Owner: Oonique! URL:http://www.oonique.com Join Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:53:59 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Oonique! is a blog on unique gifts. Now includes product reviews and worthy infobites. Anything palatable to simple Good Taste. Site statistics:Click here
World's First Novel, Novelist 2008-02-28 06:49:00 Murasaki ShikibuLove, intrigue, lust and adventure are all ingredients of a bestselling novel. One such book with these elements thrilled readers almost one thousand years ago. The Tale of Genji, is considered by many to be the first novel in the world. It was written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu.* I remember borrowing this book from the library some years ago. Didn't finish it (but I'd like to add it to my collection -- next purchase...).Lady Murasaki's real name is unknown. Murasaki Shikibu roughly translates to "Lavender Secretary". The main source of knowledge about her life is the diary she kept between 1007 and 1010.The novel is generally regarded as the greatest work of Japanese literature.The Tale of Genji captures the image of a unique society of refined aristocrats, who were skill Read more:World
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Not So Romantic, Quirky Love Quotes 2008-02-13 06:55:00 I think there should be a Single's Day holiday -- since there's V-day for couples. As Mr. Oscar Wilde says: "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."Anyway, I received a forwarded e-mail from a friend long ago. These are some of the entries to a Washington Post Competition. The contest asked for a rhyme with the most romantic first line, but least romantic second line.Caustic witticism. Enjoy!Stock Vector: I Heart Evil~Love may be beautiful, love may be blissBut I only slept with you, cause I was pissedRoses are red, violets are blue,Sugar is sweet, and so are youBut the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,The sugar bowl's empty, and so is your headOf loving beauty you float with graceIf only you could hide your faceI thought that I could love no otherUntil, that is, I Read more:Quotes
Valentine's Day Cards for Geeks 2008-02-13 06:08:00 These are Wii-themed Valentine
's Day cards, by Mitch at 4 color rebellion. There are a total of six geek love themed designs -- all are so very nice!Internet and print versions available for download at the site. Read more:Cards
, Geeks
Midday Musings 2008-02-02 11:38:00 After shifting 3 blogs over from Blogger to WordPress, I've decided to keep this blog as it is over here. Never mind importing posts, that's the easy part -- it's the image links I'd have to manually go through and fix one by one.I *could* of course, start the whole blog over, but I'd rather not (I might fiddle around with the .css file here more freely though...).I initially wanted to feature items according to the holiday/season, starting from this year. However, I guess I'm just the sort of person that isn't into the whole "commercialized" aspect of, well, things in general. This doesn't mean I don't like stuff -- but if I may say so, it's kind of...unimaginative, to feature a wholeeeee bunch of "romantic gifts", just because "V Day is approaching"...I know this blog focuses on gifts -- Read more:Midday
, Musings
Temp Hiatus 2008-01-18 10:23:00 Hello,Recently (or maybe not so recently), Blogger has been having some problems. Some people's blogs are disappearing, there are bugs, and/or something is broken within the blog template / page elements.I know it's a free service...but well, I've my standards :PI think I'll be moving all four of my blogs onto their own hosting and domain. This will take some time.If I work really fast, this could mean 2 weeks. However, I'd like to take my time finding a nice WordPress theme, and things like that. Oh yippee, more cutting and pasting with HTML and .php!I'll post a note when everything is settled. Thank you for your patience.Jess. Read more:Hiatus
Geek Gifts 2008-01-17 07:50:00 Here are hi-tech gifts that are functional and look great too. The products are from Fractalspin -- geekcessories galore!1. Microcontroller Cufflinks & Tie TackThe set of black cufflinks (and a tie tack in black and silver, shown above) are made from real microcontrollers. The tie tack costs $35.00 (~ € 25.41).Microcontrollers are tiny, self-sufficient microprocessors that take up little space. The Basic Stamp controller is the most well known. It contains the memory and interfaces needed for simple applications.2. Duct Tape Hybrid BiFold WalletA clean, minimalistic wallet that's super strong, being made of Duct Tape. The Ducti wallet uses Super Duct Tape so it won't peel or leak adhesive -- which can be a problem with traditional duct tape. There's room for credit/debit cards, cash, Read more:Geek
, Gifts
Heart Necklaces 2008-01-16 13:46:00 Whimsical Heart
NecklaceThis is a simple and elegantly designed heart-shaped necklace from MuseumShop.com.The contemporary design was created exclusively for Museum Shop by Kathleen Scott, a Rhode Island jewelry designer. The necklace comes in gold-tone or silver-tone, each measuring 1" in diameter (2.54 cm). The pendant comes with a matching 17" (43.2 cm) chain. The item is made in the USA."Piece of My Heart" NecklaceThis is the (rather literal) Piece of My Heart Necklace. It comes in a set of two silver-plated pendants -- a circle etched with the word "Love," and a heart with the word "Always." Each comes with its own chain, so you can keep one for yourself and give the other to your sweetheart. Alternatively, you could also wear both pendants together on one chain. This originally cost Read more:Necklaces
Love-ly Cookies 2008-01-15 13:36:00 Jungle Love Colossal CookieWow, that's really a huge, tempting, sweet-looking cookie. The cookie weighs more than one pound (450 grams), and is hand decorated. Nice way to bring out one's wild side ;)The giant cookie costs $34.95, and costs $48.95 if you include 12 additional mixed cookies.Love NotesYes, these love note cookie cards are edible. They cost $14.95. Each fresh baked sugar cookie is covered in white chocolate, with a card design and border of candy hearts and sprinkles.What's nice about this one is that there is an Edible Food Writer included to personalize your own special cookie card message. The gift box is tied with coordinating sheer chiffon ribbon. An optional, personalized (non-edible) gift card is included with the purchase.Order early -- shipping prices start at $9.99, Read more:Cookies
Glass Bear in a Box 2008-01-14 12:31:00 1. Tiny Glass
Angel BearHere's the first feature for Valentine's Day 2008.These products were added to the catalogue of The Gift Haven in October 2007 -- so they're pretty new additions!The glass bear above sits inside a ruby-red velvet box. The "My Sweet Heart" poem is viewable by clicking on the image above (a larger image will appear). The item stands at 2.25 inches (5.7cm) high, and is just $7.95.2. A Rose from the HeartIn this rose & heart glass gift, two eternal symbols of love are brought together. It stands at 4.75 inches (12cm) high, and costs $24.95.Many other items at The Gift Haven can be gotten below $20. They have a Valentine's Day category too. Shopping at the store and finding the right items are a breeze.All gift prices are 20% or more below the suggested retail price
No title 2008-01-13 07:41:00 Last year, I missed out on gifts by holidays/seasons. In the next few weeks, I'll be looking for V-Day related products. Hopefully I'll be able to find what I want, heh.I don't think I'll be tagging each post according to the holiday though. There's something about a too-long list of categories that I find a little irritating.Maybe I'll have a general category called "Holiday Gifts", then have a footnote at the end of each post, so if you run a search in the blog for "Valentine's Day", all the related posts will be listed. I did this on The Galeon -- Robin Hood and King Arthur etc. don't have their own labels, they all belong to one category titled "famous people".Man, I like to spend time organizing, about organizing.~Before I get started on that, I’m adding this here since I was tagged
badge review 2008-01-10 10:12:00 The above design is the Kindergarten Tattoo six-piece button set, by YackFou.I never would have come across this, were it not for badge review
-- a blog that features nothing but art and design button badges. I know there are plenty of badges all over the place, but Sven Palmowski (who owns the blog):1) has a really good eye for design, and2) really knows button badges!Stores and studios from around the world are featured -- USA, UK, Mexico City, Australia, Berlin, Ireland. And that's just on the current blog homepage. I guess inspiration can indeed be "found on a 1 inch (2.5cm) diameter".Sven is a freelance illustrator from Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. His own designs and illustrations are showcased on his website, Sven Palmowski.
Website No. 7 2008-01-09 09:06:00 Well, apparently I have quite a bunch of things to say/write about webhosts and webhosting, and related subjects. I was initially planning on just leaving the articles on this blog, but I think they should have their own spot.And so they do, at: WebHost Monkeys []It's very new, and there's not much material on yet. I don't know how often I'll be posting there, because I have a lot of learning to do myself. We'll see.Man, I never thought I'd have more than 2 websites...
Unique Japanese Gift 2008-01-08 08:09:00 A nice way to discover the exotic world of Japanese
cuisine (sake in this particular case), is with this seven-piece sake set. The bottle measures about 7 inches (17.7cm) tall, and the cups are 2.25 inches (5.7cm) tall. The set is handcrafted in Japan.AsianArtMall.com deals exclusively in Asian Arts and Crafts. Most of the products are directly acquired from the artists or production houses. This allows AsianArtMall to offer their items at affordable prices, without compromising on quality control. Some of the products are even custom made for the company, and only available on their website.They have a special "For Her" section too, which features jewellery imported from Thailand, Bali, Japan, and China. Each piece is hand selected for its uniqueness.AsianArtMall has full-time buyers whic
Violin Table Lamp 2008-01-04 08:20:00 Here's something a music lover would find gorgeous!This is one of AbsoluteHome's current Featured Products -- a violin table lamp priced at $46.40.The authorized dealer is Trend Lighting. Trend Lighting specialises in creating attractive, unique products. They cover many styles too, from urban contemporary to classic traditional. High quality workmanship and innovation is always a superlative combination.This is a warm light fixture that would illuminate any home, and make it that much more inviting and cozy.* Height: 12 1/2" (31.75 cm)* Width: 4" (10.16 cm)* Lamping: 1 - 15 watt candle* Finish: antique brassAbsoluteHome is a huge website, that proudly states being the online source for everything in the home. They offer a large selection of luxury brands, totaling over 500,000 products in Read more:Table
Fender: Hello Kitty 2008-01-01 09:46:00 Hello KittyFender
sI've always liked Fender. I'm not the biggest Hello Kitty
fan on the planet, but this famous kitty logo has been around for ages and has come a long way, and it looks neat. I was delighted when I first knew about these guitars and bass guitars (currently the bass is the Badtz-Maru brand) a couple of years back.The Hello Kitty Fenders come in pink or black. Those two colours always make a cool and rocking combination. These are some of the specs of the Hello Kitty Stratocaster --* script Hello Kitty logo artwork on back of pink body* collage Hello Kitty logo artwork on back of black body* white knob on pink guitar* black knob on black guitar* pink dot position inlays on pink guitar (a tiny but sassy detail)The site also has a "Fender Players Club", where you can learn the Read more:Hello
Sour Tang 2007-12-31 08:54:00 The homepage of Sour Tang welcomes you to the store for handmade, whimsical and fun jewelry, and accessories for the child at heart (as well as everyday independent woman)!This is the first time I've seen a faux pearls combination of this sort. To me, its quirkiness and the adorable pink hue turned out to be very interesting. I used to have the notion that pearls were for a chic and mature look -- but pearls with a twist can brighten up an outfit too.Sour Tang has a range of funky earrings, bracelets, and keychains. Regarding earrings, there's something about star-shaped ones that's entirely and uniquely hip.This is a simple, calming necklace with a turtle charm as the centerpiece. The necklace was donated to Craft for China, a lovely arts & crafts fundraiser for Chinese orphans. The n
Martial Arts Supplies 2007-12-30 20:47:00 Black Display Samurai Sword SetKarateDepot.com has a huge collection of goodies for the martial arts practitioner and/or enthusiast. This samurai sword set can be used for actual practice, or as a decoration for one's home.The set comes with three beautifully crafted stainless steel "sharp" swords -- they are crafted to look and feel like authentic samurai swords. The scabbards are polished black lacquered wood, and the gold coloured handguard against the black handle catches even the smallest glimmers of light.The swords included are the Katana (general term for single-edged sword), Wakizashi (similar to but shorter than a katana), and Tanto Black (has a thick pointed blade) Display Samurai Swords.A real Wakizashi-style sword mounting, Edo period, 19th centuryThere are also gift items lik Read more:Martial
, Martial Arts
Handcrafted Silver Jewellery 2007-12-28 09:04:00 The original handcrafted jewelry of Kutuu is designed and created by Hannah Salomon. The classy pieces are made primarily with sterling silver with gemstones, using silversmithing techniques.Hannah loves working with silver and semi precious/precious stones, as they tend to have an organic feel to it. There's also that little something which makes each design different and special.While there is usually only one of each piece of jewelry available, repeats can be done on request. Commissions are taken on too, if there's something you're interested in or would like to see.Leaf BangleThe Kutuu website is updated regularly with new products -- and the Jewellery
Information page is a comprehensive overview of processes and materials that are a part of jewelry making.A lot of time and care goes Read more:Silver
Art Gifts 2007-12-21 09:49:00 Abstract ThinkerI might not be the biggest fan of abstract art, but I thought this was an interesting take on the classic "thinker" pose. The empty space represents the body dissolving into connection with the world. This piece measures 20cm (around 8 inches).Bali-Karma has a whole range of other abstract art gifts, which are sure to be talk pieces in a person's room or home. Many of the pieces celebrate the human body, as well as the enjoyment of having a physical form in the universe.There are funky accessories and animal figurines on the website too. The items are expertly hand carved. The Balinese Carvings section is an inside look at real Balinese Art, which differs from the more commercialized surface that tourists usually see.Purchasing from Bali-Karma is a way to connect with arti Read more:Gifts
Nomad Writing Journals 2007-12-20 07:25:00 Adventure Journals
This makes a neat travel gift -- especially for people who view traveling as an opportunity to experience different cultures, see exotic locations, or simply meet new people from around the world.Nomad
Travel Journals help travelers keep notes about their trips. Who was on the trip, things seen, people met, contact information such as email address, phone numbers and so on can be recorded. Over time, you can wander through the travel journal to relive trips and other details along the way you may have otherwise forgotten.The compact journals grew out of a passion for traveling and outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, bird watching, fly fishing, paddle sports and live music.Each journal costs $27 with case. The case is a durable, water-resistant zippered cover, that o
Handmade Jewelry 2007-12-19 08:15:00 PurpleMe.Com is a quaint business, with an equally charming website. The company has always been about unique and affordable jewelry, handmade and crafted like no other.The jewelry is designed with gold and silver plated metal and wire hooks, unless otherwise noted, and consists of daring, funky mixtures of metallics, glass and pearls (to name a few). Each item is created from beginning to end in the founder's home in Brooklyn, NY.The one featured above is called "Blue Ocean Fun", and I like how the two sides aren't identical. Items like "Stars Caught" -- with PurpleMe's signature PurpleBerry wrapped glass bead dangling from it -- have been featured in popular shopping webzines. Necklaces are now included in the product line as well.PurpleMe.Com began in August '03, when the founder decide Read more:Jewelry
Guitar Collectibles 2007-12-18 10:00:00 Flying V Style BlackBaby Axe manufactures miniature guitar collectibles. The range includes the Stratocaster (by Fender) and the Rickenbacker. The guitars are associated with the world's most famous musical artistes, including Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, John Lennon, and Noel Gallagher.The Baby Axe guitars look extremely realistic. I didn't even know they were miniature collectibles at first. The guitars are approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm), and come in a simulated aluminium case box. The guitars are made from the finest quality material -- such as high-quality fibre -- which makes them feel a bit heavier than they might look.In the 1960s, the Flying V style (featured in the above picture) became a statement of individualism and creativity. More recently, it has been used by Le Read more:Guitar
, Collectibles
Wilson Manor Crafts 2007-12-14 12:58:00 Coffee GrinderI was actually checking out the fountain pens of WilsonManorCrafts
, but I thought this was interesting too (by the way, the fountain pens are a favourite among collectors. There's also a complete line of fine handcrafted wood pens).Buying whole beans is a great way to make fresh coffee every morning. Hand-grinding it makes it much more special. This functional coffee grinder will allow you to do just that.The coffee grinder is made of cast iron and Hickory. The bottom drawer opens up to let you scoop out the ground coffee inside. The bottom of the grinder is lined with cork to provide a non-slippy base that will not damage table and/or countertops.And if you know someone who likes to play darts (I was very into it at one time!), they're sold at Wilson Manor Crafts as well.
Shakespeare's Den 2007-12-13 11:42:00 Smart Gifts for Intelligent PeopleI absolutely love this huge website (their storefront header is spiffy too!).Shakespeare
's Den can easily boast about having the largest collection of Shakespeare related gifts and merchandise, available on the internet.Classics and hot favourites include The Shakespeare’s Quips, Cusses, and Curses Quiz Deck, and in fact, there's an entire section of products devoted to Shakepeare's Insults.Here are some of the insults featured on the Shakespeare's Insults T-shirt:* You scullion! You rampallian! You fustilarian!* False of heart, light of ear, bloody of hand* Idol of idiot-worshippers* I do desire we may be better strangersThe food products (like mints and teas) come in very attractive, charming packaging that any Shakespeare fan would appreciate.You can
Romantic, Tropical Decor Gifts 2007-12-11 08:06:00 The World's FinestConch King has an extensive selection of romantic, tropical decor gifts that are fit for queens and kings. Their featured wedding items are fast becoming a tradition at beach weddings!Some of the tropical South Seas Island wedding horns were used at the wedding of Nicholas Cage to Lisa Presley (and at the island weddings of many other celebrities as well). The oil lamps are refillable for life too.Each shell is lovingly cleaned and polished, and so far this isn't done anywhere else in the business. It is also trimmed so that it will stand up as an open vase or display and not just roll over.Seashells do not come from the sea in nice condition. Many things grow on them. They have chipped edges and scratches that need to be trimmed down and polished.Like any trade, practice Read more:Gifts
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Gift for Grandparents 2008-04-22 12:32:00 Rory Siefer is a family historian, whose goal is to help others pass on some of their best life stories, so that they will always be remembered. She was inspired by her grandfather, a WWII veteran, who always loved to tell stories.These gifts are especially great for the grandparent who has everything.CatchMyMemory.com features two different Family History kits -- MemoryCatchers, the first of their kind! The MemoryCatchers make saving and sharing a lifetime of stories easy and fun.The StoryCatcherThe StoryCatcher was created so that you never lose your loved one's voice, and most importantly, their life story.This kit was made so that the entire project could be completed in one weekend. Using the included Interview Guide, you will be able to prompt your parent/grandparent to tell stories
Unusual Jewelry 2008-04-25 10:17:00 HeBe Jewellery sources unusual contemporary jewelry from British designers, and generally tries to stay away from the high street brands.There are a wide range of jewellery gifts for men and women. HeBe Jewellery specialises in handmade jewellery pieces that express one's true personal style.Nick Hubbard Love is in the Air LocketA very romantic locket by Nick Hubbard. The locket is a beautifully formed piece on Nick's trademark oxidized silver chain. The door can be opened to reveal a tiny mouse on a red enamel background. Little silver hearts and a special 9ct gold heart complete the piece.The locket is presented in a luxury HeBe wooden box, with a Nick Hubbard gift certificate.Silver Necklace set with Opal Flower DetailHere's a funky solid sterling silver necklace, with silver and opflow Read more:Jewelry
Trendy, Affordable Handbags 2008-05-05 08:30:00 Brown Large Vicky Heritage Stripe Faux Leather Bag$45.99Accessory Bug offers arm candy that’s chic and affordable. From prim and proper to trendy metallic, the picture-perfect handbags and fashion accessories quickly spice up any ensemble.With girls-on-the-go in mind, the assortment of durable pieces is practical, as well as functional.Yellow Aiko Faux Leather Evening Bag$34.99Pink Vanessa Patent Leather Boston Tote Bag$44.99Cathy Chiang and Peter Lin are behind Accessory Bug. The duo is accustomed to operating successful fashion boutiques. Their focus is on hip and unique accessories that exhibit similar craftsmanship as ensured in comparable designer-made goods.Guided by Chiang’s fashion know-how and Lin’s business-savvy skills, the two ventured out on their own in 2005.The careful Read more:Trendy
, Handbags
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