TO ILLUSTRATE A POINT

The Society of Illustrators in NYC just opened an exhibit by some of the world's leading fashion illustrators. Once a thriving career category for many fashion obsessed design students, it's diminished thanks to photography, and the declining status of department stores as trend leaders. These talented people were not just sketchers, but now are receiving their due as true artists in their own right. Through May 2nd. This illustration is by Antonio -- I even owned a few posters signed to me personally by him at one time. www.societyillustrators.org.

BUY A BAGFUL OF PENNY CANDY

Yes, we know penny candy is a victim of inflation. But pop for a half a pound and mix and match all the favorites you had when you were a kid…sweets, sours, gummis, licorice, chocolates – go for your personal spin around the sugar shack. Then, share some with the next kid you see, and watch their eyes light up.

PIG OUT!

Yes, we New Yorkers are a pretty trend savvy and tasty bunch. The latest craze here in the Apple, is bacon. Witness, bacon candy, dark or milk...Other tasty treats include bacon donuts, bacon popcorn, bacon peanuts, and a whole host of pig outs available here. Most likely, coming to a town near you, too.

HEY BABY...

OK, it's a lame pick up line, but here's a new spin on it. HEY BABY WHAT'S YOUR SIGN is a new company that takes a fun approach to Astrology. Whether it's a onesie for a baby, a mug, or a tote bag, their adorable illustrations are sure to get a laugh. Check them out at www.heybabywhatsyoursign.com.

THE POWDER AND THE GLORY

Two women, the creators of the modern beauty industry, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein, are profiled in this PBS documentary, The Powder and The Glory. They are credited with developing the $150 billion dollar global beauty business. These remarkable businesswomen were arch rivals, who were always one-upping each other, and who lived in New York City blocks from each other, but never wanted to meet. (Crazy they never bumped into each other at a party, either!)

This runs on your local PBS stations on March 23. Log onto PBS.ORG for the time in your area, or purchase the DVD, and read more about them at http://www.pbs.org/thepowderandtheglory/index.html

HEY, TODAY IS NOT JUST ANOTHER DAY...

Today IS special...to someone!

Take a look at this adorable chain link toggle bracelet and charm, for example. You pick the date on the cool calendar charm that's meaningful, and then you mark it with a gemstone of your choice and color.

Visit www.notjustanyoldday.com. and pick from a selection of items that will make memories for years. This bracelet in sterling is $166.00. Think about it for Mother's Day, Birthday, First Communion, Bat Mitzvah, etc.

SKIN SAVVY SOLUTION TO WINTER DRYNESS

I was just in Los Angeles, where it was 80 degrees...then back to freezing cold New York City where it topped out at 20 degrees last week. A friend told me about Kate Somerville, a skin salon, and I hopped over there, her spot is on Melrose Place. It was astoundingly beautiful, lots of celebrities go there, and the products are packaged beautifully, so I tried something called Quench.

I swear my skin felt amazing for the entire day. It's kind of an extra dose of moisture. Check out her site and look around. www.katesomerville.com. I saw her on QVC today as well, offering it for a discount. I am always on the lookout for products that work, and this one seems really good.