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My Top Gift Tips – Kerrie Meehan, VIC
From a life as a travel agent to running a philanthropic Fair Trade shop, Fairly Cambodian, Kerrie Meehan shares her gift experiences including a Cambodian water blessing and gift buying for a Buddhist friend…
1. The best gift I ever received was…a water blessing from a monk in Cambodia.
2. The top gift on my wish list is…a donation from a mystery individual so I could set up a school in Cambodia.
3. The best gift I have ever given were some pens, magazines and toiletries to a sewing school in Cambodia.
4. The hardest person I have ever had to buy a gift for is…a Buddhist friend. She doesn’t attach any significance to material goods.
5. The best last-minute gift is…something fair-trade, so your gift is helping the individual who made it.
Kerrie Meehan runs Fairly Cambodian, a fair trade retail store in Healesville in Victoria’s Yarra Valley – an enterprise that sells beautiful hand crafted goods made by Cambodians. Kerrie was a travel agent who travelled the world for her job. It was only when she visited Cambodia that she was struck by the country’s tragic history, beautiful people and uphill struggle to rebuild what the Khmer Rouge destroyed. She is determined to improve the lives of the Cambodians she knows, by selling their goods on their behalf, spreading their news, telling their stories, and ultimately giving their children an education and therefore a future. You can buy from Fairly Cambodian from anywhere in Australia via her online shop, www.fairlycambodian.com/shop and sign up to the Fairly Cambodian Facebook Page.
BRAND OF THE WEEK: MAN LAW
1. Grilling is ALWAYS the first choice of cooking!
2. Cutting meat to check for DONENESS is like sawing down a tree to find its age.
3. A garnish is a bad disguise for not buying enough food.
4. Two months’ salary is a small price to pay for fireworks.
5. Vegetarianism is to be encouraged, as it leaves more meat for us Normal people.
6. The barbeque chef shall be kept hydrated at all times.
7. The collapse of a lawn chair by someone sitting in it is only funny if it’s someone else.
8. A proper sear negates any harmful effect of a steak falling on the ground.
9. The cheaper the beer, the more loudly you should say how cold it is.
10. Flare-ups will be handled calmly and discreetly until such time as flames spread to a national park.
11. Due to the delicate balance and concentration required, the user of a hammock should not be disturbed under any circumstances.
12. The dinosaurs are gone, so it is no longer possible to buy a steak that is too big.
BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any MAN LAW product purchased before 5pm Weds 28 November 2012. Simply enter coupon code MAN when you place your order.
BRAND OF THE WEEK: Würkin Stiffs
The next day, Jonathan reflected on his creation and realised he might be onto something that other men may also find useful. He consulted his twin brother, Joshua, who was a hairstylist and constantly battled with runaway collars when he was moving around all day. Joshua was impressed with Jonathan’s concept and assisted with more research until a revised prototype was created.
In the early days, Jonathan’s wife Amie and 10 month-old son Aiden drove around, selling the range to specialty stores. Since Würkin’s inception in 2006, the product range has grown to include other high-quality men’s accessories such as cufflinks, wallets and passport holders.
The Würkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays still remain the ‘jewel’ in the Würkin crown and are available in various sizes, including the popular 2.5” length, as well as an Assorted Sizes pack to ensure all evil collars can be tamed. Clever design and quirky packaging further confirm why the range has such a strong following in the US, and now internationally.
Why we love Würkin Stiffs: The quality of all Würkin products is impeccable (an essential criterion to get the Mr Gift Quality Gifts for Men seal of approval). Quality, coupled with the timeless styling and design makes each piece versatile and suitable for men of all ages. No stylish man would be without a Würkin accessory (or two). If you’re looking for a gift with a unique point of difference for a discerning dude, look no further than the Würkin range – you’ll be impressed, but most importantly, so will he.
Würkin Stiffs Passport Holder with RFID technology to protect your card information $99.95
BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any Würkin purchased before 5pm Weds 21 November 2012. Simply enter coupon code WURKIN when you place your order.
My Top Gift Tips – Dom Romeo
What gift is at the top of a writer’s wish list? Freelance writer Dom Romeo shares his gift stories on softball bats and ex-girlfriends…
1.The best gift I ever received was…
An Bisonte notebook – gorgeous bison leather cover that slips over the notebook, so that when it’s filled, I can just replace it. As a writer, I like to carry around a pen and notebook at all times.
2. The top gift on my wish list is…
Boxing gloves and focus pads – the writer’s life is predominantly sedentary; I need more exercise.
3. The best gift I have ever given was…
A softball bat, for a dear friend’s 40th. I’d known him since we were kids, and I’d accidentally knocked him out with one when we were playing softball in primary school – a story he still tells when introducing me to new friends.
4. The hardest person I have ever had to buy a gift for was/is…
Always ex-girlfriends. You know them well enough to get it perfect – but if and when you do, you make it difficult for the poor guy who’s replaced you – which can also be fun!
5. The best last-minute gift is…
Creative and contains handmade elements – either the card (with a poem) or the hamper you’ve put together with delicious teas, yummy imported sweets and delicacies, or the home cooked meal you serve before presenting them.
6. My hot gift buying tip is…
Shop with them some time before the event – you get an idea of what they like, how they like to spoil themselves, and what they are eyeing off until they can better afford for themselves. And then you can surprise them with it!
Dom Romeo is a freelance wordsmith, blogger and broadcaster. Read his stuff: www.standanddeliver.blogs.com
My Top Gift Tips – Kay Trembath, VIC
This week we caught up with Kay Trembath from Crumbz in Victoria’s gorgeous Healesville and decided that home-made treats are always the best option when it comes to gifts…
1. The best gift I ever received was…my engagement ring from my now husband.
2. The top gift on my wish list is…an e-type Jag.
3. The best gift I have ever given was…some pens, magazines and toiletries to a sewing school in Cambodia.
4. The hardest person I have ever had to buy a gift for is…my Dad. Men are so hard to buy for, especially ones who already have everything they need.
5. The best last-minute gift is…something home-made – a scarf you’ve knitted, some jam or chutney, hummus or some flowers from the garden.
6. My hot gift buying tip is…make it yourself. The time and love that has gone into making the present makes it priceless for the recipient.
Kay is the owner of Crumbz, a fabulous craft shop in Healesville, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Crumbz is packed full of gorgeous designer aprons, fashionable fabrics and wool, kitchenware and house hold gift items. Some of their gorgeous products include washing up gloves with a leopard print trim, kids’ chef hats, china tea cups and polka dot cupcake cases. You can also buy all your haberdashery: wool, yarn, patterns, fabrics – whatever your sewing/craft needs. Kay also runs a series of classes and workshops on sewing, patchwork, crochet, knitting and stitching that help people learn about and enjoy crafts from yesteryear. Check out the Crumbz website to check out their products and classes: www.crumbz.com.au
BRAND OF THE WEEK: E+M
The unusual name behind German pen brand, ‘e+m’ derives from two words: Ehmann + Mümmler. Ehmann founded e+m in 1899 (it was known as Turnery Ehmann back then) and Mümmler is the current CEO and owner of the e+m brand today.
Prior to World War II, Ehmann’s company became the largest manufacturer of nib penholders in Germany. Sadly, production was abandoned during the war, with only a few models produced after the war ended. The war resulted in a movement towards technical wood turnings, which e+m continued to focus on and produce after the war.
A desire “to keep the old traditions of classical manufacturing alive and to transform them into the modern production process” motivated Wolfram Mümmler (fourth generation of the founding family) to restart production of these unique writing instruments in 1983. Wooden pens, mechanical pencils, clutch pencils and other office accessories were developed and are now the major product lines. Once again, e+m have firmly established their place as a leading manufacturer of quality writing instruments not just in Germany, but also internationally.
Why we love e+m:
e+m’s high quality products are like an unforgettable dining experience from a five-star restaurant, where only the finest quality ingredients are used. As one customer recently pointed out to us, the thick wooden shaft of e+m writing instruments are beautifully balanced and ideal for people with arthritis or limited movement in their hands and fingers. e+m’s timeless design is unlike anything we’ve come across and we’re confident that e+m’s writing instruments are gifts that will be treasured for many years to come. It’s refreshing to see a return to simple, traditional writing implements in a world dominated by computers, tablets and mobile phones.
BUY NOW and receive FREE DELIVERY on any e+m product purchased before 5pm Thurs 8 November 2012. Simply enter coupon code E+M when you place your order.
Top three men’s grooming tips
So the jury’s back in and gentlemen, the general consensus is that there’s no excuse for hair in the wrong places when it comes to men’s grooming. We sought advice from our customers and friends for their top tips on how men can look their best and here are some of our favourite tips…
1. Nose hair is a no-no
Author and professional speaker Jennifer Burrows implores men to maintain their ‘manscape’ with a regular trim of stray hairs. “Gentlemen, please invest in a good quality nose and ear hair trimmer – preferably one that comes with an eyebrow shaping attachment. Bushy is not sexy and nose hair tickles during kissing”.
After 20 years in business, Sue Ismiel from Australian wax brand Nad’s is an authority on waxing and hair removal, affirming, “Nose hair is such a turn off for women”. After identifying that out-of-control nose hair was a problem for many men, Nad’s developed Nose Wax to target nose hair on the inside of the nose, as well as blackheads on the outside of the nose. “I am so excited about having found a simple way to get rid of unsightly nose hair and in the process have rekindled people’s passion for their partners now that their nose hair is gone!” says Sue.
2. Exercise caution when removing hair
“Always use a clipper guard when trimming your public area with hair clippers,” advises author of The Vagina Buffet, Tales of a Brazilian waxer, SJ Tierney. Tierney explains: “I was trying to get my husband’s pubic hair as short as possible, so I took the clipper guard off and I accidentally cut his scrotum – it was one of those “not happy Jan” moments”. Ouch!
Tierney also suggests carefully considering where you practice your hair removal. “Never drink and groom, and never allow wax, razors or tweezers at your bucks party!” and don’t forget to consider other members of the household, “If you want to groom in private, remember to keep the door locked”.
3. Tweezers are your friend, not foe
Andy Roache from Andy Hair and Makeup, Mooloolaba believes that all guys should have a pair of tweezers in their bathroom draw that aren’t just for removing splinters.
“Guys, even if you’re low-maintenance, when it comes to grooming, there’s one area to give a wee bit of attention to: your eyebrows. Just a bit of a pluck with tweezers can whisk away those wiry strays, or sneaky greys. Why distract from the conversation with an errant brow line? Tweeze with ease!”
Thanks to our contributors for sharing their tips and tricks for men’s grooming:
Jennifer Burrows is from Value for Life – creating insanely great presenters who get heard, get their point across and ultimately get what they want and is a contributing author of “You Can…Live the Life of Your Dreams” (due for release 1st December 2012). www.valueforlife.com.au
Sue Ismiel is founder of Australian brand, Nad’s, specialising in hair removal products, including Nad’s Nose Wax. www.nads.com.au
SJ Tierney is author of The Vagina Buffet, Tales of a Brazilian waxer. Read more about SJ Tierney’s remarkable (and hilarious) adventures at www.vaginabuffet.com.
Andy Roache is a freelance hairdresser and makeup artist based in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast. www.andyhairmakeup.com.au
Check out our range of men’s grooming products, including high quality men’s grooming brand, Beauty Mate.
My Top Gift Tips – Leanne Cox, Qld
Mr Gift loves hearing about the gift-giving, buying and receiving experiences of our customers and friends. This week we caught up with Leanne from The Grasshoppers Closet, who shared some of her tips…
1. The best gift I ever received was…Tickets to Cirque De Soleil.
2. The top gift on my wish list is…A hot air balloon ride.
3. The best gift I have ever given was…Telling my husband I was pregnant for the first time on his Birthday.
4. The hardest person I have ever had to buy a gift for was/is… my fashion savvy nieces in their early 20s.
5. The best last-minute gift is…Gourmet foods from a Deli, popped in a basket with a bottle of wine.
6. My hot gift buying tip is…Give experiences, food or something recycled – life is for living, not putting on a shelf to collect dust!
Leanne Cox is the founder of The Grasshoppers Closet, a web-based business that developed from Leanne’s passion about going green and selling high quality recycled children’s clothes. www.grasshopperscloset.com.au
Do you know a man who needs a wardrobe make-over?
It’s fair to say that most women enjoy shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories (some a little too much!). Women seem to have it made when it comes to reinvigorating their wardrobe and buying new clothes. They have the support of fellow female friends to debate whether or not they can pull of the neon trend, as well as a plethora of magazines dedicated to the latest fashion looks clamouring for their attention.
But what about men? Sure, there are some great men’s mags out there, but you’d sooner see your average bloke at the pub discussing which cleaning products he prefers before deliberating what he should wear to his next business function with his mates. So how do men with an untrained eye put together a wardrobe that works? Enter stylist and personal shopping expert, Sally Mackinnon, founder of Styled by Sally. Sally has over 5 years’ experience working as a full time personal stylist in Melbourne.
Sally Mackinnon – style guru and founder of Styled by Sally
Mr Gift is proud to have partnered with Sally to offer a personal shopping and styling gift voucher for guys that need a wardrobe shake up. Whether you’re a guy about to embark on a new career and need to sharpen your look, or a dad whose wardrobe needs a bit of TLC, Sally can offer a wealth of advice on outfits to suit your body type, occupation and budget in a fun, non-intimidating environment. You can read more about Sally’s service and BUY GIFT VOUCHERS here.
We had a chat with Sally about what it takes to be a top stylist and learned how her personal shopping and styling service helps her clients, especially guys. Sally also shared some of her top style tips for men this season…
Mr Gift: How did you get in to styling and what qualities do you need to be a stylist?
Sally: After working in Education for 13 years I needed a career change. I decided to follow my passion for fashion and my innate knowledge of style and what suits the body. I took the plunge, registered my business name and embarked on an extensive advertising campaign directed at my target market. So for about 18 months I ‘moonlighted’ as a stylist before building the business to the point that I could resign from my day job…and the rest is history! There are a lot of really imperative qualities you need to be a good stylist, the most important being a good listener. If you don’t listen to your clients’ needs, then you’ll have a dissatisfied client. Also, well organized; most stylists work for themselves, so it’s up to you to do everything, from booking appointments, invoicing, chasing payments, returning emails and phone calls, social media (Twitter/Facebook) and of course preparing for (and following up) the day’s client. This is a very personal job, so you have to be very personable; every day you work with a new client with different needs. You won’t get anywhere as a Personal Stylist if you can’t relate to people on their level.
Mr Gift: When we think of styling we often think of women’s fashion. However, men can also get value from the assistance of a stylist. What benefits can men expect from your styling services?
Sally: Just like women, men too can find shopping stressful and the amount of choices confusing. Men can benefit from a personal stylist in exactly the same way women do. Men can learn what cuts and styles flatter their shape. Although the variety for men is less, men can still get it wrong. I can show a male client how to dress for his proportions so that the clothing he wears creates the right impression. I show men how to update their look and how to put outfits together for a variety of purposes from the corporate office to a first date.
Men are usually pretty matter of fact when it comes to style and shopping, and want decisions made quickly. So my male clients love the efficiency of the Personal Shopping service. In 2-3 hours they’re in and out with all purchases made and their wardrobe sorted until the next season.
Sally’s top tips: “Guys, don’t forget about your shoes!” and “Have some fun with colour” this season.
Mr Gift: What’s the key thing men should focus on when putting together an outfit for themselves?
Sally: Guys, don’t forget about your shoes! Shoes really do make or break an outfit. The most expensive suit can be ruined with the wrong shoes – an out-dated style, scuffed or dirty shoes, or just the wrong style for the outfit. Dress in clothing that flatters your frame. If you’re still wearing oversized shirts and baggy jeans, it’s time to update! Modern cuts of clothing flatter a man’s physique so much better than the shapeless, oversized styles of the 80s and 90s.
Mr Gift: What’s your top style tip for men this season?
Sally: Have some fun with colour. Try a coloured jean or chino instead of the usual blue denim this Spring/Summer. A coloured pant will still work with most men’s shirts, as a navy, light blue, red, grey, white or black shirt are most commonly found in their wardrobes. Avoid wearing coloured jeans with black shoes though; a brown or tan leather shoe is a better choice or otherwise a casual trainer for a relaxed look.
Mr Gift: What’s the best gift you have:
A) ever bought someone?
Sally: I bought my husband a vegetarian cooking course for Christmas.
B) ever received?
Sally: My engagement ring