Law of Attraction

When I come in at night, I join my husband, Anderson Cooper and Larry King for dinner. When Anderson and Larry start becoming repetitive I move on. Everything else on TV I view through my TiVo Season Pass. Most times I catch up on Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert while I ride my recumbent bike. Oprah is recorded daily, but I only watch when the show description peaks my interest. On my last biking journey Oprah’s show was about the Law of Attraction. I loved the show, because it reminded me that putting positive thoughts and energy out into the Universe is the way to live one’s life.It is not a new concept, but one that can easily be misplaced when dealing with day to day life.

Oprah had three Life Coaches on the show: Louis Hay, You Can Heal Your Life, Martha Beck, giving advice on de-stressing life, Cheryl Richardson, Stand Up for Your Life. All of the women spoke about using Vision Boards as a life changing tool. I am going to look into it. www.visionboardsite.com and www.christinekane.com/blog/how-to-make-a-vision-board/ are two sites that seem to offer the most information. Will positive thought improve life? Will eating Oatmeal lower cholesterol? Who knows, but it can’t hurt.

That Being Said

The economy is not bad, it’s getting better. SAG will negotiate a new contract and will not go on strike. All of the businesses in Los Angeles (including gift services) will see an improvement in business. George W. will only be in office for a few more months.

Happy 4^th of July

Enjoy the holiday and think positive thoughts for you, your family and the world.

Good Advice

Do not read the newspaper, watch the news, listen to the radio, check stock portfolios, inquire about the current value of your home or plan on living off interest payments…instead pack a suitcase and head to Las Vegas. The hotels, casinos, theatres, restaurants and streets of Vegas are teaming with people spending money. Sin City, as it’s called doesn’t seem to have a clue that the economy is tanking. On the Strip, buildings are being imploded to make way for the new, palm trees are perfectly manicured and traffic is bumper to bumper. While in Vegas morph into a state of bliss, it can’t be that bad out in the real world…enjoy.

Back to Work

I just spent three amazing days in Las Vegas with a group of journalists being entertained by the Las Vegas Tourist Board. We visited with chefs, dined at the best restaurants, visited a gold mine, pet dolphins, enjoyed the panoramaic view from the top of the Rio hotel, danced at Jet, bowled at Lucky Strike, saw Mystere, attended a concert at Hard Rock, interviewed a fighter, swam at Wet Republic and now…I’m back at my desk…exhausted.

It’s all How You See It

A client who works at one of the major networks just emailed me that she has to get gifts for 4 shows…Ugh. She says ugh and I’m thinking Yea! Business!

Delicious

One of our Italian food vendors, Bella Cucina just emailed us a Press Release. We regularly carry their crackers, Tapinade and cookies, but they are introducing a few new products that sound yummy…Mint & Pistachio Pesto, Artichoke Spinach Bruschetta Spread and Pomodoro Pizza Sauce and Pizza and Foccacia dough mix.

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More Junk

When I open Word Press dashboard, either to write or edit my blog I also have the option of deleting, editing or posting the comments that have come to the blog. I delete all the ones that are spam…and there are a lot of them. Daily, do we spend too much of our time sifting through junk emails and answering calls from unsolicited sources? I’m afraid so…and now I’ve added disposal of junk blog comments.

It’s Green

The 70 Solio Hybrid chargers that we ordered arrived today and have been sent off to our printer. The Solio is cool…they say, “plug into the Sun and charge Solio through its solar panel.” It can be used to charge all the essential electronic gadgets we rely on in our travels.

Seems Like a Nice Guy

We have a warehouse filled with messenger bags that are being gift wrapped and will be sent to Warner Bros. on Wednesday. We have a client who always sees to it that cast and crew are shown they are appreciated with a wrap gift.

A Sign of the Times

Two fruit baskets, one flower arrangement, three baby baskets and a couple of gourmet baskets were the only other projects for the day. It’s hard to imagine our Christmas season is just around the corner.

Too Hot

To my regret, my weekend walks have been put on hold… it’s too hot… and I’m not ambitious enough to get out before the morning sun. My son Mitch and his wife Liv are much more dedicated and continue on their walks. I’ll join them in the fall.

Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day… a day late. Men are so laid back… they will appreciate the sentiment whenever they receive it. Yesterday my husband didn’t receive a gift, but was told there would be gifts coming…I doubt it. You don’t tell mom she’ll get something soon, you come with gift in hand. It’s not that we are hard to please, we just know our value. Give dad a hug and he feels like a king.

A Very Large Box

We sent a baby gift to Australia, not a little one that could fit into a small box and would not cost a fortune to ship, but rather a really large gift in a humongous box which would cost a small fortune to deliver. This gift being sent to a charmed little boy was packed in a little rocking chair that would suit his fancy when he’s a little older. We passed up our FedEx and UPS pickup and took the box to the USPS to save our client a lot of money.

Less Than Twenty Dollars

Last week I wanted to send Norma Taylor from the Jamaican Tourist Board copies of a newspaper with the article about Jamaica and a big bag of Coaches Oats as a thank you for being such a gracious hostess. The FedEx charge of over a hundred dollars seemed absurd for a bag of Oatmeal while the post office did it for less than twenty dollars.

USPS as an Option

We are so used to the convenience and acceptability UPS and FedEx affords us, we rarely think about heading to the post office to send packages. Normally it doesn’t make sense, but when shipping a single package to the Caribbean or Asia the savings are considerable and should be considered.

Saving Money

Not sending things at the last minute can save a lot of money.

Overnight delivery service by FedEx or UPS is an amazing service that we take for granted, and one we should expect to pay dearly for considering the logistics; pickup in L.A. by 5 pm deliver in Manhattan by 8:30 am. Fantastic when there are no other options.

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Jamaica

I recently had the opportunity to visit Jamaica; traveling with a representative of the Jamaican Tourist Board and a handful of U.S. press. We were invited to see some of the world class hotels and inns that dot the island, enjoy the food, get a feel for the country and write articles about the trip for various newspapers and magazines. Jamaica rocks…beautiful beaches, killer jerk chicken, unique boutique hotels and a host of activities, including the usual suspects: golf, tennis, plus all of the water sports…kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, boating, and swimming in friendly waters protected by the reef that surrounds the island. If you like the ambiance of an island in warm tropical waters, Jamaica is a perfect vacation destination. In particular I liked the absence of high rise building stacked together as they are in Miami, Honolulu and Cancun. Round Hill, Half Moon, Rockhouse, and Jake’s are a few of the jewels to be found on the island. www.roundhillhotel.com , www.halfmoon.com , www.rockhousehotel.com , www.jakeshotel.com . Check out these sites, than plan a trip.

Inner Peace

Just before I left for Jamaica I drove 50 miles to Lakewood to pick up 17 indoor bonsai trees for a client. The miniature tree and a collection of meditation CD’s were the gifts that were given for the start of a new film. I regret that I didn’t pick up a few extra bonsai’s, they were quite lovely. The tranquility of selecting bonsai trees in Lakewood was marred by a ticket an officer gave me while I pulled over to the curb to call a client. I didn’t see the street cleaning signs. Sweet officer, but he had already started to write, so I got the ticket.

A Few Projects

Friday we are sending 200 messenger bags out to be embroidered. The bags are going to be given to cast and crew of a film that will be wrapping in early June. Barefoot Dreams robes for another film are being gift wrapped for Monday delivery. Tomorrow morning one of the studios will be sending over nine flat screen televisions that need to be gift wrapped and picked up in the afternoon.

June Gifts

Don’t forget dads, grads and weddings. If  wedding favors or gifts for the bridesmaids or groomsmen are needed…Star Treatment would love to help.

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Reviews

I’ve asked people to review Star Treatment services at www.yelp.com , www.citysearch.com or on their favorite site.  A few reviews have started to trickle in…mostly good ones.  One very “snarky” review came in, and it’s making us crazy.  Isn’t that the way it goes?  People write in great comments and we are delighted, but let one negative remark come in and we are in Sherlock Holmes mode trying to figure out who it is and what we did to cause dissatisfaction. We’ve looked up past work orders and invoices trying to figure out who’s wrath produced such a scathing review. A reference is made to my April 21 blog, and accuses us of being too busy with our children to tend to business. The client thinks the basket was thrown together with inferior products and a package of Hot Tamales.  We don’t throw stuff in a basket and Hot Tamales are fun at the movies, but not used unless requested by the client. So in the interest of customer service, if you wrote the review please call us to complain.

Mother’s Day is May 11^th

The cute picture on our web site for Mother’s Day is my partner Cynde with her two darling children (who on occasion visit the office.)  Please check it out and see it there is something you’d like to order. Just for the record, my children are in their 30’s so I’m not distracted by them while working.

Motherhood

A few words from Rose Kennedy on motherhood;  She once said, “I looked on child-rearing not only as a work of love and duty, but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world, and one that demanded the best that I could bring it.” www.agirlsworld.com

Five Pounds at Last

I cannot believe it’s taken me three months to lose five pounds.  I eat a healthy diet, except for an occasional cookie, candy or cocktail.  My secret to finally loosing a little weight is not going out for dinner, and of course eating smaller portions.  Does anybody know how to lose 20 pounds in nine days?  I didn’t think so.  I’m going to Jamaica and would love to think about putting on a bathing suit.  Oh well.

First Mother’s Day in America

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia campaigned for an official day of observance for Mother’s. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day as a national holiday. Anna envisioned a day of devotion and reflection: in 1923 she filled a lawsuit in an effort to stop over-commercialization of the holiday. She lost. Devotion, cards and gifts will be delivered on May 11^th. www.agirlsworld.com

Gifts from the Heart

Remember mom with a call, a card, a sweet gesture…tell her you love her.

Happy Mother’s Day from Star Treatment

Check out www.startreatment.com and see our Mother’s Day collection.

Yes, I’m posting my picture this week

Actually I couldn’t post my picture if my life depended on it, so I’m giving it to my younger partner, Cynde and she’ll make it happen.

Thank you President Bush!

Well today is the day! The federal government will start sending out rebate checks. Just think of it… our personal economic woes are over. Default mortgages and credit card bills can be paid, go to the market and stock up on food, go out and buy a big screen TV; we all know how far the money from the rebate will stretch. According to the news on AOL, “The checks are the centerpiece of an economic stimulus program signed into law by President Bush in February. The aim is to boost consumer spending and help mitigate problems caused by the slowing economy.” Thank God we don’t need to worry about a recession.

Who is Kim Kardashian?

When I went on line Sunday night, AOL had posted a picture of a young guy with the caption…Why is he so popular? I didn’t know, so I clicked on the link. I still don’t know, but I saw the question; Do You Have a Favorite Reality Star? And a piece about Kim Kardashian, she is the number one search on AOL Hot Searches. I’m out of touch… Reality stars? Who is Kim Kardashiam?

Diet???

The weekend…it was good. I went for an hour walk with my kids, saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall, (funny) www.forgettingsarahmarshall.com went shopping, read, did some gardening and ate wonderful food. Sunday brought delicious cheese, cranberry oatmeal cookies and a Chianti Classico to my palate, you are right, this was not a weight losing week. Will there ever be one? Yes!

A Fun Place to Work

We have a comfortable work environment at Star Treatment; we play with Macy and Katie, my partner Cynde’s six and three year old when they spend the day.

My “grandson,” Santino, a dog my daughter Marnie rescued has been spending the week with me. He is a Star Treatment regular, he always runs to visit when the FedEx driver pulls up, but can’t be bothered when UPS, the mailman and most of the messengers arrive.

I’ve started reading a book called Clear Blogging

“How People Blogging Are Changing the World and How You Can Join Them” www.clearblogging.com Wow! I need someone sitting beside me translating. The book very clearly states that the blogger needs to include a picture…so this week for sure I’ll get a picture taken. Those of you who blog,  know about the importance of tags. I don’t, but I went back to past blogs and tagged.

Andrew Jackson’s Mother

“There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness…The memory of my mother and her teachings were, after all, the only capital I had to start life with, and on that capital I have made my way…”Andrew Jackson, U.S. President. www.mothersdaycelebration.com

Mother’s Day is Coming

Mother’s are sensitive about not being forgotten on their day. Hallmark research expects 152 million cards will be sent this year. Mother’s day is the busiest phone day of the year. Check out the YouTube video, you know family pictures are always appreciated YouTube - Mother’s Day then there is always the traditional gift for mom.

Tell Everybody…25% Savings

Star Treatment sale - the micro-chenille robes (normally $65 are now $48.75 and the soybu robes normally $110.00 are now $82.50. Also…you can get any gift basket that has a micro-chenille or soybu robe for a 25% discount while the robe supply lasts.

We sent them to George Clooney’s Italian Villa

Everybody that works at Star Treatment has several of our micro-chenille robes, everybody we personally gift has at least one; husbands, grown children, grandparents and healthy and ill friends alike. I suggest them to people who are looking for great gifts; a celebrity client sent George Clooney these robes for his house guests at his villa in Italy. When I told my embroider that the robes she was embroidering were going to George… her heart was a flutter…mine too.

What do you Think?
Because your opinion is important I’d like you to review
Star Treatment (services, products, and presentation) please go to the site you enjoy most, www.yelp.com , www.citysearch.com , www.luxist.com , and give Star Treatment a review. I’d really appreciate it!

Mona-vie for Good Health

We all want to look and feel the best we can. There is a product called Mona-vie that is loaded with anti-oxidants (Veggies, fruits, nuts, beans, alkaline water) and claims to prevent or fight illness. Check out this site: www.thegreatproduct.com/goodforme . It sounds really good.

Shame on ABC News

I’ve always liked Charlie Gibson, but the last debate was a disservice to the American viewing audience. An opportunity to learn more about the candidates was wasted.

Have a Great Weekend!

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Lost Weekend

What happened last week?  I didn’t lose any weight, but this week I will,  I haven’t posed  for my close-up yet, it keeps skipping my mind (I need to eat more blueberries)  Thursday afternoon after the heat of the day, Mitch and Olivia and I went on a long hike in Woodland Hills, past beautiful homes with lovely views. We ended our trek at Kate Mantilini’s for cocktails and dinner.  Friday morning I checked into Cedars Sinai Hospital for an out-patient procedure, just for the record not cosmetic surgery. It’s a hell of a way to spend the day, drugs just aren’t that great. Saturday and Sunday TiVo and I were best friends.

Something to Share 

Last Week two friends sent me a couple of things I’d like to share.  One is to take a stand against hate by joining www.standstrongagainsthate.org  the other is an Optimist Creed.

Optimist International adopted this creed in 1922.  It was originally published in 1912 in a book titled: “Your Forces and How to Use them.”

It sounds good, something to strive for…

Promise yourself –

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind… To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet… To make all your friends feel that there is something in them…To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true… To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best…To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own…To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future…To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile…To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others…To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble…

Let the Kids Help Save the Earth

Make it fun…let everyone think of ways to save energy, whoever comes up with the most ideas gets a prize.  For example, count how many light bulbs need to be replaced, go shopping and make the switch from inefficient incandescent light bulbs to energy saving bulbs. Your teeth will get just as clean if you don’t keep the water running while brushing. Turn off lights when you are not in the room. Make a list of everything in the house that uses energy and think of how you can save.  You get the idea…Go to www.earthday.net  and see how you can become proactive in saving our planet. Star Treatment has included three books in our Recycle basket…The Three R’s - Reuse, Reduce, Recycle; Our Planet Earth and the Green Book.  All books are available individually.

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