News from BelleRinger PR

ONE FOR ME, ONE FOR YOU Christmas shopping can be such a chore. My rule, established years ago, is for every item I buy for someone else, I buy something for myself. Based on the childhood sharing mantra, 'one for me, one for you.' One example is my husband's pajamas. Last Christmas he told me that he'd like a new set of blue pajamas. Dutiful wife that I am, I went to one of my favorite sites and found the blue PJs for him. I then found the perfect PJs for me. And wouldn't you know, mine came in one of their beautiful organza hatboxes with a Do Not Disturb sign and lavender sachet.

YES, THEY'RE EDIBLE! Some of the prettiest - and most realistic looking - cake decorations and goodies that I've seen are at Wendy Kromer Specialty Confections . These cherry blossoms are absolutely lovely on wedding cakes and look great on all kinds of desserts. Many of the beautiful cakes on her site have been featured in Martha Stewart Living and are available to order over the Internet. The company also sells cake 'kits' that contain all of the decorations needed to bake your own dessert - imagine your favorite aunt's reaction to your homebaked cake! Wendy's cookies make great gifts and favors - snowflakes, hearts, monograms and more - you'll find find them on her site. And the best part - everything's edible (with the exception of those skinny little bird legs). My suggestion for a great gift for a business associate or secret santa is the lovely box of handcrafted and painted marzipan fruit . And you can't go wrong for the price - $12 for a box...

A MOUSE WITH BLING? Is there a techie princess on your shopping list? Believe it or not, this piece of eye candy isn't jewelry - it's Abernook's Bling, Bling Computer Mouse! The dainty crystals on silver give this mouse a subtle bit of sparkle that should bring a smile to your face. Especially on those long afternoons when you're glued to a chair in a dismal cube. The staff at Coolbuzz got it right when they posted this cutie. And the $48 price tag makes it an affordable gift.

IS THERE A BABY BLOGGER IN YOUR HOUSE? Caleb and Debbie recently launched fadiddle , an online shop for t-shirts and onesies for babies and toddlers. This husband and wife team embroiders and silkscreens their original designs in their home in Oregon state - while trying to keep up with their own little guy. I love the groovy designs - they're neither too cute nor too cool. And the couple will also do custom work! They're currently sewing as the orders come in; I'm sure this situation will change when word gets out about their line. I have only one reservation about fadiddle - the grumpapotamus shirt doesn't come in adult sizes! (Shipping is free through 12/15/06 for orders over $40.)

WHAT'S YOUR SIGN? Liz at Cool Mom Picks recently shared these hip receiving blankets she found on Sparkability . Designer Susan Lazar's Zodiac Baby Blankets are made with ultra-soft cotton (for the babies' comfort) and soothing muted colors (for mom's frazzled nerves). Though some p arents seem unconcerned about matching their babies' blankies to their home decor, all parents are concerned about their babies' sense of identity. Can there be a better way for them to discover their true selves than by being literally wrapped up in their astrological symbols?

HAVE YOU STARTED YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST? Today I started Christmas shopping. For myself. I'm putting together my annual list of all of the things my husband should know that I 'need'. Here is some beautiful jewelry from Peggy Li's collection ). Her stuff is young, original, and very wearable with a collection large enough to meet all of your style needs. Peggy talked about her rapidly growing business (some of her pieces have been seen on Hollywood actresses!) and how she balances it with a day job in her August profile on omiru.com .

PRETTY ENOUGH TO EAT I love the idea of a luxurious bubble bath at the end of a long day. It sounds so decadent to slip into a tub of warm water with candles, wine, a book, and luxurious body products. There's such a variety of bath products out there today - from the organic to the handmade to just plain fun stuff - that you can suit any mood. My current favorite is the Neapolitan Soapsicle from soapylove . Debbie's creations are so mouth-watering that I wind up craving something sweet! Here's a picture of one of her holiday creations.

THE DIAPER BAG GRADUATES No need to restate old news but here I go - bags are hot! Fashionista slouches, crystal-encrusted clutches, cool laptop bags, design-your-own bag parties . . . The ladies at Cool Mom Picks just gave us another great find - Diaper Clutches! These stylish little clutches hold up to three diapers and a wipe case and can also be used for purses when your little one outgrows diapers. Take a look at bykimlane.com and pick out your own cute little clutch!

ANOTHER WAY TO WEAR YOUR BABY I've seen a rash of fashionable and functionable baby slings and carriers lately. But my favorite is the EllaRoo Mei Hip carrier. Instead of wearing your baby you plant her on your hip - the strap that crosses your body actually cups your opposite shoulder. This distributes the weight evenly for you and eliminates pressure points for both of you. Clever! Take a look at doulashop.com.