jewelry looking shiny and new, use a toothbrush and warm soapy water–dishwashing detergent works just fine, or you can also get a jewelry cleaner formulated for gold. With a minimum amount of care for your gold-plated, gold-filled or gold vermeil jewelry well, you can enjoy it for years!

Cold weather means it’s scarf-time! As we move from fall to winter mode, the weather can range from cool mornings to balmy afternoons to frosty nights.  If you’re going to leave your home early and not get back till late, dressing for this kind of day can be a challenge. The versatile scarf is the perfect accessory for you!  Wrap yourself against the early-morning chill in a warm scarf and then leave it during the day when you might not need it, and throw it back on when you’re on your way home or out to dinner after dark. If you’re in a building where the heat hasn’t been turned on yet,  a warm scarf can be worn as a shawl. If you forget your gloves, a scarf with pockets is perfect to wrap your hands in!

The good news is that there are so many winter scarf looks to choose from.  You can go for a classic look in conservative colors and patterns

monochromatic rose scarf

made with traditional materials such as cashmere and wool and affordable blends like our sophisticated monochromatic rose pattern scarf.  Or you can wear a bright, rainbow scarf that brings a splash of color to the dreariest of winter days! Some scarves are thin and long, so you can wrap them around again and again and again, and some are wide. Luckily, there a multiple ways to wear a scarf of every size and shape!

One tip: take a few seconds to tie your scarf neatly, instead of just hanging it around your neck. You’ll look more polished and pulled-together, even if you’re dressed simply. You’ll be surprised how much of a statement a scarf can make, especially some of the super-stylish ones we’ve seen celebrities wearing. We all have our tried-and-true way of tying our scarves, but try out something new this season–here’s a great list of twelve different ways to tie a scarf!

A scarf is not just for girls. It is a classic, enduring holiday gift for men too, from a boss to a loved one!  A cashmere or wool or soft blend scarf just feels luxurious from the moment you touch it. Fun and funky scarves are great for younger people, like a niece or a cousin, while grandparents and bosses love the more conservative styles. You can never have too many scarves!

cashmere blend plaid scarf for men

Visit our website to see our entire selection of stylish, quality  scarves for men and for women that make wonderful affordable gifts for this holiday season! And stay warm!

Once Thanksgiving has come and gone,  the holiday shopping season will be in full swing. Big box stores will open early, rewarding those who brave the 5 a.m. Black Friday masses with the promise of huge savings. Radio stations will complete the switch into seasonal holiday music, which will be blasting at every mall and department store. From decorations to commercials–you will be surrounded with reminders that the holidays are coming and you need to be prepared!

It’s important, this time of year, to set aside some time to remember what’s really important behind all your buying decisions. While we’re out (or online) completing marathon shopping sessions for our loved ones, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of holiday gift-giving. Will she like it? Does he have one already? Am I spending too little? Too much?

Why do we give presents, anyway? A gift is more than just the material object in a box and bow. The practice of exchanging gifts goes back to the dawn of human history. Our ancestors did it for the same reasons we do–to strengthen social bonds. Giving gifts creates a community. Psychologically, we benefit more when we give a gift, rather than receive one especially when we have good feelings for our gift recipient and special meaning behind our gifts. Selecting gifts for others encourages us to think about that person–think about why we want to give them a gift, what they like (or don’t), what they need, what kind of person they are. What means more to you –the pricey, yet generic gift, or the gift that was clearly perfectly chosen just for you?

Sterling Silver Karma Necklace by Dogeared

This holiday season, remember that a gift is more than an object…it’s a experience.  Choose a gift with meaning, like jewelry with a message from Dogeared or jewelry with spiritual significance. Or, if your gift recipient is passionate about a cause, you can find a gift that helps their cause, such as the Give Love Adopt Bag that benefits the ASPCA.

For someone who’s passionate about animals, this present is more than just a bag (which is so cute and functional)–it also comes with a clear message that you are aware of their interests and helping animals in need!

So as you make your list (and check it twice), take time to really think about, not just the gift, but also, the meaning that will be inside the gift wrap as well!

Holiday season is fast approaching, and that means parties! It’s the time of year –between Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s, there’s a lot to celebrate, and a lot of people to celebrate with!

Hosting a party is no easy feat! If you’ve ever thrown anything from a casual get-together to a formal dinner party, you know how much effort these gatherings take. Nothing ruins all that hard work faster than an inconsiderate guest. We’ve all got “Bad Guest” horror stories, right? (If you’ve got a particularly good one, feel free to tell us about it in the comments–just don’t name any names!)

On the flip side, the greatest parties are the parties with the best guests–those who are friendly and polite. Here are 7 things you can do to be the best party guest ever!

1. Bring a hostess gift.

A small gift is a great way to show your appreciation. A bottle of wine is a easy classic gift, and as a plus side, it can be opened right away! Flowers are another classic gift and are an especially nice pick me up during dreary winter days.

Or, you could go the more creative route, and bring a gift that reflects who you are. Are you the shutterbug of any party? How about a picture frame, with the promise to print out your best picture from the night?

Family Decoupage Frame

Are you big into DIY? Make infused sugars. (The best part about this gift is that you can make one big batch, separate it into little jars, and have gifts for all your hosts!) Just be sure that your favorite DIY gift is something your hostess will love as well!

At Lou Babs & Moogs, we think hostess gifts are important. That’s why we have a whole section on our website devoted to them!

A quick note: if you want to bring dessert or an appetizer, check first! While many hostesses would love for you to bring food, sometimes the menu is set, or there’s a dessert-heavy menu already, or the menu is all Japanese-Peruvian fusion and your stuffed mushrooms, while delicious, just won’t ‘go’.

2. Be on time.

Being on time is especially important if food is being served. But either way, there’s fashionably late, and then, there’s just late! On the other hand, there’s also such a thing as too early–Unless you’ve arranged to come early and help, it’s not a great idea to arrive before the invitation time. You will probably find your host(ess) rushing around trying to take care of last minute tasks and get ready herself, now compounded with her need to make sure you are taken care of.

3. Don’t bring uninvited people.

You’d think this would be obvious, but it bears repeating! If you were invited, bring yourself, not yourself and twenty of your closest friends in tow. It’s usually okay to bring a significant other or a close friend (unless it’s a sit-down dinner), especially if you don’t know many other people there, but do ask first!

3. Socialize!

Parties are a great way to make new friends, but all too often guests end up congregating in small groups, sticking to the people they already know. Be the guest who brings everyone together! Strike up a conversation with someone over the drinks, or introduce people. Party games are fun, easy to organize, and a great icebreaker.

4. Offer to help.

If you’re still there towards the end of the party, as people are beginning to leave, offer to help clean up. Your hostess might not accept–maybe she’s going to kick back with some snacks and some wine after people go and leave the mess for the morning–but your offer will be appreciated. If she does accept, help out cheerfully and with a smile.

5. Be respectful!

If a party is happening in someone’s home, respect that! If they ask you to take your shoes off, take your shoes off. Avoid the temptation of snooping through their bedrooms. If you break something ( it happens!) help clean it up and offer to pay for or replace it, if you can. Don’t be a high maintenance guest, and don’t overstay your welcome. It’s one thing to be the last to leave a party when your hostess is laughing and enjoying herself, but quite another to keep lingering when she obviously wants to call it a night.

6. Have fun!

It’s a party, so this one should be easy!

7. Always Say “Thank You”

While most guests remember to thank their hosts as they pull away leave, very few actually follow up with a more meaningful gesture of gratitude, and they should. A next-day phone call or email is often considered appropriate, but nothing surpasses the old fashion written thank you note. It takes a little more effort, but it’s one that you should make.

The leaves have exploded into dazzling colors, it’s getting chillier and chillier, and that means everybody’s making holiday plans! For many of us, the approaching Thanksgiving holiday is a time to gather with family and friends and celebrate what we have over a big meal. Every family has its own set of traditions. Some people need to have a certain kind of stuffing on the table, while for others Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving if the entire family doesn’t take some time to throw a football around while the turkey’s cooking. It’s easy to think that traditions are the same across the United States, but they vary across the country, from parades to turkey trots to a Blessing of the Hounds in Aiken, South Carolina.

While traditions are something to be treasured, there’s always room to add something new. Here at Lou Babs & Moogs, we’ve got some ideas to make this your best Thanksgiving ever! We know you have to serve your treasured family recipes, but why not add a new dish, or put a fresh new spin on something classic? Maybe you’ve got a vegetarian coming for dinner, or you’re trying to be a little healthier this year? We’re loving Food & Wine Magazine’s Thanksgiving Guide. With a recipe for every situation, and tips on everything from saving time to what kind of wine to serve, it’s a lifesaver!

A gorgeous meal deserves a gorgeous table, and there’s no better way to give thanks for all the beauty in your life than by surrounding yourself with beauty! When you close your eyes and picture that ideal Turkey Day dinner, do you think of something bright and warm and sparkling? Cover your table in candles (make sure to keep candles away from children and anything that can burn!) If you put Jeweled Salt Shakers out on the table, they’ll catch the candlelight and send it dancing over all your guests! The shakers are topped with your choice of exquisitely crafted dragonflies, ladybugs or bees.

When your guests arrive, do you have food waiting for them? While you don’t want them to fill up while you’re putting the finishing touches on your feast, having some cheese, crackers and dips out can prevent people from getting too hungry and keep everyone in the Thanksgiving spirit! Your guests will “ooh!” and “ahh!” over these affordable Murano Glass Handle Spreaders.

beautiful murano glass spreader

They’re practically works of art–you’ll feel decadent putting them on your cheese platter!

If you’ve got little kids coming, you know that it can be difficult to keep them entertained. If you stock up on some kid-friendly activities, their parents will have something extra to give thanks for! If the weather is nice, balls, hula-hoops, and other outdoor toys are great–they keep the kids out from underfoot while the adults are cooking, talking, and catching up! However, make sure to have some indoor activities, as it might be rainy or cold, and at this time of year it gets dark so early! Art supplies are wonderful for keeping kids entertained, but so many art projects can leave an awful mess. Stock up on a few “no-mess” Scratch-And-Sketch Books! With over 64 pages and three editions (including a princess edition and a dinosaur edition), they’ll keep kids engrossed for hours. Or print out these fun table activities so the adults can linger over dinner!

After dinner, while you all enjoy dessert and each other’s company, why not sip your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate from a mug that reminds you why we celebrate this holiday? The You Are Loved mug says it, plainly, right there: you are loved.

When you’re buying a piece of jewelry, what do you look for? Do you look for classic beauty, or for the most fashion-forward item you can find?  Are you looking for a gift for your mother, sister, girlfriend or friend that will stand out and that she will treasure forever?  Why not choose a necklace or bracelet with meaning?

Spiritual jewelry crosses all cultures, and has been part of human society for thousands of years. Wearing a necklace or bracelet that is not only beautiful and exquisitely crafted but also speaks to the soul is a gift that goes far beyond the material object. They say “it’s the thought that counts”, and with a spiritual gift like this, your thoughts and wishes will be with her every time she wears it!

We all have so many wishes for the ones we love. The 100 Wishes necklace by Dogeared Jewels and Gifts is a fine sterling silver chain strung with 100 delicate sterling beads to represent those wishes–wishes for things like harmony, compassion, luck and confidence. Dogeared jewelry has been featured in may style magazines and this inspirational necklace from their bestseller collection is also a versatile, fashion-forward necklace that can be incorporated into a variety of looks.

Another way to give the gift of inspiration is with one of our Buddha bracelets.

The word Buddha means ‘Awakened One’. Enlightenment is at the center of Buddhism, and concepts of karma, enlightenment, meditation and self-realization are associated with Buddhism–which can be important things to help center us in today’s hectic world! Our beautiful Buddha bracelet features polished faceted agate beads and a peacefully smiling Buddha head. It comes in three different colors–so you can be sure you’ll find one to match the taste of your loved one! With the smiling, happy face of the Buddha on her wrist, she’ll always remember to keep herself centered.

Spiritual jewelry has been used for protective purposes since ancient times. The concept of the “evil eye” is seen in several cultures, especially around the Mediterranean, where people often wear charms to direct away the evil eye, which is believed to cause mental or bodily injury. You’ll always be protected when wearing the Evil Eye Protection Necklace. The round pearlized evil eye with a light blue “pupil” is set amongst dazzling crystal stones and stares back at the world to keep the wearer from negativity. Evil eye jewelry has been seen all across the fashion world and is worn by many celebrities.

Our Hamsa with Evil Eye Necklace features a small sterling silver hand that sparkles with crystals with a blue evil eye in the center to offer even more. Known as the Hand of God, the word “Hamsa” literally means five in the Arabic language. Although it is associated with Islam and Judaism, it predates them as it has been found in Mesopotamian artifacts. The necklace will bring good luck and good fortune to the wearer in addition to the protection from evil from the outside world.

These unique pieces of jewelry perfectly combine beauty, style, fashion and meaning to create a gift that truly shows how much you care. If you’re looking for yourself, you’ve found the ideal accessory to make a statement–both on a stylistic level and a spiritual level.

We hope you have a blissful day! (But with this jewelry, how could you not?!)

Make sure you come into Lou, Babs & Moogs this Wednesday, October 26th, for a very special event! (Remember–the store’s on the sunny side of the street!)

Patricia Ryan Lampl, award-winning author and Port Washington resident, will be in the store signing copies of her newest book, “Love for Grown-ups: The Garter Brides’ Guide to Marrying for Life when You’ve Already Got a Life.” (Harlequin).

The book is a relationship guide for women thirty-five and up for finding Mr. Right, marrying, and finding their way to lifetime happiness. The name of the book started with a lucky garter that was passed between three friends; each wore the garter during her wedding and each married a wonderful man.

Come in between 12pm and 3pm to meet Ms. Lampl, get your books signed, and enjoy light refreshments and sweets!

The 26th is also special because a portion of that day’s proceeds will be donated to Pennies in Action, a non-profit raising money to fund the breast cancer vaccine research of Dr. Brian Czernieki at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. More information about this incredible, cutting-edge research can be found on the Pennies in Action website, www.penniesinaction.org.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds from all purchases made online between the 24th and 28th will also be donated. It’s a great time to shop and support this amazing research!

So come in, get your book signed, browse around, and show your support in the fight against breast cancer! (It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, after all!)

“When witches go riding and black cats are seen. The moon laughs and whispers ‘tis near Hallowe’en…”  Author Unknown.

Halloween at LBM Gifts

Calling all gouls, goblins, witches, werewolves, and warlocks… Halloween is right around the corner!

Did you know that the word “Hallowe’en” comes from the fuller 16^th century term“All-Hallows-Even” that is the eve before Hallows Days? We all love our skulls, goblins and jack-o-lanterns, but where did all those symbols come from? For instance, the carving of jack-o’-lanterns springs from the custom of carving turnips into lanterns as a way of remembering the souls held in purgatory; but immigrants to North America used the native pumpkin, which is both more readily available and much larger, making them easier to carve than turnips. (Imagine how hard it would be to carve a turnip!!?) The American tradition of carving pumpkins dates back to 1837 and was originally associated with harvest time in general, not becoming specifically associated with Halloween until the mid-to-late 19th century.

So are you planning the Spookiest Halloween Party ever? You need to begin with a striking collection of the creepiest and best Halloween Party décor and frightening finishing touches! Start the scary festivities with a dramatic fright at the front door with foreboding decorations that your guests can’t miss as they pull up to your haunted house! Tombstones, ghouls, black cats and matted rats, flying bats and cobweb traps, carved jack o’ lanterns amidst a blanket of dry ice mist. And don’t forget the great effect of sound! Surround your space with the muffled sounds of moaning ghosts and distant cries of restless spirits floating through the trees and bushes.

Inside, welcome in your unsuspecting guests with a dramatic scare as they encounter all the Halloween décor and accessories you’ve placed in unexpected places throughout the house.

Scatter our Scary Halloween Skulls in every room—in the bathroom, atop a mantle or bookshelf, on the dining table and other places where your visitors might look. This creepy skull decoration is crafted to look so real that your guests will scream and shriek! Our Halloween skull looks like it was just dug up from the crypt especially when placed alongside burning our Halloween Black and Orange Tea Light Candles . Scatter these  vivid black and orange tea light candles with others of every size and shape to set the eerie mood of the night and invite the spirits to join in the festivities!

Going to a Halloween party? Don’t turn pale as a ghost by showing up empty handed! Give your Halloween hostess-with-the-mostest a truly fabulous Halloween house gift to show your appreciation. From authentic Halloween must- haves like our adorable Halloween Mouse Bowl or Spookiest Skull and Crow S &P Shakers to great gifts that can be enjoyed throughout the year. There are many fantastic party-perfect goodies to choose from. An awesome “LBM Favorite” is our Chateau Agnes Candle in a Crate that comes in a striking wooden box and is richly fragranced with the aroma of a fine Cabernet or Pinot Grigio/ Chardonnay. Maybe you or your hostess are Halloween Fashionistas!

Show off your devilish costume with Sparkling Spider Web earrings that will undoubtedly lure even the most unsuspecting victims into your web! The gruesome possibilities go on and on!

So celebrate traditions centuries-old, and be the talk of town when you throw the scariest party with the best Halloween table top accessories. Don’t be caught dead without them!

Chuck the apples, rulers and blackboards marked “A+” when selecting gifts for your child’s teachers.  Imagine how many of these, a seasoned teacher has collected over the years!  Even if you are partaking in a class gift like a gift card, personalized something or other, or collection of drawings or poems by his/her students, a separate gift is a thoughtful way of thanking your child’s teachers.

So think “out of the classroom” and, suddenly, the great gift ideas are endless! For women, most teachers of any age like to be in style.  If you happen to know her well, zero in on something that matches an outfit you saw her in or that reminds you of her personality—earrings, bracelets, or a pretty necklace for summer accessorizing.

If you feel jewelry is too “personal”, almost everyone can appreciate a blissfully scented candle, triple milled soap or other aromatherapy item because, for many, pampering items are not usually purchased for oneself. So, for $25 and less or more, you can make her/him (we also have “guy candles”. Read our blogpost) feel relaxed and appreciated.

Got a guy teacher?  You know he’s going to be flooded with gift cards from Starbucks and Barnes and Nobles, which will be spent and forgotten, if not misplaced first.  Think “unique and useful” something that he will enjoy using and remind him of his year with your child.  Always popular are gifts that can hold pictures of his family. May we suggest photo paperweights or photo trays—or well designed travel items (teachers do go places on all their breaks and summer holidays) like toiletry bags, passport holders– or gifts with humor like our New Yorker mugs, golf (back)scratchers– or smart inventions like our bobble water bottles, super bright one watt (wearable) flashlights or recycled bottle openers (as was featured in Newsday Holiday 2010 Gift Guide). And for great group gift ideas, check out our Modern Gear Clock and collectible coin cufflinks. Again, there is lots to choose from in that $25 and under and over price range.

Finally, don’t forget the final touch…. a thoughtful card with a short handwritten note of appreciation from you and your child.

Before you know it, Mother’s Day will be here. Mother’s Day is probably  the most important occasion after Christmas and even more so, because it focuses on one (or no more than a few) person in your life. The PRESSURE to come up with a great gift for Mom is on!

How will you outdo last year? How will you make up for last year? Whatever your particular case, this year you will not wait until the last minute (because I am going to give you a great idea right now), and you are going to have a great gift wrapped and ready in plenty of time for May 8th.

Ready? This year we recommend Mom’s own lace monogram necklace from Jane Basch Designs. Available in several finishes and looks, this simply beautiful and elegant necklace will be a cherished piece for years to come. You just have to order it by April 8th to have it in time!

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When deciding which style to pick, here are a few factors to consider.

First, there is always price. Gotta stay within a budget. I (and Mom) will never advocate going into debt for a gift. The lace monogram necklace is available in sterling silver, gold filled and 14Kt gold. With LBM Gifts, you can save 10% off the regular price, get free shipping and free gift wrap.

Second to consider is size.  For us, the more popular size is the larger 1 5/8″  We also suggest the 16″ chain since it ends up being 17″ in overall length including the monogram piece.  However, the 18″ chain (19″ long including the initials) would be the choice for someone who wants/needs more length for a more comfortable fit or longer look. Meanwhile, the smaller 1 1/4″ style is just as lovely and a good choice for someone who is very petite or prefers a more understated look. Also, it is the perfect size for a young girl or teen.

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Last but not least is finish. Does she prefer the cool look of sterling silver or the warm feeling of gold?  Take a close look at what she usually wears and you won’t go wrong.

Now that you have found just the right thing, don’t forget that each one is custom made. That means it takes time! So don’t run off and forget to actually order it (deadline for Mother’s Day orders is 4/8). Mom is going to LOVE it! Take it from Mom-Me.

You can click here to order!