Castaway is known for their vintage styled pieces with integrated sea glass. An adorable accent piece the Chalcedony Ring is simply styled. This ring has brass wrapped wire that creates the center ring portion. The center stone is a Chalcedony that is derived from quartz in a beautiful teal blue color. This dainty ring certainly makes a statement. Regular price only $95 U.S.  Use the code ‘30DAY’ at checkout to save 30% - bargain at $66.50!

Castaway Jewelry Chalcedony Ring

When traveling with your laptop, check with the airline to see if they offer seat outlets on your flight. If so, you can purchase an EmPower adaptor that will allow you to plug your laptop into the plane’s power rather than running on your laptop battery.

Plug in en route! Here’s a low-cost way to plug in at 35,000 feet. With an auto power adaptor like this Smart AC210 Watt Inverter that can run and charge your laptop through your car’s cigarette lighter socket, all you need to plug into the airline’s EmPower socket is this inexpensive connector. Simply plug your auto adaptor into the socket of this connector, and the other end of this connector into the EmPower socket in your armrest (on aircraft so equipped) for unlimited power from coast to coast. (9½” long; 1½ oz) $12.85 adapter

It’s just the right size for small office staffs, Mom and Dad, singles, couples or students away at school. Includes legendary Pears and Apples – sweet, juicy and fresh from harvest – plus rich Cheddar Cheese, savory Smoked Sausage, Mixed Nuts, delectable Mint Chocolates, incredible Chocolate Moose Munch® Confection, and now with their signature Raspberry Galette cookies. Who wouldn’t love to receive this?  On sale for $29 and now Harry and David can deliver most items to Canada also. Net wt. 4 lbs. 8 oz. Harry’s Collection

Kuo Ting’s decadent creations have Asian influences and use natural stones. The Hammered Teardrop Necklace is a gorgeous and feminine necklace featuring a hammered 14 karat gold-filled ring with orange garnets and a bright blue chalcedony faceted teardrop, as well as a garnet detailing on the clasp. Regular price $118 but if you enter ‘30DAY’ in the code box at checkout you save 30% - bargain at $82.60 U.S.

Kuo Ting Jewelry Hammered Teardrop Necklace in Gold

Walk more confidently on packed snow and ice with Yaktrax Wintertrax, a light duty traction device for winter safety. Wintertrax are spikeless, ultra light and easy to use. Made of an easy to handle polyelastomer material that stretches easily over your shoes and boots, you’ll feel the same solid, predictable grip you’re used to feeling on dry surfaces, with high abrasion steel coils that give you hundreds of biting edges on packed snow and ice.  A great gift for anyone who has to walk a dog or for an elderly person who likes to get out on those wintry days.

Includes:
• 1 pair Wintertrax
• Carrying pouch

• One size fits women’s size 6 to men’s size 12
• Will not eliminate all the inherent risks of snowy conditions, so please always use extra caution regardless
• Avoid surfaces like marble floors, or any non-icy, non-snowy surface while you wear Wintertrax
• Not for indoor use
• Easily installed on your shoes or boots while sitting down
• Carry pouch included for storage when not in use
• Please note the “HERS” style is meant to be worn with high heeled shoes or boots, all other styles are meant for flat-soled shoes or boots. $19.86 Click here and enter item #294416 TheShoppingChannel.com

If you remember my June /07 blog about this fabulous gallery you will know how impressed I was with this unique place.  If you are a more recent reader, type in ‘Jonathons’ in the search box on my main page to read my other review.

Jonathon Bancroft-Snell is the mastermind behind this very impressive spot which can boast being the largest ceramic gallery in Canada, as well as featuring flat art by emerging artists and metal art as well. With artists such as Harlan House you know he has the best of the best.

Until Nov. 22nd, Lois Etherington-Betteridge CM, RCA will be featured as well as the work of 21 of Canada’s leading precious metal artists - a not to be missed exhibition.

Visit www.jonathons.ca for a look at his newly renovated website and to get up-to-date info on all artists, exhibitions etc.  Located at 258 Dundas St., London, Ontario - drop in, have a glass of wine, watch out for the spitting koi fish and please don’t step on the wandering bird!  Tell Jonathon that Smartsnobs™ sent you and he may even give you a second glass of wine.

Two strands of red bamboo coral present a beautiful splash of colour. Some beads are faceted, some are hand carved, while others are in raw nugget form, coming together for a rich mix of textures. Interspersed in the strands are chunks of sterling silver, fashioned into free form nuggets. The pendant is a smoothly polished slab of red bamboo, set in a beaded sterling bezel. Individual rings of sterling comprise the bail. Pendant is 5.5cm x 4cm. The shorter strand is 17”, adjustable to 19”. Longer strand hangs 18” to 20”. Perfect for the holidays! $550. Sea Bamboo Necklace

This is a perfect colour to add on top of any lipstick - the golden tint will add some glimmer for the holidays.  I love layering my lip colours as the combinations are endless.  Reg. $15.50 on sale for $6.20 Golden Lipstick

I understand that not everyone likes beets, but personally I find them irresistible.  This is a super delicious recipe that you absolutely must try - you may even convince people who don’t like beets to change their mind!

• 2 bunches of beets (about 6-8 or 2 lbs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp white wine vinegar
• pinch of sugar
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp shredded fresh mint

Leaving the root end intact, trim the greens from the beets leaving about 1″ of stem.  In a pot of boiling salted water, cover and cook the beets about 25 minutes or until fork tender.  Let cool and slip off the skins.  I wear latex gloves or my hands are red for days!

In another bowl whisk oil, vinegar and sugar.  Put the beets on a platter, drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with mint and cheese.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Very yummy!!

The beauty of genuine orange sponge coral is accented with hints of sterling surrounding the stone. A warm summer blend of apple coral, serpentine, olive, lemon and orange jade beads form the necklace. A 2” sterling extender clasp allows the necklace to be worn up to 18” long. Pendant is approximately ¾” square. On sale for $75.75  Necklace

I always travel with a flashlight.  Whether checking out a map in the dark or having it on hand should you ever have to vacate a hotel late at night through a stairwell, it’s an indispensible item as far as I’m concerned.  Don’t get caught in the dark. This powerful little flashlight has nine super-bright LED bulbs that will last for six hours of continuous use. It’s water-resistant and textured for a secure grip. Includes three AAA batteries. A great stocking stuffer! Two-pack in Red/Blue. (3½ x 1″)  $12.85 each or $9.85 for 2 or more. Flashlights

Yves Rocher is having a 2 for 1 sale on it’s SPA and Bodycare products.  Perfect for holiday gifts. Free shipping on orders over $45 makes this a slam dunk!

Yves Rocher Botanical Biology Laboratories have specially selected organic orange blossom essential oil for its soothing properties. Pour a small dose into the tub and let the calming aromatic bath help you unwind from the day. Their certified organic essential oil meets special requirements (in terms of culture, distillation) in order to deliver best results.  Also try their lavender bath oil - it’s to die for! $19.50
Organic Orange Blossom Oil