Runway Ready

The CARLISLE Summer 2008 Collection

Grab Mom and head to a preview of the CARLISLE Summer 2008 Collection

The show will go from Thursday May 8th to Wednesday May 14th. There will be champagne and appetizers nightly from 5-8pm

The Carlisle Collection embodies contemporary, easy elegance. This fashion collection, crafted for the woman who cares deeply about style and quality, combines the best of enduring and modern designs from Europe and America. Carlisle fashions are current without being trendy, classic without being staid.

The Carlisle Collection means personal attention to your unique tastes.

Call today for an appointment! I can’t wait to see you at my summer show! Your fashion friend, Christy

Consultant Christy Hobin can be reached at 1247 Washington Road unit 18 | Rye, NH | 603.988.8833 Email: chobin@comcast.net | Web: www.CarlisleCollection.com

When Debbie Breneman isn't shopping she's reading your emails. If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

Expert Style Tips To Instantly Transform Your Figure

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished that there was something you could immediately do that would quickly and easily improve your figure. Would you like to reshape your figure, look 10 lbs thinner, 2 inches taller, have a fuller bust line, or disappear a large bottom? Well with the following professional tips and advice your wish as been granted and you will be able to instantly visually transform and enhance your figure.

Use Line Illusions - There are four types of line vertical, horizontal, diagonal and curved. Each type of line creates a different kind of illusions. Vertical lines create a slimming elongated illusion. Use verticals on areas of your body you want to look thinner or longer. Horizontal lines create a wide shorten illusion. Use horizontal lines on areas of your body that you want to enlarge or shorten. Diagonal lines divert the eye away from the area it is used on. Use diagonal lines on areas of your body you want to conceal and camouflage. Curve lines create the illusion of rounded curves. Use curve lines on areas of the body you want to lift or look curvaceous. Line illusion is one the most effective techniques you can use to reshape and transform your figure.

Employ The Power Of Color - Color can be used 3 ways to transform your figure. One by applying light colors to areas of your body you want to accentuate or enlarge and dark colors on the areas of your body you want to conceal or make look smaller. Two dress monochrome (all in one color) which will make your appear slimmer and taller. Three use color to create flattering lines.

Utilize The Effects Of Fabric - When selecting fabrics to transform your figure you have to take into consideration the weight and texture of the fabric and if the fabric has a print. Medium to lightweight soft non-cling fabric with a smooth matte texture will slim the area of the body they are worn over. Heavy bulky or stiff fabric with shiny or ruff texture will add weight and fullness to the areas of the body they are worn over. Bold bright prints and patterns will make you look heavier. Vertical prints will slim and elongate the areas they are worn over and horizontal prints will widen and shorten the areas they are worn over.

Don't Forget To Accessorize - Accessories are a great way to add flattering lines where you need them. Want to slim a large bust line add a triple layer necklace that ends ? inch or more below the bust line. Want to accentuate a small waist add a wide bright belt. Want to elongate your neck put on a pair of dangling earrings. Accessories are an inexpensive, fun and powerful way to successfully transform your figure.

Eileen Hammel President of Smarter Image, and Smart Skin Care - Smart Cosmetics by Smarter Image is a Nationally & Internationally Recognized Image, Style and Beauty Expert. www.smartskincaresmacosmetics.com

Mothers Day gift ideas..

Remember the sweet cards we made at school for our moms when we were 7 years old? We used Elmer's glue and noodles to shape the word "Mom" and she would always light up like a Christmas tree when you gave it to her. I'm willing to bet some moms still have those cards tucked away in a special place, though probably with a few less noodles.

Remembering the beautiful memories and moments is an important part of celebrating Mother's Day – showing appreciation for everything she did for us, then and now. The simple hugs and all the multi-tasking. Running us all over God's creation, to gymnastics and cheerleading practices, to swim lessons… And it didn't stop there.

She offered support through the good or, um, bad report cards, through happy or, um, sad times. She put you on restriction for missing curfew, because she wanted you to be safe. She gave you the last $10 out of her purse so you could go to the movies with your friends. Thanks, Mom.

We may have outgrown the glue and noodles and construction paper, but I think the message still rings true. So with the help of readers and some local establishments, I've compiled a few great gift suggestions just for Mom.

Take her to one of her favorite restaurants, perhaps a seaside Mother's Day brunch buffet at the York Harbor Inn (Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-4: 30 p.m.) on scenic Route 1A in York. Call ahead for reservations to (207-363-5119) or go to www.yorkharborinn.com.

Or head to another exquisite oceanfront dining experience with a diverse selection of fresh local seafood, lobster, steak, veal and pasta, and lighter fare. Ron's Landing at 379 Ocean Blvd. in Hampton is accepting reservations for Mother's Day starting at 12 noon. Call for reservations (603-929-2122) or check out their Mother's Day specials online (www.ronslanding.com).

What woman doesn't love to shop? Christine's Crossing, located at 1000 Washington Road in Rye, is celebrating the launch of Penumbra Textiles for the home. Also, meet the designer and view Bridget's first showing of her clothing line (preview on May 8, 3 a.m.-7 p.m., with refreshments served and special surprises all weekend long for Mother's Day). Call 603-964-6063 or stop by Christine's Crossing in Rye.

Now this sounds like a slice of heaven. Give your mom a day of pampering at a beautiful spa overlooking Little Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean in New Castle at Wentworth by the Sea. Wentworth invites you to feel the joy of your body at ease, your mind at peace and your spirit renewed on the path to health, balance and beauty. Call the spa for a reservation (603-422-7322) at Wentworth by the Sea.

A special keepsake piece of jewelry for Mother's Day will remind her of you forever. Stop by Alie Jewelers, where they have a long history of making Mother's Day special. Alie's was founded by Albert Alie, a clockmaker who moved to Dover from Biddeford, Maine, and started the business in October 1914. In 1971, the Alies purchased a store in Portsmouth, which is now managed by Stephen Alie. Today Alie's is one of the Seacoast's oldest operating jewelry stores. Many generations of local customers continue to select Alie's because they feel comfortable purchasing jewelry and having repairs and alterations made at an established, family jewelry store. Visit Alie Jewelers (603-436-0531) at 1 Market St. in downtown Portsmouth.

Mother's Day flowers, anyone? Fuller Gardens (a turn-of-the-century estate garden) is having its annual Mother's Day weekend plant sale Friday-Saturday, May 9-10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event features a massive array of perennials, herbs, mini rosebushes, gift shop items and garden memberships. Members receive 10 percent off purchases. Visit Fuller Gardens (603-964-5414, www.fullergardens.org) at 10 Willow Ave. in North Hampton.

Or how about the gift of a clean house? Give her a break and hire The Maids (62 Lafayette Road in North Hampton) to come in for some spring-cleaning. It's so worth it. My sister and sister in-law both have a maid who comes once a week to do the really deep cleaning that they just don't have time to keep up with amid all the multitasking with the kids. The maids do a super job. Like The Maids say, nobody out-cleans The Maids. Call them today at 603-499-4093.

Debbie Breneman
Shoppingista

When Debbie Breneman isn't shopping she's reading your emails. If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

Runway Ready's top '08 fashion trends

We fashion-conscious women are always obsessing to keep up with the latest fashion trends. And let's face it, we don't all possess Carrie Bradshaw's instinct for pulling a potluck fashion trend out of her fedora (she's the MacGyver of fashion).

Most busy girls out there will drop a lot of cash on high-fashion magazines, spend hours on the Web searching for the newest trends or, if you have the money, hire a stylist.

Sorting through the millions of designers and styles out there can be quite daunting for some women, but for me it's just another day at the job. So get out a pen, paper and maybe your credit card – I've zeroed in on the top hottest fashion trends for 2008.

The summer palette of colors is black, yellow, blue and grey, pink and white. Stripes are everywhere and, quite frankly, I'm feeling a little obsessed with this season's stripes. The thing is, when I love a certain trend, I have to have it in every color and every style. That's just me.

Some fashionistas might disagree, but I'm soooo over the busy, geometric patterns – they give me a headache. In my opinion, this year's fashion focus is all about a clean, sleek, put-together look.

Again, key word "sleek" – fitted dresses are back, but the bubble dress that I thought would be put to dress pasture this year is keeping a steady spot among this summer's must-haves with new art-inspired prints. (Tip: Try not to blind someone with some of the over-the-top neon colors out there).

Do buy slick pencil skirts, high-waisted dress pants, tailored capris, over-sized bubble shirts and tailored fitted blouses. Some say layering is out; I disagree. Sure, more then three layers is just silly, but lightly layering a couple pieces does work. I especially love a plain-colored tank or vest over a white T-shirt.

Jeans will never go out – so for a chic night out, grab a nice white or blue jean (not too tight or frayed). Shop for a hot pair of jeans at Victoria's Secret, True Religion, Juicy Couture, Seven Jeans and Citizens of Humanity (whatever your jean obsession is). Match them with a sleek, quality tee and fitted cropped cotton or leather jacket, then add a stylish pair of comfy summer sandals with a heel or cute pair of ballet flats.

Every girl must own a pair of super-size silver hoop earrings this summer, a sexy pair of sandals, a versatile white statement handbag and a sophisticated scarf that can transform your look from day to night. It's the little things that make fashion work.

Most of these looks can be found at Victoria's Secret (www.victoriassecret.com/collection). I've been a fan of this collection for years. The Victoria's Secret fashion line is not only sexy, it's made for a women's body. Some other looks shown here are from another one of my all-time favorite designers, Michael Kors. I recommend you visit his collection at www.michealkors.com.

Debbie Breneman
Fashionista

This week in celebrity gossip news..

(somagirls)

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon got Married?! Jennifer Aniston's Burma PSA.Tina Turner Un-Retires. Brad Pitt & Angelina- "Influential People". Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer cuddling. Pete Doherty out of jail again. Naomi Campbell cameo on Ugly Betty.

For more celebrity news go to www.somagirls.tv

What's on TV? Here's Yahoo's top 10 must watch shows click here... http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/4650 Dancing With the Stars, Gossip Girl, Two and a Half Men, (Little People, Big World), American Idol, Survivor: Micronesia-
Fans vs. Favorites, Lost, 30 Rock, Everybody Hates Chris and Brothers & Sisters.

DAVID'S BRIDAL FINDS THE PERFECT PROM DATE: CELEBRITY FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER NIGEL BARKER

(Behind the scenes video)

"America's Next Top Model" Judge Nigel Barker Reigns as Official Spokesperson for David's Bridal Prom 2008 and Shoots Second Prom Campaign

The hotter-than-ever "America's Next Top Model" judge, Nigel Barker, is taking on a new role as spokesperson for David's Bridal Prom 2008. Sharing his fashion expertise, Nigel will help girls achieve a sizzling look for the red carpet event of their high school life. And, for the second year in a row, the incredibly popular celebrity and fashion photographer Nigel Barker has brought David's Bridal's hip prom campaign to life in national magazines and online.

"It's great to be working with the leading prom authority once again and showcasing the hottest 2008 prom trends for this once in a lifetime experience," says Nigel. "David's fashionable collection has it all, so prom girls can dress up and get a picture-perfect look. Every girl deserves her chance in the limelight and David's Bridal will make one 'Glamour Girl's' dreams come true with her very own photo shoot."

"Congratulations to the Grand Prize GLAMOUR GIRL!

Monica Lopez from Houston, Texas is the lucky winner of a celebrity experience of a lifetime -- a trip to NYC, professional "glam squad" makeover, fabulous prom dress, and a personal photo shoot with Nigel Barker, judge and photographer for America's Next Top Model!

"I'm a senior at DeBakey High School for Health Professions. I have a lot of perseverance and I enjoy helping others. I've volunteered at many places including day cares, churches, and festivals. I have a very outgoing personality and hope to one day become a doctor or a model. It's not just the clothes and makeup I enjoy, but the environment, energy and meaning behind each photo. As editor in chief of the yearbook at my school I've gained experience behind the camera. I've always felt if you decided to put any effort into to something, give it your all.

Stay tuned for updates from her shopping trip, photo shoot, and more.

The 2008 David’s Bridal prom collection is now available online and in stores, and select prom dresses will be sold on their website. Whether she envisions herself a modern fashionista or elegant princess, David’s amazing selection of affordable and luxurious prom dresses, as well as coordinating accessories, suits any personality and style.

Check out David's Bridal for the hottest trends in prom wear and amazing end of season prom dress deals at www.davidsbridal.com

What's happening in May, you say? … Children's Day!

Bad news! Childrens Day is canceled this year due to rain- with no scheduled rain date... sorry kids:(

We have Mother's Day, we have Father's Day, and so it would only makes sense to have a Children's Day, right?
So kids, pull those crayons out of your nose, it's time to come out and play in the streets of Portsmouth (yes, only for Children's Day, though). Portsmouth's 18th annual Children's Day is Sunday, May 4, from 12-4 p.m.

Of course, there is one requirement to participate in this year's festivities – everyone who comes must be prepared to have fun (even you teethers). I recommend a good face-painting to get things started. A tip for newcomers: Your left hand should be holding a big, fat balloon and your right should be gripping one drippy delicious ice cream cone.

And hey, what’s a party with out breaking out some of your best SpongeBob dance moves in the streets to this year’s schedule of performers that includes Dan Grady & his Marvelous Marionettes, Mary Kaye & Professor von Wienerschnitzel, and the Seacoast Civic Dance Company.

The festivities begin when friends from Character Island arrive in Portsmouth aboard the Thomas Laighton at The Isles of Shoals Steamship Co.

A handy Children's Day map will ensure that you don't get lost in the maze of gaiety that unfolds throughout downtown Portsmouth, where visitors will find activities, crafts, entertainment, delicious food and all that outrageous fun.

Stop by G. Willikers to see the mouse from a well known children's book called "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie...", visit with kids at the store.

G. Willikers is also doing a fun recycling game on Pleasant Street where there will be kids activities. Help G.Willikers take care of the Earth! Toss the toy in the G.Willikers! 100% Recycled Canvas Bag. For every child who plays, they will donate a dime to a local "Green" Cause...

For more information and a copy of the Children's Day map, visit www.proportsmouth.org

Spring has finally arrived, I think

Warmer weather signals the opening of the decks, the return of tourists and many of the things that we love about Portsmouth.

It also signals the beginning of wedding season and summer anniversaries. Local jeweler Bellman's Portsmouth is dedicated to helping you find exactly what you are looking for, turning the task of finding the perfect piece from daunting to delightful.

If you or someone you know is in the market for a diamond, a visit to Bellman's is a must. Buying a diamond is one of the most important purchases you'll make and at Bellman's diamond education is a specialty of the house.

Also, April showers bring May flowers and May flowers bring Mother's Day (this year it's May 11). So stop by and let us help you find the perfect gift for the beautiful and special woman who brought you into the world.

The Bellman's boutique is located at the corner of Hanover and Market streets. Look for the black and red awning and take the elevator to the fourth floor. For more information about Bellman’s Portsmouth, contact Kimberly Buxton at the boutique, 603-431-9050 or visit www.bellmansportsmouth.com. 78 Market Street, Suite #4, is open on Tuesday-Friday 10:00-6:00, and Saturday 10:00 -5:00, or by appointment.

Celebrate Mother's Day with Kenny Ma jewelry at Paradiza

Kenny Ma earrings, necklaces and bracelets are 20 percent off at Paradiza, Friday-Sunday, May 9-11.
Kenny Ma designs his exclusive collection of beautiful jewelry in San Francisco. Each piece is skillfully hand-crafted and adorned with Swarovski crystals, mother of pearl or fresh-water pearls.

All designs are hypoallergenic, made with nickel-free brass and come with a vintage gold or antiqued silver finish.

Each piece carries a lifetime guarantee from reasonable wear.

So celebrate Mother's Day with some beautiful Kenny Ma jewelry for a special mom (or for yourself). The folks at Paradiza hope to see you Mother's Day weekend at the 63 Penhallow St. boutique (603-431-0180).

Pink Shutters Opens

Pink Shutters Beach Boutique is opening for weekends starting Friday-May 9th from 10am-6pm on Fri, Sat and Sun. Introducing new resort wear, bathing suits, jewelry, hats and bags. Check out our Spotlight magazine for a 10 percent off one item coupon for the month of may.

Get all your beach needs weather your going to the beach or the club at Pink Shutters located at 367 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton Beach NH or (next to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream at the Oceanside Mall) or call 603.926.3604 and visit www.pinkshutters.com

Debbie Breneman

Debbie Breneman loves hearing from you. If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

Sweet niblets, Miley Cyrus photo shoot video..

(Video of Miley Cyrus photo shoot that's all the buzz)

According to published reports, Miley Cyrus, a teen idol and star of the Disney Channel show Hannah Montana, was pictured apparently topless, with a satin bedsheet protecting her modesty.

Initially, Cyrus declared herself happy with the shot, declaring it "really artsy".

But she has had a change of heart now that the picture is in the public domain.

"I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologise to my fans who I care so deeply about," she said in a statement.

Executives at the Disney Channel are said to be furious about the shot, which is a far cry from the star's usual squeaky-clean image.

A spokesman for the network said: "Unfortunately, as the article suggests, a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines."

But Vanity Fair defended its position, saying: "Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day. Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley."

Also, photographer Annie Leibovitz has said, "I'm sorry that my portrait of Miley has been misinterpreted," she said in a statement. "Miley and I looked at fashion photographs together, and we discussed the picture in that context before we shot it.

All pictures at vanityfair.com

If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

5 Must-Try Makeup Trends for Prom

(Ford Artists' Tommy Joiner shows how to create a sexy, sophisticated look for prom)

Also the girls guide to prom at promspot.com gives tips for a perfect prom night face with these easy beauty tips for four totally now trends, plus one timeless classic. Hint: Don't try all these trends at once. Pick one or two for a pretty face that doesn't look like you tried too hard.

Give Eyes a Pop of Color

How to get it:Use liquid eyeliner, or dip a tiny, wet brush into the powder of your choice. Then draw a line right along your top lashes, getting a little thicker toward the outside corner of your eye. Another option is to rim the waterline of your eye -- the strip of skin between your lashes and your actual eye. Use a waterproof, matte (powdery) color here, because shades with shimmer are creamier and tend to slide off.
PromSpot Pointer: Choose a shade that's in your dress, or use the opposite color to really add some drama to your look (opposite colors are red-green, purple-yellow, and blue-orange).

Red Lips

How to get it: Line your lips with a red lip pencil, then fill it in with a red tinted gloss. Or start with a lip stain, then add a coat of clear gloss. These two tactics give you that perfect pouty look but don't look as overdone as lips with bright red lipstick. Bonus: Stains and glosses will stay on as you eat and drink through dinner and dance the night away.

The same lipstick will look different on everyone, so choose one that's right for you. If your skin is pinkish, use a brownish-red brick shade; if you've got a golden tone to your skin, try berry and wine colors; if you have an olive tint, you can try classic candy-apple red lips.

Uberlong Lashes

How to get it: Start by putting mascara on your lashes, then enhance the corners with a few individual fake ones. Take one lash at a time with tweezers and dip the end into lash glue. Position the lash so it's at the same angle as the rest of your lashes, then put the sticky end on your upper lid's lash line between a few of your real lashes. Hold it in place for a few seconds while the glue sets. Put several lashes toward the outside of each eye, and, if you want, add a few shorter ones to the lower lid as well. Alternate using long and short lashes for a more natural look.

Flawless Skin

How to get it: Start with a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone. Then use concealer to target imperfect spots. This one-two process gives you the same blemish-less look as foundation without the cakey texture. Next, brush bronzer over the spots where sunlight usually hits, such as the apples of your cheeks, your forehead, the slope of the nose, and your chin. Don't neglect your skin. In the months leading up to prom, make sure you wash your face every night before you go to bed and to moisturize daily for a gorgeous glow.

Smoky Eyes

How to get it: Start by putting shadow base or concealer on your eyelids so that your high-intensity makeup will stay on all night. Take a dark color of your choice -- forest green, navy blue, bronze, or black -- start at the center of your eye, brush it outward along the lashes on your upper lid, and then smudge it with a brush or your fingers. Next, do a very thin line of that color along the outer half of your lower lid and smudge that. Fill in the rest of your upper lid with another color, either a lighter shade of what you just put on or a neutral hue. Pair this look with a pale or neutral lip tone so you don't look like you're wearing clown makeup. Tips by Promspot Caitlin Ascolese

Girls don't go at it alone visit promspot.com for complete guide to prom, with tips on makeup, hair, dresses, date disaster and much more. For local makeup artist visit Joanne McDonough’s Web site at www.joyabeauty.com. Joya Beauty is located at 204 Silver Street Ext. in Dover (603-534-3412). Also checkout http://www.findmypromdress.com/quick-ship-dresses-26/ for end of season blowout on dresses.

If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

recycle your old jewelry and be rewarded at the same time!

I often hear women saying that they have so much jewelry at home, but they are not wearing it. Why is that? Gazing at my own collection recently, it finally hit me—we need to clean out our out-of-date jewelry just like we do our clothing!

We regularly clean out our closets in order to keep our look fresh and stylish; discarding what no longer fits or looks great. We need to do the same thing with our jewelry. What may have looked good ten years ago, may not work for us now; it may no longer reflect our style or personality or it may no longer be in style. Life it too short to wear bad jewelry—and Puttin’ on the Glitz has a plan to help you recycle your old jewelry and be rewarded at the same time!

Bring in a necklace and receive a 10% discount on a new necklace Bring in a pair of earrings, and receive 10% discount on a new pair. Bring in up to five pieces for recycling and reap the rewards. Our first annual Recycle and Save Sale runs from Saturday, April 26 to Sunday, May 4—Just in time to save on all your Mother's Day gifts!

Puttin’ on the Glitz will donate your used jewels to New Generation, Inc. Their mission is to provide support to homeless women, those in crisis during pregnancy, and to mothers and children in order to foster a new generation of healthy, self-sufficient, fully functioning and happy families. To learn more about them, visit their web site at www.newgennh.com.

Refresh your jewelry and your accessory wardrobe for spring. Puttin’ on the Glitz has all the latest spring styles and colors so you’re guaranteed to look as good as you feel!

PS. Save even more during our Recycle and Save Sale by shopping on Sunday! Double your recycling discount and get an additional 10% off your purchase of new jewels and accessories on Sunday, April 27 and Sunday, May 4!

Visit Puttin’ on the Glitz at 150 State St ,Portsmouth Monday 11AM-6PM, Tuesday closed, Wednesday & Thursday 11AM-6PM, Friday 11AM-8PM, Saturday 11AM-6PM & Sunday Noon-5PM. or visit www.puttinontheglitznh.com/

If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

You’re invited!!

Present Perfect is holding a “Spring into Summer Fashion Event” on Saturday, April 26, 11a.m.-3p.m. Step out in style and comfort with Flyflot, Tsonga and Thomas Bates fabulous sandals, sassy styles of Dick & Jayne, Art, Hanna, Double U and Donna. Or create a splash with Patricia Spratt home décor.

You can save 25 percent on select spring home or designer fashions of $100 or more from April 26-May 3. So head down to Present Perfect at 457 Lafayette Road in Hampton (603-926-3340).

If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

Disney Party Activity Kits

Featuring Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, Disney Princess, Cars & More

Janlynn Corporation, a leading producer of children’s activity products today announced the introduction of a new line of Disney- and Disney•Pixar-themed Birthday Party activity kits. Hannah Montana™, Disney Princess™, Disney Fairies™, Cars™ and Pirates of the Caribbean™ are all currently available, with plans for other Disney characters to follow soon.

Each activity kit includes eight screen-printed poly /cotton pillowcases, 32 non-toxic crayons and a lot of fun for kids to add their own artistic touch.

”Parents are looking for affordable ideas to offer a fun and memorable party for their children,” said Denise Carter VP of Marketing and Product Development. “Janlynn's all-inclusive Disney Party packs do just that, not only do they fill the need of both a party activity and party favor, but they also offer an extremely good value that guarantees to be the hit of any child's birthday or gathering. "

The Disney Party kits are fun, quick, and easy to do projects giving children the pride and satisfaction of creating and completing a project all on their own. Simply coloring the preprinted pillowcases with the crayons included in the kit will create a creative keepsake that every child will cherish and actually use. “Our products allow children to express their creativity using some of the most popular stars and icons in the world today", states Carter.

The Disney party kits (SRP $26.99) are now available at retailers nationwide such as AC Moore and Party City and at www.janlynn.com.

About Janlynn Corporation

Incorporated in 1979, The Janlynn Corporation ("Janlynn") is a dominant worldwide craft supplier. Janlynn is a private, family business, whose core values center on maintaining the "family" in family business... treating employees, customers, consumers and suppliers with the same degree of respect as is found in strong family units. For more information on Janlynn Corporation visit www.janlynn.com or call 1-800-553-7510

If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

Green living with Artful Wares

Artful Wares products are designed to stimulate memories and create conversations with each dining experience. For each person these memories and experiences are unique.

(A Maine-based company) makes truly unique tableware and tabletops from crushed lobster, mussel and clam shells. The business began in 2003 with Tamra Philbrook collecting shells on the Maine shoreline and mixing them with a composite to form the handles of cutlery. Family and friends loved the novel tableware and soon she was making more and more, enough to have to automate the process. She has patented the process now and has a deal with local shell fish processors for their waste (it turns out she's doing the environment a huge favor recycling this waste which often ends up in landfills and can be hazardous).

Tamra Philbrook started the business as an artisan of handcrafted pieces. She hand-picked the 100% natural materials from the shorelines of Maine, and created a patented process that allowed her to utilize them for dishwasher-safe tableware.

As the demand for the product grew, Glenn Philbrook joined his wife to head up finance and operations. Now, the pieces are manufactured in Cutler, Maine, utilizing shells that have been reclaimed via a unique partnership with
seafood processors. The result is a beautiful, environmentally friendly addition to the tables of Artful Wares discerning customers.

From Downeast lobster dinners to summer hiking trips along the rocky coasts and trips to the New England mountains, the origin of each set lies in special memories shared with the Philbrooks own friends and family here in Maine.

The Philbrooks goal for these custom creations is to make each meal more enjoyable for you and yours. May they help you create new memories and remind you of the special spirit found here in the heart of Maine.

Tamra Philbrook, Artful Wares, founder and Director of Innovation, Glenn Philbrook, co-founder and CEO, Travis Philbrook, son and life-long learner and student, and Tuesday Philbrook, daughter and people lover and student.

Check out these fine pieces at www.artfulwares.com

If you have a shop, a sale, event, fun fashions, products, celebrity fashions, gossip, or a new business you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com.

The Many Benefits of Hemp Fabric

Why Hemp?
Environmental and health- conscious consumers are concerned about the products they buy, but buyer beware, because labels can be misleading. For example, organic cotton does not mean chemical-free and environmentally- friendly does not necessarily mean chemical-free. Consumers aren't always told whether the garment has been chemically- altered at some stage of the process from, the harvesting to the final stages of fabric manufacturing.

Although environmental and health conscious consumers have traditionally favored cotton fibres over synthetic clothing, cotton is one of the most environmentally unfriendly crops grown. Although organic cotton standards have helped to decrease the impact that cotton crops have on the environment, there is still a great need for improvement.

Hemp leaf against blue sky In contrast to organic cotton, hemp grows extremely fast, producing more fiber yield per acre than any other source. Hemp can produce 250% more fiber than cotton and 600% more fiber than flax using the same amount of land. The acreage needed to obtain equal yields of fiber places hemp at an advantage over other fibers. hemp leaves the soil in excellent condition for any succeeding crop, especially when weeds may otherwise prove troublesome. Where the ground permits, hemp's strong roots descend three feet deep or more, anchoring and protecting the soil from runoff and building and preserving topsoil and subsoil structures similar to those found in forests. Moreover, hemp does not exhaust the soil. hemp plants shed their leaves all through the growing season, adding rich organic matter to the topsoil and helping it retain moisture. Farmers have reported excellent hemp growth on land that has been cultivated steadily for nearly 100 years.

At Earth Friendly Network, we believe that the preservation of the earth and well being of it's inhabitants is paramount. That's why we strive to make it simple and affordable for you to purchase a variety of high quality earth friendly products. All of our products are carefully researched and tested to ensure only the finest, most environmentally friendly products.

And because we want to be as good to the environment as we are to you, we use recyclable or reusable packaging when possible. So treat yourself, tread lightly on the earth, and get the value you deserve - from Earth Friendly Network.

To learn more about earth friendly goods visit http://earthfriendlygoods.com/

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