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Richard Woods at Lever House

(Image courtesy of the artist and Perry Rubenstein Gallery, New York (c) Richard Woods)

I have been passing by the Lever House building on 390 Park Avenue for the past couple of weeks and always admire the beautiful decorations.  The other day I couldn't help myself any longer and walked in to find out who created this distinct work of art.  Sure enough, London installation artist,

Richard Woods is behind this magnificent work!  Woods installed victorian inspired panels of colorful wood on the benches, steel columns and even the floors of the Lever House lobby and outdoor courtyard.  The colors are visually stimulating and the Victorian inspiration is such a departure of the modernist Lever House that its surprising it works so well!  The installation called "Port Sunlight" reminds me of the fresh designs of the recently closed Domino Magazine.  That magazine used to give me such inspiration, that I was sad to see it go!  It is such a treat to see these exhibits in New York City - if you haven't passed by the Lever House, the installation is ongoing until January 31, 2010 so I would go check it out!

140 Last Minute Gift Ideas For Clients from the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Blog

Mike Michalowicz over at the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur rounded up an interesting list of last minute gift giving ideas for clients. Be sure to look for our contribution there as you stroll down list. Happy Shopping!

via 140 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Clients

Bodhi Handmade Soap - Keeping you Clean and Green!

With only 11 shopping days left before Christmas, I thought I'd share a favorite gift idea that is not only great for your body, but helps to protect the environment as well!  Handmade soap is perfect for those left on your shopping list.  Who wouldn't like to receive a cute bundle of deliciously rich smelling soap?  As always - it is the unique qualities of this soap that makes it one of my most favorite products.  Bodhi Handmade Soap, started by two young entrepreneurs in suburban New Jersey, has all of the good stuff that will make your skin feel great.  Each Bodhi bar is made with moisturizing shea butter, coconut, olive and palm oils and is infused with essential oils to create the most amazing scents!  This soap has none of the scary ingredients that most commercial soap has - there are NO parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances or animal fat.  Ew.  The other great thing about these soaps is that they are wrapped in a plant based paper.  That means when you use your bodhi bar, you can plant the wrapping and grow beautiful wild flowers.  Amazing!  For the holiday season my favorite scent is peppermint, I think I bought one for everyone on my list.  The great flavors don't end there - they have scents like soothing lavender, rich almond, geranium, lime and orange.  I really wish your computer screen was scratch and sniff, because I could share these wildly fragrant bars with you!  Check out their website, they even have gift sets to make your shopping experience that much easier.

Colored Chalkboard Paint Makes its Mark!

I absolutely adore anything that brings a new twist to an old classic.  Believe it or not, I find many of these things in the historic towns of Upstate New York along the Hudson River.  I spend many a weekend trolling the antique stores, gourmet markets and unique stores and find some of the most amazing things!  The town of Red Hook New York is no exception.  This sleepy town has some of my most favorite establishments, but by far my favorite store is Tivoli Mercantile.  Everything in this edgy and hip store is specially sourced and curated by its owner, Jill Cornillon.  You can find anything from clothing and jewelry to unique home goods.  My all-time favorite product in the store is from their proprietary Hudson Paint Company who has just released  a multi-hued line of colored chalk board paint!  Started by Jill’s husband, a master paint mixologist, Hudson Paint has your ticket to make a wall in your kitchen, children’s room or even living room a living art-space!  The colors are vibrant and truly stunning – its no wonder House Beautiful featured the paints in their November issue!