Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Memorial Day

In Honor of Our Soldiers, Past and Present.

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Suggestions

You knew Mother's Day was coming but somehow you ended up waiting until the last minute to get mom a gift. To give you some ideas, I've provided a few suggestions to help you celebrate:

-- If your mom is the Sporty type: buy her a couple of tickets to her favorite baseball team. Let her know you will take her out for a pre or post game meal to go along with the gift.

-- If your mom loves Flowers: instead of buying mom the traditional roses (unless they're her favorite), opt for different blooms such as Lilac, Sweet Pea, Lilies, Tulips or Orchids. If your the DIY type you can make your own flower arrangements and give it to your mom in a beautiful vase.

-- Mom keeps eyeing your new Coffee Maker: buy her one. Make it special by including her favorite coffee and also a new coffee mug.

-- For a mom who loves a bit of Culture: surprise her with brunch and a day at the museum or you can buy her tickets to an upcoming play she's excited to see.

-- For a mom who really enjoys Relaxing: A book or DVD she's interested in, lounge or sleepwear, a scented candle and a box a dark chocolate.

-- For the Sentimental Type: give her a digital picture frame with uploaded pictures of you (and of your siblings, if you have any) or a traditional framed photo of the two of you. Maybe include a bouquet of flowers with a future invite for lunch or dinner.

-- Mom who's into Fashion: buy her something really chic (that's in your budget) like an amazing bag or really great top. You could also plan a shopping day with mom complete with lunch or dinner.

-- For the mom who Doesn't want you to buy them any gifts: invite her over for a home cooked meal and also give her a bouquet of flowers and a nice bottle of wine.

-- For the mom who loves to Garden: buy her a new garden tool set, gloves, a kneeling cushion (in a bright color) and a beautiful potted plant.


I hope these suggestions work. Got a last-minute gift idea to share? Leave me a comment or an e-mail at styleandfocuspr@yahoo.com

Cinco de Mayo Margarita Recipes

Enjoy Cinco de Mayo with the classic Margarita or if you're looking for something a little more chilled after a busy day of work try the frozen Margarita. The DIY type of girl here are two amazing and easy recipes from Cocktail Times (cocktailtimes.com).

Margarita

Ingredients:

- 2 oz silver tequila
- juice of half lime
- 1 oz orange curacao (or Cointreau)
Garnish: lime wedge
Rim: salt

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour into a margarita glass rimmed with salt and garnish with lime wedge.


Frozen Margarita

Ingredients:

- 2 oz tequila (silver)
- juice of one lime
- 1 oz orange curacao or triple sec
- 1 cup ice cubes
- salt (optional)
Garnish: lime wedge

Direction:

1. Rub the rim of a margarita glass and dip it into salt.
2. Mix tequila, lime juice, triple sec and ice in a blender.
3. Pour into a glass and garnish with a lime wedge.


Drink Responsibly and Don't Drink and Drive!!!

Happy Easter

How Was Your St. Patrick's Day?

I didn't go all out like some people (I wonder how they're feeling this morning), I just went out to dinner with a few friends and had an Irish inspired meal of corned beef, cabbage, other veggies and a dessert. The only drink that I had was a candy green apple martini. Wasn't really looking to drink all night. I saw a lot of people falling all night that's for sure. It wasn't just the 20-something crowd getting drunk it was also a lot of the 40+ crowd. It's like they wait all year for that one day to come. I hope they had a lot fun.

My Life: Volunteering and Fundraising

Sorry about the lack of posts, I was experiencing some technical difficulties and wasn't able to post anything.

So, what have I been up to. Let see for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I made time to volunteer at a senior center and in the evening I attended a speaker on African-American Artists from past to present at the museum.

A wonderful way that we can embrace Dr. King's philosophy is to celebrate our differences and know that we can learn something from each other. Our life experiences are what makes us unique. The world would be so boring if we all were the same. Maybe it's hokey to feel that way but maybe one day it will happen.

As for what going on with PR, lately I have been focusing on more causes and charitable organizations trying to help raise money for worthy causes. For anyone looking to enter PR, fundraising for museums is a great entry level way to get experience.

Holiday Time = Good Cause PR

How was your Thanksgiving? I really enjoyed it. Spent time with my family and enjoyed the all the great food. Thanksgiving really makes me reflect on all the good people in my life.

This is also the time of year where you read numerous articles and see various news segments on how people are helping those in need. I saw one early this morning about a toy donation program in Los Angeles that let children borrow toys for free (I'll find out the name of organization). The program is a big help to parents who can not afford to buy new toys and it gives children a chance to play with them then return them for another toy. It also teaches kids responsibility because they are essentially taking care of someone's property.

I also read various articles about churches donating food including turkeys, so families can prepare their own Thanksgiving meal. There are so many good organizations that are genuinely trying to help others such as Toys for Tots. Every year I try to donate be it some of my time, PR skills or monetary (gift or money) to hopefully make some kind of difference with different organizations.

Decorating Your Home With Fragrance This Holiday Season

Edited by me, for the original press release click here.

NEW YORK, Nov. 16 -- We've cocooned and vegged out. We've tried the couch potato method of traveling by "staycationing" instead of vacationing. We've turned the humble barbecue into a gourmet, built-in outdoor kitchen. The message from all of this? Home is where the heart is. And, this holiday season, Home is the place to be.

When it comes to holiday decor, think out of the tinsel-and-ornaments box with a whole different approach to decorating your home for the holidays. What could be more "scentsational" and creative than decorating each room of your house with a different fragrance that sets the holiday mood? According to The Fragrance Foundation, nothing could be more enjoyable, simple, or, in today's budget-conscious mode, affordable. "A scented candle or room spray can instantly transform a room or create a mood," explains Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation. "Forget those bad-odor concealing sprays. Today's home fragrances come in many forms and an infinite variety of scents."

Room by Room Decorating with Fragrance:

• Entrance Doors and Hallways: Hang lots of small wreaths. Use pine or eucalyptus scents, studded with apples and lemons, mix and mingle to welcome friends and family with a green, alpine scent.

• The Family Room: Use a diffuser, it emits a gentle aroma that will please everyone and will also add a little instant glamour.

• The Bedroom: Everything looks better by candlelight. Add a little sex appeal and romance with scented candles. Coordinate with linen sprays and drawer liners to create a haven for grown-ups.

• The Bathroom: Turn it into a spa. Essential oils, fragrance warmers, soft towels and lots of bubble bath. Rest, relax and enjoy as the scents take you far, far away.

• Kid's rooms: Melon scented room sprays will keep them happy and in a sunny mood. You can also hang citrus satchels or small wreaths on their doors.

• The Kitchen: Place a bowl of lemons and oranges to keep your kitchen smelling lovely. While all the great cooking and baking smells don't need to be enhanced, keep a tube of scented hand cream nearby to soften up your hands after cleaning up.

Here are some classic and unusual scents that can be found in all sorts of home fragrance products to spice up your Holiday: Apple, Grapefruit, Mocha, Strudel, Lavender, Wisteria, Green Tea, Vanilla, Patchouli, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Mint, Sage, Ginger, Melon and Rose.

So don't fret at over decking the halls ... a candle here, a spray there is all you need this holiday season. Just don't over do it. You want to keep the scent subtle and inviting.

###

The Fragrance Foundation

My Life: Bored with Extreme Shoes

Shoe shown: Report Signature Suede Lattice 'Percy' Platform Pumps $132.00 Bluefly.com

Any one else really bored with the shoes that are currently out there. I can't wait for this "ugly" shoe trend to hurry up and go away. I like statement shoes but it's getting ridiculous with all the extra details (studs, extreme platforms, multiple straps and zippers, etc). It reminds me of when the big bag trend was getting out of control and they had every detail they could think of on a bag. However, Spring fashion looks promising.

Fashion wise, I haven't really seen anything that really stands out. But I've been stocking up on fall staple pieces (with all the good sales). I did buy a pair of really great boots. I also found an amazing soft throw to curl up on the sofa with a good book. I'm not really a snuggie person, so I like to buy a nice warm throw for the fall and winter.

How was your Halloween weekend? I had fun, I went to a friend's Halloween party. It's surprising that how creative people can get with their costumes. I also saw a lot of vampires (I can't wait for the vamp trend to die down, I'm a bit tired of seeing vampires). I passed out a bit of candy before I left. I remember how fun it was to trick or treat when I little.

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Last Minute Halloween Costumes

by Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

You have no idea what costume to wear for Halloween. One thing is you don't want to spend a lot of money for one night. Here are a few suggestions to creating a costume at the last minute. No matter what you end up wearing I hope you have a Happy Halloween.


1. Daphne or Velma from Scooby-Doo:

These are two of the easiest to put together. For Daphne: Find a purple dress and accessorize it with a light purple headband, a cute handbag, a scarf and cute shoes. For Velma: eye glasses, an orange top or light weight turtle neck with a red mini skirt, orange knee high sock and mary jane's. Maybe you could talk a couple of guy friends into dressing up as Freddy and Shaggy.


2. Lois Lane:

A skirt suit with a cami or button down and heels. Just make up a press pass that features: "Daily Planet Reporter Lois Lane" on it. Accessorize with a pen, cell phone, and small note pad.


3. Hippie:

There's something in your closet that can double as a hippie costume. Accessorize it with headbands, necklaces, bracelets, fringe boots, etc.


4. Magician:

Pair a ladies black tuxedo jacket (with tails) with a fitted vest, bow tie and black shorts or black fitness shorts. No tuxedo jacket, no problem just wear a white button down with a fitted black vest and a bow tie. Accessorize with fishnets, a top hat, a magic wand, a pair of white gloves and pair of black heels or knee high boots. Most items can be found in the costume aisles at Target, Wal-mart, etc.


5. Sexy Spy:

For the sexy spy pair a sleek body suit with a utility belt, boots and sun glasses. You can find CSI type gadgets in the toy department or toy stores.

Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour Drink: Cinco Herradura Cocktail

After work I'm meeting some friends for authentic Mexican food (we made reservations just to be on the safe side that we will get seated). But, before I get too busy to post here's a Cinco de Mayo cocktail from Cocktail Times. The Cinco Herradura seems like a fun drink and while everyone else is ordering Margaritas you can be a little different and order this little delight.

Cinco Herradura Cocktail

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz Tequila Herradura silver
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- Splash of lemon-lime soda
Garnish: fresh lime wedge, green, red and white sugar for rimming

Directions:

1. Stir the tequila, fruit juices and soda together in a tall glass.
2. Garnish with a fresh lime.
3. Rim a third of a tumbler with lime and dip in green sugar. Rim the adjoining third of the glass with lime and dip in white sugar; rim the last third and drip in red sugar.

A Few Last Minute Easter Basket Suggestions

If you don't want to purchase a ready-made Easter basket there's always the option of making one yourself. They're relatively easy to make and you get to add your very own personal touches to the gift.

What to include in a basket? Pretty much anything you want from Champagne and Chocolate for the Hopeless Romantic to a Jump Rope, Yoga Mat and few Health and Fitness Magazines for the Fitness Beginner.

For Children: plush animals and candy are always a hit but you could also include a few books as well as a doll or an action figure.

For your Foodie Friend: make them a mini gourmet basket and include pasta, marinated artichokes, bread sticks, olive oil, a jar of olives, and marinara sauce.

For Teens: gift cards are usually at the top of their list.

For the Weary Mom: include bath salts, scented candles, a mug, herbal tea, and a Do Not Disturb door sign.

Easter Gift Suggestions

Easter has always been one of the sweetest holidays and signaled the beginning of spring to most (even though winter is still holding on with the lovely over night snow storm).

Easter is a great way to surprise someone (be it your favorite niece, grandfather or your family pet) with a sweet treat. No need to go over budget their are ready made baskets from every price range found at almost every retailer including Target, Toys R Us, Meijer or if you're the creative type you can put together you're own baskets (more ideas in a later posts).


Easter Deluxe Basket
$100 Dylan's Candy Bar (dylanscandybar.com)

Contains: Dylan's Candy Bar Chocolate Bar 3-pack, Dylan's Candy Bar signature Kettle Corn, solid milk chocolate bunnies, Dylan's Candy Bar Whirly pops, both a small plush "Chocolate the Bunny" and "Vanilla the Bunny" stuffed animal, a paint can of Easter-themed bulk hard candy, gummy bunnies, and a Dylan's Candy Bar Traditions box.


Peter's Easter Surprise
$70 Fortnum & Mason USA (fortnumandmason-usa.com)

Contains: a Peter Rabbit Stuffed Toy, No. 5 Milk Chocolate Bar, and Milk & White Chocolate Animal Shapes all in a Green Velveteen Basket.


Bunny Basket
$55.00 Dean & DeLuca (deandeluca.com)

Contains: a Chocolate Racing Rabbit, a Foil Chick, Hammond's Twist Lollipop, Dean & DeLuca's Sour Chicks and Bunnies, Easter Jelly Beans, Foil-Wrapped Milk Chocolate Eggs all in a classic white wicker basket.


Charbonnel ET Walker Dark Chocolate Easter Egg
$50.00 Neiman Marcus

One pound Handcrafted Dark Chocolate Egg filled with signature English chocolates.


Busy Bunny Basket
$30.00 Dylan's Candy Bar

Contains: a Small Plush "Chocolate the Bunny" stuffed animal, speckled "Easter egg" jelly beans, Easter-themed hard candies, pastel-colored candy corn, and a golden egg.


The Children's Easter Tea Basket
$100 Fortnum & Mason USA

The wicker basket contains: a China Teapot and two China Teacups, Luscombe Strawberry Lemonade, Splendid Sweets Magic Beans 6.7oz, Splendid Sweets Rainbow Drops 6.5oz, Organic Toffee Biscuits 3.5oz box, Milk & White Chocolate Shapes 4.2 oz.



Easter Take Out
$14.00 Dylan's Candy Bar

A Take Out Container filled with White and Milk Chocolate Covered Egg-shaped Sugar Cookies. Kosher Certified.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Valentine's Day Dresses Part Two

Ruffle Front Chiffon Dress
$78.00
Arden B.



Bailey 44 'Maleficent' Dress
$174.00
Nordstrom


Tommy Bahama 'Island Bay' Dress
$110.00
Nordstrom



Printed Ruffle Chiffon Dress
$78.00
Arden B.


BCBGMaxAzria One Shoulder Laser Cut Dress
$238.00
Nordstrom


Ruby Rox One Shoulder Mini Dress
$68.00
Nordstrom



Juicy Couture Cascading Ruffles Chiffon Dress
$188.00
Nordstrom


BCBGMaxAzria Strapeless Floral Silk Dress
$338.00
Nordstrom


Crepe Satin Dress
$238.00
BCBGMaxAzria (bcbg.com)



Sharona Knit Dress
$34.50
delias.com
























Elizabeth and James 'Loreli' Dress
$375.00
Ron Herman

Dateless on Valentine's Day? Six Ways to Have Fun!

Photo: Jordi Labanda

by Annice Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR


Being single on Valentine's Day doesn't have the stigma it once had. You don't have to sit around feeling down. No way it's all about relaxing or getting out and doing something fun.

1. Movie Night
Gather your single friends and head to the movies to see either a horror fest like "Friday the 13th" or a romantic comedy like "He's Just Not That Into You" or "Confessions of a Shopaholic". Don't feel like venturing out, have a margarita and movie marathon at home with your friends.

2. Go Glam
Get all dressed up and meet friends for drinks at a glitzy hotel bar. Have fun flirting with all the other singles out that night.

3. Beauty Night
Pamper yourself with a facial, mani/pedi or any other home beauty treatment you haven't had time to do. Make it a fun evening in with champagne and dark chocolate.

4. Go Shopping
Head to the mall, vintage shop or the boutique to either do a little window shopping or a mini shopping spree. This is the perfect time to go shoe shopping to try on all the new styles including those must have strappy stilettos.

5. Dance the Night Away
Slip on your hottest outfit - be it jeans and a cute top - and dance the night away a la Cameron Diaz at a hot nightclub or a V-Day party. Beat the Valentine's Day blahs by showing off your killer moves.

6. Have a Party
Throw a fabulous and fun V-day bash. Put up holiday decorations including nostalgic red or pink hearts, balloons, etc. Serve a red or pink cocktail in a punch bowl. Put out Valentine's candy and dark chocolate and plenty of fun desserts. Make it a theme party and have everyone wear red.

Valentine's Day Dresses Part One

Valentine's Day gives you a perfect reason to go all out to look jaw-dropping gorgeous. You can't go wrong with The Dress being it figure hugging or draped in rich saturated colors or the classic Little Black Dress you can morph into the uber vixen with The Dress.





















Bailey 44 'Portia' Dress
$185.00
Urbanminx.com



Black Halo Rita Sheath Dress
$370.00
tobi.com


Ribbed Knit Dress
$22.80
Forever21


Maggy London Beaded Waist Strapless Matte Jersey Dress
$158.00
Nordstrom


Lauren by Ralph Lauren 'Gemma' Matte Jersey Dress
$134.00
Nordstrom


BCBG Max Azria Belted One Shoulder Sheath Dress
$159.00
Nordstrom



Tiered Crinkle-Chiffon Dress
$248.00
BCBGMaxAzria (bcbg.com)


Embellished One Shoulder Dress
$78.00
Arden B.


Rose Bloom Cocktail Dress
$22.80
Forever21



Sleeveless Draped Dress
$150.00
Banana Republic























Alexander Wang Drap Back Dress
$622.00
Ron Herman